As we come to the end of another term and another semester, we take a moment to pause and reflect not only on what has been accomplished across Secondary School, but also to give thanks for every opportunity to extend ourselves, to excel, and to serve.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

We have seen the qualities of perseverance and quiet determination echoed in the actions and applications of many of our students throughout the semester. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, in performances, or through service to others, students have been supported to give their best in all things.

As we prepare for the holiday break, it is an opportunity to rest and be renewed, trusting that the same strength that has carried us through this term will continue to guide us into the next. We thank our students, staff, and families for their ongoing partnership and wish everyone a safe and refreshing break.

Year 9 Election Program – A Signature Oxley Experience

From 19–23 June, our Year 9 students took part in one of Oxley Christian College’s most engaging and highly anticipated learning experiences: the Year 9 Election Program. This three-day Civics and Citizenship immersion is a long-standing Oxley tradition that brings civics learning to life. Through a simulated federal election, students step into the role of active citizens and gain a firsthand understanding of Australia’s democratic system.

Working in teams, students formed political parties, developed policy platforms, and campaigned across the school community. They engaged in debates, delivered speeches, and created campaign materials while exploring real-world issues such as the cost of living, artificial intelligence, and community safety.

The program culminates in a mock election, with voting conducted by secret ballot using Australia’s preferential voting system. This authentic experience helps students understand how elections operate in practice and the importance of informed decision-making.

A highlight of the program included visits from state and federal members, who spoke with students about public service and civic responsibility, before presenting the Civics Shield alongside other awards recognising student achievement.

This program develops far more than content knowledge. Students build confidence, leadership, collaboration, and respectful communication skills while learning to engage thoughtfully with different perspectives. It also reflects our commitment to nurturing students who act with integrity, consider the common good, and contribute positively to society.

The Year 9 Election Program remains a defining and memorable part of the Oxley experience, and we look forward to seeing our students embrace it with enthusiasm.

VCE Information and Subject Selection Information Evenings

On Thursday 18 June, teachers, faculty and curriculum heads welcomed students and parents to our Year 10 & VCE Subject Information Evening, an important milestone in supporting students as they begin making decisions about their educational pathways.

The evening provided students and parents with valuable insights into the VCE program and subject selection process, including opportunities to hear from the VCE leadership team and connect with Faculty Heads and teachers to learn more about the subjects on offer for 2027.

Families were also able to explore subject options in detail and ask questions to help ensure that each student’s program reflects their interests, strengths, and future aspirations.

This event forms a key part of a broader transition process, alongside Careers Day, Work Experience, and upcoming pathway interviews, all designed to support students in making informed and purposeful decisions about their future.

We thank all staff for their involvement in the evening and commend our students and families for their thoughtful, engaged approach to this important stage of subject selection and planning.

Secondary School Achievement Colours – Term 2

We look forward to our second release of Secondary School Achievement Colours, which took place at Assembly on Monday 22 June.

This round has seen a strong number of nominations across a wide range of activities. We are pleased that many students were awarded their first and/or upgraded to Half or Full Colours, in recognition of their sustained commitment, effort, and excellence. In addition, a significant number of students have been allocated credits, placing them one step closer to being awarded a Colour or an upgrade in the near future.

We commend all students recognised in this round for their dedication and contribution to College life.

An Honours Roll for the 2026 Term 2 Colours was published in Week 9, providing further opportunity to celebrate student achievement.

Year 10 Careers Day

On 16 June, our Year 10 students participated in a highly valuable Careers Day, an important component of the Year 10 Commerce and Careers course.

Organised by our Student Pathways and Careers Coordinator, Mrs Este van Rensburg, the day provided students with a range of opportunities to explore future pathways.

This experience plays a key role in preparing students for their upcoming Work Experience program commencing on 22 June, and complements the Morrisby Profile, which helps students identify their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways. Together, these experiences support students as they begin making informed decisions about future subject selections.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mrs van Rensburg for her outstanding organisation, as well as to the many parents, staff, and guest speakers who generously gave their time to support the day, particularly those who conducted mock interviews and shared their professional insights.

We also commend our Year 10 students for the way they engaged with the program, showing a genuine interest in their future pathways.

GAT – General Achievement Test

On Tuesday 16 June, our Year 12 students, along with Year 11 students enrolled in a Unit 3/4 VCE subject, completed the General Achievement Test (GAT).

The GAT is an important component of the VCE, designed to assess students’ general knowledge and skills in written communication, mathematics, science, and humanities. While it is not directly tied to a single subject, the GAT plays a vital role in supporting the accuracy and fairness of VCE results, including moderation and, where necessary, derived scores.

We commend our students for their focus throughout the day. The GAT is a long and demanding assessment, and students approached it with great diligence.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Kelly Lock and her team for their careful planning and organisation, ensuring the day ran smoothly for all involved.

For our Year 11 students, whether you sat the GAT this year or not, it is an experience you will encounter again in your final year—something to look forward to as an important milestone in your VCE journey.

Parent Teacher Interviews – Term 3

We would like to advise families of our upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews, which will take place in Week 4 of Term 3:

Wednesday 12 August: 4.00pm – 9.00pm
Thursday 13 August: 10.00am – 4.00pm

All interviews this semester will be conducted onsite at the College, providing valuable opportunities for parents, teachers and students to engage in meaningful, face-to-face discussions about learning progress and next steps.

Further details regarding booking processes and links will be shared early next term. Please note that bookings will be required, and there will be no online interview options available for this round.

We strongly encourage students to attend interviews alongside their parents, as this supports shared understanding, reflection, and goal setting.

We look forward to these important conversations as we continue to partner to support each student’s growth and development.

Student Device Expectations at Oxley Christian College

At Oxley Christian College, we are committed to creating a learning environment where students remain focused and fully engaged. As part of this commitment, the College maintains clear expectations around the use of mobile phones, wearable devices, and other smart technologies during the school day.

Families will be aware that personal devices are not required for learning at school and can often distract from student engagement and wellbeing. Our policies are designed to support positive learning behaviours, minimise disruptions, and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students.

What does this mean for students?

Students who bring mobile phones, smartwatches, headphones, or other smart devices to school must ensure that:

All devices are switched off during the school day.
Devices are securely stored.
- Secondary School students: in their locked lockers.
- Junior School students: in their school bags.
Devices are not accessed or used between 8.40am and 3.30pm.

This expectation applies across the full school day and is in place to support consistent routines and eliminate unnecessary distractions in classrooms and social spaces.

Use of devices and student responsibility

Students are reminded that all personal devices are brought to school at their own risk. The College cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to these items.

In addition, the use of devices must always reflect our expectations for respectful and safe behaviour. Students must not use devices to:

Take photos or videos of others without their knowledge or consent.
Capture images in private spaces such as bathrooms or changing rooms.
Send unkind, inappropriate, or threatening messages.
Share or store inappropriate or offensive material.

Such behaviours are taken very seriously; teachers and coordinators will respond with appropriate consequences, which may include device confiscation and further disciplinary action.

When can devices be used?

There may be limited, specific occasions when the use of devices is permitted, such as on camps, excursions, or at certain school events. In these cases, students and parents will be informed in advance, and clear guidelines will be provided. Outside of these approved situations, devices are not to be used during the school day.

It is also important to note that communication between home and students during the day should be through the College Administration Office, ensuring that messages are passed on promptly and appropriately. Parents are asked not to contact their children directly during school hours.

Working Together

We appreciate parents' support in reinforcing these expectations with their children. Clear and consistent boundaries around device use help students develop positive habits, improve focus, and engage more meaningfully with their peers and learning.

As shared in our recent communication about upcoming statewide changes, these expectations will continue to evolve in line with government requirements from 2027. Our current approach ensures that students are already well prepared for these future expectations.

If you have any questions about student device use or our policy, please feel free to contact the College.

Upcoming Changes to Student Device Expectations (2027)

Following a recent announcement by the Victorian Government, Oxley Christian College would like to inform our community of important upcoming changes to student use of personal devices at school. At Oxley Christian College, we are committed to fostering an environment where students can focus on learning, develop positive relationships, and engage fully in school life.

Students and parents will be aware that Oxley already has clear expectations in place:

Mobile phones must be stored appropriately during the school day.
Students who bring headphones to school are already expected to place them in their lockers on arrival, along with their phones.

As outlined in this ABC News report, the existing ban on mobile phones in schools will be extended from January 2027 to include smartwatches and personal audio devices such as headphones and earbuds. This expanded policy will apply across all Victorian schools, including independent and Catholic schools, ensuring a consistent approach statewide.

The government has indicated that this change is based on strong evidence that reducing access to personal devices during the school day improves student focus, increases social interaction, and reduces incidents linked to device misuse.

Oxley Christian College will be required to comply with the updated legislation from the beginning of 2027. As such:

Students will not be permitted to have smartwatches that can send/receive text messages, DMs, channel posts etc. on their person during the school day.
Students will not be permitted to use or carry headphones or earbuds while at school.
These expectations will apply throughout the school grounds, whilst on excursions and camps, across the full school day and during College activities.

Our current policies and procedures will be reviewed and updated during 2026 to ensure full alignment with the new requirements.

The upcoming changes will extend these expectations further, particularly in relation to wearable technology such as smartwatches.

With these changes on the horizon, we encourage families to carefully consider the purchase of smartwatches or similar devices for their children. While such devices may offer convenience outside of school hours, from 2027, they will not be permitted for student use or possession during the school day. This may significantly limit their practicality for school-aged children.

Further information regarding updated College policies and implementation processes will be shared with our community in 2026.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the College directly.

Mr James Avram

Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School

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