Secondary School
Reflecting on 2025
As 2025 rapidly draws to a close, the Secondary School once again finds itself in a season of transition and celebration. The final exams for Year 9 and 10 students concluded last week, marking the end of the academic year. For our Year 12 students, this milestone is particularly significant as the anxious wait for the release of their final results persists at its slow and agonising pace. It is a time filled with nervous energy for students (and teachers), and the quiet recognition that their efforts will soon be rewarded with a clear indication of what the next chapter of their lives may entail.
Back on campus, the 2026 Head Start program has entered its final days as our students and teachers prepare to step into the rhythm of the year ahead, laying foundations for success in 2026. Students and teachers have engaged each lessonwith their usual energy—though there are more than a few bleary eyes on site as they look at the holidays verging on the horizon. Students leave their final sessions with laptops and holiday homework packs as teachers remind them that learning is not confined to the calendar year.
In the Middle School, Activity Week is well underway. This week offers a chance for students to engage in experiences beyond the classroom including team challenges, creative projects, and excursions. It is a fitting way to conclude the year: not with exams or assessments, but with laughter, shared memories, and the strengthening of friendships. And of course, the afore-mentioned Christmas holidays are just around the corner. For students, staff, and families alike, this season brings rest and the chance to reconnect with loved ones. It is also a time to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas (it feels as if I only just wrote about this yesterday—how time flies).
In the Gospel of Luke, the angel announces to the shepherds:
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10‑11
This message of hope and joy resonates as strongly today as it did two thousand years ago and merrily heralds six or so weeks of time with family, friends, sleep-ins and everything else that the yuletide season brings.
Christmas reminds us love is the greatest gift we can share with one another. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus with family meals, carols, and traditions, let us also remember the call to extend kindness and generosity to those in need. The Apostle Paul writes:
Let all that you do be done in love, 1 Corinthians 16:14
a verse that captures the spirit we hope to carry into the new year.
So, as we close 2025, we give thanks for the achievements of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our families. May this Christmas season bring joy to your homes, peace to your hearts, and renewed strength for the year ahead.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, 2 Corinthians 13:14
Celebrating Student Achievement: Introducing Colours and Awards Badges at Oxley
In 2026, Secondary School will be launching a new awards initiative that will transform how we recognise and celebrate student achievement across Middle and Senior School.
The new Colours and Awards Badges Program will be more than just a new set of badges for students to affix to their lapels, it will be a highly visible and meaningful way to honour the efforts, talents, and contributions of our students throughout the year.
This program reflects that belief by offering tangible recognition across a wide range of domains as student excellence and success can come in many forms. The new system will look to celebrate academic success, student leadership, creativity, Christian service and personal growth.
We want parents to see their children celebrated not just for grades, but for character, creativity, and leadership. We look forward to seeing blazers adorned with badges that tell stories of growth, courage, and commitment.
Students will be able to earn badges across three broad categories:
| Colours and Awards Badges Program | |
|---|---|
| Academic Faculty Badges | For effort, achievement, and leadership in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Arts, Languages, and more. |
| Year Level Contribution Badges | Celebrating students who contribute positively to their year level through leadership, participation, and peer support. |
| Co-Curricular and Extra-curricular Badges | Recognising involvement in activities like STEM, Debating, Chapel, Duke of Edinburgh, and Student Voice. |
The program will feature a three-tiered Colours system that is designed to span across each student’s career at Oxley:
| Progression | |
|---|---|
| First Colours (Blue) | For consistent effort and emerging contribution. |
| Half Colours (Red) | For sustained achievement or significant involvement. |
| Full Colours (Gold) | For excellence or outstanding leadership, awarded to students in Years 10–12. |
Badges will be awarded at end-of-term assemblies and special recognition events, creating a visible culture of excellence and pride. Students who achieve Full Colours will also receive a formal certificate and commendation from the Principal.
James Avram
Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary