Senior School

SHARRON FRAME

Head of Senior School

The term is finishing very quickly. Senior School examinations including the all-important GAT, are just over a week away. This means the focus of our students should be firmly on preparation for the final SACs and assessments of Semester 1, and the examinations after the long weekend. Most are already in what we call ‘exam mode’ and so that means that you, at home, may be dealing with growling, stressed children. It is unfortunate that thought of examinations causes such a reaction in students. Completing an assessment under examination conditions can be daunting and many do feel highly anxious, but examinations need to be viewed within a context.

Examinations are a snapshot on one day of what a student can do. They do not define them nor do they summarise student ability. Students need to be reminded that there are days when even the brightest student fails to achieve because the ‘stars to not align’. Students are not just what an examination result says. A pen and paper test does not consider talents and skills outside what is being tested. It does not see the beauty of a dancer, the dedication of an elite athlete or the empathy of an individual toward another. Students are more than a number. They are individual and unique, but some simply do better on tests than others.

This year saw an expansion of the Senior School Leadership Team to include two new Coordinators in Years 10 and 12. They have both been truly professional and concerned in their approach when dealing with students under their care, and with their issues. Their assistance to me as the Head of Senior School has been invaluable, and very much appreciated each day. Below are their reflections on their journey so far this year.

Andrew Phillips, Year 12 Coordinator

Having worked closely with our current Year 12 students last year as a member of the Year 11 pastoral team, I am honoured to be the Year 12 Coordinator this year. This role is one focused primarily on pastoral support, providing assistance and guidance to both our Year 12 students and teachers, to help them achieve their best in what is generally quite a challenging year. Having taught Year 12 extensively over the last eight years at Oakleigh Grammar, I know that it is important that students receive proactive guidance and support pastorally and academically. Leading the Year 12 pastoral team to support our students has been challenging at times, but it is always rewarding. Reflecting on the first semester as it flies by, I am happy to say that our students have settled into the routine of study and assessments, and are making strong progress towards their goals. I look forward to working with the pastoral team to support their continued development, and to guide the Class of 2019 to “Reach New Heights”.

Manoj Patel, Year 10 Coordinator

Taking on the position of Year 10 Coordinator in 2019 has been a privilege. I enjoy having the opportunity to work closely with some talented teachers, whilst also getting to know our students better in terms of their needs and interests. I can see that we have a wide variety of students with many different abilities both inside and outside the classroom. My role as the Year 10 Coordinator is to help guide students down the path that suits their individual strengths, and provide a pastoral program that supports their learning and wellbeing. This position has given me real insight into some of the wider issues our students face. My daily interaction has provided my team and I with timely feedback on student needs. Reflecting back on Semester 1, I can see that our students need help to build on their resilience and to shift from a procrastinating mindset to a proactive mindset. To assist them, we have already run seminars on organisation and study skills. In Term 3, Monash City Youth will be running three workshops on mental health and wellbeing with Year 10s. This will provide further insights regarding strategies to deal with new age issues and how to declutter their minds.

I am passionate about student wellbeing but also self-discipline within our youth. It is when we have a peaceful, harmonious environment that meaningful learning can take place.

Mother’s Day Classic

In my last article, I mentioned that the Mother’s Day Classic was personal for a number of the students who participated. One brave student agreed to write about her reasons for being part of this unique fund-raising experience. Students like Alexandra and her story make me very proud to be part of the event each year. Well done to all involved this year.

“My mum died of breast cancer when I was eight years old. I remember how sick she was, and how hard she fought to get better for us. But doctors didn’t know enough about how to cure her type of cancer, so it beat her. They still don’t know. I think about my mum all the time, and so I was excited to do the Mother’s Day Classic walk because it was a chance for me to do something for my mum, even though she’s not with me anymore. Walking around the tan with my friends and teachers from Oakleigh Grammar, turned this year’s Mother’s Day into something enjoyable. I feel proud to have helped raise a massive $2,171.03 towards a cure for cancer, and I’m very grateful to everyone who donated. I am glad I could be a part of it”.

- Alexandra Bonney (11A)

Careers Morning Tea

Thanks to the efforts of our Career Advisor, Michelle Mascaro, we have been fortunate enough to have some guest speakers attend the Senior School Careers Morning Tea. This event occurs once a term and our sponsor, Jamie Evans from McDonald's Chadstone and Clayton, provides morning tea to our students. On Tuesday May 28th, we were lucky enough to secure Carolyn Creswell, the founder and owner of Carmen’s Foods, to speak to our students about her journey. It was wonderful to hear how she started as an 18-year-old, and built the company to where it is today.

Senior School Careers Expo

On Tuesday May 28th, a number of representatives from tertiary providers attended the Senior School Careers Expo, providing our students with an opportunity to talk about potential career paths and tertiary studies. Thanks to Michelle Mascaro for all the organisation and work that went into the Expo.

Examinations

Senior School examinations commence on Tuesday June 11th. Timetables have been distributed this week. Students are required to wear full winter uniform, and arrive a minimum of 20 minutes prior to the start of each examination. With parental permission they will be dismissed at the end of their final examination each day.