Junior and Middle Level Leaders Report

Beginning Of Term 2: 

Year 7 and 8 Leader Report 

Year 7

We are well into Term 2 and our Year 7 students have been working incredibly hard. By now, all students have completed at least one CAT (Common Assessment Task) in each subject. This is a significant achievement, and we would like to congratulate all students for their effort and dedication.

We encourage families to check Compass regularly to view your child’s results and feedback. Teachers use developmental rubrics to assess student work, which clearly show what your child can do and outline their next learning goals. Each subject also includes personalised comments to provide further insight into progress. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s subject teachers directly or liaise with their Mentor teacher.

What’s Happening in the Classroom?

• Humanities: We are beginning an exciting new unit focused on financial literacy. Students will explore how families budget, and how to distinguish between needs and wants. This unit offers students valuable insight into the real-life challenges parents face when balancing household expenses, feeding the family, and providing clothing.
• Science: Students have been learning about the states of matter through hands-on experiments — including working with dry ice!
• Mathematics: Algebra is the current focus, and students are exploring patterns, solving equations, and developing their problem-solving skills.
• English: Our classes are nearly finished reading Coraline. Students have been using a range of comprehension strategies to decode vocabulary, make inferences, and engage deeply with the text.
• Health & PE: Depending on the class, students are either choreographing interpretive dances or developing teamwork and strategy through invasion games.

Supporting Positive Behaviour

As the weather grows colder, it is important to maintain high expectations for behaviour and learning. At our recent assembly, some of our enthusiastic teachers performed a poem to help students reflect on the importance of staying focused during the winter season:

As winter winds begin to blow,And comfort starts to steal the show,Beware the trap of losing track—Of showing off or talking back.

Don’t let warm coats make minds go cold,Respect and kindness still take hold.Follow through, stay sharp, be wise—Great learning habits never die.

So rise above the season’s chill,With focus strong and steady will.For those who strive and give their all,Will prove that knowledge conquers all.

Let’s continue working together to support our Year 7 students to be their best — academically, socially, and emotionally.

Grant Bowman 

Year Level Leader: 7

Year 8

Term 2 has been packed with energy, curiosity, and growth for our Year 8 students, who recently took part in a range of exciting experiences designed to challenge, inspire, and connect. Our three-day Curiosity Quest: Knowledge Unleashed! kicked off with a day at school focused on building community connections, where students engaged with local organisations including The Oakleigh Raptors, Glen Eira Softball, and the Waverley Oakleigh Panthers NRL team—learning about teamwork, resilience, and community spirit through sport and conversation. The following days took students out and about, exploring Chadstone through team-based activities at Holey Moley, Hijinx Hotel, and Archie Brothers, before finishing the week with a more reflective day at Melbourne Zoo, where they investigated food chains, animal adaptations, and the role of biodiversity in ecosystems. Those who remained on campus took part in an equally engaging program full of problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Students also stepped back in time for Medieval Day, dressing in costume and immersing themselves in medieval life—complete with crime and punishment stories, sword fighting, and learning about the dramatic impact of the Black Death. Adding to the term’s highlights, 20 of our emerging Year 7 and 8 leaders proudly represented South Oakleigh College at the University of Melbourne’s Leadership Forum, joining students from across Victoria and even some international peers to explore leadership, voice, and the power of positive influence. It’s been an incredible few weeks of learning beyond the classroom, and we’re so proud of the way our students have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and maturity.

Stephanie Heppel

Year Level Leader: 8

Year 9 and 10 Leader Report 

Excursion  

In the first week of the term, Year 10 students had the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Museum.  We explored the exhibits of the museum  and students had the unique and moving experience to listen to Holocaust survivors share their very personal recounts. Students were also given the opportunity to ask questions from the survivors. We would like to take this opportunity to thank students for their thoughtful reflections and mature approach at the museum.  

HRRT points 

During our Middle School Assembly, we proudly acknowledged students with the highest HRRT Points. We would like to congratulate the following Year 10 and Year 9 students for consistently upholding our school values in their everyday school lives.  

Year 10:  

Alex Robertson – 22 

Shuhan Jiang – 21 

Kiaan Sharma – 18 

Hayley Hansen – 18 

Soham Dhital – 17 

Minh Chau Trinh – 16  

Year 9:  

Tshering Dhendup – 21 

Troy Creeley – 19 

Benjamin Szanto – 17 

Daniel Smylianis – 17 

Michaela Psomadelli – 16  

Lucas Peng - 16 

Elevate 

Our Year 9 students have participated in the Elevate Education Program, which focuses on developing effective study skills and note-taking strategies. This program is designed to support students as they begin to approach their learning with greater independence and prepare for the increased demands of assessment and exams in the senior years. By building strong organisational habits now, students will be better equipped to manage their time, retain key information, and approach their studies with confidence. The sessions are interactive and practical, ensuring students can apply the techniques immediately in their day-to-day learning. 

Attendance 

We were pleased to recognize a large proportion of students across both year levels who have maintained over 90% attendance so far this term. These students were awarded attendance certificates at the Middle School  assembly to acknowledge their commitment and consistency. Well done to all students, we are very proud of your dedication! A brief reminder to all families,  consistent school attendance is directly linked to student engagement and success. Attending each class every day ensures students stay connected, build strong relationships, and keep up with learning. Please continue to support your child in maintaining regular attendance and arriving on time each morning.  

We look forward to supporting our students in Term 2! 

Bill Karakousis

Year Level Leader: 9 

Sylvia Kosztyi

Year Level Leader: 10