Principal's News
MARK ROBERTSON
Principal
As I reflect on this poignant week with our Year 12 students celebrating the end of 13 years of schooling, I recall many special moments shared with the cohort. We celebrated the Class of 2019 at our whole school final assembly on Thursday, followed by a joyful valedictory evening at their Graduation Dinner hosted at Merrimu. These celebrations reminded me of the importance of our culture, and how we live and embrace the core values of our School.
There is a wonderful analogy that culture is like a water lily - the flowers and leaves that are visible on the surface do not define the plant. It is the structure of the plant below the surface of the water which supports it to survive, and the process that feeds the plant is what makes the lily thrive. The values which lie beneath, at the heart of our culture, are what keep us strong. I truly hope that as our Year 12 students commence the next chapter of their journey, beyond the School gates of Oakleigh Grammar, that they go forward with an enriched and strengthened core, by having lived and breathed the values of our School.
I wish to thank our wonderful 2019 Student Leadership Team for their dedicated commitment and contribution to the life of the School. I am proud of their collective and collaborative efforts to model the vision, mission and values of the School, and positively influence their peers. I also take this opportunity to wish the entire Class of 2019 every success in their forthcoming examinations, and I look forward to a continued connection with them via our alumni in the years to come.
Oxi Day
Congratulations to Kiki Kousourakis and the LOTE Department for facilitating our special Oxi commemorations. Our Junior School students showcased their talents for our parents, grandparents and members of the Board, as they celebrated the spirit of bravery on this special anniversary.
Kiss and Go Zone
Thank you again to all our parents for your patience and understanding as we continue to manage the challenges of parking around the School. The ‘Kiss and Go’ zone on Bletchley Road continues to alleviate congestion, and we encourage this ongoing practice. With the Clapham Road project now complete, we can see much improvement in the safety of our students.
Parents' Association Taverna Night
The Parents’ Association held their annual Taverna night last Saturday. These social events not only connect our Community, but also help raise needed funds for our School campus. You may have noticed our bright new red sail cloth shades over the School playground, and it is thanks to the support of our dedicated PA that we are able to maintain and refurbish our School’s campus.
New Logo
You may have noticed a subtle change to our School logo, which now incorporates the Oakleigh Grammar name in English at the top:
The use of this new logo on internal and external communications, marketing and promotional material, will be rolled out over the course of Term 4 with exclusive branding from 2020 onward. This will not affect our current School uniform in the short term, with only new orders to incorporate the updated logo, as we transition to an amnesty date in the future.
Glendi
The annual Oakleigh Glendi will be held again this year in Warrawee Park, on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of November. Our students will be heavily involved in the festivities including: dancing, singing and a host of multicultural activities. Our staff are also generously volunteering their time to help with the event, including the Executive Leadership Team who will participate in the formalities of Sunday morning. There is limited parking, however, the event is easily accessed via public transport. We are looking forward to another fun filled weekend of celebrations with our students, staff and the whole Oakleigh Community.
Staffing Update
Michelle Lewis commenced at Oakleigh Grammar this term as my Executive Assistant. Michelle comes to us from Sydney, where she held a similar position at Kincoppal-Rose Bay School.
Tanya Neil has joined our Music Department as a part time teacher, bringing music into our classrooms.
Prep teacher, Tayla McArtney, has decided to leave full time teaching for personal reasons, however we are hoping she can continue at Oakleigh Grammar on a casual basis in 2020.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Each year all schools in Australia participate in the NCCD. This process requires us to identify information available that supports students with a disability. This is a legislative requirement and in line with education guidelines and standards. This information provides the State and Federal governments with information to plan more effectively to support students with a disability. The School will be providing this data in such a way that no individual can be identified. For further information pleases contact the Head of Learning Enhancement, Joanne Zacharopoulos via jzacharopoulos@oakleighgrammar.vic.edu.au.