Principal’s Report
Another year of significant accomplishment by students at Oxley Christian College highlights the quality and breadth of teaching and learning, and an enjoyment of the co-curricular program in our college community. In a year of excitement, growth and the improvement required of a vibrant educational institution, 2023 proved to be another remarkable year of high student achievement across the board, and especially in the Year 12 outstanding Tertiary Admissions Rankings.
oxley has the great privilege of educating students in close partnership with families. We are a multidenominational College immersed in the Christian tradition and understanding of the world. the College vision and mission are focused on the teaching and ethics of Christ. We maintain a high academic rigor in our curriculum and a commitment to strong learning outcomes for students of all abilities. College values uphold the delight of inspired learning, of truth, goodness and beauty in curriculum studies and in life. We value resilience, wisdom, good character and service within our student community.
Christian foundations provide a basis for people to become the agents of transformation in our world. our challenge is to live out Christian virtues in a democratic context. We believe oxley has a good balance between the nurture and safety of children, quality teaching and learning, and an informed engagement with our wider community.
oxley Christian College is an active and involved community where staff and families work together
for the common good and a well-rounded education. While academic achievement is our core business, we know the education of young people encompasses far more than the academic curriculum.
in celebrating forty-four years of educational service to the community, we are mindful of the legacy of others who have made oxley a credible and impressive Christian entity. We look back with the considerable joy and gratitude that accompany God’s blessing on our educational project. in a similar vein, we look forward with excitement as to what the next few years under God’s grace will bring having completed all the new buildings and landscaping for the Middle school area. the new Junior school buildings have already provided students and our staff with excellent facilities and the warmth of proximity to each other.
I commend the fine reputation the College has for the formation of the whole person in an outstanding physical environment.
Highlights of 2023
like any community, oxley Christian College depends on all members’ gifts and talents to become something greater than the individuals who make it up. We appreciate the College Council and its role in high levels of governance, right through to the interest and enthusiasm of the most recent families enrolled at the College. at all year levels, teachers continue to engage students in a rich diversity of appropriately challenging and innovative educational programs, both online and during off-campus events. We applaud the work of students in all subject areas. We have delighted in the performances and special events which draw families and members of the community to celebrate with us on those occasions.
the College has maintained an active although restricted program of international interest and student exchange as part of our international and language programs.
our participation in the eisM competition provides students with the opportunity to challenge others in a wide range of sports across both the winter and summer seasons. Congratulations to all our students for their contribution in sport in 2023, especially those who served as captains in the different teams. a big thank you to all our Year 12 students who willingly gave up their time to represent oxley in their final year. Our lovely Year 12 celebration at the College was a fitting memorial to the year.
a highlight for the College this year again, was its musical productions. the Middle Years production
of Disney’s Aladdin Jr set an amazingly high standard of performance and of recognition and interest in the wider community. Fabulous performances during the week received standing ovations as audiences recognized the highly professional class of this presentation. there was enormous energy and talent on display alongside the obvious friendships of cast and crew that have been strengthened over the year of preparation. likewise, the excellent Junior school production of Seussical Jr was an event students will remember for a lifetime. events like this make it such an honour to be a part of the oxley community and to continue to recognize the legacy of our leaders in the Performing arts.
our biennial College surveys help us better understand our community and identify opportunities for improvement. the continuing air of optimism about oxley Christian College is evident both from the biennial surveys and the expressions on students’ faces captured in photographic records. this optimism is well-founded, given the recent improvements and those on the near horizon. as a result, there’s an even greater appreciation of God’s grace in providing a Christian education here. notably, in our last College survey, over 90% of parents expressed confidence in the College’s safe, supportive environment and approachable, caring staff.
our College community’s energy, passion and commitment to vision have made the year not only memorable, but eminently successful alongside transitions to the newly completed buildings. indeed, through the previous years’ difficulties of remote
teaching we were alerted to the benefits of hybrid teaching and learning methods that will serve us well into the future. to that end, the College has Ms surface Hubs in all its new classrooms and Ms devices for all students that has in part contributed to the Ms lighthouse status of the College. the summary provided here continues to only allude to the real oxley experience that we invite families to join!
Spiritual Life
spiritual life is a vital part of oxley College culture. the development of oxley as a vibrant, caring community emphasizes the place of Christian faith and the development of integrity and compassion in the lives of students, equipping them to assist others. in Chapel this year there were many noteworthy highlights, as well as private moments of deep spiritual significance. Many students have been involved in prayer and Christian life study groups.
students from all year levels have been involved in leadership. We deeply appreciated the achievements of alicia and tom as College Captains, alongside Mia and lincoln in the Junior school. together with the Vice Captains they formed an excellent leadership team.
Many other students serve in various parts of the College as leaders of international students, faculties, home groups, houses, chapel, enviro teams, sports groups, performing arts, music bands, ensembles,
student groups and clubs. their work is often with multi-age groups which adds an exciting dynamic to their influence.
Appreciation
on behalf of the College, i extend sincere appreciation and gratitude to the elders and Directors of life Ministry Centre; College Council Chairman, Ps. Graham nelson; and Members of Council. the executive team of Deputy Principal and Head of senior school, James avram; Head of Junior school, amy liddle, Business Manager, andrew Holland, and Director of lMC ltd iCt services, Charmaine Peck, have given invaluable leadership to their respective teams and support to me as Principal.
Congratulations and thanks to our Core leadership team, teachers and support staff, and to all staff involved in leadership, learning support, administration, the international program, information technology, pastoral care and welfare, catering and property maintenance, for an outstanding service to the College community.
We are grateful to our parents and members of the oxley community, including past students and many volunteers, for their much-appreciated support this year. We give thanks to God for all that has been achieved.
Dr Douglas Peck Principal
Financial Summary
Attendance Rates
Retention Rate
in 2020, there were 83 students at the beginning of Year 9. sixty-two (75%) of the 2020 Year 9 cohort completed Year 12 at oxley in 2023.
Attendance Management
student attendance continues to be very strong. in both Junior and senior schools, absences are managed through the Attendance Officer. Expected absences are entered ahead of time via the management system. Parents call the absence line for any late notice of non-attendance. unexplained absences are followed up promptly.
Staff
Statistics
Oxley’s team of 156 staff members in 2023 is diverse and experienced, with an average service length of 8.1 years. Of our staff, 87 are teachers, with 33% having over 10 years of teaching experience at oxley. this experience enhances the quality of our education.
Professional Development
the College has a long history of investing in the professional development of our staff. Staff access conferences and seminars beyond the College,
and there is a formal program of professional development built into the structure of the College operations. As a result, all staff are involved in rich and diverse professional learning.
New staff participate in a thorough induction program, and mentors guide them through the first year at the College. Graduate teachers are supported through the process, enabling them to gain full registration with the Victorian institute of teaching. All teaching staff receive first-aid training as part of the professional development program.
Class of 2023
Year 12 Results
the College congratulates members of the Class of 2023. the 66 students who completed their VCe studies with us in 2023 performed very well as a result of having applied themselves to the best of their respective abilities to achieve their excellent results.
the mean atar score for 2023 was 78.7 with a median of 83.6. the mean study score for 2023 was 33 placing oxley Christian College within the top 20% of Victorian schools that offer the VCE.
approximately 25% (16 students) gained atars in the 90s placing them in the top 10% of results in the state of Victoria. thirty-six (55%) students received atars of 80 or higher, placing them in the top 20% of all VCe students in Victoria.
the VCaa (Victorian Curriculum and assessment Authority), through the VCE Data Service, offers an independent analysis of our school performance, by providing ‘value-added’ data. this data demonstrates that the College has a long tradition of enhancing student performance above that which would normally be predicted. this is attributable to the quality of the teaching and the quality of the overall learning environment. the College maintained that tradition with the 2023 graduates, on average significantly improving the predicted study scores for each student.
Over the last five years, more than 15% of our Year 12 students have gained an atar of at least 90.
Top Performers and Dux of College
Based on internal assessment tasks (saCs) during the year, the College recognised thomas steuart as the Dux of the College for 2023 at the 2023 Presentation Evening. Thomas was also confirmed as having achieved our highest atar for 2023 earning a stellar score of 99.9 and was awarded the Melbourne University Chancellor’s Scholarship Award
our highest performing international student was thomas Qian who achieved an atar of 96.2. the relatively small group of international students accounted well for themselves, with both mean and median atars between 60.7 and 96.2 for the cohort.
We celebrate with all our students who have worked hard through difficult circumstances to achieve their best and prepare for their life beyond the College and the opportunity to impact God’s world through their next steps.
Year 12 Destinations
of the 66 students with a scored VCe, all who made VtaC applications were given a university course offer. It was pleasing to see that most students in 2023 gained their first-round preference with only a very small number electing to wait for a secondround offer.
Student Tertiary Institute Selections
among the Melbourne-based tertiary institutions, the most popular tertiary destinations for our 2023 graduating students were Monash university (39%), Deakin university (17%), and rMit (11%). our students were also awarded places at swinburne university (9%), Melbourne university (9%), australian Catholic university (8%), and latrobe university (7%). Melbourne, Monash, Deakin and rMit continue to be among the most favoured tertiary destinations for our graduating students.
our international student cohort selected either Melbourne university (38%) or swinburne university (25%) for the next stage of their educational journey. students were also awarded places at Monash university (13%), latrobe university (12%), and australian Catholic university (12%).
Student Course Selections
the class of 2023 chose from a wide variety of courses for their tertiary studies. science and Biomedical sciences were the most popular option (21%) and included students undertaking studies in Pharmacy, Biomedicine, and Biomedical science. the Health sciences proved to be a popular choice as in previous years with 11% of our students undertaking future studies within this field. Course options included nursing, and occupational therapy. the class of 2023 also pursued courses in the arts, Commerce, information technology, and law.
We are delighted to see the diverse range of courses that our graduating students have decided to pursue. the opportunities that have been presented to them are reflective of their hard work and their signature strengths and personal interests. We wish them all the best in all their future endeavours and wait with interest to see how they will make their mark on the world.
James Avram Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School
Junior School
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4
teaching future generations from a Christian perspective is both a profound privilege and a significant responsibility. As educators, we are entrusted with the delicate task of shaping young minds and hearts, guiding them not only in academic knowledge but also in moral and spiritual growth. this role is a privilege because it allows us to plant seeds of faith, hope, and love in the fertile ground of young hearts. We have the unique opportunity to model Christ’s teachings through our actions and words, fostering an environment where children can experience the love and grace of God firsthand. Central to this mission is the importance of teaching children the truth of God’s Word. By grounding our instruction in Biblical truth, we provide students with a firm foundation upon which they can build their lives.
This truth not only offers them moral guidance but also instils in them a sense of identity and purpose as children of God. However, this privilege comes with the weighty responsibility of ensuring that our instruction is not only academically sound but also spiritually enriching. We must strive to nurture a holistic education that cultivates intellectual, physical, and spiritual maturity.
By doing so, we prepare our students to navigate the complexities of the world with a strong moral compass and a deep, abiding faith in God.
the 2023 academic year in Junior school was a vibrant and active period, marked by a wide range of events and activities that engaged students across various disciplines.
Sports
Sports events were a significant highlight, beginning with the eagerly anticipated Year 3–6 swimming Carnival. this event showcased the swimming prowess and team spirit of students as they competed in various races and relays.
the Junior school Cross Country event saw enthusiastic participants from all year levels, with students running through a course that tested their endurance and determination. the athletics Carnivals were also major events, featuring a range of track and field activities, including sprints, long jumps, and shot put, allowing students to display their athletic abilities. additionally, the annual Year 3–6 Basketball Day provided students with an opportunity to participate in friendly matches, honing their skills and fostering a love for the sport.
Performing Arts
the Performing arts was also a central part of the school year soiree evenings celebrated musical talent, with students showcasing their skills in various musical instruments. the Prep nativity play was a delightful event where Prep students brought the Christmas story to life with enthusiasm and creativity, charming the audience. Year 2 students displayed their progress in string instruments during the Year 2 strings Concert, highlighting their dedication and musical growth. the Years 5 and 6 instrumental Concerts further impressed audiences with students’ instrumental ability, performing a range of pieces that demonstrated their hard work and musical development. a standout event was the performance of Seussical Jr, which all Junior school students participated. this vibrant and energetic production was a testament to the collaborative effort and artistic talent within the school.
Learning & Enrichment
Camps and excursions provided memorable experiences for students. the Year 3 sleepover at school was an exciting event that helped students build independence and camaraderie. the Year 4 Camp at Mill Valley Ranch offered a variety of outdoor activities and team-building exercises, creating lasting memories.
the Years 5 and 6 Camp to Canberra was an educational trip that provided upper primary students with insights into the nation’s capital and its historical significance. Academic and enrichment activities were also a focus throughout the year.
to promote e-safety, students from Years 1–6 participated in termly Cyber safety incursions. these sessions emphasised the safe and responsible use of technology. Book Week was a much-anticipated event, culminating in a dress-up day where students and teachers dressed as their favourite book characters, celebrating their love for reading. Additionally, the first-ever Maths Games Afternoon was introduced, offering families an engaging and fun way to enhance their mathematical skills through interactive games and challenges.
A significant academic initiative was the rollout of the VCOP/Big Write Framework across the Junior school. this program aims to enhance students’ writing skills through structured, focused writing sessions and activities. overall, the 2023 school year in the Junior School at Oxley was filled with enriching experiences that fostered growth, creativity and community among the students.
Staff Professional Learning
Professional learning is vital for teachers as it ensures they remain equipped with the latest pedagogical strategies and best practices, thereby enhancing student outcomes. Collaborative professional development is especially beneficial, as it allows teachers to work in teams to refine their skills, share insights, and support each other’s growth. in 2023, the Junior School staff exemplified this approach by participating in professional development centred on the VCOP/Big Write Framework. this training provided them with innovative methods to improve students’ writing skills, fostering a cohesive and enriched learning environment. By engaging in such targeted professional learning, teachers can continuously improve their instructional techniques and better address the diverse needs of their students.
Student Leadership
Developing student leaders in our Junior school is crucial for fostering a sense of responsibility, confidence, and community engagement among our young learners. in 2023, we provided diverse leadership opportunities, not only for our Year 6 students as school Captains but also for students from Prep to Year 6 as enviro Captains and those in Year 4 to 6 as Homegroup Captains who formed the student Forum. these roles allowed students to contribute to school life and practice essential leadership skills. additionally, our Year 6 school Captains had the enriching experience of attending the Victorian Primary students’ Christian leadership Conference, where they learned how to lead with integrity and compassion from a Christian perspective. this holistic approach to leadership development ensures that our students grow into well-rounded individuals prepared to make positive contributions to their communities.
Amy Liddle Head of Junior School
Student Progress & Achievements
the tables below indicate the performance of oxley students against the national Minimum standards for literacy and numeracy. it also indicates the percentage of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 who have reached or exceeded the national Minimum standards. students who have not reached the national Minimum standards are students with specific learning difficulties. The College supports all of these students and several receive assistance through Government funding. students who are below the mean, but not below the Minimum standards, are also offered extra support by the College.
NAPLAN Results
note: no naPlan was conducted during 2020 due to CoViD and the resulting decision taken by the Victorian state Government.
Teaching Staff Qualifications
Name Qualifications
Mrs Emma Ashmore
BTeach, BA, BAppSc
Mr Tim Ashmore BEdPrim, BSc
Mr James Avram BEd, MEd, PGDipEd, MBA, GradCertEd, LLB
Mrs Gabrielle Bail BA, BTeach
Mrs Nicole Bell BTeach
Mr Carl Bird BEd, BA
Mrs Janine Boer BEd, DipEC,
Mrs Caitlin Bonte BEd, AdvDipHosp
Mrs Anita Bradshaw BEd, DipTeach
Mrs Kate Broadley BA, BSc, MEd, GradDipEd
Mrs Merryn Burt BEd, DipEd
Mr Shaw Harng Chan BMus, MTeach, GradDipTeach
Mr Jeffrey Clarke BEd, AssocDipMusic
Mrs Carolyn Connelly BEd, BHSc, MA TESOL
Mrs Jenelle Coote Bed, Dip, GradDip
Miss Ginger Coughlin BEd
Mr David Cutler BEd (PE), CertIV, DipSp&Rec, CertIIISp&Rec
Ps Matt Daly BComp, DipEd
Mrs Susan De Lange BA, HigherEdDip, DipCompStud
Mrs Linda Doblin BSocSc&EnvStud, DipEd
Mrs Arielle Drew BEd
Ms Rebecca Dyson BEd, BAppSc
Mrs Holly Fevreau BA, MTeach
Mr Gavin Fox BEd
Mr Mitchell Gaiser BEd
Mr Joshua Gaschk BAppSc
Mr Mark Goode BA, BEd, GradCert
Mrs Elise Goodwin BA, BEd
Miss Melanie Haley BEd, DipTeach
Mrs Rebecca Hauser BA, MTeach, DipDanceTeach
Mrs Marilyn Haylock BA, BEd, BTh, DipTeach
Miss Eleesha Higbed BA (Hons), GradDipEd
Mrs Cindy Hogan BSc, MA, GradDipEd
Miss Claire Hogan BA, BEd, MA
Mrs Emily Jetten BEd, BA, Cert EdSupp
Miss Clare Jones BA, BTeach, DipEvents
Mrs Jacqui Kelly BTheo (Ministry), GradCertEd, GradDipEd, DipArts
Mrs Victoria Kirby-BeachGradTeachProg, GradDipTeach&Learn
Mrs Jeannette Kotzé BSc, BEd (Hons), MEd, DipRem&CompTeaching, HDipEd
Mr Daniel Kunst BAppSc, MTeach, GradDipBible
Mrs Sarah Law BSc, MTeach, GradCert Theo, PGradDipTeach
Mrs Druscilla Law BSc, HDipEd
Mrs Libby Ledwidge BEd, AssocDipRec, CertIV TESOL
Mrs Melissa Lee BECEd
Mrs Amy Liddle BEd
Name Qualifications
Ms Adeline Lim
BA, MEd, GradDipEd
Mrs Robyn Liney BA, BTeach
Mr Michael Mancev BA, MEd, GradDipEd
Mrs Rebecca McDonaldBA, BEd, MEd
Mrs Sonia McGill BASpecEd, DipMin, CertIVTESOL
Mr Tim Monro BAppSc (Hons)
Miss Sue Moore BSc (Hons), BLett (Hons), GradDipEd
Mr Riley Moran BEd
Mr Paul Moseley BScIT, BSc, GradDipEd
Miss Teanau Newton BEd (Hons)
Mr Benjamin NiemandtBA, BAVisArts
Mrs Seh Yeh Ong BA, MEd, GradDipEd, LTCL Piano
Mrs Rebekah Paul BA, MLiteracy, GradDipSec
Dr Douglas Peck EdD, MEd, BSpEd, DipEd, AdvDipAppSc
Mrs Naomi Perry BEd
Mr Andrew Piper BEd, BSc
Mrs Tanya Robinson BEd (Hons)
Mr Daniel Rodgers BA, MTeach
Mrs Anna Rodgers BEd
Miss Heidi Ruhnau BEd
Mrs Caitlin Salomons BDes, GradDipEd
Mrs Sharon Sandison BA (Hons), BEd, MA, GradDipEd
Mrs Vinita Seago BSc, DipChEng, GradDipEd
Mrs Pina Sernio BEd, DipEd
Ms Hong Shen BA, MEd, GradDipEd
Miss Phoebe Shen BA, MTeach, MTESOL
Mrs Caylin Shrivastav BA (Hons), BMusic,
Mr Rufane Smith BA, BA (Hons), MA, GradDipEd
Miss Sabrina Solomons BA, MTeach, CertTheo
Mrs Pauline Steele BSc, BSc (Hon), GradDipEd
Mr Philip Talapati B.Acc, MBA, GradDipEd
Mrs Lynne Taylor BEd
Mrs Nicole Thorpe DipEd, GradDipEd
Ms Maggie Toh BLaw (Hons), PostGradDipLaw, PostGradDipEd, DipMinistry, TESOL CertIV
Mrs Emma Turnley BEd (Hons), BMus
Mr Ryan Van Gaalen BDes, MTeach, AdvDipDesign
Mr William van Pinxteren BMus, MMusic, DipEd, LCTL , LMusA
Mrs Judy van Tonder BEd, MEd
Mrs Claudia Weller DipEd, GradDipSpecEd, GradDipECTeach
Mr Stephen White BA, GradDipEd
Mr Trevor Whittle BA (Hons), DipTeach, Deg Baccalaureus Artium, Prel Cert TEFL
Mrs Cindy Woodcock BEd
Miss Michaela Wynne BEd
Mr Yimin Zhang BEd, GradDipEd
Mrs Ting Zhao BEng, MEng, GradDipEd
Miss Aijun Zhong BA, MTeach
Mr Leslie Zhou BAppSc, GradDipEdSec, GradDip Div
life Ministry Centre ltd, trading as oxley Christian College
aBn: 25 005 670 682 / 008
Cr iCos Provider Code: 00331 C
Cr iCos Course Codes: 016943K Primary Years 1–6 016944J secondary Years 7–12
15–49 old Melbourne road
Chirnside Park ViC 3116 australia
tel +613 9727 9900
Email office@oxley.vic.edu.au
www.oxley.vic.edu.au