Student Voice 

Mid-Term 3 Report: College Captains

We hope all staff, students and parents had a wonderful start to Term 3.  

We would like to acknowledge the recipient of the SOC HRRRT Award, Sayako Kaburagi, for representing our school values and motivator for students in the college.  

Congratulations to all the students who were awarded for their achievements and outstanding efforts in the sporting field.

During this term, there are a few exciting events to look out for such as House Olympics and the House Dodgeball Competition.

On Friday 16 July, the entire state of Victoria was thrown into lockdown 5.0.  Luckily for us students, the teachers and support staff are now well-versed at remote learning and all classes were quickly moved online.  Despite this being a challenging time for all, this was certainly made easier for us, the students, by the incredible support we received from all the teaching staff.  This lockdown was no different to the previous times we have endured with all staff available to help out wherever and however they can. 

We would encourage you all to have a look at the wonderful Padlet that has been created by our Student Leadership team to show the support among our staff and students: 

https://southoak.padlet.org/soc_studlea/messagetostudents. 

We would like to commend the entire school community from the teachers to the students, support staff, principal team, and the hard-working parents for the role you have all played in another successful block of remote learning. 

On a positive note, Year 12 students have the privilege to represent the school with custom-made South Oakleigh College jackets to remember and look back on our school-years once we finish our schooling at South Oakleigh.  Late last year, our cohort had come together to design and organise the Year-12 jackets. Through communication with the supplier and snap lockdowns, we received the jackets that underwent much preparation. Through a coming-of-age ceremony, Year 12 students were given their jackets from Ms. Terdich, our VCE coordinator, and Mr. Picone, Assistant Principal.  As a senior-year student, I can say that we feel a sense of connection with our school community and pride to be representing South Oakleigh whilst wearing our jackets.

Our Year 12 cohort celebrated one of their most memorable end-of-year events, the Year 12 Formal, during the Term 3 holidays. The event, held at Vogue Ballroom, was a memorable evening filled with awards, laughter, and dancing. Staff, Year 12 students and their plus-ones came dressed up in stunning outfits.  With the support of Grace Terdich (VCE Coordinator), Karri Burke (Marketing and Communications Officer), Philip Clarke (Education Support) and the Formal Committee, the Formal was smoothly run. An End-of-Term sausage- and-Chupa Chups-sizzle fundraiser was organised to raise money for the event and run with the assistance of staff and Year 12 students. Overall, the event was unforgettable with many memories for Year 12s of 2021 to reminisce about at the end of the school year. 

Till now, Term 3 has been another learning curve to build resilience for all of us.  Even though there are restrictions in place, we hope for everyone to be able to practise gratitude and recognise the small things that bring happiness in our everyday lives. We hope for everyone to have a safe remaining term. 

Stay safe and take care.

Please wear a mask indoors as stated on the VicHealth website.(https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus)

Bill Watterston, Nishtha Patel, Tamika Cantlon

College Captains

Wellfest Week Committee: Update

The Student Representative Council (S.R.C.) and the wellbeing team are once again hosting Wellfest Week from August 23 to August 27, 2021. 

Wellfest Week is an annual student leadership event hosted to promote awareness of the college community’s physical, social, and mental health and wellbeing.  This year we are initially running this event with a purpose behind each day of the week; the days will have meaningful initiatives running throughout the day:

Mindful Monday:  Students will be encouraged to participate in several positive activities that promote mindfulness.

Keep-learning Tuesday:  The college community will have the opportunity to explore the services available beyond the college through information sessions from various providers and the Wellbeing Expo. 

Active Wednesday:  Students will have the opportunity to participate in physical activities to promote the importance of maintaining their physical health.  Students will be able to join in for 4way Capture the Flag, Ultimate Dodgeball, Causal Waking (Years 11-12 only), personal training sessions and yoga.

Self-care Thursday:  Staff and students will be able to participate in organised activities designed to help relieve stress and promote the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance; including a session organised by senior students to be presented to junior students during Period 2.  The purpose of this session is to discuss hygiene, sleep, nutrition, self-care, diet and relationships based on the senior students’ own experiences. 

Give Friday: Students and staff will have the opportunity to give back to the broader community and become more aware of a selected social cause.  The day will include an out-of-uniform day with the theme of Demin and the Krispy Kreme fundraiser to raise money for the Salvation Army.

Behind this event, intensive planning has been conducted by the S.R.C. and the Wellbeing Team, with weekly meetings and different tasks to be completed over some time.  As a big team, we had so many ideas and so much dedication for this event.  Our thoughts built up, and a massive plan was accomplished for Wellfest Week. Distributing tasks amongst the teams was vital to be organised during the event's planning as this helped us be responsible and organised to complete our task on time. The Student Representative Council and the Wellbeing Team became as one to host Wellfest week for our S.O.C. community. 

The Wellfest Week committee is excited to host this event this year for our S.O.C. community.  The week will bring the college community together and highlight the importance of maintaining physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health.

Meghal Patel

Student Representative Council 

Wellfest Week is an annual initiative hosted by the College’s Student Representative Council (SRC) in partnership with the Wellbeing Team. Its purpose is to help promote physical, social, and mental wellbeing to the South Oakleigh College community. Throughout both Term 2 and Term 3, there have been meetings every week to ensure Wellfest Week runs as smoothly as possible for the students. A ton of time and effort went into brainstorming ideas, calling up relevant organisations, getting appropriate resources and confirming what we can and can’t do due to the current state we’re in.  Students from SRC and teachers have planned events during Wellfest Week that students are guaranteed to enjoy. We took a more student-based perspective when planning the events and activities, so that students engage with them and get positive messages from them. 

We’ve designated a specific theme for each day, and the activities will revolve around the theme.  For example, on Monday the theme is ‘Mindful Monday’, where students will be encouraged to participate in activities that promote mindfulness and positivity.  They will be encouraged to write positive letters for their peers during mentor group, a therapy dog will be coming in and they will also be able to participate in journaling/scrapbooking during lunchtime!  I won’t spoil the surprise too much, but there will be a Wellbeing Expo, sports activities, a lunchtime concert and even Krispy Kreme Donuts during lunchtime!  All these activities will be run at separate times throughout Wellfest Week, so keep your eyes peeled! 

Gabriel Lopez

Student Representative Council

The Biggest Morning Tea Fundraiser 

The S.R.C. Campaigns Portfolio and members of the Student Leadership Team proudly hosted the Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser for all South Oakleigh College staff and students on Wednesday 23 June 2021. 

All members of our school community came together as one in support of, and to raise funds for, the Cancer Council Australia’s new research into combating the effects of cancer. 

All staff and students enjoyed amazing treats on the day such as hot chocolate, chocolate-chip cookies, marshmallows and purchased Cancer Council Australia’s new merchandise during recess and lunchtime.  The total money raised for the fundraiser was $670.90.  This was a wonderful achievement accomplished by the South Oakleigh College  community spirit and fantastic student leaders.

Sylvia Krozian 

Student Representative Council

Biggest Morning Tea was my first ever SRC event.  It was so much fun!  Not only was the event successful as we raised $670 for cancer, but the hot chocolates were extremely delicious!!  I had so much fun planning the event as well as serving.  It was interesting the way you organise as event: I remember when we began organising it we began with literally nothing then we grew it into such a successful event.  Successful enough that people were buying 5 hot chocolates and giving them out to people that couldn’t afford it which I found it was extremely generous.  Amazing kick off to my SRC journey!

Paz Hidas

Student Representative Council

Peer Support: Student Leader's Perspective

I am one of three Peer Support Mentors, and I know that the program of Peer Support looks different from our perspective, in comparison to how the program looks to the wider and broader school community and the Year 7 students involved in the program directly.  Our role involves planning and preparing for our Peer Support Leaders to be the most successful leaders they can be, for Year 7 students and also for ourselves.  We plan sessions, activities, workshops and more to enable all of us to gain the skills and qualities needed in our Peer Support Program, to ensure everyone gains the most out of the program.  

As Peer Support Mentors, a significant amount of the structure and organisation of the program is solely up to us alone, with guidance and assistance from our supervising teachers. This enables the Peer Support Program to be a student-led program, for students. 

 By incorporating this principle, it allows for a more direct approach to mentoring and leadership, and allows students to learn from one another, and pass those skills, ethics, qualities and more, onto future students.

Amy Vine

Peer Support Mentor

Throughout this year, the Year 7s have been taking part in the program ‘Peer Support’. Peer Support is where a group of Year 7s will meet up with their two Year-10 Peer Support Leaders to do activities and have conversations.  For me, Peer Support has been a great opportunity to create stronger bonds with my peers and communicate with people I may not usually talk with.  

I believe that the program is also a chance for the Year 10s to lead and be a role model for younger students.  My classmates and leaders have made Peer Support an enjoyable and fun program that I always look forward to.

Throughout this year, the Year 7s have been taking part in the program ‘Peer Support’. Peer Support is where a group of Year 7s will meet up with their two Year-10 Peer Support Leaders to do activities and have conversations.  For me, Peer Support has been a great opportunity to create stronger bonds with my peers and communicate with people I may not usually talk with.  I believe that the program is also a chance for the Year 10s to lead and be a role model for younger students.  My classmates and leaders have made Peer Support an enjoyable and fun program that I always look forward to.

Emily Lay

Peer Support Mentor

SRC Enrichment Portfolio

Dear South Oakleigh College community

Throughout 2021, the Student Representative Council Enrichment portfolio has focused on developing and enhancing the student-led club system.  With the addition of the Club Captain positions, students can get involved and experience leadership opportunities at various clubs. 

The Enrichment Team would like to present the existing and future Club Captains for their contributions and improvements to the clubs by presenting them with Club Captain badges. The badges were designed by students and created with our innovative technologies at South Oakleigh College, utilising the laser cutter to develop the official Club Captain badges.  These badges will be presented to the current Club Captains in their respective house assemblies.  This is also another chance for any students interested in the Club Captain positions to sign up via the link on Compass by the end of Week 5. 

On behalf of the S.R.C Enrichment portfolio

Janvi Chaudhary

Enrichment Leading Representative

Peer Support & SRC: Reflection

In Semester 1, I had a lot of opportunities as a leader and it was a really great experience.  Along with all the Year 7 leaders, we initiated and created a club, ran fundraisers, took part in different leadership activities, attended the leadership grip conference and so much more.  The leadership program here at SOC has helped me improve my leadership skills.  I’ve had a great experience being a leader in Semester 1 and I can’t wait to be involved in more activities in Semester 2.

 The Peer support program has been a really great way to interact with the Year 10s and to learn from them.  This program has been fun and enjoyable and the peer support leaders have done a really good job creating activities for us to learn and to experience the life of high school ahead.  This program was also a good way to catch up with my friends and hang out with them as well as my peer support leaders.  I look forward to seeing how much this program will improve!

Yohan Soju

Year 7 Leaders & Enrichment Representative 

Student Representative Council

South Oakleigh College Students Featured: STELR