Junior School Report

Dear South Oakleigh College Community

As Term 1 draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our Junior School students on a great start to the academic year. Our newest students, the Year 7s, have settled in tremendously well and are into the groove of secondary school. Last week, Year 7 students completed the NAPLAN series of tests and it was pleasing to see them all so engaged and working to achieve their personal best.

Our Year 8 students spent two days at Phillip Island earlier this month and by all reports had an amazing time. I have been fortunate enough to take a group of our Year 8 students to all of our local primary schools to speak to Grade 5 and 6 students this Term. Our students provided them with an insight into secondary school and all the wonderful things we do at South Oakleigh College. It is great to see our students always representing our College with pride. Our upcoming Walkathon will provide our community with another opportunity to exhibit our College values and raise money for the Monash Children’s Hospital.

Your child’s Progress Reports will now be available to view on Compass. It is always beneficial to sit down with your child and discuss their progress. Early in Term 2, we will be holding our Student Conferences. I encourage all parents and carers to book appointments with our teachers.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable break and look forward to seeing all of our students for the start of Term 2.

George Tzimourtas

Director of Students: Junior School

Middle School Report

Dear Middle School Community,

At South Oakleigh College we’re about living our HRRRT values – High Expectations, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Teamwork – aren’t just words on paper. They are the guiding principles that shape our school culture. When everyone embodies these values, it creates a positive environment where everyone thrives and feels supported. As a middle school we aim to exemplify these values across our school community.

When students, parents and teachers work together in a learning partnership (teamwork), it helps our students succeed academically and personally. I encourage students and parents to connect with your teachers if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress or wellbeing. Student – led conferences (coming up in Term 2) are a great way to discuss the academic progress of your child. It’s an opportunity to explore how we can best support our students. By working together in a collaborative partnership, we have the opportunity to build a foundation for lifelong success, inspire and challenge our students to exceed our High Expectations.

As term 1 comes to a close, I’d like to acknowledge the success of our middle school students who are having an excellent start to the year. Exams will occur towards the end of Term 2. Although exams can be a stressful event, if students begin their preparation now, they will develop the capability to achieve academically and maintain a health work-life balance. Focusing on time management and setting clear achievable goals, will help them work towards a successful Term 2.

Below are some other key important reminders:

Attendance

We all know that showing up is half the battle when it comes to learning. Every day counts and this is an easy way to show some responsibility for your learning and development! Missing school can set students back academically and socially, so let's make sure everyone is here and ready to learn.

Lateness also has a significant impact on the learning in the classroom. Not only do students miss vital instructional time which can affect their educational outcomes, late interruptions also affect other students in the classroom. Students should avoid being regularly late to class, as this affects your attendance.

I remind all of our middle school students that the attendance expectation is 90% across all classes. I remind parents that our school is here to help – if you are having attendance issues with your child, speak to your year level leader how we can support improved attendance.

Online behaviour

With technology being such a big part of our lives, it's important that we use it responsibly. Let's make sure our online actions reflect our values of respect and responsibility.

With students regularly using their devices to complete school-work, it is important to reinforce the importance of using technology in an acceptable manner. We expect our core values of respect and responsibility to be reflected in every aspect of our students’ lives, including the appropriate use of computers.

While at school, our internet connection is filtered to limit students’ ability to access inappropriate content. When connecting at home, the device internet access will be in line with the family’s home internet connection. There are many options available for routers with parental controls, while it may also be worth contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) - most of these may already offer parental controls for your service.

Mobile Phones and Airpods

Furthermore, our school’s phone policy is in accordance with DET regulations. Students who bring mobiles phones (and earphones) to school must have them switched off and securely stored in their lockers throughout the school day. Parents should not contact their children during the school day on their mobile phone. Instead, parents should contact the general office and the student will be able to speak with them via a school phone. Students who use their personal mobile phones/airpods inappropriately will have them confiscated in line with our policy and require parents to collect them at the end of the school day.

Uniform

Lastly, wearing our school uniform is a big part of showing our South Oakleigh College pride. Remember, it’s important to be in full uniform every day. In Term 2, students are expected to wear a tie with their academic uniform, as well as wearing their blazer to and from school. On the rare occasion a student is not in full school uniform, they will need a note signed by a parent/carer explaining a legitimate reason for being out of uniform, and a date confirming when the uniform issue will be resolved. This note needs to be signed by the relevant Year Level Leaders and a Uniform Pass will be issued.

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

Dear Community

This term has been very busy for VCE students. VCE students have started their SACs for their Units of study. Students need to keep checking the compass for scheduled SACs so that they are able to get organised for revising their SACs.

In case a student cannot attend a SAC, parents and students need to inform their respective teachers about it. Students are required to collect the absence form from the Senior school office and submit a Medical Certificate to get approval for SAC rescheduling.

The senior school team held an assembly on 25th March 2024 and celebrated VCE Year 12 student birthdays for the months of January , February and March. The team also celebrated the highest HRRRT point collectors while informing students of the Uniform Policy , Senior School SAC policies with recent amendments to the same, absence from SAC Policy and supports that are available. If you feel your child has missed any information you can look up the school website for the policies or contact one member of the senior school team.

Here is a link to go to if any student wants to learn about effective note-taking techniques:

https://www.connectionsacademy.com/support/resources/article/3-tips-effective-note-taking-methods/

All students are urged to use their Term Holidays effectively. Students should also find some time to relax, exercise and connect with friends and family.

Our community members can contact the senior school team by emailing the following members of the team.

Mrs Monga, Ms Ferguson and Ms Dimakakos

We wish all students and members of the community a happy and safe break.

Sulagna Monga

Director of Students: Senior School

Important Dates

Dates to Remember