Teaching & Learning
Beginning Of Term 2:
Teaching and Learning
We are delighted to introduce the new South Oakleigh College podcast team for 2025, Abdullah and Hiro. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either myself, Abdullah, or Hiro, as they are always eager for segment concepts. At present, we have an exciting segment where we interview teachers and students with various questions about South Oakleigh College. This initiative not only fosters a connection with our audience but also helps promote our brand ID. If you have any questions, you'd like Hiro and Abdullah to ask, please fill out the Compass form to submit your inquiries.We hope you enjoy the upcoming episodes, we have some exciting plans in store!
Philip Clark
Theatre Manager
International Student Club
International Student Club is up and running on Monday lunchtimes in A2, non-international students are welcome to come and make some new friends!
A big welcome to Amitoj, Engle, Nakyung and Sam, who started at South Oakleigh College this term!
International Student University Open Day
On the 30th of April, our Year 10-12 international students attended a special ‘University Open Day’, where they were able to speak with university representatives from Monash University, RMIT, Deakin University and many other educational institutions.
Our international students are interested in pursuing varying careers, such as veterinary studies, medicine, graphic design, etc. At the expo, they were able to ask many questions about their desired courses and map out the pathways to their dream careers.
Sara Crespo-Liu
International Student Co Ordinator
Japanese Club
Celebrating Children’s Day in May
On the 5th of May, families in Japan would have celebrated 子供の日 (Kodomo no Hi = Children’s Day). At South Oakleigh College, our Year 7 and 8 classes learnt about this holiday and the fact that it is to wish for the continued health and wellbeing of children, particularly the sons of the family (there is also a ‘Girls’ Day’ in March). Our Year 7s were given the opportunity to colour in and fold their own 鯉のぼり(koinobori = carp streamer), a prominent decoration during this time of the year, to represent the strength and resilience we hope to see in our young people as they grow up. Our staff also set up a small display at Reception to commemorate the event.
Bonnie Tynan
Japanese Head of Learning
Year 7 Physical Education – Term 3 Update
During Term 3, our Year 7 students are engaging in an exciting and creative unit in Physical Education focused on Dance. As part of this unit, students have been introduced to a variety of well-known dance styles and routines, including the Nutbush, Macarena, and Zorba. These dances have provided a foundation in rhythm, coordination, and performance skills.
Building on their knowledge and practice, students have now formed small groups and are collaboratively planning their own dance routines. This process encourages teamwork, creativity, and strategic thinking, as students choreograph original performances that showcase the movements and techniques they have learned.
The development of these routines not only supports physical activity and fitness but also enhances students' confidence, cooperation, and appreciation for different dance traditions. We look forward to seeing the final performances and celebrating the effort and creativity of our Year 7 cohort.
Jacinta Wallis
Health and PE KLA Leader
Arts and Technology
Year 7 have been exploring form & sculpture this term. They’re exploring the different techniques of sculpting.
Before they started with the technique of sculpting, they had to have a look at how people created metaphors based on their values. Some of the value sets that we explored are transcendence, temperance, justice, humanity, courage, and wisdom. Within each one of these value sets students picked three of the character strengths they think they will represent in the character sculptures they build.
Some students chose gratitude some students chose hope leadership kindness, integrity, curiosity, or creativity.
"I'm Shaurya and my sculpture is about kindness"
"I'm Zara and I'm making a hibiscus flower. It represents loyalty"
"I'm Lydia and mine represents love and self regulation"
"I'm Tiyah and I'm making and owl"
"I'm Amelia and my artwork is of a hand holding everything up. It represents creativity, compassion and fairness.
"I'm Anastasia and my sculpture is a wolf that represents citizenship."
When we talked about the values and what those values could be like in symbolic form, students explored animals, plants or objects.
"I'm Kent and I'm making a tarantula". We can see how a spider could be symbolic of creativity, though there may be many interpretations represented that as teachers we have not heard before, and I value the curiosity of each of the students in year 7 and look forward to their clay sculptures being completed.
Year 8 Art have been exploring monotone self portraits, where they explore tone, colour and self expression.
They've explored and understood the application of tone whilst creating their self portraits, building their drawing skills as well as tonal awareness.
"I can't believe how quickly the white paint turns pink by just adding the tiniest bit of red."
"I can see that I need a darker tone to be able to create a deeper illusion of turn of the form."
At the moment they're in the middle of painting a 3D diamond to practice using the tones for a face-like form. To check the tones are effective we used the projection of an example to evaluate success.
In the next few lessons, students will start to apply these tones to their own self portrait, which at this stage are look amazing.
To succeed in this task, they just need to produce a portrait. However, because we are exploring the development of the understanding of a portrait and the application of the medium. The students are also building a folio, which means that they can see their progress from the time they start to try and do a portrait to the time that they present their portrait to the class and then intern the school.
The 2025 Archibald Prize winners were announced on May 9, 2025. The exhibition, which includes the Archibald Prize, Wynne Prize, and Sulman Prize, opened on May 10, 2025, and runs until August 17, 2025.
Before starting their own portrait we looked at how amazing those artists are in being able to represent their subject matter, which is the individual people depicted in the artworks.
We congratulate Julie Freya, who won the 2025 Archibald prize for her painting called "Flagship mother Multiverse".
To analyze the portraits closely, we took a look at the work and identified the details in the portraits. We wanted to figure out what colours they used, what shapes were involved and whether there are any subtle stories that we could find. We encourage people to look at portraiture and consider if you can you see elements of yourself represented in these artworks?
We look forward to seeing the portraits when they're finished.
Aussie Stories: From Mic to Mug
After looking back to the development of film in Australia, students have started to build their folios around the world of podcasting, transforming themselves into storytellers using this media form.
Up until now we have explored tv, advertising, photography and animation. Unit 1 gives student a taste of all media form we can access here at the school.
The project began by dissecting what makes a podcast engaging, then shifted to exploring Australian narratives. Students were introduced to significant Aussie stories, analyzing how they portray identity, place, and values, and their impact on local audiences, especially from the perspective of David Stratton, Australia's revered film critic, recently retired, concluding decades of insightful reviews. His passion and deep knowledge significantly shaped Australian cinema's landscape.
The learning quickly turned hands-on. Students explored the podcast studioset up (available to Studio+ club on Wednesday's at lunch), grappling with hardware, software and working in a randomly chosen group. This practical part of the production process ended in exploring iconic "Tim Tam Slam" activity.
More than just a sweet treat, it served as a lively production exercise, allowing students to test recording techniques and practice scripted dialogue in an authentic, fun, and culturally significant way - with cooooookies. The "Tim Tam Slam" embodies a casual, shared spirit integral to the Australian story, perfectly illustrating how everyday moments can become rich content for compelling podcasts.
Individual and self guided podcast development starts next week.
Stay tuned!
Renee Gross
Arts and Technology
Short Story Competition 2025
The annual WordFest Short Story Competition is a celebration of local emerging writers and is open to all members of the Monash and SOC community over the age of 12. Writers can write to any theme.
There are three categories to enter your story in:
» Category A: 12-14 years
» Category B: 15-17 years
» Category C: 18+
Short Story Competition Prizes
Category A: 12 -14 years
1st Prize $300
2nd Prize $150
3rd Prize $100
Category B: 15 -17 years
1st Prize $500
2nd Prize $250
3rd Prize $150
Category C: 18+
1st Prize $700
2nd Prize $350
3rd Prize $250
Short Story Competition Terms and Conditions
1. Participants must reside, work or study in the City of Monash, or be a member of the Monash Public Library Service (MPLS).
2. One entry per person.
3. The competition will be judged in three sections: Category A: 12-14 years (500 words max) Category B: 15-17 years (1,000 words max) Category C: Adult (2,000 words max).
4. Exceeding the word limit will result in disqualification.
5. Entries must be the entrant’s own original work.
6. Students undertaking VCE may submit VCE writing assignments provided they meet conditions one through to four.
7. For this competition, a short story is defined as: a work of fiction written in prose or narrative format that meets the size limitations outlined in condition three. A short story does not include images, poetry, or scripts.
8. Entries must be typed and in a minimum size 12 font and submitted as a text/word document only (NO PDF or other file formats).
9. Entries will be judged on content.
10. Entries must be unpublished, original work of the entrant. By entering, the author warrants that the story was written without the assistance of AI, e.g. ChatGPT or similar.
Conditions of entry
11. Entries must be submitted online unless special permission is given by Monash Public Library Service (MPLS).
12. Competition opens 10am, Tuesday 3 June 2025.
13. Competition closes 11.59pm, Wednesday 30 July 2025.
14. Entries by persons under 18 years of age must be verified by a parent/guardian via the online submission process.
15. The judge’s decision is FINAL and no correspondence will be entered into.
16. Personal details must NOT be included on the short story document itself otherwise it will be disqualified from the competition.
17. Monash Council will assume that it has a non-revocable licence to publish submitted entries in part or full on its websites and in other media UNLESS written notice advising that such a licence is not granted accompanies the entry at the time of submission.
For any more details please see Nancy Bastakos in the library or email on nancy.bastakos@education.vic.gov.au
Nancy Bastakos
Library Manager
IDAHOBIT
On Monday, the 19th, we celebrated IDAHOBIT Day, which is internationally celebrated as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. This year, the SRC worked with the Alphabet Soup club to organise a bake sale raising money for Minus 18, a group that focuses on supporting young LGBTQI people. Thank you to all involved.
MS Run, Walk or Roll
On Sunday 19th May, a group of staff (and ex-staff - Ms Morrison and Mr Knee) went for the 5 or 10 km MS Run, Walk or Roll to raise money for MS support.
It was a fantastic day - well organised and lots of fun. There was great camaraderie, and Ms Marlborough's dog was a worthy mascot. She loved the day and got plenty of attention.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in it - the team and the sponsors. Thank you so much. We raised (at this time) $3357, which is still open for donations. https://www.mswalk.org.au/fundraisers/teammillsy Thank you all for a fun day raising money for an excellent cause. We plan to do it again next year so watch this space!
Peta Close
Arts and Tech
SOC's Outstanding Debating Season
Our Senior Debating Team has had an incredible season, remaining undefeated in every round except for one. Their near-perfect record is a testament to their dedication, critical thinking, and articulate delivery.
Week after week, our debaters have impressed adjudicators with their persuasive arguments, teamwork, and ability to think on their feet. Whether affirming or negating, the team approached each topic with confidence and a deep understanding of the issues at hand.
We are proud of their performance and the way they’ve represented our school with integrity and intellect. Congratulations to all team members on a brilliant season, and thank you to the staff and families who supported them every step of the way.
VCE Legal Studies – Courts Excursion
Year 11 Legal Studies Incursion – Police Visit
On Thursday 8 May 2025, the two Year 11 Legal Studies classes combined to welcome a visit from two members of Victoria Police – Senior Sergeant Marks Rogers; and Senior Constable Sara Coe. This complemented our learning in VCE Legal Studies Unit 1 Area of Study 3 Sanctions – in particular Study Design Key Knowledge points: institutions enforcing criminal law, and the balance between institutional powers and individual rights.
The officers shared a wealth of information about life on the job, progression of their careers and common issues faced at the moment by police.
The “Legal Eagles” (students) had pre-prepared questions, and also had many more questions to ask on the day – and those who spoke up were rewarded with very candid and detailed responses from our visitors!
We were treated to a guided tour of all the equipment the officers must carry with them, including passing around their (surprisingly heavy) hand-cuffs. A few lucky students even got to try on a police vest!
Jacinta Marlborough
Legal Studies Teacher
Humanities
On Monday 12th May the year 12 Ancient History class attended the Hellenic Museum to support their studies and investigate primary sources. During our visit we attended education workshops on comparing ancient cultures of Greece and Rome and attend a revision section on the Peloponnesian war. During the workshops, our students were keen to share the knowledge they have learnt during their studies, whilst also support their understanding with a series of artifacts and literature. Our students impressed our presenter with accounts of what they have learnt, accumulating in a formal debate on which Polis was the most justified in starting the Peloponnesian wars, Athens or Sparta. The experience was also enhanced by students being able to explore the exhibits, play a round of the ancient game Petteia, and interact with animation in a pottery interactive activity. Our trip to the Hellenic Museum was a fantastic experience to support our key knowledge and skills for our VCE studies.
Adam Plantenkamp
Head Of Humanities
The Green Team – Collection of bread tags, term 1 2025.
Throughout term 1, SOC students and staff have been bringing bread tags for recycling.
The Term 1 results for the bread tag competition are as follows:
1st - Banksia (377g) - their first ever win! Congrats!!
2nd - Waratah (294g)
3rd - Grevillea (181g)
4th - Acacia (86g)
These tags have been collected by the The Green Team and weighed, sorted by colour, then shipped to the organization Aussie bread tags for wheelchairs.
The bread tags are recycled locally into ceramics and the proceeds from sales used to raise funds to buy wheelchairs for vulnerable people, mainly in South Africa.
To date, Aussie bread tags for wheelchairs have purchased 133 wheelchairs and The Green Team is proud to not only assist the environment by removing plastic but also delighted to support the purchase of wheelchairs for disadvantaged people.
Alison Jones
The Green Team Co-ordinator.
ANZAC DAY MARCH
On Anzac Day, year 10 student Alex Robertson marched and played trumpet with the Australian Youth Band in the main procession in the city.
We are extremely proud of not only his performance, but his dedication.
Aidan Prewett
Head Of Music
Vocational Major Projects
Two Yr 11 groups have begun work on a new garden space behind the Music Centre. Mulching was yesterdays activity, we’ll follow with planting over the next few weeks.
The garden will help improve the health of the tree plus create a more attractive space for the school community.
Elspeth Corkill
College Horticulturist
Science
Over the course of a week, our Year 10 Biology students observed and supported the development of zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio), watching the transparent eggs grow from single-celled zygotes into free-swimming larvae.
This hands-on experience allowed students to build their critical thinking skills and work collaboratively as they explored the zebrafish’s life cycle, anatomy, and genetics.
Over the course of a week, students nurture the development of zebrafish embryos, observing the transparent eggs (Danio rerio) change from a single-celled zygote to a free swimming larvae.
Students develop their critical thinking skills and perform collaborative experiments as they study the lifespan and development of the zebrafish, anatomy and genetics.
Rowan Preslan
Science