Service

Dear Oakleigh Grammar Families,

I am delighted to introduce myself as your new MYP Coordinator at Oakleigh Grammar. My name is Guang Wu, and I am thrilled to be a part of this vibrant community. With extensive experience in IB education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for fostering academic excellence and personal growth in our students.

As an experienced IB Workshop Leader and IB Programme Leader, I have had the privilege of conducting workshops and evaluation visits both in Australia and internationally. This extensive background has equipped me with unique insights and strategies to navigate our school's MYP towards achieving commendable outcomes. Currently, I am engaging in a research project funded by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, which aims to integrate the IBMYP assessment criteria with the Australian Mathematics Curriculum. This initiative reflects my commitment to educational innovation and excellence.

Since joining Oakleigh Grammar in January 2020, I have been deeply involved in our school's academic and extracurricular activities. I have served as a Mathematics and Science teacher, Maths and Science Learning Leader, and Homegroup teacher. I have developed and implemented the MYP Mathematics Curriculum Handbook, introduced ACER's PAT adaptive tests, and coordinated their usage at our school. My familiarity with our school's ethos, students, and community, combined with my ongoing Master’s study in Instructional Leadership at the University of Melbourne, equips me with the insights and skills necessary to lead our MYP successfully.

I love the Oakleigh Grammar community—the students, the culture, and the strong sense of community. My vision for the MYP at Oakleigh Grammar is to develop a program that cultivates inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I look forward to working closely with you all to achieve these goals and to provide our students with the best possible educational experience.

Warm regards,

Guang Wu

MYP Coordinator

MYP Service Culture 

The Year 9 Community Project’s are in the Taking Action phase of their inquiry cycle, actively engaging in research, advocacy, direct or indirect service. 

The Community Project supported through the IB MYP framework, enables students as individuals or in groups, to develop their ATL skills including research, communication, and thinking skills.

We are looking forward to hearing about the journey and positive community involvement that our 2024 Year 9 cohort has achieved during the Community Project Exhibition on 12 September at 3.40pm in the School Library.

Snapshot: Service Philosophy at Oakleigh Grammar

As we bid farewell to our MYP Coordinator, Melissa Fitzgerald, at the end of Term 2, we welcome Guanghua Wu into the role. Melissa's dedication to service has exemplified how small acts of kindness can create significant impacts.

Melissa has been deeply committed to serving the community beyond our school, embodying the philosophy of service by regularly volunteering at the soup kitchen and the Op Shop every Sunday for the Sacred Heart in St Kilda. Her devotion to using her gifts and talents to assist those in need has made her a positive role model for our service culture.

 Melissa’s creativity was evident in how she repurposes op shop items to reduce waste within society. As she embarks on her next chapter in China, Melissa plans to continue her service journey by further developing her skills and talents to help others.

Five Loaves Initiative – Sandwich Making Day

On Sunday, 21 July, the Oakleigh Grammar community, in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Sts Anargiri Oakleigh, gathered to give back to the homeless. Together, we made over 500 sandwiches to support more than eight drop points across Melbourne.

As part of their community project, Year 9 students Isaam and Elias educated volunteers about the remarkable work and community partnership programs developed by the Five Loaves Initiative. The initiative supports the local community and serves as a true demonstration of ‘philotimo’. Thank you to everyone who dedicated their time to helping those in need.

Service Philosophy: Embracing Philotimo at Oakleigh Grammar

At Oakleigh Grammar, our service opportunities are guided by the Greek concept of Philotimo, which embodies honour, justice, dignity, pride, respect, and hospitality. These values drive our commitment to personal and community growth.

Philotimo is about performing acts of kindness with empathy and generosity, expecting nothing in return. It encourages us to do what is right while staying humble. We aim to instil these values in our community, inspiring selfless contributions and fostering genuine connections.

Through every service opportunity, we uphold the spirit of Philotimo, promoting kindness and a dedication to the common good. Together, we strive to create a positive and impactful community at Oakleigh Grammar.

Service Opportunities for Year 6, 7 and 8 students

There are any many service opportunities this semester, including the Year 9 Community Project.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact our MYP Service Coordinator or HG teacher.

Inneke Smit

MYP Service Coordinator