Year 7
A Strong and Hope-Filled Beginning
The Year 7 students of 2026 have made a wonderful and confident start to their Secondary School journey at Oxley Christian College. Coming together from a variety of primary schools, our newest cohort has already demonstrated remarkable strength, courage, and perseverance as they stepped into this exciting new chapter.
The first day was filled with anticipation, a blend of excitement and understandable nervousness. Students were warmly welcomed by our dedicated Middle Years staff, who were ready to guide and support them through every step of their transition. Parents gathered alongside staff to celebrate this significant milestone, marking the beginning of a new season of growth, learning, and independence.
Throughout the day, students participated in an Orientation program designed to help them settle confidently into Secondary School life. They were introduced to their Home Group teachers, navigated their timetables, organised lockers, and explored the campus. More importantly, they began forming new friendships, reconnecting with familiar faces, and embracing the opportunities before them.
What stood out most on this first day was the resilience and positive attitude shown by our Year 7 students. Many demonstrated maturity in stepping outside their comfort zones, such as asking questions, seeking assistance, and supporting one another. Their willingness to persevere through uncertainty reflects the strong character that we aim to nurture at Oxley.
As a culturally diverse and inclusive Christian community, we are deeply committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where every student feels known, valued, and respected. Our staff work collaboratively to ensure that students are supported academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We believe that education is not simply about knowledge acquisition, but about shaping confident learners and compassionate individuals who contribute meaningfully to their community.
Our Year 7 focus verse for 2026 is:
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
This verse beautifully captures our heart for this cohort. Each student brings unique strengths, talents, and experiences. As they grow in confidence, we encourage them not only to discover their gifts but to use them in the service of others, building a culture of kindness, inclusion, and mutual support.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue fostering an environment where students feel empowered to flourish. We will intentionally nurture perseverance, encourage inclusive friendships, and celebrate the richness of our diverse community. At Oxley Christian College, every child belongs, and every child has something valuable to contribute.
We look forward to journeying alongside our Year 7 students throughout 2026—guiding them as they grow in resilience, character, faith, and learning. With the support of staff, families, and one another, this cohort is already well on its way to a meaningful and successful year.
Mrs Vinita Seago
Year 7 Coordinator
HP EliteBook Orientation
At the start of the term, the Year 7 students were introduced to their new HP Elitebook devices, which they will use throughout Secondary School. The session focused on safe handling, creative learning, clear classroom routines, and using AI appropriately.
The students began with unboxing the device, learning practical care routines and then exploring how the EliteBooks can support creative learning. They discussed ways the camera could be used to capture science experiments and fieldwork evidence. The microphone could be used to record podcasts, practise oral presentations, and to reflect verbally on work covered in class. It is well known that a concept can be mastered by teaching it, and so a simple video can be used to develop and self-test student understanding on subject content. The session highlighted STEM opportunities at Oxley, which include access to 3D printers and laser cutting/engraving. With these, students have the opportunity to bring their creative designs to life.
Another important segment was on the appropriate use of AI which was positioned as a tool for thinking and not a replacement for it. Students unpacked what AI is and explored responsible examples across subjects. Brainstorming and refining writing in English, generating self-testing questions and experiment ideas in Science, visualising graphs and data in Mathematics, and supporting creativity in the Arts and Humanities. The emphasis was on using AI as a tool to aid learning, rather than hindering it. Students were warned that any use of AI had to be under the direct instruction of a teacher. If a teacher does not provide any information about the use of AI in a task, then it is up to the student to get clarification from the teacher before they make use of AI.
One of the session’s highlights was a hands-on paper helicopter challenge. In groups of three, students used their EliteBooks to research the physics involved in falling objects, implement changes for improvements in efficiency, and then measure the helicopter's performance accurately. Students used AI prompts to understand gravity, air resistance, and rotation. An integrity checklist guided students so that their use of AI aided the educational experience and enhanced their creativity. To reinforce digital citizenship, students unpacked scenarios about borrowing devices, filming others, accessing personal accounts, and using AI for homework. Classroom expectations were clarified, and students were reminded that they should only use devices when instructed, and no irrelevant browsing, photos or videos, or messaging during class without permission from their teachers. Overall, students left with stronger research habits, clearer boundaries for AI, and some practical experience with collecting and using data on their new HP devices.
One student provided the following feedback which highlights the need for sessions like these:
I am writing this email to express my gratitude to you for giving me such a great introduction to my device! I am also extremely grateful for your giving me such a clear explanation on not just how to use AI correctly, but also how to benefit from it for my learning. You have transformed my perception of AI, from thinking that it was a thief of creativity and opportunity to a personal digital tutor who, amongst other things, teaches me how to improve and sharpen my skills in almost all areas of learning. From your great introduction, I am sure that I will have a great time learning at Oxley with such an amazing device!😊 - Year 7 Student
Mr Verlin Govender
Learning Technologies Coordinator