Principal's news

Our third term of the school year has commenced smoothly with our School Theme Success is Ours to Achieve resonating throughout our community. Our Year 5 / 6 Boys Soccer Team have been starring in the Bentleigh Districts Competition and have now graduated to the Regional Championships.  

Our own IB MYP Coordinator, Ms. Melissa Fitzgerald, was nominated to facilitate the IB Australasia Middle Years Forum and in addition, was appointed the Victorian Facilitator of the MYP Network in our state.

Next Friday, I along with a number of senior staff leaders will be travelling to Sydney for the annual Australian Educational Excellence Awards in support of our Head of Junior School, Mrs. Shelley Parkes, who, as you are aware, has been nominated as a Finalist in the Category of Best Primary School Principal – Non-government.

After a three-year hiatus, I am pleased to advise of the reintroduction of the Oakleigh Grammar Business Breakfast, which will be held on Thursday 25 August at 7 am in the Conference Centre. The keynote speakers this year are Ms. Sally Bateman (CEO of Make A Wish Foundation) and Mr. Charlie McLeish (Managing Director and CEO of Pental). Please see the information to purchase a ticket for this exciting event here: https://www.trybooking.com/CAXPD

All funds raised will be put towards creating a senior student kitchen facility that will allow them access to refrigerators, microwaves, hot water, and sinks.

At our commencement assembly, we had the opportunity to recognise our long-serving staff, noting Mr. Arthur Kakavas for twenty-five years of distinguished service to our school. Mrs. Vicki Kimonides, representing all recipients, gave a heartfelt address about the virtues, connection, and pride of all staff members, noting that it is more than just a job, but a true connection. Please see the full list of staff who were recognised at the Assembly:

To date, we have been averaging thirteen live COVID cases per week, which is relatively small compared to statistics at other schools. I thank all members of our community for continuing to abide by our COVID-cautious approach and importantly, for prioritising safe hygiene standards, diligently reporting positive COVID cases, and keeping your children home when they are unwell.

Our Continuous Reporting Trial has been launched this term for all students in Prep and Year 5, and I thank parents of these two-year levels for providing feedback that will enable us to improve and fulfil our vision of rolling out Continuous Reporting throughout our whole school next year.  

Staff News

This term we welcomed the following new staff members:

Ms. Madhur Ajmani – Mathematics Teacher; 

Ms. Nicki Criticos – Learning Assistant; 

Mr. Glenn Curran – Learning Assistant; 

Mr. Michael Jones – Humanities Teacher; 

Mrs. Dianne Pal – ELC Teacher; 

Mrs. Lena Piplios – Administration Assistant;

Ms. Eugenia Vergos – ELC Teacher. 

Later this term Mr. Tim Grandy – Business Manager and Ms. Rebecca Bettiol -Junior School Performing Arts Teacher will also be joining us. I wish to advise of the resignation of Ms. Fiona Baudinette, School Counsellor who will be leaving us at the end of this term.  

Please note that Oakleigh Grammar will be closed on Monday 15 August for the Greek Holy Day Dormition of Theotokos.   This will enable Greek Orthodox families to attend Sts Anargiri Church on this day. 

Mark Robertson

Principal