Zenon Greek School is a community language school in Melbourne’s south-east that has taught Greek language and culture to children from Early Learning – Kinder to VCE since 2009, under the auspices of Community Languages Victoria. Classes run on Mondays at Glen Eira College, Caulfield East (4:30pm–7:30pm), and on Fridays (5:00pm–8:00pm) and Saturdays (9:30am–12:30pm) at Lloyd Street Primary School, Malvern East.
Written and reviewed by Mrs Andrea Garivaldis
Founder and Principal of Zenon Greek School · 35+ years teaching Greek · Former VCAA Greek exam panel member
Where are Zenon’s Greek classes in Melbourne?
Zenon Greek School teaches at two host school venues in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, not in the Melbourne CBD. Every venue runs classes from Kinder to VCE:
4:30pm – 7:30pm
Glen Eira College
76 Booran Rd, Caulfield East VIC 3145
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Lloyd Street Primary School
6 Lloyd Street, Malvern East VIC 3145
9:30am – 12:30pm
Lloyd Street Primary School
6 Lloyd Street, Malvern East VIC 3145
Families come from Malvern East, Caulfield East, Malvern, Chadstone, Carnegie, Oakleigh, Glen Iris, Bentleigh East, Caulfield, Glen Huntly and the wider south-east. For directions, entrances and maps, see Zenon’s days and locations and the Lloyd Street campus in Malvern East.
What Greek programs does Zenon offer for each age?
Zenon offers one pathway from the early years to Year 12, so children can stay at the same Greek school as they grow:
Early Learning – Kinder
Play in small groups, educational games that reinforce language, stories and myths, art and craft, and first steps in tracing and forming letters and simple words.
Primary School
Greek literacy through listening, speaking, reading and writing, with Greek dance and drama.
Secondary School & VCE
Students extend their language skills and knowledge of Greek culture, then continue to VCE Greek or complete the Greek Language Certificate, where no examinations are required at completion.
Do classes teach Greek culture, dance and drama as well as the language?
Yes. Every Zenon program combines Greek language with Greek culture rather than teaching Greek purely as an academic subject. Alongside listening, speaking, reading and writing, students learn traditional Greek dances from all parts of Greece, take part in theatre and drama that build speaking and communication skills, and explore myths, stories, traditions and celebrations through creative activities. Children also have the chance to make friends with other students learning Greek.
- Traditional dance
- Theatre & drama
- Myths & stories
- Celebrations
- New friends
Does Zenon prepare students for VCE Greek?
Yes. Secondary students can continue to VCE Greek, with the final two years covering the VCE study. The Principal, Mrs Andrea Garivaldis, is a specialist VCE teacher who has served on the VCAA Greek examination paper setting panel and has been an assessor in the oral and written VCE Greek final examinations.
The school states that its students have had 100% success in their VCE examinations so far, with many among the top 10% of scorers in Victoria.
Past results are no promise of a future score, and every student’s results depend on their own work.
Who teaches at Zenon Greek School?
Zenon was founded and is led by Mrs Andrea Garivaldis. Her qualifications include:
- Master of Arts (RMIT University)
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education, specialising in LOTE-Greek, EAL and Humanities (Monash University)
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- NAATI accreditation as an interpreter and translator
The school operates under the auspices of Community Languages Victoria and states that it is accredited by the Department of Education in Victoria.
Is Zenon only for children from Greek families?
No. Many families are Greek-Australian, but learning Greek can be valuable for any child interested in the language, its culture, its history and the wider Greek-speaking world. Children do not need to speak Greek perfectly, or at all, before they start. Regular, structured lessons give them steady practice as they build familiarity and confidence over time.
How do I enrol my child at Zenon?
- Choose a day and venue. Look at the programs above and pick what suits your family: Monday in Caulfield East, or Friday or Saturday in Malvern East.
- Complete the enrolment form. Fill in the online enrolment form for new students. It asks for student details, parent or guardian contacts, emergency contacts and medical information. You can also call +61 401 208 013.
- Come to the first class. Allow a little extra time to park and find the right entrance at the host school. If your child has accessibility needs, tell Zenon before the first class.
How much does Greek school cost at Zenon?
Annual fees are listed in Zenon’s annual fee structure, and payment is arranged through the enrolment process. For questions about fees, call +61 401 208 013 or email info@zenon-education.org.au.
Questions parents ask about Greek school in Melbourne
What age can my child start learning Greek?
Children can start in Early Learning – Kinder at about 3 to 5 years old. The pathway then continues through Primary and Secondary to VCE, so a child can join at any year level.
Do you offer Greek classes for beginners?
Yes. Children do not need to speak Greek before they begin, and classes are grouped by year level from Kinder to VCE.
Do you have Saturday morning Greek classes?
Yes. Saturday classes run from 9:30am to 12:30pm at Lloyd Street Primary School, 6 Lloyd Street, Malvern East, for Kinder to VCE.
Where do I park and which entrance do I use?
At Lloyd Street Primary School, enter from the Rothesay Ave gate; there is parking in the surrounding streets. For all venues, allow extra time on your first visit to find the correct entrance.
How can my child practise Greek outside class?
Speaking Greek at home where you can, reading stories, singing songs and taking part in Greek community celebrations can all give children more chances to practise.
Ready to start Greek at Zenon?
Ask about a place for your child: call +61 401 208 013 or email info@zenon-education.org.au.