Principal's News
Dear Parents
At Oakleigh Grammar we take immense pride in being a community where our cultural strength is not only acknowledged, but celebrated. Our School is a tapestry of different cultures, languages and perspectives, each contributing to the rich and vibrant environment that defines us.
Our Hellenic foundations and multi-lingualism allows us to shape the way we teach, learn and interact with one another. Students of every background are respected and all students are encouraged to practice their mother tongue language. Greek language is celebrated through our language program as well as initiatives such as ‘Speak Greek in March.’
As our students come from varied backgrounds, each with their own stories and traditions, our classrooms are enriched as our students’ minds are broadened which prepares our students to become global citizens who can thrive in an inter-connected world. Every student at Oakleigh Grammar is valued and supported and our School’s commitment is to cultivate empathy, resilience and a sense of belonging amongst our students.
We actively promote programs and initiatives that celebrate cultural heritage, encourage cross-cultural understanding and promote inclusivity in all aspects of school life.
Our Hellenic culture is rejoiced and celebrated, not only by Greek background students, but by all students who make up the vibrant Oakleigh Grammar student collective.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.
Business Breakfast
I am thrilled to share the success of the recent Oakleigh Grammar Business Breakfast. Our esteemed guest speakers; Ms Danielle Bleazby, Director of Venues at Melbourne & Olympic Parksand Mr Carl Dilena, CEO of the St Kilda Football Club captivated the audience with their insightful perspectives, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. Funds raised from this event which included a signed St Kilda Football jersey auction, will go towards acquiring new outdoor furniture for our students to enjoy and enhancing our performing arts room with much needed equipment. These improvements will undoubtedly enrich the school experience for all of our students.
I wish to acknowledge Mr Vic Rajah, current parent and Convenor of the 2024 Business Breakfast for his outstanding coordination of the event.
This week a highly successful soirée was held, with record numbers of students participating and performing in front of an enthusiastic and appreciative audience of parents, staff and peers.
On the topic of success, I wish to congratulate our Senior School EISM Boys Indoor Soccer Champions. Over the next few final weeks of term, Year 10 and Year 8 students will be attending camp, thirty students will be preparing for their international trip to Greece with a small delegation also attending the International Round Square Conference in Colombia. Year 12 students are finalising their coursework and will be preparing for their final VCE external examinations which will be held in Term four.
2023 Annual Report
I am delighted to advise that the 2023 Annual Report has been finalised and can be found on our website via this link: https://www.oakleighgrammar.vic.edu.au/about-us/publications/.
Staff News
We look forward at the start of Term four to the return of a number of staff who have been on Long Service Leave during the course of this term. I take this opportunity to thank replacement staff for their contribution to the rich fabric of Oakleigh Grammar life. I wish Ms Chitra Wijesinghe well as she embarks on well earned Long Service Leave for Term four and welcome Ms Dianne Watt who will replace Chitra in the library during her absence. We farewell Ms Kristen Keating, Learning Assistant on 6 September and congratulate her on acquiring a role as a French Teacher.
Term three concludes on Friday 20 September and all students resume Term four on Tuesday 8 October.
Fathers’ Day
I was delighted to join the dads of ELC students this week as they get ready to celebrate Fathers’ Day. I extend my best wishes to all families.
Mark Robertson
Principal
