Principal's news
Dear Parents
Our fortieth Anniversary Awards Evening at Monash University's Robert Blackwood Hall provided an opportunity to recognise the application, effort and successes of a large number of our students from Years 3 to 12.
The venue was certainly fitting for our fortieth Anniversary Awards Evening and our student performances aligned with the sense of occasion that was evident on the night. Congratulations is extended to all student recipients. I take this opportunity to thank all staff who contributed to this wonderful celebratory evening for our school community.
Our Arrowsmith Graduation Assembly was most poignant following an address from Arrowsmith Graduate Jacinta Kimberley. The tribute to each student by our teaching staff was heartfelt and inspirational.
I also acknowledge our special Year 5 Graduation Assembly recognising the transition of our graduating Junior School students as they transition to Middle School in 2024.
I wish to thank our parents for attending and supporting our Awards Evening, Arrowsmith and Year 5 Graduation Assemblies. I am certain you testify to the community spirit which was evident in all of our end of year student recognition events.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In November, 2022 an AI program called ChatGPT burst onto the education scene and immediately caused consternation and some panic in governments and some education institutions. Some school systems banned the use of ChatGPT and similar programs all together while others restricted its use. Oakleigh Grammar took a more considered approach realising that AI is here to stay and understood it was not feasible to ignore it.
Some of our lead teachers have been working behind the scenes in the AI space researching how AI may improve teaching and learning and explicitly, to cover how to engage in critical thinking and cognitive skills. My fundamental belief is that Generative AI is going to have a significant impact on our society and in education generally.
At Oakleigh Grammar, we pride ourselves in being strategic thinkers and we will continue to monitor the AI landscape and contribute to how this technology will best be utilised at our school.
It is important for all of us to understand that Generative AI will not only be maintained but will rapidly develop in our society and rather than be fearful of this reality, we need to embrace the opportunity to equip our students with the necessary skills required to thrive in their adult working life without being left behind.
Staff News
I am delighted to advise that Mrs Brooke Busuttil (Junior School Physical Education Teacher) will be commencing Maternity Leave at the end of Term 1, 2024.
We wish Mrs Katherine Bogiannidou all the best as her Maternity Leave commences at the end of this year.
We wish long serving staff members Mrs Angela Korlos (Senior School Mathematics and Science Teacher), having served 36 years, and Mrs Soula Sfindilis (Accounts Department) all the best as they embark on retirement at the end of the year. We also farewell Ms Alisha Peng (EAL Support) who we are farewelling at the end of the year.
We wish Mrs Pili Varsos (Mathematics Teacher) well deserved Long Service Leave for Terms 1 and 2 next year and look forward to Mr Manoj Patel returning from his Long Service Leave at the start of next year.
We look forward to the following staff joining us in 2024: Ms Angela Barr as our Director of ELC; Ms Emma Cameron – ELC Teacher; Ms Alice Ridley and Mr Tim Veal – Junior School Teachers; Ms Lei Liu to assist our EAL and Short Study Programs; Ms Nasmia Abbass to Learning Enhancement; and Ms Caroline Hallam and Mr Ryan Yang as Middle School Teachers.
I take this opportunity to wish all Oakleigh Grammar families the blessings of faith, happiness and peace this Christmas. I convey New Year blessings and safe and happy holidays to you all. I look forward to welcoming all students on 1 February, 2024.
God Bless
Mark Robertson
Principal