Leading Teachers Report 

End Of Term 4:

Junior School Report

As we reach the end of a vibrant and successful year in the Junior School, we want to celebrate the progress, achievements, and growth of all our Year 7 and Year 8 students. Their enthusiasm, resilience, and engagement have been a highlight of 2025, and we are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished.

Over the last weeks of the academic schedule, students have participated in our Step Up Program, preparing them for the next stage of their learning journey. Year 7 students strengthened their organisation and wellbeing habits as they get ready to move into Year 8, while Year 8 students focused on building independence and responsibility as they transition into the Middle School in Year 9. Across the program, students engaged in activities that deepened their understanding of our HRRRT values, and it has been wonderful to see student voice shaping these sessions through feedback, questions, and suggestions that will help us refine Junior School programs for 2026.

The end of the year has also been filled with celebrations and opportunities to connect. Year 7 and 8 students enjoyed a range of end-of-year activities designed to recognise their efforts and strengthen friendships as the school year draws to a close. A major highlight was our Annual Awards Evening, where we celebrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership, resilience, citizenship, and contributions to school life. It was inspiring to see so many Junior School students recognised on stage and supported by proud families and staff.

During our final assemblies, we acknowledged students for a broad range of achievements, including ICAS certificates, HRRRT Points awards, History competition certificates, Geography competition certificates, and the Year 7 VHAP certificates recognising students who engaged in extension and enrichment opportunities. We also celebrated our first recipients of badges in Engagement and HRRRT Points under the new Whole School Positive Recognition Program. In addition, we recognised our Class Captains, Junior House Captains, and our dedicated SRC students. A special thank you must go to our Year 7 and 8 SRC, who have championed student voice all year by writing newsletter articles, presenting at assemblies, and providing thoughtful input into Junior School improvements.

We would like to extend a warm congratulations to our Year 8 SRC, Junior House Captains and Class Captains for 2025:

Year 8 SRC Representatives: Tanvika Iyer , Kintan Chakraborty, and Talia Hovivyan

Junior House Captains

Lidia Volpert Peleg Guttman  -Grevilla 

 Reuben LEHRER and Charlie Coles-Acicia

 Divyam Setia and Dean Kerhoulas  – Banksia

 Sienna Rose and Jay McRae - Waratah

Class Captains:

8A – Aashritha Ajith8B – Kim Vo Nguyen8C – Carli Sarafoudis8D – Tanvi S8E – Alexander Reading8F – Twisha Chauhan8G – Andrew Kollitiris

Congratulations to Alice Johnson of Year 8, who represented Australia at the 2025 Junior World Championships in Manila, delivering outstanding routines that secured Australia a team spot for the next World Championships. She has also been selected to attend the WAG International Pathways Camp at the AIS next week.

A special recognition also goes to Sienna Minett of Year 8, who received Recruit of the Year at her end-of-year Army Cadets parade. Sienna was also awarded a medallion from the 302 Oakleigh Unit and has been invited to attend an Officer Commanding dinner for all award recipients. She will be departing for the Junior Leadership Course, and we wish her every success and congratulate her on her outstanding commitment and achievement.

We also extend our thanks to the Year 10 Peer Support Mentors, who have supported the transition and wellbeing of our Year 7 students throughout the year. In 2026, we are excited to introduce a tiered leadership structure within the Peer Support Program. Exceptional Year 10 mentors will have the opportunity to progress into Peer Support Captain roles in Year 11, leading the Year 10 Peer Support and contributing to Junior School programs, creating a clear leadership progression pathway into senior roles in Years 11 and 12.

In the spirit of continuous improvement, we are also exploring opportunities to widen our communication channels with families. To strengthen the connection between school and home, we will be introducing fortnightly Junior School updates and regular assembly communication summaries beginning in Term 1 next year. We look forward to keeping parents informed, engaged, and connected to student learning and wellbeing throughout 2026.

Our sincere gratitude goes to Mr Grant Bowman and Ms Debbie Walters for their outstanding leadership and dedication across Year 7 and 8. We are also delighted to welcome Mr Ash Aylen, who will be joining the team as the Year 8 Year Level Leader for 2026, bringing enthusiasm, deep care, and a commitment to student wellbeing and success.

We also recently held our Orientation Day, where we welcomed our 2026 Year 7 students to South Oakleigh College. It was a fantastic opportunity for our incoming students to meet staff, make new connections, and begin building confidence as they prepare to join our community next year.

As our Year 7 students prepare for Year 8, we are excited to continue the journey with them, and as our Year 8 students enter the Middle School, we wish them every success as they begin Year 9 with confidence and maturity. Thank you to all families for your ongoing support throughout the year. We wish everyone a safe, restful, and joyful holiday break, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.

Stephanie Heppel

Director of Students:  Junior School

Middle School Report

As we come to the end of a fantastic year in the Middle School, I would like to congratulate all our students on their hard work, resilience, and outstanding achievements throughout 2025. It has been a year filled with growth, connection, and memorable experiences.

One of the clear highlights was our recent Year 9 City Experience during the step up program, where students immersed themselves in Melbourne’s history, culture, and community. Their engagement, curiosity, and behaviour across the three days were exemplary, and we are incredibly proud of the way they represented South Oakleigh College.

We also celebrated excellence at our recent Presentation Night, recognising students who have demonstrated an exceptional level of achievement across academics, leadership, the arts, sport, and community involvement. Congratulations to all our award recipients—your commitment and dedication are truly inspiring.

As we head into the summer break, I encourage all students to take the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. A well-earned break will ensure everyone returns refreshed, motivated, and ready for a successful 2026.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr Bill Karakousis, our Year 9 Level Leader, for his ongoing leadership and support of the cohort. Bill will continue in this role next year, providing important continuity for our students and families. I also wish to thank Ms Sylvia Kosztyi for her exceptional work as Year 10 Level Leader this year; she will be moving with the cohort into Year 11 in 2026. Finally, we warmly welcome Mr Pandelis Pizanias, who will take over the reins as our new Year 10 Level Leader next year. We are excited to have him join the Middle School leadership team.

Thank you to all students, parents, carers, and staff for your partnership and support throughout this year. I wish you a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer break.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026.

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

As we wrap up the school year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work, growth and determination shown by our senior students throughout 2025. It has been a year filled with learning, challenges, achievements, and plenty of moments that reminded us why the senior years are such an important part of the college experience.

A real highlight was our Year 12 Study Retreat at Edrolo HQ with the Class of 2026. Students threw themselves into the workshops and study sessions, and it was fantastic to see them building confidence, connecting with staff, and preparing themselves for the year ahead. The retreat really set the tone for what we know will be a strong and focused cohort.

For our current Year 12 students, the past few months have brought the start of the VCAA external examinations. This period is always significant, and we are incredibly proud of how our students approached their exams with maturity, resilience and a clear commitment to doing their very best. Their efforts across the year have not gone unnoticed, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements once results are released.

As we look ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be another busy and rewarding year for the Senior School. I’m excited to continue working with our students, staff and families to support each young person as they navigate their pathways, set goals, and strive for success.

Thank you to all families for your ongoing support. I wish everyone a safe, restful break and look forward to another great year at South Oakleigh College.

Jessica Ferguson

Director of Students: VCE and VCE VM