Student Voice
2024 College Student Leadership Team
We are excited to share with the College Community the 2024 Senior Student
Leadership Team:
2024 College Captains:
Greg Acciarito
Genna Windsor
2024 College Vice-Captains:
Harvey Hamilton
Kristina Andreev
2024 Student Representative Council Presidents:
Mackenzie Dickson
Ana Donnellon
2024 Acacia House Captains:
Tara Burton
Blake Bidmead-Graham
2024 Banksia House Captains:
Stacey Maskas
Amelia McQuienn
2024 Grevillea House Captains:
Ella Hayes
William D'Costa
2024 Waratah House Captains:
Victor Yongkang
Nathan Cohen
2024 Sports Prefects:
Daniel Vine
Akis Galanos
2024 Performing Art Prefects:
Fin Morgan
Claire Yeung
Maya Noyman
2024 Global Prefects:
Nathanie Hanadi
Junghoo Kim
Thank you to all candidates for their efforts throughout the process. We look forward to officially celebrating their appointment during our end-of-year Awards Ceremony and seeing our team work together next year to amplify student voice and agency across the College.
Andrew Leap
Student Leadership Facilitator
2024 College Captains Introduction
Dear South Oakleigh, I’m Greg, and together with Genna, we will lead our College in 2024! I am over the moon to have been elected your College Captain. Since Year 7, I have journeyed through several student leadership roles, including within the S.R.C. and being the 2023 Banksia House Captain.
I am very much looking forward to working with the student leadership team next year to deliver the best possible outcomes for our school community. I step into this role with great excitement and commitment to student voice and agency, and I pledged to you all that I will keep our flame going. Without a doubt, Genna and I will continue striving for future success at our college. I am looking forward to walking this journey alongside our staff and students, getting great insights, and creating a solid connection as a team. We will achieve our goals and overall vision, which you will create.
A fun fact about me is that I am very much into cars. Grab a coffee once you get me into the topic because I will be here all day! Particularly V8 powered cars, classics, the Ford Mustang GT (which I dream to have in my driveway someday!). I have always been open to chats with students and staff throughout the school day, which I greatly enjoy! If you have any questions or want to have a conversation, I am always around the school, so feel free. Alternatively, you can reach me through Teams chat. See you around!
Greg Acciarito
Your 2024 College Captain
Hello! I'm Genna, and I am overjoyed to be your College Captain for 2024. Coming from a long student leadership history and an extensive Student Representative Council background, including S.R.C. President last year, I am thrilled to be moving into College Captain with Greg. We look forward to strengthening the connections between the Senior Leadership Cabinet and S.R.C., as well as reforming and building on the roles and responsibilities of the prefect positions.
Most of all, we want to build connections with every student, learn about you and what you want from your time here, and, most importantly, how to support you in high school. I'm looking to be a professional triple threat when I grow up, so it's not a rare occurrence to see me in school productions, music concerts, or just pottering around in the art department. I am always open to meeting new people and making new connections, so whenever you see me around, I would love for you to say hi or have a chat.
Once again, I am so grateful to be elected as your School Captain, and if you ever have questions or want to chat, just know that I am always reachable to everyone.
Genna Windsor
Your 2024 College Captain
2024 College Vice-Captains Introduction
Hi, I’m Harvey, and I will be your College Vice-Captain for 2024. I am thrilled to be a part of the leadership team and can’t wait to see what the future holds for 2024. As your Vice-Captain, I will help build friendships between everyone at the school and ensure everyone follows the school values most respectfully. It has been a pleasure to watch the older year 11s and 12s in their leadership positions, and I only hope to be able to do what they have done in the past. I will always be a role model to those around me, be kind, and give all my attention to making the school a safer environment for all.
In my schooling years, I participated in the production every year and performed in concerts as a part of the VCE music band. If you see me around the school, please don’t be shy about coming up to me to say hi or ask me anything, as I will answer all your questions and always be open for a conversation. I wish to give everyone at SOC a massive thank you for voting me as your Vice-Captain, and I will not let you down.
Harvey Hamilton
Your 2024 College Vice-Captain
Hi, I’m Kristina, and I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of your College Vice-Captain for 2023. I’m excited to work with the other students in the leadership team and to build stronger bonds with each other. In my role, I will try to make our school a happier place to be in and to create a more welcoming environment within the school grounds for all students.
I’m easygoing and very approachable, so I’m more than happy to talk to anyone or listen to the problems or concerns you guys might have. I’m also very athletic and love a wide range of sports. Although I might be injured and can’t be as active as I usually am, I’m still quite passionate about keeping active and will try to get involved as much as I can. I would love to thank everyone for giving me this great opportunity to be the College Vice-Captain for next year. I will try my best to be the best role model I can be for South Oakleigh College and give it my all.
Kristina Andreev
Your 2024 College Vice-Captain
2024 Student Representative Council
Presidents Introduction
Hello everyone! This is your 2024 Student Representative Council Presidents: Mackenzie and Ana. We are so grateful for the opportunity to be your new Presidents for the next year; we are committed to making next year an exciting one and one that will no doubt be filled with successes, challenges, and fond memories for us all. As S.R.C. Presidents, we aim to uphold our school values at every step into our new year, advocate for all our students, promote leadership and guidance to every student, organize events full of fun and laughter, and foster a community that is full of communication, collaboration, and high expectations for all the tasks and responsibilities we take on.
We are excited to take this opportunity to positively impact our school and help make fond memories that will hopefully leave a lasting mark on this school – like our annual Wellfest Week, out-of-uniform days and seasonal events. We want our initiatives to be full of light and excitement that hone our school values into something we can all live by; we are more than happy to take on this role.
We’ve already planned some of what is to come, but we can already tell that next year will be some of our best work yet, and we can't wait to work with our fellow leaders to make our dreams a reality. As we step into this role, we can't help but reflect on our previous S.R.C. Presidents' inspiring words and actions. They have set the bar high, and we are excited to continue the legacy of student leadership they have established. The sense of community that our past leaders have worked diligently to nurture is something we hold close to my heart. It's through these connections and relationships that we truly thrive. We will build on their efforts with mentorship programs, cultural exchange events, and more, ensuring each student feels welcomed, included, and valued.
We're here for you, and your S.R.C. is committed to making your time at South Oakleigh College as enriching and enjoyable as possible. If you have any suggestions, concerns, or ideas, please don't hesitate to contact us at adoni@schools.vic.edu.au or mldic@schools.vic.edu.au. We value your feedback and look forward to working together to create a stronger, more vibrant campus community.
Ana Donnellon and Mackenzie Dickson
Your 2024 Student Representative Council Presidents
2024 Acacia House Captains Introduction
Hello, everyone! We're Tara and Blake, your 2024 Acacia House Captains, and we couldn't be more thrilled to take on this leadership role. We’re determined to bring fresh ideas and exciting initiatives to the table, and we're counting on your support and active participation because it's our collective effort that will bring the House spirit.
We're particularly looking forward to the upcoming house events next year, including the House Swimming Carnival and Athletics Carnivals. With your enthusiasm and dedication, we're confident that Acacia House will shine brightly in these events. Here's to an amazing year ahead!
Tara Burton and Blake Bidmead-Graham
Your 2024 Acacia House Captains
2024 Banksia House Captains Introduction
Hello, my name is Amelia, and I will be one of your 2024 Banksia House Captains. I am very excited to get to know all of you over the next year and to get to know the people I currently know better. I am also very excited to see Banksia's house spirit grow and help to improve our overall achievements throughout all events. I hope you will all give it your best shot and really get into the Banksia school spirit with all of next year’s events. Go Banksia!
Amelia McQuienn
Your 2024 Banksia House Captain
Hi everyone, my name is Stacey, and I am so happy to continue the Banksia House Captain role for 2024. I can’t wait to keep building our school values as a house and continue to use and introduce new ways for us to come out on top throughout school activities and events. I strive to build our teamwork and communication skills and our ongoing spirit. I can’t wait to move forward throughout next year with you all. GO BANKSIA!
Stacey Maskas
Your 2024 Banskia House Captain
2024 Grevillea House Captains Introduction
Hello, my name is William D’Costa, and I am super excited and honoured to be your Grevillea House Captain in 2024. During my time at South Oakleigh College, I have been a Sports Prefect, and I look forward to applying the skills I have learned through that experience to the role of House Captain. I love sports, particularly footy and basketball, and can’t wait to see the House Spirit shine through at our House Sports Carnivals and Events.
William D’Costa
Your 2024 Grevillea House Captain
Hello, everyone. I'm Ella, one of the Grevillea House Captains for 2024. I'm excited to be in this leadership role and get to know you better in the coming year. I also look forward to our upcoming house events, like the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. I'm determined to introduce new ideas and initiatives and rely on your support to boost the House spirit. I encourage everyone to give their best and embrace the Grevillea school spirit in all of next year's activities. Here's to an excellent year ahead! Go Grevillea!
Ella Hayes
Your 2024 Grevillea House Captain
2024 Waratah House Captain Introduction
Hello, hello. As you all know, my name is Victor Y, and I am in Year 10 this year. However, starting next year, I will be a Waratah House Captain. It is an honour to be elected, and I am genuinely grateful to all of you for this prestigious role.
My future responsibilities and duties will consist of assisting the weekly Thursday breakfast club, coming up with new and exciting events, and encouraging all our house members to participate in events actively.
I look forward to seeing you all participating in next year’s activities as much as possible while excelling academically and physically. Who knows, maybe we can get a Velodrome race in there! I can’t wait to see all of Waratah put their collective effort and commitment to next year’s events. Just come along and help us win the House Cup in 2024!
So… here’s some random facts about me. My Favorite colour is blue. I am turning 16 soon. I am a fan of all things that fly and float and are mechanically powered. I enjoy cycling and mountain biking very much and find riding to the city and back relaxing and refreshing. I am hoping to buy another bike soon. I do very much like reading, and my favourite book genres are science fiction, military history, and science. I do not own any pets and wouldn't say I like consuming vegetables.
To sum up, dear students and fellows, I expect to have a splendid year with you all in 2024, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I will. Thank you.
Victor Yongkang
Your 2024 Waratah House Captain
Hi, I’m Nathan Cohen, one of the Waratah House Captains for 2024. I’ve previously had two leadership roles as a Peer Support Leader and Student Representative on the School Council. I also run my own chicken business called Los Pollos Hermanos. What I’m most excited to do with this role is bring even more enthusiasm to Waratah and start consulting the House about their thoughts on the house chant.
Nathan Cohen
Your 2024 Waratah House Captain
2023/2024 Student Leadership Handover Lunch
On Thursday 19th of October, both old and emerging student leaders got together to celebrate the successes of the year and to look forward to 2024. We kicked off our gathering with some inspiring words of wisdom from our very own Ms Koziaris. It was delightful to see both generations of leaders come together to share ideas, tips and words of wisdom to move on to the new school year. We enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Mr Andrew Leap and our Principal Class. Our Student Leadership Cabinet bonded and wished everyone all the very best for their new positions. This lunch opened the gateway to 2024 early, with meeting our team for next year. We want to extend our gratitude to Mr Andrew Leap and our Principal Class for supporting us in the student leadership transition and for giving us the opportunity to further grow our leadership journey and to continue growing as people. We are particularly looking forward to being part of these events with our school community.
Greg Acciarito and Genna Windsor
Your 2024 College Captains
Breakfast Club
Throughout Term 4, our dedicated student leaders have continued to host our weekly Breakfast Club, a program that promotes a healthy and nutritious breakfast to start the day. Every Thursday at 8 am, both students and staff are welcome to join us in the school canteen for a wide range and healthy breakfast. Our standard Breakfast Club menu has a variety of options, including cereals, fruits, cheese/ham and cheese toasties, and wraps. This term, we've introduced some changes, including adding "Up and Go" drinks and wraps, making your breakfast choice even larger. As the term starts to end, we're excited to announce our quarterly Celebratory Breakfast Club event will be on Thursday the 7th of December. We encourage all staff and students to attend this Celebratory Breakfast Club to mark the end of the year as it will be big.
Please get in touch with Mackenzie Dickson (mldic@schools.vic.edu.au) – 2024 S.R.C. President, Ana Donnellon (adoni@schools.vic.edu.au) – 2024 S.R.C. President or myself, Soham Dhital (sdhi15@schools.vic.edu.au) S.R.C. Breakfast Club Liaison if you have any questions, feedback or would like to help out.
Soham Dhital
Your Campaigns Representative and Breakfast Club Liaison
Student Representative Council
International Students: Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls tutorial
On Tuesday the 17th of October, a few of our international students hosted a ‘fresh spring roll making lesson’ in the Food Tech room to teach our Principal, Ms Koziaris, and Miss Crespo how to make fresh Vietnamese spring rolls.
Our resident expert was Minh Tong, who expertly demonstrated how to roll the rice paper rolls up. Abigail Avienna also proved to be a very good teacher. Beatrice Hanadi, Nathanie Hanadi and Aku Chapagain also helped. Thank you to these students, it was a fun experience to learn something new.
Thank you to our VM students Alex Howard and Chelsea Smith for picking the mint fresh from the VM garden for us.
This time we made rolls with prawns and vegetables. For the International Student Lunch last term, the students made rolls with honey-soy tofu and rotisserie chicken, and they were also a hit. Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls are so easily customisable, and not hard to make. We recommend finding a recipe and giving it a try this Summer!
Sarah Crespo-Liu
International Student Co-ordinator
International Students in the City
From Wednesday the 25th of October to Friday the 27th of October, our Year 7-10 International Students tagged along with the Year 9 City Experience Trip.
Day One:
Walking Tour (History)
Students spend the morning walking around the city led by a tour guide. We walked along the Yarra River and learned a lot about the history of the area surrounding it. We even saw the fossils of fish that used to live in the lake that was where Federation Square is now.
Bowling and Laser Tag
Students spend the afternoon playing games of bowling and laser tag.
Junghoo Kim (Year 10) absolutely dominated in bowling. Aria (Year 8) had never done bowling before, but she gave it a really great effort.
Jenny Lee (Year 7) had never played laser tag and still scored the highest amount of points for the team. After reflecting on City Experience, Jenny says that laser tag was her favourite part of the trip.
Day Two:
Eureka Tower
Students saw the unforgettable panorama of the city from Melbourne Skydeck, which is nearly 300m high up in the Eureka Tower.
Abigail Avienna (Year 9) went in the ‘edge’ twice, despite her fear of the heights. The ‘edge’ is a transparent glass cube that projects out from the Skydeck.
Street Art Tour (Culture)
While the Year 9 international students participated in an ‘escape room’ activity, the rest of the international students did a cultural walk around the city.
We started at Degraves Street, an iconic Melbourne laneway. We observed the street art and went inside the quintessential Melbournian boutiques, exploring the Melbourne fashion and souvenirs.
Kennan Cerejo (Year 10) says that this was his favourite part of the trip, specifically the part where he got a bubble tea.
We then headed to Hosier Lane to take photos and watched one of the artists in action, spray painting a wolf. On Flinders Lane, the students tested out the “spun chairs”, which have previously been on display in the NGV.We stopped by Melbourne Town Hall to admire the beautiful heritage-listed building, as well as the blossoming flowers at the front of it and read about its history.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Multiple International Students expressed interest in seeing the MCG earlier in the year, and they finally got to see inside of the unique sports stadium.
The students had fun looking around the Sports museum and using the interactive technologies.
Kudos to Ikko Ping (Year 9) for scaling the bouldering wall with ease.
Day Three:
Melbourne Aquarium
We started the day discovering the many different species of sea life at the Melbourne Aquarium, including Pinjarra the 65-year-old Saltwater Crocodile. The students were shocked to learn that Pinjarra weighs over 750 kilograms!
On top of seeing all of the aquatic animals in person, we also watched a short 4D film from Happy Feet.
Amazing Race
To wrap up the city trip, students participated in an “Amazing Race” where students had to follow clues on their phones which led them around the city and to different landmarks. Students competed against a teacher’s group to see who could get back to the starting point the fastest.
While the teachers one, the students still put in a great effort. Darsh Shukla (Year 9) and his team finished with a pretty good time.
Sarah Crespo-Liu
International Student Co-ordinator
Advanced Math, Coding and Engineering Class
Today the year 7s and 8s in the advanced math, coding, and engineering class went to Victoria university to learn more about python, a programming language that we have learned through the last 2 terms.
We learned all about how to make a password manager and how to input variables and make files all with python! We want to thank ms.monga and mr.kuric for taking us on this amazing excursion.
Osher Hidas
Year 8 Student