Principal's News

Dear Parents

Often when we read about school culture in the news, it is framed in adverse terms – a culture of bullying or toxicity.  Perhaps this is because it is easier to identify culture when it is negatively impacting us like noticing a bad smell in the room.  But when things are working well, it can be harder to pin down. Often the idea of culture is mistakenly tied up with philosophy or values but school culture can’t be embroidered in Latin or Greek on a blazer pocket nor printed beneath the school logo. Values and mottos can ‘talk the talk’ but only through actions and behaviours can schools actually ‘walk the walk’. 

At Oakleigh Grammar, we do indeed ‘walk the walk’, and it would be accurate to say that our slogans and mottos are lived and promoted and are not just words on posters.  At Oakleigh Grammar our culture is strong and focussed on the notion of true community which is reflected in the alignment of both staff and student culture, which we should all be very proud of. 

A practical way that is important to me to build culture includes ensuring our Leadership Team and staff are visible and approachable to students, staff and parents. 

Class of 2024

I take this opportunity to wish all of our final year students every success with their external VCE Examinations.  I was delighted to obtain feedback of confidence from our students following the English Examination which took place on Tuesday.

The Graduation Dinner for the Class of 2024 was a night to remember and enjoyed by our graduates and their families as well as their teachers from over the years and Board Members. I am confident that our graduates are ready to embrace life after Oakleigh Grammar and know that their teachers, staff and families have prepared them well for the next chapter in their lives.

Driver Awareness

Following the tragic news of a car accident that resulted in a student fatality at Auburn South Primary School earlier this week, it is a reminder to all of us of the importance of responsible driver behaviour in the precinct of all schools.  As you are aware, Oakleigh Grammar is in a residential zone with parking challenges and it is incumbent on all of us to prioritise the safety of pedestrians, importantly our students particularly around drop off and pick up times where there is a high level of congestion. 

Every single one of us has a responsibility to ensure the safety of our students is not compromised and this recent tragedy should serve as a very sober reminder of the importance of driver responsibility. 

Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families, students and staff of Auburn South Primary School following this tragedy.

GLENDI

This weekend, promises to be a fun filled festival incorporating the themes of multi-culturalism on Saturday and Hellenic culture on Sunday.  The weekend will be filled with rides, food stalls, a range of entertainment including a special performance on Saturday evening between 6pm and 9pm from the renowned Greek singer Kostas Karafotis.

On Sunday at 12pm official proceedings will be held, commencing with a Parade of dignitaries being led by the Oakleigh Grammar Marching Band through Eaton Mall to Warrawee Park.  At 12.45pm a range of Oakleigh Grammar performances will be held including dance, poetry and songs from our ELC through to our Senior School students. 

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of our Board Chairman Mr Chris Damatopoulos for coordinating this year’s festivities. 

Staff News

I wish to provide early notification of staff who will be leaving us at the end of this year, some of whom have had an extensive contribution to our School.  Mr Nick Karakottas, Leader of the Arts and Drama Teacher; Mr Wayne Stagg, Head of Arrowsmith; Mrs Jane Tepper, Head of Admissions; Mr Nathan Neilson, Arrowsmith and Mathematics Teacher; Mrs Jacqui Grandy, English Leader; Ms Brooke Davies, ELC Teacher; Ms Sumitha Padmanathan, Mathematics Teacher; Ms Eimear Stokes, Science Leader; and Ms Georgia Tsrimbas, Learning Assistant.

We convey to all of our departing staff every best wish for the future.

Mark Robertson 

Principal

Oakleigh Grammar Draft School Term Dates 2025