Principal's Report
Welcome College Community
On behalf of the South Oakleigh College community I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back to the 2020 school year -particularly those who are commencing a new association with us. It is always a daunting experience to start at any new place, but from all reports our newest community members are settling in well to the South Oakleigh College way of life.
I would like to acknowledge the events of the last few months: our thoughts are with all members of the community who were affected by the bushfires and floods during the school break, and with those who have been impacted by the Coronavirus epidemic.
As a school, our mission is to support all our students to achieve their best as individuals and as members of the College community. We recognise that working together - in partnership with staff, parents/guardians and students - is key to helping our students reach their full potential. Only by working together – all pulling in the same direction - can we ensure that excellent learning outcomes and pathways can be achieved.
2019 DUX
Congratulations are in order to the class of 2019, who provided us with some excellent results: our best results thus far.
Our Dux for 2019 is Briano Goestiawan who attained an ATAR of 97.85. Briano received his first preference in the first round of offers to study Engineering (Honours)/Computer Science at Monash University. Briano has been a consistently hardworking student throughout his years at South Oakleigh College. He has performed at a high level in all subject areas, regularly topping his class in assessments. On behalf of the school community, I extend our congratulations and best wishes to Briano for his future success.
Briano’s score is one of many outstanding results across the board for our class of 2019. A gratifying number of our students achieved an ATAR above 90; and, almost half of our graduating students achieved an ATAR above the state average. Individual Subject Dux and other awards were announced at last year’s end of year Presentation evening.
South Oakleigh College is proud of all students’ achievements. Well done to all!
Without our teachers and supporting staff members, none of this would be possible. On behalf of all students and parents; I thank all our staff for their hard work and dedication in challenging our students to be their best. We are fortunate to have staff who are such excellent role models for our students.
New Staff
I welcome our newest members to our team and look forward to working with them:
Grace Terdich - Director of Students – Senior School, English, Humanities
Damien Landini - Director of Students – Middle School, Physical Education, Music, Sport
Chloe Feng - Japanese, English as an Additional Language, Humanities
Tom Wilson - Business Management, Physical Education, Commerce
Catherine Morrison - Visual Arts
Lucy Han - Maths
Jeff Wong - Maths
Jason Knee - Health, Physical Education, Sport
Kasey Boxell - Health, Physical Education
There are many exciting and innovative plans for 2020 in the area of student learning, wellbeing and co-curricula activities. You will be kept well informed of these initiatives – primarily though our newsletter. Our two new Directors of Students will be working closely with many of our staff, including our Heads of House, our Sports Coordinator, our Drama & Music Team, as well as our Wellbeing Team, to offer our students a diverse range of opportunities including sport, drama, music and a host of co-curricular activities. We encourage students to participate in all activities to extend themselves and learn new skills while representing their House.
College Events
It was good to see many families attend the House Swimming Carnival and it was lovely meeting our new Year 7 families at the BBQ held on
13 February. I wish all members of the South Oakleigh College community a happy, healthy and smooth transition into our 2020 year - with a focus on Working Together.
Helen Koziaris
College Principal