Assistant Principals' Report
Uniform
All students are required to dress in the correct school uniform and they should take pride wearing it. If a student cannot wear their uniform a note from their parent/guardian giving the reason must be provided. If there is no note, the school will presume the student is resisting uniform policy without parental permission. In these circumstances, and in some cases even if a note is supplied, the school has the right to provide the student with a uniform for the day from the school's emergency uniform pool. If the student is out of uniform without a reasonable explanation, he/she can expect consequences, such as a detention.
Homestay Hosting
We are looking for local families interested in providing Homestay accommodation for 10 days in August, for students from our sister school, Shanghai Xinglong Middle School in China.
Hosting an international student can be an interesting and rewarding opportunity for many households and families.
Being a homestay family means inviting a student to become a part of your family for the time they are here. For many students and families this relationship can last well beyond the visit to Australia and for some, it will lead to life-long friendships. Hosting a student from another country gives your family a wonderful opportunity to share cultures in your own home.
Additionally, we are looking to send a group of students to China to visit our sister school. An announcement will be made shortly on the proposed date of tour.
If you wish to enquire about hosting an international student for a short-term stay, please call Kelly Garrett on 9579 2322 who will email you a Homestay Hosting Expression of Interest Form.
Parent Student Teacher Conferences
A successful Parent Student Teacher Conference day was held on Wednesday May 1 in the library and upstairs foyer. Anecdotal feedback from parents confirmed that having staff located together made the interview process easier and more efficient.
Watching the high level of engagement and conversations between teachers and parents was a credit to staff regarding their understanding and commitment to their students.
Thank you to all parents who attended the evening. For any parent unable to attend, follow-up appointments can be made with staff.
Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN
NAPLAN testing was completed last week. For the first time at South Oakleigh the test was completed online.
Morrisby Testing
In early May Year 9 students, as part of a Victorian Government Schools initiative, participated in the Morrisby Online career diagnostic assessment.
The Department has engaged the Career Education Association of Victoria, who will work with Career Analysts Pty Ltd, to deliver a professional career planning service for all Year 9 students in Victorian government schools.
Following the Morrisby testing, students and their parents are encouraged to consider the information provided and answer some questions in preparation for a 1:1 career counselling session. This will be conducted by a qualified external career practitioner and will be carried out during school hours and on school premises. The discussions will include short-term specific subject choices as well as training, higher education and employment pathways.
Supervision before and after school
School commences at 8:45am. The first bell rings at 8:35am by which time students should be at school to organise their books and prepare for their first lesson.
We request that parents do not drop students at school before 8:00am. We are unable to provide formal supervision before or after school except when students are attending prearranged rehearsals or activities.
Traffic Flow
Gate 3 is the ONLY entrance point; all other gates are EXIT ONLY.
Morning and afternoon arrangements - Cars enter via Gate 3 and should turn right to drop off and pick up students. Exit is through Gate 4.
For safety reasons, DO NOT park in the staff car park.
However, if a Disabled Parking Bay is required this is situated adjacent to the administration car park.
Student accident insurance/ambulance cover arrangements and private property at school.
Parents/guardians of students who do not have student accident insurance are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for their injured child, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs. Insurance can be purchased through a commercial insurer.
The Department of Education and Training does not have insurance for personal property brought to school and has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property.
Mr Tony Katsianos and Mr Mark Picone
Assistant Principals'