Leading Teachers Report 

End Of Term 3:

Junior School Report

Term 3 has been an inspiring one for our Junior School, filled with achievements, growth, and plenty of moments to celebrate.

A special thank you goes to our Year Level Leaders, Mr Grant Bowman (Year 7) and Ms Debbie Walters (Year 8). Mr Bowman has played a vital role in guiding our newest students as they continue adjusting to secondary school life, always taking the time to build strong relationships with both students and families. Ms Walters has supported the Year 8s with warmth and consistency, especially during the subject selection process, where her care and guidance helped students feel confident about the choices shaping their future learning pathways.

We are also grateful for the tireless work of our mentor teachers, who provide daily care, encouragement, and guidance for our students, and our subject teachers, who continue to inspire curiosity and achievement in the classroom. Together, their dedication ensures every student feels supported both academically and personally.

One highlight for Year 7 this term was the Peer Support program, where students connected with their Year 10 mentors. This program gave them a valuable opportunity to build friendships, develop resilience, and feel encouraged by older peers who remember what it was like to be in their shoes.

Both year levels also celebrated their achievements in assemblies that recognised the outstanding number of HRRRT certificates awarded. Watching so many students proudly cross the stage to be acknowledged for their positive choices and commitment to our school values was a real highlight — and a credit to the culture of respect, responsibility, and teamwork our staff and students create together.

Wellfest Week was another standout, with students and staff focusing on wellbeing and gratitude. It was moving to see the impact of students writing personal notes of thanks to peers and teachers — small acts of kindness that created a ripple effect of positivity across the College.

The talents of our Year 7 and 8 students shone brightly in the school production of Beauty and the Beast. I was immensely proud of how many junior students were not only on stage but also contributing behind the scenes in technical crews, makeup, and set design. Their teamwork and creativity helped bring a magical production to life.

Beyond the arts, our students excelled in many other areas. They represented the College with determination at the Monash Athletics Carnival, some stretched themselves academically through ICAS testing, and many proudly wore the South Oakleigh colours in interschool sport. Our Learning Conferences were another valuable moment, strengthening the partnership between families and teachers to ensure every student feels supported to thrive.

Looking ahead to Term 4, our focus will be on consolidating learning and finishing the year strongly. Year 7 students will reflect on their first year of secondary school, while Year 8 students prepare to transition into the Middle Years with confidence. Importantly, both year levels will revisit and reflect on their SMART goals — identifying the progress they have made, celebrating their growth, and setting clear intentions for the year ahead. These reflections will not only help students see how far they have come but also give them direction for continued success.

On behalf of the Junior School team, I would like to sincerely thank our students, families, principal class, teachers, education support staff and the wider South Oakleigh College community for making Term 3 such a rich and rewarding one. I am proud of all that we have achieved together and look forward to an exciting Term 4.

Stephanie Heppel

Director of Students:  Junior School

Middle School Report

End of Term 3 - Middle School Newsletter – Director of Students, Travis Knox

As we approach the end of Term 3, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our Year 9 and 10 students and to look ahead to the opportunities that await in Term 4. 

Earlier this term, students took part in Elevate Education study skills sessions, gaining valuable strategies to strengthen their learning, organisation, and exam preparation. I encourage all students to begin applying these skills as they prepare for their end-of-year exams. With exams scheduled to begin in Week 6 of next term, starting revision early will help reduce stress and improve outcomes. Some helpful strategies include creating a study timetable, breaking study sessions into manageable chunks, reviewing class notes and summarising key concepts, practising past papers and sample questions, and seeking support from teachers if any content is unclear.

This term I was fortunate to attend several events alongside our student leaders. This included accompanying them to Parliament House for a commemoration of Sir John Monash, where our students engaged with local, state and federal politicians about Monash’s remarkable contributions to modern society. I also had the pleasure of joining a group of our students at the Youth Leadership Forum at the Westall Community Hub. This event gave young people a platform to share their thoughts on how best to support and strengthen youth engagement within our local community. It was inspiring to hear our students contribute their ideas with such passion, professionalism and enthusiasm, proudly representing South Oakleigh College.

As we move into Term 4, I would like to remind Year 10 students about the importance of their SOC Score. These reports, which students should have brought home and discussed with their parents, are designed to foster a growth mindset by helping students identify areas for improvement and set meaningful goals for the remainder of the year. Updated reports will be distributed in the first week of Term 4, and I encourage students to focus on their targeted areas for growth.

For our Year 9 students, the upcoming City Experience will provide an exciting opportunity to develop teamwork, resilience and independence while learning in the city. This action-packed three-day program is always a highlight of the school year, and further information will be shared early in Term 4.

I am incredibly proud of the way our Year 9 and 10 students have grown this term—as learners, leaders and members of our community. I look forward to seeing them build on this success and finish the year strongly in Term 4.

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

As Term 3 comes to a close, it is timely to reflect on what has been an incredibly busy and rewarding term for our senior school students. Both our Year 11 and Year 12 cohorts have been involved in significant events and milestones, with plenty still to look forward to as the year progresses.

Year 11 Formal

The Year 11 Formal will be held at the end of this term. Our dedicated formal committee has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure this will be a memorable evening for all Year 11 students a chance to celebrate their achievements together in style.

Year 12 Valedictory Evening

Next term, we look forward to celebrating the Year 12 Valedictory Evening, a special occasion to commemorate the efforts and successes of our graduating Class of 2025. As our Year 12 students approach the final stage of their secondary schooling, we encourage them to continue working hard, looking after their wellbeing, and preparing for their external examinations with focus and determination.

Practice Exams

During the Term 3 holiday break, Year 12 and accelerated Year 11 students will participate in their Unit 3 & 4 practice exams. These assessments provide an important opportunity to consolidate knowledge, strengthen exam techniques, and receive vital feedback to guide final preparations for the end-of-year exams.

VCE VM Mock Interviews 

Our VCE VM students successfully concluded their mock interviews this term. Each student sat in front of a panel and responded to a range of interview questions, demonstrating their workplace readiness, communication skills, and their aspirations for future career pathways. This was an invaluable experience that will serve them well in their post-school journeys.

The senior team congratulate all of our senior students on their achievements throughout Term 3. Their resilience, dedication, and hard work have been evident in all areas of school life. A well-earned holiday break now awaits, and we look forward to seeing our students return refreshed and ready for the challenges of Term 4.

Jessica Ferguson

Director of Students: VCE and VCE VM