Senior School

Welcome back for Term 2

I hope the break provided you with some well-earned rest and time together with family. As our Middle School and Senior School students reacquaint themselves with the rhythm of school life, we all look forward to a term filled with learning, growth, and community connection.

Term 2 is a pivotal time in the academic year for all our students. It is a chance to build on the foundations that were laid earlier in the year – whether that means deepening understanding, refining skills, or setting new goals for the coming weeks – and a chance to look ahead to what the rest of the year will look like. Term 2 is a long term (11 weeks), so there will be plenty of time for students to settle in and make a concerted effort to reach new heights and frontiers. 

For our Year 12s, this term marks a particularly important phase, with even more SACs, revision, and assessments all beginning to intensify. All students are encouraged to approach the term with focus, resilience, and a commitment to doing their best. As always, our staff are here to support and guide them every step of the way.

ANZAC Dawn Service and Open Day

We began the term with a moment of reflection and unity at our ANZAC Dawn Service, held on Thursday 24 April. It was truly moving to see so many students, parents, and staff gathered on the lawn in the early morning light to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans. The reverence shown by all who attended was a testament to the strength of our community spirit. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful occasion.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all who supported last week’s Open Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the vibrant life of our school from student work and curriculum offerings to our co-curricular programmes and new facilities. We were especially proud to unveil our new STEM Lab, which will play a key role in fostering innovation and inquiry-based learning in the years to come.

Mr Bond delivered his first Principal’s Address, and families enjoyed guided tours of the campus. While many were impressed by our facilities and displays, what stood out most was the warmth, confidence, and enthusiasm of our students. The musical performances and ensembles were a highlight as always, and the student work and artwork on display never fail to impress. Thank you to all students and staff who contributed to making the day such a success.

Music Camp

The annual Music Camp took place between Thursday 8 and Friday 9 May. This was a valuable opportunity for students to refine their musical skills, collaborate with peers, and prepare for upcoming performances. We look forward to hearing the results of their hard work.

EduTest Sessions

For our Year 7 and 8 students, EduTest sessions will be held on the mornings of Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 May. This is the first time we are running EduTest at Oxley, and it represents an exciting step forward in how we understand and support student learning. The assessment will provide valuable diagnostic data in key areas such as Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Numeracy, and Written Expression. It will also help identify each student’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) – the areas where they are ready to grow with the right support. Parents will receive detailed feedback, and teachers will use this information to tailor instruction and target areas for development throughout the year.

Mother’s Day

As we move through the term, we also take a moment to acknowledge a very special occasion, Mother’s Day, this Sunday. It’s a time to honour the incredible women in our lives who nurture, support, and guide us with unwavering love and strength. Whether it’s your mum, grandmother, carer, or another special figure, we encourage everyone to take a moment to express their appreciation. The contributions of mothers, often quiet, constant, and behind the scenes are the foundation of so much of our success and wellbeing.

We look forward to a productive and inspiring Term 2. Thank you for your continued support of our College community. Let us all strive to make the most of the opportunities ahead, working together in partnership to support every student’s journey.

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 and Head of Secondary