Principal's Report
End of Term 3 :
Principal's Report
As we conclude the final week of Term 3, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students, staff and families for their continued support, commitment and contribution throughout another productive and eventful term at South Oakleigh College.
As you read through this edition of our College newsletter, I am sure you will be proud of the many achievements and opportunities that continue to shape our College community. From academic progress and sporting achievements to the outstanding creativity demonstrated through our College production, there is much to celebrate.
These experiences are an important part of life at South Oakleigh College. They provide our students with opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and independence, while strengthening the connections between our students, staff, families and the wider community. Most importantly, they reflect the breadth of opportunities available to our students and the commitment of our staff to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Celebrating the Success of The Wizard of Oz
This year's production of The Wizard of Oz was a wonderful celebration of the talent, creativity and dedication that exists within our Performing Arts program.
The quality of the performances was exceptional and was warmly received by audiences across each of the performances. More importantly, the production demonstrated far more than our students' ability to perform on stage. It showcased the teamwork, discipline, commitment, resilience and perseverance required to bring such an ambitious production to life.
A production of this scale is only possible through the collective efforts of many people. Our professional production team worked tirelessly alongside students, staff, families and members of our broader community to create an experience that our students will remember for many years to come.
I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank our extraordinary Production Team for their vision, expertise, energy and unwavering commitment to our students.
In particular, our heartfelt thanks go to:
- Philip Clarke — Producer
- Adam Platenkamp — Director
- Kerryn Hoernel— Choreographer
- Sara Neep — Music Director
Their ability to inspire, guide and nurture our students ensured that everyone involved had an opportunity to make a valued contribution, both on and off the stage.
The success of The Wizard of Oz is a wonderful reflection of the collaborative spirit that exists within South Oakleigh College. To every student, staff member, family and community member who contributed in any way — thank you. Your collective effort made this production possible and, most importantly, made it such a memorable experience for our students.
Student Learning Conferences
Our Student Learning Conferences were held on Thursday, 13 August and provided an important opportunity for students, parents and teachers to come together to discuss learning progress, achievements, goals and areas for further development.
These conversations are an important part of our approach to learning. We believe students should take an active role in their education and develop an understanding of both their achievements and the areas in which they can continue to grow.
I thank all families who took the time to attend and engage in these conversations with our staff and students.
For families who were unable to attend, I encourage you to make contact with your child's teachers as we commence Term 4. With end-of-year examinations and assessments approaching, these conversations can provide valuable guidance about areas of focus and strategies to support your child's continued progress.
Supporting Our Year 12 Students
I would also like to acknowledge our Year 12 students as they approach an important and significant period in their secondary education.
With the VCE examinations ahead, the upcoming term break provides an opportunity for our students to consolidate their learning, review key concepts and prepare themselves for the final stage of their Year 12 journey.
I encourage our students to approach this period with purpose and balance. Developing a structured study plan, revisiting coursework, completing past examination papers and seeking assistance from teachers when required can all contribute to effective preparation.
At the same time, it is important that students look after themselves. Regular breaks, adequate rest, exercise and time with family and friends are all important components of maintaining wellbeing during a demanding period.
To our Year 12 students, I want to acknowledge the hard work, commitment and resilience you have demonstrated throughout the year. You have already achieved a great deal, and I encourage you to approach the coming weeks with confidence, determination and a belief in your own capacity.
On behalf of the South Oakleigh College community, I wish each of you every success as you prepare for your final examinations.
A Thank You to South Oakleigh College
It is always particularly rewarding when the work of our students and staff extends beyond the College and makes a meaningful contribution to the wider community.
Recently, we received a wonderful message of appreciation from Colin Dobson, Principal of Monash Children's Hospital School and Chairperson of the HELP Alliance, recognising the ongoing relationship between our two schools.
For more than a decade, South Oakleigh College has maintained a strong and valued partnership with Monash Children's Hospital School and the HELP Alliance. This relationship reflects our shared belief in the importance of education, connection and providing opportunities for young people to make a positive difference.
Colin and Sandra recently attended our production of The Wizard of Oz and generously acknowledged the efforts of our performers, musicians, students, teachers, staff and everyone who contributed behind the scenes.
Just days later, a group of our students had the opportunity to perform at the HELP Alliance International Conference, helping to open an international conference focused on education and health.
Mia, Alex, Paniz, Mali and Evie represented South Oakleigh College with great pride, delivering outstanding performances and contributing to the opening of the conference. They were accompanied and supported by Mr. Aidan Prewett.
The feedback from conference delegates was extremely positive, with many commenting on the significance of having young people contribute to the opening of an international education and health conference.
I would like to congratulate Mia, Alex, Paniz, Mali and Evie for the manner in which they represented our College, and thank Aidan for his support.
Our partnership with Monash Children's Hospital School and the HELP Alliance is one that we value greatly. Over more than ten years, it has developed into a genuine partnership built on shared values, generosity, trust and a belief in the difference education and young people can make in the lives of others.
It is partnerships such as these that remind us that a school community extends well beyond the College gates.
Thank you to SOC
“Dear South Oakleigh College Community,
I wanted to take a moment to express my genuine and heartfelt thanks for the wonderful support South Oakleigh College continues to provide to Monash Children’s Hospital School and the HELP Alliance.
Over the past two weeks, I have once again had the opportunity to experience the strength and warmth of the relationship between our two schools.
Sandra and I had the absolute pleasure of attending the College’s production of The Wizard of Oz, and what a wonderful evening it was! We would like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this very special performance to life, the performers, musicians, students, teachers and staff, as well as everyone working behind the scenes and in the front and back of house. It was an evening filled with joy, energy and delight, and a wonderful reflection of the talent, commitment and spirit of the South Oakleigh community.
Then, just days later, South Oakleigh College played such an important part in the HELP Alliance International Conference.
To have students from South Oakleigh College open our international conference was truly wonderful. Mia, Alex, Paniz, Mali and Evie gave outstanding performances, and their contribution helped set the tone for what became two fabulous days of connection, learning and celebration. The feedback from conference delegates was overwhelmingly positive. Many commented on how special it was to have young people help open an international education and health conference in such a meaningful way.
Please pass on our sincere thanks to Mia, Alex, Paniz, Mali and Evie for sharing their talents with us, and to Aidan Prewett for supporting and accompanying them. We were incredibly proud to have them represent South Oakleigh College and be part of the HELP Alliance Conference.
For more than 10 years, our two schools have continued to support, encourage and learn from one another. This is more than simply a professional relationship. It is a genuine partnership built on shared values, generosity, trust and a belief in the difference that education and young people can make in the lives of others.
It is a partnership that has been sustained over a decade and continues to grow from strength to strength. So ……. to the students, staff, families and the broader South Oakleigh College community -
Thank you!
Colin Dobson
PrincipalMonash Children’s Hospital School
Chairperson
HELP Alliance
I would like to conclude by thanking our students, staff, families and broader community for everything you have contributed throughout Term 3. The achievements highlighted in this newsletter are a reflection of the collective effort of our entire College community.
I hope all members of our South Oakleigh College community enjoy a safe, restful and well-deserved term break. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for what will be an important and exciting Term 4.
Helen Koziaris
College Principal