Leading Teachers Report 

End Of Term 2 :

Junior School Report

Term 2 has been a busy and productive term in the Junior School, with our Year 7 and Year 8 students embracing opportunities to learn, lead, participate and contribute to the life of South Oakleigh College. Throughout the term, I have been impressed by the way students have challenged themselves, supported one another and demonstrated the HRRRT values that underpin our school culture.

One of the highlights of the term was Athletics Day. It was fantastic to see students stepping outside their comfort zones, competing with determination and encouraging their peers throughout the day. While not every student stood on the podium, many achieved personal successes by trying a new event, representing their house or simply giving their best effort. The positive sportsmanship and house spirit on display were a credit to our students and reflected the strong sense of community within the college.

Our students have also represented South Oakleigh College proudly through interschool sport. These opportunities allow students to develop teamwork, resilience, leadership and commitment while building connections with their peers. We are proud of the way our students conduct themselves when representing the college and thank the staff who continue to support these valuable experiences.

This term, our Year 7 students participated in a Brainstorm Productions performance that explored important themes including resilience, respectful relationships, decision-making, wellbeing and online safety. The performance challenged students to think about the choices they make and provided practical strategies for navigating some of the challenges young people face both at school and beyond.

Our Year 8 students have also continued to develop their learning habits and preparation skills in readiness for assessments and examinations, demonstrating growing independence, organisation and commitment to their studies.

Student leadership continues to be a significant strength of our Junior School. Our Student Leaders and Peer Support Leaders have played an active role in school life, running assemblies, addressing their peers, welcoming visitors and contributing articles for newsletters and other school communications. These authentic leadership opportunities allow students to develop confidence, communication skills and a sense of responsibility while making a meaningful contribution to our school community. The positive influence of our Peer Support Leaders has been particularly evident as they continue to support younger students and help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Looking ahead, we are excited about Curiosity Quest: Knowledge Unleashed!, which will take place in August for our Year 8 students. This innovative three-day experiential learning program has been designed to promote curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving. Through a range of engaging challenges and experiences, students will be encouraged to think differently, work together and apply their learning in new and meaningful ways. Curiosity Quest reflects our belief that learning extends beyond the classroom and aligns strongly with our school motto, "Knowledge Conquers All".

As always, student safety remains a priority. I encourage all students to continue making safe and responsible choices when travelling to and from school, whether walking, cycling, being driven or using public transport. We also ask students to remember that they represent South Oakleigh College within the wider community and to demonstrate the same respect and responsibility outside the school grounds that they show within them.

Throughout the term, our students have continued to demonstrate the HRRRT values of Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Teamwork. These values are more than words on a wall; they are reflected in the way students approach their learning, interact with others and contribute to our college community. I would like to thank our students for their efforts, our staff for their dedication and our families for their ongoing support. The partnership between home and school is one of the most important factors in student success, and we value the contributions of our families in helping us create a positive and supportive learning environment. 

We congratulate our Year 8 students that received their HRRT value badges in our Celebration assembly at the end of Term and our 7 students are on track to receiving their first tier of badges soon when they reach 50 HRRRT points.

As Director of Junior School, I warmly encourage parents and carers to reach out if they would like to become more involved in the life of the college or if they have suggestions that could further enhance the educational experiences, wellbeing programs, opportunities and supports available to our students. Some of the most effective improvements come through strong collaboration between students, families and staff, and we welcome feedback that helps us continue to grow and improve as a learning community.

I wish all members of our South Oakleigh College community a safe and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to another successful term ahead.

Stephanie Heppel

Director of Students:  Junior School

Middle School Report

As Term 2 comes to an end, I would like to acknowledge the effort demonstrated by our Middle School students throughout the recent examination period. Exams provide an important opportunity to demonstrate learning, recognise progress and identify areas that require further development.

Over the mid year break, students are encouraged to reflect on the goals they set earlier in the year. Consider what has gone well, what has been challenging and what adjustments could support further improvement in Term 3.

Our school value of High Expectations means taking pride in our learning, responding positively to feedback and continually working towards personal improvement. This may involve improving attendance, being more organised, completing work consistently, seeking help when needed or becoming more focused in class.

I encourage every student to return in Term 3 refreshed, prepared and ready to take the next step towards achieving their goals. Have a safe and enjoyable break.

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

As we come to the end of another busy and productive term, I would like to acknowledge the continued effort, commitment and resilience shown by our Senior School students.

On Tuesday 16 June, our students completing a scored Unit 3 and 4 VCE subject, as well as our Year 12 VCE VM students, completed the General Achievement Test. The GAT is an important part of the VCE assessment process, and I would like to commend students for the way they approached the day. While most students arrived organised and ready for the GAT, some students were not as prepared as they needed to be. This is a timely reminder that preparation is an important part of success in formal assessment settings. As students look ahead to external examinations later in the year, we encourage them to use this experience as a learning opportunity by checking requirements carefully, planning ahead and seeking support early where needed.

This term, we also had the opportunity to celebrate student success at our Student Achievement Assembly on Thursday 25 June. It was wonderful to recognise the hard work and dedication of students across both VCE and VCE VM. These achievements are not only a reflection of academic progress, but also of persistence, positive learning habits and a willingness to keep striving for improvement. Congratulations to all students who were recognised.

Bookings are now open for the Year 12 Valedictory Evening, where we will come together to celebrate the Class of 2026. This is always a special occasion for students, families and staff, and marks an important milestone in the final year of secondary schooling. Families are encouraged to purchase tickets and organise seating arrangements early.

As we move into the holiday period, I encourage all Senior School students to use this time wisely. Rest and wellbeing are important, and students should take the opportunity to recharge after a demanding term. At the same time, the break is also a good chance to reset study routines, organise notes, complete outstanding work and prepare for the demands of Term 3.

Term 3 is an important period for Senior School students. For Year 12 students, it is a time to consolidate learning, stay on top of SAC requirements and begin building strong revision habits ahead of the final months of the year. For Year 11 students, it is an opportunity to strengthen routines, reflect on progress and continue developing the skills needed for success in the Senior School.

A balanced approach is key. Students are encouraged to plan their time, include regular breaks, maintain healthy sleep routines and reach out for support when needed. Being prepared does not mean studying every day without rest; it means returning to school feeling organised, focused and ready to make the most of the term ahead.

Thank you to our families for your continued support of our Senior School students. We look forward to working together throughout Term 3 as students continue to grow, achieve and take positive steps towards their future pathways.

Jessica Ferguson

Director of Students: VCE and VCE VM