Junior and Middle and Senior Level Leaders Report

Beginning Of Term 4:

Year 7 and 8 Leader Report

Year 7

As we approach the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to congratulate our Year 7 students on their outstanding behaviour during the first two weeks back this term. To celebrate this positive start, last Friday I brought ducklings to the coordinator’s office for students to enjoy at lunch and recess – and they were a huge hit! It was wonderful to see so many smiles and laughter around the office.

We also held an assembly this week, where we reminded students of some important expectations:

No side tackling at school – safety is our top priority.
Bring all required materials to class – being prepared helps students succeed.
Gaming restrictions – we are cracking down on students gaming during school hours.

Other reminders:

Summer uniforms are expected this term: summer dress, or black shorts/trousers with white button-up shirt. Ties are optional. Black leather lace-up shoes must be worn at all times. Blazers are required when travelling to and from school or on excursions; the college jumper is not a substitute.

Grant Bowman – Year 7 Leader

Year 8

Welcome to our second last newsletter article for 2025. Below I have included some study tips for you to assist your child, with exams closing in on us. (thanks to Mr Bowman for the info. Make sure your children are eating well, have plenty of sleep and water. It can be a stressful time, but exams are a normal part of our educational journey and are only one part of our school life. Students benefit from some nervousness but harnessing it in a positive way is important. I can help your child with some strategies for channeling the nerves in the right way, get them to pop in and see me.

Just a few reminders: Summer uniforms this term, summer dress, or black shorts/trousers with the white button up shirt, ties optional. Black leather lace up shoes are expected to be worn with the academic uniform at all times. Blazers must be worn as the other garment when travelling to and from school and also on school excursions. (the collage jumper is not permitted to be worn as the outer garment when travelling to and from the collage.

Congratulations to Alice Johnson who completed in the National Clubs Carnival in Queensland, were she received a 3rd on Floor, 1st on bar, 1st on beam and 1st overall. Alice has been invited to compete in the Philippines for the junior world championships.

Also Ryan Toppleson who recently won double gold medals for his jiu jitsu competition.

Please let us know if your child has competed in an extra-curricular activity so we can acknowledge them.

See Mrs Heppel’s article in this newsletter regarding the new badge system.

Finally, can you please have a word with your student about appropriate language at school. We have had an increase in the number of students swearing, using vulgar language. This is not appropriate for school and there will be consequences. Thank you in anticipation!

Debbie Walters – Year 8 Leader

Year 7 and 8 Study Tips

With exams approaching, we also want to support parents in helping their children prepare. Here are some practical study tips:

Tip 1: Make a daily “hitlist”!

Each night you should aim to do 4-5 activities in preparation for exams.

Your first job should be the most important study (what subject has the closest exam or needs the most brain power)
Work effectively - try to make study for each subject no more than 25 minutes. Regular short sharp study sessions are more powerful than long learning marathons!
At the end of each study session, you should have a ‘Learning Cool down task’ – the easiest way to do this is watching a ‘YouTube’ video on a Humanities topic or your class novel and make notes.

Tip 2: Homework Club

The average cost of a qualified tutor outside school is $80 per hour! At South Oakleigh Secondary College, students can access teachers outside school hours twice a week, at homework club, for FREE!

Mondays and Wednesdays in the Library.

Tip 3: Break your addiction to your phone!

The following 2 apps will let you study without getting messages, gaming, checking socials or watching YouTube!

Tip 4: Lightning Learning

For Science, Humanities and English – search your topics in the website, Quizlet and find free flash cards.

Have a family quiz night! Make a login on ‘Kahoot’ and search for your class novel or humanities topic and play an. ✊👊 If you play this with your parents you will probably beat them which will pump your confidence up ✊👊

Tip 5: Embrace AI Literacy Hack

Using chat GPT you can unlock your true potential and get instant feedback!

Ask ChatGpt to make you an essay question regarding your school novel and themes
Write the best essay you can!
Write the following in Chat: “Please correct my essay and give me feedback on how well I used TEEL structure, quotes and areas I need to work on”
Then past your essay in the chat and you will be given tips and areas to work on
Repeat this process with other essay prompts.
You can also ask Chat if there is better quotes than the ones you choose (remember to check them in your book so they match)
If the answer is too hard to understand, ask chat to ‘use easier language please’

Tip 6: Embrace AI Science Hack

1) Open a new chat and post the following

“what does a student need to study if they are in year 7 for science in Victorian Curriculum And Assessment Authority to prepare for exams. Link it to content”

2) Paste this into a blank document and highlight the topics you recall from this semester.

3) This will make a study ‘hit list’ – return to your science book and make notes under these headings.

Tip 7: Scripting and Recording

All students have the application ‘voice recorder’ on their school computers or have access to voice recording software in PowerPoint.

Unlock your auditory learning! If you are having trouble remembering key content, make notes then record your voice as you read them aloud.

Listen to your work at the end of your study session, or send the file to your friends/family so they can quiz you!

Tip 8: Math Master Class

Using the study guide provided by your teacher, review what topics you covered this semester. Return to your maths text and try to do at lest 2 questions from each subject.

If you are having trouble with a question, GO TO YOUTUBE! Search for the topic (for example) ‘Simplifying Algebraic Fractions’ – at the end write the two MAGIC words ‘Eddie Woo’ (example: Simplifying Algebraic Fractions Eddie Woo)

Eddie Woo is Australia’s most famous high school maths teacher! His videos have helped millions of students. They can help you too!

Final Tip – contact your teachers as much as possible

Year 9 and 10 Leader Report

Year 9

Term 4 is certainly shaping up to be a busy one for our Year 9 students, who have been working hard to complete assessments and prepare for the Semester Two Examinations.

During our Year Level Assembly this week, we discussed the importance of taking a disciplined approach to exam preparation, and students were strongly encouraged to speak with their teachers for helpful, subject-specific advice.

We also recognised the commendable efforts of many students who have increased or maintained a high level of attendance. In Monday’s assembly, students were introduced to South Oakleigh College’s Whole School Positive Recognition Merit Badge System. This initiative recognises students for their Engagement, Commitment to School Values, and Connection to the school community.

This system will not replace existing recognition programs but will instead work alongside them. Tallies of HRRRT points, attendance, and participation in whole-school or special events (to be introduced in 2026) will roll over into the following year.

As we move into the coming weeks, our focus will remain on exam preparation, followed by the school’s Step-Up Program and the Year 9 City Experience. It’s an exciting time, and I look forward to celebrating our students’ continued success this term.

Bill Karakousis – Year 9 Leader

Year 10

As the exam period is approaching, please begin to prepare for your exams. Create a study schedule for each of your subjects to avoid cramming for your exam a few days before. Organise a quiet study space for yourself, find a space for your resources and avoid distractions.

Once, you have organised time and space, it is time to organise your resources. Organise your hardcopy notes in your folder and ensure that you have downloaded all online resources. You may also want to organise a study group! It is important that you start looking at the exam checklist in each subject and complete practice exam questions.

Most importantly, reach out to your teachers if you have any questions or would like extra feedback on your work.

At the same time, it is important that during the exam time, you look after your physical and mental health. Take breaks during your study sessions, pay attention to getting enough sleep, eat well and stay physically active.

The best attitude towards your exams is to show all the great knowledge and skills you have gained over the semester. It is your time to shine!!!

We look forward to celebrating your achievements on your exams!

Sylvia Kosztyi – Year 10 Leader

Year 11 and 12 Leader Report

Year 11

Welcome back to Term 4!

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the final term of the year. This is always a big and important term for our Year 11 students, with a lot happening as we wrap up Unit 2 and begin preparing for the transition into Year 12.

Key Dates to Remember:

Year 11 Exams: Monday 10th – Friday 14th November
Unit 2 SAC Completions: Final assessments for all subjects are due throughout this term.
Course Confirmation for 2026 Year 12 Subjects: Monday 17th – Wednesday 19th November
Year 12 Study Retreat: Thursday 20th – Friday 21st November
Year 12 Step Up Program: Monday 24th – Friday 28th November
Last Day for Year 11 Students: Friday 28th November

We’ll also be starting the Year 12 Jacket Committee this term and working on designs for next year’s cohort. This is always an exciting milestone as students start to see themselves stepping into their final year.

As we move through Term 4, remember to stay organised, keep on top of deadlines, and communicate with your teachers if you need support. It’s a busy few weeks ahead, but the effort you put in now will set you up for a smooth and confident start to Year 12.

Let’s make Term 4 a strong finish to a great year!

Kasey Boxell – Year 11 Leader

Year 12

South Oakleigh College community, it is my pleasure to announce that the Class of 2025 has made it!

Throughout 13 years of schooling, it has been a journey for the Class of 2025. The ride has not been easy, in fact, it has come with many challenges. These challenges have included enduring remote learning in Years 7 and 8 due to the COVID pandemic; returning on-site in the Middle School and trying to reestablish the expectations of high school, and simultaneously navigate a period of significant personal development; and most recently, completing VCE or VCE VM, the two most academically demanding years of schooling.

This year, students have steadily completed Unit 3 and 4 SACs and SATs.

This meant that while some students grew increasingly confident, others pursued an unscored pathway to demonstrate success. Our VCE VM class also busily ticked off their competencies, meeting the demands of their four trusted teachers. Whichever program our students undertook, I would like to acknowledge the dedication they have shown to their studies, to now graduate from South Oakleigh College.

In their final week, the Class of 2025 celebrated in style. In their final week, students dressed up as their future self, decorated and signed their uniforms, and put on a show with the Costume parade at their Farewell Assembly. On Monday 20th October, students, families and staff attended the 2025 Valedictory Dinner, which was a fantastic celebration of the students’ achievements. All attendees cheered loudly as each student received their graduation certificate. A special congratulations to Lauren Olver, who was announced as the 2025 Valedictorian. Lauren is an extremely deserving recipient of the award, as she has consistently demonstrated an incredible work ethic to achieve her high expectations.

To our Year 12 students, I consider it a privilege to have contributed in some small way, to shaping the people that you are. Thank you for caring for one another, thank you for trusting me to support you, and most of all, thank you for being you. Congratulations on becoming the South Oakleigh College Class of 2025.

Blake Cochrane – Year 12 Leader