Junior and Middle and Senior Level Leaders Report
End of Term 3 :
Year 7 and 8 Leader Report
Year 7
Dear parents and carers,
As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to congratulate our Year 7 students on the way they have continued to grow as learners and members of the South Oakleigh College community.
Our most recent Junior School assembly celebrated student voice, confidence and the many small choices that help our Junior School thrive. Thank you to families for the encouragement, routines and conversations at home that support this progress.
Assembly Highlights
During Capybara Confessions, students were reminded that everyone makes awkward or unexpected mistakes. What matters is learning from these experiences, making amends when necessary and moving forward positively.
Year 7 students also shared some of the misconceptions they once held about secondary school. Our Year 8 students responded by offering honest advice based on their own experiences in the Junior School.
The tie-tying championship brought plenty of energy and friendly competition as Year 7 students competed against Year 8 students and staff. We were very proud to see the Year 7 students win the competition!
Students Danny and Emma also delivered a short speech exploring what respect looks, sounds and feels like in the classroom, around the school and throughout the wider community. They represented the year level extremely well and gave students an important message to consider.
Our Shared Message
Small actions make a big difference.
Public Speaking Carnival
Tuesday 13 October11.10 am–1.10 pmTheatre
Students can earn house points through prepared speaking, debating and thinking on their feet.
The prepared speech requires students to deliver a three-minute presentation about a topic they care about. The debate involves teams of three presenting prepared speeches and competing for house points. During the impromptu speech, students will speak for one to two minutes about a surprise topic.
Students can put their name forward to Mr Gough, Ms Heppel, Mr Bowman or Mr Aylen.
Year 7 to Year 8 Transition
Our transition focus begins in Term 4. Students will build the independence and routines that Year 8 requires while continuing to ask for help when they need it.
Stomp Dance Aacademy
The Year 7 Stomp Dance Academy session will take place on Monday 23 November.
How Families Can Help
Families can support students by checking Compass regularly and discussing upcoming work and events. A consistent bedtime and calm morning routine will also help students arrive ready to learn.
Students should be encouraged to pack their own bags, charge their laptops and keep their lockers organised. Please contact the College early if learning, friendships or wellbeing become a concern.
Strong Habits For Term 4
As students prepare for Term 4 and the transition to Year 8, we are encouraging them to strengthen the everyday habits that support successful learning.
Students should follow instructions, speak respectfully and allow everyone to learn. They should arrive punctually with the correct equipment and a charged laptop. Lockers and surrounding areas should remain organised and free from rubbish.
Students should record their homework, check Compass and complete work by the required deadlines. A realistic study timetable can help them revise in manageable sessions. Technology should support learning, with social media, games and unrelated websites kept out of the classroom.
We also expect students to wear the complete College uniform correctly and take pride in representing our school. They should care for classrooms, corridors, locker bays and outdoor areas.
Healthy friendships remain especially important. Students should include others, communicate calmly and avoid rumours and unnecessary drama. When learning or wellbeing is affected, students should seek help from a trusted adult as early as possible.
Finish strongly. Support one another. Be the best version of you.
Grant Bowman – Year 7 Leader
Year 8
What a busy term it has been for our Year 8 students!
The highlight was undoubtedly the Curiosity Quest, a three-day program designed to challenge our students socially, physically and intellectually. Day 1 began with a visit from guest speaker Eric Agyeman, who spoke powerfully about what it means to be an upstander – someone who steps in and speaks up, rather than standing by. It was a thought-provoking session, and it was great to see students engaging so honestly with the ideas. Students then channelled that message into a collaborative artwork, which will become a permanent piece at South Oakleigh, a lasting reminder of what our students stand for.
Day 2 took us to Chadstone, where students worked through a series of challenges across mini golf, ten-pin bowling and the arcades. There was plenty of friendly competition, and just as importantly, plenty of teamwork.
Day 3 rounded out the Quest with a trip to Werribee Open Range Zoo, where students explored the safari and learned about conservation up close.
Alongside all of this, students have completed their subject selections for 2027 — an important step as they begin shaping their own learning pathway.
With just one term to go, our focus now turns to Term 4 and the second round of exams. Now is the perfect time to begin revising. We encourage students to review their notes regularly in short bursts rather than cramming at the end, and to speak with their teachers early about any topics they're unsure of.
A wonderful term of learning and growth — well done, Year 8!
Ashley Aylen – Year 8 Leader
Year 9 and 10 Leader Report
Year 9
Celebrating Year 9 Achievement
As we approach the end of another successful term at South Oakleigh Secondary College, I would like to commend our Year 9 students for their consistent effort and achievements, both in and beyond the classroom.
At our recent Year 9 assembly, we celebrated these achievements by recognising students who have demonstrated strong engagement, upheld the College’s values and made positive contributions to our school community.
The following students were awarded a Bronze HRRRT Badge for demonstrating the College’s HRRRT values in the classroom and receiving more than 50 positive HRRRT Chronicle entries:
· Jim Moschoyiannis
· Millie Mitchell
· Takaaki Bauer
· Eugenia Pavlovic
· Nate Leeson
· Chisa Kawasaki
· Suwon Kwak
· Rubymae Moroni
· Micah Brown
· Reuben Singh
The following students were awarded a Silver HRRRT Badge for their continued demonstration of the College’s values and for receiving more than 100 positive HRRRT Chronicle entries:
· Liyah Soju
· Semira Persi
Finally, congratulations to the following students, who were awarded a Bronze Connection Badge for participating in more than 30 College community events:
· Millie Mitchell
· Liyah Soju
· Ellie Papagianakis
Congratulations to all our award recipients. We look forward to recognising the achievements and contributions of many more Year 9 students in Term 4.
Bill Karakousis – Year 9 Leader
Year 10
As we come to the end of Term 3, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements, progress and opportunities our Year 10 cohort has experienced throughout the term.
Celebrating Academic Success
We would like to congratulate all Year 10 students who are currently being considered for a range of prestigious awards, scholarships and programs, including the Skyline Program, Norman A. Smith Scholarship and Monash Scholars Program.
To have so many of our students recognised and considered for these opportunities is an incredible reflection of the academic commitment, effort and potential within our Year 10 cohort. We wish all students involved the very best as they continue to progress and encourage them to take pride in the achievements that have led them to this point.
Work Experience
A big congratulations to all students who have successfully completed their Work Experience. This is an important opportunity for students to gain an insight into the world of work, explore potential career pathways and develop valuable skills outside of the classroom.
For students who are yet to complete their Work Experience requirements, we encourage you to use the Term 3 break as an opportunity to organise your placement and make the necessary arrangements. Please ensure you are communicating with the relevant staff and completing any required documentation.
VM Applications
We would also like to wish all students who are applying for Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major (VCE VM) the very best of luck with their applications.
This is an exciting step as students begin to consider their pathways for Year 11 and beyond. A reminder to all students applying for VM to ensure that their endorsement letters are submitted to the VM Coordinators as part of the application process. Please make sure this is completed within the required timeframe.
Looking Ahead to Term 4
Term 4 will be an important period for our Year 10 cohort as we begin to look towards the final stages of the year and prepare for the transition into Year 11 and beyond.
On behalf of the Middle School Team, we would like to wish all Year 10 students and their families a safe and enjoyable Term 3 break. Take the opportunity to rest, refresh and recharge after a busy term.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4 and encourage our Year 10 students to hit the ground running, start strongly and finish the year with pride.
Have a fantastic break, Year 10!
Peter Pizanias– Year 10 Leader
Year 11 and 12 Leader Report
Year 11
As we are approaching the end of a very busy term, we would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Year 11 students. In our recent Year 11 Assembly, we had the pleasure of presenting the HRRT Values Badge to a large number of students, who demonstrated our core values. Congratulations to all of you!
Alongside the end of the term, excitement is building for the upcoming, Year 11 Formal. The well deserved, fun event promises to be an unforgettable night of dressing up and creating lifelong memories with peers.
Please take time to recharge, and enjoy the upcoming break.
Sylvia Kotszyi – Year 11 Leader
Year 12
As we wrap up Term 3, I want to take a moment to acknowledge what a huge few months it's been. SACs, assessments, keeping up with content across multiple subjects — you've taken it all on, and I've been proud to watch you do it. Now is the time to shift focus. Term 4 is short, it moves fast, and it leads directly to exams. Here's what the next few weeks look like and how to make the most of them.
Practice Exams — Monday 21st to Thursday 24th September
Practice exams are on next week — the first week of the school holidays — and they are one of the most valuable things you will do between now and November. A few important reminders before you come in:
· You may wear casual clothes
· All your equipment must be in a clear bag
· Bring a clear drink bottle
· Phones are to be kept in your locker — not on you, not in your bag
· Arrive 15 minutes before each exam — no exceptions
Please take these logistics seriously. Part of what makes practice exams valuable is treating them like the real thing — and that starts before you even sit down.
The Rest of the Holidays
Rest is genuinely important — take time to switch off, see people, sleep in. But after practice exams are done, use some of the remaining break to keep momentum. Ask your subject teachers for additional practice material, keep building your summary notes for Unit 4, and come back to Term 4 with your head in the game.
Term 4 — What's Ahead
Term 4 moves quickly, so here's the overview:
· Week 1 — 6 to 10 October: Normal classes across the board. A fresh start to the term — use these classes well, stay on top of Unit 4 content, and keep the momentum from practice exams going.
· Week 2 — 12 to 16 October: Tuesday 13 October is dress-up day — come as your younger self or your future career aspirations. Thursday 15 October is shirt signing at recess and lunch. Friday 16 October is Celebration Day — Breakfast at 8:00am, Theatre at 8:45am, PE Games at 9:30am, and Luna Park from 10:30am. Enjoy every moment of it.
· Week 3 — 19 to 23 October: SWOTVAC. This is not a second holiday. Build a schedule, keep sitting practice exams, get them marked, and act on the feedback. Friday 23 October is the Valedictory Dinner — a night to celebrate everything you've achieved together as a cohort.
· Week 4 — 26 to 30 October: Monday is the final day of SWOTVAC.
Tuesday 27 October, VCE English and EAL exams begin. From there, exams continue. This is what everything has been building towards.
You are so close. The work you put in over these next few weeks will make a real difference — and next week's practice exams are the perfect place to start.
Andrea Carmody – Year 12 Leader