Principal's News

MARK ROBERTSON

Principal

I am pleased with the smooth commencement to Term 2. During the Easter Break I had the opportunity to attend an International Conference focusing on the concept of Bilingualism. Oakleigh Grammar has the benefit of being a rich multicultural community with the majority of students speaking a second language.  As part of our neuro science focus, the benefits of students being bilingual was very clear according to the research. The earlier students commence learning a second language the more impact it may have on academic performance as they progress through their school years.

Oakleigh Grammar has been a strong Language school particularly in Greek and more recently in Mandarin. On this basis I encourage all of our students to fully engage in their language studies which is also a key education agenda item for the Federal Government.  Let us rejoice in the diversity of our school population which is rich in language and culture.

Our second annual Business Breakfast will be held on Thursday 10th May at 6:30am in the Conference & Assembly Centre. We look forward to welcoming parents and members of the local community to join us for a sumptuous breakfast.  Our guest speakers are Mr John Karagounis and Mr Scott Watters. I thank our Business Network Committee under the stewardship of Mr Vic Rajah for organising this event.

I wish to advise that I will be taking Long Service Leave from 14 May until end of Term 2. During my absence our two Deputy Principals will be charged with the responsibility of leading our school.

Staff News

I wish to advise of the following staff taking Long Service Leave:

Mrs Mary Harbis will be on Long Service Leave in Semester 2. Mrs Jacqui Thomas has been appointed Acting Head of English and Mr Andrew Phillips has been appointed Acting Head of Humanities.

Mrs Paula Tsiagalos will be on Long Service Leave in Semester 2, Mr Leigh Gridley has been appointed Acting 9Ways Coordinator.

Mrs Dora Papadakis will be on Long Service Leave in Term 3. Ms Julie Callanan has been appointed as replacement Arrowsmith Teacher.

I wish to advise Mrs Elise Zijai will commence maternity leave from 12th June, Ms Calysta Morgan has been appointed Acting Head of the Arts.

We welcome Ms Leah Wilson as Acting ELC Coordinator and Ms Rhodine Agetzis as ELC Co-Educator.

We farewell Ms Zoe Taylor, Marketing Officer who will be leaving us today to pursue a new career opportunity. I wish to thank Zoe for her contribution in developing our Marketing Department over the past three years.

Congratulations is extended to Mrs Lauren Cummins and her husband Tim on the birth of their baby Georgia Susan Cummins.