Head of Senior School

Welcome to the Oxley Senior School to our new families and welcome back to those who have been with us for a while. The latter may already know me as I have been at Oxley since 2001. I have been a Science & Chemistry teacher, Head of House, Dean of Operations and most recently Director of Curriculum & Operations. Prior to Oxley I was educated and did my teaching qualifications in the UK before coming to Australia. I am a passionate advocate for a holistic education having also been involved in Sport, Music, Drama and Outdoor Education over my years at Oxley and in the local Highlands community.

There are many exciting changes this year. We are working on evidence-based practice to improve all aspects of College life, but particularly the academic rigour and expectations in the classroom.

I have high expectations of students and staff and we are maintaining a consistent approach in following our College policies, focusing particularly developing the character of our students. They should be ready to leave Oxley in Year 12 and be productive members of society and strive to be leaders in their chosen paths. One area we are starting to raise expectations is uniform.  Studies show that paying attention to the ‘small things’, like uniform standards, have shown to improve student outcomes.  I thank parents for their support in upholding our College uniform policy that can be found in the College Diary.

We welcome a few new members of staff to leadership positions in the Senior School.

Ms Lee McGuinness who joins us as Director of Curriculum (7-12) and Dr Jeremy Hall who joins us as Head of Philosophy & Ethics.

We are also excited to have two current staff working in new roles working to support individuals in the Senior School this year. The Gifted & Talented Co-ordinator Ms Melissa Lamrock is working to identify students in this area and has started to prepare a program to provide enrichment opportunities for students in the Senior School. Further details will follow.

As Talented Athlete Program Co-ordinator, Ms Meaghan Stanton will be working to support athletes who are competing at a state level or above in sport. Mr Gauchat, Head of Co-Curricular has provided more detail in his report.

Earlier this week we held information sessions for parents from Year 7, 9 & 11. It was great to meet a range of parents at those meetings and, for those unable to make it or for further reference, the slides used in the presentations will be uploaded to the relevant year CANVAS pages. The slides from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme presentation will also be uploaded to the Year 9 CANVAS page.

Whilst Mr Case has spoken about the College afternoon pick-up procedures, one key area of safety that needs addressing in the Senior School is the drop off zone in the morning. Classes start at 8.45am and as such all students should be dropped off by 8.40am to be ready in time. Reducing late arrivals in the drop zone will reduce the interaction between vehicles and students heading to class. I look forward to meeting parents at the Welcome Drinks on Thursday 15 February and to working with students, parents & staff over the coming years. If you have any questions relating your child’s time at Oxley, please direct initial contact through their Mentor.

Warm regards

Mr Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School