Dear Parents

As we reach the end of Term 3, it is an opportune time to reflect on another busy and highly rewarding term at Oakleigh Grammar and to celebrate the many ways in which our students and staff continue to Exceed the Expected.

Our 2026 theme has been more than simply a slogan. Throughout the year, it has challenged our students to aim higher, embrace opportunities, demonstrate resilience and, importantly, to recognise that exceeding expectations is not always measured by a mark, a trophy or a result. It is also reflected in courage, kindness, perseverance, leadership and service to others. Term 3 has certainly provided many examples of this spirit.

Learning and Partnership

Our recent Parent/Teacher Interviews were an important opportunity for our teachers and families to come together to discuss student progress, achievement, wellbeing and future goals.

I thank all parents for your strong engagement and our teachers for the care, professionalism and commitment they bring to these conversations. The partnership between home and school is fundamental to student success, and these opportunities reinforce our shared commitment to helping every young person reach their potential.

Success Beyond the Classroom

Term 3 has also seen some excellent achievements across our co-curricular program. Our students have represented Oakleigh Grammar with great distinction in sport, demonstrating not only skill and determination but also the teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship that we value so highly. There have been some outstanding results across a range of sporting activities, and I congratulate all students who have represented the School this term.

Our Debating students have likewise continued to impress. The ability to research, construct an argument, think critically and communicate with confidence is an important part of a contemporary education. I congratulate our students and the staff who support them for their commitment and achievements.

These experiences remind us that education extends well beyond the traditional classroom. Every competition, performance, team, excursion and leadership opportunity provides another avenue for our students to discover their strengths and, in the words of our theme, Exceed the Expected.

Looking to the World beyond Oakleigh Grammar

The coming weeks will also provide some particularly exciting opportunities for our students. I wish our students and staff travelling to Greece and China every success for their respective cultural and educational experiences.

Travel provides young people with an opportunity to broaden their horizons, develop independence and gain a deeper appreciation of cultures, traditions and perspectives different from their own. For Oakleigh Grammar, our connection with Greece is particularly meaningful, providing students with an opportunity to engage with their Hellenic heritage, language and Orthodox Christian tradition in an authentic setting.

Our China experience similarly provides an important opportunity for students to develop intercultural understanding and strengthen our international connections.

I also wish our students and staff participating in the Round Square International Conference in Sydney a wonderful experience. Round Square encourages young people to embrace internationalism, leadership, service, adventure, environmental responsibility and democratic principles. These are qualities that align closely with the young people we aspire to develop at Oakleigh Grammar.

While Term 3 brings another significant chapter to a close, there is still much to look forward to. Term 4 will provide further opportunities for our students to challenge themselves, celebrate their achievements, demonstrate leadership and contribute positively to our community. For our Year 12 students in particular, the final stage of their secondary schooling is now well underway, while students across every year level will continue to learn, grow and prepare for their next challenge.

Our theme reminds us that we should never be satisfied simply with doing what is expected.

Exceeding the expected means asking ourselves: What more can I do? How can I improve? How can I contribute? How can I make a difference?

Sometimes that means striving for a higher academic result. Sometimes it means having the courage to try something new, supporting a teammate, speaking up in a debate, performing in front of an audience, showing kindness to another person or persevering when the path becomes difficult. These moments may not always make the headlines, but they are the moments that build character.

As we conclude Term 3, I extend my sincere thanks to our students, parents, teachers, support staff, coaches and wider Oakleigh Grammar community for another outstanding term.

To our students, thank you for the enthusiasm and energy you bring to our School each day. Continue to embrace the opportunities that come your way and, most importantly, continue to challenge yourselves. To our staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and for the many ways in which you encourage them to aspire to more. And to our families, thank you for your continued partnership and support. A strong school community is built on strong relationships between students, staff and families, and I am proud of the partnership we share.

Parents Association Tavern Night

Our Parents Association are commended for a Tavern Night filled with great music, entertainment and dance. Funds raised by the Parents Association this year will be directed to the sports area in favour of our students to provide netting in the outer yard to prevent balls from entering Clapham Road and new sports equipment.

I thank the co-Presidents Tina and Petros and the Parents Association committee for their support in holding this and other events throughout the year.

STAFF NEWS

Next week we farewell Ms Pashas, from the senior school Ms Tsimaras, from the Junior School, Mr Jones, from the Middle School and Ms Angelatos and Mr Stagg from Arrowsmith who have all stepped in whilst staff have been on leave during term three.

We extend a very warm welcome to the following staff who have commenced with us recently: Mr Hayward in our Junior School PE Department, Mr Plummer, Diony and Nelligan as Middle and Senior School teachers, Ms Demetrious in our ELC, and Ms Jia has joined our IT Team.

As we look forward to the upcoming break, I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to rest, recharge and spend quality time with family and friends.

I look forward to welcoming all students back to term four which commences on Tuesday 6 October.

Mark Robertson 

Principal