Leading Teachers Report 

Junior School Report

To the South Oakleigh College community, welcome to Term 4. 

To say it is a busy time of year for our teachers and students would be an understatement. All classes are completing important assessment tasks and preparing for the upcoming end-of-semester exams, where Junior School students will complete exams in English, Maths, Science and Humanities. One of our key messages to our students is the importance of strong organisational skills. At this time of year, those skills are the keys to success. 

All students should be taking their planners to class and recording the tasks to be completed at home. The exam timetable has been released to all students so everyone ought to be aware of the dates of their exams. Students in Years 7 and 8 should be completing 45 minutes to an hour of homework each night, which includes compiling revision notes for their subjects. We don’t want this to be an overly stressful time for our students but rather a time to practice their skills for what is to come later in their secondary schooling. The importance of sleeping and eating well during these times can help to keep us mentally alert during the exam period.

We held a Junior School assembly in the first week of this term and it was great to celebrate student achievement. Many HRRRT point certificates were presented to students who had displayed our College values throughout the year. 

Students who had successfully completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge were also presented with their certificates. Congratulations to all of these students.

George Tzimourtas 

Director of Students: Junior School

Middle School Report

We find ourselves in the middle of Term 4, 

It’s been a busy term so far! 

Our year 9s have just returned from an eventful city experience. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all of our year 9 students who demonstrated an exceptional standard of our school HRRRT values out in the community over the three days. Speaking with students afterwards, it was clear they thoroughly enjoyed their time in the city. Thank you to our Middle School Year Level leaders – Mr Cochrane and Mrs Dimakakos for their work in preparing for the experience and for all the teachers that came along to make sure it was a special one for our students. 

Our year 10s have also been busy. Students have been out to the Zoo and undertaken an Elevate Education study session to develop their learning goals. But perhaps most notably, many of our café catering students began the term by undertaking formal training as a barista. They perfected their coffee art, learnt the difference between a long black and a latte, and how to tamp their grind with the right amount of pressure to produce a smooth crema. It certainly was a fun and exciting day for all involved. Well done to Mrs Tilbey for her work in organizing the barista course for our students. 

But the year is quickly drawing to a close for our middle school students. Our year 9’s are about to become year 10s, and our year 10’s are about to take the next step in their academic journey (VCE, VCE-VM, TAFE, employment). But before that milestone, it’s time to finalise any outstanding Learning Tasks and gear up for the upcoming exam period, beginning on Friday 10th of November. 

We understand that students can find this period particularly stressful, but with the right approach and preparation, they can excel academically and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Focus on time management by creating a study schedule. Allocate specific time slots after school and on the weekend, ensuring that they have breaks in between. This will help keep students focused and balance time for other things. 

Work as a team with your peers. Consider forming or joining study groups. Instead of passively reading notes, discussing and explaining concepts to others can solidify your understanding and you can learn from each other’s perspectives. Remember, we offer students extra support as part of our Homework help program and encourage all students to attend to seek assistance from their teachers in these sessions. 

Set clear achievable goals. By having specific targets, it can motivate you to study effectively. Ask yourself: What do you want to achieve? What will you do to get there? Are you prepared to put the hard work in to achieve it? 

Although academic excellence is important, it is equally crucial to find balance in your life. Here are some ways to achieve this:

• Regular Exercise: Physical activity is an excellent stress reliever. Whether it's a jog, yoga, or a team sport, make time for exercise to recharge your mind and body.
• Healthy Eating and Sleep: A balanced diet and proper sleep are essential for your overall well-being and academic performance. Aim for 9 hours of sleep each night and eat nutritious meals.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques can help you manage stress. Find what works best for you, whether it's meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking short breaks to clear your mind.
• Limit Screen Time: While technology is a valuable tool for learning, it's essential to set boundaries on screen time for social media and entertainment. Excessive screen time can lead to burnout and negatively affect your sleep.

We remind students that it's vital to find a balance between academic pursuits and fulfilling a productive personal life. Set high expectations for yourself, and work hard to achieve them. 

However, if they feel overwhelmed or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated teachers and support staff. We believe in the potential of all of our students and are here to assist them. We wish all of our year 9 and 10 students the very best as they prepare for their exams. With hard work, determination and a well-rounded approach, you can achieve your goals. 

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

As we bid farewell to our Year 12 students and eagerly welcome the incoming 2024 Year 12s, it's a time of both reflection and anticipation. These students are at the crossroads of their educational journeys, and we want to take a moment to celebrate their achievements and inspire them for the future. 

Year 12 Students: A Remarkable Journey 

For our Year 12 students, this moment marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and growth. As they embark on their final exams, we want to congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them the best of luck in their endeavours. Their journey through secondary school has been a remarkable one, and they've demonstrated resilience, creativity, and the ability to overcome challenges. 

In the upcoming weeks, our Year 12 students will face their exams with determination and courage. It's a significant step towards their dreams and aspirations. We encourage them to stay focused, stay positive, and give it their all.  

Words of Wisdom from Year 12s 

As they take this important step, Year 12 students have shared their words of wisdom for the incoming Year 11s. They reflect on their experiences and offer insights into how to make the most of their time in secondary school. These pieces of advice are not only practical but also heartfelt, coming from students who've been in their shoes not too long ago.  

“Read your novels early. It's not fun to cram them”  

“Always ask if you can get special provisions, they really help”  

“While the Pomodoro technique is one constantly spouted by teachers, there is no one way to study. Seek out as many techniques as you can and find which one fits you best. In addition, find backups in case one trick stops working.”  

“If you don’t understand something ask for help!”  

“for exam time try to give your teachers practice exams, especially for subjects like English so you can seek feedback. just try your best”  

“When your studying try to put your phone away for a long period of time so you can get your mind into a deep study”  

“Remember to leave a bit of time for yourself as well, taking care of yourself through hobbies or relaxing is a part of a successful VCE career” 

Welcome to Our Future Year 12s 

In the spirit of welcoming a new academic year, we introduce our Year 11 students, who are now stepping into the role of Year 12s. These students bring with them unique talents, aspirations, and dreams. We look forward to watching them grow, learn, and take on leadership roles within our school community. 

Reflecting on the Journey 

This transition is a moment for reflection. Year 12 students can look back on their time at our school with a sense of pride in their accomplishments. They have not only gained knowledge but also formed lasting friendships and valuable memories. Year 11 students can contemplate the exciting year ahead, full of opportunities for learning and personal growth. 

Grace Terdich

Director of Students: Senior School