Leading Teachers Report
Leading Teacher: Junior School Report
Dear members of the South Oakleigh College community, welcome back for 2023.
I am pleased to tell you that the newest members of our College, our Year 7 students, have transitioned positively into the school. All students in Year 7 undertook a three-day orientation program which is designed to introduce the students to the College and give them an understanding of our programs and processes.
One of the key learnings that we hope all of the students take away from this program is the importance all students and teachers at South Oakleigh place on our school values of High Expectations, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Teamwork. These are the values we live by at our school. The students have now entered into their timetabled classes and I think it’s safe to say that all students have gotten to know their way around the school.
The Year 7 meet-and-greet barbeque held earlier this month was a great opportunity for students, teachers and parents to get together and enjoy a meal. Many conversations were had and it was also great to see members of our Sports Development Program including Kevin Sheedy and Archie Thompson on hand to talk to parents and students about this amazing opportunity. This evening is definitely one of the highlights of the start of the year.
Our Year 7 Camp to Alexandria is the next exciting event taking place where we will continue to get to know one another and forge new friendships.
Our Year 8 students have also moved into their new year level positively and many of the reports I have received from teachers have been encouraging. Year 8 Camp is later this Term so I ask all parents to open their Compass portal and fill out the permission forms to ensure your child is there.
I will also take this opportunity to remind all students about the importance of bringing all class materials to every lesson including the College planner, pencil case, notebook and charged laptop.
George Tzimourtas
Leading Teacher: Junior School
Leading Teacher: Middle School Report
Dear Middle School Students and Families,
Welcome back to school! It has been great to see so many students refreshed and ready to dive back into their studies with energy and enthusiasm. We’ve enjoyed sharing stories about what has happened during our summer break and we are excited for what 2023 will bring. As we begin this new year, it is important to reflect on our college HRRRT values. We hope that our middle school students exemplify these values within our community throughout the year.
High expectations mean that we believe in your potential and expect you to strive for excellence in all areas of your life. Whether it is your academic studies, extracurricular activities, or personal growth, we know you have what it takes to achieve great things. Remember to set high goals for yourself and work hard to achieve them.
Respect is at the heart of our community. We value diversity and appreciate each other's unique perspectives and experiences. We ask that you treat everyone with kindness and empathy, and that you listen carefully to others. By respecting each other, we create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Responsibility means taking ownership of your actions and being accountable for your choices. We expect you to be responsible members of our community by showing up to class on time, completing your homework and assignments to the best of your ability, and following the college's rules and guidelines.
Resilience is a critical skill that will serve you well throughout your life. We know that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the learning process, but with resilience, you can bounce back and continue to grow and learn. Remember that it is okay to make mistakes – what's important is how you respond to them.
Teamwork is essential for achieving our goals as a community. We encourage you to work collaboratively with your peers, teachers, and other members of our community. By working together, we can achieve great things and create a supportive and uplifting environment.
As a reminder, it is important to be in full academic uniform every day. Wearing the correct uniform shows that you take pride in your appearance and are ready to learn. Mr Katsianos has sent a compass news message earlier in the year regarding important uniform considerations. Please ensure that you wear your uniform correctly, including black leather, polishable shoes and a blazer worn to and from school.
Additionally, we ask that students to not visit their lockers in between classes. This helps to ensure that everyone can get to their class on time. Please bring all the materials you need for double-period sessions with you at the beginning of period 1 or period 3.
Our Middle school services team are excited to have our year 10’s back for another year, and has enjoyed getting to know our year 9’s. We look forward to supporting each of you in your learning journey.
On behalf of the Middle School Team,
Travis Knox
Leading Teacher: Middle School
Leading Teacher: Senior School Report
As the new school year begins, it’s time to welcome back all the VCE students who are ready to take on another year of hard work and dedication. The upcoming year may be a challenging one, but with the right study techniques, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success.
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for the year ahead is to establish a study routine that works for you. This may include setting aside a specific time each day for studying, using flashcards or other study aids, and seeking help from your teachers or peers when needed. It’s also important to create a study environment that is conducive to learning, with minimal distractions and plenty of space to spread out your materials.
The College offers free tutoring sessions that will provide VCE students with additional support. For English support, Ms. Bannon offers valuable insight and feedback on written assignments, helping students to improve their writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of course material.
Similarly, Kristin Zhou's Math support sessions can provide students with the opportunity to ask questions and receive individualized attention, which can be especially helpful for those who may be struggling with particular concepts or assignments. By attending these tutoring sessions, VCE students can gain the tools and resources they need to excel in their coursework and achieve their academic goals.
The Expectations of VCE
Some important points for the parents:
- To receive Satisfactory in a Unit, students must attend at least 90% of their classes per semester. Students can monitor their attendance by checking Compass. If the students are absent, they should submit medical certificates to the office to have their absences approved.
- Some SACs may be held outside of regular school hours (after 3:30 pm) so all students can complete an identical task and ensure fairness. Parents and students must make appropriate arrangements to make sure students can sit the SACs.
- Parents of VCE students should avoid booking holidays during the school term. If families choose to take the student away during school time, the student might risk failing to meet the attendance requirements for VCE. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding holidays and attendance.
Special Arrangements for External Examinations
Year 11-12 students will complete the General Achievement Test on 15th June and the final exams in October/November.
Special Examination Arrangements may be approved for students with disabilities, illnesses or other circumstances that affect their ability to access a VCE exam.
To see whether you are eligible for Special Arrangements, please visit this website:
Special Examination Arrangements applications are made to the VCAA through the student’s school.
If you believe you are eligible, please collect the required evidence and contact me as soon as possible.
Grace Terdich
Leading Teacher: Senior School