Year Level Leaders Report

Year 7 Leader Report 

I would like to congratulate our Year 7 students for completing their first semester of secondary school: a significant (and exhausting) achievement! During the past term the Year 7s have juggled multiple Common Assessment Task due dates, participated in student-led conferences, competed in inter-school sports and our annual Cross Country event, sat their very first set of exams, showed off their mathematic skills during Pi Day, transitioned to new specialist subjects and met new teachers – all the while developing their social and personal strengths. We in the Junior Student Services team are extremely proud of their growth and adaptability, as I'm sure you are too. 

We look forward to seeing everyone return after a well-deserved break, ready to take on the next adventures and opportunities that come their way. Coming up in Term 3 we have excursions, House Athletics Day, the School Production, and many more engaging enrichment activities to look forward to. Our regular lunchtime clubs will continue, and all Year 7s are encouraged to try out something new and get involved in the greater school community. 

Thank you to the parents, carers and teachers who have supported our 2023 Year 7 cohort throughout their transition to secondary school, I know the students certainly appreciate your encouragement. 

Have a fun and safe break, 

Kerryn Hoernel

Year Level Leader: 7

Year 8 Leader Report

The year 8s completed a successful term and semester. They participated in a number of sports and represented the school to a good standard. They also completed their exams and all tried their best to improve through the course of the semester. 

It is now a great time to reflect on reports and exam results to see where all the year 8s can improve for their future learning. Well done to all year 8s, enjoy your break and come back rested and relaxed for a new semester of different challenges.

Zane Fernandes

Year Level Leader: 8

Year 10  Leader Report

As we approach the end of the Term 2, our current Year 10 students have just begun Semester 1 and are well underway to gaining an appreciation of the work that will be required during Term 3. 

Our current Year 10 cohort is preparing for a very busy Semester 2 2023, as it will prepare them for their future pathways. Year 10 students will have meetings with Middle School Staff to discuss the pathway to VCE, VM and future external study opportunities. The step up to the VCE level, is significant and therefore it is vitally important that Year 10 students begin to use their time effectively, during the holiday breaks, to complete the work set by teachers, and refer to their subject resources. 

In the final few weeks Of Term 2, Year 10 students have completed their exams. This was a great opportunity to experience exam-style pressure and encouraged students to use these opportunities to 'train' for the VCE exams that will take place in future years.

During the school break, all the students will receive their reports for Semester 1 2023. This is an opportunity to encourage your son/daughter to complete the teacher's set tasks, in preparation for next term. The benefits of reading and completing holiday homework are significant, and it is never too late to find a book or a task that is of interest. Encourage your daughter/son to read every day and model the behaviour. Have books in your home, go to the local library together, speak to knowledgeable librarians about what type of book might be of interest to your son/daughter and utilise the school's wonderful resources, which are superbly stocked with a great range of fiction and non-fiction material. Also, remember Year 10 students need to set a goal and focus on the area where they need more growth and development. Tutoring support in Mathematics or attending study workshops may be of benefit during the holidays.

One of the aspirations of our school is to create "A diverse, cohesive and respectful community". During Term 2, students and staff have participated in activities such as the IDAHOBIT Day, and Reconciliation Week, and were involved in Elevate Education Study Skills and Career Workshops. 

There has also been an increasing number of students volunteering their time to support the College Clubs. Such activities will allow students to share their expertise beyond the formal curriculum and develop their unique qualities. As I reflect on the daily activity of teaching and learning, visible in the formal learning and informal study spaces, I observe the care South Oakleigh staff show to students. Both in tutorials and during availability time, it is clear the foundations are there for students to achieve their personal bests. I hope this holiday period provides the time and space for students to recharge and return to the second semester as positively as possible.

I would like to take this moment to acknowledge all our Year 10 staff for their commitment and tremendous effort, they have invested, understanding, and learning during this semester. The benefits of these professional interactions flow through to our students allowing them to become better learners. I would like to thank our Middle School Services Team for all their hard work during Semester 1. Our Director of Students Travis Knox, Blake Cochrane and Phyllis Dimakakos have been actively communicating with students, parents and teachers. 

Finally, I also would like to take this opportunity to remind all parents to take the time to thank our staff for their work and acknowledge the difficult task that they do every day. This year has been a very challenging year for all our Year 10 students, staff and as we approach the last week of the school semester, remind our families of our school values of Respect, Responsibility, High Expectations, Resilience and Teamwork. These are our college values and pertain to all members of our community, our students, staff, and parents. 

The behaviours expected and linked to these values have been provided in the school planner. I ask that you take the time to discuss these values with your son/daughter. We look forward to continuing to work as partners in raising well-rounded students, who are respectful, think critically, show initiative, and take responsibility for their learning and actions.

Anestis Ioannidis

Year Level Leader: 10