Oak News

Principal's Report 

Beginning Of Term 1:

Principal's Report 

Welcome to 2025 –” Knowledge Conquers All” 

Welcome back to all students, staff, and families as we embark on a new school year! 

It was a pleasure to greet our 175 Year 7 students and 14 international students - 7 from China, 3 from Vietnam, 1 from Iran, 1 from Saudi Arabia, 1 from Indonesia and 1 from Fiji as well as nearly 40 students joining us across Years 8 to 12. I eagerly anticipate meeting our Year 7 families at various school functions and activities throughout the year.

This year, all of our initiatives will be aligned with our college motto, "Knowledge Conquers All." This theme was introduced during the welcoming assemblies in the inaugural week, and students will be encouraged, through Mentor classes and assemblies, to set, monitor, and evaluate their personal goals for the academic year. By embracing this theme, we believe that knowledge will empower individuals to learn and achieve their aspirations.

College Swimming Carnival

It was truly a delight to witness our students unite for the inaugural major event of the College calendar—our House Swimming Carnival! This occasion not only fosters friendships across various year levels but also provides everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their athletic prowess and support their respective Houses. The energy in the air was palpable, particularly during the House chants, and I must commend Grevillea for their exceptional enthusiasm and spirit, winning the House chant!

In keeping with tradition, our Year 12 student leaders embraced the opportunity to dress creatively, showcasing their sense of fun and imagination as they aimed to create lasting memories in their final school year while proudly representing their respective Houses. As the day unfolded, it was wonderful to witness participation from all year levels and to see some remarkable talents on display.

Congratulations to Banksia – the champion House team of the Carnival, which concluded with a highly competitive final leaderboard.

 

Introducing Our New Leaders and Staff

This year, we are excited to announce the appointment of a substantial number of new teaching and Education Support staff, and we would like to extend a warm welcome to each of them. They have already benefited from our induction programs and played a vital role in our first two professional learning days at the start of the school year. We also warmly welcome back Cara Ludbrook, Lucy Han, and Penny Hsiao from their family leave.

In line with our continued dedication to fostering leadership capacity among both staff and students, it is truly gratifying to witness our colleagues stepping into new roles within our Leadership Profile. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the staff who have embraced significant leadership responsibilities for 2025.

  • Leading Teachers – Jessie Ferguson (Director of Students Senior School)
  • Learning Specialist – Rowan Presland (Science/STEM/ Design Thinking), Sulagna Monga (Disability Inclusion and Professional Practice)
  • Year Level Leaders – Grant Bowman (Year 7), Stephanie Heppel (Year 8), Bill Karakousis (Year 9), Sylvia Kosztyi (Year 10), Kasey Boxell (Year 11), Blake Cochrane (Year 12)
  • Assistant Faculty leaders – Sam Battalegne (Mathematics), Kinga Suwara (Science), Nicholas Morlin (English), Greta Carlson (Technology)
  • Student Voice and Agency & Marrung Lead – Debbie Walters
  • Production – Kerryn Hoernel
  • Heads of Sport – Noor Jenkins and Ashley Aylen

After a thorough selection process conducted statewide during the second semester of last year, we are thrilled to welcome an impressive number of new staff to the South Oakleigh College community. We recognise that the addition of both seasoned educators and newly graduated teachers brings fresh ideas and perspectives, fostering a sense of renewal for us all.

Welcome to new staff: 

•       Harrison Barr– Arts

•       Cassandra Dmytrenka - Inclusion

•       Finn Clonan – Physics/Maths

•       Robin Hamilton-Coates – Humanities 

•       Stephanie Heppel– Science/Year Level Leader

•       Bill Karakoussis – Humanities/Year Level Leader

•       Sylvia Kosztyi– English/Huminites/Year Level Leader

•       Chloe Maglica – Legal/Commerce

•       Emily Matin – Inclusion

•       Peter Pizanias– Health & PE

•       Nadee Ruwanpathirana – Laboratory Assistant

•       Debbie Walters - English

•       Kristen Zhou– Maths/ Science

 

Here’s to an outstanding 2025!

Together with our School Captains, Stephan Krozian and Kristina Andreev, as well as the entire Student Leadership Team under the guidance of Sam Battanglene (SRC Coordinator) and Debbie Walthers (Student Voice and Agency), we anticipate a remarkable year for South Oakleigh and its students. As the year unfolds, I eagerly look forward to celebrating and recognising the successes and achievements of not only our students but also our dedicated staff and their contributions both within the school and in the wider community.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helen Koziaris

College Principal