Deputy Principal

One of the highlights of this term was mentoring two of our Year 9 students with their Community Engagement Project – a significant part of our IB Middle Years Programme.  The two students – Alexis and Daisy – set out with a goal of making life a little more comfortable for children and youth experiencing ill health and requiring hospitalisation. 

The girls had many good initial ideas however soon discovered that there were some restrictions in place when it came to what could be achieved. Undeterred, they reached out to a former colleague of mine who is currently the Principal of the Monash Children’s Hospital School. From here things really took off.  A school bake sale raised funds that enabled the girls to make 30 generous ‘entertainment packs’ for various age groups. 

Off their own initiative, Alexis and Daisy then did a call out across the school for pre-loved books.  The Oakleigh Grammar community stepped up with over 300 books donated in a short period of time. This was a wonderful example of heartfelt generosity, and, on behalf of both girls, I extend a big thankyou to those that donated.

I had the pleasure to accompany Alexis and Daisy on a visit to the Monash Children’s Hospital School where they presented the packs and books to a most appreciative team, and then participated on a tour of the classrooms, library and other facilities. It was quite eye opening in terms of what staff in the school do to support their student patients.  Three days later we received a note to say that the packs had already been distributed, half the books put on their library shelves and many others given to the children in hospital. They were overwhelmed with appreciation. 

Initially concerned by what she may face, Alexis later reflected:

I felt sad and empathetic when I learned how many children come through the hospital school each year and how serious some of these diseases can truly be, but I also felt amazed at how many kind souls have come together to create such a safe and valuable environment for all these young people. Words cannot describe how that day has shaped my thinking and intentions for the future. 

 A clear reminder of how small gestures can go a long way.

Peter Dickinson 

Deputy Principal