PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
End of year exams
The last week of Term 3 is a busy time, particularly for senior students
preparing for their forthcoming VCAA examinations.
For many students, exams are simply another form of assessment and
they take them in their stride as part of the learning cycle. However,
some students find the exam period a daunting experience, believing
their performance at school is measured only by exam results.
Although the formal exam period for Year 12 is the contributor to a student’s overall
ATAR mark, this is not the only measure of student success. College staff and the
wellbeing team aim to assist and support students during this time. If families notice
any changes in their child’s behaviour or personality leading into the examinations,
contact the College to enable us to offer the appropriate encouragement and advice.
One of our school values is High Expectations. Regardless of ability, we expect and
encourage all pupils to achieve their best. Why? To ensure each student has the
greatest opportunity and choice as they commence the next stage of their educational
journey.
We wish all students, particularly VCE participants, the best with their studies and
remind them to balance study time with rest and a healthy eating plan.
VTAC applications: Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)
Year 12 students who are eligible to complete their VCE this year should be in the
process of registering with VTAC and lodging course applications. Mr Ian Denver, Ms
Kalouda Pelitidis and Ms Bronwyn Cullinan (Career Pathway Coordinator) have been
working with Year 12s to achieve this.
Once a student has applied for courses they are able to complete a Special Entry
Access Scheme (SEAS) application. The SEAS allows tertiary institutions to grant
special consideration for course entry, but does not exempt applicants from meeting
the institutional and entry requirements. This information is considered in addition to
the student’s subjects and ATAR when places are offered.
There are four categories for SEAS applications:
Category 1: Personal information and location
Category 2: Disadvantaged financial background
Category 3: Disability or medical condition
Category 4: Difficult circumstances
All students are encouraged to submit a SEAS application for category 1. Students will
be assessed on their age, school, address, gender, indigenous status, first in family to
attend university, and non-English speaking background. This is based on information
provided through their VTAC account and course application.
Newsletter Issue 6
September 2017
IMPORTANT DATES
September
22 Last Day of Term 3 Early Dismissal 2:30pm finish
25 Year 12 School Based Exams
26 Year 12 School Based Exams
27 Year 12 School Based Exams
October
9 Term 4 commences
9 VCE Stagecraft External Exam Performance
11 Access Education Revision Psychology Lectures 6:00pm
12 Early Dismissal 2:30pm finish
12 Access Education Revision HHD Lectures 6:15pm
13 EMR athletics finals
15 Year 7 2018 Testing Day 9:00am
23 Early Dismissal 2:30pm finish
25 Superhuman Science Program, Day One
25 State athletics finals
26 Superhuman Science Program, Day Two
26 Years 9B, 9C City Experience
27 Superhuman Science Program, Day Three
27 Years 9B, 9C City Experience
November 1 VCAA Units 3 and 4 Exams
begin
7 Cup Day – Students not required at school
13 Middle School Exams begin
14 Middle School Exams
15 Middle School Exams
16 Middle School Exams
16 Early Dismissal 2:30pm finish
17 Middle School Exams
18 Trivia Night Fundraiser 7:00pm Oakleigh South Primary School
The deadline for SEAS applications is 5:00pm, 10
October; however, students are encouraged to submit
their applications prior to Term 3 holidays.
Applications are submitted online with supporting
statements obtained from professionals. For further
information regarding SEAS visit the VTAC website
http://www.vtac.edu.au/applying/seas.html
Students are encouraged to speak to Ms Kalouda Pelitidis
(Middle School Leader) or Mr Ian Denver (Senior School
Leader) if they need assistance.
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 injured students, 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
Acting Principal
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Avenue Q
Congratulations to Mr Platenkamp, Ms
Close, Mr Curtis and the Production team,
cast, crew and puppets who presented
three outstanding shows, including a
fantastic matinee for our local community.
The show was funny, enjoyable and educational and a
tribute to the many hours of hard work and dedication
shown by all members of the Avenue Q team. We are
particularly appreciative of Mr Platenkamp, Mr Curtis and
Ms Close’s passion, creativity, and the many hours of
effort they contributed, thereby guaranteeing the dazzling
success of this production.
We look forward with anticipation to what Mr Platenkamp
and his team are planning for the College’s 2018
Production.
SOC 1:1 Learning Technologies Program
We are proud to introduce to SOC families our new 1:1
Learning Technologies Program, designed to prepare your
child for a successful 21st century career. From 2018, all
Year 7 and 10 students will use a College recommended
Learning Technology Device. This device is supported by
both the school and the supplier if purchased through the
College website. South Oakleigh College anticipates that
all students will use this technology by 2020.
The program will promote:
• Anytime, anywhere collaborative learning
• In-depth critical thinking
• Immediate, effective and timely feedback
• Real world problem solving
• Effective use of ICT for ongoing learning
The Right Device for Learning
After much consideration, SOC recommends a stylus-
enabled device to ensure students can access a digital
pen for learning. Research demonstrates that the use of a
digital pen, rather than a keyboard, enables students to
freely express their thinking and both hand write and
annotate when note taking. As a result, cognitive overload
reduces, deeper connections between key concepts are
drawn, and more ideas generated.
Source: Professor Sharon Oviatt ‘The Design of Future
Educational Interfaces
’Mr Mark Picone
Assistant Principal
MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT
Study techniques for exams
The end of Term 3 is approaching so it is
time for students to prepare for final
assessments.
Many students fail exams because they do
not know how to study effectively. It is not
enough to learn material; students need to understand
what they read to ensure information is stored within their
long-term memory.
The following two study techniques will help students deal
with challenging material.
Tip 1: Try and fully understand material
When reading material for the first time, identify meanings
you do not understand. Undertake research: ask a friend,
search the Internet, or check another book. Do whatever it
takes to comprehend what you read.
Tip 2: Create situational questions and answer them
Identify the important meanings and concepts in what you
have read then create questions about the material. To be
effective, these should involve emotions and feelings.
Middle School Assembly
On 21 August we held a Middle School Assembly hosted
by Andrew Leap and fellow students. Andrew began with
a Welcome to Country, followed by a rendition of our
National Anthem. The music department regaled us with
several musical items including:
- Sax Quartet with La Bamba
- Drum Solo
- Flute Ensemble playing Hello by Adele
- Classical guitar piece
- The newly formed SOC Concert Band playing
Let’s Rock, Mickey Mouse March and Power
Rock.
During the assembly awards were presented to students
in Middle School for house points gained due to excellence
in History, Science and Geography.
The Assembly concluded with a motivational video about
stereotypes.
Ms Kalouda Pelitidis
Head of Middle School
KLA ENGLISH
Year 8 English
Recently, Year 8 English students learnt
how to express themselves in a writing
format other than prose and discovered
how different poetry is to their usual style
of writing.
This rap, relating to the novel Holes, is the work of
Ezekiel Buckland, Michael Andrianopoulos and Chun
Keat Ong.
HOLES RAP
That boy over there, his name is Stanley,
Straight outta luck but deep down he is manly,
He has a hard life both at school and home
So they sent him to the desert so he could roam
Him and the boys have it bad at camp,
The land is so dry that their sweat makes it damp,
The warden is like the po-po; she rules the land,
You feelin rebellious? Then you'll face her back hand,
Ms Walker has the gang wrapped around her finger,
Mr Sir? Mr P? Who cares, no one's a winner,
The boys at camp know it's all a scam,
You could say that her personality is a hologram,
The kids at the camp work from dusk' till dawn,
They slave so much that they can barely hang on,
Stanley and his gang face the journey of a lifetime,
The journey’s so long, they were up past their
bedtime
Stanley's no good dirty rotten pig stealing great great
grandfather,
Broke his promise, gained a curse, so you could say
he's the founding father
Kissin Kate Barlow brought the truth to the land,
But Sam's skin was dark, so their love was forever
banned,
The rage and the hate overtook Kate's loving heart,
So she made poisoned peaches to make everyone
fall apart,
The past and the present is what created Camp
Greenlake,
The outside world was fooled, but the gang knew it
was fake,
Zero the hero and the boy called caveman,
Helped the boys escape; as that was always the
game plan.
Mr Paul Stewart
English Teacher
Year 9 English
Students in the Year 9 English class wrote a letter to their unborn child.
The following is one response. Ms Kalouda Pelitidis
English teacher
Dear future son/daughter,
Today I woke up feeling down. Not just down, it goes far
deeper than that. It is something I cannot explain but you
will understand this once you feel it. When I wake like this,
I know it is not going to go away for a long time. This will
most likely happen to you, and if not you, then perhaps
your children are at risk. I could not live (or die) with myself
if I was not honest with you about this. Listen carefully; I
am about to tell you the most important thing I could
possibly tell you, other than how much I love you. Never
live a day on this earth where you do not remind someone
how much you love them, even if that someone is yourself.
When you feel empty, down, angry, or any other negative
feeling, no matter how light or intense, remember that life
is all about equal exchange. For every action, there is an
equal and opposite reaction. This means that all this pain
is here so positive feelings will be the greatest thing you
will ever experience. The pain will not leave or stop, but as
you allow it to pass, you must remember how good things
will be once it is over. It may take hours, days, months and
at the very worst years to get by all your hardships, and
although it is a cliché, it will be okay.
As you grow up, you are often told things will be better
when you are older, that all your pain will go, and that you
will be living happily ever after for eternity. That is not how
life works. It’s one awful slap in the face once you realise
it was all a lie. I don’t think it is wrong or damaging to break
the news to a child about harsh reality, so long as you tell
them the right way. I hope you educate your children as I
will educate you; on how to cope. Life is tough, but the
glorious moments you will experience will make it equally
amazing and terrifying.
Humans are complex creatures. You think you can
read them like a book; then they suddenly turn around
and do something unpredictable. Many people will hurt
you and a lot will be those closest to you. No matter how
people kick you down, you must remember they are
human like you. You will hurt people too, intentionally or
not, but owning up to it is what will make you a good
person. Try your hardest to move on or fix things in a
positive way, as this will help you through the hurt.
Always love and care for the people that are close to you.
Blood related or not, these people are your family and will
be those you can trust the most. If someone breaks your
trust, you can forgive. Just don’t allow anyone to walk over
you. Do not be afraid to leave someone if you cannot trust
them, as this is the most important quality those closest to
you should have.
Lastly, never forget to love and do what you love. Whether
it be music, art, sport, a certain someone, or anything else,
do what you love. When you are job searching, look for
work relating to your interests and hobbies. Keep your
options open, and always get out into the world and
explore. The world is wonderful, even when it may seem
like a dark and cold place. Always look for the beauty in it.
Never lose sight of what you love, and do not avoid your
pain, but learn to be content with it. Life will have an equal
number of ups and downs and no matter how many times
you hear it, it is true. Life is what you make of it.
Kayla Fraser
KLA MATHS
Recently, Year 7 Accelerated Maths participated in a three-day pilot workshop on Super Humans organised
by Monash Tech School on behalf of the Department of Education and Monash University. SOC was one of
the trial schools selected for the program.
Students discussed the concept of Design Thinking, and were required to develop prototype solutions for
medical problems using innovative technologies: smart electronics, 3D printing, laser cutting and thermal
imaging.
Students divided into four groups: Heart, Hand, Kidney and Eye, with each group presented with a problem. All students
presented their projects to visitors and teachers from schools within the region.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and embraced the new challenges and technologies. They also positively
contributed to shaping this innovative program by providing valuable feedback throughout the process.
Mr Terry Thilakarathne
Maths Teacher
Team Heart developed the Clot-bot to locate blood clots within the heart, then notify relevant personnel.
Team Kidney developed a novel solution to filter fluids inspired by plumbing techniques.
Team Eye developed a solution for Glaucoma named Humorous Removerous.
Team Hand proposed a sensory hand to replicate the function of a real hand.
KLA GREEK
Year 8 Greek Cultural Activity - How to
make PASTITSIO?
Year 8 students studying Greek Language
and Culture recently watched the film
Pilala that explores themes of: growing up,
chasing your dreams, never giving up, and
admiring famous role models such as athlete Kostas
Kenteris, who came first in the 200 metres at the Sydney
2000 Olympic Games.
Pilala means to run in Greek and the young boy Adipas,
who does not want to miss the live telecast of the race, is
forever running to his grandfather’s café on messages.
One of those errands is to take the pastitsio his
grandmother has baked to his parent’s house. The young
Adipas meets several challenges along the way and as he
runs to escape them, the tray of pastitsio drops several
times.
Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the short film study and
completion of the Learning Task. Additionally, as students
from non-Greek backgrounds were curious about the taste
of pastitsio a further activity, a pastitsio cooking day was
organised. Students learnt how to bake the dish then
enjoyed it during lunchtime.
Ms Phyllis Dimakakos
Ms Dimitra Maniatis
Greek teachers
KLA ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
6th Urban International Film Festival,
Tehran
During July, I was invited to attend the 6th
Urban International Film Festival in Tehran,
to screen a music documentary I had
directed in 2014. I was thrilled to be invited,
and even more delighted that the festival
offered to cover my airfare, accommodation and meals!
The festival took place in the first week of August and
included screenings of a variety of arthouse films from
around the world. During the six days of the festival, there
were seminars on several topics involving cinema and film
education. I was delighted to spend time with the Director
of Photography responsible for Driving Miss Daisy, Mao’s
Last Dancer, Double Jeopardy and Meet the Parents -
Peter James. Peter is one of a handful of individuals
officially credited with honours from both the Australian
Cinematographers Society and the American Society of
Cinematographers. He had some great stories to tell about
working with Morgan Freeman, Robert De Niro and Cate
Blanchett! Peter, who works in Sydney, has provided
cinematography classes to a number of high schools and
is currently working with Ray Martin to deliver curriculum
in filmmaking and journalism.
Peter was thrilled to hear about our wonderful resources,
including the TV Studio at South Oakleigh. Our facilities
are among the best in Australia, and the world, as I
discovered. I am now working to arrange for our school to
welcome Peter at some point next year.
Tehran itself was one of the friendliest cities I have ever
visited. Eight international guests were welcomed to the
festival and treated as royalty – given a guide, a driver, a
mini bus and chauffeured around the city to see some of
Tehran’s spectacular sights. It is a modern city, boasting
excellent museums, markets, cuisine and incredible views
of the surrounding mountain range. I was also delighted to
see how safe Tehran is. The local pastime is picnicking in
the many parks and generally celebrating life with large
groups of family and friends. The environment feels both
welcoming and safe.
We were lucky to visit the set of an Iranian action film,
which included the filming of a car crash in the mountains.
A surreal moment! Then it was back to the festival hub -
the Iranian Centre for Cinematic Arts. I gave a talk on
documentary filmmaking which was translated, real-time,
into Farsi. There was also a press conference held for
international guests and we featured on the Iranian
National news.
It was a privilege to experience the beautiful film festival in
this sublime city, and the entire experience was one of awe
and wonder. I would like to thank our Principal, Ms Helen
Koziaris, for allowing my participation and I’m thrilled to
bring back new learning and networking connections to
share at South Oakleigh College.
Mr Aiden Prewett
Arts and Technology Teacher
CHAPLAIN REPORT
Integr8 Program with Empire Student Network
During Term 3 the wellbeing team partnered with a youth
organisation, Empire Student Network, to participate in
Integr8, a health promotion program taking a holistic
approach to wellbeing by focussing on physical and
emotional health.
The program aims to:
- Foster teamwork
- Promote goal setting and personal achievement
- Build self-awareness
- Promote positive health behaviour and mental health
The course buddies Year 7 and 8 boys with volunteer
mentors who explore a series of exercises and activities
with them. Through these pursuits, the participants
develop teamwork and leadership skills as well as a
positive self-awareness.
‘We’ve been able to make new friends and we can share
our experiences and troubles with them. It’s an exciting
community and we can have a bit of fun while learning new
skills’, said a Year 8 participant.
We are grateful for the contribution made by the volunteers
involved with the program.
The program will continue until the end of the Term 3 and,
ideally, extend to other students in the future.
Mr Alex Flavel
Chaplain
BOOKWEEK 2017
Escape to Everywhere was the theme
chosen by the Children’s Book Council of
Australia to celebrate this year’s Book
Week, from 21 - 25 August.
The Library and English department
collaborated on a week of activities
revolving around books and reading for Year 7 and 8
students.
Students dressed as book characters using props in the
photo booth, wrote never-ending stories, and created
poems and stories with fridge poetry.
The highlight of each session was the House Point Quiz.
With a lot of laughter, noise and great team spirit each
house was challenged to identify the missing word on a
book cover. Points were given for either the correct or
most creative answer. The next part of the quiz was
charades; a team member drew a selected book title for
the rest of the group to guess.
The following are student responses to Book Week
activities:
‘Book Week was a great experience because we got a
chance to participate in fun activities with our friends. The
fridge poetry was hilarious and so was the quiz. All the
teams worked well together.’
‘The poem was the one I spent time mostly on and it was
an excellent experience.’
‘Loved the quiz! I would recommend it.’
Points earned through Book Week activities resulted in the
following House tallies:
Acacia: 82
Banksia: 118
Grevillea: 64
Waratah: 75
Ms Kay Wilson
Librarian
PRIMARY SCHOOL SCIENCE PROGRAM
South Oakleigh College provides an after-school Science program for any interested Year 5 and 6 students. Running for
six weeks, it offers primary students a taste of secondary school Science and covers the basics of laboratory safety,
equipment, chemistry and physics. Students are taught how to light a Bunsen burner and then use it for heating during
simple experiments. They learn about atoms and the difference between static and current electricity.
Recently, students were introduced to static electricity using a Van De Graaff Generator.
They made a human circuit and were able to light up a fluorescent tube whilst connected to the VDG. Many loved the tingles
associated with static charge coursing through their bodies; others felt some sharp zaps that surprised them.
Students also enjoyed creating static charge using a balloon and friction. With their balloons, many collected pieces of
paper off tables and were amazed that they remained attached for minutes.
Next lesson we are investigating the properties of Dry Ice.
This hugely successful program hosts around 25 attendees each week. For more details regarding this course, contact the
school.
Mr Steve Kuruc
Transition Coordinator
KLA SPORT
Monash Division Interschool Athletics
Competition
The South Oakleigh athletics team
gathered on a lovely winter’s August day at
the Knox Athletics Track to compete in the
2017 Monash Division Interschool Athletics
Competition. South Oakleigh students upheld their school
values of High Expectations and Teamwork as they
competed in a range of track and field events.
The results demonstrate the outstanding athletic ability of
SOC students. A highlight of the day was Samantha Miller,
who broke the individual record in the Javelin events by
throwing an amazing 30.8m.
Another climax was the thirteen-year age group
champions - two South Oakleigh College students; Raviha
Rehman, who completed in three events and earnt a total
of 24 points towards our school’s total and Andre De Vries,
who competed in five events and contributed 44 points to
the overall tally. A fantastic effort by both students!
The following students have been promoted to the regional
championships in October and we wish them the best of
luck in the next round of athletic competition.
Zion Nelthropp - Javelin
Samantha Miller - Javelin, Discus and Triple Jump
Andre De Vries - 90m Hurdles, 100m and 400m
Teagan Laurenson - Shotput
Megan Robinson - 800m, 400m and 1500m
Arte Trepca - Shotput
Paskali Tsoukalas - 1500m
Raviha Rehman - Discus
Ms Noor Asyo
Sport Coordinator
Years 9 and 10 Boys Basketball
Playing against other schools is such an honour,
especially when representing South Oakleigh College!
Even though we only won two out of eight games, the
boys played with a fiercely competitive intensity and
respect for the other teams. Three games were decided
by less than five points; with one game being lost by a
ridiculous shot from behind the three-point line!
The boys showed great determination and resilience by
never giving up. Even when the chips were down, they
refused to let losses on the day dampen team spirit.
Thank you to the following boys who represented South
Oakleigh College: Josh Bedirian, Naum Coelho, Peter
Li, , Jaikishun Parekh, Dhruv Parikh, Shivang Patel, Evan
Pavlis, Lincoln Siu, Kenny Wang, and Brian Wang.
A huge thank you to our support team Mr. Pereira and
Mr. Columbus and coach Teagan Laurenson.
John Ramento Year 11 Coach
Years 7 and 8 Girls basketball
The girls basketball side showed tremendous teamwork
and ability against the Monash Division schools at the
Dandenong Basketball Centre on September 12. The girls
persisted despite injury to win two of their four games.
A special mention must go to Tahlyia Everett Waldin who
was the lead scorer of the day. Monique Guillemain and
Raviha Rehman showed good zone defense and some
impressive lay ups and rebounds.
The girls displayed good sportsmanship, cheering loudly
for their teammates throughout the day. Despite a big day,
the girls left with smiles on their faces and only one
sprained ankle!
Ruth Banak and Caitlin MacDonald
Year 11 Coaches
Please Note: South Oakleigh College and DET do not endorse or accept responsibility for any products or
services of any private advertisements.
FREE Meningococcal W vaccine Monash Council is holding special vaccination sessions for a free Meningococcal W vaccine for young people aged between 15 and 19 years.
The sessions are available to all 15 and 19 years who would like to access the Meningococcal Wvaccine. This includes any eligible students who missed their vaccine at this year’s school visit.
Date
Time
Wednesday 27 September
10am–12noon
Thurs 5 October
1pm–3pm
Wed 25 October
5pm–7pm
Wed 29 November
5pm-7pm
Thurs 7 December
3pm-5pm
Appointments not necessary
Location
Monash Council, Civic Centre – Function Room 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley. Please note
It is recommended not to drive for 30 minutes after vaccination
Students under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
For further info: 9518 3534