Teaching & Learning
Year 9 Taiko Performance
On the first day of March, our Year 9 Japanese students were treated to an incursion on their final lesson of that week. Presented by the band Shin on their first-ever Australian tour, students were introduced to a variety of traditional Japanese instruments. This included taiko, a variety of Japanese drums, as well as the shakuhachi, a bamboo flute. At the end of their session, Year 9s had the opportunity to try to play a variety of these instruments.
Oakleigh Education Plan (OEP) Presentation
Japanese teachers at South Oakleigh College attended the Japanese Language Teachers of Victoria (JLTAV) Conference on the 15th and 16th of March. In the leadup to the Conference on a normally restful Saturday, Bonnie Tynan, our Head of Learning for Japanese, collaborated with teachers from Oakleigh South Primary School and Huntingdale Primary School on a presentation on the Oakleigh Education Plan (OEP).
The presentation, titled ‘Enhancing Japanese Language Education: A Collaborative Approach for Seamless Transitions from Primary to High School’ discussed the team effort involved in creating and improving the Year 7 Placement Test that students take at the start of their Japanese language journey in the secondary years, as well as its implications in catering for all students at various stages in their learning.
All presenters shared their knowledge and experiences from the past two years with the OEP and other Japanese teachers from all around Victoria and Australia, with the hopes of improving the standard of Japanese language education in the country.
Harmony Day
The Japanese faculty at South Oakleigh College celebrated Harmony Day with a lunchtime performance on 21st March.
The performances were a collaboration with the Greek team at our school and held in our recently established Agora space. Noa Koizumi, of the Year 7 Advanced Japanese class, performed a beautiful rendition of 千本桜 (Senbonzakura/One Thousand Cherry Blossoms) on the electronic piano after days of rehearsal in the Downstairs Foyer.
Dressed in a kimono, she represented her culture with pride and should be congratulated for demonstrating High Expectations during such a busy term.
Bonnie Tynan
Japanese Head of Learning
Senior Debating Team Clinches Undefeated Victory in Regional Competition
We are delighted to announce that South Oakleigh College's senior debating team has achieved an outstanding feat by remaining undefeated in the recent regional debating competition. Led by the exceptional talents of Ana Donnellon, Isavella Dimopoulos, and JJ Syer, our team has showcased remarkable skill, dedication, and teamwork throughout the competition.
The success of our senior debaters is not just a result of their abilities but also reflects the collaborative effort and support provided by their coaches and mentors. Special recognition goes to Sam Benson, Anna Alexopoulou, and Alexi Hildreth, whose guidance and expertise have played a crucial role in preparing our team for each debate.
In addition to our senior team's achievements, we are excited to share that our junior debaters are also making strides in their preparation for upcoming competitions. This year, the Year 9 debaters have taken on the role of coaching the junior team, fostering a culture of mentorship and skill development within our debating community.
As we celebrate these victories and milestones, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of our debating teams at South Oakleigh College. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey towards excellence in debating!
Nicholas Morlin
Debating Facilitator
An Evening with ABBA
The South Oakleigh College Music Department is proud to present An Evening with ABBA – a special concert event featuring South Oakleigh Students performing the music of ABBA, and featuring some very special guests.
Join us on Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30 pm for an amazing evening of classic hits, performed by our Concert Band, Choirs, Big Band, String Ensembles, Contemporary Ensembles and the VCE Music Performance Ensemble.
To close the show we’re also featuring S.O.S: Australia’s Premier ABBA Tribute Show. These four professional performers will take to the stage with our students and will present a Q&A with the students beforehand – speaking about their career path within the music industry.
Tickets will be available from Week 1 of Term 2. We can’t wait to see you there!
Aidan Prewett
Music Coordinator
Greek Australian Commemorative Service
This service honours the enduring relationship that has existed between Australia and Greece since they first fought alongside one another in the First World War. During the Second World War, many Australians served in the Greek campaign, fighting to defend Greece from the Axis invasion. Since the start of the 20th century, there has been a long and proud tradition of Greek Australians serving in the Australian Defence Force.
On Sunday 24th March South Oakleigh College was invited by the Victorian Council for Greek National Day in conjunction with the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne to lay a wreath at the Eternal Flame, Shrine of Remembrance to honour all these heroes. Our VCE students who are studying the Greek language and culture with respect and pride, honoured the service and sacrifice of Greek and Australian servicemen and women.
Celebrating Greek Independence Day
Greek Independence Day, or the Celebration of Greek Revolution, is celebrated in Greece, Cyprus, and the Greek diaspora annually on March 25. This public holiday honours the Greek Revolution of 1821, and the Feast of the Annunciation.
In 1821, the Greeks rose up against the Ottoman Empire which had occupied Greece for almost 400 years, leading to the war of independence.
Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at the monastery of Agia Lavras, inciting the Peloponnese to rise against the oppressors.
After nine long years of war, Greece was finally recognised as an independent state under the London Protocol of February 1830. In 1832, the final borders of the new state were established, and Prince Otto of Bavaria became the first king of Greece.
Congratulations to all our South Oakleigh College students who performed Greek dances with the support provided by the teacher Sofia Aggelidakis seconded to our school by the Hellenic Ministry of Education and enjoyed their day!
Ζήτω η 25η Μαρτίου!
Happy Independence Day!
These are quotes of a Great hero Theodoros Kolokotronis said to his men before giving his life for Greece.
“I am a simple soldier, but I have always loved Greece and fought for her freedom.”
“The spirit of Greece cannot be extinguished; it will always rise up against oppressors.”
“Long live Greek liberty! Let us fight for our independence until our last breath.”
Celebrating Harmony Day
Harmony week is all about celebrating the amazing cultures that make up our country. Our cultural diversity is a great strength and brings with it a whole host of traditions, religions, languages and of course, food!
Students in our school came together and enjoyed dancing and singing, showing their cultural diversity.
Dimitra Maniatis
LOTE Greek Coordinator