Leading Teachers Report
End Of Term 1:
Junior School Report
As Term 1 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our Junior School students on an outstanding start to the academic year. Our newest cohort, the Year 7 students, have made an impressive transition into the College.
Recently, they completed the NAPLAN series of tests, and it was gratifying to see their strong engagement and dedication as they worked toward achieving their personal best. Throughout this period, one of our core values, High Expectations, was evident amongst the entire cohort.
Our Year 8 students have also had a successful start to 2025. I had the privilege of accompanying a group of Year 8 students on visits to local primary schools, where they spoke to Grade 5 and 6 students about the secondary school experience at South Oakleigh College.
It was inspiring to witness our students representing the College with such pride, sharing the many positive aspects of our school community.
Both Year 7 and Year 8 students have also recently represented our school in interschool sports where they displayed tremendous spirit. Looking ahead, the upcoming Walkathon will provide another opportunity for our community to embody our college values while raising funds for the Monash Children’s Hospital.
I was pleased to see so many parents at the recent Parent-Student-Teacher conferences. I encourage all parents and guardians to continue discussing their child’s progress over the upcoming break. Engaging in these conversations is an invaluable part of supporting your child's learning journey.
I wish everyone an enjoyable break and look forward to welcoming our students back for the start of Term 2.
George Tzimourtas
Director of Students: Junior School
Middle School Report
As Term 1 comes to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Middle School students and families for their ongoing support. It has been a busy and productive term, filled with engaging learning experiences, hands-on activities, and personal growth.
A special mention goes to our Year 9 students who completed their NAPLAN testing this term. Their effort and resilience during this period demonstrated our HRRRT values—especially Responsibility in their preparation and Resilience in tackling the assessments.
We are also looking forward to finishing the term with our Walkathon in support of the Monash Children’s Hospital School. This event reflects our Respect and Teamwork, as our school community comes together to support a great cause. We encourage all students to participate and uphold our HRRRT values throughout the day. Students are encouraged to seek donations via their Grassrootz page, which will be used to assist students in hospital stay engaged with their learning.
As we move into Term 2, here are some key reminders to help students stay on track for another successful term:
Rest and Recharge – the holiday break is the perfect time to relax, reset and return refreshed for another term of learning. Take time to unwind so tha you can come back with enthusiasm and motivation.
Start your Exam Preparation Early – don’t leave revision until the last minute. Summarise your notes and complete practice questions in regular revision sessions throughout the term to help you best prepare for your exams. To support our students, we have organised Elevate Education to present sessions on time management, and exam preparation on the following dates:
Year 9: Tuesday, 7th of May
Year 10: Wednesday, 22nd May
Attendance Matters – Regular attendance is one of the biggest factors in academic success. Being present and engaged in lessons helps build strong foundations for future learning and also promotes positive health. Students should be aiming to maintain a 90% attendance record for the duration of the year.
Travis Knox
Director of Students: Middle School
Senior School Report
As an exciting Term 1 in our Year 12 students’ final year at South Oakleigh College comes to a close, I would like to acknowledge their excellent start to the school year, marked by strong levels of engagement and enthusiasm, and the embodiment of the school’s HRRRT values. While many students have been challenged by the increase in academic workload, their general resilience and drive to succeed has been noted by teachers.
Students also took advantage of the opportunity to celebrate their participation in Swimming Carnival, Interschool Sport, and Walkathon for the final time, with these events fostering school spirit and leadership, with students.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind our community of a few expectations:
Attendance – VCAA requires all students completing VCE and VCEVM to maintain an attendance rate of at least 90% to satisfactorily complete their certificate.
Uniform – Students are required to wear their academic uniform and their college blazer to and from school each day.
SACs – Scored VCE students are required to attend all scheduled SACs as per the SAC schedule and/or as communicated by their classroom teacher. Any absences for SACs require students to provide a medical certificate in order for them to be eligible to reschedule the SAC.
As we move on throughout the year, it is normal for students to feel stressed while meeting the demands of Year 12 coursework and assessments. As such, maintaining a balance between academics and wellbeing remains a priority, with support available for students. Thank you to parents, carers, siblings, tutors and alike for your continued support of the Class of 2025.
Blake Cochrane – Year 12 Leader
As we wrap up another busy and productive term, it's time to recognise the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our Year 11 students. Please see the photo attached of the Senior school students who have achieved High-Excellent on their first SACs of the year. This term has been filled with challenges, growth, and success. I encourage all Year 11s to support one another throughout their studies this year. Some have found the workload more challenging than others, so if we can share our knowledge, skills, and strategies, we can help each other thrive and succeed.
A huge thank you to our senior school teachers and staff for their support and encouragement, and to the students who have shown resilience and commitment throughout the term. We encourage everyone to take this break to recharge, spend time with family and friends, and return refreshed and ready for the start of term 2.
*Insert Picture
Kasey Boxell – Year 11 Leader
As we approach the end of Term 1, it has been fantastic to see our Senior School students making a strong and committed start to their studies.
Our VCE VM students are well into their programs, actively engaging in their VET courses and gaining valuable hands-on experience through Structured Workplace Learning. These opportunities allow them to develop essential skills that will support their future pathways.
Meanwhile, our VCE students have been steadily building their academic capacity by undertaking School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) and strengthening their competencies in each subject. Their dedication to their studies is commendable, and we encourage them to continue this focused approach as the year progresses.
Attendance and Punctuality: Key to Success
A reminder that maintaining 90% attendance is a requirement for all senior students. Regular attendance and punctuality are crucial for academic success, ensuring students do not miss important learning opportunities. We encourage all students to arrive on time each day and actively participate in their learning.
Upcoming Study Skills and SAC Preparation Session
To support our VCE students, we will be running a Study Skills and SAC Preparation session early next term. This session will provide strategies to help students improve their study habits, manage their time effectively, and approach SACs with confidence. More details will be provided closer to the date.
Winter Uniform – Be Prepared for Term 2
As we transition into the cooler months, a reminder that students must wear the correct Winter Uniform from the beginning of Term 2. Now is the time to ensure you are prepared and organised with the appropriate uniform items.
Holiday Homework & Wellbeing
While the upcoming break is a great opportunity to complete allocated holiday homework, we also remind students of the importance of looking after their wellbeing. Take time to unwind, recharge, and enjoy a well-balanced break so you can return refreshed and ready for Term 2.
We wish all our Senior School students and families a safe and restful break.
Jessica Ferguson
Director of Students: VCE and VCE VM