The Vine – Vol 2, 19th February 201

The Newsletter of
Oxley Christian College
Issue No 2
19th February 2015
From The Principal
Bright Summer at Oxley
There is something about the blue skies and clear light of
summer which brightens our outlook. In the first four weeks
of school, we have been wonderfully impressed by the
bright expression of positivity and sense of anticipation from
our students. It is a delight to be amongst them.
Off campus learning makes the most of the hot weather with
many camps and sports competitions scheduled in Term 1.
A superb summer day, a sparkling outdoor pool and good
spirited competition ensured a very enjoyable day at the
Inter-House Swimming Sports last week. Gibeon Warriors
(Red House) were victorious, in the first of this year’s battles
for the coveted Inter-House shield. The Year 4-6 Swimming
Sports were held yesterday but results were unknown at the
time of the writing deadline for The Vine.
Year 11 and Year 12 have returned from their respective
camps which were successfully held in new venues this year.
Year 10 are away this week enjoying perfect weather for the
tremendous aquatic pursuits for which this camp program
is legendary. Next week, Year 6 travel to Canberra for their
focus on the Parliament and the nation’s capital. The multiage Senior Music Camp, also scheduled next week, involves
students from Years 7-12 in the concert band, choir, string
and vocal ensembles.
Another avenue for student collaboration and service
is leadership. The students in both Junior, Middle and
Senior years have voted for teams of leaders from their
respective cohorts and enthusiastically congratulated
them at Investiture Assemblies. At Oxley, we know that
students at all year levels regularly show leadership in the
way they support each other. We particularly congratulate
the College Captains; Tahlie Arena and Timothy Ong, and
Vice Captains; Anita Odd and Brayden Smith, along with
the Junior School Captains; Lauren Dickens and Zac Jarrot,
and Junior Vice Captains; Ella Whiting-Le Cras and Mitchell
Rippingale.
We have enjoyed Information Evenings with Junior School
parents, and Senior School parents. Parents of Year 7
students will hopefully enjoy a balmy summer evening
tomorrow, as they get together for a barbeque at the Oxley
Enviro Barn.
As students, parents and staff settle into the activities of
the year, we trust that a brightness of outlook will remain.
For those who are facing major challenges, we trust that
there will be strength to draw from this Christian school
community where we seek the bright presence of God’s
Spirit in everything we do.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. Against such things there is no law.” Galatiaons 5:22
Red House Captains Chris Holland, Bethany Ashley-Cooper, Blake Binion & Anita Odd display their winning trophy
Sally Broadley
Cambodia
As Australians living in a developed
country we take so many things
for granted. The water we drink,
the clean streets, the health
care services and much more,
yet how many of us really stop
and appreciate these incredible
resources we are given.
At the beginning of January, a
team of twelve students and three
teachers from Oxley Christian
College took the brave step to go
over to Cambodia for ten days. We
all felt nervous, anxious and had no
idea what to expect. However, as
soon as we all reached the airport
and Cambodia was in arm’s reach,
the adventure began and nerves
disappeared. This trip turned out
to be an experience which we will
never forget.
We arrived in Phnom Penh (the
capital city of Cambodia) on our
first day and as soon as we stepped
off the plane the culture shock
hit us. The roads, the smells, the
people and the sheer difference of
landscape between Australia and
where we were now.
For the first couple of days of our
trip, we were based around Phnom
Penh where we were introduced
to the history of Cambodia and
the reign of Pol Pott and the
Khmer Rouge. As a group, we felt
an overwhelming sense of love
towards the people of Cambodia,
our hearts went out to them as
they went through so much pain
and heartbreak.
One particular historical site which
we went to was the Killing Fields.
The Fields had an eerie and
solemn atmosphere about it, as
this was the place where the Khmer
Rouge would kill innocent people,
their own people, on the order of
Pol Pott. We all experienced a
small insight into the reality these
people went through, which then
changed the whole way we viewed
the rest of the trip.
once told
“meA‘Ifriend
believe that as
Australians we are
the ones in poverty
because we lack social
interaction, happiness
and the real meaning
of life’.
,,
The middle part of the trip was
made up of our team visiting many
projects throughout the provinces
in Cambodia. We all had our own
highlights and moments where
we were blown away by either
the people or the environment.
However, as a group, I believe
we all found the distribution of
shoeboxes an experience like no
other. We went to three different
Shoebox Distribution Centres
and each had its own unique and
personal touch. Although they
were different they all had one
thing in common - happiness. On
all the faces of the kids you could
see sheer happiness, shock and
utter disbelief that this whole box
filled with gifts and toys was just
for them. The place filled with
delighted screams and shouts with
everyone trying to tell each other
what they got. The air was filled
with a sense of bliss and enjoyment,
stirring something in all of us.
Another highlight was teaching at a
rural school. We all had a different
lesson to teach from sport, music,
maths and art. Teaching kids who
did not understand English was
a big fear for all of us, however,
it worked out perfectly. The kids
understood what we were trying to
teach and we all bonded with them
throughout our lessons.
There are so many more
experiences and memories such
as painting the water tank, the
Maternal and Education Centre
and just playing with the local
kids. It is really hard to sum up
all that we went through and saw,
however, the time in Cambodia
was something we will never
forget. It opened our eyes to the
reality of life and the things we take
for granted. A friend once told me
“I believe that as Australians we
are the ones in poverty because we
lack social interaction, happiness
and the real meaning of life”. This
is so very true. The things which
Cambodia has done for us is
showing us we need to be grateful
for the things we have, to care and
love for one another and to stop
living for ourselves and start living
for others.
Becky Hodgkin (12.8)
Senior School
Junior School
This week at our Assembly we welcomed the Honourable
Mrs Christine Fyffe, the Member for Evelyn, to our
Investiture Assembly. It is a pleasure to host the former
Speaker of the Victorian Parliament again. She, along
with Mrs Broadley, congratulated the 2015 Middle Years
Leaders, House Captains and other Student Leaders.
You will find the names of those students invested and
photographs of the event in this edition of the Vine.
Our students have confidently settled into the routine
of school now that we have almost completed Week
4. Expectations have been set, students are producing
work of a high standard and homework routines have
commenced.
Mrs Fyffe, in her short address, emphasised the very point
that we often wish to reinforce at this stage of the year.
While some students may have recognised positions, real
leadership can sometimes have very little to do with those
who are in ‘official positions’. Rather, most individuals
have opportunities to display leadership in the way they
interact with others, stand up for the oppressed and
serve others with humility. These themes were also taken
up by our school Captains in their response.
A reflection on the last few weeks seems to focus on the
Information Nights we have hosted (for VCE parents, for
parents of Year 7 students, and in the lead up to Year
10 Camp and Year 9 City Cite), and the very successful
swimming carnival which was held in beautiful weather at
the Croydon outdoor pool. The key ‘calendar event’ this
week is the Year 10 Camp – this camp generally forms key
memories for students as they learn new skills and face
personal challenges.
Next week the key event is the Music Camp – this is the
only school camp which includes students from many
different year levels, and it is particularly for this reason
that the camp is usually most memorable. In the week
which follows we will also enjoy our Inter-House Athletics
Carnival (Thursday 5th March).
Finally, it was interesting to note that two different short
messages both referred to 1 Timothy 4 this week at our
Assembly. Verses 12-16a provide great advice for all of
our students:
“And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re
young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by
demeanour, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your
post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that
special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders
of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that
dusted off and in use.
Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The
people will all see you mature right before their eyes!
Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your
teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it.”
Geoff Roberts-Thomson
Deputy Principal - Head of Senior School
It was wonderful to spend time with the Prep students
last week and participate in a time of praise and worship.
The students were asked how we can show praise to God
- singing, dancing, praying, clapping and making things
for God were some of the responses. Two Prep students
were presented with a Student of the Week award! They
were very excited and proud of their achievements. We
look forward to welcoming our Prep students to Chapel
soon!
Yesterday the Year 4-6 students participated in the House
Swimming Sports at the Kilsyth Centenary Pool. We were
blessed with fine weather and a spirit of encouragement
and celebration was evident amongst our students, staff
and parents. Thank you to Mrs Emma Ashmore for her
organisation of this event. Congratulations to all students
on their participation and achievements.
Junior School leaders for 2015 will have been invested
at our Chapel service today. You will find the names of
those students invested and photographs of the event
in this edition of the Vine. There are many opportunities
for students to build their leadership skills at Oxley, both
within the classroom and beyond. From serving in Home
Group and in the Green Team, students across many
year levels can lead and be an example to others. We
celebrate our 2015 student leaders and wish them all the
best in their role.
We pray for safe travels as our Year 6 students look
forward to their Canberra Camp next week. The camp
provides students with the opportunity to enhance
their knowledge and understanding of historic and
contemporary Australian Society and to explore our
political past and modern democracy at the old and new
Parliament Houses.
Parent / Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 3rd and
Thursday 5th March. These interviews help to strengthen
our partnership with parents and allow for the sharing
of information about your child. A letter has been sent
home with instructions on how to book interviews online.
Please call the office on 9727 9900 during office hours if
you require assistance with this process.
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with
thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30 (NIV)
Sharee Gaiser
Head of Junior School
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Extract from the Emergency Management Plan
•threat of continuing fires
•unsafe access
•potential smoke, water contamination or building
safety concerns
School opening
Following a bushfire incident schools that have been
closed can only reopen with the approval of the
Principal. Parents, students and staff will be advised
when schools will be opened via a recorded message
on our afterhours answering service, an SMS and a
notice on our website.
During heightened fire danger
In the light of expected ongoing hot and dry weather
conditions, we have provided for parents an extract
of the procedures that will apply to Oxley Christian
College (OCC) and Oxley Kids (OK) in the event a Code
Red (Catastrophic) fire danger day is announced or
there are fires affecting the travel of students, parents
and staff to and from school. Parents are requested
to familiarise themselves with the procedures and any
questions can be referred to the Office Manager on
9727 9900.
Early communication is vital
In the event of a bushfire, the prime consideration is
the safety of students, teachers, staff and parents.
During such an event, considerable confusion and
worry may be prevented if the people concerned know
the procedures to be adopted. OCC (and OK) will seek
to ensure that all parents and other school community
members are aware of these procedures. Parents and
staff will be asked to familiarise themselves with these
procedures and to discuss them with students.
Triggers for School closure
Planned or Pre-emptive closure: When Emergency
Services declare a Code Red (Catastrophic) fire danger
day and advise that fire safety plans are to be enacted,
the Principal will advise parents that the school will
enact its Emergency Management Plans and closure
notification processes. This includes activating the
communication tree and may involve advising local ABC
radio and/or by SMS to inform all parents, students,
staff and others providing services to the school of the
proposed closure. Other communications may include
bus operators, suppliers, support agencies, etc.
Immediate closure: Emergency Services may instruct a
school to close immediately in response to an imminent
fire threat.
Continuing closure: The Principal or Department of
Education and Training may require a school remain
closed due to:
Parents/guardians should arrange to collect their
children from:
•Bus Stops – if students are passengers
•School – if students cycle or walk to school
Students should be housed in their Home Group rooms
and moved to the main building if necessary to ensure
they are accessible and safe. All teachers must maintain
an accurate record of students to enable the school to
account for missing or extra students. Coordinating
teachers will communicate with staff and bus transport
authorities to facilitate students coming to designated
locations to join their parents. Students must only be
released to an authorised person. Staff must crosscheck with the student database which records the
name of the person(s) authorised to pick up a student.
Students travelling by public bus
Oxley Christian College does not own or operate a
School bus. However, if a fire occurs during school
time in a declared fire zone, ALL students on possible
affected bus routes will be held at the school until the
all-clear is given.
Family Fire Safety Plan
It is important that all families (particularly those in
bushfire prone or high risk areas) have a family fire
safety plan that aligns with their school Emergency
Management Plan.
The family fire safety plan
should include information about alternative care
arrangements for children in the event that school and
children’s services are closed with some warning. The
family fire safety plan should be practiced so families
are familiar with the procedures to be followed in a
bushfire.
More information
•Local Government Authority
•Victorian Bushfire Information Line (24 hours) on
1800 240 667
•ABC Radio regularly broadcasts bush fire activity
in consultation with relevant authorities as do local
radio stations in rural areas.
Investiture
Student Leaders 2015
Senior School Captains
Tahlie Arena & Timothy Ong
Senior Vice Captains
Anita Odd & Brayden Smith
Senior Leaders:
Rachel Aing
Anita Odd
Tahlie Arena
Timothy Ong
Beth Ashley-Cooper
Brayden Smith
Blake Binion
Kim Smith
James Cummings
Brooke Soffici
Aaron Di Placido
Tristan Stelzer
Becky Hodgkin
Mathew Weller
Senior Drama Captain
Terence Ng
Senior Chapel Captain
Mathew Weller & Abigail Vos
Senior Music Captain
Tahlie Arena & Timothy Ong
International Captains
Thi Phuong Hoa (Sam) Nguyen & Chaoyi (Tim) Chen
Middle Years Leaders
Angel Aing
Sarah Jones
Phillip Cabral
Paige Kakolyris
Andrew Enache
Jaimee Radley
Alan Flint
Melissa Rupert
Richard Friswell
Lachlan Stevenson
Rachael Hallang
Liam Ting
Amaleigh Heads
Junior School Captains
Lauren Dickins & Zac Jarrott
Junior School Vice Captains
Ella Whiting-Le Cras & Mitchell Rippingale
Junior School Music Captain
Ruby Peacock
Senior House Captains
Junior House Captains
Gibeon Warriors (Red) House
Gibeon Warriors (Red) House
Blake Binion (Captain)
Benjamin Greaves (Captain)
Bethany Ashley-Cooper(Captain)
Jacqueline Richardson (Captain)
Chris Holland (Vice Captain)
Anita Odd (Vice Captain)
Tabor Trojans (White) House
Tabor Trojans (White) House
Jaraad Knapp (Captain)
Harry Mitchell (Captain)
Georgia Fredericks (Captain)
Rachael Allan (Captain)
Eric Engele (Vice Captain)
Xanthia Ireson (Vice Captain)
Zion Crusaders (Blue) House
Zion Crusaders (Blue) House
Aaron Di Placido (Captain)
Jeremy Kakolyris (Captain)
Nikki Canov (Captain)
Emma Dowling (Captain)
Kyle Braun (Vice Captain)
Brooke Soffici (Vice Captain)
Year 11 Camp
Year 11s went to Camp Manyung, Mt Eliza from 4th - 6th
February. With beautiful, and slightly hot, weather to
accompany us, we took part in activities such as going
on a giant swing, making pizzas, taking part in the tree
top challenge and low ropes course. At night, we were
able to have some fun doing different challenges and
games. One of the highlights from camp was the water
fight we had with the water guns we brought from
home. This camp gave an opportunity to strengthen
friendships already made and the chance to make new
friends as we got to know each other better. Overall, it
was a fun camp and a great way to start the year.
Sam Radford (11.15)
Year 12 Camp
From Wednesday 4th - Friday 6th February, the Class
of 2015 had the privilege of staying at Camp Adanac
Christian Youth Centre. During this time, we discovered
the abundance of promises and endless possibilities
that God has planned for our future. There were many
motivational speakers, including a successful business
entrepreneur who graduated from Oxley, telling us
about the difference he’s making to the many lives in
Kenya, and the Year 12 team who took the opportunity
to go to Cambodia over the Christmas holidays and
make a difference there. In addition to this, our days
at Adanac were overflowing with other team building,
challenging, and fun activities. This included a flying
fox (spanning over a lake, no less), a water trampoline,
a raft building challenge, and a waterslide. For the
cherry on top, each Home Group had the opportunity
to show off their creative abilities and make a Home
Group banner, with a uniform theme and uplifting verse
from the Bible to show our direction for the year.
Many fun moments were had, fears overcome, and
opportunities taken, all to make Year 12 Camp the most
compelling and insightful camp we’ve ever had.
Tristan Stelzer (12.6)
What Did You Do at School Today?
Preps
The Preps had fun meeting Mrs McDonald and
exploring the new Numicon equipment. They had time
to investigate and make discoveries. Here is what they
found:
Blake “the blue shape has 10 circles”
Cammy “I made 10 with a purple one and an orange one”
Elijah “there are friends that pack up together except for
one piece – the red one, it has 5 holes”
Year 1
Year 1 have continued to settle in well to their new classes.
The children have enjoyed exploring their new Numicon
kits, observing the different colours and shapes and
experimenting as to which pieces fit together. As part of
Literacy, the Year 1s have considered the components of
a narrative, and have begun to write and illustrate their
own. We have also continued our theme of friendship,
focusing on the question “How can I be a good friend?”
The children have many fantastic ideas to share about
this.
Year 2
The last two weeks have been very exciting in Year 2.
Not only have we been busy working on our English
and learning about different locations, but we have also
been exploring something new! We have been using our
Numicon Shapes to explore numbers. We made posters
highlighting all of our discoveries and now we are using
our problem solving skills to make predictions about
which shapes are in the mystery bags.
Year 3
Things have started heating up in the Year 3 classrooms!
We watched penguins and snow monkeys to see how
they keep warm. We have been thinking about ways to
warm up and identifying and classifying heat sources.
We are also keeping a science journal with all our ideas
and results from investigating heat. In PE, 3AL played
3LL in our first Tournament of Medical Warfare. It was
a fierce game with 3AL finishing with a 2 - 0 victory. We
can’t wait for the next game!
Year 4
In Year 4 we have been scientists, investigating the earth
beneath our feet. We have examined rock and soil
samples to discover what they are made of and if there
are different types. During our inquiries, we loved making
predictions about which rock would sink or float in water
and were amazed at how many different colours, shapes
and sizes they can be. We are in awe of God’s creation! I
Year 5
So what is the big deal about gold anyway? That’s the
question Year 5s have been discussing in class. Many of
the students were surprised that gold is so ductile and
that one troy ounce can be stretched into 80 metres
of wire. Gold is also very soft and malleable, allowing
one ounce to be pressed out into nine square metres
of gold leaf, which is thinner than tissue paper. Gold is
used in electronics due to its wonderful ability to conduct
electricity and it is also used for insulation in space crafts
as well as office windows. Gold does not rust, corrode or
lose its lustre and apart from all of that, it is also used for
jewellery, art, coinage and of course grandpa’s fillings! It
is also extremely rare. Year 5s all agree that gold deserves
to be made a big deal of!
Year 6
What a Splash! We loved participating in the Year 5/6
Swimming Sports yesterday. The newly appointed House
Captains worked hard to organise their team members
and to lead them in an enthusiastic chant. At Chapel
today, our Junior Captains, Vice Captains, Music Captain
and House Captains were invested. It was lovely to have
their family members join us for the Investiture Chapel
and afternoon tea. In class, we are busy learning about
government and democracy in preparation for our school
trip to Canberra next week. While in Canberra we are
looking forward to visiting Questacon and the National
Institute of Sport. Fun!
Oxley Scholarships 2016
Oxley Christian College is pleased to offer a range of
academic scholarships for 2016.
Academic scholarships will be offered to students who
demonstrate special abilities in a range of academic
areas and a willingness to contribute fully to the life and
Christian ethos of the school.
Current Oxley students will be eligible to apply for
scholarships where the student is currently in Year 6 and
will enter Year 7 in 2016, or students currently in Year 9
and entering Year 10 in 2016.
Further details regarding scholarships are now available
on our school website:
http://www.oxley.vic.edu.au/scholarships
Scholarship brochures can be downloaded from the
website or collected from the main school reception.
Applications must be completed online, directly to
ACER (external scholarship testing body) via the link on
our website. Registrations will be opened from Friday
20th February and close on Wednesday 6th May 2015.
Scholarship testing will take place on Saturday 16th
May 2015.
Adeline Lim
Gifted and Talented Education Coordinator
Administration
Resource Centre
Important Information regarding Victoria’s Student
and Concession travel ticketing
It’s wonderful to see so many Junior School students
eager to borrow books at the beginning of the year.
The new Pick ‘n Click feature in the catalogue is proving
helpful to students who want to independently choose
books but are unsure about topics they are interested
in and whether they would prefer a fiction or non-fiction
book in their areas of interest.
Proof of concession entitlement
All students aged 17 years and over, or those requiring
a half yearly or yearly Student Pass (regardless of age),
are required to obtain a Victorian Public Transport (VPT)
Student Concession Card as proof of their concession
entitlement. Application forms are available from the
student reception desk.
Students 16 years and under, who do not wish to
purchase a Student Pass are not required to obtain a VPT
Student Concession Card but can still get a child myki for
concession travel.
Further information can be obtained by visiting:
ptv.vic.gov.au.
Parking Reminder
Junior School students will again have an opportunity to
participate in the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge
for 2015. In 2014, 97 students read a total of 4,952 books
to complete the Challenge. Can we do even better this
year? Registration forms will be sent home soon. Note
that any reading completed since 1st January can be
included. In addition, for Prep – Year 2, books read to,
and with, students can also be counted.
Students who completed the 2014 Challenge may be
interested in seeing their names on the Honour Roll
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/events/prc/
Pages/honourroll.aspx.
Ruth Hogg
Resource Centre Manager
Music
We have had another great start to the year with new
students attending lessons and many students joining
our ensembles.
We take this opportunity to remind you about the Oxley
guidelines for car parking.
•Drive slowly and observe the speed limits at all times
on the property.
•There is no car access to the Tear Drop Car Park area
for student drop off or collection. Parents may park in
the Tear Drop only for emergencies or during school
hours to access the Administration Office.
•All parking and student drop off/collection is available
on either side of LMC Church. Please look out for
pedestrians.
•All students in Prep – Year 4 are to be collected from
the ‘Yellow Square’ outside the Year 5/6 classrooms.
Parents need to walk to the ‘Yellow Square’ to collect
children. Please don’t call them to the car or crossing
area.
•Signed areas (for buses, handicapped, staff, deliveries,
emergency / first aid) should be respected at all times.
•Vehicle tyres should not encroach on any grassed areas.
•Oxley strongly prefers all parking to be on the
College property.
If on occasion you need to
park outside the school grounds, please be
respectful of our neighbours and park safely.
We thank you for respecting these guidelines and
ensuring the safety of others.
Music Camp will take place from Thursday 26th February
to Saturday 28th February. Students who were in our
ensembles in 2014, along with any new students joining
our ensembles have been invited to attend this camp.
Ensembles involved will include Sinfonia, Camerata,
Concert Band, Vocal Ensemble and Senior Choir. It
promises to be a great camp and this year the students
will have the opportunity to rehearse in sectionals as
extra music teachers will be popping in to assist.
Auditions have been held for our Vocal Ensemble. All
students did a great audition. Congratulations to those
who were successful. For those who were unsuccessful
this year, please do not be disheartened. Everyone did
well and we would love to see you audition again next
year.
Although our timetables are now set for Term 1, we still
have vacancies in a number of different instruments.
Enrolments are now being accepted for Term 2 tuition.
If you would like to learn, please fill in the Music Tuition
Application Form on the Parent Portal of the Oxley
website or speak to Mrs Peacock in the BPAC.
Students who are already enrolled in lessons in Term 1 are
encouraged to write their times in their diaries to assist
remembering their lesson time. Junior students can also
ask their teacher if they have a system in their classroom
to help prompt them to leave for their lesson on time.
For those having private instrumental lessons, please
remember to advise the Performing Arts Administrator
if a student cannot make it to a music lesson for any
reason. This is very important, even when off on a school
activity or excursion, otherwise the lesson is counted as a
charged lesson. The phone number to call is 9727 9675.
Angela Peacock
Performing Arts & Events Administrator
Oxley Kids Update
Oxley Kids is now open and has vacancies in all age
groups.
We are now able to offer extended care from
6.30am to 6.30pm from 18 weeks of age to Grade 6,
as well as sessional kindergarten.
History
Oxley ANZAC Stories
In 1993, my Uncle Pat first
heard of Private Jack
Dunn, my granddad’s
uncle. Granddad had
never spoken of his Uncle
Jack, a New Zealander
who died fighting at
Gallipoli in 1915. Jack
was one of the ANZACs
who landed on Gallipoli
on 25th April, 1915. He
kept a diary, even though
journals and diaries were
forbidden. Thanks to this
diary, and the letters and
journals of some of his
friends, our family now
understands a little more about Jack Dunn and our own
family history. In brief, Jack fought on the front lines at
Gallipoli as a machine gunner. He fell ill with dysentery in
July and was sent to a field hospital. He discharged
himself and returned to his post, to be with his mates.
Jack went on sentry duty, but was not relieved, and fell
asleep. He was discovered by an officer, charged, and
found guilty of dereliction of duty. He was sentenced to
death by firing squad, but this was remitted and Jack
returned to his unit. Jack was the only New Zealander to
be sentenced to death at Gallipoli. Three days later, he
was part of the last major allied offensive at Gallipoli, an
attempt to take the summit of Chunuk Bair. He never
returned from that battle, and was one of many casualties
as Kemal Ataturk led his own forces to retake the hill.
Jack has no known grave. Like almost all of the ANZAC
deaths, Jack’s passing had a profound influence on the
place in which he grew up. So many of the ANZACs came
from small towns, so they were usually well known and
widely mourned. I am grateful to have had the opportunity
to learn about one of my ancestors, and the part he
played during the Great War.
If you would like a tour or to enrol your child in our
toddler, pre-school program or Before and After
School Care, please contact us on 9727 9200 or
email: office@oxleykids.vic.edu.au.
Kim Sopar
Oxley Kids Director
Boundaries with Kids Course in Term 2
When: Wednesday nights for 6 weeks
beginning 22nd April
Where: The Green Room at Oxley Kids
Cost: $25.00 per person.
Enquires and bookings please phone
Life Ministry Centre (LMC) 9726 8111
Sport
Senior Sport Report
Oxley Netball Excellence Squad
We all have family stories. Many of us will have an ANZAC
story. If you would like to share your story with the school
community as part of our remembrance of Gallipoli 100
years on, please contact me through the school office or
via email at: swhite@oxley.vic.edu.au
Oxley is pleased to reoffer our Netball
training squad for 2015. Participants
should be in Years 7–12, already play club
netball and want to improve their skills.
Training will be one morning per week
from Terms 2–4 on either Monday or
Thursday morning from 7.20–8.20am. The squad will
enter the Victorian School Netball Championships played
at State Netball and Hockey Centre later in the year. An
external expert netball coach will conduct the squad. For
any interested students or parents please contact Gavin
Fox or Frederik Kotze at the College. By now you would
have received an information letter. Numbers are limited
so get in quick if you love and play the game and want to
take it to another level!
Steven White
Head of History
Gavin Fox
Senior Sport
House Swimming results
Years 7-12 Inter-House Swimming
The Inter-House swimming was held at the Croydon
Memorial Outdoor Swimming Pool in mild weather
that suited both swimmers and spectators. All three
Houses were well represented in the pool with some
great performances in all age groups. The highlight of
the day was the performance by Luke Pattison (11.15) in
the 200m Individual Medley when he broke a 10 year old
record by almost 12 seconds!
The event finished in style with a novelty event by our
new House Captains and Vice Captains who then
finished off the day with a House chant demonstration.
The day started well for the Crusaders (Blue House) who
managed to pull ahead but the Gibeon Warriors (Red)
finished strongly to win the competition for the first time
in four years. The points are shown below.
Points
Place
Gibeon Warriors (RED)
1154
1st
Zion Crusaders (BLUE)
1108
2nd
Tabor Trojans (WHITE)
988
3rd
Congratulations to the Warriors, for becoming the new
champions after the Crusaders held the trophy for three
years in a row. The Warriors previously held a 12 year reign.
All students who competed are to be congratulated for
their contribution to their team’s points.
Champion Swimmers
In particular, the following Group Champions are to
be recognised for their outstanding efforts as they
represented their respective houses.
Girl Swimming Champions Boy Swimming Champions
Year 7
1st – Zoe Sibley
1st – Erin Weller
3rd –Natalie Biedrzycki
1st – William Wilson
2nd – Finn Smith
3rd – Alfred Cunningham
Year 8
1st – Chanse Mathers
2nd – Claudia Schulz
3rd – Ashley Woodroofe
1st – Ash Anderson
2nd – Hamish MacDonald
3rd – Nathan Arena
Year 9
1st – Emma Townley
2nd – Elise Sibley
3rd – Briallen Weinmann
1st – Aaron Levey
2nd – Lucas De Groot
3rd – Jack Dowling
Year 10
1st – Lara Sherar
2nd – Ava-Michelle Closter
3rd – Kate Stebbins
1st – Callum Harley
2nd – Jordan Shean
3rd – Mathew Smith
Open
(Year
11 & 12)
1st – Clare MacDonald
2nd – Tahlie Arena
3rd – Becky Hodgkin
1st – Luke Pattison
2nd – Mathew Weller
3rd – Tom Gates
Students selected to represent Oxley at the EISM
Division 2 Swimming Competition will be informed
regarding their place in the events. The date for this
competition is Tuesday 10th March 2015. Swimmers will
depart for Nunawading Aqualink after the start of the
school day.
Frederik Kotze
Head of Sport
Head of Sport
Notice Board
2015 Calendar
Tue-Fri
17-20
Year 10 Camp
EISM Years 10-12 Round 2
Gate 7, 15-49 Old Melbourne Rd
Ph: 9727 3994
Wednesday
18
Years 4-6 Swimming Sports
Years 8-9 Athletics trials
commence
Tuesdays & Thursdays (term time)
8.15 - 9.00am & 1.00 - 4.30pm
Thursday
19
Junior Investiture
School at Work
Friday
Monday
Tue-Fri
Wednesday
Thu-Sat
Friday
20
23
24-27
25
26-28
27
Tuesday
Wednesday
3
4
Year 7 Parent BBQ
Year 10 Study Seminar
Year 6 Camp
EISM Years 10-12 Round 3
Music Camp
Athletics House Meetings
Junior School Parent Teacher
Interviews
EISM Years 10-12 Round 4
Years 7-12 Inter House Athletics
Feb
UNIFORM SHOP
Uniform regulations and price list are
available at the Office or online at:
http://www.bobstewart.com.au
OXLEY KIDS
Offering Day Care, sessional kindergarten,
toddler and pre-school programs plus
Before and After School Care.
Mar
Open 6.30am - 6.30pm
Division Swimming
9727 9200
CLASSIFIEDS
The Oxley Classifieds are a convenient way
to buy and sell items (directly related to the
education of your child) such as textbooks,
uniform and musical instruments.
To advertise or purchase second-hand items:
http://online.oxley.vic.edu.au/index.php
username: parent
password: oxley
OXLEY ONLINE
The Vine is also available online via our
website: www.oxley.vic.edu.au
Apr
CAREERS NEWSLETTER
To see the latest in tertiary information
including Open Days, visit:
http://www.oxley.vic.edu.au/category/careers
STUDENT ABSENCE LINE - 9727 9992
Thursday
Monday
Tue –Fri
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Tuesday
Tue – Fri
Wed - Fri
Wednesday
Monday
Tue – Thu
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
5
9
10-27
10
11
12
13
17
17-20
18-20
18
23
24-26
25
26
27
Wednesday
Fri – Mon
1
3-6
Monday
13
Thursday
Friday
16
17
Tuesday
21
Junior School Parent Teacher
Interviews
Labour Day Holiday
City Cite
EISM Division 2 Swimming
EISM Years 10-12 Round 5
School at Work
Regional Swimming
Years 4-6 Athletics
Year 8 Camp
Year 7 Camp
EISM Years 10-12 Grand Final
EISM Swimming Championships
Year 5 Camp
EISM Trials start
City Cite Presentation Evening
Last day of Term 1
Eastern Classic Basketball
Tournament NZ
Easter
First day of Term 2 (Winter
Uniform)
Senior School Parent Teacher
Interviews
Years 7 & 10 Immunisation
Senior School Parent Teacher
Interviews
OXLEY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
A Coeducational School | Pre-School to Year 12
15-49 Old Melbourne Rd, Chirnside Park, Victoria, 3116, Australia
Principal: Mrs Sally Broadley
Ph: 03 9727 9900
Business Manager: Mr Andrew Holland
Fax: 03 9727 9988
International Ph: +61 3 9727 9900
International Fax: +61 3 9727 9988
ABN: 25005670682/008
email: office@oxley.vic.edu.au
A DIVISION OF LIFE MINISTRY CENTRE LTD. OLD MELBOURNE RD CHIRNSIDE PARK, VIC, 3116. (INC IN VICTORIA)