Principal's Report 

Principal’s Speech - Presentation night

There is no handbook for a pandemic.  There is no handbook for the constant changes associated with everything that comes with it.  Unprecedented in our lifetime; but together our community has made it through, and we have demonstrated that we can - and did - move through the challenges that we faced in all aspects of our lives.  I am proud of our students and how they have shown strength of character and demonstrated all the SOC values! They have shown Resilience, flexibility, adaptability, care for others and Teamwork.

Our College Captain and Valedictorian of the Class of 2020, Andrew Leap, referred to these defining moments as accomplishments we never thought we would achieve, whether it be academically, socially or otherwise.

In recent news, we have secured the continuing development of the South Oakleigh College Plan for the Future with Major Capital Works funding in this year’s budget.  This funding will be spent to provide current and future students with 21st century buildings, which will support their skill development to thrive in a complex environment of change, challenge and uncertainty.  In partnership with you, the families, we see this as a further opportunity to support our students – our education family - to become responsible, resilient and respectful participants in a global community.  With Technology at the forefront, we are well-equipped to bring parents and students into the learning sphere of the 21st century.

In 2021 we will continue the journey and work with our students to further develop critical and creative thinking, while improving their problem-solving, communication and self-directed learning skills.  This year was a true testament that we cannot provide textbook answers to the challenges, but we can offer an opportunity for our students to seek solutions through creativity and innovation.

2020: what a year for our Student Leaders who have demonstrated their strength and passion for their community with the tremendous work they did before, during and after lockdown!  With the guidance of Ms Kantzas and our College Captains, Andrew and Stacie, they set the benchmark in organisation and preparation for a rich and rewarding year for them in 2021.  They are our future leaders, and this was clearly evident in everything they did this year.

I would also like to make mention of the staff who will not be with us next year:

Mrs Bronwyn Cullinan, who will retire at the beginning of 2021.  We wish her well in her retirement.

Ms Joyce Harris, our College Chaplain, who will seek to explore other career pathway in social work and nursing.

Mr Steve Kuruc, who will be taking up a Leading Teacher position at another school.  I know we will be in touch and our Science and STEM Team will continue to work closely with him.

On behalf of our school community, I thank them for their hard work, and the opportunities and innovative teaching programs they have provided our students.

Thank you to all our staff for their support of our students during this time - both a challenging and stressful time.  They have gone above expectations during Remote Learning to provide a continuous learning program for their students.  They have invested their time and effort because they believe our students can and will achieve amazing things.

To our parents your support has been invaluable because without you the transition to remote and flexible learning would have been even more challenging.  Together we have continued to support our students to enhance their educational and personal lives and provide them with the opportunities to make a difference to the world around us.

Tonight, I once again farewell the class of 2020.  We honour their commitment to staying the course as not even a pandemic could stop them.  They have taught us that any challenge can be overcome, and they will succeed at whatever they put their mind to.   On behalf of the class of 2020, I would also like to once again acknowledge Andrew and Stacie for all their hard work as School captains – they are an inspiration for the younger students and are looked up to as role models for future SOC Captains; they have truly reset the benchmark.

Once again thank you to you all for supporting our students and watching our Virtual Presentation Night.  As I did last year, I ask that we consider the wise words of Chief sitting Bull:

And may we never lose sight of a future brimming with possibilities and dazzling outcomes for all students, in fact all members of our school community.

Wishing you all a light-filled festive season and health and happiness to every family!

Thank you

Helen Koziairis

Principal