Senior School
Welcome to 2022 at Oxley!
It has been a delight to see the population at the College expand over the past month. During early January, only a few staff were onsite to ensure everything was in place for the year ahead. New staff then participated in a two-day Induction Program to learn of some of the nuances of Oxley and the high standards we aim to achieve. Heads of Faculty, Year Level Coordinators and other senior staff arrived, and the grounds began to feel a little more alive. All staff arrived for three valuable days of Professional Development, learning about individual students, and ensuring teaching and learning was optimally set up for our cohort. Finally the new school year began, with new students arriving and existing students returning for what we trust will be a safe, productive, and enjoyable 2022.
Year 7 commenced with a full day hosted by their Year Level Coordinator, Mr David Cutler, and four Home Group teachers: Ms Rebecca Dyson, Mrs Montana Ellis, Ms Clare Jones and Mr Paul Moseley. Students participated in a range of activities to assist them in getting to know each other, finding their way around the College, and generally settling in. They are a delightful group of young people, and we are thrilled they are a part of our community. We also enjoyed the opportunity to have an outdoor morning tea with many Year 7 parents who were able to take time away from work and other commitments – thank you for your patronage of this event.
Our first Senior School Assembly was conducted on the commencement day in a multi-modal approach with some students in the LMC Auditorium but most remaining in individual home rooms. It was obvious that students were glad to be back at school, enjoying their learning and social times as part of a wider community. We welcomed three new teaching staff: Mrs Gabrielle Bail teaching Drama and assisting with the Senior Production, Ms Clare Jones teaching Geography and History and Ms Sabrina Solomons teaching Science. Additional announcements included the appointment of Mr Gavin Fox to the role of Year 9 Coordinator, and Mrs Ryan van Gaalen as Year 11 Coordinator. We congratulate them on their acceptance of these vital roles.
For those new to the College, we highly value communications about any matters which are troubling you and encourage you to contact the pastoral team as required. They are truly amazing and a dedicated group of people consisting of Home Group Teachers, Year Level Coordinators, Mr David Cutler (Year 7), Mr Ric Gaschk (Year 8), Mr Gavin Fox (Year 9), Miss Nicole Latham (Year 10), Mr Ryan van Gaalen (Year 11), Miss Claire Hogan (Year 12), Mrs Danielle Bruce (College Psychologist), Ps Matt Daly (Chaplain), Mrs Sharon Sandison (Head of Learning Enhancement), and Mr Trevor Whittle (Head of Senior Students).
Year 11 and 12 students, together with Year 10 fast-track students attended a VCE Briefing conducted by Ms Adeline Lim, VCE Coordinator, where details were provided about rules and regulations of the VCE, and the support mechanisms which exist. An evening event will be conducted next week with a focus on VCE and Careers, with Ms Adeline Lim and Mrs Linda Doblin. Linda has a wealth of experience in working with our Senior students and we are thrilled to welcome Linda to the role of Careers Coordinator.
Year 12 students attended their Retreat at the beautiful Foothills Conference Centre. Under the supervision of Miss Claire Hogan and a team of staff, our most senior students participated in a range of activities. Mr Mike Rolls featured as the guest speaker and spoke on the very topical subject of Resilience, and its application to life within and beyond the VCE. A Corporate Challenge was hosted with competition strong between Houses affording House Captains and House Vice Captains an opportunity to utilise and refine their leadership. A panel of five former students from the 2021 cohort facilitated a Q&A on their experiences throughout their schooling with particular focus on the VCE. An excellent way to begin this final leg of Senior education, and ensure this year is put into context. I will never trivialise pressures that are felt in any year level, especially Year 12, but I will continue to believe that searching for balance between schoolwork, leisure, family, and time with God is an essential component of a truly satisfying life.
Psalm 118 (KJV) begins and ends with the same words:
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
Between these verses are some great promises and reminders on living life well in all situations including the following key to joy in
Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
May 2022 be a sensational year of joy and satisfaction for you and your family!
Greg Barker
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School