Junior School

Welcome to Term 4! 

As we embark on the final chapter of the academic year, we are filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the learning adventures that await us. The past three terms have been filled with growth, achievements, and memorable experiences, and we are confident that this term will be no exception. 

Our staff and students have certainly hit the ground running with many events having already occurred in these first few weeks. From e-safety incursions to District Athletics, to the Year 3 and 4 Toonworld Incursion and Soiree performances, and that’s before we even stop to consider all the fabulous learning that has occurred across the year levels. Our students in Prep to Year 2 also completed a weeklong intensive swimming program at Kingswim to develop their skills and give them strategies and knowledge about water safety. There is certainly never a dull moment in Junior School!

Market Day

The Junior School Market Day on Thursday 5 October was a bustling carnival of creativity and compassion. Students took charge, planning, organising, and running a diverse array of stalls, all with the shared goal of raising funds for Amari. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit, as young minds managed food stalls adorned with an assortment of delectable baked goods, and drink stations offering quirky combinations, like spiders, soft drinks, and bubble tea. The craft stalls were adorned with homemade treasures, showcasing the artistic talents of our students. The success of the event was testament to the hard work and dedication of the Junior School Student Forum, whose vision and energy brought this initiative to life. Special thanks are owed to Mrs Kirby-Beach and Mrs McDonald, whose guidance and support ensured the event’s smooth operation, leaving a lasting impact on both our school community and the lives of those touched by Amari. We are thrilled to announce that the total amount raised was $3,109.65. Click here to read more and view photos.

Festival of the Arts

On Friday 6 October, we saw the return of the Festival of the Arts, which was truly a remarkable event. Despite the chilly weather, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and excitement. We were blessed that the rain held off, adding to the delight of those who attended. Families, both new to the College and those already a part of the Oxley family, gathered to witness a spectacular showcase of talent. The event featured stunning musical performances that captivated the audience, showcasing the incredible talent of our students. Additionally, the artwork on display created by students ranging from Prep to Year 12, was nothing short of amazing, displaying creativity and innovation beyond their years. The aroma of sizzling sausages filled the air, while the coffee cart served hot beverages that were warmly welcomed on the nippy Spring evening. It was a night filled with artistic wonder and delight, along with a sense of community, leaving everyone in awe of the talents showcased by our students. Thank you to all our incredible staff and students for their hard work in putting on such a wonderful event. Thank you to all our families who took the time to visit the Festival of the Arts. It was truly a memorable experience.  Click here to read more and view photos.

More News ...

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Rodgers on the safe arrival of their baby girl, Mia Jessica, born on Friday 29 September 2023! This wonderful news fills our hearts with happiness. May little Mia bring endless love, laughter, and cherished moments to your lives. Wishing you all the best as you embark on this incredible journey of parenthood. May your days be filled with cuddles, smiles, and the sweetest moments with your precious daughter. We pray that God will guide and protect your family and provide you with a lifetime of love and beautiful memories as a family. 

In Term 4, students are required to wear the Summer uniform including the Oxley regulation sunhat. Please refer to pages 12-13 of the 2023 Student Diary for details of our Student Uniform Standards. As we draw closer to end of year events, uniform and hair checks will continue and parents will be advised accordingly of anything requiring attention.

We look forward to seeing the Prep to Year 2 students compete in their upcoming House Athletics Carnival on Thursday 9 November on the oval from 9.00am – 12.30pm. Students have been training and preparing well for this event and parents are invited to attend and encourage students in their efforts. Please put this date in your diary. Please refer to the calendar on the Upcoming Events page, as well as on the College App and our website, for information about upcoming Term 4 events in the Junior School.

As adults, we are aware that the world is a challenging place and that there are current world events happening which can be overwhelming and scary, especially for little people. Can I please reiterate the sentiments of those expressed by Mrs Danielle Bruce in her letter last week and implore all parents in our Junior School to please take care and show caution regarding what our students are exposed to in the media, but especially on the social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Once little eyes see these images, they can never unsee them. Let’s protect the innocence of our children and let them enjoy their childhood without the pressures or stresses of the adult world. 

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

2 Corinthians 4: 8, 9, 16 & 18.

Amy Liddle

Head of Junior School