About Us| எம்மைப் பற்றி

Our Legacy and Growth

Established in 1991 through the noble efforts of the Canberra Tamil Association, the Canberra Tamil School (CTS) has evolved over more than three decades into one of the largest and most vibrant community language institutions in the Australian Capital Territory. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a cornerstone of the Canberra community, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tamil language and heritage.

Academic Excellence and Pathways

We provide a comprehensive educational journey for over 150 students, ranging from Pre-Kindergarten to Level 8. Our curriculum is built upon a well-developed, proven syllabus designed to foster both linguistic fluency and cultural literacy.

For senior students, CTS provides a vital bridge to tertiary success. We prepare our students for Year 11 and 12 Tamil language studies, whether through their mainstream schooling or approved specialist providers. This pathway allows students to include Tamil in their ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) calculations, potentially earning up to five additional points toward their university entrance score.

Our Campuses and Community

To better serve the Canberra region, we operate two convenient locations every Saturday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm during school terms:

• North Campus: Hosted at Harrison Public School.

• South Campus: Hosted at Melrose High School, Pearce.

Our school is powered by a dedicated team of 30 qualified volunteer teachers who are committed to creating an enjoyable, friendly, and immersive learning environment. By integrating singing, storytelling, and interactive games, we ensure that learning Tamil is a joyful experience for every child.

Holistic Development and Recognition

As a non-profit and non-religious organization, we operate under the guidance of the ACT Community Language Schools Association (ACTCLSA). We take immense pride in our students’ achievements; our cohorts consistently participate in the annual writing and verbal competitions conducted by the Australian Society of Graduate Tamils (ASoGT), earning prestigious certificates, trophies, and shields at both Territory and National levels.

Celebrating Culture and Connection

At CTS, we believe that language and culture are inseparable. We emphasize the rich traditions of the Tamil people by celebrating major festivals, including Saraswathi Pooja, Deepavali, and Christmas.

Our flagship event, the Inba Thamizh Vizha (Annual School Concert), serves as a grand stage for our students to express their heritage through dance, music, drama, and literature. Additionally, our Annual Sports and BBQ Day serves as a vital community-building event, uniting teachers, students, parents, and the broader Canberra Tamil Association in a spirit of fun and fellowship.

Our Vision for the Future

Our mission is to empower the younger generation to embrace their identity with pride. We aim to nurture bilingual, resilient, and culturally aware individuals who are equipped to face future challenges while remaining deeply connected to their Tamil roots.

We strive to be committed to the students we are privileged to serve, in our alumni association, our dedicated, talented faculty and staff. We also take pride in having the most active and helpful group of partners, visionary parents, well-wishers, alumni and friends.