Principal's Report
End Of Term 1:
Principal's Report
At South Oakleigh College, our HRRRT values—High Expectations Respect Responsibility Resilience Teamwork—are not simply ideals; they are guiding principles that shape every facet of our school community. They are values that we believe all members of our community take with them when they leave SOC, into their new pathways, education and as life long learners.
This term, I have witnessed these values in action, whether through our students’ daily conduct or their contributions to the wider school culture. The money raised from our Community Day of Action through our annual Walkathon, supporting the Monash Children’s Hospital school is particularly inspiring. Particularly, at this time when many in our community our impacted with the cost of living and rising prices it demonstrates our communities commitment to supporting all young people who are impacted with ill health and need the Monash Children’s Hospital school to continue to engage in their education, by their dedicated teaching staff, as use the resources and other opportunities our walkathon provides them.
Recently, I was so proud to receive feedback from a number of external providers and general community members who praising our students for their exemplary behavior, be it our students be at the Year 7 Camp, on public transport and on excursions in the broader community. Our students have been described as courteous, considerate, and willing to assist, demonstrating Respect, empathy and for their environment and others around them. Such observations affirm the strength of our values, reflected in the everyday actions of our young people, our students, your children.
Within the school, our end of term assemblies are a time of celebration were our students are recognized for a number of achievements relating to our HRRRT values as well as other contributions to the school. These moments of acknowledgment not only inspire those recognized but also encourage others to embody the same principles and strive to be the best person they too can be. Our student leaders have played an invaluable role in driving these assemblies and podcasts creating a summary of the terms events, speaking with confidence to the student and staff audiences. Our student leaders are integral to enhancing our collective school experience and the importance of empowering students with opportunities to lead, innovate, and engage.
Our Year 7 Class captains have been named and celebrated as have our new student leaders who are working closely with the Principal team and Ms Lucas to make a difference and provide a voice for students, as well developing their leadership ships and embodying the sense of Teamwork.
Harvard Data Wise Graduation Ceremony
On Thursday 26 March, Stephanie Hepple and Debbie Walters, and I, attended a special event at the Kew Golf Course to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Data Wise program.
After all participants received their graduation certificates, the final award of the morning—the Nate Finch Perpetual Award—was announced. To the delight and surprise of us all, the 2025 recipient was South Oakleigh College.
Stephanie Hepple and Debbie Walters were honoured for their groundbreaking work in elevating student “Why” stories—a powerful approach that strengthens student–teacher relationships and deepens understanding of learner needs.
As shared by the Director of Data Wise Australia, a member of the Data Wise Advisory Board, and international cochair for the senior teaching and certification team, heartfelt congratulations go to Stephanie and Debbie for this outstanding achievement. Sincere thanks were also extended to Mark Piccone and Anthony Katsianos and myself for our leadership and commitment to embedding the Data Wise Improvement Process across the college since 2023. A huge congratulations to all at South Oakleigh College—and a very special well done to Stephanie and Debbie for their dedication and hard work over the past 17 months. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.
About the Nate Finch Perpetual Award
During her speech, Penny Jayne, CoChair of the Data Wise Course, shared the story behind this honour.
Between 2014 and 2020, Nate Finch served as a Portfolio Director within the Programs in Professional Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He played a pivotal role in bringing the Data Wise Leadership Institute to Australia—the first time Harvard had delivered professional learning outside its campus.
The inaugural Australian Institute was held in Victoria in 2019 and has continued each year since (with the exception of 2021 and 2022). The Nate Finch Perpetual Award, established in 2022 following Nate’s retirement, recognises a school team that demonstrates extraordinary commitment to delivering Excellence and Equity for students.
Together, let’s continue to nurture a community where connection, belonging, and values-driven education take centre stage. Thank you all for your ongoing support and I look forward to term 2 and continuing to recognize our great staff and students..
Helen Koziaris
College Principal