Assistant Principals

As we approach the end of the 2025 academic year, it is a good moment to step back and look at what this year has meant for student learning. This has been a year of clear academic focus: setting goals, monitoring progress, and helping students develop the habits that underpin strong results.

Across the school, teachers continue to work deliberately to lift academic standards. They have clarified what success looks like in each subject, used assessment information to shape their teaching, and provided specific feedback to help students move from “almost there” to “I can do this.” Students have learnt how to plan their study more effectively, prepare for assessments with greater structure, and stay with challenging work rather than stepping away from it.

The routines and expectations established at home play a major role in this. Prioritising homework, reading, and revision, limiting distractions when focused work is needed, and maintaining clear messages about effort and responsibility all contribute directly to academic growth. When students see that school and home are aligned, they are more likely to stay committed to their goals.

Looking ahead to 2026, our focus remains steady. We will continue to strengthen focused classroom time, a well-sequenced curriculum, and high expectations for every student. We want each young person to understand their current level of performance, know what their next steps are, and feel supported as they work toward their academic goals. The aim is not pressure for its own sake, but purposeful effort that leads to genuine progress.

Plutarch wrote, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” Our shared task is to kindle that fire so that students leave Oakleigh Grammar not only with solid results, but with the discipline, confidence, and ambition to keep learning well beyond school.

One last time: Aim High, Achieve More

Lance Ryan

Assistant Principal ‑ Academic