Languages / International News
End of Term 3 :
VISITING THE NGV
On August 19 we visited the National Gallery of Victoria. It was a wonderful day walking around the city and visiting the NGV, Hoiser Lane and St Paul’s Cathedral.
We saw Yayoi Kusama’s monumental 5-metre-tall, 9-tonne Dancing Pumpkin. Our tour guide prompted us for information and luckily we had Maksimilian Ruda in Year 7 who knew the artist and her work. Thanks Maks!
Our tour lasted one hour and some of the students thought it ended too soon. Once again what a joy it was to run your fingers across the water wall – no matter what age you are one HAS to do it!
We also visited Hosier Lane and took in the graffiti…very colourful.
On our way back to the station we walked into St Paul’s Cathedral and lit some candles. Some students just sat in the pews and took in the peaceful surroundings. What a beautiful place to just sit and be still.
Kalouda Pelitidis
International Student Coordinator
Japanese
Congratulations for the Japanese Language Speech Contest
Mid-way through Term 3, the Japanese Language Speech Contest was held on a Sunday morning on 23rd August.
Nakyung Kim and Sitong (Sam) He, from among our Unit 1 and 2 students at South Oakleigh College, showcased their work along with contestants from private schools in the High School Senior Division. This came after many hours drafting, editing and rehearsing a speech script and their public speaking skills with the assistance of our VCE Japanese teacher Qian Chen, and our Language Teaching Assistants Ami Collings and Saki Ota.
As a testament to everyone’s hard work and dedication, our very own Sitong (Sam) He received a commendation prize for her speech, 「正解は、一つじゃない」(There Is More Than One Right Answer). Regardless of everyone’s results, I would like to thank and congratulate the dedication and commitment of the staff and students involved in preparing for the event. 皆さん、お疲れ様でした。
Moon-viewing Season
As the seasons are changing, Japan is currently celebrating 月見 (Tsukimi), an autumnal event also known as ‘moon-viewing’. This traditional festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, typically falling in mid-September or early October, when the harvest moon is considered to be at its clearest and most bright.
Originating during the 平安時代 (Heian Period [794-1185 AD]), Tsukimi began as a gathering for aristocrats who would compose poetry while appreciating the moon’s reflection on water or tea. Over time, it evolved into a seasonal harvest festival for farmers to give thanks for successful crops, particularly rice and sweet potatoes.
Key elements of the tradition include: 月見団子 (Tsukimi dango), round white rice dumplings stacked in a pyramid shape representing the full moon; ススキ (susuki) or pampas grass, which are set up near windows or balconies to protect against evil spirits; and rabbits, which, in Japanese folklore, are what the dark markings on the moon resemble -there is a belief that there is a rabbit on the moon that is pounding もち (mochi/rice cakes) with a wooden mallet.
月見 (Tsukimi) shares many traditions with other autumn festivals across East and Southeast Asian cultures, including the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie) of China, Chuseok in South Korea, and Tết Trung Thu in Vietnam. Across many cultures, celebrating the full harvest moon serves as a uniting symbol of reflection, gratitude, and bringing families together. In light of our Term Break, the Japanese team would like to wish everyone to take the opportunity of the next two weeks to relax and enjoy the company of their loved ones.
Bonnie Tynan
Classroom Teacher (Japanese)
Greek
Celebrating Excellence in Greek -The Ellinomatheia Awards
We are proud to announce that four South Oakleigh College students have been honoured with the prestigious Ellinomatheia Awards this year!
The Ellinomatheia Certificate is awarded through the Centre for the GreekLanguage, which has operated since 1994. Based in Thessaloniki, the Centre is a research institution supervised and funded by the Greek Ministry of Education,Religious Affairs and Sports, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture also sharing responsibility for its administration.
The Ellinomatheia certification recognises achievement in the Greek language, with students assessed across reading, writing, listening and speaking. Earning these qualifications reflects their dedication, perseverance and commitment to developing their language skills.
Our 2026 Ellinomatheia Award Recipients
- Vasileios BAMPAKOS – B2 Level Diploma
- Jasmine BOUTAKNIOUINE-SKOULIDIS – B1 Level Diploma
- Despoina MAKRYNAKIS – B1 Level Diploma
- Maya FOTAKI – A1 Level Diploma
These achievements are a wonderful source of pride for our school community and an inspiration to other students. They demonstrate the value of determination, resilience and a commitment to excellence.
Congratulations to our South Oakleigh College awardees! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you continue to grow and succeed in your academic journeys.
Well done on this wonderful achievement!
Dimitra Maniatis
LOTE Greek Coordinator