Assistant Principals
As we near the end of term, the pace of school life often quickens assessments, events, and celebrations all come together, making balance feel a little harder to find. It is during this busy time that our HARK values Humility, Aspiration, Respect, and Kindness become even more important. By showing humility, we recognise that everyone is doing their best; through aspiration, we stay motivated to finish the term well; with respect, we remember to listen, communicate, and act with care; and through kindness, we create calm and connection in the midst of busyness.
Together, these values help us maintain perspective, support one another, and end the term in the same spirit of community with which we began continuing to aim high and achieve more.
Shelley Parkes
Assistant Principal - Head of Junior School
“Assessments, Examinations and the Path to Success”
As we move toward the final weeks of the academic year, the focus across the School turns naturally to examinations and assessments. From the earliest years through to our senior VCE students, this period represents not merely a test of knowledge, but a moment to consolidate learning, reflect on growth, and demonstrate understanding.
At Oakleigh Grammar, we see assessment as an essential part of learning, not a separate event. It is both a mirror and a guide, showing students what they have mastered and where they can continue to improve. Whether it be a Year 6 project presentation, a Year 9 semester examination, or a VCE assessment task, each step is designed to build the skills of preparation, focus, and reflection that underpin lifelong learning.
Preparation matters. Success in assessments and examinations do not come by chance but through consistent, deliberate effort. Planning study time, revising systematically, and seeking feedback early are key habits that make a real difference. Students are encouraged to create structured study routines, revisit past assessments, and use teacher feedback as a roadmap for improvement.
Just as importantly, students should remember that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Our teachers are here to support and guide every learner to explain, to clarify, and to walk beside each student on their path to success. Reaching out for assistance, whether in class, after school, or via email, reflects the very spirit of commitment and collaboration that defines our community.
To our students: as you prepare for your upcoming assessments, approach them with confidence and calm. Remember that your teachers believe in you and are dedicated to helping you succeed. To our families: thank you for the continued encouragement you provide your partnership remains vital in shaping confident and capable learners.
Examinations will come and go, but the habits of preparation, perseverance, and purpose will remain. Let us approach this season together with diligence, gratitude, and the shared aim of doing our best.
Aim High, Achieve More
Lance Ryan
Assistant Principal ‑ Academic