Senior School

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Myer windows are adorned with snippets of tales from Peter Rabbit, decorations abound in suburban streets, Christmas sales have commenced, traffic is busy and tickets are available for the Boxing Day Test. Closer to home, our Prep students presented their Nativity play and reminded us of the true meaning we celebrate at this time of year, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. There have been a range of other events also which indicate the Christmas season.

Year 9 students ventured down to Phillip Island for a day and, despite the traffic jams due to roadworks, had an exceptional time to conclude the year. The kayaking, canoeing, raft building, archery and team rescue challenges were great hits, and it was exciting to be able to enjoy camaraderie in this way. Thanks to Ms Rhiannon Coates for organising this great event. 

Year 7 students travelled to Forest Edge, near Neerim, to enjoy time in a different setting, bonding in a variety of activities, including 9 Square in the Air, trampolining, riddle regaining, disc golf and hut building. Thanks to Mr Trevor Whittle for organising this treat.

Lysterfield Lake was overrun with our Year 8 students who engaged in kayaking and mountain biking, as well as a walk, encouraging each young person to consider their journey with God. We thank Mr Ric Gaschk for his planning to see this exciting excursion become a reality.

While the Year 7 students enjoyed their end of year excursion, Mr David Cutler welcomed the students who will form the Graduating Class of 2027 to Oxley Christian College. More than 40 students from other primary schools joined current Year 6 students on campus to get to know each other and become part of the Oxley Community. We welcome all our Year 7 students for 2022 and trust they feel prepared for a good break and then six joyful years of education with us.

Music students performed to an exceptional level at the two recent Senior Gala Performance evenings. From the first violin and vocal performance to the final rendition of The Blessing, it was sensational to be able to conduct live shows again. Thank you to the Performing Arts Department and congratulations to all students involved for such a moving and entertaining evening.

Presentation Evening was conducted differently to previous years. We were glad to be able to host the evening in the LMC Auditorium and the venue provided a greater sense of intimacy than normal, which I am sure our families of Year 12 students greatly enjoyed. For families who watched remotely, thank you for your participation and I hope that next year we will be able to unite again as a whole College community. Thank you to the Presentation Evening Planning Team for their enormous commitment, flexibility, innovation and tenacity in ensuring that a high quality, formal recognition of significant achievements ran smoothly, and fittingly concluded the Senior School journey for the Class of 2021.

Final Assembly marked the final event in the student calendar, and it was an honour to address students and families for the last time in 2021. Thank you to all involved in the compilation of this ceremony. I applaud the exceptional behaviour of our young people, which highlights their commitment to participate, to appreciate and celebrate others’ achievements. We thank you, our families, for your partnership in raising up a generation of outstanding young human beings. We acknowledge that none of us are here by accident, but rather are united by the grace of God and called for His purposes. I am constantly amazed at the people He has created that I am blessed to interact with. 

As we look forward to some quality planning time for 2022, and a break to celebrate Christmas, we thank you for your support and understanding, and your commitment to seeing your children educated in a quality Christian school. May Christmas be a safe and joyous time, where you feel the love of our Saviour.

Looking back upon the last two years, it has been evident by what has happened across the world, and even in our backyard, that we have been greatly blessed with safety and protection. In closing, I would like to honour and acknowledge God for His goodness and grace. I believe He has looked after us, not because He was required to, not because we deserved it, but because He loves us and chose to protect us for His reasons. We look forward to catching up again next year.

Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD. Psalm 117

Greg Barker

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School 

Excellent Equestrian Results for Hannah

Congratulations to Hannah Steer (8.2) on successfully completing both the - Equestrian Australia - Horse Management and Equestrian Australia - Horse Riding courses this year.

She excelled in both the practical and written assessments. Well done Hannah!