Middle School

SHARRON FRAME 

Head of Middle School

The first term of 2021 concludes this week. It only seems like yesterday we commenced the school year. Over the past couple of weeks, the students of Middle School have completed assessments, finished brilliant displays and had time to enjoy each other’s company. The opportunity to learn face-to-face has begun to establish good foundations for required skills, understanding and important working relationships with their teachers for the rest of the year. Their unique talents are beginning to emerge. They were certainly evident in room 111, where the delightful sounds of the Middle School Choir practising could be heard. In a few short weeks, Ms Desi Maramis has established a talented group of vocalists who are working towards a public performance in the near future.

The end of the term also sees the departure of a much-loved member of the Middle School Team, Mrs Margot Ruth. Both students and staff will miss her warmth and the genuine care she has shown each of us during her time at Oakleigh Grammar. Margot has provided sage wisdom, tissues and laughter to all who have entered her office. I extend my personal thanks to Margot for her support and secret stash of chocolate just for the Head of Middle School when she needed it. Her generosity and interest in each student as a person have made her a very special and beautiful person to work with each day. We wish her all the best in her new position. 

Happy Easter to all those celebrating Easter this weekend

MICHAEL PEGIOU

Year 8 and 9 Coordinator 

With the conclusion of the first term of 2021, it is evident our students in Middle School have made the most of the opportunities afforded to them. The buzz at the Athletics and Swimming carnivals was excellent, with our Middle School and Senior School House Captains working together to take charge of their houses. There was cheering, chanting and a greater competitive spirit from each house due to their hard work. Furthermore, our students continue to enjoy the extra-curricular activities during and after school, taking part in the board games club, gym on Thursday lunch and the League of Legends club after school Wednesday and Thursday. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Anna Lewis and Peter Akbiyik, who have provided our League of Legends Team with their own headsets. These will be very useful come competition time in Term Two!

 As part of the Pastoral Program our Year 8s have set up their SMART goals for the year. Many of them are excited for what the next term will bring, as they are currently preparing their arguments for the debating topics they have been provided. Personally, I am very much looking forward to seeing how each side will argue for the topic of 'Schools should run for 4 days a week.' As for our Year 9s, they have begun their journaling over the past few weeks, with many reflecting on their experiences from the Wilson’s Prom hike and the great memories they made through it. They are encouraged to continue making entries over the holidays and practice self-reflection through their journals, as such introspection helps develop critical thinking, mindfulness and greater knowledge of oneself. 

Finally, I would like to thank our students for their hard work this term and the positive energy they bring to the Middle School. I hope they, and the rest of our Community here at Oakleigh Grammar, have a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break with many great moments and memories to share upon their return in Term Two.

DEAN DAMATOPOULOS

Year 6 and 7 Coordinator

Term One has certainly been busy. The last few weeks of this term have been filled with various celebrations and events, which encapsulate life at Oakleigh Grammar. 

Our Pastoral Programs have been focused on journaling, reflecting on failures, solution-finding and managing our responses. We have also completed the Youth Resilient and Pulse Surveys, which provide us with important information about where our students are at, assisting us in addressing specific concerns. 

Our students have been involved in the National Day Against Bullying, in celebrations and commemorations marking 200 years since the beginning of Independence of the Hellenic Republic. This has been a significant celebration and has been part of many discussions in both LOTE and Orthodox Studies. Students have also had the opportunity to visit the unique and beautiful Evzones Exhibition in the Oakleigh Grammar Conference & Assembly Centre.

I wish to commend the students who have participated. In particular, I would like to commend our Year 6 Byzantine Choir, our Year 7 students who presented poems and, finally, Dimitra Ballis and Elena Logan who sang the National Anthems at the opening night of the Evzones Exhibition. They all moved those in the crowd. Furthermore, I wish to commend those students who have been involved in the Mother Tongue club and for their work in preparing a special video. 

Students were also actively involved in our House Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. A highlight of the Swimming Carnival was our whole School Zorba Dance.

We also had the opportunity to attend church last week where our students lead the reading and chanting. Father George, in his message, emphasised the importance of respect for one’s self and others, ensuring that all act with kindness towards each other. 

I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the message that all students need to apply, the golden rule, ‘treat others the way you wish to be treated.’

For those, who celebrate Easter this weekend I wish you every blessing. May you have a restful break and I look forward to a productive Term Two.