Senior School

SHARON FRAME

Head of Senior School

Student voice is an important part of life at Oakleigh Grammar. We encourage our students to put forward ideas, show initiative and discuss issues of concern. We are very blessed this year to have strong student leadership who actively role model what this looks like for all other members of the Student Community. Our School and Vice School Captains have been very proactive and have added their voice to a number of important discussions already. Their views are mature and highlight their passion and interests. In a world where politicians can overshadow presentations at community events with their own political agenda, it was a very proud moment last Thursday to be present at Federation Square, to see our School Captain, Angelica Athanasakis, speak on behalf of our School Community. We were there attending the Flag Raising Ceremony organised by the Association of Greek Language Schools in Victoria, to commemorate 200 years since the Greek revolution. Angelica was articulate and the only student to speak. I am both privileged and proud to work with our student leaders. Their voices are strong and deserve to be heard.

Happy Easter to those who will celebrate this weekend.

ANDREW PHILLIPS

Year 12 Coordinator

It has been a wonderful start to 2021, we hardly need reminding, however, that this time last year we had just closed the School and transitioned into remote learning. Thankfully 2021 has been much kinder to us and we’ve managed to experience a relatively normal Term One. Year 12 students have settled into Unit 3, and most have undertaken a number of school-based assessments. It is not unusual for Year 12 students to feel under pressure from all these assessments. Throughout the term, we have discussed in our mentor groups and pastoral sessions, positive strategies to deal with the workload and where to find support, both at School and externally. As we move into the first break of the year, Year 12 students are advised to take the opportunity to refresh, but at the same time, make sure that they remain engaged with their subjects over the next two weeks. A sustainable study regime is the secret to success, allowing students to come back, both refreshed and up to date with their holiday work. Some successful past students have found that spreading the work out over the break worked well, scheduling in break days, and sticking to a study timetable enabled them to balance work and rest. I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Easter break.

MANOJ PATEL

Year 10 & 11 Coordinator

As we conclude Term One, I wish to take the time to reflect on some of the pastoral sessions we have been running and the lessons taken away by our students. This term has gone by very quickly and it is clear to see that our Years 10 and 11 students have been challenged and are starting to see the importance of proper preparation. It was excellent to see great participation in the athletics carnival from our Year 10 cohort, some taking away many awards. 

Year 10

This term, we have focussed on building positive relationships within our student body as well as between the pastoral team and students. Camp was a great opportunity for the Year 10 team and myself to spend some quality time with the students and see them flourish in a natural environment. Throughout our pastoral sessions and through interactions, both inside and outside the classroom, it has been enjoyable getting to know our Year 10 cohort. It is pleasing to see the bonds that are forming between the pastoral staff and students. 

Personal Project has played a role in Term one’s Pastoral Program too. Students were allocated staff mentors to guide them through this journey and participated in workshops with Ms Melissa Fitzgerald, our MYP coordinator. These sessions were focused on how to prepare for Criteria A of their reports and how to create an action plan. 

Year 11

It has been exciting to watch the Year 11 cohort evolve in such a short period of time; new friendships blossoming, more understanding and a united cohort. The focus of Term One has been looking at relationships and conflict resolution to find an effective way to communicate when met with conflict. The theme of ‘I can. We will’ certainly has been resonating through our sessions, as we endeavour to bring the students closer together to form a tight-knit group in anticipation of their final year. 

Students and the Pastoral team had fun creating the artwork pictured, to represent that we are all part of this year level together. As individuals, we can only do so much, but together we can achieve even more. The artwork shows the connectedness between each of us and the fact that there is support all around us and people who are willing and wanting to help. We are all on a journey, perhaps to a different destination, however, our paths will intertwine at some point, why not make it a nice encounter. 

To our students, enjoy the two-week break, get some rest and come back rejuvenated for a busy Term Two. To our parents, thank you for your ongoing support, and to my teams, thank you again for all your hard work, energy and passion that you pour into our students. 

The Year 12 Corner

The Athletics Carnival was held on Tuesday, March 16, and the day started with a lot of enthusiasm and positivity. When we arrived at Duncan Mackinnon, we were greeted by all of the students and teachers dressed in their house colours. It was incredible to see everyone come together and support one another. Year 12 students spent the day taking pictures, engaging in activities, volunteering, and ensuring that everyone had a good time. It's bittersweet because this is our last athletics carnival, but it was a great way to get us away from the books and stress and get us together to create memories that will last a lifetime.