Junior School
As the weather cools and the Autumn leaves change colour and fall, staff and students across our Junior School have kept themselves busy over the past few weeks leading up to our annual Open Day. Although the weather forecast looked dubious and grey skies loomed, God blessed us again by holding back the rain, and it was a delight to see so many families visiting the College and enjoying various activities and performances. Students appreciated the opportunity to showcase their learning environment, while Year 6 student ambassadors directed visitors around the property and welcomed families new to Oxley as they toured the school. We were also thrilled to see so many parents, grandparents, relatives, former staff and students join the day's celebrations. Thank you to all our families who took the time out of their weekend to attend the wonderful event. What a successful celebration of learning at Oxley!
In recognition of ANZAC Day, students reflected in class on the liberty and hope we enjoy as Australians, because of the sacrifice of many during times of war. The Dawn Service was well supported by families, and the contribution of all Junior School students, especially our leaders, was appreciated. Beautifully crafted ANZAC wreaths were placed by students from Prep–Year 6 beside the school's commemorative ANZAC poppy garden.
A highlight at Chapel in Week 2 and on our Open Day was the opportunity to unveil the new playground designs, which are arriving very soon. It was an absolute pleasure to hear squeals of delight as I revealed to our Junior School that not one, not two, but three new playgrounds are being installed. This will provide four separate play areas for Prep, Years 1/2, Years 3/4 and Years 5/6, along with beautiful landscaped recreational areas for our students to enjoy. I would like to thank all of our students for being incredibly patient and for learning to be resourceful while dealing with the lack of play space. Their patience will undoubtedly be rewarded with this incredible new equipment.
Our House Cross Country event was held on Wednesday, 10 May. Despite the soggy weather, students from Prep to Year 6 ran the course with a get-up-and-go attitude, encouraged by the cheers of peers and parents. After their race, many students enjoyed a delicious sausage in bread, raising funds for Amari, a Community Development Program in Uganda (www.amari.org.au). Approximately $750 was raised on the day. Thank you also to the parent volunteers who assisted with the BBQ.
As has been previously mentioned, our Raising Kids in A Digital World parent information session will be held on Thursday 18 May at 7.00pm at the College. Parents are encouraged to register and attend to hear our highly qualified and experienced presenters explore some important issues relating to e-safety. Due to the nature of the topics being discussed, this is a parent / carer only event, and we ask that you make alternative arrangements for your children, as they are not permitted to attend this event. If you haven’t already done so, I would encourage you to register for this event now.
Dates to Remember
Parents, we would like to take the opportunity to remind you that all Junior School students will not be expected at school on the following days:
- Student Free Day – Friday 9 June
- King's Birthday Holiday – Monday 12 June
Junior School students had the opportunity to attend and shop at our annual Mother's Day stall. There was excitement as they perused and selected the perfect gift for Mum. Thank you to Mr Ryan Van Gaalen and his team of Year 11 students who organised and ran this event to serve our Junior School. To all the mothers in our school community, I hope you have a lovely day on Sunday as you are celebrated and cherished by those around you. We are grateful for the role you play in the lives of our students. May God bless you on this special day.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'
Proverbs 31:25 – 26; 28-29
Amy Liddle
Head of Junior School