Greek Experience Ministry
(Formerly Greek School)
“If the violin is the most perfect musical instrument, the Greek language is the violin of the human thought.” Helen Keller
Originally begun by Presvytera Kay Efstathiou and reignited by Presvytera Eleni Palumbis in 2012, Nativity of Christ is proud to offer Greek language classes for all ages and skill levels. Our Greek School teachers are now leading the program via committee to establish the most effective leadership process for the needs of the school. Our mission is to provide Greek language development in our community through educational strategies that enhance conversation, reading and writing skills.
Greek Experience Ministry enrollments for the school year 2023-2024
We will resume classes in the fall. There is an opportunity to register for classes within the two weeks of August. Below is a list of classes offered for the current school year.
Eirini
Karatzaferi
Eirini Karatzaferi
I was born and raised in Athens, Greece and moved to Marin County in 2011. I met my husband in Greece and we have an amazing daughter. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Women’s health and I have taught at the Greek School since 2012. My focus since that time is teaching the Greek language to children and adults of every level. I believe that each child learns differently and at their own pace, thus I try to customize the lessons according to the needs of each student.
Lena
Kokalis
Lena Kokalis
My parents migrated to California from Athens Greece in 1975. I have lived in Marin County for over 20 years. I met my husband dancing with the Minoans and we have three beautiful children. I’ve been teaching Greek school at Nativity since 2012 and continue to help grow the program as administrator.
Our Teachers
Chrisa
Zotalis
Chrisa Zotalis
My name is Chrisa Zotalis. I was raised partly in Greece during my youth and then in San Francisco, California. I have three wonderful children with my husband who moved here from Greece in 2011. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Single Subject Education. I currently teach ‘Beginner’s Greek’ at Nativity of Christ Church, by implementing a variety of teaching strategies that focus on conversational skill building.
Christina Thomatos
Christina Thomatos
My name is Christina Thomatos. I am a second generation Greek-American. My family came to the US from Greece in the early 1900s. I reside in Novato with my husband and our two wonderful sons. We moved here in 2010 from San Jose, CA. I am a life- long learner and an educator with many years' experience teaching in both the public, private and homeschool settings and also in working in church youth ministry.
I hold both a Bachelors degree in History, a Masters degree in Teaching and a multiple subject teaching credential. I joined the GEM staff in 2021 and presently instruct the elementary school age Beginning Level Greek class at Nativity of Christ with a focus on basic conversation, vocabulary and writing, tailoring my program to meet the individual needs of each of my students. It gives me great joy to work with children of all ages, to help them see their strengths,to learn new skills and develop a continued love of learning.
Our Programs
Pre-K
This in-person class is comprised of kids aged 3-5 and the duration is 1 hour.
They will be learning the language through songs, arts and crafts, stories and playing.
They will be learning to identify letters in the Greek alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes and expanding their overall vocabulary.
First Grade Level Greek (in-person)
This in-person class is comprised of kids aged 6-10 and the duration is 1 hour. This is a beginner Greek class working on identifying letters, putting them together to form words and developing our speaking abilities in Greek. The curriculum will be taught through reading books, doing worksheets, singing songs, and doing crafts.
First Grade Level Greek (zoom)
This zoom class is comprised of kids aged 6-10 and the duration is 1 hour. This is a beginner Greek class working on identifying letters, putting them together to form words and developing our speaking abilities in Greek. The curriculum will be taught through reading books, doing worksheets, singing songs, and doing crafts.
Intermediate Level Greek
This 1 hour zoom class is designed for middle school and high school kids that already can read and write. The focus of this class is instructions of grammar, vocabulary expansion, reading and writing. Students by the end of the year should be able to carry out full conversations.
Adult Beginner – Intermediate Greek
This 1 hour zoom class will be with students who have basic knowledge of the Greek alphabet and the ability to read the language. The level is beginner covering basic conversation topics such as ordering a meal, describing family members, and talking about someone’s favorite things. The class will go over basic grammar rules, focus on new vocabulary weekly and practice reading, writing, and speaking skills.