Faculty News
Careers News
MICHELLE MASCARO
Career Advisor
William Angliss Experiences – September School Holidays
During the upcoming school holidays, secondary school students have the opportunity to experience a day in the life of an Angliss student.
The Angliss Experience combines both hands-on workshops with insights into careers in the foods, tourism, hospitality, and events industries. Two Angliss Experience programs will be held at the Melbourne CBD campus, and lunch will be provided on both days. Spaces are strictly limited, so early registration is recommended.
Tuesday, September 24th
Participate in workshops in Baking, Cookery, and Patisserie, and gain an insight into the emerging careers in the field of Food Studies.
Tourism, Events, Hospitality and Hotel Management Day
Thursday, September 27th
Learn how to create a delicious mocktail, experience our Aviation (Cabin Crew) program and sample some of the exciting subjects in our Tourism, Events and Hotel Management courses.
Interested in a Career in Policing?
Students are eligible to apply at the age of 18, with a misconception that young adults do not have enough life and work experience for the role. To the contrary, a large number of the Police Force joined at the age of 18. Police recruitment staff and psychologists will assess applicants to determine their suitability for the policing environment at each of the 11 stages of the recruitment process.
Work experience for the Police Force is determined by a number of factors , and when asked about previous work experience, answers may include: customer service experience, exposure to conflict resolution, ability to adapt to the workplace, team work, leadership and developed emotional intelligence. For example, part-time work at McDonald’s is highly regarded. However, if a student is only working 5 hours a week over an extended period of time, they may not be consistently developing the skills required for the Police role.
Life experience will be different for each applicant, and again, police recruitment staff and psychologists will assess this factor on a case-by-case basis. There are times where a young applicant ticks the boxes, but fails to demonstrate the required maturity and communication skills necessary to perform the duties of a Police Officer, or Protective Services Officer (PSO) at the panel interview stage.
If students are taking a gap year to find employment or to travel, it's important that during those 12 months those young applicants are actively looking to further develop themselves in other areas. Volunteering, involvement in a community group or sporting club is also highly regarded. Again, it's important to note that in order to be a competitive applicant, applicants must show that they have had consistent part-time or full-time employment.
It can take anywhere from 6 to 9 months to complete the 11 stages of the recruitment process. Applicants are responsible for preparing themselves for each stage. Resources are available on the police careers website, and the Police Applicant Attraction Team is more than happy to support applicants throughout the recruitment process.
A large number of applicants are unsuccessful due to a lack of preparation for the entrance exam and fitness assessment, as well as a lack of understanding of the role they have applied for. Students are encouraged to speak to Police and PSO members at their local police station or train station so that they have a greater understanding of what is expected at the Police Academy and on the job.
If an applicant is deemed unsuccessful they will be required to wait 12 months before reapplying.
Students are recommended to browse Police Career, and visit the Victoria Police YouTube channel, and watch the recruitment videos:
Student Representative Council (SRC)
NATASHA SPANOS
SRC Coordinator
For the last five years, the students of Oakleigh Grammar have had the opportunity to visit Ronald McDonald House Monash. The facility which is located in Clayton, offered students the ability to learn about their programs and how they provide to families in need.
The Ronald McDonald Houses are attached to major women's or children’s hospitals and provide a home away from home for seriously ill children and their families. Being an independent charity they rely on their amazing volunteers and on the generous financial help from the public to continue to extend their programs.
On Friday 31st of August, SRC members, Middle School Leaders and Social Justice Leaders from the Junior School visited the Ronald McDonald House in Clayton. On our arrival we met with Ms Wood, who is responsible for all the volunteers working at the House, as well as all the fundraisers which are organised annually. Ms Wood showed us around the centre and also showed us the new room for the families at the Children’s Hospital. Students and staff had the opportunity to discuss the benefits of having these centres in our society.
On our visit, we showed them the generosity of the Oakleigh Grammar School Community by taking them items of non-perishable foods and new toys donated by students and families.
This was a truly amazing and great experience for our Student Leaders. It also taught an important lesson, that together we can help more children suffering from serious illness to lead healthier, happier lives.
Hellenic Culture
NATASHA SPANOS
Hellenic Culture Coordinator
On Thursday 13th of September, Students form Years 10 and 11 were fortunate enough to participate in a seminar presented by Dr. Lygeros, during their LOTE Greek Classes.
Dr. Lygeros has a PhD in Mathematics, as well as a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Lyon in France. He has worked as an advisor for the National School of Defence of Greece, the School of Security of Greece, and the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has also served as a strategic consultant for both the Greek and Cypriot Governments, and has been seen on SBS in Australia talking about the ANZAC’s presence in Greece during World War One and Two. He is renowned for his great intellectual gifts and Dr. Nikos Lygeros’s work includes the active contribution to the evolution of Human Rights by creating the foundations for the declaration of the Rights of Humanity.
Oakleigh Grammar students heard about Dr. Lygeros’ experiences working as a strategic consultant in Greece, as a professor in universities in Greece and France, and as an interpreter in French law courts. They also had the opportunity to discuss with Dr. Lygeros the importance of Human Rights in today’s society and our rights to make up our own minds, to think what we like, to say what we think, and to share our ideas with other people.
On behalf of Oakleigh Grammar, I would like to thank Dr. Nikos Lygeros for his special visit to our School.
Chaplain's Corner
FATHER GEORGE ADAMAKIS
School Chaplain
In term 3, we had the blessing of undertaking our Divine Liturgy services for the Junior, Middle and Senior School.
On Thursday 23rd of August, we had 9 days of service of the Dormition of the Theotokos, in which I had Father John Mawal presiding with me at the service for the Junior School. Father Mawal spoke joyfully to our students about the significance of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
On the 10th and 13th of September, our Middle and Senior School attended a Divine Liturgy, where the focus covered topics like, the Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross, What does the Orthodox Church believe about the Cross? The symbolism, the importance of doing our Cross, venerating the Cross and how to carry our Cross in our daily life.
Some useful links on this include:
A wonderful Podcast about Understanding the Cross of Christ by Fr Thomas Hopko
https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/hopko_lectures/understanding_the_cross_of_christ
The Sign of the Cross, Icons, and Tradition in the Orthodox Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=derjqczKV5E
The Beauty of the Cross
https://www.goarch.org/-/the-beauty-of-the-cross
The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross
Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325.
A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion, the place where the saving passion had been suffered.
The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation.
At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.
A Strict Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.
Apolytikion of Elevation of the Holy Cross
First Tone
Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries, and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.
Kontakion of Elevation of the Holy Cross.
Fourth Tone
Lifted up on the Cross by Your free will, Christ God, grant mercies to the new Commonwealth that bears Your name. Gladden our faithful rulers by Your power, giving them victories over their adversaries. May Your alliance be for them a weapon for peace, an invincible standard.
Maths
ANGELA KORLOS
Head of Faculty Maths/Science
2018 STATE-WIDE MATHEMATICS GAMES DAYS
Once again, our Year 6-8 students competed in the Maths Association of Victoria's State-Wide Maths Games Day. Maths Games Days are a great opportunity for our high- achieving students to extend their mathematical talents and thinking skills by competing with like-minded students from a diverse range of schools. Our results this year were exceptional.
Our Year 7 team came in the top 6 teams state-wide, beating teams of students from some of the most prestigious and selective schools in Victoria.
Thank you to Mrs. Varsos, Mrs. Tsalapataris and Mr. Patel for accompanying the students.
Congratulations to the following students:
Year 7- Mt. Waverley Christian College
Team 1: Max Zhu, Noah Peoples, Phoenix Shi, Senuka Ranadeera (Top 6 State-Wide)
Team 2: Ansh Kumar, Manan Chavda, Steven Sakellarios, Lazar Licina
Year 8- Penleigh Essendon Grammar
Team 1: Helena Papageorgiou, Aimar Peoples, Hugo Vu, Toni Stathopoulos
Team 2: George Bitzios, Jonathan Daoulas, Michael Kaniadis, Rajas Satijas
Year 6 –Genezzano College
Team 1: Meghana Abburi, Prnav Ahuja , Rajveer Singh, Theofilo Romanidis
Team 2: Jaeda Louw, Nicola Grigoropoulos, Mia Hatziminas, Sotiri Bakalis
"On the 3rd of September, 8 students from year 7 went to the MAV State-Wide Mathematics Games Day, at Waverley Christian College. They participated in many challenging math games, with problem solving and math puzzles. There were 23 schools participating and both teams got great results. Within a group of around 50 teams Oakleigh Grammar Team 1 came sixth. The students did very well and hope to get better results next year."
Phoenix Shi
"On Wednesday 29th of August, eight students from year 8 attended the 2018 Maths Games Day! We all participated in multiple fun maths games and had the opportunity some prizes. Overall, it was a great day and we are all glad that we attended!
Helena Papageorgiou Year 8
"We were excited and hyped up to compete in the games. When we got there we were shown our seats and with the last teams getting ready, we started the games. We did puzzles, one on one games with other schools, and did some problem solving. We had great fun competing with other students. We then returned back to school, getting soft serves on the way. It was a great day, and a fun one at that."
Aimar Peoples Year 8
"On Friday the 7th of September, a few selected year 6’s went to the Maths Day carnival at Genazzo FCJ College.
The day went by faster than you could imagine. We were involved in many activities like problem solving and mini puzzles. The day started off with a problem solving activity where we worked in teams to figure out 30 problem solving questions. We each had team names. Team ‘Mathricks’ included Meg, Jaeda, Prnav and Sotiris. The other team was called Team ‘Halfway’ and consisted of Rajveer, Theo, Nicola and Mia.
After the activity we went out for a 20 minute recess and we stuffed ourselves with a lot of lollies supplied by Rajveer. We went back inside all bubbly and high on sugar and started our next activity which were one on one puzzles. We each versed a player from the other school through various different math games. Then we were given a 20 minute lunch break. We all had our lunch and started playing tiggy which was very fun. We all went in puffed out and started another problem solving activity. At the end of the day the winning team was awarded a medal and prizes.
After the day was over we all went to McDonald's as promised by Mrs Varsos. While waiting for the food we all went on the playground which was meant for little kids, but we went on anyway. We came back to school and the other kids were having a huge picnic so we ate the food there as well. We were all full, but had a great time on the day, and wish to do it again sometime in the future. Thank you for the opportunity and this amazing experience you have given us."
From Rajveer, Meg, Theo, Jaeda and Sotiris.
National Numeracy Week
From September 3rd to 7th, Oakleigh Grammar participated in Numeracy Week. This initiative celebrates learning and raises awareness of the importance of mathematics in everyday life.
The theme this year was ‘Discover’ and this tied in perfectly with the MYP Inquiry learning and Global Context. Our students eagerly participated in many exciting numeracy activities and games which focused on making mathematics learning meaningful and fun. There were many highlights including daily challenges, math trivia, math games, practical applications and a lot of kinaesthetic learning.
Daily Quiz
Congratulation to all the enthusiastic students who participated in the Daily Numeracy Challenge.
