Australian Lithuanian History

Earlier this year I wrote a booklet on tracing your Lithuanian ancestors from South Australia. It give some websites to look at, in Australia and Lithuania, provides some things you should keep in mind when researching, eg name changes, and what is available in the Lithuanian Archives here in Adelaide. Hard copies are available from the Library at Lithuanian house, but I have added a link here (Useful links) to the document in Google docs that you can have a look at. I had to take the graphics out because of its size, but the information is there. I am happy to receive any feedback, good or bad, and will be updating the information as i learn more or corrections need to be made.

In 1989, it became logical to merge the two schools. Smaller class numbers, teachers growing older and rising costs justified such a move. Initially classes were held over two sites. The younger children and older children alternated sites every few weeks. Both age groups would come together for folk dancing singing and religion classes. The school continues to this day, with second generations of Australian born people of Lithuanian decent still see value in providing their children with a link to their heritage. Matriculation classes Matriculation classes have been held when students are studying at this level. In 1978 there were six teachers, Vladas Statnickas who taught grammar, Mrs Mockunas, literature, Mrs Steponas, Mr Riauba, Mr Straukas who alterned. Dr Viliunaitė and Lidija Pocienė assisted with English translations. At one time Isolda Davis, Kristina Dundienė, Elena Varnienė with Dr T C Fennel from Flinders University prepared the Lithuanian language examination for Au...

Members of the St Casmir’s Lithuanian Catholic Centre, initiated the school in 1960. The schools main aim was to instill a belief in God, and preserve the Lithuanian language and culture in Adelaide. The school began with two teachers and seventeen students, and a year later it had eight teachers with Father Kungys who teaching Religion. Elena Varniene ws the first principal of the school. The second floor of the parish building was perfectly suited for a school. It consisted of a large room which became the kindergarten, several small rooms were used for individual classes and another large room that held different activities. The parish also had a hall and stage where performances could be held. The school was run on very similar lines to the weekend school held at Lithuanian house. School ran from 10am to 1pm each Saturday morning. In 1979 there were six classes plus kindergarten. Initially school curriculum was obtained from America, lastly being used in 1974, when an Au...

In 1975 the school issued a newsletter “Daigeliai” which is compiled solely by the work of students, text and artwork. The newsletter was edited by Sandra Bernaitienė. Also that year each student was able to receive a professionally printed magazine “Eglutė” produced and sent from the USA. The magazine was in Lithuanian and produced for children, it contained stories, pictures and games to play. 1978 the school was incorporated in The Ethnic school Association of South Australia. The school prepares for performances throughout the year at such times as Lithuanian festival days, Mothers Day and Christmas and end of year performance. The school would often participate in Australian Lithuanian festivals around the country. A dancing group would perform as part of the dancing festival, children submitted artwork for the art exhibitions, and a youth event. The best students for the year were awarded prizes usually a book or money. In 1979 a money prize was offered for ...