Leading Teachers Report 

Beginning Of Term 3:

To our South Oakleigh College families,

This term marks the beginning of my new role as Director of Junior School, and I’m thrilled to be working alongside our dedicated staff, students, and families to guide and support our Year 7 and 8 learners during such a critical stage of their secondary journey.

To me, leading the Junior School is about far more than timetables and programs — it’s about creating a space where every student feels safe, connected, and seen. These early years of high school are a time of enormous growth — academically, socially, and emotionally — and my goal is to ensure each student is supported as they develop confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.

This term has already been packed with rich learning experiences and memorable moments. Our Year 7 students participated in Superproducts, a full-day STEM enrichment program held at Monash University. The hands-on experience allowed students to explore automated manufacturing, mobile robotics, and sustainable product design. They worked in teams on real-world challenges and were introduced to the role of technology and innovation in solving problems — sparking both engagement and future thinking.

They also took part in Brainstorm Productions’ performance The Flipside — a powerful and engaging incursion addressing digital safety, peer pressure, and emotional regulation. These sessions opened up important conversations about self-awareness and decision-making at a time when many students are navigating new social spaces.

Our Year 8 students have continued to show maturity and growth, building on the momentum from Semester One. Their focus this term has included refining their learning goals, preparing for assessment tasks, and contributing positively to the culture of the school. Whether in the classroom, the yard, or leadership activities, it’s been pleasing to see Year 8s stepping up as role models for our younger students.

Outside the classroom, both year levels came together for a vibrant and energetic Athletics Carnival. It was fantastic to see students pushing themselves, supporting one another, and celebrating a strong sense of house pride.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff who make these opportunities possible — and in particular to our Junior School Year Level Leaders, Mr Bowman (Year 7) and Ms Walters (Year 8). Their leadership, care, and high expectations create the foundations for a Junior School culture where students can thrive.

As we move through the rest of the term, I look forward to continuing this important work — championing every student and ensuring they feel known, supported, and inspired.

Stephanie Heppel

Director of Students:  Junior School

Middle School Report

Focusing on Growth in Term 3

We are now well into Term 3, and the semester is moving quickly. Over the past few weeks in Mentor Group, students have spent time reflecting on their Semester 1 progress and developing SMART goals to guide their academic and personal growth in Terms 3 and 4. These goals are designed to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound, giving students a clear path to improvement.

Setting SMART goals is a powerful starting point—but it’s just the beginning. We encourage students to take the next step by discussing these goals with their families. Sharing their goals at home helps build accountability and opens opportunities for support. Whether it’s setting up a quiet study routine, creating a weekly planner, or identifying areas where extra help is needed, having a home-based action plan can make a real difference.

We’re also encouraging all students to continue making positive decisions around their learning and engagement at school. Developing a growth mindset—the belief that intelligence and ability can improve with effort and persistence—is an essential part of self-improvement. Students who embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and stay open to feedback are more likely to see lasting success.

To further support our students, we have been working with Elevate Education, a highly regarded organisation that runs workshops on study skills, motivation, and time management. Our Year 10 students participated in an Elevate session this week, and our Year 9 students will have their session in the coming weeks. These workshops provide practical strategies that students can begin using straight away. We strongly encourage students to reflect on what they’ve learned and consider how these skills—such as note-taking, goal setting, and exam preparation—can be used to support their academic growth.

Term 3 is a great time to refocus, reset, and strive for improvement. We look forward to seeing how our students continue to grow and achieve across the remainder of the semester.

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

Over the past few weeks, our senior school students have had valuable opportunities to explore and prepare for their future pathways.

Our Year 12 cohort recently engaged in informative sessions with Helen Green, who guided them through their VTAC accounts and provided personalised advice on university, TAFE, and career options. Students appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity about their post-school pathways.

In addition, Year 10, 11, and 12 students participated in a Careers Pathway Afternoon, connecting with representatives from universities and TAFEs. This event allowed students to gather valuable resources, ask targeted questions, and explore a range of study and training options for their future.

Looking ahead, Year 12 students and accelerated Year 11 students will be supported through upcoming Skyline revision sessions, designed to strengthen their preparation for exams. Furthermore, trial exams will be held onsite during Week 2 of the Term 3 break, providing students with a valuable opportunity to practise and consolidate their learning in the lead-up to final assessments. More information will be communicated to the senior school community in the coming weeks. 

Our senior school continues to prioritise both academic excellence and informed pathway planning, ensuring students are well-prepared for their next steps beyond school. 

Jessica Ferguson

Director of Students: VCE and VCE VM