Junior School

A spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian whose heart is attuned to the Lord. Billy Graham

Standing at the end of another year, we have a myriad of reasons to be thankful. We praise God for His continued provision and protection throughout 2022 and we look forward to what He has in store for our Junior School in 2023. God has been faithful this year and He will continue to be so in the year to come. 

As we end this school year, I would like to thank all of our parents. We value and honour the support of all of you, appreciating the vital part that you play in the education of our students. We congratulate every student for their accomplishments and for working hard to reach their God-given potential. My deepest appreciation is extended to our staff for their dedication to teaching and the heart they have for each child in their care. As they say, It takes a village to raise a child, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of the Oxley Village, where we can shine God’s light and love into the lives of the children He has entrusted into our care. 

Thank you to parents and friends who visited classrooms to attend our Writing Celebration on Thursday 24 November. The students cherished having family and friends in our Junior School again. The feedback provided to individual students was treasured. Students proudly shared their work and reflected on what they have learnt as a writer through this process.

I wish to acknowledge our final ROAR nominees for 2022. It was an absolute pleasure to host afternoon tea with these delightful children. Conversation about holidays and Christmas gift lists filled the air, whilst we enjoyed delicious Christmas treats. Thank you to all the students for being role models in our Junior School and showing the attributes of respect, obedience, acceptance, and resilience. 

It was pure delight to see the Prep students take to the stage on Wednesday 30 November for the annual Prep Nativity. In what is a strong Oxley tradition, Prep students confidently retold, in story and song, the birth of our precious Lord and Saviour. We congratulate our Prep students and teachers for the time and effort they have invested to present the message of Jesus to us. Swipe over to the Prep Nativity page for a full photo display.

It is fitting to acknowledge our Year 6 students, who celebrated their Graduation on Thursday 1 December. Over the past weeks, students and teachers planned this event, writing speeches, designing slide shows and reminiscing over fond memories of Junior School. We celebrated and awarded specific students in the areas of academic excellence, sport, service to the community, and excellence in the Performing and Visual Arts. As they move into Senior School, may they hold on to and remember the precious scripture that Reuben shared with them. 

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. 

Proverbs 16:9 

Please join me in congratulating our Year 6 students as they prepare for their upcoming transition to Year 7. 

Preparing children for a positive transition to a new school year is crucial. Staff take much time and care when constructing classes to ensure each child’s continued success in their learning. To this end, your child was provided with the opportunity to visit their 2023 classroom on Friday 2 December and meet their new teacher and classmates. During this time, students were given an overview of the 2023 school year and the learning experiences they can look forward to. They participated in activities which promote connection to the peer group and aid a positive start to a new school year. We hope they enjoyed this opportunity and are looking forward to the new year. 2023 class lists will be available on the Parent Portal from Friday 20 January 2023. 

At the conclusion of the school year, we say farewell to five Junior School staff, who have served our school community well over many years. I wish to acknowledge Mrs Ann Gaschk, Mrs Lisa Heckathorn, Mrs Ros Skurrie, Mrs Margaret Signorini and Mrs Teresa Berry for their exemplary commitment to teaching and learning, while also showing love and support to students who came across their path. They will all be sadly missed; however, we pray God’s blessing on the adventures that await beyond the gates of Oxley. We look forward to officially welcoming new staff to our Junior School team in 2023 and introducing them to you. 

On Monday 5 December, we gathered for our Junior School Final Assembly. All students were awarded a certificate for completing a successful year at Oxley. The afternoon was filled with beautiful performances from the Performing Arts department, and we enjoyed celebrating the achievements of our students across Junior School. Thank you to all of our parents who took the time to come and celebrate this special event with us.

As students headed off to begin their summer holiday, they were issued with their Semester 2 Reports prior to departure. I hope you enjoy reading about the growth and development they have made in their learning this year.

It is our prayer that you and your family will have a safe and blessed holiday. May the joy that filled the world at the birth of Jesus Christ be found in your home this Christmas. We look forward to 2023 and God’s continued favour on every student at Oxley Christian College.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. 1 Timothy 1:15-17

Amy Liddle

Head of Junior School