Senior School
The atmosphere was alive with the knowledge of the upcoming event. The weather was superb, over a suitably damp course and both students and staff were ready for this long-awaited moment, the 2022 Senior School House Cross Country. The camaraderie and encouragement of all competitors by staff stationed along the way, peers running alongside, and teammates when contestants neared the finishing line was a delight to behold. It reinforced how much students are enjoying being back on campus in the school community. Go to the Senior Sport page in this edition of The Vine to read Mr Kotzé’s detailed report featuring some of the star individual
Long lines were a feature of the sausage sizzle at the Cross Country event and our thanks go to Miss Nicole Latham and Year 10 students for helping complement the festive environment with quality Aussie tucker. Congratulations to Mr Kotzé and the team that ably assisted him in organising such a great event, and to all students who participated, assisted or encouraged!
As we enter the month of June, it does not seem too long until we see the show of the year: The Little Mermaid, arriving for a limited time only to Oxley Christian College. Judging by the rehearsals taking place under the direction of Miss Claire Hogan, this promises to be a spectacular event showcasing on 3 August to 6 August. We thank and acknowledge all students and staff involved and their long-term commitment to this production. We know their families and friends will be greatly looking forward to enjoying the fruits of their labours.
The month of June also includes the first examinations for Years 7-11 for several years. We have worked hard as a College to prepare students for each examination academically, mentally and spiritually. Students in Years 7-10 have participated in a Back to Exams Seminar which featured practical tips from Mr Stephen White and some of our College leaders, and well-being tips from Mrs Danielle Bruce. Classroom teachers have provided a range of materials for revision and practice, to set students up for academic success. As a staff we have upheld and will continue to uphold students in prayer acknowledging that some young people will thrive on the challenge of examinations while for others there may be a higher level of fear, concern, or anxiety. We continue to emphasise that achieving a poor result in an examination does not mean that the subject will not be passed. Successful completion of a subject for the Semester will include review of all assessment tasks performed as well as general class participation and performance. We want all our students to enjoy the success and achievements that they have worked towards in all aspects of their lives and to celebrate their accomplishments with them.
It may also be worthwhile to place examinations in context, particularly as we continue to see members of the Oxley community suffering the effects of COVID-19, influenza and other ailments. We realise the impact this has on student preparations for examinations and other aspects of learning. It will be important when reviewing results, to consider this as part of the overall picture, and which may play a significant role in achievement levels obtained. We continue to prioritise wellbeing as the most important aspect of what we are about spiritually, mentally, physically and academically. Where students are known to be unwell, please continue to keep them at home to recover fully and avoid unnecessary spread of germs. In these cases, a result of Not Assessed (NA) will be awarded, simply to indicate non-attendance, which this year may apply in greater numbers than historically as we return to routine examinations.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement through the challenging times we have experienced together, which have not completely disappeared yet. It is greatly appreciated, and I trust you know the high regard in which we hold you, our families, as part of the Oxley community. Together, with God’s amazing love and power, we will prevail through any storm.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
Greg Barker
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School