Grammar News

Middle School

SHARRON FRAME 

Head of Middle School

 

 

 

 

Having our students return to on-campus learning has once again filled our corridors and classrooms with warmth and light. Visiting classrooms is always a pleasure but visiting rooms last week was such a joyful experience. Interacting and talking to students has been a very much missed part of my day and there is a definite buzz as they take to their in-person lessons with enthusiasm. A school is nothing without its students.

Similarly, without the care and dedication of our teachers, the learning journey of our students could have looked and felt very different. I thank each and every one of our teachers for all their efforts and commitment to the students in their care each day.

Lastly, thank you, parents and families, for all you have done to support and supervise your students at home, while at the same time, balancing everything else that takes place on a daily basis. Your resilience has been a perfect example for our students to follow and learn from.

All that is left is to say WELCOME BACK; we are glad to see you all in person.

 

MICHAEL PEGIOU

Year 8 and 9 Coordinator 

 

 

 

 

Years 8 and 9

 

With a clear sky and the sun shining up above, our Middle School Students in Years 8 and 9 returned to school this week with huge smiles on their faces and almost too much energy to control in the classroom. Reflecting now, it probably did not help that they were all given a bunch of candy in their Home Groups. 

 

With all our students back on site next week, it is paramount they take the time to catch up on their sleep, re-establish good habits of organisation, and communicate openly with their teachers in relation to any overdue work. While the adjustment back to onsite learning may be challenging, their teachers and I are here to support them the entire way.

 

To capture the positive energy we felt at Oakleigh Grammar last week, I would like to share a few reflections our students had after their first day back on campus:

 

"I felt that online learning was tiring at times, but it did help me organise my time better. However, now that I’m back at school I feel much happier now that I’m with my friends."

- Anthony Acuri

 

"Remote learning was a good growing experience and helped with my organisation but being back at school has been an eye-opener at how much I enjoy being at school. It was great seeing my friends and actually talking to teachers face to face."

- Camryn Stubbs

 

 "I am happy to be back at school because I’m talking to friends and just generally getting outside of the house with more hands-on learning."

 - Zara Parastatidis

 

All in all, it was wonderful to have them all back on site and I cannot wait to see them all continue to smile, laugh and grow throughout the rest of the term.

 

 

 

DEAN DAMATOPOULOS

Year 6 and 7 Coordinator

 

 

 

 

Years 6 and 7

 

The corridors were abuzz with excitement last Friday as Year 6 and 7 students returned to the first phase of face-to-face learning. Smiles and “Good mornings” filled the once empty building with warmth and love. 

 

Whilst our students have made the transition well, we are aware that there will still be some challenges. As I communicated previously, I would like to reiterate some points again to our students:

 

  • Make sure you get enough sleep to give your brain a rest and allow you to recharge. Get back into the routine of sleeping 8 to 10 hours each night, so you can wake up in the morning in time for school. Uninterrupted sleep is best, so put your phone on silent or, even better, in another room. 

 

  • Catch up on any outstanding classwork. Use Consolidated Learning time and homework time for this.

 

  • Remember friendships may have shifted slightly or need a few days to feel normal. Be patient and understanding with your friends and know that if things have changed, it is to be expected and is not a result of something you have or have not done. Friendships can change for everyone after a break.

 

  • Look out for those who appear lonely when back at school and invite them into your group. Celebrate the fact that school is getting back to ‘normal’ but expect that things might be different.

 

  • Some things are out of our control and it can be tiring worrying about them. Try to focus on the things you can control, like trying your best with your schoolwork. 

 

  • Try to see change as an opportunity to learn and grow.

 

  • Lastly, be kind to yourself. Give yourself the same advice that you would give to a good friend. My office door is always open to have a chat or help our students and families through any challenges they face. 

Welcome back to your home away from home!