40 years of Croatian language in schools in Victoria, Australia celebrated
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
The Croatian community in the Australian state of Victoria recently celebrated a significant milestone in its efforts to preserve and promote Croatian heritage abroad.
Last month, the graduation ceremony for Year 12 Croatian language students was held at the Croatian Community Centre in Geelong, marking 40 years of the Croatian language being offered as a senior school subject in Victorian schools.
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
The event, organised annually by the Association of Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria, honours students who have successfully completed their studies in Croatian, recognising their achievements and celebrating the enduring legacy of the language within the community.
For four decades, Croatian has been taught as a Year 12 subject in Victoria, a testament to the dedication of the Croatian diaspora in preserving their cultural identity.
In some parts of the world, the Croatian language still struggles for equal recognition, making this milestone all the more significant.
The event paid tribute to the past and looked forward to the future, with a focus on supporting and inspiring the next generation of Croatian speakers.
2024 Graduates
This year’s graduates, representing the Altona North, Geelong, Keilor Downs, and Mentone centres, were:
- Daniel Davcik
- Emily Davcik
- Iva Grgić
- Anna Žanić
- Ava Kombol
- Maya Helena Premužić
- Magdalena Zeljko
- Borna Anić
- Stjepan Bilić
- Mia Buljubašić
- Ivan Čarapina
- Rebecca Drvoderić
- Mikela Gashi
- Daniela Mandušić
- Nicole Puljan
- Noah Svirčić Čerina
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
Distinguished Guests
The ceremony was graced by notable guests, including:
- Joseph Gene Petrić, Consul General of the Republic of Croatia
- Josip Tošić, Deputy Director of the Victorian School of Languages
- David Kaberry, Area Manager for Country 1 VSL Centre
- Viktorija Madunić, representing the Croatian Community Centre
- Helena Fantela, Director of Harcourts Geelong
- Representatives from the Croatian Cultural Association, including Michelle Butković, Alma Špiranović, Marija Ćosić, and Mara Šmić
- Julie Marinović, photographer for the event
- Croatian language teachers
The event commenced with a rendition of the Croatian and Australian national anthems performed by the HKUD Lado Geelong ensemble.
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
The group also delighted the audience with a short cultural programme, offering a warm welcome to graduates, their families, and guests.
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
Speeches were delivered by Consul General Joseph Gene Petrić, Deputy Director of the Victorian School of Languages Josip Tošić, and Katica Perinac, President of the Association of Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria. Representing their fellow graduates, Anna Žanić spoke in Croatian, while Daniela Mandušić addressed the audience in English.
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
Each graduate received thoughtful gifts, including:
- A painting by artist Suzana Fantov
- A commemorative souvenir marking the 40th anniversary of Croatian language education
- A personalised sash as a keepsake
- A $100 gift voucher
Awards were presented by Croatian language teachers Paulina Erceg, Marijana Buljan, and Marijana Pokrivač. Additionally, the Consul General presented certificates of achievement from the Croatian Consulate.
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including: The Central State Office for Croats Abroad, I&D Developments, Croatian Community Centre Geelong, Harcourts North Geelong, Croatian Cultural Association, Loaram Constructions and LADO Geelong.
The Association of Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors and supporters for their contributions.
(Photo: Croatian Language Teachers in Victoria)
The official programme was followed by a celebratory lunch hosted by the Croatian Community Centre, where guests and families came together to mark the occasion. The event was hosted by last year’s graduate, Antonela Trogrlić, and Vesna Grgić, a Croatian language teacher and secretary.
The day concluded with warm congratulations extended to the graduates, their families, and all those who have contributed to the success of Croatian language education in Victoria over the past 40 years.
This celebration not only highlighted the importance of language as a bridge between generations but also reinforced the enduring commitment of the Croatian community in Victoria to preserving its cultural heritage for years to come.
