Faculty news

Save the Date!

The Wind in the Willows

Year 5 performing arts students are preparing to perform The Wind in the Willows in June. Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming musical!

Debating 

Round 2 of the Interschool debating at Wesley College is in the books - another great night for stretching the neurons and comfort zones of our Oakleigh Grammar students.

This was the first debate against another school for our six Year 9 competitors, but if they were nervous, they didn’t show it. The debaters argued something that many Melbournians are debating at the moment - that Victoria should cancel the Suburban Rail Loop. They focused on the environmental and community impact, increasing debt and better practical alternatives.

Unfortunately Mary, Issam and Olivia were defeated narrowly by Caulfield Grammar despite a powerful speech from Olivia, while Ellie, Irene and Connie were beaten by just one point by Wesley on their home turf. Nevertheless, Connie was awarded Best Speaker of the debate!

The Year 10s had the difficult task of arguing that electric vehicles do more harm than good. After thrashing it out over lithium battery production, economic discrepancies and safety concerns, Archna, Nathanael and Lazarus defeated Avila College by 4 points, while Elena L, Melissa and Elena D lost a very high level debate to Mazenod College by 2 points. Archna won her first Best Speaker Award - much deserved after a week of meticulous preparation.

So it was mixed results with two Best Speakers this time around, but there was no shortage of pride on the faces of the parents, Mr Dickinson and I who continue to marvel at the way our debaters push themselves to new levels.

Leigh Gridley 

Debating Coordinator

LOTE Greek

March is a very special month for our LOTE Greek Department. Students have the opportunity to engage in different curriculum activities extending their knowledge in Greek Language and Hellenic Culture.

Junior School Students learned about “Clean Monday” which is the first day of Great Lent throughout Eastern Christianity and created some amazing kites.  Also, throughout the month, students researched and presented projects on the importance of the Greek Independence Day, to their class.  Some other activities included learning about the heroes and heroines of the Greek Revolution as well colouring-in activities and word search.

On Monday, March 25, Junior School held a very special assembly in the afternoon celebrating the 203rd anniversary of the beginning of the Greek Revolution.  Students presented some beautiful songs and poems.  The Junior and Middle School Choir opened the assembly by chanting hymns dedicated to the celebration of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.  In this special assembly, our Middle School Dancing Group performed for the first time in front of our Junior School students.  The Principal of Oakleigh Grammar Mr Mark Robertson, the Chairman of Victorian Council for Greek National Day Mr Tony Tsourdalakis, the Secretary and the Treasurer of the School Board Mr Chris Kontos and Mr Sam Vassos as well as parents and grandparents attended this special assembly and admired their students.

Natasha Spanos

VCE Academic Leader LOTE