Junior School

It is hard to believe that we are already nearing the end of another school year. How has this happened so quickly? It seems only yesterday that we were welcoming students back in January, filled with excitement and anticipation for the year ahead. Now we find ourselves in the familiar busyness of Term 4 with concerts, excursions, report writing, graduations, and preparations for next year all filling our days. Life feels wonderfully full, yet undeniably busy.

In the midst of all this activity, it is easy to be swept along by the pace of it all. We move quickly from one event to the next, ticking off tasks and planning for tomorrow before today has even ended. Yet God gently reminds us to slow down, to breathe, and to be present. Each day is a precious gift from Him, filled with small moments that reveal His goodness-the laughter of children, the joy of learning, the encouragement of a family and friends, and the beauty of community.

This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

As we journey through this final term of the school year, may we take time to notice and give thanks for the daily blessings God places before us. Let us not overlook the simple joys and quiet moments that make this season so special.

Festival of the Arts

Friday 10  October marked the much-anticipated return of our Festival of the Arts, and what a celebration it was! The theme for this year, Flourish, captured the heart of the evening, a reflection of the creativity, growth, and God-given talent nurtured across our College. Although the weather forecast had threatened damaging winds, God graciously provided the perfect conditions, with calm skies and a slight breeze that set the stage for a truly memorable night.

Families, both new to Oxley and those long part of our College community, gathered to enjoy an evening brimming with artistry, music, and joy. The program featured a wonderful variety of musical performances, highlighted by the outstanding sounds of the Royal Australian Navy Band, who added a special touch of excitement and energy to the event. Learning Street came alive and the Junior School Art area exhibited a stunning gallery of artwork from Prep to Year 6, each piece reflecting imagination, creativity, and depth beyond the students’ years.

The delicious aroma of the food truck and freshly brewed coffee drifted through the crowd, adding to the sense of warmth and community on the cool spring evening. The Festival of the Arts was not only a showcase of remarkable talent but also a reminder of the beauty that emerges when creativity and community come together under God’s goodness.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the dedicated staff and students who worked tirelessly to bring this event to life, and to all our families who came to celebrate with us. It was a night where the Oxley spirit truly flourished!

Step Into Prep Orientation

We were delighted to welcome our 2026 Prep students for their very first Step into Prep Orientation Day! Excitement filled the air as our newest learners arrived, eager to experience what it is like to be at “big school.” The children enthusiastically took part in a range of fun and engaging activities designed to help them feel comfortable and confident in the Junior School. A highlight of the morning was a vibrant Performing Arts session with Mrs S, where the children sang songs, played instruments, and joined in with joyful movement and rhythm activities. It was a wonderful introduction to school life, and we are already looking forward to welcoming these bright young faces into our community in 2026!

Market Day

On Tuesday 14 October, Learning Street was transformed into a lively hub of colour, laughter, and creativity as our Junior School students hosted their annual Market Day. The space buzzed with excitement as students proudly presented a wide variety of stalls, each thoughtfully designed to raise funds for Amari.

It was truly inspiring to see the creativity of our students through their innovative games, handmade crafts, and impressive 3D printed items. From interactive challenges to beautifully designed products, every stall reflected the hard work, originality, and enthusiasm of its young organisers. The sense of joy and generosity was evident throughout the day, as students encouraged one another and eagerly supported a cause close to their hearts.

This wonderful event was led by the Junior School Student Forum, whose planning, teamwork, and leadership ensured its success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Kirby-Beach and Mrs Weller for their guidance and support throughout the journey. Thank you also to all the parents, family and friends who came along to support our students and make this event a success.

We are delighted to share that the students’ combined efforts raised a total of $3,593.25 for Amari—a fantastic achievement that highlights not only their creativity but also their compassion and commitment to making a difference.

In Term 4, students are required to wear summer uniform and their Oxley regulation sunhat. Please refer to pages 12-13 of the 2025 Student Diary for details of our Student Uniform Standards. As we draw closer to the end of year events, uniform and hair checks will continue and parents will be advised accordingly of anything requiring attention.

We have recently noticed an increasing number of students being dropped off at school too early. Please be reminded that staff supervision begins at 8.10am, and for safety reasons, students should not arrive before this time. There are no staff members available to actively supervise students prior to 8.10am. Any students who arrive early from Monday 27 October, will be taken by our staff to Oxley Kids Before School Care, where they will be supervised until the start of the school day. Please note that families will be charged the emergency care rate of $30.55 per child for this service. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and supervised environment for all students.

This term is far from finished with many events and end of year celebrations to come. Please take note of the following important dates:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Amy Liddle

Head of Junior School