MELBOURNE, October 2026 — The Oakleigh Grammar OXI Day celebration brought students, staff, parents and distinguished guests together to honour the courage of the Greek people in 1940.
The Oakleigh school marked the National Day of 28 October with music, poetry, drama and traditional Greek dance. According to the school, the annual event reflected on the day’s historical significance and its “enduring message of freedom, unity and peace”.
The Junior School and Middle School celebration of Oakleigh Grammar OXI Day took place on Tuesday 27 October 2026. Students also remembered the events that shaped this important day in Greek history while celebrating the school’s Hellenic heritage.
Oakleigh Grammar OXI Day assembly opens with anthems
The ceremony began with a Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country. Then the Australian and Greek national anthems followed.
Read more: Oakleigh Grammar Celebrates Class of 2026 at Graduation Dinner
Rev. Fr Stavros Kakavas led the opening prayer, before the Year 6 Choir presented hymns as part of the commemoration.
Principal Mark Robertson addressed the gathering. Following his address, Ms Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, also spoke to students and families.
She acknowledged the importance of preserving Greek history, culture and traditions for future generations. Earlier this year, the school marked Greek Independence Day in a similar way.
Students bring 28 October 1940 to life
Students from Prep to Year 6 brought the history of the day to life through performances and presentations. In particular, Athena from Year 9 presented The Story of 28 October.
Her presentation gave an insight into the events of 1940. It also explained Greece’s refusal to surrender to the demands of Fascist Italy.
The musical program featured a range of much-loved Greek songs. Year 2 performed “Βάζει ο Ντούτσε την στολή του”, while Year 1 presented “Η Σημαία”. Prep students then performed “Η Ελλάδα ποτέ δεν πεθαίνει”.
Year 3 shared the message of peace and unity through “Αν όλα τα παιδιά της γης”. In addition, Year 4 performed “Δεν χορταίνω να βλέπω τον ήλιο”, accompanied by traditional dancing.
Poetry, drama and the ANZAC story
Poetry and drama also formed an important part of the program. Danai from Year 6 presented the poem “ΟΧΙ”, and Year 5 performed a Greek play.
Later, Emily from Year 9 delivered a presentation titled “ANZAC during WWII in Greece”. She highlighted the historical connection between Greece and Australia during the Second World War.
Her talk also covered the shared experiences of Greek and Australian servicemen, a theme the school also explored on ANZAC Day. Australian troops fought beside Greek forces during the German invasion of Greece in April 1941.
Finally, the Middle School Greek Dancing Group celebrated the school’s Hellenic heritage through traditional dance. Their performance brought the program to a close before the final prayer.
Beyond the school assembly, the Oakleigh Grammar OXI Day program extended into community commemorations across Melbourne. SRC members and Middle School Leaders attended the Doxology at Sts Anargiri Parish.
Selected students attended the Doxology at St Eustathios as well. They also joined the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Australian Hellenic Memorial and the Shrine of Remembrance, organised by the Hellenic RSL.
According to the school, these occasions gave students further chances to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served. Students could also reflect on the enduring historical ties between Greece and Australia.
OXI Day remains an important occasion at the school, staff said. It gives students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Greek history and reflect on courage, resilience and freedom.
Through the assembly and these commemorations, the Oakleigh Grammar OXI Day program continues to honour the legacy of 28 October 1940. Days earlier, the school also farewelled its Class of 2026.
Photo gallery of the event
Source: Oakleigh Grammar
