Grammar News

Principal's News

MARK ROBERTSON

Principal 

 

 

 

 

There was an air of excitement and to a certain extent, relief as all of our students entered the gates of Oakleigh Grammar following the recent lockdown.  I am proud of our staff, students and parent community for adjusting to our fifth transition into lockdown and in particular, for the support and passion from all of our key stakeholders during this challenging period. 

 

We have now had an opportunity with all of our students back on campus to have meaningful conversations about their most recent remote learning experience.  In addition, formative assessments have been undertaken which allows our teaching staff to tailor their educational delivery in a more targeted manner at this time. 

 

Our School prides itself on listening to students and understanding from their perspective, the issues and challenges they may be facing at any particular point in time.  Our recent Pulse Surveys have been very valuable as a feedback mechanism, which allows our School to cater in the best possible way, for our students’ needs. 

 

Business Breakfast

 

It is with regret I advise of the cancellation of the 2021 Business Breakfast.  Whilst we had secured the Honourable Michael Sukkar as the Keynote Speaker this year, due to COVID uncertainty we deemed it prudent to maintain our COVID-cautious approach.  We look forward to the prospect of conducting a Business Breakfast opportunity early next year.  

 

Turning the Sod

 

Due to current COVID restrictions, our ‘Turning the Sod’ event indicating the commencement of our new Centre for Academic Excellence project scheduled for Sunday morning, will now be a closed event. Therefore, we look forward to a community celebration at the official opening of our new building following its completion in 2022.

 

Staff News

 

We welcome the following staff who commenced this term: 

Ms Inneke Smit – Middle and Senior School Teacher

Mr Milan Raju – School Hours Cleaner from Danihers Cleaning

Ms Madison Padula – Learning Assistant

Ms Stephanie Horan – Marketing Assistant

Mr Tim Hines – Support Tutor and After School Homework Club Supervisor

 

At Oakleigh Grammar, we are proud to recognise the service our devoted staff provide to our School on an annual basis.  At our whole school commencement assembly at the start of this term, it was an honour to present our eligible staff with service badges and certificates as follows:

 

Celebrating Five Years of Service:

Trina Angelatos, Eleni Antonopoulos, Ambre Borneman, Sarah Caffrey, Andrew Harbis, Brianna McInnes, Manoj Patel, Popi Roumeliotis, Wayne Stagg, Jacqui Thomas, Adel Youssef

 

Celebrating Ten Years of Service:

Athanasia Atherinos, Stella Kyritsis, Michael Wengier, Mark Robertson

 

Celebrating Fifteen Years of Service:

Fotini Gameras

 

Celebrating Twenty-five Years of Service:

Steve Zafiropoulos

 

I wish to highlight Mr Steve Zafiropoulos, who was recognised for twenty-five years of outstanding service to our School.  I am grateful to him for his poignant address at our assembly, which was evident by the resounding applause he received at the time.  His speech is available below:

 

“Welcome back to Term 3

Wow, it’s been 26 years, I cannot believe the time has passed this quickly.

I know our Patron Saints have given me their guidance over the years and helped me through.

I know I speak on behalf of the other staff here, when I say that OG is my second home.

There is no doubt that this school is UNIQUE, a community and one big family.

There is such a strong sense of ethos and sense of belonging here.

What really stands out though for me is that feeling of ‘making a difference’ to you, our students.

You are the pinnacle of the School, without you, there is no Oakleigh Grammar.

There are many highlights that I have been blessed with over the years and I share some of these with you:

 

  1. My role over the years in wellbeing, and coordinating the many cohorts of Year 12 students.
  2. Establishing rapport/connection with students and staff.
  3. National Schools Event games, travelling interstate and all the enjoyment involved with that event.
  4. Winning EISM premierships with the Senior girls and boys Soccer and Futsal teams. (I know that Mr Joyce was always happy putting those pennants up  in the gym.)
  5. Satisfaction of seeing our former students doing really well in their lives

 

There is no doubt that Oakleigh Grammar, under the guidance of Principal, Mr Robertson, is going from strength to strength as the years go by.

I would like to thank Mr Robertson for providing me with this opportunity to speak today.

God bless and have a great term!”

 

I also wish to advise of the resignation of Ms Fariba Zamanian ELC Co-Educator / OSHC Coordinator.  We welcome Ms Alesundra Stavrou who has commenced in this role. 

 

Stay Safe

Stay Well

God Bless