Oakleigh Grammar students have returned from a series of international educational experiences over the Term 3 school holidays, travelling to China, Greece and Sydney to immerse themselves in new cultures, connect with students from around the world and develop a deeper understanding of the global community. The experiences reflect the School's commitment to preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world through meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

From exploring ancient civilisations and cultural traditions to engaging with peers from different countries, each journey provided students with unique opportunities to broaden their perspectives, build international connections and develop the confidence to become globally minded citizens.

A group of Middle School students participating in the China Tour travelled through Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, experiencing some of the country's most iconic landmarks while gaining firsthand insight into Chinese culture, history and contemporary life. The itinerary included visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors Museum and Shanghai's historic Bund. Students also participated in a Tai Chi lesson, a Chinese cooking class, visited a local school and shared a meal with a local family in Beijing's historic Hutong district, providing authentic cultural experiences and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.

The School's three-week Greece Tour offered some Senior School students a unique opportunity to strengthen their connection to Hellenic culture, history and Orthodox Christian faith traditions. Travelling from Athens through the Peloponnese and northern Greece, students visited significant landmarks including the Acropolis, Temple of Poseidon, Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Meteora monasteries, the tomb of King Philip II in Vergina and sites of religious significance throughout the country.

The tour also allowed students to experience Greek culture firsthand through activities including traditional Greek dancing lessons and visits to local communities. A highlight of the journey was the group's time in the Mount Athos region, where male students experienced an important centre of Orthodox Christian spirituality and gained a deeper appreciation of the traditions and heritage that underpin the School's foundations.

Five students also represented Oakleigh Grammar at the Round Square International Conference in Sydney, joining hundreds of students from schools across the world for a week of learning, collaboration and intercultural exchange.

The conference explored the theme Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land and provided a unique opportunity for students to engage with the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service. Throughout the week, students took part in a range of immersive experiences, including an Urban Challenge through Sydney's CBD, community service activities with Anglicare, and visits to significant environmental regeneration projects such as Hornsby Quarry Park. The conference also fostered meaningful cultural exchange, enabling students to build global connections, broaden their perspectives and develop the skills and confidence required to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Principal Mark Robertson spoke with excitement about these opportunities for students during the term break.

“Oakleigh Grammar students attended immersive, cultural and historic learning opportunities in Greece and China, and took part in the Round Square International Conference in Sydney. Each of these unique experiences afforded them the chance to extend themselves, while broadening their horizons and challenging themselves in a safe and exciting space. Our students were wonderful ambassadors for Oakleigh Grammar, and I am proud of their growth and self-reflection.”

As a globally minded school and active member of the Round Square organisation, Oakleigh Grammar is committed to providing students with authentic opportunities to develop international perspectives, intercultural understanding and the confidence to engage with an increasingly interconnected world.