Assistant Principal's Report
Dear Families, Students and Community Members
As we draw to the end of another term, it is important to reflect on all our accomplishments as we continue learning during lockdown. It is not exactly what we would have hoped for at this time of the year, yet we should be very proud of how we have continued to make the most of the circumstances.
We were delighted with the level of support and engagement with our recent Parent Student Teacher Conferences. Feedback from students, parents and staff about the convenience and effectiveness of utilising the Microsoft Teams platform was very encouraging. Whilst we have no plans to totally move away from face-to-face conferences that provide parents with the opportunity to visit our school, we are discussing the possibility of a hybrid model.
Unit 3/4 VCE Practice Exams
Our students studying Unit 3/4 subjects are now approaching the end of their coursework and revising for their practice exams which will all take place during next week, the first week of the term break. On behalf of our staff, I would like to say that we know our students will work hard and utilise this time to ensure they do everything they can to do the best they can. Practice exams are an opportunity to identify strengths and areas for improvement well before the actual exam period, scheduled for late October through to late November.
Exam packages were made available for students to click and collect from the general office on Thursday 17 September, otherwise they were mailed out to students’ homes.
The VCE assessment process has been adapted to accommodate for remote learning, and SACs in Unit 2 and Unit 4 conducted remotely. We are very pleased with the way VCE students have demonstrated an understanding of their individual responsibility through this process. Just as they usually do when assessments are conducted at school, students prepared and followed instructions with diligence and integrity. This attitude, combined with the way students support each other’s learning in their class, continues to strengthen our inclusive learning community.
Unit 3/4 GAT
All students who are enrolled in a Unit 3/4 subject will take part in the General Achievement Test (GAT) which has been postponed again to the first week back next term – Tuesday 5 October. Further information will be provided to families closer to the event.
School Uniform
A reminder that from next term, all students are required to wear the Summer uniform. It might be a good idea to try on each of the uniform items over the holidays just in case you need to purchase any new pieces from PSW Cheltenham. Our school Uniform Policy is written and endorsed by our School Council. The expectation is that every student wears their uniform correctly as it is a symbol of the high expectations held at South Oakleigh College. The vast majority of students wear their uniform perfectly every day and it really looks fantastic. It is also a way we show pride in our school and that we are a member of this unique and quite special community.
Term 4 Calendar
As we approach the mid-semester holidays, where possible, our staff are working to reschedule all of the major events, camps and excursions to Term 4 so that our students don’t miss out. Fingers crossed that we will be able to return to onsite learning where fewer restrictions will allow us to run as many of these activities as possible.
Laptop Orders 2022
A recent change to DET’s Payment Policy in September 2021, prevents the College from taking deposits and ordering laptops on a family’s behalf.
Unfortunately, this means that the cost of the device has been altered due to the College not being able to absorb GST costs or receive a bulk order discount.
However, to support the ordering process for families, a portal has been established for families to order directly from our supplier, Learning with Technologies.
The portal also acts as a collection service allowing families to either pay for the device in full or by making contributions at their convenience.
Devices paid in full by 11 November will be dispatched directly to the College for imaging.
Families will then be contacted from 6 December 2021 to arrange a collection appointment.
The link provided below will take you directly to the ordering platform. Please note that devices will still be supported by our ICT Staff.
https://southoakleighcollege.orderportal.com.au/
Students planning on undertaking VCE subjects in IT, Media and the Arts are encouraged to consider the i7 model available.
Families who have already placed an order through the College with their deposit will be contacted directly by our Business Manager, Kelly Garrett.
Anthony Katsianos and Mark Picone
Assistant Principals
