Senior School

The past few weeks have been a veritable whirlwind of activity, and yet, there is still so much more to come before we close off the 2023 academic year. Presentation Evening, Head Start, Year 7 Inductions, Activity Week, final chapels and assemblies along with a host of other thrilling events. 

Parents are reminded to secure their tickets for the 2024 Presentation Evening. As in previous years, the night is dedicated to giving thanks for the year that was, as we also honour and bid farewell to our remarkable Year 12 students, the Graduating Cohort of 2023. This special evening will also celebrate our Year 9s as they move from Middle Years through to their time in the Senior School. Teachers, parents and students will celebrate the myriad of student achievements that will be showcased by Oxley’s renowned Performing Arts team.

Year 7 Instrumental Music Concert

Once again, the recent Year 7 Instrumental Music Concert left us inspired. Though many of our students have never had the chance to read music or play an instrument in the past, they took to the challenges that were placed before them, practised and rehearsed for many long hours and bravely took to the stage in front of a large audience. Ensembles featuring guitar, strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion captivated and enchanted an audience filled with family, friends and faculty. 

It is hoped that the Oxley Instrumental Program will foster within each student a lasting love for music, whether as performers or simply instil a deeper understanding of the discipline that is required to master an instrument. 

A special mention and thank you to the Music staff and, of course, to all our sensational Year 7s for their efforts and many contributions to the Year 7 Instrumental Program throughout the course of 2023. Visit the Performing Arts page for photos and more on the event.

Year 10 Formal

On Friday 27 October, Year 10 students came together to celebrate the year with a Formal Dinner at Karralyka Centre. The evening’s events were punctuated with a host of captivating performances that included Alannah Moulton (10.3) presenting Sound of White by Missy Higgins and Abtin Taghi Bekloo (10.1) playing an original piece on electric guitar (using his non-injured fingers) and an off-key but hilarious rendition of some of Disney’s most iconic scores. 

The night featured light-hearted student awards, ranging from Most Likely to be Prime Minister to Most Likely to Fight Aliens from Outer Space. The evening concluded with a series of complicated and carefully choreographed dances, much to the delight of parents.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Nicole Bell, the Formal Committee, and our Masters of Ceremony Iann Luo (10.3) and Keira Jennings (10.3) for the evening. 

Special appreciation goes to all Year 10 students, not only for looking amazing, but also for their commendable (if at times ear-piercingly loud) behaviour.  Visit the Year 10 Formal page for a colourful display of photos of this event. 

Examinations

Examinations are underway, starting and wrapping up this week. VCAA Examinations for our Year 12s are now at an end as the rest of our Senior School students take to their final assessments for 2023. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Year 12s as they navigate the newfound freedoms and responsibilities. After 10 months of carefully coordinated and regimented study, testing and assessment, they have a few weeks brief respite as they await their final results. They will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we'll cherish the memories of their time with us here at Oxley.

Year 10 and 11 students completed their exams this week, as Year 7 to 9 students contemplate their upcoming examinations in the following week. We encourage parents to keep us informed of any unexpected changes in stress levels, moods, or actions within the household. While examinations are crucial for a well-rounded education, providing feedback on learning and a chance to hone skills, we prioritise the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of our students.

A Moment to Reflect

James 1:17 reminds us that 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

It is incredible to consider that we were all created with such careful attention, that even our talents and abilities were given to us by our Father in heaven with purpose. There’s a profound beauty in realising that these gifts come from Jehovah Jireh. That an engaged and personally invested God gave us all that we would need, whether it be a gift that we could develop or an interest that we could pursue to mastery, that would lead us to fulfilling a great purpose that He has set aside for each of us specifically.

As we go about our daily lives, as we attend to exams, wait for our results, rehearse for ensembles or presentation evening, let’s be mindful of the responsibility that comes with these divine gifts. They’re not just for our personal enjoyment but are meant to be shared in ministry as we act in faith and ask our Father to steer us towards His great mission.

Whether you have a way with words, a burgeoning musical talent, a flair for the creative, or a heart that yearns to care for others, remember that these treasures are meant to be offered back to God in service to Him, as an act of gratitude and enduring worship.

James Avram

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School