Senior School

A Busy Term and a Busy Year Ahead

As we welcome 2025, it promises to be an exciting and dynamic year for our Senior School community. With several staff members (new and returning) stepping into key roles, we are better equipped than ever to support the individual needs of our students. This will allow the Senior School to provide tailored learning experiences that empower students to excel academically, socially, and personally.

There are countless opportunities on the horizon for growth and achievement, and we encourage all students to embrace these with enthusiasm and determination. Whether it’s through academics, extracurricular activities, or personal development, there is always room to take on new challenges and expand horizons.

For 2025, our College’s central focus is Connection – connecting our students, staff, and parents in meaningful ways. We believe that a strong, cohesive community is the foundation of success, and we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and engaged. Together, we will build lasting relationships that promote both individual and collective growth, making this year one to remember for all the right reasons.

Recent Highlights & Upcoming Events

Interhouse Swimming Carnival — Monday 10 February

The final tally at the 2025 Interhouse Swimming Carnival came down to the proverbial wire, with the Tabor Trojans taking the plaque on 1008 points. The Zion Crusaders came in second, with only two points separating them from the Gibeon Warriors. The Gibeon Warriors took out the House Spirit badge for 2025, bringing down the house throughout the day with trumpets and music tracks blaring all day. See Senior Sport for more details and photos.

Year 12 Retreat — Tuesday 11 February

We were delighted to hold the Year 12 Retreat for the Class of 2025. This valuable event included guest speakers, a panel of students from the graduating class of 2024, and an afternoon of team-building competitions. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students to gather and consider their goals and approach for their final year. We hope that this was a memorable and enjoyable day for our Year 12 students. See Year 12 Retreat for more details and photos.

Year 7 Information Evening — Wednesday 12 February

Parents were given information on how Oxley will be supporting their Year 7's transition to Secondary school life. They were greeted and welcomed by our new Principal, Mr Michael Bond, and Head of Middle School Students, Mr David Cutler, before the Year 7 Coordinator, Ms Vinita Seago, took centre stage and outlined the College’s expectations for the Academic Program, Homework, Year 7 Activities, and the upcoming Year 7 Camp. Thank you to all those who presented on the evening.

Year 11 Kinglake Forest Adventures Camp — Monday 17 February to Wednesday 19 February

The Year 11 Kinglake Forest Adventures Camp was held over three days, from Monday 17 February to Wednesday, 19 February. Trained leaders and facilitators worked in conjunction with Oxley staff to provide a challenging but safe educational experience for our students. Each session aimed to build teamwork, resilience, tolerance, motivation, and other positive character traits. More details and photos will be available in the next edition of The Vine.

Year 10 Aqua Camp — Monday 17 February to Thursday 20 February

Students spent four days on the Mornington Peninsula, undertaking water activities in their designated groups. Activities included snorkelling, Stand Up Paddling, teamwork activities, and groups centred around SCUBA, Surfing, or Boating activities. More details and photos will be available in the next edition of The Vine.

Senior School Interhouse Athletics — Thursday 27 February

Senior School students will compete to represent their House, with students finishing in the top positions being selected to represent the College against other schools in the EISM Athletics Carnival.

Year 7 BBQ — Friday 28 February

We look forward to meeting all the parents again at this relaxed social event. Teachers will attend to the grill while parents have the opportunity to meet and connect with one another. Senior students will organise fun games for the Year 7 students.

Parent-Teacher Interviews — Thursday 6 March and Friday 7 March

Semester 1 Parent Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday 6 March (face-to-face) and Friday 7 March (online). Please check the College App notice for full details, including booking information.

NAPLAN — Wednesday 12 March to Friday 14 March

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests for students in Years 7 and 9 will be conducted from Wednesday 12 March ‒ Friday 14 March. All NAPLAN testing for Years 7 and 9 students is scheduled to be completed over this three day period. Please refer to the College App notice for full details.

Year 7 Camp — Monday 17 March to Thursday 20 March

Students will enjoy four days of outdoor activities, including canoeing, sea-kayaking, rafting, bush-walking, initiatives, bike riding, mid-ropes course, rock climbing wall, low-ropes course, archery, camping and cooking, and transportation.

Duke of Ed Camp — Wednesday 19 March to Friday 21 March

Will take place from 19 March to 21 March 2025. Parents of students not enrolled in the Duke of Ed program will receive communication regarding an alternative program.

Staff in Middle and Senior Schools in 2025

I am pleased to introduce the dedicated Senior School staff leaders who will be supporting your child in the Middle and Senior Schools this year. Their roles and responsibilities are crucial in ensuring a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students.

Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School: James Avram
Director of Chaplaincy and Student Voice (Senior School): Matt Daly
Director of Student Wellbeing (Senior School): Danielle Bruce
Head of Senior School Operations: Jeannette Kotzé
Head of Senior School Students (Year 10 and VCE): Trevor Whittle
Head of Middle School Students (Years 7-9): David Cutler
Head of Learning Innovation and Professional Development: Michael Mancev
Head of Curriculum and Assessment: Andrew Piper
Head of Learning Enhancement: Sharon Sandison
VCE Coordinator: Kelly Locke
Head of Senior School Sport: Frederick Kotzé
Faculty Coordinator – Christian Studies: Cindy Woodcock
Faculty Coordinator – Visual Arts: Ben Niemandt
Faculty Coordinator – Music: Aaron Chan
Faculty Coordinator – Drama: Claire Hogan
Faculty Coordinator – English: Eleesha Higbed
Faculty Coordinator – Humanities: Melanie Haley
Faculty Coordinator – Languages: Seh Yeh Ong
Faculty Coordinator – Mathematics & IT: Leslie Zhou
Faculty Coordinator – Science: Pauline Steele
Faculty Coordinator – Physical Education & Health: Tim Monro
Faculty Coordinator – Food Technologies: Paul Moseley
Head of Music Performance: Aaron Chan
Careers and Student Pathways Coordinator: Este van Rensburg
Year Level Coordinator – Year 7: Vinita Seago
Year Level Coordinator – Year 8: Joshua Gaschk
Year Level Coordinator – Year 9: Tanya Robinson
Year Level Coordinator – Year 10: Nicole Bell
Year Level Coordinator – Year 11: Ryan Van Gaalen
Year Level Coordinator – Year 12: Claire Hogan
STEM Coordinator – Jessica Govender
GATE Coordinator – Stephen White
Learning Technologies Coordinator – Verlin Govender
Senior School Productions Leader – Claire Hogan
Student Transitions Leader – David Cutler
Scholarships Coordinator (Secondary) – James Avram
Reporting Coordinator – Melanie Haley
Head of International Students – Jeannette Kotzé
Literacy Coordinator – Becky Paul
Numeracy Coordinator – Judy van Tonder
Child Safe Officers – James Avram, Danielle Bruce, Matt Daly

As we embark on this new year, let’s remember to give our best in everything we do. Whether in our studies, sports, or personal growth, let’s work with dedication and passion, knowing that our efforts are meaningful and valued. Let’s strive to make 2025 a year of excellence and connection, supporting one another and growing together as a community.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

James Avram

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School