Junior School

As we reach the end of another wonderful year in the Junior School, our hearts are filled with deep gratitude for all that God has done in and through our community. Each school year brings its own mix of joys, challenges, growth and surprises, and yet through it all, we have seen God’s goodness woven into every classroom and event. From the learning achieved to the friendships strengthened and the milestones celebrated, we give thanks for the many ways God has blessed our students, staff and families throughout this year.

Oswald Chambers reminds us that “faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” This truth has echoed quietly through our year. We may not always see the full path ahead, whether in learning, friendships, growth or new experiences, but we walk with confidence because we know the One who guides us.

We give thanks that the God who leads us is also the God who walks beside us.

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:8a

This promise has been evident in the growth of our students as they have developed resilience, deepened friendships, explored new learning, and discovered more about the gifts God has placed within them. We are grateful for the way He has strengthened our staff, supported our families, and shaped our Junior School community into a place of warmth, belonging and purpose.

As we look back over the year, we echo the words of Psalm 100:5,For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. His goodness has carried us through busy moments, joyful milestones, unexpected changes, and opportunities for spiritual and academic growth.

And as we look ahead, we do so with hopeful expectation. While we do not yet see every step of the year to come, we rest in the assurance that God continues to lead us, just as Chambers’ quote reminds us. Anchored in Proverbs 3:5-6, we trust that as we lean not on our own understanding, He will continue to make our paths straight.

It was a pleasure to honour our final group of ROAR nominees for the year. The afternoon tea was a joyful occasion, filled with conversation about the upcoming break and Christmas festivities. We applaud each of these students for their commitment to our ROAR values, respect, obedience, acceptance and resilience, and for the positive influence they have within our Junior School.

On Thursday 27 November, we gathered as a community to honour our Year 6 students as they completed their Junior School journey at the Year 6 Graduation. In the weeks leading up to this milestone, students and staff collaborated with great enthusiasm, preparing thoughtful speeches, creating meaningful slide shows, and taking time to reminisce about the moments that have shaped their years at Oxley. During the celebration, our captains shared scripture that encouraged and uplifted the group: Sarah read from Deuteronomy 31:8, reminding us of God’s constant presence, and Noah shared Ecclesiastes 3:1, pointing to the seasons and purposes God establishes in our lives. As these students step confidently into Secondary School, we pray they continue to trust in God’s leading and cherish all they have learned. Please join us in congratulating our Year 6 cohort and praying for them as they embark on the exciting opportunities of Year 7.

At Oxley, we believe that setting students up well for the year ahead begins long before Day One. Our staff thoughtfully plan class groupings to ensure each child is placed in an environment where they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. On Friday 28 November, students were able to step into their 2026 classrooms, meet their new teacher and peers, and enjoy activities that helped build familiarity and confidence for the coming year. We hope this experience has sparked enthusiasm and reassured students as they look forward to 2026. Class lists will be released on the Parent Portal in January 2026, and we are excited to continue partnering with families as we prepare for another wonderful year together.

On Monday 1 December, our Junior School community came together to mark our Final Assembly for 2025. Each student received a certificate acknowledging their successful completion of the school year. The assembly featured several memorable performances showcasing our students’ talents. It was a pleasure to celebrate student achievements alongside the many parents who attended. Congratulations to the Year 6 students who were honoured with awards during the ceremony.

As we reach the end of another school year, I want to express my deep appreciation to our parent community. Your partnership and steady support have been invaluable, and we are truly grateful for the way you help shape our students' learning and development. We rejoice in the accomplishments of every child, recognising the effort, perseverance and growth that have marked their journey as they continue to develop the gifts God has placed within them. I also want to honour our exceptional staff, whose dedication, professionalism and heartfelt care have made a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people they nurture each day.

Farewells

This year, we say farewell to some of our much-loved Junior School staff. Mrs Caitlin Bonte will be leaving Oxley after faithfully serving our school community for fifteen years. During that time, she has touched the lives of so many students and families with her care, creativity, and deep love for God. We are thankful for all she has given and pray she enjoys a well-earned season of rest and travel with her husband as she seeks God’s direction for the next chapter in her journey.

Miss Teanau Newton will also be leaving us to begin an exciting new adventure, teaching in a remote community in the Northern Territory. We know she will bless her new students with the same energy, warmth, and passion she has shared here at Oxley.

We also acknowledge Mrs Pina Sernio, who has faithfully served in our Junior School Library, nurturing a love of reading in our students and creating a warm, welcoming space that has inspired curiosity and imagination.

Additionally, we thank Mrs Haley Brandon for her work in Year 2 this year, and extend our appreciation to Mrs Bridgette Odd, who has partnered with her so beautifully in teaching 2B throughout Semester 2. We also thank Mrs Naomi Perry for her support this year. Their commitment, care, and teamwork have been a blessing to their students and to our wider school community.

We wish each of these staff members every blessing as they follow where God leads next.

Advanced Notice for 2026

As part of the upcoming renovations to our Canteen facilities, some temporary changes will be in place for Term 1, 2026. During this period, the Canteen will operate at a reduced capacity, meaning there will be no over-the-counter sales and a limited menu available for online orders. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to improve our Canteen space for the long-term benefit of our students and school community. Further information, including menu details and operational arrangements, will be communicated at the beginning of the school year.

As previously communicated in The Vine and on The College App, from the beginning of the 2026 school year, all Junior School students must be collected by 3.50pm each afternoon. Any students who have not been collected by this time will be taken to Oxley Kids for care, where standard After School Care fees will apply. A reminder also that Junior School students are to be collected from the end of Learning Street in the Junior School carparks, not from other areas of the College. This ensures students remain under the supervision of Junior School Yard Duty teachers and are kept safe until parents arrive.

As we step into the Christmas season, our prayer is that each Oxley family experiences a time of deep joy, rest and togetherness. Amid all the celebrations and traditions, may we be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas, the extraordinary gift of Jesus Christ, sent to bring hope and salvation to the world. 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

May His peace fill your homes, His joy strengthen your hearts, and His love remain at the centre of all you do. We pray this Christmas brings renewal, blessings and the rich assurance of God with us—Immanuel. 

Amy Liddle

Head of Junior School