Leading Teachers Report 

Beginning Of Term 4:

Junior School Report

Term 4 is off to a fantastic start, and I am so proud of the incredible achievements of our students!

Firstly, a huge congratulations to all our “SOCS Got Talent” performers. Your creativity and courage to perform in front of an audience was inspiring – well done!

Our Year 7 students had the exciting opportunity to visit the VM Showcase, asking questions and exploring the displays. It was wonderful to see them engaged and inspired by the pathways and possibilities ahead.

At the end of Week 2 this term, our Year 7 students also formed a guard of honour to celebrate the last formal day for our Year 12s. It was a wonderful moment of connection between our youngest and oldest students – a reminder of the journey that lies ahead. Many Year 7s shared their goals and aspirations after the event, inspired by seeing where their own hard work and dedication could lead. From dreams of becoming doctors, athletes, engineers, builders, and artists to ambitions of being strong leaders and kind role models, it was a powerful celebration of growth, purpose, and community.

Our Year 7 students recently participated in the Optus Digital Thumbprint Workshop, an engaging and interactive session designed to help them become responsible and informed digital citizens. Through real-life scenarios and discussions, students explored topics such as online safety, privacy, and managing their digital footprint. The workshop encouraged them to think critically about how their online actions shape their personal identity and impact others, empowering them to make positive choices in the digital world.

As exams approach, it’s important for all students to focus on preparation and consistent revision. For Year 7 students, this will be their first experience with exams at secondary school. Students should focus on reviewing class notes, consolidating understanding, practising key skills, and managing their time effectively. Maintaining a balanced routine with rest, exercise, and healthy study habits will help students perform at their best.

Our Year 7 and 8 students have also been exploring effective study tips and habits in Mentor sessions and Assemblies, guided by Ms Walters and Mr Bowman, who have introduced helpful strategies to support organisation, time management, and exam preparation. A big thank you to them both for their continued support and dedication in helping our students develop strong learning routines and confidence leading up to exams.

This term, students have also been reflecting on their SMART goals set earlier in the year, evaluating their progress and identifying areas for continued growth. These reflections have encouraged students to take ownership of their learning and celebrate their achievements, while setting new targets for the term ahead. Their final reflections and progress toward these goals will be included in their end-of-year reports, highlighting both academic and personal development.

We have also been consistently working with our Junior School students to promote positive interactions both in person and online, reminding them that respect, kindness, and integrity extend to every space they connect in.

Term 4 has also been a celebration of talent beyond the classroom:• Sky Schurr competed in a dance competition – congratulations on representing our college with skill and style!• Jessie Pavlovic and RubyMae Moroni achieved outstanding results in their music exams – well done on your dedication and hard work!• Ryan Topelson and Alice Johnson secured winning positions in their respective sports competitions – congratulations on these fantastic achievements!

Whole School Positive Recognition Merit Badges Program

In the first assemblies of Term 4, students in Years 7 and 8 were recognised with badges for HRRRT values and engagement, celebrating attendance, participation, and alignment with our school values.

Next year, the system will be expanded to include a third Connection badge, recognising involvement in clubs and school activities. This is a whole-school recognition program, and students from all year levels will be involved in acquiring points in the different categories.

 Thank you to all the students who have been involved in the development of this initiative.

Students can level up their badges across four stages – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – as they demonstrate ongoing commitment, effort, and growth. 

The HRRRT and Connection badge points will accumulate throughout a student’s school journey and be reflected in their certificates of achievement, showcasing their dedication to our college values and community spirit. The Engagement badge will be presented in Term 4 of each year and looks at a student's attendance throughout the year.

It’s wonderful to see our students excelling across so many areas – academics, arts, sports, and engagement in school life. 

Keep up the great work, and let’s make Term 4 a memorable and successful finish to the year!

Stephanie Heppel

Director of Students:  Junior School

Middle School Report

Welcome back to Term 4 for our Middle School students. It has been pleasing to see that it has been a productive and positive start to the term. Our student services team has seen our students engaged in their learning, contributing thoughtfully to class discussions, and showing genuine commitment to achieving their best as we head into the final weeks of the school year.

This term marks the exciting launch of our new Merit Badge System, recognising students for their commitment to attendance, engagement and demonstration of our college HRRRT values. Over their time at South Oakleigh College, students are able to progress through four levels of achievement – Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platnium; earning a new badge at each level. It’s been wonderful to see so many of our middle school students already earning their badges and wearing them proudly on their blazers.  

Looking ahead, it’s an important time to note that exams are commencing on Monday 10th of November. Our students should now be well underway with their revision and preparation. A few simple tips for effective study include:

• Planning ahead – create a study schedule that breaks revision into smaller manageable chunks.
• Active revision – don’t just rewrite your notes. Use practice questions and flashcards instead
• Ask for help! – if you’re unsure, reach out to your teachers early!

Finally, our Step Up Program will begin on Monday 24 November and runs for two weeks. During this time, students will begin classes and activities aligned with next year’s curriculum, helping them start the 2026 academic year with confidence and momentum. During this program our year 10 (2026) students will be undertaking their city experience, which is always an exciting opportunity for our students to build skills in independence and teamwork. Stay tuned for this!

I hope all students keep up the great work, making Term 4 a strong and successful finish to the year!

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

Term 4 has started with great momentum and a number of significant events for our Senior School community.

On Monday 20th October, we celebrated our Year 12 Valedictory Dinner for the Class of 2025. It was a wonderful evening that brought students, families, and staff together to reflect on achievements, share memories, and acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown throughout their time at South Oakleigh College.

This term also marks the commencement of VCAA external examinations, with our Year 12 students putting months of preparation into practice. We wish them every success as they complete this important stage of their secondary education journey.

Looking ahead, our Year 12 Study Retreat for the Class of 2026 will take place on 20th and 21st  November at Edrolo HQ in Melbourne’s CBD. This two-day event will provide students with valuable insights into the expectations and opportunities of Year 12, including study strategies, assessment preparation, wellbeing support, and pathway planning. It will also offer a chance to strengthen connections as a cohort before embarking on their final year.

We wish all our Senior School students the very best for Term 4 and commend them on their efforts, resilience, and achievements throughout 2025.

Jessica Ferguson

Director of Students: VCE and VCE VM