PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Congratulations to the school community for their efforts during our recent Open

Night. I began my speech with: Tonight is your opportunity to look at what the next

phase of your child’s educational future could/will look like. And it is our opportunity

to showcase our school to you. As a parent or guardian you look for a place where

your child will be provided with the opportunity to learn, grow, prosper and

succeed—a place where they can become active participants in their own

learning—where the student is at the centre of the learning and individual learning

needs are met.

Parents/guardians and future students had the opportunity to see for themselves

the diverse programs offered at South Oakleigh College. We showcased our

Maths Centre, Science Laboratories, Food Technology, TV Studio, Music, English

and EAL, Fitness Centre, Performing Arts, Gymnasium and Systems Engineering

room to name a few. Parents commented as to how impressed they were with the

variety of programs on offer as we aim to meet the needs of every student.

Throughout the school day we inspire, encourage and support your child with their

learning, but there are many ways that parents and guardians can also assist this

endeavor. One way is to urge your child to eat breakfast before school.

Breakfast is often described as the most essential meal of the day. ‘It not only

provides important daily nutrients such as protein, fibre calcium and

carbohydrates, but it also helps improve school performance, allowing students to

do better on tests’. (Food and Nutrition Service. Published: 24/03/2017). Breakfast

raises the body’s energy, restoring the blood glucose level to normal after an

overnight fast. It lowers the level of stress hormone cortisol, which peaks during

the early morning hours (7 - 8 am).

Research has shown that children who do not have breakfast are often tired or

have difficulty concentrating throughout the day. Without breakfast, children may

be affected in a range of areas: from memory to creativity to being able to focus

within the classroom. Children who go hungry are more inclined to become

distracted from learning and give up more easily when faced with challenges.

According to a 2005 study published in Physiology and Behavior, eating a healthy

breakfast in the morning has beneficial effects on memory—particularly short-

term—and attention, allowing children to more quickly and accurately retrieve

information. Children who have breakfast perform better on reading, arithmetic and

Issue Number 3

May 2017

IMPORTANT DATES

May

22 Early Dismissal 2:30pm

23 Division Cross Country

Biology Excursion

Production Rehearsal 3:20pm

24 Units 3 and 4 Practice GAT

History Comp Years 7-10

Wetlands Excursion Year 7

25 City Experience Excursion 9A

Career Expo Years 9-12

Careers Speaker Years 11-12

Careers Planning Session

26 City Experience Excursion 9A

Noble Park Language Expo

Geography Competition

Emerging Leaders Program

29 9/10 Girls Interschool Sport

30 ICAS Science Competition

Production Rehearsal 3:20pm

31 Student Free Day

June

2 Queen Vic Market Years 8-9

Lunchtime Concert

3 Youth For Causes Workshop

6 Production Rehearsal 3:20pm

7 Interschool Sport Years 7-8

5-9 Middle & Senior school exams

12 Queen’s Birthday Holiday

13 HHD Excursion Years 10-11

Production Rehearsal 3:20pm

ICAS Writing Competition

14 -16 Year 9 Camp

2

problem-solving tests. Eating breakfast also

positively affects endurance and creativity within the

classroom.

I encourage parents to speak to your child about the

benefits of breakfast and, if not yet a habit, make it

one for the future.

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-eating-

breakfast-students-7697.html

www.redcross.org.au/files/Fact_sheet_4(2).pdf

http://easacademy.org/trainer-

resources/article/why-breakfast-is-the-most-

important-meal-of-the-day-eas-academy

Self-Evaluation and Review (2014-2017)

This year, the College has the opportunity to undergo

a Self-Evaluation and Review of our performance

during the current Strategic Plan (2014 – 2017). This

Self-Evaluation and Review empowers the whole

school community—students, parents/guardians,

teachers and other community members—to actively

participate in a process of reflective practice. It uses

an inquiry model to arrive at a shared view of the

school’s strengths, achievements and future needs.

An effective self-evaluation will enable the school

community to participate in a dialogue to understand:

-our school and what it stands for

-how it meets the expectations of the community

-identify future aspirations.

It reflects on important questions such as:

-student outcomes that we aimed to achieve

-student outcomes that we did achieve

-identify reasons we did/did not achieve

improvement in student outcomes

-management of resources to ensure improvement

in student outcomes

-identify ways to continue to improve student

outcomes

A forum to discuss our Self-evaluation and Review

will be conducted in the College Library on 13 June

2017, between 6.00 – 7.00pm. All parents welcome

to attend.

Ms Helen Koziaris

College Principal

3

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ REPORT

The Spirit of Anzac

Following our College ANZAC service on Monday 24

April, and braving the damp and cold conditions the

following morning, it was an honour to attend the

ANZAC dawn service at the Oakleigh/Carnegie RSL

with College Principal, Helen Koziaris, and students

and their families.

College captains, Billie-Rae McMillan and Cross

Ferrer, laid a wreath at the memorial in memory of all

who served and died in war and operational service.

Improvement to College Environment

The holiday break is a time when the college

completes projects to enhance our learning

environment and this year was no exception.

Improvements included painting, carpeting and

replacing blinds in a number of classrooms. We

acknowledge the importance of allocating resources

to continually upgrade the college; however all

members of the SOC community must also work

together to ensure a clean and well-maintained

environment, both in the classroom and the

schoolyard.

Parent/guardian drop-off of students

Parents/guardians entering the college grounds to

drop-off or collect their child should ensure they do

not stop at the entrance to the car park or block the

flow of traffic. Please proceed to the north end and,

for the safety of all members of our community,

always drive slowly on college grounds.

Mr Tony Katsianos

Assistant Principal

Mr Mark Picone

Assistant Principal

4

SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT Presentation Assembly

Term 2 commenced with the presentation, at a

special assembly, of jackets to Year 12s by year 7

students. It was a joyous event, conducted in great

spirit. The Year 12 students enjoyed the opportunity

to support our Year 7s who, in turn, relished the

opportunity to mix with the older students and gain

first hand insight into what lies ahead.

5

Year 12 Formal

The Year 12 Formal was held on Friday 5 May at the

Brighton International. All students presented

exceptionally well and greatly enjoyed the event.

I thank school Captains Billie-Rae McMillan, Cross

Ferrer and their assistants for their work organising

this function and thereby ensuring its success.

The passing of the Year 12 Formal represents a

pivotal point as far as the run home towards the end

of year VCAA exams. From now onwards, Year 12

students will need to direct their full attention to exam

preparation with the first major test occurring with the

end of semester exams.

Study Skills Program

This year, as part of our strategy and support to

enhance student learning, we will conduct a Study

Skills Program adapted specifically to the needs of

students at each senior year level. The first session for

all year levels was conducted on Friday 28 April and

external experts from Elevate Education led the

program. Students from all levels found the sessions

helpful, giving a 97% approval rating. With the 2017

GAT and semester exams fast approaching students

should heed the advice provided at these sessions.

Senior School Parents can assist their child by

asking to see their Study Plan, Summary Notes and

any past exam papers they are working on.

2017 GAT (General Achievement Test)

All VCE students enrolled in at least one 2017 Unit 3

and 4 VCE or VCE/VET subject are required to sit the

2017 GAT (General Achievement Test). The 2017

GAT brochure, produced by the VCAA (Victorian

Curriculum & Assessment Authority), can be

downloaded from Compass newsfeed or the

VCAA website.

The 2017 GAT will be conducted at school on

Wednesday 14 June, from 10.00am—1.15pm in the

library. As preparation for the GAT, on Wednesday

May 24 all Unit 3 and 4 students will sit a practice

exam in the Library from 8.45am to 12.00. This exam

will be marked and feedback provided to students.

In addition, students may download past GAT exams

and solutions from the VCAA website.

www.vcaa.vic.edu.au

End of Semester Exams

The College end of semester examinations will be held

from Monday 5 to Friday 9 June. There will be no

Senior School Classes during this period. Exam

Reading and Writing times will be:

Year 12 – Reading: 15min, Writing: VCAA Time length.

Years 10 and 11 – Reading: 15min, Writing: 90min.

The Examination timetable will be published on

Compass.

Mr Ian Denver

Head of Senior School

6

MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT NAPLAN is the annual assessment throughout

Australia for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests

skills that are essential for every child to progress

through both school and life. The tests cover

competence in reading, writing, spelling, grammar,

punctuation, and numeracy. The assessments are

undertaken every year during May, and we look

forward to the results from our Year 7 and 9 students

who have just completed the tests.

A new way forward:

Why are students struggling to engage at school?

One of the indicators of poor school engagement is

exposure to traumatic stressors including abuse,

neglect and violence directed at young people.

Unfortunately, the frequency of this type of abuse is

on the rise in Australia. Up to 40% of students have

been exposed to or witnessed traumatic stressors

(ABS, 2008; NTCS, 2011). One in three girls and one

in six boys are abused before the age of 18 (ABS,

2005). One of the potential impacts of this abuse is

disengagement from school; currently more than 10%

of young people disengage (DET, 2011).

Trauma affects child development and a child’s ability

to successfully navigate and succeed in education.

One of the new initiatives we are using to ensure all

our students are engaged and learning every day, in

every lesson, is the Berry Street Education Model.

The Berry Street Education Model builds upon Berry

Street’s foundations of therapeutic practice based on

trauma-informed teaching and learning. This holistic

program is the first of its kind to show significant

academic growth in struggling students by

combining Berry Street’s approaches to welfare,

wellbeing, and proven approaches to academic

learning for individuals whose trauma or experiences

of chronic stress has impacted their

neurodevelopment.

www.childhoodinstitute.org.au

Ms Kalouda Pelitidis

Head of Middle School

KLA ENGLISH On Monday 24 April the year 8 Accelerated English

and Year 9 Beasts, Heroes and Angels elective

students went on a fairy-tale excursion.

The day started at ACMI in the heart of the city to

learn about the evolution of fairy-tales; from the grim

reality of medieval life to the G-rated Disney

adaptations and then onwards to the current

‘fractured’ versions of Shrek, Maleficent, Once Upon

a Time and many more. Students learnt about the

elements of fairy-tales which underpinned each of

these stories, and considered how they could use

these aspects in their writing.

Before wandering through the Alexandra gardens to

take pictures of possible fairy-tale settings, we spent

time in the ACMI Screen Worlds exhibition. Students

were able to engage with interactive exhibits including

Bullet Time (used in The Matrix), documentaries and

artefacts from Moulin Rouge, Blinky Bill, Playschool

and much more. Screen Worlds dazzled students

with a new world of communication techniques.

Ms Felicity Atkin

English teacher

7

KLA EAL In persuasive writing a writer takes a position FOR or

AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader

to believe or do something. Also known as the

argumentative essay, persuasive writing utilizes logic

and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate

than another. It attempts to persuade a reader to

adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular

action. The argument must use sound reasoning and

solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons,

using examples, and quoting experts.

My Year 9 English class chose to discuss:

Should kids be allowed to play arcade games?

Ms Inna Zhiv

EAL Head of Learning FOR

Arcade games are just harmless fun when children

play them every now and then. Moreover, they keep

children out of trouble while they are having a good

time with their friends. In no way should we link

gambling addiction to arcade games, provided

children are being supervised or guided by their

parents.

Going to places that have arcade games is fun.

Arcade games are situated where children can go

with friends to hang out, and their parents know where

they are. Wouldn’t you rather know where your

children are, instead of them hanging out in the street

where they have the potential to get hurt or in trouble?

Families can also go together to play arcade games

in a pleasant family-friendly environment, having fun

and enjoying each other’s company. With parents

monitoring how much their children play, it is highly

unlikely they will become addicted gamblers.

AGAINST

Kids shouldn’t be allowed to play arcade/redemption

games as these games create a false sense of

achievement. Redemption games require no skill –

they are just lottery based games where the winning

frequency is determined by the machine’s owner.

They can create bad habits for the future as they trick

a child into thinking they will be rewarded once they

put money into the machine.

Even if arcade games are just a recreational activity,

they can lead to problems in the future. They reward

the player with prizes and give a false sense of

success without any effort on the player’s behalf.

Australian gambling laws are the most relaxed in the

world. Therefore, arcade games are located at hotels

and other gambling venues, exposing children to the

gambling habits of adults and giving them the notion

that gambling is a good pastime that can make one’s

dreams come true.

A study carried out at the University of Adelaide

surveyed more than 2500 teenagers. The results

highlight that addicted gamblers are more likely to

have played videogames or arcade games in their

childhood or teenage years. Jill Smith, a nine year old

girl, said in a short interview I love going to the hotel

with my parents. The other day I won a digital camera.

Before that I won a television set. I love the mini-poker

scene because you win things and its fun. You put

money in, spin the wheel and bingo. Flash! Flash! You

win a digital camera. How can a nine year child know

in advance what fatal addiction arcade games can

become? Furthermore, children are often introduced

to arcade games by their parents, who want to have

a bit of free time to enjoy themselves. If the child is

exposed to arcade games through their parents they

can get the wrong idea; that playing these games is

safe.

A chronic gambler discussed his infatuation, since his

early teens, with arcade games. Sadly, he visited the

local hotel with his parents as a child and was often

left unsupervised playing video games – this was how

he became attracted to the bright flashing lights and

loved to win. By the age of eighteen he started playing

the real deal and since then has become a

professional gambler. This reinforces the importance

of parental supervision and guidance during a child’s

developmental years.

Thus, without any doubt, children and teenagers

shouldn’t be allowed to play redemption games. If

they do, the games should be closely monitored by

their parents to ensure they are age appropriate. Left

unsupervised and without parental guidance, arcade

games can create bad habits as they trick the child

into thinking that they will be rewarded once they put

money into the machine.

Alex Konstandinou, Year 9

8

Moreover, many arcade games that give prizes are

skill or sports related. For example, there is a game

where you shoot baskets which can perfect

basketball skills. Even though you get a prize for

achieving a high score, it is a reward for your sporting

ability and skill. Does this relate to forming gambling

habits? These games are not related to gambling, so

it is cruel to deprive children of being able to have fun

and test their skills while they are together in a safe,

warm and friendly environment.

An addiction specialist and provisional psychologist,

Robert Leardi, believes that the environmental

rewards are the same for pokies as they are for

arcade games, which could contribute to a sort of

psychological conditioning, and particularly that

sounds in the arcade games mimic those of the pokie

venues. However, research carried out on this issue

at Deakin University shows there is no conclusive

evidence to assume any connection between playing

arcade games and gambling habits that could be

formed in later years. Indeed, there are many factors

that could contribute to the development of addictive

habits in humans.

As we can see, there is no conclusive evidence that

children playing arcade games will become addicted

gamblers. On the contrary, venues with arcade

games are a fun, family friendly environment where

children feel safe while having a good time with

friends. Not allowing children to test their abilities and

skills in a safe environment is not a wise thing as it

can push them onto the streets where they may be

unprotected, with parents not knowing their exact

whereabouts. Arcade games are not related to

gambling, so children should be allowed to play

arcade games!

Stacie Varsamidis, Year 9

KLA JAPANESE

Kyaraben lessons

Have you heard of Kyaraben?

Kyaraben or (キャラ弁), a shortened form of

character bento (キャラクター弁当 kyarakutaa

bento), is a style of elaborately arranged bento

(Japanese boxed lunch), which features food

decorated to look like people, characters from popular

media or animals. Japanese homemakers often

spend time devising their families' meals, including

their boxed lunches.

Originally, a decorated bento was intended to interest

children in food, aiming to encourage a wider range

of eating habits and has now evolved to the point

where national contests are held.

The hype has certainly caught on at South Oakleigh

College in the Year 9/10 Japanese class.

We have done research learning how to make

Kyaraben utilising both traditional and contemporary

Japanese ingredients.

Students made a presentation to the class in

Japanese on how to make their own Obento

(Japanese packed lunch), and then put theory into

real life by cooking their Kyaraben.

Mr Hatsu Watanabe Japanese teacher

9

KLA GREEK Greek National Day March

The Greek National Day March by South Oakleigh

College students to the Shrine of Remembrance was

successful once again, and our students marched with

pride beside other Victorian Greek schools and

community organizations. The event commemorates

the Greek Revolution of 1821 and is held every year on

the 25th of March or the Sunday closest to that date.

Students represented our College proudly, organizing

group formations and drummers. Many of the parents

and spectators confirmed our students were the best in

synched marching. All students enjoyed the day's

proceedings and it was also a great experience for the

non-Greek speaking students to come together to

commemorate, in unison, this historical and religious

event. 'Thank You' to Dimitra Maniatis who attended

and supported the activities on the day.

The Hellenism Award Competition

In our last newsletter I reported that two of our students

had entered the Hellenism Award Competition to

research The Contributions made by Migrants of the

50s and 60s to the present time. I am delighted to report

that Theano Salta won 2nd Prize and a laptop for her

short documentary on the contributions made by Greek

migrants to Australia.

Ms Phyllis Dimakakos

LOTE Head of Learning

10

KLA SCIENCE

Astro physics lecture

Year 10 student Manan Behal, through her

membership of the Australian Youth Space Science

organisation, discovered that eminent Professor Brian

Greene was speaking at the Melbourne Convention

and Exhibition Centre on the last day of Term 1.

Twenty-three of our students attended two

amazing lectures by world famous Theoretical

Astrophysicist Brian Greene, which included dinner at

Crown .

The following students showed an impressive

commitment to their learning by attending an evening

excursion on the last day of term.

Year 7: Prathiksha Ashok Raj Kumar, Brody

Houttuin, Zachary Heal, Maple La, Penny Pantoulis,

Chanul Pattuwage, Cameron Robinson and Matthew

Tirca

Year 8: Noah Abdilla, Karsh Patel and Jy Sneesby

Year 9: Andrew Leap, Jade Ralston-Lloyd, Megan

Robinson, Jade Short, Lefteri Tsitouridis and Aneesh

Yellishetty

Year 10: Manan Behal and Janna Fortaleza

Year 11: Jerusha Buckland and Dimitri Gahtidis

Year 12: Ryan O'Shea and Mitchell Wilkin

This video is an excerpt of Brian Greene talking to the

students

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f163pPW7CLs

Mr Frank de la Rambelya

Science Head of Learning

Mission to Mars

Recently Year 8 students went to VSSEC to go to a

simulated planet Mars. We took eight people and I

was the commander for Viking 1. My mission was to

take these people onto Mars to obtain rock, chemical

and permafrost temperature readings and to measure

Mars quakes.

The other group was in the control room ensuring the

astronauts were safe and knew what their mission

was. Afterwards, we analysed the samples we had

collected in the lab. We had a great bus ride to and

from the venue and listened to some great tunes.

Ahmed Alnashri Year 8

11

KLA SCIENCE

Ecosystems

As part of their study of Ecosystems, Year 9 students

visited the Royal Melbourne Zoo and focused on

Conservation Leadership. The students attended zoo

keeper talks, discussed the human and natural

impacts on ecosystems and described unique

strategies for saving different species.

As part of their assessment students had to choose

an animal from Melbourne Zoo’s ‘Save Our Species’

endangered list. Students were required to

investigate the environmental and human impacts

that have led to their animal being on the endangered

list, and how this has affected the ecosystem and

environment. Students found the real life learning

experience not only enjoyable but it contributed

significantly to their understanding of vulnerable

species, helping them to connect science to the real

world.

Ms Noor Asyo

Science teacher

Zoo experience

Our zoo experience was educational and discovering

fascinating facts about these endangered animals

was exciting. Zookeepers talked to us about animal

vulnerability and the human contribution, both

negative and positive, to this issue. We learned a lot

from the zoo talks and became more aware of the

rising issue about animal endangerment and

extinction. With the warm sunny weather, our zoo

experience was both memorable and educational.

Stacie Varsamidis and Jade Short

Year 9

12

KLA ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY

Theatre Studies Class to Perform ‘Ruby Moon’

The year 12 Theatre class is proud to announce they

will be performing the play Ruby Moon by Matt

Cameron for Outcome 1: Production, Process and

Assessment.

‘Life appears to be picture perfect in Flaming Tree

Grove. At least until little Ruby Moon sets off to visit

her grandmother up the road and is never seen

again…..’

Our class has been working hard on recreating a

mysterious, scandalous and suspenseful

interpretation of this play, which will keep you on the

edge of your seat. With similarities to the childhood

story Little Red Riding Hood, Ruby Moon is a

fractured fairy-tale from the dark heart. It explores and

contrasts issues of today’s society, highlighting the

problem of lost and missing children and the terrible

effect this has on family and friends.

Please support the Theatre Studies class for the

evening performance on Thursday 8th June at

7.30pm. The class will also be performing a matinee

performance on 7th June.

A gold dollar donation would be appreciated.

Katherine Demosthenous and Lampros

Konstantellos

Head of publicity and marketing

Ms Michelle Zeimer Theatre Studies Teacher

13

KLA SPORT Intermediate Boys Volleyball

Recently the interschool Volleyball boys team

competed against four other schools. It was a great

day for both A and B teams. Our A team came third

and the B team fourth. We had a terrific day out and

are looking forward to competing again next year.

Shivam Pandya ,Year 9

Intermediate Girls Volleyball

The girls volleyball teams played some great matches

against Wheelers Hill, Brentwood, Wellington and

John Monash. The A team came second, just missing

out on going through to the next round, and B team

third. The competition was intense and both teams

did an excellent job. We are looking forward to

improving for next year.

Megan Robinson, Year 9

Regional Swimming Competition

SOC students headed to Ringwood to compete in the

regional swimming sports. Students put in a heroic

effort; often competing in multiple events, in events

above their age group and forming teams to compete

in last minute medley relays. The competition was

fierce, with multiple records broken on the day by

other schools.

Overall, we came fourth. Our students did an

outstanding job, with many seconds and thirds in

various events.

Mr Chris Blattman

Health and PE Teacher

Cross Country Report

The SOC Sport Staff express appreciation to all

students and parents involved in the first annual

House Cross Country Event. Our runners pushed

through tough weather conditions to produce some

brilliant results. We applaud all those who participated

and made a valuable contribution to their House

scores.

The overall points tally:

Grevillea- 558 points

Waratah- 363 points

Acacia- 195 points

Banksia- 132 points

Grevillea House is SOC Cross Country Champion

and we congratulate the following students

Junior Champions:

Paskali Tsoukalas, Year 8 (Grevillea)

Emily Vincent, Year 8 (Grevillea)

Middle School Champions:

Isaac Boulton, Year 10 (Waratah)

Megan Robinson, Year 9 (Grevillea)

Senior Champions:

Shaun Vapp, Year 11 (Waratah)

Louise Gordon, Year 12 (Banksia)

We look forward to another successful event in 2018.

Ms Noor Asyo

Head of Sport

14

SAILING CAMP Year 10 Sailing Camp was held at Corio Bay over

three wet but fun-filled days. The showery weather

was not enough to stop the students learning to be

competent sailors. Students were given the

opportunity to be skipper or crew members on

different sized boats. They had to work in teams and

complete a series of sailing challenges building on

their communication and practical skills.

A memorable time was had by all.

Ms Noor Asyo

Head of Sport

‘I now know how to sail in dry and rainy conditions;

sailing camp gave me an opportunity to get to know

the other students outside of the classroom.’

Bianca Ciavarella

‘Before this trip, I had never been sailing before. I

challenged myself and now I feel comfortable to be a

Skipper on a sailing boat.’

Thanos Cheimaras

‘These three days have given me the most unique

memories and sailing gave me an unforgettable

adventure.’

Kyri Kyritsi

‘I really enjoyed myself on the sailing camp! It was a

different experience and was well worth the break

from my everyday life.’

Theano Salta

‘This was such fun, I would definitely recommend it.’

Alex Vass

‘Sailing camp taught us so much more than I

expected. It taught me about the importance of

teamwork and communication.’

Josiah Walker

‘I learnt to sail, which helped me trust myself to face

my challenges and fears.’

Bianca Acquaviva

WELLBEING Student Wellbeing Coordinator, Ms Annette Ford,

heard a radio interview with the founder of the ‘I CAN

network’ (‘I CAN’) and was impressed with the

15

WORK RELATED SKILLS

Coffee break!

Work Related Skills students Theo, James, Evan,

Berenice, Riley, Jarjis and Bianca learned what it

takes to be a barista. They attended a café in

Ashwood to learn the finer aspects of coffee and hot

chocolate making. All agreed it is not as easy as it

looks to brew a delicious cup without scorching

yourself, burning the milk, missing the cup, or being

stingy with the coffee beans. However by the end of

the session everyone enjoyed their hot drink and had

successfully worked the machines without mishap.

We are grateful that Barista training was offered to

SOC Work Related Skills students and subsidised by

the Local Learning Network.

I Can Program

Ms Annette Ford, Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator,

heard a radio interview with the founder of the ‘I

CAN network’ (‘I CAN’) and was impressed with

the outstanding support and opportunities

the organisation offered adolescents.

She arranged for a speaker from ‘I CAN ’ to address

staff then investigated ways to obtain the services of

the ‘I CAN’ team.

The Lions Club of Oakleigh; who in the past have

generously funded numerous projects at SOC such

as reading programmes school camps and music

lessons; were approached. Noreen and Brian

Ormsby, of the Oakleigh Lions Club, have kindly

presented SOC with a cheque for $4300 which will

enable the ‘I CAN’ foundation to mentor up to fifteen

of our middle-school students. The mentors will meet

with their mentees once a week for terms 2 and 3.

The aim of the programme is to provide interaction

and social development for our students who will

increase their skills in communication, conflict

management, self-awareness, leadership and

confidence building.

We thank the Lions Club of Oakleigh for their

generosity and continual support of the programmes

offered to our students at South Oakleigh Secondary

College.

For more about the ‘I CAN’ network:

http://icannetwork.com.au/about/

Ms Annette Ford

Student Wellbeing Coordinator

and Integration Support

16

CAREERS Dates to Diarise in Term 2

College Career Expo - 25 May

Year 10 Morrisby Testing - 21 June

UMAT Test – Wednesday 26 July

UMAT2017 Year 12 students are reminded that registrations for UMAT2017 close on Friday 2 June 2017 at 5.00pm sharp.

The UMAT2017 will be held on Wednesday 26 July 2017, and the results will be available late September.

Students should also note that results from UMAT2017 can only be used for undergraduate medicine or health

science courses beginning in 2018 but not 2019. Students should not register for UMAT2017 unless they are

planning to apply for a course commencing in 2018 and they meet the eligibility criteria specified in the UMAT2017

Information Booklet.

For more information, and/or to apply visit UMAT2017.

University of Melbourne - ‘Focus On’ Series Senior students are reminded that during the months of May and June The University of Melbourne will be hosting a series of free ‘Focus On’ Information Sessions (formerly advertised as ‘Make it Possible with Melbourne’ Series). These evening sessions aim to inform prospective students about courses on offer, provide opportunities to hear from current students, academic staff and recent graduates about studying a degree at Melbourne, and describe career and personal development opportunities available to graduates. Registrations opened in February, so if you have still not registered, you are advised to act quickly! To register click on the links below!

Date Event Campus

Tuesday 16 May Make it Possible - Biomedicine Parkville

Wednesday 17 May Make it Possible - Agriculture Parkville

Thursday 18 May Make it Possible - Veterinary Science Parkville

Tuesday 23 May Make it Possible - Engineering Parkville

Wednesday 24 May Make it Possible - Information Technology Parkville

Tuesday 30 May Make it Possible - Science Parkville

Wednesday 31 May Make it Possible - Commerce Parkville

Tuesday 6 June Make it Possible - Arts Parkville

Wednesday 7 June Make it Possible - Design Parkville

Thursday 8 June Make it Possible - Law Parkville

Tuesday 13 June Make it Possible - Music Parkville

Tuesday 20 June Make it Possible - Fine Arts Parkville

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Monash University - Inside Monash Seminar Series 2017

Get the inside story of what it’s really like to study at Monash. You’ll hear from a current student, a past student and

an academic. It’s the best 90 minutes you could spend researching your course. Bring along your parents too! The

Inside Monash Seminar Series commenced in March, but students are reminded of the upcoming seminars still

to take place. These seminars provide VCE students and parents with an insight into the courses and career options

within discipline areas. The seminars are held in various locations across the Caulfield, Clayton and Peninsula

campuses, and seminars with the same title have the same program.

All seminars commence at 6.30pm. Register at Inside Monash Seminars

Date Event Campus

Tuesday 2 May Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Peninsula

Thursday 4 May Nursing and Midwifery Peninsula

Tuesday 9 May Education Clayton

Thursday 11 May Psychology Clayton

Monday 5 June 2017 Medicine and Biomedical Science Clayton

Tuesday 16 May Education Peninsula

Wednesday 17 May Law Clayton

Wednesday 17 May Advanced Science Courses Clayton

Thursday 18 May Health Sciences Caulfield

Thursday 18 May Information Technology Clayton

Tuesday 23 May Biomedical Science, Radiography, and Nutrition Clayton

Thursday 25 May Engineering Clayton

Wednesday 14 June Business City Campus

Tuesday 15 August Music Clayton

Thursday 31 August Education Clayton

Thursday 31 August Science and Careers Clayton

Tuesday 5 September Education Peninsula

Ms Bronwyn Cullinan Career Pathway Leader

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SOC STUDENT LEADS THE WAY IN

SCOUT COMPETITION Over the Easter break I competed in the Victorian

Scout Competition Hoadley Hide with members of

my Venturer Unit. Now you may be wondering

what exactly Venturers is; it is the older and better

version of the younger Scouts and is for fourteen

to seventeen-year-olds.

Hoadley Hide is a big tradition in Venturers, where

many teams compete to be Number One. This

year’s competition was held at Lerderderg State

Park and involved teams from around the state.

The competition itself consists of four arduous

days of hiking and completing twenty-two activity

stunts which are assessed for teamwork,

leadership, initiative and hiking skills. We also

participated in timed night hikes and a rogaining

activity involving long distance cross-country

navigation. We had to carry all our equipment

including tents, water, ropes, food and personal

gear, sometimes running with our full backpacks to

complete the activities within the required time

frame.

The prestigious Hoadley Hide competition began

in 1952 and every Easter since, Venturer Scouts

have been challenging themselves to take home

The Hide. It is named after former Scout and

Adventurer, the late Charles Archibald Brookes

Hoadley (1887 – 1947), who joined the

Australasian Antarctic Exploration Expedition led

by Sir Douglas Mawson.

This year our Venturer Unit has begun a new

tradition by achieving the top score to become the

Hoadley Hide Champions of 2017.

Louise Gordon

Year 12 Banksia House Captain

What is better than a good cup of coffee or tea?

Answer: Two good books to read with it.

For less than the price of a cup of coffee, the Lions

Club of Wheelers Hill have just the book for you to

buy at their Second Hand Book Sale at Blackflat

Community Centre, Corner Springvale & Waverley

Roads, Glen Waverley on 20–21 May.

There will be 9,000 books for sale and all readers

are catered for. To make it easy to find your

favourite authors, all fiction books are sorted

alphabetically.

Our non-fiction books are sorted into 25 subject

groups, including Art, Travel, History, Military,

Humour, DIY, Cooking, Gardening, Sport,

Biographies and many more. We also have

separate sections for kids and teenagers.

All funds raised from this sale will be returned to

the community through our Lions Projects.

The doors open at 8:00am on Saturday and

9:00am on Sunday.

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