Assistant Principals Report
End Of Term 1:
Assistant Principal's Report
Professional Learning Update
Our staff have continued to work collaboratively to strengthen teaching and learning practices across the school through the implementation of VTLM 2.0 through undertaking a number of professional learning sessions on the Science of Learning and the Elements of Learning.
In term 1, all teachers have been focusing on fostering a consistently orderly learning environment in every classroom.
Teachers are also consistently using Learning Intentions (LI) and Success Criteria (SC) to clearly guide student learning. By making the purpose of each lesson explicit and outlining what success looks like, students are better equipped to understand their learning goals and track their own progress.
In addition, staff are embedding retrieval practices at the beginning of lessons. These short activities help students revisit prior knowledge and strengthen memory.
Educational research shows the more frequent revision (re-exposure) of concepts helps to transfer concepts to students memory as shown in the forgetting curve below.
Students are encouraged to spend their homework time reviewing key concepts and revisiting prior content to support the retrieval practices that teachers are presenting in class.
School Uniform
A reminder that from next term, all students are required to wear Winter uniform- this includes blazers and ties. We encourage students to try each uniform item over the term break and make necessary arrangements to ensure that we are wearing our uniform respectfully and with pride to begin term 2.
School Photos, Ordering and Uniform Expectations
School Photos will be held on Thursday 30th April 2026.
Sibling Photos and students who were absent on April 30th will have their photos taken on Tuesday 5th May 2026.
Uniform Expectations
- All students are to be wearing blazers and ties (green for years 7-9 and maroon for years 10-12)
- No jumpers to be worn for photos
- Students are to have their hair tidy and away from their face
- Jewellery- necklaces are to be worn inside the students’ collar. Two small studs or plain sleepers are permitted to be worn in ears and/or one small stud can be worn discreetly on the nose.
- Makeup not to be worn, however, tinted moisturiser is permitted
Please refer to uniform, grooming and jewellery guidelines in student planners
PE Lesson Consideration:
Students with PE lessons on the day should wear their Academic Uniform and bring their PE uniform separately to change into.
Important Note:
All students will have their photo taken, regardless of whether an order has been placed.
Photo Orders:
To arrange a sibling photo, please place an order online via this link using code AR6W3AN4. Sibling Photos must be placed by April 28. A schedule for sibling photos will be shared via Compass before May 5.
Orders can be made anytime, even after photo day, online via this link using code AR6W3AN4. A variety of packages are available for purchase.
Child Safety
At South Oakleigh College we do everything possible to ensure the safety of our students. The school has a detailed, On-Site Supervision policy.
Part of this policy outlines the supervision provided to students before and after school and the obligations of parents around these guidelines. School staff do not commence duty until 8.30am and therefore if your child is on site prior to this time, they are unsupervised.
Parents/carers are discouraged from sending their children to school before the designated supervision time in the morning which is 8.30am at South Oakleigh College.
Parents/carers are encouraged to pick up their child by the end of the designated end of day supervision period or post any scheduled school activity.
Student Injury
Parents and carers are reminded that the Department of Education DOES NOT provide personal accident insurance for students. Parents and carers are generally responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including any transport costs. This includes students who may be injured during school or interschool sporting competitions. In a first aid emergency, we shall always call an ambulance should it be considered necessary by the treating officer in regard to the duty of care to the injured student.
Fortunately, this does not happen very often, however, we strongly recommend that parents do have ambulance cover for any such contingency as any costs in such a matter are passed to the parent.
I wish all staff, students and their families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break when we conclude the term on Friday 4th April.
South Oakleigh College (e-scooter & e-bike) Policy Announcement
At South Oakleigh College, we are committed to ensuring the safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters in line with Victorian legislation, while maintaining a safe and orderly College environment.
Students and families are expected to comply with all legal requirements, including age restrictions, helmet use, speed limits, and permitted riding locations.
Under current Victorian law, students under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride e-scooters or e-bikes.
In addition, e-bikes and e-scooters must not be ridden within College grounds at any time (before, during, or after school hours). Students are required to dismount and walk these devices while on school property.
Students who intend to ride an e-bike or e-scooter to and from school will be required to complete a consent form, signed by a parent/carer. Further details of the College’s policy will be communicated by the end of the week and will be made available on the College website.
Supporting a Positive Learning Environment
As we approach the end of Term 1, we wanted to take a moment to share how our school manages two important areas of school life — punctuality and uniform expectations. These routines play a significant role in creating a calm, orderly, and productive environment where all students can thrive.
We ask that all students arrive to school on time in the morning and are at each class on time. Punctuality is an important habit that supports not only your child's learning, but also the learning of those around them. If your child is running late for any reason, please ensure they have a note or that you have entered a reason onto Compass.
Wearing the correct school uniform is an expectation for all students at our school. It fosters a sense of pride and belonging across our community. If your child is unable to wear part of the uniform on a particular day due to a genuine reason, please contact the students’ Year Level Leader via Compass or with a note in the student planner.
When a student is late or out of uniform without a valid reason then they will be asked to attend an after-school detention the following afternoon. Year Level Leaders will also call parents if a detention is to be held.
We appreciate your continued support in reinforcing these expectations at home.
Anthony Katsianos
Assistant Principal
Mark Picone
Assistant Principal
George Tzimourtas
Assistant Principal
Louise O'Neill
Assistant Principal