Principal's Report
Beginning Of Term 2 :
Principal's Report
As we move into Term 2, I would like to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the many achievements and moments that have brought our community together. It has been a time filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, from academic challenges to sporting competitions, performances, excursions, and co-curricular activities at all levels. It is also a time for our students to reflect on the goals set earlier in the year and refine these, whether it’s improving study habits, getting more involved in school life, or building stronger relationships, now is a great time to reset and refocus.
Our staff are here to support every student on their journey, and we encourage open communication and a growth mindset in everything we do. We appreciate Term 1 was a very busy time for us all but one of the most pleasing highlights has been the strong engagement of our students, reflected in our outstanding attendance rates and positive learning behaviours. Regular attendance is fundamental not only to academic success, but also to student wellbeing, connection, and a sense of belonging. Thank you to our students and families for prioritising attendance and supporting a positive learning culture across the college. This term has seen a great start of the term with College Assemblies conducted at the beginning of the term at each level – celebrating last terms success but also focusing on respect of self, of others, of our community of our working environment and space and those we work with.
This was further highlighted during:
CAD Walkathon
Thank you to all members of our community who supported our the Monash Children’s Hospital School - a great event once again!
ANZAC Day
Assembly and Wreath Laying -On 24 April, our College Captains led a whole school assembly to commemorate ANZAC Day, attended by all students and staff.
On 25 April, our College Captains laid a wreath on behalf of the college community at the memorial in Oakleigh, accompanied by Mr. Tzimourtas.
The ANZAC School Service
The ANZAC service at the College was a student led initiative with Order of Service, Welcome to Country read by our College Captains.
Significant pieces of Australian historical literature were shared to reflect our significance to ANZAC history.
"Flanders Field" was read by Abigail Raymer, "ANZAC Day" read by Aryan Bhasin, "The Farmer in the Somme" read by Jack Wright, "Ode" read by River Zielenski and the Last post performed by Alex Robertson.
National Anthem of NZ played Australian Anthem sung by College Choir led by Ms. Sara Neep.
Dr. Mathew Lay - Ex-reservist explaining the significance of rosemary as worn on ANZAC Day.
More than 50,000 Australians served in the Gallipoli Campaign, and more than 8,700 of them lost their lives. After Gallipoli, many of the original Anzacs served in European the Western Front, and some served again in World War II.Over 50,000 Australians participated in the Gallipoli Campaign, and more than 8,700 of them lost their lives. Following the Gallipoli Campaign, many of the original Anzacs fought on the Western Front in Europe, and some also served again during World War II.
Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula. Its native distribution is in the Mediterranean region, Portugal and Spain. During World War I, a hospital in Daw Park, South Australia, was operating as Keswick Military Hospital. In the 1980s, a gardener at the hospital recalled the history of the rosemary on the grounds. The gardener told David Lawry OAM that a wounded soldier repatriated to South Australia in 1915 brought with him a cutting of rosemary from Gallipoli. The sprig was planted and later propagated. Cuttings from the hospital gardens were sent to nurseries throughout Australia to support Avenues of Honour.
Working together to a better community at South Oakleigh College, diversity is one of our greatest strengths, underpinning a community-grounded in respect, inclusion and belonging. We are proud to have students from over 53 different cultural and language backgrounds and are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where racism is not tolerated. Racism harms students’ mental health, learning, and sense of belonging. We celebrate the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and faiths of all our students, and it is the responsibility of us all to ensure our school remains a place where everyone feels respected and can learn in a safe and inclusive environment. Our Inclusion and Diversity Policy can be accessed here: https://www.sosc.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Inclusion-and-Diversity-Policy.pdf
This was highlighted during Harmony Week where we celebrated our diversity, recognising that while there is diversity in some of our practices as a community our celebrations and customs provide opportunities to share common themes of reflection, renewal, and connection.
Thank you to all students who shared their culture with our school community through dress food and dance last week. We also acknowledge that there are distressing events occurring in the world that may impact members of our community. During times like this, children may hear or see upsetting information through conversations, news coverage, or social media, and may need additional support to process what they are experiencing. As a school, we are here to support our students and families. Below are two helpful resources that offer guidance on how to talk with children about distressing news events in an age-appropriate and reassuring way: Royal Children’s Hospital – Discussing distressing news events with children https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Discussing_distressing_news_events_with_children/• Black Dog Institute – Traumatic events in the media and your children https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/traumatic-events-in-the-media-and-your-children/
Working together we can make this a better place for us all. I look forward to a Term 2 providing more highlights as we celebrate our students in all areas of their work and learning.
Helen Koziaris
College Principal