Community News
End Of Term 2 :
Community News
Planned daily device-free learning time for students in years 7 to 12
The Victorian Government has announced that from Term 1, 2027, schools with secondary students are to include planned daily device-free learning time in their teaching and learning programs.
This change will:
- support the intentional and responsible use of digital devices for learning
- help students stay focused and engaged.
The change complements previously announced digital device time limits for primary schools from 2027. These include no more than 90 minutes per day for students in grades 3 to 6 and minimal device time for students in Prep to Grade 2, other than as set out in the Victorian Curriculum 2.0.
We will update the Digital Learning policy in early Term 3, 2026, with more detailed guidance about student use of digital devices.
Policy, guidance and resources
Our Policy and Advisory Library includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tab:
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For further enquires, contact the Digital Learning Policy and Practice unit by email: digital.learning@education.vic.gov.au
History Monash Inc, the historical society for Oakleigh and area, is currently holding a free exhibition: Oakleigh – A Changing Multicultural Community.
A poster for the exhibition is attached. We would be happy for a representative from your school to visit this exhibition, to consider whether it may be a useful resource for students learning about immigration, multiculturalism, local history and family history. The exhibition includes wall panels with information about immigration to Australia and settlement in Oakleigh. There are also display cases with artefacts related to immigration and to migrants’ family stories. The exhibition has a particular (but not exclusive) focus upon Italian and Greek immigration to this area.
Excursions to this exhibition could also, if wished, include a visit to the adjacent Oakleigh Pioneer Memorial Park (which has heritage explanatory panels and includes memorials of migrants) and some of the historical buildings in Oakleigh (see https://www.historymonash.org.au/history-walks/.
Details about the exhibition:
Cost: free
Location: Monash Federation Centre, 3 Atherton Road Oakleigh (near corner of Drummond Street)
Opening hours: 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesdays. (If this does not suit, it may be possible to negotiate a different time with our volunteers.)
Duration of exhibition: until 24 November 2026.
Queries: info@historymonash.org.au
STAY WELL THIS WINTER
How to reduce the spread of respiratory illness
Encourage your staff and students to:
- wash or sanitise their hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching their face
- cough or sneeze into their elbow
- use air purifiers
- maximise external ventilation
- stay home if unwell and consult their GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed
- stay up to date with their influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations.
Please make face masks available to staff, students and visitors if they want to wear them.
Reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases
Some areas in regional northern Victoria are experiencing a longer mosquito season this year due to recent flooding.
Mosquito bites can spread illnesses such as Japanese encephalitis. To help protect Victorians over the coming months, more people will be eligible for a free Japanese encephalitis vaccination.
Please share this article with your staff, and use template text for parents and carers, to let them know about:
- free Japanese encephalitis vaccines for eligible Victorians
- how they can help prevent mosquito bites.
Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines
Japanese encephalitis virus is a rare but potentially serious infection. Free vaccination is available for:
- people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria
- until Friday 31 July 2026, people who plan to visit high-risk areas in Victoria or interstate for outdoor recreation.
For more information, including lists of high-risk areas, refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage.
How to help prevent mosquito bites
To help protect against mosquito bites, students and staff can:
- cover up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
- use mosquito repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin
- limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active.
Where possible, schools can also reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:
- removing any stagnant water to reduce mosquito breeding
- sealing any rainwater tanks or water-storage devices
- preventing mosquitoes from entering school buildings by:
- repairing holes in flyscreens
- using knockdown sprays or electronic zappers
- cleaning guttering and storm water pits
- if camping, ensuring tents are properly fitted with mosquito netting.
When you notice a lot of mosquito activity, close windows and doors that do not have flyscreens, and use air purifiers. When the mosquito activity is reduced, consider re-opening doors and windows.
Staff or students who are worried about their health should visit their doctor or phone Nurse-on-Call: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).
Policy, guidance and resources
Our Policy and Advisory Library includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tabs:
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For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, refer to Mosquitoes can carry diseases – Better Health Channel. There is a campaign toolkit with posters and social media, and resources translated into several languages.
Better Health Channel also has information about mosquito-borne diseases known in Victoria. These include Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River virus.
For further enquiries, contact the Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division by email: health.advice@education.vic.gov.au
Flu and RSV vaccinations
The flu can be serious, especially for children. Everyone aged 6 months and older should get the annual flu vaccine.
RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns by passing on antibodies. This reduces the risk of severe RSV illness in infants aged under 6 months by about 70%.
The vaccine can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines recommended in pregnancy. These include flu, whooping cough, and COVID-19 vaccines.
School community members can speak with their usual healthcare provider to see if this is right for them.
Template content
Template content is available to help you share this information with parents and carers through your school communication channels.
Policy, guidance and resources
Our Policy and Advisory Library includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tabs:
Find out more
For more information, refer to the Better Health Channel:
- Don’t risk the flu campaign, including information about flu and other vaccines. This information is available in different languages
- Be a Soapy Hero! – resources to help teach children about how to wash their hands properly.
If anyone in your school community has concerns about their health, they can:
- speak to their GP or pharmacist
- phone Nurse-on-Call: 1800 60 60 24.
For further enquiries, contact the Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division by email: health.advice@education.vic.gov.au
Combatting Vaping
ROTARY OAKLEIGH CLAYTON HUNTINGDALE (RotaryOCH)
SUPPORTING OUR COLLEGE COMMUNITY
A MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP
The College has a longstanding and strong relationship with RotaryOCH.
We have just finalised a new two-year agreement for Rotary to fund student programs to the extent of $7,500 per annum, including.
- Funding Student Development Programs & Scholarships
- Sponsoring an expanded Student Breakfast Club Program
- Providing Annual Citizenship Awards
In addition, our students can participate in numerous Rotary sponsored youth development programs including.
- A college team participation in the Model United Nations Assembly
- The National Youth Science Forum
- The Rotary Youth Leadership Academy
- The Rotary Art Competition
- Development of a College Interact Club
And Rotary does the the BBQ cooking for the students Annual Walkathon.
Each year RotaryOCH donates in excess of $100,000 supporting more than 30 local community & youth organizations / projects.
The College acknowledges RotaryOCH contribution & encourages our school community to support Rotary and its fundraising, including the Oakleigh Rotary Sunday Market http://rotaryoch.org.au/
ROTARY SUNDAY MARKET
EVERY SUNDAY 8AM to 1PM
Atherton Rd-Hanover St Car Park, Oakleigh
Plants, Food, Farm Produce- fruit, vegetables and fresh flowers
Clothing, Books, Tools, Pre-owned & loved Treasures and MUCH more!!
VISIT & SHOP
SUPPORT ROTARY IN OUR
COMMUNITY
South Oakleigh College (e-scooter & e-bike) Policy Announcement
At South Oakleigh College, we are committed to ensuring the safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters in line with Victorian legislation, while maintaining a safe and orderly College environment.
Students and families are expected to comply with all legal requirements, including age restrictions, helmet use, speed limits, and permitted riding locations.
Under current Victorian law, students under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride e-scooters or e-bikes.
In addition, e-bikes and e-scooters must not be ridden within College grounds at any time (before, during, or after school hours). Students are required to dismount and walk these devices while on school property.
Students who intend to ride an e-bike or e-scooter to and from school will be required to complete a consent form, signed by a parent/carer. Further details of the College’s policy will be communicated by the end of the week and will be made available on the College website.
Contributing to your childs education experience
We are committed to providing the best educational experience for your children, and part of that commitment involves requesting school contributions. Contributions payments can be made via Compass Payment Centre. We understand that this is a financial decision for your family, and we want to explain why these contributions are crucial and how they directly benefit your child's education. We would also like to thank families that have made contributions this year.
Enhancing Educational Resources
Your contributions help us purchase essential learning materials and resources that go beyond the basics provided by standard funding. These include:
- Essential Learning Materials for All Subjects: Purchase essential learning materials and resources for the range of subjects and special curriculum experiences for our students across all year levels.
- Technology Upgrades: Improve WIFI and internet.
- Library Resources: Expanding our library with a wide range of books and digital resources to encourage reading and research skills.
Improving School Facilities
A comfortable and safe learning environment is essential. Contributions help us maintain and improve our facilities:
- Classroom Enhancements: Upgrading furniture, improving lighting, and ensuring that classrooms are conducive to learning.
- Safety and Security: Implementing necessary safety measures and maintaining a secure environment for all students.
- Outdoor Spaces: Upgrade our buildings and grounds including gym change rooms and toilets, locker bay project, synthetic grass, DLC agora/meeting space that provide spaces for physical activity and relaxation.
Making a Difference Together
Your support, whether through contributions or active participation, is vital for creating an enriching educational environment. We are grateful for your commitment to your child’s education and our school community. Together, we can ensure that our students receive the best possible opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.
Thank you for your continued support.
Cara Ludbrook
Business Manager
Encourage sun protection at school
To promote UV protection, school staff can:
- check daily sun protection times on the SunSmart and Bureau of Meteorology websites, or free SunSmart app and widget
- remind students to apply or reapply sunscreen before going outdoors, through visual reminder notices, sunscreen monitors, sunscreen buddies or sunscreen stations near exit points. SunSmart has free resources and materials for primary schools (including a new hat and sunscreen reminder poster) and secondary schools
- role-model sun protection measures, including applying sunscreen before going outside
- include skin cancer prevention education at all year levels. SunSmart provides free curriculum resources for primary and secondary schools
- encourage and remind students to wear sun-protective clothing, hats and close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses
- provide sunscreen or encourage students to bring it from home.
SunSmart online courses for staff and students
SunSmart Victoria has free online courses for students, teachers and staff in Victorian primary and secondary schools. They include teacher guidance to support students’ learning and align with the Victorian Curriculum F–10.
For more information, refer to SunSmart online learning courses.
SunSmart at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image
Students can now learn about the history of SunSmart campaigns in ACMI’s free centrepiece exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image.
From the first Slip! Slop! Slap! campaigns in the 1980s with Sid the Seagull, students can investigate how media can promote healthy sun behaviours, influence attitudes and create positive change in the community.
For more information and bookings, refer to ACMI From sunburn to SunSmart and school exhibition visits.
Policy, guidance and resources
Our Policy and Advisory Library includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tabs:
Find out more
For more information, refer to:
For further enquiries, contact the Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division by email: health.advice@education.vic.gov.au
Policy, guidance and resources
Our Policy and Advisory Library includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tab:
Find out more
For more information on scholarships and how to apply, refer to Student scholarships.
For further enquiries about scholarships for Grade 4 to Year 12 students, contact the Student Scholarships team by email: studentscholarships@education.vic.gov.au
Homestays for International Students Needed
We are seeking homestay families living in our local school community for students traveling here from overseas in 2026. These home-stays would be long-term, with homestay providers receiving a weekly payment of $400.
Homestays are more than just a room to sleep, they offer the safety, security and welcoming environment of a real family.
Homestay families go through strict screening and monitoring processes by the Department of Education. New homestay providers would participate in an interview with school representatives, as well as home visits by a school representative.
Every member of a homestay household over the age of 18 years of age would also need to obtain a Working with Children’s Check card.
If you would be interested in becoming a homestay provider for our school, please send your expression of interest to Kalouda.pelitidis@education.vic.gov.au
Calling all Former SOC Students!
Interested in joining our alumni Community? We would love to hear what our former SOC students are up to! Fill out the following online form: https://forms.office.com/r/JakrRiSTFm if you are interested in sharing!
Brick-by-Brick Fundraiser
Be a part of SOC history and help pave the way for future students to come.
We invite our community members to purchase a commemorative brick engraved with your name, family name or your business and become immortalised at our College.
Payment and name submissions can be made at the general office.
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Sustainable Bookshop
A second-hand textbook trading system
- List Wanted & For Sale Ads
- The school’s booklists are loaded into the system to make the Ad listing process easy, fast and accurate
- Assistance is provided to accurately price items
- Our ad-matching service shows you
- Exactly the right items to buy
- Who has the most items you need
- The cheapest items
- Buyers contact Sellers and arrange where and when to trade
- Excellent email and telephone helplines are provided: 1300 683 337
www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au
