Assistant Principal's Report
End of Term 2: Report
2023 Subject Selection
The commencement of Term 3 will see the beginning of the process of students considering their subjects for 2023. Students studying Year 9 and 10 will have the opportunity to select elective subjects and students in Years 11 and 12 will select their VCE courses. It is important that this process is completed early as student preferences impact on staff recruitment and timetable planning. Parents are encouraged to discuss their children’s subjects with them taking into account interest, aptitude and preferred post-secondary pathways. Both the Year Level Leader and Director of Students with our Careers practitioner are available should you wish any further information or advice.
The last few weeks saw many exciting activities occur which included junior school sporting success in School Sport Victoria’s Monash Division inter school competitions, students progressing to the next stage of cross country and Years 10 & 11 students returning from an incredible Northern Territory camp. Students in all year levels undertook the annual Student’s Attitude to School survey. This data gives the College an indication of areas of strength and areas requiring improvement with respect to student wellbeing and learning confidence.
Student Devices
Communication will occur via Compass in Term 3 regarding information about ordering Laptops for 2023, including costs, recommended models and minimum requirements. It is important to know that devices have a three year warranty and therefore families who purchased a device through our provider, Learning with Technologies, in 2019 for the 2020 school year will have their warranty expire in December of this year.
Statement of Commitment to Child safety
South Oakleigh College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making.
South Oakleigh College has a zero tolerance for child abuse.
We are committed to providing a child-safe environment where all young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about the decisions that affect their lives. Our child-safe policies, procedures, strategies and practices will be inclusive of the needs of all children, with cultural and particular awareness and sensitivity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disabilities.
Every member of the South Oakleigh Community has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play, individually and collectively, to ensure that the wellbeing of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make. If you believe that a child is at immediate risk of abuse, phone 000 straight away.
General Housekeeping
Student Absences
If a student is unable to attend school, is going to be late or needs to leave early, the school must be informed of ALL absences: whether it be illness, appointments, holidays or any other reason.
The easiest way to inform The School is to Login to Compass with your Parent Login and ADD A PARENT APPROVAL.
Any unexplained absences will be followed up by Student Services if your child is absent without an explanation.
Student Accident Insurance
Parents and guardians are reminded that the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not provide personal accident insurance for students while at school or during any school related activity including camps and excursions.
Parents and guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including any transport costs. Student accident insurance policies are available from some commercial insurers. These cover a range of medical expenses not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.
It is also highly recommended that families have Ambulance Victoria Membership Cover if it is not included in your private health cover. Ambulance costs are very expensive and are not covered by Medicare.
Parent Details
Have you moved house or changed phone numbers?
If so, please remember to fill in a ‘Change of Details’ form. A form can also be collected from the General Office. Please return this form as soon as possible. It is important that we have your most current details for general purposes and in case of an emergency. It is also important that you keep your mobile phone number and email address details up-to-date on Compass. This is to ensure you do not miss out on vital information including student attendance alerts.
Uniform
Families are reminded that full winter uniform is to be worn when travelling to and from the College. This includes ties and blazers. The College scarf can also be worn for extra warmth and can be purchased from the Administration Office or from our uniform supplier, PSW.
PSW have informed us that they now have a full complement of uniform at their Cheltenham store available for purchase.
Mark Picone & Anthony Katsianos
Assistant Principals
