Oak News

Principal's Report 

End Of Term 1:

Principal's Report 

End of Term Message from the Principal 

As we come to the close of another term, I would firstly like to thank all members of staff, who in their own important way contribute to the development and success of the students of South Oakleigh College.  Our staff continue to support and empower our students to seize opportunities, develop and contribute to the school and wider community and demonstrate our College values ‘High Expectations Respect Responsibility Resilience Teamwork and motto Knowledge conquers all.  We are proud of our student body who have continued to embrace their challenges and take opportunities to excel and support each other in and out of the classroom. 

Our last 10 weeks have seen many memorable events and achievements. We’ve had a busy few months, with highlights including: 

  • The Year 7 Camp, where our new students formed lasting memories and connections. 
  • Exciting sports events across our sub-schools, showcasing the talent and teamwork of our students. 
  • NAPLAN Testing, where our students showed their dedication and effort. 
  • An amazing Evening of Oz Rock, where we celebrated the musical talents of our students and the wider community. 
  • A very successful Open Night, where prospective families explored what makes our school so special.  A big thank you to all our students who represented their school with pride on the evening  – in particular Reuben Lehrer and Aashritha Ajith who provided propitiative students with their insight into the world of SOC. 
  • And to top it off, on Saturday, 24 students and 5 staff will be flying to Japan for a cultural and language immersion camp, giving our students an exciting opportunity to experience and learn about a different culture. 

In the last weeks, Mark Picone and I had the privilege of going to Wuhu, Anhui Province China to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Wuhu No 1 High School and South Oakleigh College, following the letter of Intent of which was signed by us and the Director of the Education Bureau last May 2024.  

Our trip included a number of formal activities but also an opportunity to gain a greater insight into the school community with a very proud history of academic and sporting achievements. 

We met and represented South Oakleigh College and Victorian Education in a range of activities including: 

  • Enhancing global citizenship – we are very excited at the development of the relationship and the possibility of student and teacher exchanges to occur in the future. 

  • Visiting local schools and showcasing  South Oakleigh College and Oakleigh South Primary as the Oakleigh Education Precinct: 

    Yuhong Primary School 

    Zhongjiang Primary School – (part of Wuhu No.1 High School Education Group)  

    Huicui Middle School - Huicui Middle School (part of Wuhu No.1 High School Education Group)  

    Foreign Language School attached to Anhui Normal University 

We look forward to growing our relationship with Wuhu No 1 High School as we know that these international relationships: 

  • Improve intercultural understanding, global citizenship and language learning as well tolerance respect for differences  
  • Introduce new perspectives and ideas into our classrooms and that of our sister school   

New Zealand Principals’ visit 

On April 3, a group of Canterbury West Coast Secondary Principals’ Association visited South Oakleigh College to gain insights into the Victorian Education System. During their visit, they engaged in discussions on teaching and learning practices within the school, focusing on our instructional model and prescribed L.E.A.R.N lesson delivery approach. The group also explored the growth of our school, the strategies for capacity building, and the process of establishing core school values. Emphasis was placed on the importance of embedding these values into all aspects of school life to ensure a cohesive and positive educational environment 

College Council Results 

Following the recent College Council meeting I am pleased to announce the School Council Composition is as follows: 

Parent Members: 

Naomi Jandausch (newly elected) 

Kirsten Williams (newly elected) 

Marcie Civins (re-elected) 

Mark Schramm 

Paul Li 

Greg Dellas 

Employee Members: 

Helen Koziaris 

Mark Picone 

Anthony Katsianos (re-elected)

Debbie Walters (newly elected) 

Stephanie Heppel (newly elected) 

Community Members: 

Catryn King (re-elected) 

Mitzi Sneesby 

Alexandra Pappas 

Ruth Buckland 

Student Members: 

Sophie Volpert 

Aditya Kovvuru 

Office Bearers:

Mitzi Sneesby  - President 

Greg Dellas – Treasurer 

School Council also endorsed the South Oakleigh College Annual Report during the meeting. This significant document outlines our impressive performance over the past 12 months on a number of measures, as well as priorities for Learning and Wellbeing. 

 

I am incredibly proud of everything that has been accomplished this term. It’s been a busy one, but also an enriching and rewarding experience for all involved. 

 

Thank you to our dedicated staff for your hard work, to our students for your enthusiasm and commitment, and to our families for your ongoing support. I wish everyone a restful and well-deserved break, and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 2. 

 

 

Helen Koziaris

College Principal