Year 12

The 2026 academic year, is now in full swing. Our Year 12 cohort are well into their final and most significant chapter at Oakleigh Grammar. Year 12 is not simply about completing school; it is a year of growth, leadership, resilience, and striving for excellence.

We commenced the year with a clear focus on setting a strong academic tone. From the outset, students were reminded that success is built on daily discipline, organisation, and consistent effort. Year 12 is not a journey undertaken alone it is collective. The strength of this cohort lies in its unity: we rise together, support one another, and share in each other’s successes.

Highlights of our commencement included a communal lunch, our Year 12 camp, and the presentation of jackets. The lunch reinforced the importance of connection and belonging. Camp deepened trust, strengthened friendships, and encouraged reflection on leadership and responsibility. Receiving the Year 12 jackets symbolised not only privilege, but accountability the responsibility to lead by example within our school community.

Throughout the year, our pastoral team consisting of Mr Zafiropoulos, Mrs Scarlata, Mrs Giaimo and Mr Gobbo stand beside our students as mentors and guides. Their commitment to both academic achievement and personal wellbeing is second to none and ensures that every student is supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow.

As a community grounded Humility, Aspiration, Respect, and Kindness; we are reminded that excellence extends beyond results. Humility keeps us teachable. Aspiration drives us to aim high. Respect shapes our relationships. Kindness strengthens our community.

There will be challenges, but these moments will shape character and resilience. I encourage every student to exceed themselves not only academically, but in leadership, integrity, and service.

Year 12 will pass quickly. Make it purposeful. Support one another. Seek excellence in all areas of life.

The journey has begun.

Dean Damatopoulos

Acting Year Level Leader (Year 12)

Senior School

As we approach the middle of the term, we reflect on an action-packed start to the year that has kept our senior students busy, engaged, and forming strong connections with their peers. From outdoor adventures to in-school experiences, it has been a term filled with opportunities to feel part of our Oakleigh Grammar community. We shared the experience of the whole school Blessing, the staff cutting of the Vasilopita, school photos, the up-coming Academic Assembly, Swimming Sports, Camps. It feels like we are already halfway through the year in such a short time.

Our Year 11 students ventured to Anglesea, where they embraced the waves with surfing and Paddle Boarding. They also built connections with their peers through onsite activities like ropes obstacles, archery, bush hiking or just connecting over the campfire. The camp provided an incredible opportunity for students to bond while stepping outside their comfort zones.
Meanwhile, our Year 10 students also immersed themselves in the natural beauty of Anglesea, where they participated in bushwalking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. These activities and more, like the incredible high ropes course, skateboarding, beach volleyball, basketball encouraged teamwork, as students navigated new challenges and celebrated their achievements together.

Beyond outdoor adventures, our Senior School Leaders will also participate in the 2026 Leadership Conference, held at St Leonard’s College on the 3rd March . Our School Leaders will further refine their leadership capacity and forge connections with one another and student leaders around from other Independent Schools in Melbourne. We all look forward to attending and being inspired.

In the first few weeks of Term One, we celebrate the friendships strengthened and the skills gained. It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we look forward to what the term has in store. Thank you to all students and staff who made these experiences so rewarding we can’t wait for more learning, adventures, and opportunities in the months ahead.

Paula D-Tsiagalos

Year 10 and 11 Year Level Leader and Senior School Pastoral Coordinator

Senior Mathematics

The 2026 school year has commenced with great enthusiasm and purpose in Senior Mathematics at Oakleigh Grammar. We are delighted to see strong enrolments across our senior classes, reflecting both the commitment of our students and the confidence families place in our mathematics program. The year has begun extremely well, with students demonstrating focus, determination and a genuine desire to achieve their personal best.

Our dedicated senior mathematics teachers have been working collaboratively to ensure every student is both supported and challenged. Through careful planning, targeted feedback and high-quality instruction, the team is committed to fostering strong conceptual understanding and consistently pleasing academic outcomes.

To further strengthen our program, the senior mathematics staff recently attended a VCE professional development day focused on reviewing the previous year’s VCAA examination papers. This important day provided an opportunity to analyse question trends, discuss assessment expectations and refine teaching strategies. By engaging deeply with VCAA materials, our teachers continue to enhance their practice, ensuring that classroom learning remains aligned with current standards and best prepares students for success in their final examinations.

We are also proud to offer an outstanding tutoring initiative within our school community. Three of our 2025 Year 12 graduates — Mattea Georges (Dux), Alexander Korlos (Dux Proximus), and Mary Alexopoulos (achieving ATAR in the 90s) — are now supporting our current senior students.
Each of these exceptional young mathematicians excelled across their subjects and brings both expertise and enthusiasm to their role.

These tutors are available Monday to Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the Academic Centre for Excellence and are able to assist students in Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 across all mathematics subjects. This program provides a valuable opportunity for students to seek clarification, consolidate understanding and build confidence in a supportive environment.

We are incredibly proud of the strength of our Senior Mathematics program and the culture of excellence and collaboration that continues to grow. We look forward to a productive and successful year ahead for all our students.

Leanne Giaimo

Academic Leader Senior Mathematics