Middle School
For the past three and a bit years, I have been the Head of Middle School. During that time, I have worked with the students of the Middle School, attending camp, supervising them in sport, and spending time in their classrooms. The atmosphere is always different from Senior School, especially in the Years 6 and 7 areas. Curiosity is a big part of Middle School and allows learning to be centred around investigation and student interest. I have enjoyed spending time getting to know the students of the Middle School. I have watched them develop into confident leaders in Year 9 and discover more about their own strengths and interests in preparation for the transition into Senior School and the VCE.
I take this opportunity to thank the teachers and families of the Middle School for the support and faith they have shown me over the last three years. The experiences and learning undertaken in Middle School provide the foundation for what happens in Senior School. It is important to recognise that Middle School shapes and prepares students for more than good grades. It gives them opportunities to grow, adapt, and accept differences, to become open-minded, balanced and informed thinkers.
In particular, I would like to thank Michael Pegiou, Inneke Smit and Dean Damatopoulos for their support and commitment to providing excellent care for the well-being of our students. They have been outstanding in their roles as Year Level Coordinators.
As this is my last Grammar News article, I would like to thank the families, students and staff of the Middle School for the wonderful experience I have had as the Head of Middle School.
Goodbye.
Sharron Frame
Head of Middle and Senior School
Years 8 and 9
It may not seem like it, but we are already halfway through Term 4 and our students will soon be on their way to examinations and transition. Despite these challenges and upcoming events, they remain diligent in both their studies and their service to the school and wider community.
Our Year 9 students took park in the raising of funds for Ms. Mary Adam as she visited to talk with them about Sierra Leone and the great work being undertaken in schools and the church there by His Grace Bishop Themistocles, herself and a bunch of other wonderful individuals. In addition, students across our Middle School came over the past weekend to support the Five Loaves initiative to feed those in need within the community. Joining members of the school and wider community, they made hundreds of ham and cheese sandwiches. It was a joy to see and be a part of, with the event showing just how caring and compassionate our community is.
Looking ahead, it is important we continue to recognise the efforts of all our students in the Middle School. While study for upcoming assessment and examinations, it is essential they still take the time to rest, stay healthy and exercise.
Michael Pegiou
Years 8 & 9 Coordinator
Years 6 and 7
Year 6 and 7
Term 4 has been a busy and involved term for our year 6 and 7 cohort. Their service as action projects were completed with a wonderful and energised display during week 2 with our Service as action exhibition. Students from both Year 6 and 7 had the opportunity to share their voice with the Oakleigh Grammar community – reflecting on what it means to care for and serve others.
Year 6 focused on the issues surrounding homelessness and developed advocacy and research campaigns. While the Year 7 cohort had an opportunity to select a charity and cause of their choosing. Many students elected to fundraise and/or advocate for a particular cause.
Some of our Year 6 students presented to our current Year 5 students – paying it forward.
When asked what Year 6 students learnt and liked about the service as action project, student comments were;
“I liked collaborating”
“I learned that homelessness is a lot bigger problem than everyone thinks”
“I learnt that a little goes a long way, such as a smile”
“I learnt that it's not easy to serve others and look after them”
When asked what Year 7 students learnt and liked about the service as action project, student comments were;
"I learnt that to serve and look after others is not to ignore them (homeless people) and give someone a bit of attention, so they know they aren't invisible"
"I learnt that one little thing can change a lot"
Johnathan Moshoulis 7A
“I learnt that you have to be committed to your project and that "Teamwork makes the Dreamwork"
"I liked setting up our stall and talking to people about the cause that we were supporting”
Ellie Woodhams 7B –
"I learnt that serving others means to put effort and to help and do work that others in need can’t. It also helped me learn to be a better communicator”
Issam Alaeddine 7A
"I learnt that to sell products to the public/other people (as part of fundraising), you have to create something that everyone has an interest in. And I liked collecting the products of our store and advertising it"
Irene Koutsovasilis 7B
"I learnt that it was interesting to see how easy it is to put a smile on someone's face"
Mariah Kambitis 7A
“Anything helps”
Jamie is commenting on when she and her group gave the money they fundraised to her neighbour; her neighbour was battling brain cancer.
Jamie Xypolias 7A
"I learnt that it is a long process to help the community and it always helps others in life"
Maximillian Horth 7B
“I learnt that working as a team is way better than trying to do it all by yourself”
Henry Spencer 7A
The Home Group teachers congratulate our students for epitomising and demonstrating our school values of excellence and effort; and displaying, by example, aspects of what it means to be a responsible and active citizen.
Well done all!
Inneke Smit
Acting Years 6 and 7 Coordinator