Counselling

SLEEP – Why it’s so important for our children

When we sleep, we release growth hormones, consolidate learning and memory and enable good emotional development and physical health. Sleep, therefore, is the chief nourishment for the human body. A lack of sleep affects a child more than an adult.

Children these days seem to be going to bed later and later. Distractions such as TV, computer games, the internet, texting friends, and social media are all harming a child’s sleep time. Sleep is vital to a child’s well-being. When children sleep well, they are more settled, happier, and ready for school the next day. Sleep also strengthens their immune system, and supports overall development and their ability to function properly. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive, and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation. Recent studies have shown that many children, especially teenagers, are missing out on vital REM sleep, which is particularly important for memory and learning.

To learn more visit School TV. Go to the Oakleigh Grammar website, click on the parent tab and then click School TV. The topic of Sleep covers areas such as; How much sleep do kids need? What are the side effects of sleep deprivation? How can kids get back on the path to good sleep? How do busy schedules impact sleep? Are sleep patterns genetic? Etc. Sleep is one of the many topics discussed by industry professionals on School TV and is presented in easy short videos or longer full-length videos.

Fiona Baudinette

Student Counsellor

Careers

OPEN DAYS 2022

Getting the most out of an Open Day

Most institutional Open Days are held in late July and August (see over the page for Open Day dates). However, you are more than welcome to contact an institution to arrange a visit any time.

What happens on an Open Day?

On Open Day you can visit an institution when it’s at its best. Everyone is there – academics, lecturers, current students, and information officers. More importantly, you can talk with academics, lecturers, and current students about what certain courses are actually like, and what is required to get into them.

Who should attend an Open Day?

Anyone who is considering studying at a tertiary level in the next few years should attend.

Why should you attend an Open Day?

Apart from the opportunity to obtain course information there are many other reasons why attending an Open Day is a good idea:

You are going to feel more comfortable arriving at a university or TAFE institute on the first day of classes if you have been there before.
What is really involved in the course or courses you are interested in?
If you have to move away from home, where are you going to live?
Will you be happier studying in a large metropolitan institution or a smaller, perhaps rural institution?•
What does the place ‘feel’ like? Is it a bustling environment with lots of activity or a quieter, more relaxed campus set in landscaped grounds?•
How are you going to get there? Is it close to public transport or should you start saving now for a car? If you don’t know the answers to any of these questions, then you should attend an Open Day

How to make the best of Open Days

To make your Open Day visits fun and informative, here are some pointers:

Write down a list of questions you would like to ask about particular courses.
Be there early. Crowds tend to develop as the day progresses.
On arrival, get a map from a central point and ask for directions to the relevant faculties or schools.
Ask questions!
Don’t spend the day collecting printed information only. Use the opportunity to speak directly with academics before applications close.
Introduce yourself to selection officers if you feel it is appropriate, but don’t be pushy.
Check out the residential colleges, if available. After all, it is you that will be living there.
Walk around the campus. Have a good look! See what sporting facilities and other services are available.
Enjoy the visit!

Not everyone can attend every Open Day and various Institutions hold their Open Days on the same date! If you can’t attend an Open Day and you are interested in a particular institution, you may visit at other times. If you wish to speak to a particular person, it is essential to make an appointment first.

Getting the most out of a Virtual Open Day

Some institutions may hold a Virtual Open Day will be held in late July and August (see over the page for Open Day dates). However, you are more than welcome to contact an institution at any time for advice on courses.

Who should participate in a Virtual Open Day?

Anyone who is considering studying at a tertiary level in the next few years should attend.

Why should you attend an Open Day?

Apart from the opportunity to obtain course information there are many other reasons for participating:

You are going to feel more comfortable arriving at a university or TAFE institute on the first day of classes if you have done your research and found out more about the institution.
What is really involved in the course or courses you are interested in?
If you have to move away from home, where are you going to live?
Will you be happier studying in a large metropolitan institution or a smaller, perhaps rural institution?
What does the place 'feel' like? Watch Virtual Tours and try gaining an insight into whether or not it is a bustling environment with lots of activity, or a quieter, more relaxed campus set in landscaped grounds?
How are you going to get there? Is it close to public transport or should you start saving now for a car?

If you don't know the answers to any of these questions, then you should participate in a Virtual Open Day

How to make the best of Virtual Open Days

To make your Virtual Open Day activity fun and informative, here are some pointers:

Write down a list of questions you would like to ask about particular courses - if they are not addressed during the virtual event, you can always follow up with the institutions later
If the event allows Q & A, make sure you ask lots of questions!
Enjoy the activity!

Not everyone can participate in every Virtual Open Day and various institutions are also holding their Virtual Open Days on the same date, so students are encouraged to register for as many as possible so that even if you miss one, you should receive notifications from the institutions.

Michelle Mascaro

Careers Advisor

Orthodox Studies

Year PREP

In Orthodox Studies this Term we learned the story of “Jonah and The Whale”. Our story is about a man who tried to play Hide from God, only he wasn’t having any fun. Jonah was not being proactive when God asked him to go to Nineveh. He made some bad choices and suffered the consequences (in the belly of the whale). But when Jonah was sorry and ready to make good choices, God gave him another chance.

Please remember:

You can hide from others but not from God.
God wants us to come to Him and ask for strength to face our fears. Instead of trying to hide from our sins, tell God and ask for forgiveness.
God forgives us when we are truly sorry, and He gives us a second chance.

Year 1

In Orthodox Studies this Term we learned all about the importance of making good choices. We studied the Bible story of ‘Adam and Eve’. God made us all with a free will to make our own choices. We are free to make our own choices. Adam & Eve never accepted responsibility for their decisions but blamed others. Here are some of the good choices that we make:

Alexandra: I eat vegetables before sweets.

Aaric: I do not play with my iPad too much.

Sebastian: I do good deeds.

Vasiliki: I do my homework.

Marcus: I help other people.

John: I share my things.

Deanna: I listen to my teachers.

Year 2

In Orthodox Studies this Term we learn all about how a family is a gift from God and how to express our love and care for each other. Now we know the difference between our needs and our wants. A need is something that we need to survive, like food, water, shelter, love, and Jesus. A want is something that we really like to have but we do not really need, like toys, lollies, cars, big houses, and other luxuries. In God’s eyes what matters is how much kindness, care, love, and support we show to each other.

Year 3

In Orthodox Studies this Term we study a novel that is called “Brave Like a Saint”. It is about a boy that is named Peter who has to move from his house and school in the city to the suburbs. Peter is not happy with how his life is going to change. He is going to miss his friends; his neighbourhood and his life are not going to be the same anymore. In his despair, Peter went to the church to speak with the priest.

Priests are our spiritual Fathers, and you can always speak to Father Stavros for spiritual guidance.

The priest told him that sometimes God allows things that do not please us to happen because, in the long run, it will turn out to be better for us and that God expects us to grow where he has placed us. No matter where.

So, have a strong faith. Do not be afraid of changes and be brave like the saints.

Year 4

In Orthodox Studies this Term we learn about how Jesus in his time on earth spoke to people through his miracles. A miracle is something that is impossible to happen, and it is important for us to remember that only God performs miracles.

Jesus performed many miracles to help people know that He was the Son of God and to put their faith in Him. These miracles were not simply random acts of kindness. Jesus claimed to be the means by which God was establishing His Kingdom.

We were amazed to learn about Jesus turning water to wine at a wedding at Canna and realised the importance of sharing when He blessed 5 loaves of bread and two little fish, that a boy shared, to feed 5000 people. Jesus taught us the role of forgiving in our lives and how God wants to forgive others as He forgives our sins when we repent.

Year 5

In Orthodox Studies this Term we analyse the Parables of Jesus. In his life on earth Jesus was a great teacher and to take His message across to the people, He used to say stories that are called Parables.

Through the study of the Parable of the Mustard Seed, we concluded that from small things great things can happen. Jesus started growing the kingdom of God with a handful of disciples. Every follower of Jesus is a part of the kingdom and that means that you and I are part of God’s kingdom. Each time we tell someone about Jesus, we are helping to grow the kingdom. Isn’t wonderful to know that we can have a part in growing God’s kingdom?

We also learned about the Parable of Leaven. Leaven helps dough rise and expand. From a small portion of leaven, you can make a lot of bread. You see, all the people that know about Christ are like leaven. A person that loves Christ can be a 'changing' force in the world. We can stand for something good and right and can change the minds of others who might not be thinking about doing the right things. We need to be brave, confident, and never afraid of doing things the right way, God's way.

Dean Damatopoulos

Acting Learning Leader Orthodox Christian Studies

LOTE

During LOTE-Greek lessons, apart from learning how to communicate and write in Greek, students also study different aspects of Hellenic culture and history throughout a variety of activities.

Every year students across all year levels participate in different Hellenic culture and language competitions organised by Greek community organisations all around Australia. Term 3 has started in a very positive and creative way for students from Year 4 to Year 10. Students are preparing the submissions for three different competitions. The first competition is the annual Public Speaking Festival and is organised by the Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria. The students have to recite a Greek poem or story or present a speech on a specific topic. The second competition is organised by the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations and is dedicated to Hellenism of Anatolian, from the Aegean Sea to Pontos. The competition is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Minor Asia catastrophe.

The last competition is organised by the Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation in cooperation with the Greek Consul for Educational Affairs. The competition aims to explore the Australian and Greek involvement in Greece during both World Wars. Entries must focus on one of the following themes: The presence of ANZACs during World War I and World War II, The role of Australian forces in Greece, Highlight most of the battle sites in Greece, The names, the memories, and the stories of Australian Veterans who were killed in Greece, The Leaders of the Greek and Australian Campaign, Follow the footsteps of the Australian soldiers during the Battle of Crete.

We would like to wish good luck to all students who are taking part in these competitions and we are looking forward to finding out the results early Term 4!

Natasha Spanos

VCE Academic Leader LOTE

SRC

SRC members and Middle School Leaders are organising two special appeals during Term 3: the Ronald McDonald House Donation Appeal and Off Your Back Appeal. We kindly ask people to contribute what they can to either or both of these appeals.

1. Ronald McDonald House (Monash) works to enhance the quality of life for families with sick children by providing a home-away-from-home that is welcoming, caring, and supportive. Each family who stays at the House has its own unique story, but all have a place to rest and recover so they can face their challenges. Since opening in 1993, they have helped over 10,000 families who have needed to travel to care for their sick children at Monash Children’s Hospital. Donations of non-perishable foods are welcome, as are brand new items for children. Please ensure that items are all within their use by/best before date.

Suggested food items include:

· Tinned tuna, salmon, sardines, and ham

· Pasta sauces and pasta, rice

· Breakfast cereals, muesli bars, breakfast bars

· Biscuits, oil, lentils, beans

· Teabags, instant coffee, Milo, juice boxes

· Tinned fruit, vegetables

· Small jars of vegemite, honey, and jam

Suggested brand new toys include:

· Board games (packed)

· Balls

· Stuffed animals (packed)

· Small toys (packed)

· Dressing up costumes (packed)

· Reading books

· Coloured pencils

· Colouring books

2. Off Your Back is a winter coat collection drive that facilitates the transfer of pre-loved coats to a new life with people who need them, including people within our own community. We are seeking any coats that may be gathering dust in the back of a cupboard, or that someone has grown out of.

The appeals will be until Friday, August 26. We will appreciate your support.

Natasha Spanos

SRC Coordinator

Language and Literature

Y6 Elizabethan Presentations

On Monday 1st August Year 6 students introduced Year 5 students to the magical Elizabethan Era. Year 5 students learnt about topics including crime and punishments, fashion, disease, Queen Elizbeth 1, Shakespeare, hobbies, and sports as they rotated through 6A and 6Bs group presentations. Students from both years found the experience valuable, the Y6s improved their presentation skills and the Y5s learnt about an important period and were welcomed into the middle school.

Enjoy this Year 8 narrative!

Shadows

By Elena Draganic

They never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will. I buried Ace Colombo in a hole so deep, not even the demons of the earth can reach him.

I head home to make myself dinner. I am due for labour in a few days. Thank God he is dead, he doesn’t need to kill his own daughter like he killed my mother.

I turn of the water and step out of the shower, wrapping a towel around my body. I looked towards the door, listening for my daughter’s giggle coming from her nursery. Except, it wasn’t there. I lean over and shake my hair above my head, wrapping it in a towel and put on my white robe.

“Alissa, honey. Are you there?” I walk out the door and down the hallway. I reach the stairs and descend.

“Alissa?” I reach her door and open it. Her toys were still in her toybox, her clothes for the day still placed at the foot of her bed. Her bed was not made and the curtains covering her window were flowing.

Except, I closed her window last night. It should not be open.

I walk towards it, it might just be the heater blowing the curtain, but it’s not. Her window is wide open. I look out, examining the area.

Tyre tracks- imprinted on the wet grass. They lead back, towards the street, where the marks disappear. Only muddy tracks of the wheels on the road. They are heading towards the city, but they fade after a few meters.

Who took my daughter? Ace is dead and my relatives are in Italy.

I sprint through her doors and up the stairs, heading towards my office.

Alissa wears a necklace that I gifted her on the day she was born. Its gold with a heart pendant that says her name, Alissa.

It’s not just a gold necklace though, the heart has a tracker inside.

I open my laptop and go to google maps, activating the location of the tracker. It is at a place I would never expect it to be.

I get changed into black leggings and a skin-tight black top. I tie my hair in a bun. If I get into a fight, I will not have any disadvantages.

I grab my car keys and sprint to my car. I instantly start driving, no need for google maps. I’ve been there loads of times.

Posters were attached to lampposts and on the front of milk bars.

Please wear a mask.

Help protect your family.

Wash your hands

Stay home if you have the following symptoms of Coronavirus.

I keep driving until I arrive, the house looking good as new. I grab a gun from my glovebox and tuck it in my waistband and a knife under my sleeve. I get out and walk up to the front door of his house.

I go inside, it is modern and as big as a mansion, like mine. I grab the pistol and hold it up against my chest, pointing it the roof. I lean against the wall and look out into the hallway from the corner.

“Took you long enough” I’m startled and look at the man in front of me. The man holding my crying 3-year-old on his hip with one hand.

Her father.

My one and only love.

My dead love.

“You’re dead, Ace.”

“No, I’m standing here, aren’t I?”

“You are dead.”

He just shrugged and walked into his kitchen, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl in the centre of the counter. I followed him, standing in the doorway.

“You know, my daughter looks a lot like me. I wonder how you can look at her without thinking about what you did.”

“And what did I do? You’re alive, aren’t you?” He smirked at me.

“I am, but my twin isn’t. You know, your fiancé.”

“You were my fiancé. Stop harassing me.”

“No, my brother was. The guy you killed.”

“He doesn’t have a brother”

He set my daughter down in a chair at the kitchen isle.

“You know, I watched you kill my brother? The night you stabbed him in the chest, I was about to knock on the door. He said to come over so he could introduce us. His body slumped on the floor in front of you. You killed him, just the night after he proposed to you, pledged his life to you.”

“He was a psychopath; he killed my mother because I loved her as well. All he wanted was all my love. He would have killed his daughter the minute we got home from the hospital.” I aimed my gun at his head.

“Now why don’t you put the gun down.” He flashed me a sinister smile “I’d like to show you something.” Like an idiot, I lowered my gun.

He left the room and I followed him, noting each turn we took. I am not going to follow him; I’m going to run straight back for Alissa.

“Don’t bother running now, we are here.” He led me into a room that had nothing but a singular door.

“Will you open it, or shall I?” I lifted my gun and nodded my head in the direction of the door. He got the signal and walked to the door, gripping its handle.

“I’ll never forgive you.” He opened the door and I gasped as I widened my eyes from shock. Pictures of me and my daughter, of us sleeping, us eating dinner, her playing with her toys, every photo from the moment I killed his brother.

But when I noticed. I freaked. Ace’s frozen corpse lay in a glass coffin in the centre of the room.

“What the…” I didn’t get to finish my sentence. Everything went black.

9th of May 2022

Parents' Association

Want to get involved?