Dear Parents

There are times in the life of a school when the many different elements of our community come together in particularly meaningful ways.  Over recent weeks, I have been reminded once again that the strength of Oakleigh Grammar lies not simply in what we achieve, but in how we come together as a community.

Our 2026 theme, Exceed the Expected continues to provide an excellent lens through which to view the many wonderful initiatives taking place across our School. 

Our Community Tile Mural – a lasting expression of who we are

One of the most tangible examples of this has been the completion of our Community Tile Mural which is proudly displayed in our inner courtyard.  What began as an idea from our visionary Academic Leader – Arts & Design, Mrs Helena Scarlata, has become a remarkable collaborative artwork representing the many people who contribute to the life of Oakleigh Grammar. Students, staff, and Board members have each played a part in its creation. The mural is much more than a beautiful addition to our campus; it reminds us that something greater is created when individual contributions are brought together.

It is a particularly appropriate symbol for our School.  We are a diverse community, united by our shared values and our commitment to providing our students with opportunities to learn, grow and contribute. I was delighted that we are able to formally recognise the many contributors to this project at our Community Tile Mural Assembly. It is important that we pause to acknowledge the creativity, time and enthusiasm which made the project possible.

I hope that, for many years to come, students walking past the mural will appreciate not only its visual impact but also the story behind it – a story of community, collaboration and belonging.

Building Community:

Our forthcoming Business Breakfast will be another wonderful example of Oakleigh Grammar extending its connections beyond the classroom. Bringing together business leaders, professionals, parents, alumni and members of our community provides an important opportunity to share ideas and strengthen relationships. For our students, these connections are particularly valuable. Education is not isolated from the world beyond the School gates, and opportunities to engage with people from different professional and community backgrounds broaden our students’ understanding of the possibilities available to them.

The funds raised will be used to update and refresh our inner courtyard which will benefit all students of Oakleigh Grammar and this project is earmarked to occur over the forthcoming September holiday period. 

The Importance of International Connections

Our Round Square journey continues to open new opportunities for our students and our wider School community. I would also like to acknowledge our wonderful Round Square sister school Okinawa AMICUS International and, in particular, the families who have generously opened their homes to our overseas students from Japan.

Hosting students from another country is a significant act of generosity.  It provides far more than accommodation; it creates an opportunity for young people to experience another culture, family and community from the inside. To our host families, thank you for your warmth, hospitality and generosity.  Your contribution embodies so many of the principles that underpin the Round Square philosophy – particularly internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service.

These exchanges remind us that our students are part of a much larger global community.  Friendships established through experiences such as these can continue well beyond the conclusion of a school visit. 

Looking ahead to the end of the term, delegations of our students and staff will have exciting opportunities to connect with people from all around the world as they embark on one of three trips:

• The International Round Square Conference will be hosted by Barker College in Sydney and is themed Visions for the Future from an Ancient Land.  The conference promises to be an exciting event where students will take part in workshops and collaborative experiences aimed at encouraging a deeper understand of the world and each other.
• The Greece trip will provide a cultural immersion into Greece’s most significant historic and cultural sites, bringing classroom learning vividly to life, providing students with a rich, hands-on understanding of this ancient civilisation within its authentic geographical context.
• The trip to China promises to provide an educational journey and an immersive experience to explore new environments, and make real life links with their Individual and Societies, Ancient China unit

Living our Values

Across the School, I continue to see wonderful examples of our HARK values – Humility, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness, being put into action.  Our HARK values are underpinned by our Orthodox Christian ethos.  Whether it is a student contributing to a collaborative artwork, a staff member supporting a colleague, a family welcoming an international student into their home, a student demonstrating leadership at an assembly, or members of our community giving their time and expertise, these seemingly individual acts collectively shape the culture of Oakleigh Grammar.

This is also at the heart of our developing Round Square identity.  We want our students not simply to know about values such as service, internationalism and leadership, but to experience them, practise them and ultimately live them.

Looking Ahead

Our students continue to embrace opportunities in academic learning, sport, the arts, leadership, service, cultural activities and community engagement.  Our teachers and staff continue to work with commitment and professionalism, while our families remain an essential part of the partnership that supports every student.

I encourage all members of our community to continue looking for opportunities to exceed the expected – to contribute, to show kindness, to take a risk, to support someone else, to ask a question, to pursue an aspiration or simply to make a positive difference.

The Community Tile Mural provides a wonderful metaphor for this.  One tile may be small, but together the tiles create something significant.  Likewise, every member of the Oakleigh Grammar community has a role to play in creating the School we aspire to be.

Staff News

Next week, our Junior School Physical Education Teacher, Mr Brodie Curtis will be finishing up at Oakleigh Grammar. We wish him well as he returns to be with family in South Australia.

We extend a very warm welcome to the following staff who have commenced with us recently:  Ms Ravjee in the Early Learning Centre; Ms Marabeliotakis in the Junior School; Ms Yang, Ms Wang, Ms Pashias, Ms Kirkham and Mr Jones in our Middle and Senior Schools covering staff on Leave.

Our well-loved Senior School Humanities and English Teacher Mr James Gobbo has taken a Leave of Absence for the remainder of the year and his classes have been ably covered by existing teachers.

We are halfway through the term and I would like to thank our students, staff, families, alumni, friends and community partners for the contribution you make to Oakleigh Grammar.  

Mark Robertson 

Principal