Leading Teachers Report 

End of Term 3 : 

Junior School Report

Term 3 has provided our Year 7 and 8 students with opportunities to learn, lead, compete, perform and connect well beyond their regular classroom experiences. From working with visiting organisations and representing the College, to welcoming primary school students and taking to the stage, our Junior School students have certainly made the most of the term.

Book Week brought reading and creativity to the forefront, with students getting involved in activities across the College and celebrating books, stories and imagination. This focus on connection and participation continued through Wellfest Week, where students took part in activities promoting wellbeing, positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

Students also had the opportunity to learn from experts beyond the College, with the NRL visiting South Oakleigh College and working directly with our Health and Physical Education classes. Students participated in practical activities and had the opportunity to develop their skills while learning through sport.

Our Year 7 students extended their learning through the two-day Monash Tech School Superhabitats program. Students worked collaboratively through hands-on challenges, applying science, technology and design thinking to real-world problems.

Leadership has been another strong feature of the term. Our Year 7 and 8 student leaders have been supporting the five-week Oakleigh South Primary School program each Thursday during Period 5. They have welcomed Grade 5 students to the College and assisted them as they rotate through different secondary school experiences. It has been fantastic to see our students grow in confidence as they take responsibility for helping our younger visitors feel welcome and connected to the College.

The performing arts have also been a highlight of Term 3. Many of our Junior School students were involved in the College production of The Wizard of Oz – Junior Edition, whether performing on stage or contributing behind the scenes. The production showcased the talent, confidence and commitment of our students and the enormous amount of work that goes into bringing a College production to life.

Our Spring Concert provided another opportunity for our young musicians and performers to showcase their skills. It was wonderful to see students confidently performing for an audience and sharing the results of the hard work and practice they have put in throughout the year.

Our Junior School students have also proudly represented the College through Tournament of Minds, challenging themselves to think creatively, problem-solve and work collaboratively. Their commitment, creativity and teamwork throughout the competition were fantastic to see.

Junior School Interschool Sport has provided another opportunity for our Year 7 and 8 students to represent the College across a range of sports. Students have demonstrated teamwork, resilience and College spirit while competing alongside their peers.

We will finish the term on a high with SOC’s Got Talent on the final day of Term 3. This is a great opportunity for students to come together, support their peers and celebrate the many talents within our College community. I am looking forward to seeing our Junior School students both performing and cheering on those brave enough to take the stage!

Across all of these experiences, it has been great to see our Year 7 and 8 students willing to have a go, get involved and contribute. Whether stepping into a leadership role, representing the College, performing on stage, supporting younger students, competing as part of a team or trying something new, these opportunities all contribute to a positive Junior School experience.

I wish all our Year 7 and 8 students and families a safe and enjoyable Term 3 break and look forward to seeing everyone back for Term 4.

Stephanie Heppel

Director of Students:  Junior School

Middle School Report

As Term 3 draws to a close, it is important to recognise and celebrate the many achievements of our students across the College. Throughout the term, students have continued to showcase their talents, commitment and enthusiasm across a wide range of areas.

The recent College production of *The Wizard of Oz* was a wonderful example of the creativity, teamwork and dedication of our students, both on stage and behind the scenes. We have also celebrated a range of sporting achievements, while students involved in our Model United Nations Club have demonstrated their confidence, critical thinking and ability to engage with important global issues. In addition, a number of students have been nominated for outstanding academic achievements and prestigious scholarships, reflecting the effort and high expectations they continue to set for themselves.

These achievements are an excellent reflection of our College values of **High Expectations, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Teamwork**. They also provide an important reminder that success can take many different forms. Whether it is on the stage, on the sporting field, in the classroom or through involvement in extracurricular opportunities, every student should be encouraged to identify their strengths, challenge themselves and continue building on their successes.

As we look towards Term 4, our attention also begins to turn to 2027. For some Year 10 students, this may mean preparing to undertake Unit 1 and 2 VCE subjects, while others will soon begin their transition into Year 11 through either the VCE or VCE Vocational Major pathway. Regardless of the pathway chosen, the habits and attitudes students develop now will play an important role in their future success.

I encourage all students to use Term 4 as a platform for the year ahead: set meaningful goals, seek feedback, take advantage of the opportunities available to you and continue to challenge yourself. The choices and effort made today can help create opportunities for success not only next year, but also as students move towards their chosen future study and career pathways.

Congratulations to all of our students on their achievements throughout Term 3, and I look

 forward to seeing what they accomplish next.

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

It has been another busy term in the Senior School, with plenty to celebrate and an important Term 4 ahead.

This term, two of our Unit 3 and 4 Business Management students attended the Monash Women’s Business Network Luncheon. Supported by Monash Council, the event celebrates successful women in business and provides opportunities for members of the local business community to learn and connect. It was a valuable opportunity for our students to hear from business leaders and extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Congratulations to all students who received a Bronze or Silver HRRRT Badge this term. It was fantastic to see so many Year 11 and 12 students recognised for their efforts and for consistently demonstrating our College values. Well done to everyone who received this recognition.

During the holidays, Unit 3 and 4 practice examinations will be held at the College from Monday 21 September to Thursday 24 September. These exams are an important opportunity for students to practise under exam conditions, identify areas for improvement and prepare for their VCAA external examinations. All Unit 3 and 4 students are strongly encouraged to attend and make a genuine effort in each exam. Please refer to my Compass communication for the full schedule and further details.

We are also looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 at the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner on Friday 23 October at Caulfield Racecourse. This will be a special evening for our students, families and staff as we recognise the conclusion of our Year 12 students’ secondary schooling. Ticket sales close on Wednesday 14 October.

With external examinations approaching, I encourage our Year 12 students to keep working consistently and to ask for support when they need it. The next few weeks can feel demanding, so it is also important to maintain a healthy balance. Make time for sleep, regular meals, movement and breaks alongside your study. Focus on what you can control, take one task at a time and remember how much work you have already completed to reach this point.

Thank you to our students, families and staff for their hard work and support throughout Term 3.

I hope everyone has a safe and restful break, and I look forward to seeing our students return ready for Term 4.

Jessica Ferguson

Director of Students: VCE and VCE VM