As the 2025 school year closes, we take the opportunity to reflect how we have become Better People and Better Learners. Our pillars of Faith, Excellence and Respect have had a profound impact on what we have been able to achieve together for the benefit of our students.

Our students have been empowered to aim higher because they understand that achieving their best requires connection, commitment, effort and, respect for themselves and others. They have enjoyed many opportunities to grow and learn both independently and together, in the classroom, in Church, on the sporting field, in the pool, on the stage, on camps and on excursions. They have developed their knowledge and skills while learning the value of collaboration and resilience. I wish to share with you some of the highlights from this term:

• Year 5 had the privilege of joining the residents of St Basil’s Nursing Home Lakemba to commemorate OXI Day. This significant event was featured in the SBS evening broadcast.
• Students in Years 3 – 6 had the opportunity to participate in the annual Creative Arts and Technology (CAT) evening. Students demonstrated their creative and musical talents by exhibiting art works and performing as part of the training and concert bands.
• His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis made us welcome on our Year 6 visit to St George Monastery Yellow Rock, on which Fr Dimitrios also accompanied us.
• Our Senior and Junior boys and girls OZTag teams , as well as our Junior Girls Football team represented our school at the IPSSO Gala Day. This was the third year that our OzTag teams participated narrowly missing out on the finals.
• Sergio Christou from Year 1 was the winner of the Member for Watson Chrismas / New Year Card Competition and, Angelique Kouriambalis, Year 1 and Kosta Petropoulos from Kindergarten were finalists.
• Students participated in two online times tables competitions, Oz Rocks and Sydney Rock, challenging schools across Sydney and across Australia achieving excellent results.

Oz Rocks
ASG came 38th out of 694 schools
4 Hunter came 85th out of 3817 classes
45111 students participated.
Nicholas Zacharias in 4 Hunter missed out on the top 50 students by just 65 points. He scored 17078 points in total.

Sydney Rocks
ASG came 9th out of 49 Primary Schools and 2nd out of 14, K-12 schools.
3 classes made the top 50: 3 Mawson 37th; 4 Hunter 38th and 3 Tasman 49th
Nikolas Zacharias placed 44th. out of 3687 students.

• Our Primary School Student Leaders, Jonathan Alfieris and Chrysovalantina Averkiou were awarded by the Rotary Club of Burwood with a Primary Schools’ Citizenship Award (PRISCA) for their exceptional leadership qualities and, their active participation and contribution that has helped to build our school and greater community.
• • Vasilios Dimopoulos from Year 6 was recognised by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Saturday Schools for his impressive participation in the 13th Greek Student Short Film Festival. Although this festival is aimed at Secondary students, Vasilios impressed with his detailed and creative interpretation of this year’s theme, ‘Democracy’. His work earned him a notable mention.

I am proud to have concluded my 35-year career in Greek Orthodox education as Head of Primary at All Saints Grammar – it has been a privilege to support our children’s growth, and their faith, compassion and curiosity have brought me great joy.

My sincere thanks to Mrs Lillis for her leadership, to Father Dimitrios for his guidance, and to Mr Ntoumbos and the Board for their support. To my colleagues, thank you for your dedication and professionalism.

To our parents, thank you for your trust. I know you will warmly welcome and support our new Director of Primary, Mrs Weston.

I look forward to staying connected through Church and school events.

I leave with gratitude, cherished memories, and confidence in All Saints Grammar’s future. Wishing you every blessing for Christmas and the New Year.

Aristea Synesios
Head of Primary