Senior School

During one of the Senior School Pastoral sessions in Term 1, students completed the Resilient Youth Survey which assesses the fitness of our students in 3 key areas: the notion of feeling Connected, Protected and Respected. Students completed a survey which had multiple questions under each of these categories. Based on student answers, we then received data for each year level. All information was anonymous so the responses were genuine and gave a fair representation of where our students were placed. 

The findings for the Senior School were mostly positive with a few key areas to work on. The one commonality that we noticed was that our students are not getting nearly enough sleep and as a result are struggling to stay focused or engage in any exercise. This was closely linked to the high level of device usage late at night and early in the morning. 

We addressed this in our recent Pastoral session and emphasised the importance of getting the required amount of sleep as often as possible. We discussed the impact lack of sleep has on student development, mood and ability to focus. These are all keys to success in their final years of schooling. 

The information was received well and created a good discussion space for students to ask questions and feedback to the staff and their peers. Many students recognize the advantages, yet without the effective implementation of these strategies, they will be unable to reap the benefits. As students juggle preparing for assessments, having part-time jobs, playing sports and maintaining their social lives, it is understandable that there will be days when they cannot have the recommended hours of sleep. However, the goal is to minimize these occurrences and ensure they happen infrequently.

We hope the conversations had in Pastoral will be a springboard for further conversations at home so that we may continue this partnership with home and see even better outcomes for our students. 

Manoj Patel

Senior School Coordinator and Year Level Leader (Year 12)

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in this year's Mother's Day Classic. We had 20 staff and students that met at Melbourne Botanical Gardens on the morning of Mother’s Day to show their support by giving back. The weather was beautiful, and we had a fantastic morning doing something good for a worthy cause. Not only did we raise awareness for breast cancer, but we also raised funds to support the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Everyone’s efforts have made a significant difference, and I am incredibly proud of all those who walked or donated to support this important cause. Together, we raised over $830 which will go a long way in supporting those affected by breast cancer.

I would also like to give a special shout-out to all the Year 11 students who organised the BBQ and Baked Goods fundraiser at the School’s formal opening event last weekend. Student’s hard work and dedication in baking, cooking sausages or just turning up for support on that day helped raise over $520, which is a fantastic achievement. Both of these fundraising events demonstrate the incredible spirit of our community and everyone’s commitment to making a difference.

Once again, thank you to all the staff and the Year 11 students for their participation, support, and dedication to this cause. Everyone’s contribution, no matter how big or small, has made a meaningful difference, and as a school we are incredibly grateful and proud of your efforts. I hope that we can continue to work together to support the Breast Cancer Foundation and make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer. 

Thank you once again and well done to all.

Mrs Paula Tsiagalos

Year Level Leader (Years 10 & 11)

25 April is the National Day of Commemoration of Australia and New Zealand for victims of war and for recognition of the role of their armed forces. It marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

Despite a cold start to the day, our Senior, Middle and Junior School Captains attended the Dawn Service in Oakleigh. On behalf of our school community students laid a wreath at the Oakleigh Memorial Cenotaph.

Selected students had the privilege to attend and take part to the ANZAC Day Parade on Tuesday 25 April. Our students marched down St Kilda Road, concluding at the Shrine.  For the first time ever, Oakleigh Grammar students were the banner bearers for the 2/2 Field Regiment Association. It was a very emotional experience for our students attending this big event and having the opportunity to be around thousands of veterans and current serving personnel.  

Congratulations to all students who took part to the 108th commemoration anniversary of ANZAC Day.

Additionally, members of the Year 11 cohort, as part of their focus on community service this year, took part in the Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday 14 May to raise money for breast cancer.  It was a very fun day for students and staff members who were dressed up in pink to participate in this worthwhile fundraiser. 

Mrs Natasha Spanos

SRC Coordinator