Grammar News

Senior School

SHARRON FRAME

Head of Senior School

 

 

The last few weeks in Senior School have indeed been very full and inclusive of many events, a number of which being held outside of the class room.  As always, at this time in Term 3, Year 12 teachers are racing the clock to complete course work and assessments, to ensure their students are prepared for the external examinations commencing in October.  Years 10 and 11 have been immersed in learning experiences linked to real life situations, where the outcomes of their actions has increased their understanding and knowledge of themselves and those around them.

 

Many have learned failure is an option. Mistakes and poor judgement should never be seen as negative experiences. Plagiarism, poor time management and lack of consideration for others, are just some of the things that have led students to outcomes that did not meet expectations. In truth, however, these are the real learning experiences that can shape and guide future decision making. Failure is a learning experience with powerful lessons and should be seen positively as something to learn from, rather than something to be punished for.

 

So? What did we see? Students working together to organise a formal, students understanding first-hand the consequences for poor and/or risky decision making, and the need for kindness and consideration for those trying to work with you to achieve success. We saw leadership, quiet and thoughtful actions, service above self and probably, most importantly, enjoyment through being involved. Yes, it has been a busy term, but the learning has been ongoing, relevant and personal for each individual.

 

This is my last Grammar News article for the year as I will be taking Long Service Leave during Term 4. In my absence, the following staff will be responsible for the well-being and care of the Senior School:

  • Acting Head of Senior School – Mr Peter Dickinson [Deputy Principal Operations]
  • Acting Year 11 Coordinator – Mr Steve Zafiropoulos
  • Acting Year 10 Coordinator – Mr Manoj Patel
  • Examination Coordinator – Mr James Gobbo

Thank you for a wonderful year. I look forward to returning in 2019 to continue working with the students and families of the Senior School.

 

2019 School Captain Nominees

The nine nominees addressed the Middle and Senior School Assembly on Tuesday, August 28. This is one of my favourite moments of the year and this year, as I watched them each speak it was one of my proudest. Each individual was articulate and obviously passionate about their vision for the role. The key message was the same, they were proud to be a member of the Oakleigh Grammar student community and wished to give back to the school that had supported them on their learning journey. Their statements are backed by their quiet actions when they thought no one was watching. The future of student leadership is in good hands and these nine individuals have all earned the right to be called leaders, regardless of whether they wear the badge of School Captain or not in 2019.

 

P.A.R.T.Y

Truly one of the most thought provoking and worthwhile excursions I have ever attended. Since its introduction, large numbers of students have been through this program offered at both the Alfred and Royal Melbourne Hospitals. It is so popular that its organisers were forced to introduce a lottery system to fill the available times. We were very fortunate that a last-minute cancellation provided an opportunity for 15 students to attend. Thank you to James Gobbo and Andrew Phillips who accompanied the students at short notice.

 

In August, 15 Year 10 & 11 students were invited to attend the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program at the Alfred Hospital. This program graphically demonstrates the consequences of risky behaviour by showing secondary school students the costs first-hand.

 

Each year, more than 200 schools across the state vie for the opportunity to take part in the program, which enables students to tour the Emergency Department, ICU, trauma and burns wards.

 

Students were able to speak to patients and staff, and hear how trauma impacts lives and families. Additionally, Ambulance paramedics spoke to students about the importance of looking after their friends and the consequences of not doing so. Students were able to spend time in the Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy sections and through hands-on activities see just how hard it was to do seemingly simple daily tasks when mobility was taken away.

 

The full day program made a strong impression on attendees and we were most grateful to the Alfred Hospital staff for their organization and commitment.

 

 

Roadsmart

Year 10 students completed the second half of this program on Friday, September 7. Those who have been supervising drivers for our Learner Drivers completing 120 hours will understand the angst, stress and in some cases, sheer terror, associated with this experience. This program is designed to reduce these feelings in both the supervisor and learner.

 

Year 10 students had the privilege to attend 2 sessions of Road Smart training this term. In the first session of the program students were led through important road safety rules, hazards and tips to be aware of as beginner drivers. Students attended a seminar whereby one of  the Vic Roads experts educated them on the importance of safety on the road and key factors to keep in mind. By the end of the first session, students felt a bit more at ease about getting behind the wheel as a first-time driver. 

 

The second session was a hands-on driver lesson, whereby students worked in groups of three with an instructor to attempt driving in a closed environment. Students were driven out to Sandown Racecourse where they had the opportunity to work with an industry professional.  From there, they Learnt some of the basics of being safe in a car when learning to drive. Students were able to test their driving abilities and carry out manoeuvres in a safe environment. At the conclusion of this session, students felt a bit more confident about getting on the road as a first-time driver. 

 

Overall, the Road Smart program was a great initiative and students had a lot of fun, while also learning the importance of being safe on our roads, and learning ways to minimize risk. Hopefully, we should all be safer now that they have carried out this training. 

 

Year 11 Formal

The Conference and Assembly Centre has never looked so elegant and beautiful, dressed in black, silver and white. Student organisers worked hard to decorate the space with flowers, balloons and fairy lights to provide atmosphere and class. The photo booth provided instant memories of the evening for both students and staff. After the main meal, students took to the dance floor, enjoying a mixture of Greek and contemporary music. Staff joined the dancers following invitations or coercion much to the delight of the students. The evening was supposed to finish at 11pm but we were still dancing. The best dressed male and female students were Rudir Kandhari and Eleni Kourkoutzelos and the cutest couple were William Athanasakis and Alexandra Antoniadis.

 

Well done to the committee who provided questions and answers about the evening and worked to make it successful. A special thank you to the students who remained to help tidy up, and of course, thank you to the staff who joined me to enjoy the evening.

 

 

VCE Unit 34 Drama Solos

The students of the VCE Drama class will present their solos to a small audience of family, friends, peers and staff on Wednesday, September 12 before the Art Show. This is a talented and capable group as shown by their ensemble pieces last semester. Good luck to you all, enjoy the moment.