‍Vision 

The GCT Department of Education is committed to promote Greek language and heritage programs by providing students opportunities to explore their identity and achieve academic success through language and culture. Learning languages and being immersed in a variety of cultures can transform your life. We aim to provide enriched learning opportunities for everyone, from children in preschool all the way up to high school and university. At the centre of Paideia is our belief that all students can learn Greek and reach their full potential as happy and productive global citizens. We strive to be recognized for providing the highest quality of Greek Language & Heritage services to the Paideia community. The GCT’s Department of Education extends an open invitation to all Greek communities and Organizations to work together and in partnership to achieve our common goals and vision.

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Paideia and ePaideia Curriculum: 

The New “ePaideia” Greek Language Program of the GCT is here!
Join us for our Engaging new curriculum, new and updated lesson materials and resources, and the introduction of technology in the classroom instruction with the “open eclass” Learning Management System (LMS). 

Learn Greek and Celebrate Greek Culture! 

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The Department of Education for the Greek Community of Toronto in collaboration with the University of West Macedonia is playing an integral role in the preservation and promotion of Greek Language Studies and Cultural Education. Together we have developed Paideia, which is the first ever comprehensive Greek language curriculum that is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Finally, Paideia’s effectiveness and higher educational all-around educational value lies in the fact that it promotes multilingualism, global citizenship, and 21^st century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

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Paideia:

The only CEFR based Greek language curriculum in the world In collaboration with the University of West Macedonia (Greece), the development of Paideia was

completed in August 2018 and revised for the 2024-2025 school year, and includes the following:

1. A Comprehensive Curriculum Document based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Language

2. Student books for grades 1-12

3. Teacher guides, with detailed lesson plans, for all grades

4. An “open eclass” Learning Management System (LMS).

It is important to highlight the fact that Paideia is the FIRST and ONLY Greek Language curriculum that is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a framework is which being utilized in Canadian schools for the teaching and learning of French.

CURRICULUM DESCRIPTION

In an effort to reform Greek Language and Heritage Programs, the Greek Community of Toronto leads the way by collaborating with the University of West Macedonia in the development of a Modern Greek Language Curriculum. This new Greek language program, which is called Paideia, is tailored to meet the needs and interests of students who learn Greek as a second or foreign language. It is our true conviction that all students of Greek Heritage should attend Greek Language and Heritage Programs, and for this reason we developed a program that not only helps students become proficient in Greek, but also allows them to preserve their Greek identity.  Paideia is a complete education program that integrates the teaching of language and culture in a proficiency-based model, and it aims to meet the learning needs of students whose first language is not Greek. It is important to stress the fact that with the help of Paideia anyone can learn Greek, and necessarily only students who have Greek roots. The syllabus for each grade level contains 30 units that address the learning needs of students who study Greek, from kindergarten to the end of secondary education (6-18 years old). This syllabus has already proven to be very effective in our classrooms, and it can become an invaluable tool for all organizations which aspire to support Greek Language and Heritage studies. 

Since Paideia is a proficiency-based language program it can easily be implemented in all types of schools, from intensive programs to less comprehensive programs.  All communities and organizations that run a Greek school will benefit from a program that offers clear learning goals and expectations, and continuity through all the grades of Greek school.  

“Paideia” is a Modern Greek Language, Literature and Heritage Program which integrates the teaching of language and culture in a proficiency-based model, and it aims to meet the learning needs of students whose first language is not Greek, and it is based on the latest research and theoretical frameworks in the field of language instruction. 

As an effective Greek language program Paideia successfully fulfils the following requirements of Modern Curricula:   

a) It supports the instruction of Modern Greek as a second or foreign language. Since most of our students live in a purely English-speaking environment, it is crucial for the success of this program to acknowledge their special learning profiles. Greek language learners will benefit from this program as it is based on international best-practice models for the instruction of international languages. Also, it integrates the teaching of language and culture in a proficiency-based model that caters to students from all backgrounds.

b) It considers the Ontario curricula for the instruction of English and International Languages. Thus, it incorporates elements (teaching and learning strategies, assessment tools etc.) that are familiar to students from their day schools. This helps students make deeper connections with prior knowledge and understanding that ultimately enable them to acquire higher Greek language skills. Additionally, it considers the views of the Council of Canadian Ministries of Education with respect to the educational value of the Common European Framework. Specifically, the Council’s analysis and evaluation of this framework is described in detail in the document “Working with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in the Canadian Context: Guide for policymakers and curriculum designers”. This effort by the Council intended to generate reflection among ministries of education and local jurisdictions, such as school boards, universities, and research centres, with respect to the potential use of the CEFR in the Canadian context. It provides possible avenues of direction to policymakers and curriculum designers regarding the use of the CEFR in the Canadian context, taking into account Canadian concepts of language teaching, learning, and assessment, recent research developments, and innovative programs that have been implemented in Canadian provinces and territories for over 30 years. This initiative is part of an ongoing societal response shaped by citizen mobility and by increasing numbers of multicultural and multilingual newcomers to Canada. The council concludes that the CEFR should play a central role in the instruction of international language. 

c) It is in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by Greek Legislation with respect to the acquisition of language skills and the respective levels of Greek Language Proficiency. Specifically, the levels of attainment of all aspects of the Greek language are defined by the Common European Framework of References for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment. The Common European Framework provides a common basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses, curriculum guidelines, examinations, textbooks, etc. across Europe. 

d) It describes in a comprehensive way what language learners have to learn to do in order to use a language for communication and what knowledge and skills they have to develop so as to be able to act effectively. Additionally, the description covers the cultural context in which the Greek language is set. Finally, the CEFR also defines levels of proficiency which allow learners’ progress to be measured at each stage of learning and on a life-long basis.

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Principals and Key Features of Paideia:

A. It is modern, as it aims to: 

• Utilize contemporary and research-based teaching theories, which will enable instructors to apply the most effective teaching approaches

• Introduce active and cooperative learning, which enhances student participation in various learning environments that promote communication. Thus, every student’s learning is whole and envelops all aspects of language (listening, speaking, reading, writing, etc.). 

• Develop multi-literacies, which allow students to construct meaning from the cultural and linguistic features that are present in Greek Culture and Language.

• Cultivate cognitive and metacognitive language learning strategies.

• Promote bilingual awareness, and help students make connections between English and Greek.

• Enhance students' creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills.

• Apply alternative forms of assessment, (personal learning plan, student portfolio, self and peer assessment etc.). 

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B. It is balanced, as it aims to: 

• Introduce a “balanced approach” to Greek language education. This will lead to the utilization and construction of a wide variety of materials that support differentiated instruction. Additionally, this syllabus will highlight a host of different elements that can be found in a contemporary literacy program, (i.e., teaching resources and tools, methods of instruction and assessment, etc.). This “balanced approach” will be beneficial to all students. 

• Catalogue different learning activities and teaching techniques, which meet the needs, interests and learning profiles of all students.

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C. It is student-centred and inclusive, as it aims to: 

• Utilize students’ prior knowledge, and attainment level

• Meet diverse needs and interests

• Satisfy different learning styles (sensory, multimodal learning environment)

• Engage all students in the learning process

D. It is cross-curricular, as it aims to: 

• Organize and connect content with the culture, history and traditions of 

  Greece and Canada

• Promote intercultural awareness, multilingualism, plurilingualism and global 

  citizenship

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E. It is Detailed, as it aims to: 

• Provide complete lesson plans and solid guidance to all Greek language teachers. Learning goals, overall and specific, are described in detail and they are easy to comprehend. Similarly, teaching strategies are specific and easy to apply in the classroom. Thus, teacher guides are a perfect companion for all educators, regardless of their experience. Moreover, these guides are especially beneficial to Greek language instructors who are not certified teachers. 

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F. It is flexible, as it aims to:

• Support language programs of a wide variety of schools (private, after school etc.) with different learning objectives. Specifically, the syllabus differentiates learning expectations according to their educational value. Therefore, schools with more intensive programs can adopt a more comprehensive instructional approach, whereas schools with basic programs are able to focus on the fundamental and most important learning objectives (“Big Ideas”) that are outlined in the syllabus.  Finally, since “Paideia” integrates the teaching of language and culture in a proficiency-based model, students have the ability to enter at different points, depending on their language proficiency.

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Language Learning - Theoretical Framework

A theoretical foundation to support technology supported language learning and development of 21st century skills is built on various theories. The most relevant theories are the following:  

Second language acquisition theory - language acquisition is a process of input, absorption, and output. Language acquisition is acquired through exposure to contexts, understanding discourse, and then using language in natural communicative contexts (Krashen, 1985). 

Sociocultural theory - learning is a social phenomenon; it emphasizes the social nature of learning and argues that the development of learners' abilities arises from interpersonal interactions (Lantolf, 2000).

Constructivism theory - learning is a process in which a learner actively constructs meaning. That is, learners generate meaning and construct understanding based on prior knowledge and experience, often in the context of socio-cultural interactions. Constructivism theory emphasizes the social and contextual nature of learning (Vygotsky, 1978). 

Technology - Scholars created technology-supported learning environments for language learning based on the above theories. Goal: Provide authentic learning materials, support social interaction, and facilitate student creative expression and construction of meaning actively using the target language.

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Technology in Education - ePaideia provides the following advantages: 

• Production: When it comes time to produce content and apply skills, it is beneficial to turn to technology. 
• Adaptive Language Learning Activities - Students can ask questions and receive feedback from other students or teachers

• Collaborative Task-Based Language Learning Activities:

(1) collaboration tools: These collaborative tools have the following functions: sharing, collaborative editing, cloud storage, synchronized display, and help students freely share information in various formats (e.g., text, images, videos, etc.) on the platform so that they can exchange ideas and collaborate on editing content. 

(2) creative tools: Adobe Spark, to support students' expression of ideas.

(3) social tools: Blogs or WordPress, to support students in reading and commenting on each other's work.

• Creative Work-Based Language Learning Activities - creating digital stories or videos.

• Language Learning Activities Based on Multimedia Learning Materials: 

(1) web-based learning management system, e.g., EDpuzzle. 

(2) social tool, e.g., YouTube; and 

(3) multimedia textbooks. 

• Language Learning Activities Based on Online Communication:

 - support textual or video communication, e.g., Zoom, Skype, etc.  

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Technology in the CEFR and ePaideia 

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Benefits of Technology:

• Technology can play a vital role in realising the ‘Can Do’ objectives. Digital tools afford collaborative knowledge construction, flexibility in participatory classroom practice and interaction, flexibility in time and space.

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Limitations of Technology:

• Language users are social agents, and language is a vehicle for communication and interaction rather than as a subject to study. Therefore, technology can distract from “can do” descriptors and communicative tasks. Therefore, it is essential to support our students at school and home to ensure that they are using technology for educational purposes.   

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Conclusion – With the ePaideia component of our program our students develop a high level of Greek language proficiency because technology is being used to support learning, not replace physical classrooms where students “Can Do,” communicate and collaborate.

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Registration information

Membership - Class Cancellations – Refunds – Family Discounts 

A. GCT MEMBERSHIP - ΣΥΝΔΡΟΜΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΚΤ  

Το ισχύον κόστος της ετήσιας συνδρομής στην Ελληνική Κοινότητα Τορόντο (EKT) είναι $160.00. Είναι απαραίτητη η συνδρομή για να υπάρχει το δικαίωμα εγγραφής στα προγράμματα της Ελληνικής κοινότητας.  Membership to the Greek Community of Toronto (GCT) is mandatory to enroll your children in all programs offered by the GCT. The current membership fee is $160 per family.

B. CLASS CANCELLATION POLICY - ΑΚΥΡΩΣΗ ΜΑΘΗΜΑΤΩΝ  

Σε περίπτωση δυσμενών καιρικών συνθηκών ή έκτακτων συμβάντων που επιβάλλουν την ακύρωση μαθημάτων, το Τμήμα Παιδείας της ΕΚΤ ακολουθεί τις οδηγίες/ανακοινώσεις του Toronto District School Board. Γίνεται κάθε δυνατή προσπάθεια να ειδοποιηθούν οι γονείς  ηλεκτρονικά (email) ή τηλεφωνικά. 

The Education Department of the Greek Community of Toronto will cancel classes due to severe weather conditions or other emergencies, in accordance with the decisions of the Toronto District School Board. We will endeavour to contact all parents by email and phone time permitted and post announcements on our website.

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C. REFUND POLICY & DISCOUNT - ΕΠΙΣΤΡΟΦΗ ΔΙΔΑΚΤΡΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΚΠΤΩΣΗ 

1. Σύμφωνα με τους κανονισμούς της ΕΚΤ, ένας μαθητής πρέπει να ολοκληρώσει την εγγραφή του/της στην ιστοσελίδα μας και να έχει πληρώσει τα  δίδακτρα που αντιστοιχούν στο πρόγραμμα επιλογής του/της, προκειμένου να μπορέσει να παρακολουθήσει μαθήματα.

2. Εάν ένας μαθητής διακόψει τα μαθήματα πριν τις 30 Οκτωβρίου, θα επιστραφεί 25% των διδάκτρων.

4. Δεν επιστρέφονται τα δίδακτρα στη περίπτωση που ο μαθητής σταματήσει μετά τις 30 Οκτωβρίου. 

Τα $160 της συνδρομής δεν επιστρέφονται.

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1. Students must complete their registration online, and they must pay their tuition in full before they are able to participate in our programs. 

2.  Students who withdraw from a program before October 30^th receive a 25% refund.

3. Refunds are not provided to students who withdraw from a program after Οψτοβερ 30.

The membership fee ($160) is non-refundable.

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Family Discounts – Please contact the Education Department for more information about family discounts. 

Families who register more than 2 children are eligible for tuition discounts. 

- 1^st child and 2^nd child - regular tuition at all locations

- 3^rd child or more:  25% discount for each child 

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Ellinomatheia Exams – Greek Language Proficiency Exams 

9. ΕΞΕΤΑΣΕΙΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΟΜΑΘΕΙΑΣ

Ellinomatheia Exams – Greek Language Proficiency Exams

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ΕΓΡΑΦΕΣ: 1 Φεβρουαρίου – 20 Μαρτίου

Η EKT έχει οριστεί ως εξεταστικό κέντρο για την πιστοποίηση της Ελληνομάθειας από το Κέντρο Ελληνικής Γλώσσας του Υπουργείου Παιδείας της Ελλάδας. Οι κάτοχοι του πιστοποιητικού Ελληνομάθειας εξασφαλίζουν διεθνή αναγνώριση του γλωσσικού τους επιπέδου και μπορούν να το χρησιμοποιήσουν για σπουδές σε ελληνικά πανεπιστήμια ή για επαγγελματικούς λόγους. 

Το πρόγραμμα σπουδών της ΕΚΤ βασίζεται στις αρχές διδασκαλίας της ελληνικής ως ξένης/ δεύτερης γλώσσας και ακολουθεί τα επίπεδα και τους επιμέρους στόχους που εξετάζονται στο πλαίσιο της πιστοποίησης επάρκειας της ελληνομάθειας. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται στην καλλιέργεια και των τεσσάρων δεξιοτήτων, με τη χρήση στρατηγικών μάθησης τόσο του προφορικού όσο και του γραπτού λόγου και πρακτικών εφαρμογών μέσα στην τάξη για κάθε δεξιότητα. Κοινός στόχος του προγράμματος είναι η λειτουργική χρήση της γλώσσας από τους μαθητές. 

Στην πρωτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση (νηπιαγωγείο ως 8η τάξη), το αναλυτικό πρόγραμμα των σχολείων μας προβλέπει την πιστοποίηση των μαθητών μας στα επίπεδα Α1 (Δ΄ Τάξη), Α2 (ΣΤ’ Τάξη) και Β1 (Β’ Γυμνασίου). Ακολούθως, στη δευτεροβάθμια εκπαίδευση (Credit School), επιδιώκεται η πιστοποίηση των μαθητών μας στα επίπεδα Β2 (Α΄Λυκείου) και Γ1/Γ2 (Γ΄Λυκείου).  

Παράλληλα οι μαθητές που ξεκινούν την ελληνόγλωσση εκπαίδευση για πρώτη φορά από την 9^η τάξη μπορούν να πιστοποιηθούν τον επόμενο χρόνο στο επίπεδο Α1 για εφήβους και να συνεχίσουν στα επόμενα επίπεδα ανάλογα με την πρόοδό τους στη  γλώσσα. Το ίδιο ισχύει και για τους μαθητές των τμημάτων ενηλίκων. 

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REGISTRATIONS: February 1 - March 20

The GCT has been appointed as an official test centre for the Ellinomatheia Exams from the Centre of the Greek Language of the Greek Ministry of Education. It is the only official test to examine the second/foreign language learners in their various skills in Greek. People who obtain the Ellinomatheia certification are recognized worldwide for their language qualifications, which can be used to study in universities in Greece or for professional reasons.  

Paideia is based on the precept of Greek being taught as a second/foreign language, and it follows both the levels and objectives, which are assessed in the Ellinomatheia exams. A special emphasis is given towards the balanced cultivation of all learning goals, using strategic lessons to make sure that both the oral and written communication criteria have been met at each level. A common objective of the program is the functional usage of the language by the students. 

For elementary school students (kindergarten to Grade 8), our curriculum allows students to obtain certification for levels A1 (Grade 4), A2 (Grade 6) and B1 (Grade 8). At the secondary level (Credit School), students will be able to successfully pass the exams for levels B2 in Grade 10, C1 or C2 in grade 12. Students who start Greek school in Grade 9 can obtain the A1 certification, and continue moving up the levels depending on their commitment and performance.  The same conditions apply for adult students. 

For more information, please contact the Greek Community of Toronto Education Office at 416-425-2485 and education@togreekcom.org or visit the website of the Centre for Greek Language: http://www.greek-language.gr/certification/application/index.html

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Volunteer Opportunities

Students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities before graduation. The GCT Department of Education provides various opportunities for students to meet the ministry requirements in a safe and welcoming environment. Activities may take place during Greek school hours, Education Office hours and GCT events. Community involvement may begin in the summer after Grade 8.

Parents and community members who wish to volunteer must, like all GCT employees, complete a Police Reference Check (which will include a vulnerable sector screening) and be cleared before they can participate in activities with our students. Please contact the Education Department for more information. 

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Employment Opportunities

Attention Educators in Toronto!

The Greek Community of Toronto is currently seeking applications for our teacher roster. 

If you have a deep passion for promoting the rich language and cultural heritage of Greece, and you are in search of a vibrant and engaging community and workplace that offers competitive compensation, we warmly encourage you to explore the rewarding career opportunities available within our schools.

Please contact the GCT Education Department to learn more about the application process.

To apply, please prepare the following documents:

- A compelling cover letter

- A concise résumé (maximum two pages)

- A copy of your Certificate of Qualification

- Reference letters highlighting your skills and experience

- GCT Education Job Application Form

At the Greek Community of Toronto, we are committed to accommodating the needs of individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation during the application process, please let us know in advance. We look forward to receiving your application!

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