From the Principal

Dear Friends,

What a momentous last two weeks of term we have all experienced. Congratulations to our students and staff involved in so many events. We especially note the fabulous presentation of Disney’s Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. by the Junior School under the direction of Mr Jeffrey Clarke. As he says, such a production brings together all the arts into one comprehensive program of great fun and enjoyment. The production gave opportunity for our young students to display their considerable talents and teamwork. What a great way to close the term and to take advantage of our community’s enthusiasm to attend live performances. 

Thank you to our families who responded to the College survey. We are grateful for such a huge response and will factor these responses into our forward planning. Meanwhile, the Senior School is urgently looking for a teacher of English for next year. If our College families know of someone they could point towards our advertisements online or on the Oxley website, please let them know about the opportunity to join a great College.

Whatever our politics or views about a Constitutional Monarchy, one could hardly avoid the sense of loss felt around the world by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles’ tribute to his mother nailed the widely held sentiment of appreciation for a life of service built on Christian faith, Christian virtue and national traditions, alongside her embrace of progress. Our hope is that the new King will emulate her as an enduring champion of faith, hope and duty. Our political leaders have of course paid tribute to the late Queen as the head of the Westminster system of government and proclaimed the new King’s reign as part of the continuity and stability we inherit through this structure. My hope is that Australia’s leaders also remain in solidarity with the principles and traditions of service to others, and especially in our own exceptional calling at Oxley, to educate young people under the gracious providence and sovereignty of Christ. 

Events do take us by surprise. While we are often told to expect the unexpected, this is not really a natural human capacity. Even as we are aware that things are likely to happen, they can still cause us some shock or amazement. Biblical authors were well aware of this and repeatedly warned their readers about a great wonder or surprise, called ‘the day of the Lord’. Reference to this can be found in the biblical books of Joel 2, 1Thessalonians 5, Matthew 24 and 2 Peter 3. Happy reading! 

As you will probably realise by now, I take every opportunity to remind our community about the College being grounded in the Christian gospel. So, for now, on behalf of the College staff, I wish everyone a refreshing couple of weeks. We look forward to another wonderful term to conclude the College year under the grace and goodness of God.

Warm regards,

Douglas Peck