Principal's News
MARK ROBERTSON
Principal
A highlight on the commencement of Term 3 was our unique performing arts production, A Night At The Theatre. Our students brought out the best in their creative talent, mentored by our professional and committed performing arts staff. The positivity and enjoyment on the night was palpable for all in attendance.
A good education can be a path towards employment, higher living standards and a more fulfilled life. Oakleigh Grammar holds in high regard critical thinking which enables our students to gather information, identify credible sources and take alternative views into consideration, before making informed decisions. Our staff assist this process by having high expectations, a sense of what’s right, and an ability to make decisions thoughtfully and for the good of all. I am very proud as Principal to witness on a daily basis the positive relationships that exist between our staff and students. As teaching is a highly exposed profession, making it vulnerable to negative ‘armchair commentary’, it is vital that our teachers receive the necessary support they need to succeed. I applaud the professionalism, commitment and nurturing disposition of all Oakleigh Grammar staff.
Impact of School Non Attendance
The Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership report has stressed the importance of setting attendance standards, particularly in the early years. The report is clear that not attending School affects a student’s outcomes in profound and significant ways. It says that the effects of non-attendance are cumulative, and if established in the early years of schooling, can persist into future years. Unauthorised absences are strongly associated with compounding declines in achievement and engagement.
Presentation College
I have recently written to the Principal of Presentation College in Windsor, conveying condolences on the impending school closure from the Community of Oakleigh Grammar. Clearly the Presentation community will be suffering much distress at this time, and our thoughts and prayers will continue from our Community.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia Arrives in Melbourne
Last weekend a delegation from Oakleigh Grammar joined a welcome party to greet His Eminence on arrival at Melbourne Airport. A group of staff and students from Oakleigh Grammar were also present at the official Doxology, and formal welcome of His Eminence at St Eustathios Church in South Melbourne. Later in the day our Board and staff/student delegation attended a welcome dinner at Melbourne Town Hall. The words from His Eminence were very touching and were framed around love and kindness to all.
Oakleigh Grammar is excited to be hosting His Eminence at our School on the 13th August. Parishioners have the opportunity to hear from him at a short service beginning at 1.00pm at Sts Anargiri Church.
Clapham Road Parking Project
Monash City Council has confirmed that Kaizen Civil has been appointed as the contractor to create up to 38 additional parking spaces on Clapham Road. It has also been confirmed that these works will commence at the start of the September School Holidays.
Staff Service Recognition
At our Term 3 commencement assembly we had the opportunity to recognise the contribution of staff service to our School. Ms Jenny Bean whose name is now on the 15 years staff service honour board, made a short and meaningful speech to our staff and students. Staff recognised on this day included:
- Mrs Kiriaki Kousourakis
- Ms Peta Stubbs
- Mrs Maria Katseli
- Ms Sarah Boardman
- Mr Nick Nicolaou
- Mrs Gillian Daniels
- Mrs Stamata Sideris
- Ms Katherine Bogiannidou
Staff News
As you are aware, Mr Haydn Flanagan, Head of Middle School, has accepted a position with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority commencing later this term. Mrs Sharron Frame will assume the role of Head of Middle School whilst maintaining her role as Head of Senior School, until the end of the 2020 School year. I take this opportunity to thank Haydn for his positive and strong contribution to the Middle School over the past four years.
Ms Ruth Lewitan replaces Ms Chitra Wijesinghe who is currently on Long Service Leave this term.
Ms Hyatt Phan joins us as Human Resources Officer
Ms Alex Tsirigotis replaces Mr Herch Lee in Year 1
Ms Aika Honasan joins us as Library Assistant
Mr Manoj Patel has been appointed Acting Head of Science, which will relieve Ms Angela Korlos to mentor our new mathematics teachers, Mr Frank Jansz, Mr Andrew Prakash and Mr Daniel Meares.
Mr Vasilios Manavas replaces Mrs Varvara Pavlidou who is currently on Long Service Leave this term.
Congratulations are extended to Mrs Lauren Cummins and Ms Tarryn Morris both of whom have advised they are pregnant with due dates in mid-January.
Congratulations are extended to Ms Lydia Liu on her marriage to Garth, and to Ms Sharon Cheung on her engagement to Kevin.