From the Principal

Dear Friends,

Congratulations to our graduating class of 2024.

What a great time of celebration for the class of 2024 in events ranging from the Year 12 Chapel, Valedictory Dinner, a final assembly, the last day of formal schooling. Hopefully students will settle into some serious revision of work that will contribute to some excellent outcomes for Unit 4 studies. I thank all our VCE staff who have prepared students well for final exams and life beyond Oxley, but I also express our gratitude to each student in this remarkable group. Your presence, friendships, and involvement in the College have made it a rich and vibrant year.

As a Christian College, we have always believed in the power of education to draw us closer to God. It's all about seeking out the things that are true, good, and beautiful in this world and recognizing them as gifts from our Creator. We hope that you will embrace the invitation and profound importance of becoming compassionate ambassadors of Christ in the world. As one writer has beautifully put it, it’s about thinking ‘God’s thoughts after Him,’ and exploring the deep questions and sacred mysteries of life.

In today’s fast-paced and often turbulent world, it’s those spiritual qualities that keep us grounded and connected to our humanity. We all yearn for lives filled with spiritual affections, love, and grace. We want to make a difference in someone’s life, to be seen, and to be affirmed. Oxley’s invitation to students is to fully embrace a spirituality and journey anchored in the unshakeable foundation of God’s unconditional love.

As the Class of 2024, you will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

While the graduating class events overshadow the calendar, the term contains other remarkable events focussed on the welfare of others. We are grateful for the fundraising across the College on behalf of Amari and Samaritan’s Purse. Congratulations to our students for the market day event and the shoebox appeal. 

We have also been treated to some wonderful musical events in the last two weeks, from VCE exhibitions to Soirées. Our students have certainly showcased some amazing talent over the start of term. I am sure this edition of The Vine holds some remarkable reading.

Warm regards,

Dr Douglas Peck