Faculty News
Careers News
MICHELLE MASCARO
Career Advisor
Full List University/TAFE Open Days 2019
REMINDER Year 12 - VTAC Timely Applications
5th August- 16th September book your appointment if you have not done so with Mrs. Mascaro online.
VTAC SEAS and Scholarship applications See Mrs. Frame ASAP.
Year 10 Work Experience Deadline
Forms MUST be handed in to Mrs. Mascaro by Wednesday 14th August.
OG Senior School Careers Morning Tea
Yet another successful Senior School Careers Morning Tea, our final one for 2019 occurred on Tuesday 6th August. Many thanks to Nine News Presenter, Livinia Nixon, and Owner/Operator of two McDonald's restaurants (Clayton/Chadstone), Jamie Evans, for their presence, careers advice, and sharing of their career journeys with us all. An additional thank you to McDonald’s Clayton/Chadstone for sponsoring our morning tea with delicious donuts for all!
News from Deakin University - New Psychology Majors Available
Deakin has three new psychology majors - forensic studies, child and family, or organisational studies, which are unique in Victoria, and available in the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) as well as the Bachelor of Psychological Science.
Arts and Education Folio Requirements
The following courses require a portfolio for entry into Deakin:
• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance)
• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Photography)
• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts)
• Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
• Bachelor of Design (3D Animation)
• Bachelor of Design (Digital Technologies)
For regular updates, visit Folio Applications.
New Dietetics Pathway Program
The Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Dietetics Pathway), guarantees graduates entry into the Master of Dietetics if they achieve a WAM of 75 or above. This course includes all of the dietetics prerequisite units as core units, as well as offering five nutrition/food related electives, and two additional elective units which can be selected from across the university. Visit New Dietetics Pathway Program.
News from RMIT University - New Bachelor of Space Science
This degree encompasses RMIT’s strong space industry and space agency partnerships with government and industry, including connections with Boeing, the Department of Defence and NASA. Further information can be found at Bachelor of Space Science.
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
This new degree will allow entry with any maths. Students will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of specialisation electives in their first year. Further information can be found at Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
Bachelor of International Studies
This degree will replace the Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) for students commencing in February 2020. Within this course, students will be able to specialise in one of four streams: General International Studies, Development, Global Security, or Languages, as well as choose electives. Students will develop skills in international relations, diplomacy, business, and humanitarian policy, and have the opportunity to complete an internship in Australia or overseas. Further information can be found at Bachelor of International Studies.
News from Swinburne University - Architecture at Swinburne
Swinburne offers a range of architecture-related courses. Two such courses are – the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) that focuses on building design, and students get to tackle digital technology, environmental awareness, construction, practice, ethics, history and theory, as they gain skills for the future of architecture. Selection into this course requires Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL, or at least 30 in English (EAL), and an online digital portfolio.
The Bachelor of Architectural Engineering allows students to not only design the aesthetics of buildings, but also learn foundation engineering disciplines too.
New Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology
New in 2020, the double degree in Law/Criminal Justice and Criminology will be offered. Currently the only one of its kind in Victoria, this five year degree offers the combination of an accredited law degree with a specialised education in the causes of crime (Criminology), and the fallout of crime (Criminal Justice). This course equips students with the advanced skills to solve complex legal problems in an increasingly complex society. A study score of 25 in English or 30 EAL is required, and an anticipated ATAR of 90. Find out more about this course at Law/Criminal Justice and Criminology.
Hellenic Culture
NATASHA SPANOS
Hellenic Culture Coordinator
Students of Oakleigh Grammar experienced a trip that would certainly be remembered for the rest of their lives. 25, Year 8 and Year 9 students, of both Greek and non-Greek speaking backgrounds, participated in a three week Greek cultural trip with four of their teachers, and Father George Adamakis. Students and staff departed on the 21st of June for this life experience, and returned on 11th of July. Some of the highlights during their visit in Greece were:
-Visiting the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum and the Likavittos Hill.
-Swimming at the Lake of Vouliagmeni.
-Admiring the majestic sunset at Cape Sounion.
-Hearing Father George sing a verse of the Axion Esti at the Epidaurus Theatre.
-Touring in the Presidential Mansion and meeting the current President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Prokopis Pavlopoulos.
-Walking through the small and picturesque alleyways of Hydra, Poros, Aigina and Santorini.
-Reflecting among the peaceful landscape of Kalambaka and visiting Metoera Monasteries.
-Attending an emotional assembly at the 2nd Junior High School of Thessaloniki, and meeting for the first time students and staff from our sister school.
-Spending five days in magnificent Crete.
-Attending dancing workshops in Thessaloniki and in Crete.
Well done to teachers for organising such an unforgettable trip for our students!
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios
On Saturday 3rd August was a very significant day for the Greek Orthodox Church in Melbourne. His Eminence Archbishop Makarios arrived at Melbourne Airport. This is the first visit for the newly appointed Archbishop, His Eminence Makarios.
Selected students, including five flag bearers, had the opportunity to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Makarios at Melbourne Airport. Nikki Ballas and Maria Dimitropoulos offered His Eminence a bouquet of flowers on behalf of our School Community.
Following the arrival and the welcoming of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, students and staff attended the greeting and Doxology (Thanksgiving) Service at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of St Eustathios, in South Melbourne. Flag bearers lead the process of His Eminence walking through the crowd, and the rest of the students through flowers, as Archbishop passed them.
In the evening, students and staff together with our Principal, Mr Mark Robertson, and the Chair and Members of the School Board and Management Committee, attended a dinner with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios at Melbourne Town Hall. Students had the opportunity to meet and congratulate His Eminence. Well done to our staff and students for representing Oakleigh Grammar at such an honourable event for our Greek Orthodox Community in Melbourne.
Student Representative Council
NATASHA SPANOS
SRC Coordinator
Term 2 finished off with our annual Crazy Hair Casula Day! On Tuesday 25 June, our ELC and Junior School came to school by wearing wigs and having a crazy hairstyle. Each student was asked to donate a gold coin donation. We raised $300 and all money donated to the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia. All different hairstyles were very impressive! Well done to students and teachers who participated!
Every year, our Year 10 SRC members organise our annual Jeans for Genes Casual Day. Jeans for Genes Day is a national day when people wear their jeans to raise much-needed funds for research into birth defects and diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and a range of genetic disorders. 1 in 20 Aussie kids face a birth defect or genetic disease. Kids just want to be kids, but instead of playing sports with their friends or catching butterflies on a sunny day, these kids are getting liver transplants, taking dozens of medications, or getting their next dose of chemotherapy.
On Friday 26th of July students and staff from ELC up to Yr12 came to school wearing their favourite pair of jeans to raise funds. We were very excited to raise $2,079! With these money, we can help the scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute find cures, so these kids can go back to being kids. Congratulations to the whole school community for participating to this worthwhile annual event.
Counselling
FIONA BAUDINETTE
Student Counsellor
Thank you for your calls and emails regarding your children. It is always wonderful, to talk about your amazing kids and to get to know you a little. As a result of the interest to learn more, I will write about an area of mental health/parenting/child brain development or School issues, in each edition of the Grammar News. Please understand that your views and opinions may differ at times to what is written.
Anxiety – What is it and how can I control it?
Anxiety and anxiety related conditions are on the rise, but what is it? It’s just nerves isn’t it? Anxiety generally relates to fear or stress. Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life and tends to pass quickly once the fear or stress has subsided. However, people with an anxiety condition frequently experience episodes of intense, excessive and persistent worry or fear about everyday situations, which can reach a high level within minutes (panic attack). These intense feelings will often interfere with daily life and are very difficult to control. Anxiety often begins during childhood and can continue into adulthood.
Brain imaging has revealed that the amygdala (emotional area) and the hippocampus (memory) play a significant role in anxiety. When a memory is triggered the amygdala reacts with flight or fight. In doing so it releases cortisol and norepinephrine which increases our perception, reflexes and speed. This in turn increases heart rate, blood flow and air flow into the lungs, preparing the body to react and survive – hence an anxiety attack.
So what can you do to reduce the duration and severity of an anxiety attack? It is important to note when your anxiety begins to rise and intervene as soon as possible, before it becomes a heightened anxiety attack. To reduce heart rate, blood and air flow, it is important to slow breathing, as best as possible - slow breaths in and out. Keep your mind in the moment and on rational thought rather than the upcoming fear, challenge your self-talk (are you catastrophizing?).
When you are in a relaxed state, take small steps to challenge your fears, plan designated worry time in your day and be kind to yourself! These are just a few of many useful strategies you could try. Seek professional help if anxiety is heightened/on-going or interferes with daily life.
Reference: Mayo Clinic USA, Beyond Blue, Dr Jeffrey DeGroat, Roger S. Gil