Director of Students
Directors of Students: Middle School
There are no superlatives that can accurately and sufficiently summarise 2021. More to the point, the preceding 2 years. Lockdowns, restrictions, remote schooling, COVID tests and cancelled holidays are a small list that encompass a larger array of personal, social, emotional, and financial pressures families have endured. Perhaps with this in mind it is an opportune time to remember that whilst we experienced these challenges independently, the effects are shared and understood by all.
Looking back over 2021, it’s amazing that we managed to pack so much into one year. Even more amazing considering 10 weeks of which was in lockdown. Swimming and athletics carnivals, House competitions, a school production and an assortment of student lead fundraising initiatives. This all culminated in our annual activity’s week from December 6th – 10th, students completed a variety of on and off-site activities to celebrate 2021.
Over the Christmas break, take some time to reconnect with family and friends and recognise the achievements of another completed school year. Reflect with open eyes and appreciate in the shadow of our challenges that we grew as individuals. Make 2022 the year that we put others before us, that we focus on rising together and render the greater good a priority.
A special thanks to the Student Services Team that has worked tirelessly this year to support students in their academic and personal development. Working collaboratively with teachers, students and parents on site and remotely to ensure the South Oakleigh College community remains vibrant and connected.
Damien Landini
Director of Students: Middle School
Director of Students: Senior School
A year in review:
2020 was said to be a year like no other. 2021 viewed that statement as a challenge. 2021 did challenge us as learners, as teachers and as community members. However we all rose to the challenge!
Life is not often what we expect. Our plans change as we grow as individuals. What we thought was our plan at the start of VCE is not always our goal at the end. We grow, adapt, change and become different people. This is the most powerful part of being human. We can become different. This is most important as our year 12s look to their ATAR results.
When I received my ENTER, what ATAR was called in the early 2000s, my friends had come to my home, as we were the only household with a dedicated phoneline for internet. We all took turns logging into VTAC to see our results, an event that took well over an hour for 4 of us to view our results. Our University placements were published a month later in the newspaper, with a special edition at 5pm the day before release – an event with lines outside corner stores as long as modern festival lines.
Now the cohort of 2021 is able to open an app on their smart phones from the comfort of their bedrooms to see their ATAR.
What does not change is the emotions you feel as you view your results. Excitement, joy and sometimes a small sense of loss, that this is the final rite of passage of secondary schooling.
ATARs do not define you, nor does an individual’s education end with VCE. We are lifelong learners who continue to grow.
Valedictory and Graduation Dinner
After several attempts we were able to hold our Valedictory and Graduation Dinner. Students and guests were welcomed to celebrate our shared success. A congratulations to 2021 Valedictorian, Dion Karellas, whose consistent hard work across the year was celebrated.
The event can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpmGDoY4D6s
School Dux
It is with great pride to announce Bei Chun as this years Dux with an outstanding ATAR. We also congratulate Tuan Nyugen and Sayako Kaburagi for their impress scores over 90.
Grace Terdich
Director of Students: Senior School
2022 Study Camp
In the first week of headstart, the class of 2022 headed down to The Island CYC in Cowes, Phillip Island. Whilst there, we had some special visits from Skyline and Deakin University to help begin our preparations for Uni life, as well as adulthood. We also had the chance to kick back and relax after the big year we have had with the on site activities such as the flying fox and giant swing, as well as our beach walk. Overall, we enjoyed our stay and will cherish the memories of our last school camp.
Kyriakos Emmanouilidis
School Captain