Senior School

Thank you for the part you and your family played in making Open Day 2022 such a fantastic day! After three years of waiting, it was an absolute delight to open the College to families and other visitors to showcase high quality Christian education. 

Students and staff worked hard to prepare for the festivities, with loads of work displayed, demonstration lessons, scrumptious food, and a plethora of high calibre music ensembles. The morning was a threatening grey and there were occasional sprinkles of condensation, but nothing could dampen the mood. 

The BPAC swelled with families viewing their children, grandchildren and others enjoying the hard work of the months of preparation and Music Camp, as the musicians brought the house down. Then a brief intermission before a new audience arrived to listen to Dr Peck, and our College Vice Captains, Sophie Gates and Jack Powell, who shared their personal experiences of Oxley in an engaging and highly articulate way. It was a source of great pride seeing such fine young people speaking passionately with strangers about their personal journeys and how they had been impacted by teachers, other students, and the love of Jesus Christ.

Visitors departed the Principal’s Address and were guided about the property in small tour groups and appeared well pleased with what they saw and heard. Even walking straight past the coffee van, without pause, to visit the Junior and Senior Schools, did not dampen their enthusiasm.

A real highlight of the day was the number of past students and retired staff members who returned to catch up with some of their teachers and share some time with other students of the same vintage in the Reunion Room.

A massive thank you to all students, staff and visitors who made this day so memorable and enjoyable!

During the days immediately before and after Open Day, our Year 7 and Year 9 students completed the National Assessment Program – Literacy And Numeracy (NAPLAN). Well done to all students who took part in this important national assessment, which provides valuable information to families and the College about each child’s progress, as well as allowing the College to consolidate data and view it in different formats to inform teaching practices. An enormous thank you to Miss Mel Haley for coordinating this important task, and to Mrs Jeannette Kotzé for her work in scheduling each day – two vital roles which happen in the background. We encourage all parents to spend time looking through the NAPLAN results when they are released later in the year, and discuss with the College, particularly if there are any concerns after two years of COVID-interrupted living.

Year 7 - 11 Examinations are also fast approaching, as I am sure your child has informed you. After two years without this form of assessment for students, we realise that there may be a level of nervousness, fear, or uncertainty for some. We encourage students to begin their preparations, if they have not already begun, to alleviate concerns and ensure that they are fully prepared. College Captain, Mattias Talpan, and College Vice Captain, Sophie Gates, spoke to all students at the recent Senior School Assembly, providing tips for preparation from their years of experience. Mr Stephen White is also running seminars to assist our younger members of the College community with approaches and ideas to help with their planning and organisation. Please continue to inform us of any challenges you are experiencing at home, through Home Group teachers, subject teachers, Year Level Coordinators, and other members of the Pastoral team. I believe that we all desire the same thing – a strong assessment result for your child earned through studious application and preparation, which accurately reflects their mastery of each subject and provides an idea of strengths and areas for greater focus. College Psychologist, Mrs Danielle Bruce, shares some tips on helping your child – go to the Exam Season article in this edition.

I continue to believe that it takes a village to raise a child and I thank you for placing your trust in us at Oxley Christian College. May the Lord continue to guide and watch over you and your family in all that you do, providing comfort, refuge, peace, and joy, now and always. It is reassuring to know that He delights in each of us and is interested in even the smallest of details.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

Greg Barker

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School