Year 9

Election Program

Oxley’s annual Election Program saw our Year 9 cohort busy for three full days preparing debates, writing speeches, designing badges and websites, editing promotional videos, learning about politics and democracy and much more. The debate topics this year focused on issues such as technology and connection, compulsory voting, and the tension between prioritising the economy and the environment. This all led to an election in which the Year 6s, Year 9s and Oxley staff voted. 

Our Year 9 students worked tirelessly within their political parties, demonstrating leadership, creativity, and community spirit. The democratically elected leaders worked well to set the vision for their respective parties while also enabling and serving their classmates. 

Each Home Group was allocated a colour and encouraged to develop their own name, policies, slogan and logo. 

This year we had the pleasure of visits from Mr Aaron Violi, federal member for Casey, and Ms Nicole Werner, state member for Warrandyte. Mr Violi shared how he came to work in politics and answered a variety of questions, from the social media ban to whether prisoners were allowed to vote, to how laws were made. Ms Werner discussed life as a young MP (and new mum) and how volunteering and serving remain great values in Australian society. Ms Werner presented Hannah N (9.9) with her prestigious Civics Leadership Award on behalf of the Victorian Parliament, for her commitment to making a difference in our school community.   

The winner of this year’s election was 9.9 The Light. While the first preference vote share was evenly split, some astute preference deals saw 9.9 pull away to comfortably. It was lovely to have former Oxley teacher Mrs Judith Backholer on hand to present the shield named in her honour, as the creator of the original program many years ago.  

Mr Stephen White

Chief Electoral Officer  

Student Reflections

The program helped strengthen bonds by encouraging collaboration and supporting friendly competition. The debates gave us a look at one side of politics, and we also got to see the other elements through the visiting politicians. Overall, it was a fun educational and interesting experience that I am glad to have been a part of. 

Patrick A (9.9) 

It was a friendly experience for everyone who was in the program. It was very nice for people from the Parliament to come down to share and explain how they got to where they are now, and what they do to help our local communities. 

Fariel P (9.9) 

This week I have learnt so much more about Australia's political system. I enjoyed debating against my friends as if we were real politicians as it provided insight into what it would be like to work as a part of the Government. I loved working with my team to ultimately create the best party room we could. 

Claire Z (9.12)

This program was a really great experience to learn more about the democratic parties and the government. I thoroughly enjoyed contributing with the whole class and with people that I wouldn't usually talk to. I enjoyed debating as well, it was a fun learning experience, even if we didn't win. I learnt how voting works in this process, and it was a really fun program which I enjoyed a lot! 

Ayesha S (9.11) 

I found the program genuinely enjoyable—it pushed me to think like a real leader and work as part of a team under pressure. I learned how important clear communication and organisation are when you’re representing a whole group, and I loved seeing everyone step into their roles with confidence. It was one of those weeks that actually felt meaningful, not just busy. By the end, it felt like every group had its own identity, strategy, and energy. What made it meaningful wasn’t just the tasks—it was the sense that we were building something together, learning how leadership works rather than just talking about it. 

Jessica S (9.11) 

I definitely developed some core memories during this program and lots of talents I never knew about some people were revealed. It was so good to see everyone contributing and showing passion as a team towards the parties they were in. 

Olive V (9.9) 

I enjoyed that I was able to communicate on a whole new level with my peers as the leader. Not just through ordering them to do specific things but communicating and understanding their views and opinions. Overall, I really enjoyed this experience to work with my peers on a deeper level. 

Iris L (9.11)