Message from the Director of Early Learning Centre

As Term One draws to a close, it has been a joy to see our children settle in so confidently, building a strong sense of belonging within our ELC community. Throughout the term, we have witnessed meaningful moments of connection, collaboration, and curiosity, as children formed new friendships, explored their environments, and embraced each day with enthusiasm.

Guided by our school values of respect and kindness, the children have shown genuine care for one another and pride in their learning spaces. We are also deeply grateful to our families for their support during this important transition, helping to foster a sense of belonging and making the start of the year a positive experience for all children. It has been wonderful to see our ELC come together as such a supportive environment, where every child feels valued and heard.

This strong sense of community was beautifully reflected in our Easter Craft Mornings, a highlight of the term. The children had the opportunity to engage in creative expression while celebrating the joy and meaning of Easter alongside family and peers. As a special family event, it brought our community together in a warm and meaningful way.

We thank our families again for their ongoing support throughout Term One and wish everyone a restful and joyful Easter break. May this special time bring peace, renewal, and happiness to all.
 

Katarina Hills

Director of Early Learning Centre

Easter Traditions and Greek Learning in Banksia Class

Over the past few weeks, the Banksia class has been learning about Easter through stories and hands on experiences. They explored Clean Monday by making kites symbolising new beginnings, and created a clay Lady Lent, removing one leg each week to count down to Easter.

The children have also been learning about the meaning of the cross through discussions and craft, creating their own personalised crosses to take home.
In addition, they have been learning Greek songs, including Kalimera, the Days of the Week , Xaropa Ta Dio Mou Heria, and colours in Greek.

Patricia Keramidas

ELC Language Teacher

Eventful Term 1 in the Waratah Room!

We started the term in the Waratah room by exploring how sunflowers grow. Our children then drew and cut out sunflowers and used watercolours to colour them in. We also developed a growing interest in native Australian animals after reading the book The Wombat Stew. This then led to our children creating different native Australian animals using clay. Some of our children also made different items using this clay, including their families.

We also had our first Nature Walk of the term, and our children embraced the responsibility of walking safely on the roads to the park. We enjoyed reading one of our favourite books together before the children engaged in lots of collaborative play.

Dilshi Samarasekera

ELC Teacher

Eventful Term 1 in the Waratah Room!

As we approach Reconciliation Week, the children have been exploring the Dreamtime storybook How the Birds Got Their Colours. Inspired by the story, they researched different birds and created their own designs by drawing with sharpie on brown paper. They then added a variety of plain and spotted feathers, using different colours and textures to create their own unique birds.

This learning experience connects to Reconciliation by helping children develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture, traditions, and beliefs. Through Dreamtime stories, children learn the importance of community, sharing, respect, and understanding others, while recognising the significance of Aboriginal perspectives and storytelling.

Milly Brodie

ELC Teacher - 3 Year Old

Our Pre-prep Community Walk

Last week we went on our Pre-prep Community walk, our focus was looking for the sights and sounds of nature. We discussed before we left, what nature is and what natural things we may find on our walk. As we travelled along our walking route to the park, the children shared their observations of the natural world. Once in the park the children used binoculars and magnifying glasses to look for aspects of nature that they found interesting. Once they had located those things, they spent time studying them with their equipment and then we supported them to take some great photos of their explorations, which we are going to print and use to create artwork with.

Jackie Walker

ELC Teacher

A Strong Start to 2026

It has been an incredible start to the year in the Junior School at Oakleigh Grammar. Throughout Term 1, our focus has been on establishing consistent and predictable routines across all year levels. These strong foundations have supported our students to feel confident, settled and ready to learn, setting the tone for a year where we aim to Exceed the Expected in all that we do.

A highlight of the term has been the exciting learning opportunities emerging through our STEAM focus. Our intentional and progressive scope and sequence from Prep to Year 5 ensures that students are meaningfully integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. Through rich, hands-on experiences, students have been designing, creating and evaluating their work, developing essential skills in critical thinking, collaboration and risk-taking. Along the way, classrooms have been filled with curiosity, creativity and plenty of laughter, as students embrace their STEAM opportunities.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and engagement shown by our students and look forward to sharing more of this learning journey with you. We warmly invite families to join us at our first Term 2 assembly on Friday 24 April, where we will celebrate and showcase some of these wonderful STEAM experiences.
 

Sarah Caffrey

Head of Junior School Curriculum

Middle School Events and Acceptable ICT Use

As we reach the end of a very busy term, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our students on their efforts across Term 1. It has been a full and rewarding few weeks, with many students participating in a range of sporting events and the Year 9 Adventurous Journey. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for students to challenge themselves, build resilience, and strengthen peer connections.

Looking ahead to next term, we are excited that our Years 6 and Year 7 students will be embarking on their respective camps. These camps are an important part of our program, offering students the chance to develop independence, teamwork, and confidence in a supportive environment. We look forward to seeing our students enjoy these experiences outside of the traditional classroom environment.

Recently, we have noticed some misuse of technology and student devices across the Middle School. This serves as a timely reminder for families to revisit the school’s ICT policy with their child(ren). We ask that students are reminded of the expectations around appropriate and responsible use of technology, ensuring it supports their learning and maintains a safe and respectful environment for all.

Thank you again for your ongoing support, and we wish all families a safe and restful Easter break.

Ashlee Scott 

Middle School Pastoral Coordinator 

Celebrating a Term of Unity and Achievement

As we approach the conclusion of Term One, it’s with a sense of gratitude and pride that I reflect on the term so far. These past weeks have been filled with moments of celebration, highlighting the strength and vibrancy of our school community.

The spirit of togetherness was palpable throughout the term, particularly during events like the Swimming Carnival and Athletics Day. These occasions not only showcased the athletic talents of our students but also fostered a sense of unity and belonging that extends far beyond the sports field. It’s heartening to witness the bonds of friendship and support that continue to flourish among our students.

The Senior School Camps served as invaluable opportunities for building respectful relationships among peers and teachers alike. These experiences provided a foundation for trust, empathy, and understanding, nurturing an environment where everyone feels valued and supported in their personal and academic endeavours.
Our commitment to upholding our school values was evident throughout the term, with events like the Independence Day Assembly and March to the Shrine reminding us of the importance of embracing a zest for life and a spirit of excellence in all that we do. These moments of reflection and celebration guide us on our journey towards personal and collective fulfillment.

Preparations for NSE are well under way with our teams formalised and ready to showcase their talents and sportsmanship. This collaborative effort reinforces the sense of camaraderie and friendships that have formed over the years between Oakleigh Grammar and our interstate schools.
On another note, I’d like to extend my gratitude to our SRC for their unwavering dedication and commitment. Their willingness to sacrifice their time to represent our school at various events on the weekends is incredible. Most recently, their participation in the Independence Day Liturgy and the Wreath-Laying ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance exemplifies their deep sense of respect and responsibility towards our school community and broader society.

As we enter the season of Great Lent, I wish everyone a spiritual journey filled with peace, love, and personal growth. May this period of reflection and renewal strengthen our bonds as a community and inspire us to continue striving for excellence in all that we do.

Paula D-Tsiagalos

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

As the term comes to an end, we congratulate all students on their hard work and commitment towards achieving their goals. Well done to everyone on a successful term.

Mrs Papadakis and I are looking forward to the upcoming 10 Years of Arrowsmith Celebration Evening in May. If you have not yet booked, we encourage you to do so via the TryBooking link. We hope to see you there for what promises to be a memorable evening shared with past and present students, parents, grandparents and teachers.

In Term 2, we will also be inviting family and friends of our students to spend an afternoon in the Arrowsmith classroom to experience firsthand the cognitive exercises our students complete each day. Alongside being an enjoyable activity, it will provide valuable insight into the rigour and focus involved in the Arrowsmith Program.

We wish all families a wonderful Easter break and relaxing school holidays. Students will return for Term 2 on 21 April.

Helen Gilinas

Arrowsmith Coordinator

Whole School Tile Mural Opening

We are excited to announce the unveiling of our Whole School Tile Mural on September 1st, 2026.

This mural will form our school’s contribution to Round Square’s 60th anniversary and the 60 for 60 Adventure Challenge, encouraging students and staff to step outside their comfort zones and work towards a shared goal.

Over the coming months, our Arts and Design team and Maintenance team will work together with to create this special installation. Each tile represents an individual, coming together to form one united artwork.

We look forward to celebrating this meaningful achievement with our school community.

Helena Scarlata

Academic Leader Arts & Design

Primary Visual Arts: Celebrating Creativity and Artistic Growth

This term, students across the primary years have engaged in a diverse and enriching visual arts program, fostering creativity, technical skill development, and personal expression.

• Prep – Portraits and Masks (Identity):
Students explored the concept of identity through the creation of self-portraits and masks using drawing, painting, and collage techniques. Emphasis was placed on colour, texture, and symbolic representation. They also learnt about the famous portrait, ‘Monalisa’.
• Year 1 – Portraits and Symbolism (Inspired by Frida Kahlo):
Students developed imaginative portrait artworks incorporating personal symbolism, drawing inspiration from the distinctive style and narrative approach of Frida Kahlo.
• Years 2 and 5 – Collaborative Mural Project (Internationalism):
In collaboration with the Artist in Residence, students designed and produced a four-panel mural reflecting the school’s HARK principles and Round Square ideals, with a focus on “Internationalism”.
• Year 3 – Ballerinas in Action (Inspired by Edgar Degas):
Students investigated movement and form through artworks inspired by Edgar Degas, using a range of mediums to depict ballerinas and explore composition and line.
• Year 4 – Birds in Habitat (Inspired by Margaret Preston):
Students created collage artworks representing birds in their natural environments, drawing on Margaret Preston’s style and experimenting with natural materials, texture, and colour.

Overall, the program has supported students in developing confidence, creativity, and an appreciation for diverse artistic styles and cultural influences.

Vibha Tripathi

Visual Art Teacher

EDIM Students Take on Drone Slalom Racing

Year 9 students in Electronic Design and Interactive Media (EDIM) recently took part in an exciting drone slalom racing lesson in the school’s futsal court, as part of their Digital Technologies learning program. The session introduced students to the rapidly growing field of drone racing, where pilots navigate quadcopters through a series of gates using precision and control.

Aligned with The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) Digital Technologies curriculum, students explored key learning intentions such as understanding how digital systems respond to inputs, applying computational thinking, and testing solutions through iterative practice. Using drones, students applied control techniques including roll, pitch, yaw, and throttle, discovering that success in slalom racing relies on smooth, controlled movement rather than speed alone.

Students practised navigating both gate and flag slalom courses, developing their ability to anticipate movement and align with the next obstacle. This required problem-solving, coordination, and continuous refinement of technique.

Throughout the lesson, students demonstrated resilience and adaptability, improving their performance across multiple runs. The activity highlighted how practical, hands-on experiences in Digital Technologies can deepen student understanding of systems, control, and real-world applications.

Peter Akbiyik

Teacher, VCE Applied Computing & Data Analytics

At Oakleigh Grammar, student voice and leadership are part of our school culture. Our Student Representative Council, together the Vice School Captains and Vice Middle School Captains, meet every fortnight to discuss important matters that impact student life. These meetings provide a valuable platform for students to share ideas, raise concerns, and actively contribute to shaping a positive and inclusive school environment.

We are also proud to offer our student leaders opportunities beyond the classroom. This year, selected Senior School Leaders attended the International Women’s Day event organised by HACCI on Wednesday 4 March. This annual event celebrates the achievements and contributions of women across business, science, politics, and society. With this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the event highlighted the importance of addressing inequality and advocating for meaningful change. It was a valuable and inspiring experience for our students to engage with such important global issues.

Our Year 10 SRC members also participated in the Melbourne Secondary Youth Leadership Conference, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday 19 March. This conference provided a transformative experience focused on self-discovery, empowerment, and leadership development. Through engaging keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and reflective sessions, students strengthened their confidence, developed practical leadership skills, and gained a deeper understanding of their ability to lead both within and beyond the school community.

In addition, our Year 7 and 8 SRC members and selected Middle School Leaders attended the National Young Leaders Day at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 27 March. Hosted by the Halogen Foundation, this annual event is designed to inspire and develop leadership values in young Australians. Students were encouraged to reflect on their personal strengths, build resilience, and explore ways to make a positive impact in their communities.

These experiences highlight the importance of providing students with meaningful opportunities to develop their leadership capabilities. At Oakleigh Grammar, we believe that empowering students to lead, contribute, and reflect equips them with the skills and confidence needed to make a difference. By nurturing student voice and leadership, we are shaping thoughtful, responsible, and engaged young individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society.

Natasha Spanos 

SRC Coordinator

Students at Oakleigh Grammar have been deeply engaged in exploring history through language, with a particular focus on Greek Independence Day. Through their Greek lessons, students developed an understanding of the significance of 1821 and the struggle for freedom, connecting language learning with cultural identity and historical awareness. Primary school students participated in a range of creative activities and crafts that brought history to life, allowing them to express their learning in meaningful and engaging ways. In addition, students collaborated to create a special video featuring songs and heartfelt wishes, which was shared with the Greek television channel Antenna, further strengthening their connection to the global Hellenic community. These experiences were proudly showcased during the Greek Independence Day Assembly, where students demonstrated not only their language skills but also their growing appreciation of Greek history and traditions.

Oakleigh Grammar marked this important occasion with a whole school assembly that honoured the legacy of Greek Independence Day in a meaningful and celebratory way. The event brought together the school community and honoured guests in a program rich with reflection, performance, and cultural pride. The assembly began with a prayer led by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, who also spoke about the enduring importance of faith, freedom, and heritage. Principal Mark Robertson and Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, addressed the audience, highlighting the ongoing relevance of this historic day. Students played a central role throughout the assembly, presenting a variety of performances that celebrated Greek culture and history. From the heartfelt renditions by Prep, Year 3, and Year 4 students, to the impressive bouzouki performance by a Year 7 student, each contribution reflected dedication and pride. The event concluded with vibrant traditional Greek dancing performed by Middle and Senior School groups, capturing the spirit of unity and cultural continuity. Distinguished guests, including representatives from the Greek community and members of the Oakleigh Grammar Board, were also in attendance, reinforcing the strong connection between the school and the wider community.

This celebration highlights the strength and impact of language learning at Oakleigh Grammar. Through immersive and meaningful experiences, students are not only developing their linguistic skills but are also building a deep connection to culture, history, and identity. The Greek program continues to foster pride, engagement, and a strong sense of belonging, ensuring that Hellenic heritage remains a vibrant and valued part of school life
 

Natasha Spanos

Academic Leader - LOTE

Hellenic Culture

Students at Oakleigh Grammar continue to demonstrate a deep connection to Hellenic culture through their active involvement and engagement in a wide range of cultural experiences. Both students of Greek and non-Greek backgrounds show great respect, pride, and enthusiasm as they represent our school in significant Hellenic cultural events. Through language, traditions, and shared experiences, students develop a meaningful appreciation of Greek heritage, fostering a strong sense of identity, inclusion, and community.

Our Middle and Senior Dancing Groups have once again showcased their talent and dedication through outstanding performances at major community events. Students proudly represented Oakleigh Grammar at the Antipodes Festival, an annual celebration organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne, as well as the Halloumi Festival hosted by the Cyprus Community of Melbourne. Their performances were met with great enthusiasm, reflecting not only their commitment and hard work, but also their passion for preserving and sharing Greek cultural traditions. These opportunities allow students to build confidence, strengthen teamwork, and connect with the wider community, while celebrating the richness of Hellenic culture through music and dance.

The celebration of Greek Independence Day was a significant and meaningful experience for our students, who participated in a series of commemorative events. Beginning on Sunday 17 March, Oakleigh Grammar was honoured to take part in the commemorative event organised by the Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association Inc.. Our students participated in the doxology and wreath-laying ceremony, paying tribute to the heroes of 1821. Year 11 SRC members, Ari Mcleod and Elly Alexopoulos, proudly laid a wreath on behalf of our school, demonstrating our deep respect and gratitude for those who fought for our freedom.

The entire school also participated in the annual Greek Parade, where, with great enthusiasm and national pride, our students marched together, proudly representing Oakleigh Grammar. It was a spectacular event that showcased our commitment to our Greek heritage and honoured the courage and sacrifices of our ancestors.

Finally, on Wednesday 25 March, a day of reflection and remembrance, our students participated in the doxology at St Eustathios Greek Orthodox Church, joining the community in prayer to honour the heroes of 1821. Following the service, students attended the commemorative organised by the Hellenic RSL, where they took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial and later at the Shrine of Remembrance. These solemn ceremonies provided a meaningful opportunity for our students to pay their respects and deepen their understanding of the sacrifices made for freedom, reinforcing their connection to history and cultural heritage.

Natasha Spanos 

Hellenic Culture Coordinator

Extend -Before & After School Care

Second Hand Uniform Shop - Open Days Term 2 

 Term 2

Friday 22nd May - 2:30pm to 4pm

Friday 5th June - 2:30pm to 4pm

Saturday 20th June - 9:30am to 11am

School Crossing Reminder 

Oakleigh Grammar would like to remind families to be safe around School crossings. 

2026 Term Dates

Please find the 2026 School Year term dates on our Term Dates page here.

Financial assistance information for parents

Camps, sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to help cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. 

The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is:

• Payments for 2026 are $400 per year for all eligible Victorian school students.

How to apply

New applicants should contact the school office to  obtain a CSEF application form or download from the website below. 

If you applied for CSEF at your child's school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year unless there has been a change in your family circumstances. 

You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:

• new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools this year.
• changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.

Check with the school office if you are unsure.

For more information, visit: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund/resources

2026 CSEF Application Form

2026 CSEF Financial Assistance Information - Parents