Principal's News

MARK ROBERTSON

Principal 

Dear Oakleigh Grammar Community,

As Term 1 2020 draws to a close I have reflected on the difficult start to the year we have all had to endure. The devastation of the bush fires over the Christmas break which challenged many areas of regional Australia, seems to fade in the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic. However, it is those heroes who demonstrated what resilience and the spirit of Australia looks like – they inspire us with their unconditional compassion for each other. Many of us have hard times ahead, and now more than ever this is the time for compassion.

In the last Grammar News I spoke about how we cope in times of uncertainty, how predictable routines such as going to school or work each day give us comfort. No longer do we have the luxury of that certainty. We are now challenged to think outside the realms of our normal. We must adopt flexible and fluid attitudes, think creatively away from our comfort zones, embrace technology and be willing to learn differently; to accept that change is inevitable and that we need to be prepared for it.

At Oakleigh Grammar, we are working hard to embrace this new reality. These strategies inform how we prepare and deliver our teaching and learning to students in these unsettling times. It will be a period of ongoing development that all schools are challenged with, but together we will evolve and improve. In partnership with parents, we remain committed to developing our students by optimising their learning in creative and innovative ways.

Staff News

I am pleased to advise the appointment of Kseniya Subach as our new HR Officer, who joins us from Wesley College. 

Lianna Askraba will join the Junior School next term as a Maternity Leave Replacement. 

Lisa Tabone also starts in Term 2 coming from Brighton Grammar as our new Head of Library.

Please remember to check your emails and the School website for updates on how we plan to commence Term 2. We have also just loaded the 2021 School Term Dates to help you plan ahead.

Finally, as we look toward celebrating The Holy Week and the miracle of Easter, please take the time to reflect . . .

Remember those who are vulnerable and those whose lives are at stake. May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. May we who are losing our margin money in the turmoil of this economy

 Remember those who have no margin at all.        As we settle in for the holidays at home

remember those who have no home at all.

Whilst nothing could prepare us for the events that are unfolding, together we have shown just how bright we can shine. Enjoy your break and look after yourselves; stay balanced and well.