Senior School
Term 3 is always the busiest and most challenging for our VCE students as they near the end of their journey in high school. It is a stressful time for our young people and their emotions can run high. It is vital during this time to lean on each other and seek assistance from their respective pastoral teams to ensure they can get through to the end and look back, happy with the work they did rather than having regrets.
Our Year 12 students have been working hard to complete assessments and have been meeting with Mrs Mascaro to get their VTAC applications prepared in anticipation for 2025. These meetings are a good opportunity for students to get thorough information about applying for tertiary institutions in the future. Students have also been encouraged to attend open days for many of te Universities that are opening for next year.
We have been working towards the final arrangements for our Year 12 cohort. There is certainly excitement in the air for what the future holds beyond Oakleigh Grammar with students even creating a countdown on the Centre for Academic Excellence wall. It is great to see the weather improving and student spirits lifting.
Our students were reminded during our recent assembly that in life we are all going to constantly be met with challenges. Be they big or small, they are personal and an important opportunity to develop resilience and learn. While there will be challenges, it is how we approach them and what we take away from them that will define who we are and how we overcome the next challenge. No mater how big or small the challenge may be, we should meet it head on and utilise the resources around us to conquer them.
Take care
Manoj Patel
Senior School Pastoral Coordinator
As we officially move beyond the mid-point of the term, it is a perfect time to reflect on the enriching experiences and learning opportunities so far. The first half of the term has been dynamic, with students engaging in a variety of insightful presentations and activities designed to promote personal growth, gratitude, and cultural understanding.
One of the standout moments was the Healthy Relationships seminar, which offered invaluable insights into recognizing red flags in relationships. This session tackled critical issues such as coercion, gaslighting, and bullying while equipping students with an essential toolkit for fostering positive, healthy friendships. The importance of these lessons was further emphasized when we welcomed three Clergy from our Orthodox Church and our beloved, Bishop Kyriakos. Their presence provided a unique opportunity for students to ask pressing questions about their own relationships, grounding the conversation in both practical advice and spiritual wisdom.
In another inspiring session, Amin Riazati, a refugee and renowned keynote speaker, addressed the boys with a powerful message of resilience. His stories of survival and growth underscored the importance of making positive choices and leaving a lasting mark on the world. Meanwhile, the girls participated in a follow-up session with Nutritionist Mrs Helen Bauzon, focused on nourishing our bodies for optimal health, highlighting the importance of self-care and well-being.
Looking ahead, our Year 10 students are eagerly preparing for their upcoming camp in Benloch in week 8. This adventure promises to be an excellent opportunity for them to build friendships and strengthen their character in the great outdoors. Additionally, we are excited to have a strong cohort of Year 9-12 students embarking on the cultural and experiential learning tour to Greece in week 9. This journey across mainland Greece: Peloponnese, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Epirus and the Island of Lefkada, will immerse students in the country's rich language, culture, and history, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will undoubtedly broaden their horizons.
As we continue through the last few weeks of the term, let's carry forward the lessons we've learned and the relationships we've strengthened.
Paula D-Tsiagalos
Year 10 and 11 Year Level Leader
