Principal's Report

End Of Term 4:

Principal's Report

As we conclude the 2025 academic year, it is with great satisfaction that we reflect on what has been a highly rewarding and successful 2025 for South Oakleigh College, across all areas of the school, with much to be proud of including:

Outstanding success in the sporting arena, including State Championship titles
Our school production, Jnr Beauty and the Beast, once again a fantastic performance that was enjoyed and celebrated by all
Victories by our debating teams competing against both government and independent schools within our region
Continued success in the ICAS Mathematics, Science, and English competitions, with students achieving Distinctions and High Distinctions
The NASA Science Camp
The study/cultural trip to Japan
Our ongoing partnership with our sister school, Wuhu No. 1 High School in China, offering meaningful opportunities to share knowledge and educational experiences across cultures and continents
Our engagement in the Junior United Nations program, where students examined global issues and developed thoughtful, solution-focused responses
And the successful running of the SOC Archibald Prize, showcasing outstanding student portraits of staff members These are just some of the many highlights from a year rich in opportunity and achievement.

I commend all our students for their efforts, leadership, dedication, and commitment and I encourage them to continue striving to be the best they can be in all aspects of their experiences and lives, both here at South Oakleigh College and beyond. While the journey may sometimes be challenging, we know the rewards gained through persistence and growth are well worth the effort.

South Oakleigh College continues to be a dynamic and evolving learning community, committed to continuous improvement and best practice, as highlighted by our recent review process. Our Review highlighted our school’s growth coupled with community confidence in the work we are doing to maximise student growth and success in a number of areas developing the whole child. It affirmed our many strengths and reinforced the shared culture and values that underpin everything we do, while also providing clear direction for future growth.

While challenges inevitably arise, our strength lies in working collaboratively with students, staff, families, and the broader community, guided by an inquiring mindset and a commitment to personal growth and progress. We recognise that Together, we can and do and achieve great things.

I wish to thank and acknowledge all our teachers and support staff who are deeply committed to both the learning and wellbeing of every student. We recognise that students learn in different ways, possess unique strengths, and face varying challenges. Our staff provide the inspiration, care, and expertise that engage students in their learning and connect them to our College.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation for the outstanding leadership and support provided by our Assistant Principals, Anthony Katsianos, Mark Picone, George Tzimourtas, and Louise O’Neill, as well as our School Council, led by Mitzi Sneesby. Their guidance and commitment continue to play a vital role in the success of our College.

We also recognise that the most significant influence on student learning outcomes is family. We wish to thank our parents, carers, and families for their ongoing partnership and support. The value your children place on education, their respect for themselves and others, and their willingness to embrace opportunities both inside and outside the classroom stem from the family. While adolescence can bring change and challenge, the role of the family is pivotal to your children’s growth as thoughtful, capable, and future community leaders.

Finally, to our students, I would like to commend you on your efforts, your leadership and application and encourage you to do your best every day in everything you do. Not every day will be perfect, not every interaction will be positive, and not every effort will be rewarded, but the steps you take, day by day, will lead you in the right direction. 

VCE Results 2025

The VCAA (Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority) have released the 2025 VCE results, and I am very proud to say that our students again performed incredibly well. 

Our students’ results, I believe, continue to show the direction we are taking to seek continual improvement in student learning outcomes, with an increase in the number of study scores above 40 over a number of subjects are are a credit to students and teachers alike. 

DUX of the COLLEGE 

Congratulations Lauren Olver Dux of the College. Lauren gained an ATAR of 98.3, with a perfect score of 50 for Business Management. A truly outstanding achievement and credit to her work ethic and commitment to her studies. She has since been offered a scholarship at Monash University.

Lauren Olver - 2025 SOC Dux

Similarly, I wish to congratulate Lilly Smith who achieved a 49 for English. Again her effort in her studies were rewarded with this outstanding result but also an ATAR above 90.

Additionally, congratulations to all students who were recognized during our awards ceremony who were acknowledged for being DUX in their specific subjects. To the graduating Class of 2025, on behalf of the community I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you all for making it and your success is a testament to your dedication. The six-year journey you have undertaken has equipped you with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to succeed in the next chapter of your journey as young adults be it in further education or other pathways. As you move forward, I encourage you to carry with you the College values that have guided you—respect, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive contribution to the communities you will serve. Your success reflects your hard work, resilience, and character. I wish you every success and hope that wherever life takes you, South Oakleigh College will always remain a home away from home.

Farewell to Staff  

Each year, we also acknowledge staff members who will conclude their time with us moving on to new opportunities in education, taking extended leave, retiring or pursuing other pathways. On behalf of our entire school community, I extend our sincere thanks to Samuel Battaglene, Blake Cochrane, Elly Corkill, Sarah Crespo-Liu, Tal Ellinson, Edwina Exton, Ben Hall, Lony Hem, Arnie Ionnidis, Chloe Maglica, Bun Ung, Lilly Vrettos, and Imogen Weisser. And wish them well in their future pathways.

Can I also take this last opportunity to wish all members of our College community a very Merry Christmas and a safe, relaxing and relaxing summer break with family and loved ones. I look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.

Helen Koziaris

College Principal