Oak News

Principal's Report 

Term I: Principal Update

Term I this year has begun with a whirlwind of activity and a tidalwave of energy, enthusiasm and positive action.  It seems that much was germinating during last year’s Covid lull, readying to be unleashed as soon as classroom-based school began again.

 

With all this energy, the term has flown by, and our spirits remain buoyed and excited by what is to come!

 

I applaud you all, students, parents, teachers and all staff alike, for this positive start to the year; and I feel the same palpable energy will return to our campus after the holidays as we take up our work again in Term II.

 

School Council Elections

SCHOOL COUNCIL

School Councils play an important role in Victorian government schools.  On Tuesday 23 March, we welcomed our new parent/carer Council member, Cathryn King, to our School Council.  Two students, C Jack Wright, and Kris Bhardwaj, have joined the School Council in 2021.  We look forward to their input, with a focus on student achievements through the SRC.  We also welcome two staff representatives on Council, Sara Robertson and George Tzimourtas.

 

I would also like to congratulate Mitzy Sneesby, who continues in her role as our School Council President for 2021.

 

The role of the School Council President is to:

  • effectively chair School Council meetings (ensure that everyone has a say in meetings and that decisions are properly understood and well-recorded)
  • be a signatory to contracts, the school Strategic Plan and financial accounts
  • together with the School Council, endorse the school Pre-review Self-evaluation, Terms of Reference for the school Review, school Strategic Plan, Annual Implementation Plan and Annual Report and communicate this information to the school community
  • ensure School Council stays focused on improving student outcomes
  • with the Principal, be School Council’s spokesperson and official representative on public occasions
  • with the Principal, confirm, in the school’s Annual Report that the school has met VRQA registration requirements.

Caryn Vincent will continue in the role of School Council Vice-President, and Gregory Dellas will take up the role of Treasurer.  Thank you to Caryn, Gregory  and all of our School Council members for your willingness to actively support our College.

 

Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

Term 1 Student-Parent-Teacher conferences were conducted on Wednesday 31 March 2021. 

 

This was an opportunity for all students and parents to discuss student progress and plan strategies with their teachers to improve student engagement and learning through a conversation and a student-led approach.

 

If you have been unable to speak to a member of staff please contact the College to arrange an alternative time to chat with your child and their teacher on their progress.

Harmony Week

The tone of the College during this week was energetic and engaging as we celebrated 2021 Harmony Week.  The week has been filled with music, events and rich cultural diversity in an effort to acknowledge, celebrate and promote harmony in our College.

 

We are a College with students from over forty nationalities, from six continents, and from many different languages and cultures, yet the level of harmony between students and between families across our community is something of which to be proud.

 

Every person is equal in their right to be respected and honoured for what they do and not their background or their difference.  I believe this is what is expected of all of us at South Oakleigh.  We are proud to preserve values that enable us to be an inclusive school.  Our College rightfully and proudly espouses and demands acceptance, tolerance, respect and dignity for all.

 

While I relish the opportunity of some quiet family time during the break, I am so looking forward to what Term II is bringing!

 

Meantime, happy holidays to all; and remember, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and is packed with nutrients.  However, while it is a superfood, daily consumption is optimal at 30-60g.  Moral of the story: don’t eat too many easter eggs!

 

Helen Koziaris

College Principal