Secondary School

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

As we begin a new school year, it has been wonderful to see our Secondary students settling into their rhythms and embracing the many opportunities that 2026 will bring.

As always, the start of a new year brings fresh energy and a renewed sense of purpose, and we are grateful to see students growing not only in their learning, but in their character and faith. We hope that every young person entrusted to us feels supported, known, and encouraged as they step into the year ahead. 

In all that we do, whether it be in our classrooms, Home Groups, the Library, the STEM Lab, on the sports field, or through service, we continue to pray that Christ will shape our community with wisdom, compassion, and a spirit of excellence. 

We welcome our Year 7 students and students who are new to Oxley to Secondary School and we're looking forward to partnering with parents throughout 2026 and the many achievements, developments and stories that will unfold across the year.

Celebrating Student Achievement: Colours Program Update

Earlier this year, we introduced our new Colours Program, an exciting initiative designed to recognise the many ways students contribute to and enrich our community. Whether their strengths lie in The Arts, Sport, Academics, Service, or Endeavour, students now have multiple pathways to be acknowledged for their commitment, growth, leadership, and excellence.

The program includes three levels of achievement:

• First Colours (Blue) – recognising consistent effort, improvement, and emerging contribution.
• Half Colours (Red) – awarded for significant involvement or ongoing achievement.
• Full Colours (Gold) – our highest honour, celebrating outstanding accomplishment or leadership.

Students and parents can be especially excited this term as we prepare to award our very first set of Colours badges, including our first Gold Colours recipients. These will be presented at our inaugural Colours Assembly on 30 March 2026.

Nominations are made by staff across all areas of College life and consider not only achievement, but character, service, and engagement. This means every student, regardless of their strengths or interests, has the opportunity to be recognised meaningfully.

We look forward to celebrating our students and the growing culture of excellence, service, and endeavour across the College.

Oxley Library

The College Library is a calm, welcoming shared space for quiet study, reading, and gentle collaboration, and it has become one of the busiest and most dynamic areas on campus. With the leadership of our new Head of Library, Mrs Jenelle Coote, the space has been thoughtfully reshaped to be quiet, welcoming, and comfortable; a place where students can study, read, reflect, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment in their day.

Secondary School Home Group Bible Program

This year we launched our new Bible Home Group Program across all Secondary year levels, providing students with a meaningful and consistent rhythm of spiritual formation woven into their daily school life. 

Each week, students participate in two short biblical reflection sessions, one leader‑led and one student‑engaged, designed to encourage faith development, character formation, and age‑appropriate discussion about themes such as belonging, resilience, identity, integrity, leadership, and service. 

Each year level follows its own set of biblical themes and verses, with students in Years 7–9 engaging in verse memorisation and students in Years 10–12 focusing on reflection, journaling, and application to real‑life challenges. These moments bookend regular Home Group routines such as roll marking, announcements, and wellbeing check‑ins, helping to create a calm, purposeful start to the day. 

We are delighted to see students engaging thoughtfully with Scripture, sharing reflections, and even leading presentations throughout the term as part of this now fully established program.

Secondary School STEM Lab Update

The Secondary School STEM Lab has quickly become a central fixture within the Secondary School, establishing itself as one of the most dynamic and forward‑focused learning environments on campus. Its importance will only continue to grow as STEM becomes an increasingly significant part of our curriculum and student pathways. 

To support this momentum, the STEM and IT faculties have expanded significantly, now comprising five dedicated teachers who hold STEM and IT teaching allocations. This investment reflects the rising student interest in STEM‑related subjects and positions the College to broaden its offerings in the coming years. 

With this growth in mind, the former Darkroom is currently being refurbished into an additional STEM space, allowing other faculties—particularly Art and Design—to benefit from the wide range of innovative devices, tools, and resources now available through the STEM department. This interdisciplinary approach will strengthen students’ creativity, problem‑solving skills, and technological literacy across multiple learning areas.

We extend our gratitude to Mr and Mrs Govender for their commitment in establishing and driving the STEM program over the past two years. Their work has laid a strong foundation for the exciting developments ahead. Mrs Govender will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of STEM at Oxley through her involvement with the Yarra Ranges Tech School Steering Committee for 2026, forging valuable partnerships with STEM‑focused schools and industry providers to further strengthen our program. 

We also thank Mr Zhou for his many years of leadership as Head of Mathematics and IT. As he hands over leadership of the IT faculty, we warmly welcome Mr Lock to the College. We look forward to the fresh ideas, innovations, and new directions he will bring as we continue to enhance STEM learning opportunities for all students.

Oxley Christian College VCE Program Completion Policy

Reduced Loads; Unscored VCE & Update: Online VCE Handbook Delivery

The VCE Handbook is now online via SEQTA. Oxley’s default expectation is a scored VCE, with reduced loads or unscored pathways available only through formal application and approval. Families are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines before considering adjustments.

The VCE Program Completion Policy outlines the expectations for a standard VCE program, as well as the circumstances in which students may apply for a reduced study load or an unscored VCE pathway. These processes exist to ensure all decisions support student wellbeing and align with future pathway goals.

Key points:

• Oxley’s default expectation is that students complete a scored VCE, including SACs, SATs, exams, study scores and the ATAR.
• Reduced study loads or unscored VCE options may be approved in cases such as: 
  • Completion of fast‑tracked units
  • Significant medical or wellbeing concerns
  • Learning needs or other exceptional circumstances
• Any variation requires consultation with the VCE Coordinator and Careers & Pathways team, a formal application, and approval by the Academic Progress Committee.

• Students undertaking an unscored VCE still complete all outcomes and SACs.

   

We encourage families of VCE students to review the updated online handbook for full details.

Mr James Avram

Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary