Senior School

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas … 

There are many signs and events which suggest the festive season is almost upon us. A myriad of advertisements on television, radio and social media, and decorations in shops announce it’s coming. At Oxley we enter the unmistakable rhythm of this special season.

Years 7 - 12 examinations saw students studiously preparing to display their progress in a range of skills and knowledge through these formal, summative assessment tasks. We trust that for all students this was a helpful experience which honed their skills and helped each person to know just how much they have learnt.

To provide well-earned rewards and an outlet for active young people, there has been much anticipation and planning for the end of Year 7, 8 and 9 excursions. I had the honour of being the tail-end Charlie on the Year 8 bike ride on the Warburton Trail, spending time enjoying the beauty of the Yarra Valley at a leisurely pace. Simultaneously, Year 7 students headed out to enjoy West Gippsland, spending the day exploring Gumbaya World and the plethora of activities it offers. Year 9 students tested their swim and snorkelling skills at Aquanation in readiness for their exciting Year 10 2023 Aqua Camp, followed by mini golf. 

Recently, Year 7 students completed their Launchpad project and each one should be pleased with their contribution to the anthology they have created. Under the tutelage of professional authors, students across all Year 7 Home Groups flourished and their confidence grew to produce deeply personal stories which they happily, willingly and courageously shared with peers and families. A big thank you to Mrs Paul and the English staff for a fantastic red carpet, gala evening event.

Presentation Evening was a wonderful celebration where we recognised the progression of the Year 9 students to Senior Years and the completion of Year 12 for our most senior students, plus an assortment of awards, prizes and special pieces to wow us with creativity and talent. It was delightful to see the entire Senior School community together under one roof in a way that we could not during COVID, to celebrate community life and the joy this brings us.

I was able to attend the annual Prep Nativity and the infectious enthusiasm and passion displayed by the Preps, telling the nativity story of the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world, was a highlight. Our hope is that this joy and lust for life does not fade with time, but rather, as each person journeys through life, they are able to appreciate and enjoy the beauty that surrounds them. This joy may be found in music or the performing arts, a poem, novel, or an appreciation of the physical world and universe we inhabit, or in mastering a new skill or solving a complex equation, or discovering something about people in another country or about oneself. It may be experienced by simply resting secure in the knowledge that they are loved and unique. 

The media may often lead us to believe that the world is a horrible place. Indeed not all things in the world are beautiful and good, but taking time to intentionally focus and reflect upon the things we have, and all things that are good, can give us pause and an excellent perspective to help us to know that we have great hope for the future. We can walk boldly into it, savouring each step and, if we see somebody stumble or wonder what sort of place the world is, can try to gently guide them to slow down and look around to see the beauty surrounding them in all of God’s creation.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

As we draw near to the Christmas seasonal celebrations, I pray we will all know and remember Emmanuel – God with us – is always there beside us, gently guiding our ways and sharing our loads.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Greg Barker

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School