Grammar News

Middle School

HAYDN FLANAGAN

Head of Middle School

 

 

As we approach the issuing of Term 3 Interim reports, this is an opportune time for me to remind parents of the importance of helping children engage fully in their education. Below is the link to a great website that I have referred to before, with tips on how to help students engage.

https://www.education.gov.au/parent-engagement-children-s-learning

Developing a positive outlook towards education is an essential beginning for student. In an extract from this terrific resource, below are some suggestions on how to help your child enjoy learning:

1. Have hopes, dreams and ambitions for your child

2. When a parent holds high aspirations for their child, they do better at school.

3. Aspirations are hopes, dreams, aims or ambitions.

4. If you show your child that you believe in their potential and tell them that you know they can succeed, it can help your child build confidence, set higher expectations for themselves, and they can achieve better results at school.

 

TIPS - THINGS YOU CAN DO

  • Let your child know that you think it’s important they do well at school.
  • Ensure your child knows that you believe in their potential and abilities.
  • Ask your child everyday what they learnt at school, or what they found interesting or fun at school
  • Talk to your child often about the dreams and plans they have for their future.

This website also directs parents to the Learning Potential App, another fantastic resource for parents.

https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/

 

Oakleigh Grammar Has Talent

This year's annual Oakleigh Grammar Has Talent Show ran for the Middle School last Friday, 17th August in front of a packed Conference Centre - and it's safe to say that this was the biggest and best show yet! This year's show included a diverse number of performances ranging from music, dance, comedy, Science and baking. Hosts Mr. Gridley and Year 9 Captains Angelica Athanasakis and Alexander Logan kept the audience of Years 6-9 students, staff and parents entertained and pumping throughout the entire show. 

Congratulations go to all performers who bravely exhibited their talents;

  • CJ Rocks (6B) and Halaena Papadopoulos (6B) signing My Boy by Billie Ellish
  • Bridget Maycock (7B) dancing to Grease Lightning,
  • Toni Stathopoulos (8B) performing her own choreographed dance performance.
  • Isabella Anastopoulos (7C) then captivated the audience with an Acapella Medley.
  • Katherine Flannigan (7B) who displayed her cake baking talents with a magnificent rainbow cake with macarons
  • The Year 7 Band - Noah Peoples (7A), Ansh Kumar (7B) and Senuka Ranadeera (7B) rocked it out to AC/DC's Highway To Hell,
  • Rahnia Siachos (6B) and Alexi Bauzon (6B) making slime blindfolded
  • Maria Andreou (8B) and Zoe Typaldos (8A) signing When you Love Someone by James TW
  • Zoe Typaldos again performed a solo rendition of Halo by Beyonce
  • Room 109 - Mr. Gridley, Mr. Harbis, Angelo Zois (8B) and Jordi Thompson (8B) playing Dammit by Blink-182.

Overall the variety and quality of performances demonstrated the exceptional talent to be found at Oakleigh Grammar and all performers are commended for being 'all they can be', which is our school's theme for this year.

The show could not have run smoothly without the help of Mr. Harbis' Team of Year 7's and 8's, who worked tirelessly as a team throughout the day to decorate and setup the Conference Centre, and ensured that the show ran smoothly.

The winner of this year's show will be announced in an upcoming Middle School/Senior School assembly.

 

9Ways Self-defence and 1000 steps

On Friday, 3 August our Year 9 students took part in a second 9Ways Health and Wellbeing Day for Semester 2. In the morning, students took part in a self-defence awareness and training session run by Allstars Self Defence. The sessions were physical, engaging and very practically useful, and

They explored some of the issues of safety in society, for both boys and girls. Students worked on strategies for avoiding conflict where possible, and how to defend oneself if necessary.

 

Following a healthy lunch of roast pork and beef rolls, vegetables and salads, the Year 9’s travelled by bus to undertake the 1000 steps at Mt. Dandenong. This physical challenge tested teamwork, patience and perseverance in order for students to make it to the top of the walk. Students also learnt about the history of the ANZACs at the Kokoda Track that provided a bonding experience for all students and a reinforcing lesson, in the power of resilience.

 

Dormition of the Theotokos Services

Middle School students represented Oakleigh Grammar at a number of Dormition of the Theotokos services at nearby Greek Orthodox churches on Wednesday, 15th August. Our students attended the churches of Mentone, Springvale and Bentleigh, as well as at our own St Aginiri’s here in Oakleigh. The students were fine ambassadors for the school and enjoyed the opportunity to be welcomed by members of the wider Orthodox community. Thank you to Ms Spanos for organising this opportunity for our students.

 

Bentleigh District Athletics Carnival

Also on the 15th August, selected Year 6 athletes joined the Junior School to represent Oakleigh Grammar, in the Bentleigh District Athletics Carnival at Duncan MacKinnon Reserve. The students competed courageously with some excellent team and individual results on the day. Congratulations to all for being chosen to represent the school and for your efforts on the day. Thanks also to Mr Joyce and the Sports staff for their organisation of the day.

 

Interim Reports

Term 3 interim reports will be sent home this coming week, providing parents with an indication of how students are progressing at this point in the year. The Middle School interim reports provide an indication of academic progress, as well as student’s development and application of key Approaches to Learning Skills. Please take the time to read and discuss the report with your child and use this as an opportunity to open a dialogue about your child’s experience at school.

 

This year teachers have also had the opportunity to request an interview with parents at the upcoming Parent / Teacher interviews. All parents have the opportunity to organise an interview time with teachers, regardless of whether an interview is requested by a staff member, however, a request would indicate that a teacher feels that there is a matter that needs to be addressed. Please make every effort to arrange a time if an interview is requested.

 

Parent Teacher Interviews

Years 6 – 10 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Monday, 3rd September from 4pm – 8pm, and on 11th September from 4pm – 6pm.

 

The facility to make bookings will open at noon on Monday, 27 August and will close at 10.00am on Monday, 3 September. Bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews are made through the Parent Portal, which can be accessed via the School’s website. 

 

Coming Up this term;

  • Parent Teacher Interviews, 3rd September, 4pm – 8pm
  • Year 9 City Experience, Tune-In days – 5th – 6th September
  • Parent Teacher Interviews 11th September, 4pm – 6pm
  • Year 7 Camp Merricks – Tuesday, 18th – 21st September
  • Year 8 Snowy River Camp – Monday, 17th – 21st September
  • Year 9 City Experience – Monday, 17th – 21st September