Deputy Principal's Report

The CPR of Resilience

Each year, Oakleigh Grammar undertakes the Resilient Youth Survey with students from Years 3 to 12. This is a nationally accredited survey, administered in over 1400 schools nationwide and provides a measure of the resilience, mental health and wellbeing of our students in comparison to Australian norms. Specifically, the survey measures the resilience and wellbeing of young people across the key domains which are seen as the essential ingredients of a resilient life for young people (CPR):

Connected (to yourself and others) - positive relationships, social skills and understanding of self
Protected (to protect yourself and be protected by others) - safety, healthy mind and body and learning engagement
Respected (to respect yourself and be respected by others) - positive attitude, positive values and positive contribution

Whilst all data is anonymous and non-identifiable, as a school, we are able to analyse the data for a specific year group or at a whole school level, including being able to track a cohort over time. This analysis helps us to better understand our students’ wellbeing, strengths and challenges, and begin to consider and implement key actions to support our students further in the areas that are specific to them.

As part of these processes, we are always keen to validate and enhance student advocacy in the development of actions as this is empowering them to share responsibility for developing and enhancing their own resilience, mental health and wellbeing. For example, in most year levels, students have worked, or will be working, with their pastoral staff to unpack the results and add their input into the development of the actions to be implemented.

In reviewing the summary of results from across the School earlier in the week, our School Wellbeing Committee drew out a number of consistencies.

There was a general sense that our students, in a positive relation to other students of the same age:

Have good relationships with their teachers
Have parents/carers who encourage them and receive love and support
Have an adult in their life they could talk to
Feel safe at school

We were also quite pleased that in reviewing our Year 12 results across their time from Years 9-12, there have been some notable improvements in areas, for example, relationships with teachers, sense of being treated fairly at school and in their connections with peers and to the school.

However, in relation to other students of the same age, our students are challenged by:

Texting and using devices after 10:00pm – in the Junior School and Senior School
Getting more than 8 hours of sleep most nights

I remind parents that there are some valuable resources (video and written) provided through SchoolTV available on our website, (click on the parents link) that cover a range of topics from cyber safety and positive parenting, to mental health and healthy body (including on sleep).

The Resilient Youth Survey forms one part of our Pastoral Care Program and we will continue to review and adapt our programs to meet the needs of our students. We also know that student resilience and mental health data are strongly linked to learning outcomes so it is vital to know what students are experiencing in school and at home.

Peter Dickinson

Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing and Operations

Academic Excellence at Oakleigh Grammar

With our joy at the opening of the N&P Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence, we acknowledge a true milestone at Oakleigh Grammar and see it as our commitment to fostering a culture of academic achievement and celebrating the remarkable outcomes it brings. This extraordinary facility stands as a testament to the profound impact that academic excellence can have on students of all ages, inspiring them to reach their full potential and achieve greatness.

The N&P Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence is more than just a building; it is a place where students can immerse themselves in an environment dedicated to intellectual growth and success. With state-of-the-art classrooms and human-centred technology, this Centre empowers students to explore their passions, broaden their horizons, and unlock new realms of knowledge.

Academic performance is not a mere numerical reflection of intelligence, but a transformative journey that shapes character, resilience, and future opportunities. It instils personal discipline, critical thinking skills, and a hunger for knowledge that extends far beyond the classroom. The N&P Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence embodies this philosophy, recognizing the intrinsic value of fostering a love for learning and intellectual curiosity among students.

At the heart of this Centre and our whole teaching and learning program, lies a profound belief in the potential of every student. Regardless of age, academic excellence serves as a cornerstone for personal growth and future success. It equips each student with the tools they need to navigate an ever-changing world, empowering them to become leaders, innovators, and persons of courage for the good.

The opening of the N&P Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence is an occasion to celebrate not only the achievements of our students, but also the unwavering dedication of our teachers, educators, and support staff. They tirelessly guide, mentor, and inspire our students, igniting a passion for learning and encouraging them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Oakleigh Grammar continues to grow and shine as an example of the significance of academic performance in students of all ages. As we continue on this path, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing academic excellence, for it is through knowledge and learning that we contribute to a brighter future. Together, let us foster a community that celebrates the transformative power of education and empowers our students to soar to new heights.

Lance Ryan

Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning