Senior School

The first term of the academic year is typically regarded by teachers and students as the busiest time of the year and Term 1 2023 has proven to be no exception. With camps, Investiture Assemblies, multiple excursions, information evenings and Sport carnivals, there was plenty on the calendar to keep everybody busy.

Senior School Investiture 

The Senior School Investiture Assembly is an exciting occasion in the life of Oxley Christian College, and it was a pleasure to formally acknowledge our leaders for 2023. It is always a delight to see young people answer the call to leadership, willing to develop and put to purpose their God-given talents in the service of others.

During the Assembly on Monday 13 February, our College Captains Alicia Barker and Thomas Steuart revealed the theme Year 12 students have chosen for 2023 of Surrender. They considered how surrender is an expression of faith in that we are each called to surrender all that we are, and all that we have been given to the glory of God. 

We congratulate all our leaders on their appointments and pray their roles challenge and mature them as God has planned. We will continue to pray for all our leaders as they embark upon this journey for 2023, to know that they are well supported, able to appropriately juggle their various priorities and clearly know God working through them in their respective roles. 

Term Events 

We extend our thanks to all who contributed to the success of the House Swimming Carnival, whether it be through organisation (thanks Mr Kotzé and team), event participation, supervision helping and sharing encouragement on the day. The day was marked by near-perfect weather, the sun may have been a little harsh on the skin for those who forgot to slip, slop and slap. Tabor Trojans took the 2023 House Swimming trophy home and the whole day had a great sense of camaraderie and House spirit that was enjoyed by all. 

Our House Athletics Carnival organisers kept a keen eye on the weather in the lead up to the event. The sky was a little pale and grey on the day, but the weather was calm and temperate and perfect for a full day of athletics on the field. Gibeon Warriors came through with roaring success taking home the House Athletics Trophy. 

The Year 7 Parents’ BBQ was a tremendous success, and our Year 7 parents were able to catch up with our Year 7 staff and other parents with children in the 2023 cohort. We thank Mr Cutler and Mr Goode for organising the event and for their contributions throughout the evening. 

Mrs Bell hosted the Year 10 Aqua Camp Information Evening in the BPAC this year. This was well attended and was laden with useful information to assist students and parents to sign up to the wide range of camp activities that were on offer. Thank you to Mrs Bell for a job well done, and to families for their participation. The camp was a tremendous success with staff and students reporting that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and that they were sorry that it all had to come to an end.

Mr Van Gaalen led his students and staff to the Kinglake Forest Adventure Camp this term where students were able to enjoy a range of outdoor activities that were aimed at building teamwork, resilience, tolerance, motivation and many other positive character traits. A great time was enjoyed by all with many happy memories shared of the beautiful ranges of Kinglake.

As we edge closer to the end of the term, we reflect on how we have been blessed, we give thanks to our staff, parents and students for the work that was done and all that is yet to come in the coming weeks.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Ephesians 3:20-21

James Avram

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School