A Message from the Oxley Leadership Team

Term 1 is often characterised by adjustment and settling in; however, an eleven-week term is an extensive period of adjustment. So, after new rhythms were settled into, our first term was also filled with many other exciting prospects. Our leadership team announced our annual theme of connections, which we began to emphasise more within the school community. To start of the year, we specifically focused on connections with people, and how this is an integral part of individuals’ well-being. Florey kickstarted the year with a workshop centred on their subtheme relationship, helping our new Year 7s to find their feet and build new connections with the Year 12s.

These inter-year group connections were extended by Durack’s emphasis on unity involving team sports such as very competitive dodgeball games between year groups. The impact that fostering connections has on the Oxley community is immense; it was evident in the culture and spirit shown at both the swimming and athletics carnivals, as well as public speaking competitions of friendly competition and positive encouragement.

Public speaking is a chance for individuals to present audiences with current issues of personal interest, with the Year 12 speakers offering insights to the whole school in front of a panel of judges. One of our Year 12 speakers Amelia addressed stress and the psychological impacts so-called ‘small stressors’ that can have on “the pressure to excel at school, the never-ending to-do lists, the comparisons we make to others on social media – all of these seemingly small stressors add up, taxing our mental and emotional reserves until we feel like we’re running on empty.” Her speech reminds us that the vitality of our connections is not only extended to the relationships we form with those around us but maintaining positive connections with ourselves.

As another term gets underway, we hope to reaffirm a commitment to connection with each other and our wider community through a range of upcoming events. A Walkathon will coincide with the Push-Up challenge, inspiring a connection to important issues including mental and physical health. As the term and year progresses many more events and opportunities will arise. It is our challenge to you to engage with these in a genuine and energetic way. If it isn’t to boost your Duke of Ed hours, or complete some requirement, be it simply for the connections that such activity will inspire. Connections are everywhere and we hope that through the attention brought to it this year, we can reveal that to all of you. The importance of connections has been stressed by many including Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker and life coach, who has often stated that our purpose in life is often to figure out how we fit into a wider community. Moreover, our commitment to connecting with others often inspires self-reflection and promotes actions that we want to see reciprocated. By being aware of the huge web of connections in which we are ingrained, we can better engage and promote the best versions of ourselves and those around us. This has been heavily supported by research emphasising that social connection inspires personal growth and fosters a healthy physical and mental state. 

With so much coming up this year we hope that you can work with us to build a strong community, committed to its connections with global issues, personal growth, and positive relationships. 

Chloe H & Will B, College Captains 2024