Year Level Leaders Report

End Of Term 4:

Year 7 and 8 Leader Report 

During the final month of 2025, the Year 7s have challenged themselves with a host of new experiences. 

In November, students attempted their first formal examinations in English, Maths, Humanities and Science. We were impressed with their commitment to their studies, their careful preparation and their calm approach to the exams. Exams can be daunting, but our Year 7s rose to the challenge with many receiving excellent results. We are proud of them all.

We also completed our "Step-up" program, where students met their 2025 teachers and class groups. Year 7s participated in a program that was designed around our school values of High Expectations, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Teamwork; with a particular focus on our Schoolwide Positive Behaviour framework and establishing productive routines as they head into Year 8.

As the academics started winding down, the students have enjoyed some time to blow off steam; one particular highlight being the annual Talent Quest. The Year 7s displayed wonderful support for their fellow students, many of them performing in front of an audience for the first time. All teachers in attendance commented on how encouraging the students were to each other, and how entertaining their acts were! A special thank you to our Year 8 judging panel: Eliza Hoffmann, Alex Volpert, Gavin Tejay and Charlie Briggs for your encouraging commentary!

It has also been great to see our Year 7s (now Year 8s) demonstrate their positive attitudes beyond the classroom on the many fun end-of-year excursions this week. Whether challenging themselves on a high ropes course, pulling on some skates to play ice hockey, or encouraging their friends to try a roller coaster - their camaraderie and respect for each other was always evident.

Our Year 7 students were fortunate to be supported by an awesome group of Mentor Teachers in 2025. To Mr Battaglene, Ms Smith, Mr Myors, Mr Bowman, Ms Chen, Ms Crespo-Liu, Ms Tynan and Ms Tate - thank you for your care and support in 2025.

As the end of the year approaches, I would like to personally thank our wonderful Year 7s and their families for a fun, productive and rewarding year. It has been a pleasure working with this group of young people and I look forward to watching them further develop as they work their way up through their secondary school years.

Wishing all of you a safe and relaxing break with friends and family!

Kerryn Hoernel

Year Level Leader: 7

Zane Fernandes

Year Level Leader: 8

Year 9 and 10 Leader Report 

As we approach the end of another busy and productive term and school year, I would like to acknowledge the growth, learnings and achievements of our students. Our students have displayed our school values of high expectations, respect, responsibility, resilience and teamwork, whether navigating new experiences, meeting academic challenges, or working collaboratively.

A key highlight for Year 9 this term was the City Experience. Students embraced the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and explore the dynamic environment of the city. From navigating public transport to partaking in laser tag and escape rooms, students demonstrated high expectations, responsibility and teamwork. Our Middle School Team was genuinely impressed with the way students represented the school and upheld school values. Thank you to the teachers and education support staff (particularly Gretta Carlson, Kirby Lucas, Peter Papettas, and Rebecca Mandile, who each attended all three days) who ensured the experience ran smoothly and provided such a valuable experience for our students. Also, a shout-out to Group 1 for winning the amazing race!

Both Year 9 and 10 also completed their end-of-semester 2 exams in mid-November, which proved to be an important learning experience and method of assessment. Exams provide students with the opportunity a chance to develop essential skills such as time management, study habits, and academic resilience. It was fantastic to see students rising to the challenge, showing high expectations for themselves and demonstrating the value of resilience by persisting through demanding study periods. For those who found this time particularly challenging, remember that growth comes through effort, and every experience prepares you for future success.

As the term concluded, students participated in the Step-Up Program, where they began preparing for their 2025 classes. This program offers a valuable head start for students and sets the tone for success in the new academic year. As we move forward, I encourage all students to carry the lessons of this term into the next. Whether it’s building stronger study habits, taking on leadership roles, or continuing to embody our school values, every effort contributes to personal and collective success.

Thank you to our students, families and staff for your ongoing support throughout the year—it truly makes a difference. I would like to wish everyone a safe and restful break, and I look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Blake Cochrane

Year Level Leader: 9 & 10

Year 11 and 12 Leader Report

As we come to the end of another successful year at South Oakleigh College, it is my pleasure as the Director of the Senior School to share some significant highlights and extend warm wishes to our community.

Celebrating the Class of 2024

A heartfelt congratulations to our 2024 Year 12 cohort, who received their VCE exam results on the 12th of December. The hard work, determination, and resilience these students have demonstrated over the years have truly paid off. We are immensely proud of their efforts and achievements. Whether their next steps involve further education, training, or entering the workforce, we wish them every success in their future endeavours. The entire South Oakleigh College community stands behind them as they embark on this exciting new chapter of their lives.

Year 12 Study Retreat: Building Momentum for 2025

The Year 12 Study Retreat for our 2025 cohort was an outstanding success. This retreat provided students with invaluable opportunities to deepen their understanding and refine their skills in VCE English and Literature. A highlight of the program was the engaging session with 50Coach, where students explored strategies to aim for a top score of 50 in English.

In addition to academic preparation, students participated in workshops focused on overcoming procrastination and leveraging their unique character strengths to achieve success in their final year. Hearing from South Oakleigh College alumni about their journeys beyond secondary school was both inspiring and motivating. These sessions were complemented by team building challenges that fostered collaboration and camaraderie among the cohort.

Season's Greetings

As we close the chapter on 2024, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students and their families a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making South Oakleigh College a place of learning, growth, and achievement. I look forward to seeing you all in 2025 for another successful year.

Kasey Boxell

Year Level Leader: 11    

Jessica Ferguson

Year Level Leader: 12