Leading Teachers Report 

Beginning Term 3 : 

Junior School Report

Term 3 has begun with excitement and high expectations. It has been wonderful to see our Year 7 and 8 students return with enthusiasm, positivity and a strong commitment to learning. The term is already shaping up to be an exciting one, with many opportunities for students to challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom.

A highlight from the beginning of the term was our Year 7 Pi Day celebrations. Students embraced a range of engaging mathematical challenges and activities, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, problem-solving skills and plenty of enthusiasm. It was fantastic to see so many students actively participating and celebrating mathematics in such a fun and interactive way. A sincere thank you to our Mathematics Department for their organisation and creativity in delivering such an engaging and memorable event for our Year 7 students.

Our Year 7 students have also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in Science excursions to Monash Tech. These hands-on learning experiences allowed students to explore scientific concepts through engaging activities and investigations in a real-world setting. The excursions sparked curiosity, encouraged critical thinking and gave students valuable insight into the exciting possibilities that science and technology offer. Thank you to our Science staff and Monash Tech for providing such an enriching experience for our students.

Congratulations also go to our Year 7 and Year 8 Boys' Soccer Teams on their outstanding achievements this term. Both teams progressed through to the Regional Competition, proudly representing South Oakleigh College with exceptional sportsmanship, determination and teamwork. The students displayed great commitment, resilience and pride in representing our school. The way our students conducted themselves on and off the field was something the entire school community can be proud of. Well done to all players and staff involved.

Our Year 8 students have recently taken part in the exciting three-day Curiosity Quest Program, an immersive experience designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, curiosity and connection. Across the three days, students participated in a range of unique learning experiences that challenged them to work together, think creatively and step outside their comfort zones.

A significant highlight of the program was an uplifting and impactful workshop and presentation from Eric Agyeman, who inspired students through his powerful message around resilience, mindset, personal growth and believing in their own potential. Students were encouraged to reflect on their own strengths, challenges and the positive impact they can have within their community.

Students contributed to a lasting legacy at South Oakleigh College through the creation of a school mural, working collaboratively to design and paint a piece of artwork that reflects our school community and values. They also participated in a circus skills experience, where students developed new skills, perseverance and confidence while engaging in a fun and challenging hands-on activity.

The program also included an exciting visit to Werribee Open Range Zoo, where students explored wildlife conservation and enjoyed an engaging experience beyond the classroom. Students also participated in a range of activities at Chadstone, providing opportunities to develop independence, teamwork and real-world problem-solving skills.

It was fantastic to see our Year 8 students embrace each experience with enthusiasm, demonstrating our HRRRT values of being respectful, responsible, resilient and ready to learn. Thank you to all staff involved in planning and supporting this memorable program for our students.

Eric also delivered our Parent Keynote Evening, providing families from years 8-10  with valuable insights and strategies to support young people as they navigate adolescence and continue to develop confidence and independence. It was wonderful to see so many families attend. Thank you to all parents and carers who joined us for this valuable event. Strong partnerships between home and school play a vital role in supporting our young people, and we appreciate your ongoing involvement in your child's education.

As the term continues, we look forward to many more opportunities for our students to grow academically, socially and personally. Thank you to our students, families and staff for your continued support in making our Junior School such a positive and vibrant learning community.

Stephanie Heppel

Director of Students:  Junior School

Middle School Report

Term 3 is an important time for our Middle School students to reflect on their progress, make decisions about future pathways and set high expectations for the remainder of the year.

For our Year 9 and 10 students, subject selection provides an opportunity to consider your interests, strengths and future aspirations. Students should choose subjects based on areas they enjoy and would like to explore further, while also considering possible career, study or training pathways. You do not need to have your future completely mapped out, but making informed choices now can help keep future opportunities open.

Students are encouraged to speak with their teachers, families and our Careers Advisor, Ms Effie Patti, when considering their options. Ms Patti can provide advice about career pathways, senior school subjects and future study or training and can be contacted via Microsoft Teams to arrange an appointment.

Our upcoming Parent–Teacher–Student Interviews are another valuable opportunity to reflect on your learning. I encourage students to consider what they are proud of achieving so far this year, as well as where their opportunities for growth lie. For some students, this may mean improving organisation, attendance, punctuality, or work completion. For others, the challenge is to push beyond simply “cruising.” If you can achieve more, challenge yourself to do so. Listen carefully to the feedback from your teachers, set meaningful goals and aim for excellence rather than settling for what is comfortable.

Finally, I would like to thank Mr Wischusen for his contribution to the Middle School this term. While Mr Pizanias and I have taken extended periods of leave, Mr Wischusen has provided valuable support to our students, families and staff in the Middle School Office. We are pleased that he will continue as part of the Middle School Leadership Team for the remainder of 2026.

As we continue through Term 3, I encourage all students to take ownership of the opportunities ahead: make thoughtful choices, seek feedback, challenge yourself and continue striving to achieve something you can be proud of.

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

There is plenty happening across the Senior School this term, with a number of important events and opportunities approaching for our Year 11 and 12 students.

VTAC Applications – Year 12VTAC applications are now open for students applying for tertiary courses commencing in 2027. Students are encouraged to begin researching courses and entering their preferences early. Timely applications close at 5.00pm on Monday 28 September, with SEAS and scholarship applications closing at 5.00pm on Friday 9 October. Students requiring assistance with VTAC or SEAS applications are encouraged to speak with Ms Carmody or Ms Ferguson.

Year 11 FormalThe Year 11 Formal will be held on Thursday 17 September at the Vogue Ballroom. Tickets are now available to purchase online. Students and families should refer to the Compass post from Ms Sylvia Kosztyi for ticketing information.

Unit 3 & 4 Practice ExamsPractice Exams for Unit 3 & 4 students will take place during Week 1 of the September school holidays. These provide an important opportunity to revisit Unit 3 content, practise under timed exam conditions and use feedback to prepare for the VCAA external examinations.

Attendance Matters Regular attendance remains essential for success in the Senior School. Students are expected to maintain a minimum of 90% attendance to ensure they are engaging with the required learning and coursework. Where students are absent due to illness, families are reminded to provide a valid medical certificate to support the absence and ensure attendance records are kept up to date.

We encourage all Senior School students to remain focused, organised and engaged as we move through the remainder of the term.

Jessica Ferguson

Director of Students: VCE and VCE VM