The first few weeks of Term 4 have been quite eventful with our Year 12s marking the end of their journey at Oxley Christian College. There are many more events to come for the rest of the school in coming weeks, but the Year 12s took pride of place these past weeks in the lead up to their final exams.

Year 12 Farewell and Celebrations

Final Assembly

In a memorable Final Assembly on Monday 16 October, School Captains Alicia Barker and Thomas Steuart led the proceedings. As is tradition, our Year 12 students each added their own personalised tiles to a mosaic piece, with each inclusion representing their time here at Oxley. This item will soon be framed and will adorn the walls of the Senior School. Dr Douglas Peck delivered a moving address that celebrated the Year 12s’ accomplishments and made specific mention of the enduring and positive impact that the Class of 2023 has made on the College.

Not to be outdone, the School Captains followed Dr Peck with an equally inspiring speech as Alicia and Thomas artfully wove humour and nostalgia into their reflections. Drawing upon the personal experiences shared by each of their peers, their words struck a poignant chord that celebrated not just their academic achievements, but also spoke to the camaraderie, shared experiences and the journey of personal growth that each student had undergone throughout their time at Oxley. The Year 12s also presented our Year 11s with gifts for the Year 12 Common Room that they will be able to use when they are able to make the room their own. Year 12 Coordinator, Miss Claire Hogan, promised that she will keep the presents wrapped, safe and away from prying eyes until they are handed over to the Class of 2024 early next year.

The Year 12 Home Group Leaders, Mrs Dru Law, Mr Andrew Piper, Mrs Susan De Lange and Miss Eleesha Higbed, gifted each Year 12 with a Mr Men or Little Miss picture book that they felt perfectly matched the character of the student. Year 12s roamed the halls asking for signatures and farewell messages, personalising their books, and their shirts and dresses with signatures and well wishes from teachers and students alike. When the final bells for the day rang, the Senior School was transformed by the Year 12s as balloons, streamers, photographs, and witty memes adorned the Senior School and Middle School buildings.

Final Day

On Tuesday 17 October, the festive mood continued with the Year 12 Final Day celebrations, featuring carnival rides, the mouthwatering aroma of a classic sausage sizzle, and adrenaline-pumping sporting matches in the Oxley Stadium and across the Oval. The highlight of the day was the always highly anticipated Year 11 vs Year 12 basketball match.

Blue House also clinched a hard-fought victory in a nail-biting finish, winning the day with one of the narrowest point leads, leaving the entire school community at the edge of their seats right until the final announcement.

Valedictory Dinner

The Year 12 Valedictory Dinner on Wednesday 18 October, provided students a brief respite before VCE exams commence. Pastor Matt Daly gave thanks for the evening’s meal, before formal proceedings commenced. Max Peacock's rendition of Burt Bacharach’s, I Say a Little Prayer, set the tone for an evening filled with celebrations and nostalgia.

Each Year 12 class was recognised and celebrated as Mrs Law, Mr Piper, Mrs De Lange, and Miss Higbed presented classes 12.7, 12.8, 12.9, and 12.10, respectively. The students’ hard work and their accomplishments were acknowledged on stage before friends and family. Dr Peck congratulated each student personally on stage and they were presented with a small gift by Mr Whittle on behalf of the College.

Alex Lai’s rendition of Waving Through a Window was met with uproarious applause, while Alicia Barker, Jarvis Eleveld, Olivia Mansell, and Leila Rivet’s heartfelt performance of Lift Me Up resonated deeply with the audience.

Dr Peck’s Principal's Address was both inspiring and lighthearted, as he remarked on the absence of any proven correlation between intelligence and a full head of hair. Not to be outdone once again, School Captains, Alicia Barker and Thomas Steuart, brought both laughter and tears to the audience, as they recounted in some detail the cohort’s time at the College. Their speech culminated with a surprise and their re-worked rendition of I Will Survive that featured new lyrics and left everyone in high spirits.

As we bid farewell to our graduating seniors, we are reminded of the enduring impact they have had on the Oxley community. We wish them God's blessing in all their upcoming endeavours and encourage them to carry the spirit of Oxley with them wherever they go.

For more photos of each of these events, visit Year 12 Final Events.

Festival of The Arts

The Festival transformed the College on Friday 6 October. The creativity of our talented Middle and Senior School students was showcased through captivating musical performances, engaging art exhibitions and impressive installations. The school swelled with countless visitors from both within and outside the Oxley community. And of course, the popularity of the ever-present sausage sizzle cannot go without mention. Thank you to Mr Jeffrey Clarke, Mr Ben Niemandt, and Ms Angela Peacock, and all those who contributed to the planning, coordination and delivery of an evening that was a resounding success by all accounts.

Senior School Exams

Senior School Exams are just around the corner with written VCE Exams commencing on Tuesday 24 October. Year 10 and 11 students will sit their exams on 13 to 17 November and Year 7 - 9 exams will take place between 20 and 23 November.

Exam Preparations Tips

As the exams are approaching for Senior School students, it’s crucial that they are well-prepared and equipped for success. Here are five key pointers for effective exam preparation:

Organise Your Revision and Study Schedule: Create a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject. Prioritise challenging topics and ensure that you leave ample time for close revision closer to the exam dates.
Revise, Revise, Revise: Looking through past tests, solving problems that were completed in class, participating in group discussions, ‘teaching’ concepts to others (or even your pet dog). Actively engaging the material that was covered in class and for homework will enhance your understanding of key concepts that may be covered in exams.
Effective Notetaking: This is something that should be done throughout the semester, but it is never too late to start. It is important to develop a process for taking clear and organised notes. As you revise, summarise complex concepts, highlight key points, and create visual aids that allow you to easily review important concepts in the lead up to exams.
Effective Time Management: Learn to manage your time efficiently by setting realistic goals, minimising distractions, and avoiding procrastination.
Seeking Guidance and Support: Actively seek guidance from your teachers. Teachers are available and eager to help you revise for your exams. Seek them out in class and during your free time so that they can provide you with valuable insights and ensure a better understanding of the material.

2023 Apprentice of the Year Award

Exciting news that former Oxley student, Joshua Winter, has been named 2023 Apprentice of the Year at the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT Awards. These awards recognise excellence within the vocational education and training sector, and they honour the outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, host employers, and group training organisations.

Upcoming Events

Event	Date
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Rehearsals	Tuesday 24 October
Year 10 Geography Fairtrade Excursion	Thursday 26 October
Year 9 Commedia Workshop	Friday 27 October
Year 10 Formal Dinner	Friday 27 October
Year 9 Samaritan’s Purse Excursion	Monday 30 October, Tuesday 31 October, Wednesday 1 November
Year 8 History Excursion	Wednesday 1 November
Year 10 Job Seeker Afternoon	Wednesday 1 November
Year 7 Instrumental Concert	Thursday 2 November
Year 10 and 11 Study Day	Friday 10 November
Year 10 and 11 Exams	Monday 13 to 17 November
Year 7-9 Exams	Monday 20 to Wednesday 23 November
Year 10 and 11 Head Start	Monday 20 to Wednesday 23 November

James Avram

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School

Year 12 Final Events

Photo Gallery

Final Assembly

Final Day

Valedictory Dinner