Middle School
HAYDN FLANAGAN
Head of Middle School
As the sun begins to return with some strength, our Middle School students have found a renewed energy to tackle the array of learning activities taking place, and to contextualise their learning undertaken in class.
Year 8 Body Worlds Excursion
On Friday, September 7th our Year 8 students traveled to the Melbourne Showgrounds to view the internationally acclaimed Body Worlds Vital exhibition to compliment the students study in Human Body Systems.
The exhibition showcased the human form and human anatomy, through the use of human specimens that have been prepared through the process of Plastination. This allows the internal anatomy of the specimens to be viewed in various poses and displays. The exhibition aims to inspire visitors to become aware of the fragility of their bodies and to appreciate the anatomical beauty within every human.
Whilst the nature of the exhibition can be confronting to some, our students reported fascination and awe at having the opportunity to see the human body, firsthand, in such a way. The Year 8 students drew clear connections with their studies in Science and developed a greater understanding on the intricacy and interplay of the body’s many systems from the excursion.
My thanks goes to Mr. Harbis for his initiative and organisation, which allowed the excursion to happen, and to our year 8 students for the maturity and respect they demonstrated during the experience.
Father Themi visits – Kids 4 Africa
Our Year 8 students have been raising money all year to support the work of Father Themi Adamopoulos, a good friend of the Oakleigh Grammar community, who runs a charitable mission in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
On Tuesday, September 11th, Father Themi visited our Year 8 students to explain his work and where, and how the money they have raised is benefiting the community in Sierra Leone. Father Themi always leaves a lasting impression on our students and strengthens their understanding in the importance of charity and service, and how it builds strong communities.
Mathematics Success
Last week our Year 6-8 students competed in the Maths Association of Victoria, State-Wide Maths Games Day and our students performance was outstanding. 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. Our Year 6 Team also performed exceptionally, competing on par with some of the State’s most recognised schools. Please see Mrs Korlos’ full account on the Mathematics page. Well done to all students involved and to the Mathematics staff for their excellent tuition of these students.
Year 9 Fencing
Over the last few weeks our Year 9 students have been learning the ancient art of duelling during Health and Physical Education classes, by undertaking Fencing lessons run by the Oakleigh based Fioretto Fencing Club.
Fencing is an exciting and engaging sport that has captured the imagination of our Year 9 students. Requiring a combination of speed, quick reflexes and timing, the sport exercises the body and mind together. As an Olympic sport, Fencing offers endless opportunities for growth and development, and we are fortunate to have a successful club so accessible to students and families. If this sounds interesting to you, be sure to visit the club or please contact them directly. The Year 9 students have certainly enjoyed the experience.
Sporting Successes
This season has been an excellent one for Middle School EISM Sport, with a number of teams making, and winning their respective Grand Finals. Individual congratulation’s go to;
Jack Oliver of Year 8 who this week was informed of his selection in the Victorian U14 Futsul team to compete in the 2019 FFA National Championships in Sydney in January. Well done Jack!
Shamus Smith of Year 9 who has been selected in the Victorian U15 Rugby team to compete in the U15 National Championships to be played on the Gold Coast these coming holidays. We wish Shamus and his team the best of luck.
Jovan Milenkovic of Year 6 who came first in the U13 EISM Interschool Cross Country Carnival, held at Ruffy Lake Park in Doncaster on Thursday 12th September. Great work Jovan.
Oakleigh Grammar has Talent
At this week’s assembly we could finally announce the long-awaited winner of the 3rd Annual Oakleigh Grammar has talent show, which was……Toni Stathopoulos of Year 8, for her amazing dance performance. Congratulations Toni!
Divine Liturgy
On Thursday, September 13th students from the Middle School attended Divine Liturgy and were blessed to participate in two special prayer services. The Holy Cross was brought out in a solemn procession commemorating the Feast day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross at the end of the liturgy. Prayers of thanksgiving were given for the health and well-being of the students and staff of Oakleigh Grammar, with the blessing of five bread loaves.
Welcome Morning
On the morning of Friday 14th of September, we are set to welcome 18 new students to the Year 7(2019) cohort 2, as they join our existing Year 6 class to participate in the Year 7 2019 Welcome Morning.
Welcome Morning is an opportunity for new and existing students to meet, mix, make friends and get a taste of what is in store when they begin Year 7 in 2019.
In order to get to know what's in store, students will be undertaking two Year 7 lessons. These are designed to allow plenty of opportunity for collaboration and problem solving, to build connections, meet new friends and work together to achieve a goal.
I am sure the morning will prove to be a great success and will help students with a smooth transition into Year 7 next year. Thanks to all staff and parents who have contributed to the organisation of Welcome Morning.
Year 6, 2019 Welcome morning, is scheduled for Thursday, 26th of October.
Camps Week
Next week, the last week of term, Years 7, 8 & 9 are all involved in off-site experiential learning activities.
Year 7 students head to Merricks for a four day camp, of coastal and adventure activities.
Year 8 students head off to the Snowy Mountains for a five day camp, on a working Hereford Stud farm. The students have the chance to go abseiling, orienteering, bush walking, rafting, horse riding and caving, fuelled by an endless supply of roast beef dinners.
Year 9 students will undertake a week of experiential learning in the Melbourne CBD. Students will travel to and navigate the CBD independently, attend the theatre to see the production of Aladdin and go on a scenic and historical boat cruise. They'll also have lunch in Williamstown, and admire and learn about Melbourne’s renowned Street Art, even creating a canvas of their own to take home.
Thank you to all the staff involved in planning these wonderful experiences for our students and for the time that is spent away from families, while students are on their camps.
We wish them all a safe and enjoyable week.
Parent / Teacher Interviews
And finally, It was fantastic to see so many parents at the recent Parent / Teacher Interviews. The interviews provide a chance for a productive three way discussion on each student's learning, that is equally valuable for all parties involved. Parental support to their children’s education is a proven factor contributing to academic success, and it was great to see so many parents actively supporting their children’s education.
Upcoming events
- Year 7 Camp – Tuesday 18th to Friday 21st September
- Year 8 Camp – Monday 17th to Friday 21st September
- 9Ways City Experience– Monday 17th to Friday 21st September
Happy Holidays
The Middle School staff would like to wish all students and their families a safe and happy break.