The 2025 National Educators Forum: Its not all Greek to me: How Bilingual Brains Can Change the World

The transformative power of bilingualism took centre stage in Adelaide on Friday, 31 October 2025, as the Hellenic Studies Foundation hosted its annual National Educator’s Forum at the Crowne Plaza Adelaide. This year’s theme, “It’s Not All Greek to Me: How Bilingual Brains Can Change the World,” brought together leading academics, educators, and policymakers to explore how multilingual education can shape the future.

The Forum welcomed a distinguished line-up of speakers, including The Hon. Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills; Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General for Greece in Adelaide; Professor Joseph Lo Bianco, internationally respected language and literacy specialist; and Professor Ghil’ad Zuckermann, renowned linguist and language revival expert.

Championing Language Education in South Australia

In his keynote address, Minister Boyer reaffirmed the South Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening language learning in schools.
“We want to promote language teachers and provide them with the support they need,” he said, commending the Foundation’s leadership in advancing Greek language education. He praised initiatives such as the Foundation-commissioned units of work delivered by Community Language Schools SA, calling organisations like the Hellenic Studies Foundation “vital in promoting and supporting language.”

Protecting Greek Language in Australian Classrooms

Following the Minister’s remarks, Professor Joseph Lo Bianco highlighted the urgency of preserving Greek language education in Australia.
“Greek cannot be allowed to disappear in our school system. That would be scandalous,” he warned. His message reinforced the collective responsibility shared by educators and policymakers to safeguard linguistic diversity and ensure Greek remains a vibrant part of the national education landscape.

The Science Behind Bilingual Brains

A key moment of the day was an engaging conversation between Professor Ghil’ad Zuckermann and Associate Professor Mark Antoniou from the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development. Together, they explored the cognitive, social, and cultural benefits of multilingualism, offering attendees a deeper understanding of how bilingual brains contribute to more adaptable, empathetic, and innovative societies.

A Program Blending Research, Practice, and Culture

The Forum was expertly guided by Master of Ceremonies Daniela Ritorto, who led participants through a dynamic program of research insights, policy perspectives, and classroom innovations.

Attendees were energised by an interactive warm-up session from Dr Jo Clyne of the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne. Later, Dr Irene Zinonos from Community Language Schools SA presented the Foundation’s groundbreaking Modern Greek curriculum units for secondary schools — the first of their kind for any community language in Australia.

Leadership Insights from South Australian Principals

The Principal Panel brought together respected school leaders:

  • Guy Cassarchis (St George College)

  • Natasa Parhas (Banksia Park International High School)

  • Roy Page (Norwood International High School)

  • Vicky Bitzios (Allenby Gardens Primary School)

They shared practical insights on embedding language, culture, and identity within diverse school environments, demonstrating the role of leadership in sustaining meaningful language programs.

Building on a Legacy of Innovation

Now firmly established as an annual event, the National Educator’s Forum continues the Foundation’s mission to enrich Modern Greek language and culture within Australia’s education system. Since receiving a $2 million South Australian Government grant in 2022, the Foundation has delivered landmark programs including:

  • Learning Greek with Lucia, created in partnership with The Wiggles

  • The establishment of a Modern Greek lectureship at the University of Adelaide

  • A suite of curriculum-aligned teaching resources for community language schools

These projects underscore the Foundation’s role as a national leader in language education.

Looking Ahead

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Chairman The Hon. Greg Crafter AO reaffirmed the enduring value of multilingual education, emphasising the profound influence of the Greek language on global civilisation and its continued relevance today.

The 2025 National Educator’s Forum not only celebrated the achievements of the Hellenic Studies Foundation but also renewed the shared commitment of educators, leaders, and communities to a multilingual future—one where bilingual brains truly can change the world.

Check out the full day via our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmvDZxo7sj0&feature=youtu.be

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