Senior School

Extravaganza of Events

There has been an extravaganza of events over the last few weeks, with Presentation Evening and other sensational times still ahead. I trust that parents have organised their tickets for the much-awaited return of Presentation Evening, where we honour and farewell our Year 12 students, the Graduating Cohort of 2022. On that evening, we will also acknowledge Year 9 progression to Senior Years, celebrate a plethora of student achievements, showcase the high-quality Performing Arts for which Oxley is renowned, and so much more.

Bookended by Conquistador, performed by Sinfonia and Fortius from the Concert Band, the recent Year 7 Instrumental Music Concert was a wonder to behold. To see students who, in many cases, had never read music or played an instrument, have the courage to perform in front of an audience of hundreds of people, was a great delight. Ensembles of guitar, strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion all performed a brief piece which showcased their considerable development and mastery over the course of 2022. It is hoped that many students continue to enjoy music, both as performers and as an appreciative audience for decades to come, with a greater understanding of the commitment and discipline required to master an instrument. Well done to Mr Aaron Chan, the music staff, and of course, to all of our sensational Year 7s!

Last week, Year 10 students celebrated the year by uniting for the Formal at Karralyka Centre. The delectable three-course dinner was interspersed with items from Chloe Skipworth (10.17) on saxophone and Antony Scarborough (10.3) playing cello to a deeply appreciative audience. There was an assortment of good-natured student awards ranging from Most Likely to be Prime Minister and Most likely to be an Olympian to Most Likely to Fight Aliens. The evening was concluded with a bevy of progressive dances which students enjoyed immensely as they tangoed, and in other styles, progressed around the room to the overwhelming joy of a large number of parents who had arrived in support. Many thanks to Miss Latham, the Formal Committee and to our Masters of Ceremony for the evening, Ruan Rademeyer (10.17) and Emeline Cunningham (10.17), and to all Year 10 students who looked amazing, but more importantly, engaged and behaved in a manner befitting the lovely young people that they are. 

Scroll across to the Year 10 Formal page for more photos.

There are not many events which span more than one cycle of The Vine, but the VCAA Examinations for Year 12 certainly do. While most Year 12 students have now completed this significant external assessment, there are still a few subjects remaining to be assessed. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all our Year 12s as they prepare for the newfound freedoms and responsibilities of adulthood. We trust that they know they will always occupy a special place in our hearts and that we will continue to reminisce about moments in their lives for a long time to come.

As the Year 12s complete examinations, Years 10 and 11 students will be finalising their preparation for their Examination Week from Monday 14 to Friday 18 November. Years 7 - 9 students may be also contemplating their upcoming examinations in the following week. We encourage all parents to keep us informed if there is an unexpected or inexplicable change in stress levels, moods or actions within the household. While examinations are an important aspect of a rounded education, providing both summative feedback on learning throughout the semester, and also an opportunity to practise and hone skills, we will never lose sight of the fact that spiritual, physical, mental and emotional wellbeing are our first concern.

Jesus talks a lot to us through the Gospels about wellbeing, both of ourselves and of others. He tells us in the Gospel of Matthew to look after others in the parable of the sheep and the goats, including the promise that, 

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’ Matthew 25:40 

He implores us not to be too anxious, 

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Matthew 6:25

And He continues to tell us that with all the things in the world that we can be concerned about, focused on, or distracted by, there is one thing above all others that we should spend time on; and that is our relationship with Him. 

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

I trust that these words will provide comfort and direction in this busy time, and in the times ahead.

Greg Barker

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School