Oxley College 2025 Junior School Information - 7 November 2024
Welcome to Oxley College
IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL WE WANT THAT WORLD TO BE A PLACE OF WELCOME, WONDER AND WISDOM FOR ALL; A PLACE TO THINK, TO DARE AND TO DREAM.
We warmly welcome you and your family to the Oxley Junior School.
We are proud of the founding mission of Oxley College and its history, but we also look with optimism to the opportunities and challenges of the future, while keeping grounded in the present. We know that to nurture a love of learning, richness of opportunity and sense of belonging for each child is key. Our aim is that your child’s Junior School years are joyful and magical; remembered with great fondness. Education is by its definition about growth. Growing and nurturing the development of each child in the Junior School,
Although the school began only forty years ago, it feels like it has been a part of the Southern Highlands landscape for much longer than that – perhaps founded in 1883, not 1983. This is partly due to the graceful main building, Elvo, and the grounds. It is also, however, something deeper than that. I think it is because it seems necessary, indeed inevitable, that a community such as this should have a school such as Oxley.
The Southern Highlands is a community that has high expectations and wants its children to be able eventually to bestride their world, be it Madrid or Mittagong, Barcelona or Bundanoon. Oxley has similar high expectations of its students and will let them see that, with rigour and hard work, almost anything is possible. We aspire to give the students the advantages of a ‘big city’ school, without parents having to send their children away to the boarding houses of Sydney or Melbourne.
At the same time most people in this community have made the conscious choice to raise their children in a local setting – one with forty thousand people, not four million. People want a school that reflects that. The beautiful grounds and relatively small size mean that every student is known and cared for. At the same time we are large enough to offer a strong variety of subjects, sports, activities, bands and social groups.
Scott Bedingfield Head of College
Meet the Head of the Junior School, Heidi Shvetsoff
School is our reason for being. Finding the little lights within – their potential, passions and interests. We support each child to find their place among others in the world within a caring community that encourages them to grow in confidence, resilience, wisdom and kindness. In the Junior School, we want that world to be a place of welcome, wonder and wisdom for all; a place to think, to dare and to dream. It is a place where our teachers create exciting invitations to learn, who know and care deeply about each child and who are proud to be part of the Oxley community.
At Oxley, you’ll be impressed by the kindness, energy, creativity, and confidence of our students, and similarly delighted by the care and expertise of our teachers. Oxley is a magical place because of our people and our beautiful setting. We feel privileged to be a part of it and to be trusted to be a part of each child’s unique journey.
Heidi Shvetsoff Head of Junior School
OXLEY COLLEGE HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY
OXLEY COLLEGE IS AN INDEPENDENT, CO-EDUCATIONAL AND NON-DENOMINATIONAL PRE-K to 12 DAY SCHOOL FOUNDED ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES.
It first opened its doors to students in 1983 with an initial enrolment of twenty four. Oxley is consciously small and personal enough for students to feel that their uniqueness and individuality matter, yet large enough to offer a wide range of subjects and opportunities.
Oxley aims to develop in its students the virtues they will require to lead a happy and fulfilling life. This involves a spiritedness and sensitivity in all that they do, think and feel. It is hoped that Oxley students will carry a sense of challenge, an acceptance of their responsibilities, an awareness of the needs of others and a compassion in meeting those needs. The College seeks to develop the mind, the body and the spirit, recognising that in harmony they contribute to wholeness of being.
Above all, we hope to engender in our students an understanding that ‘being’ is more important than ‘having’ and that it is the quality with which one thinks and feels and believes and strives which is paramount.
All educational policies and practices have been established to develop the fundamental principles of this philosophy. High standards of dress, courtesy, conduct and involvement in Oxley activities are expected from students to help them identify with and be loyal to the principles for which Oxley stands. Oxley provides opportunities for every student to achieve. The highest achievement of all – a noble quality of person – is believed to be within reach of everyone.
Our Vision
Oxley is a vibrant, respectful and inclusive learning community, where development of character, care for the whole child and enlightened academic rigour inspires individuals to thrive.
The Oxley College Wellbeing Framework has been developed from research in the area of Positive Psychology.
It expresses the key principles that enable individuals to thrive: Build Connections, Find Meaning, Be Authentic, Stay Fit and Show Gratitude are the basis on which emotional, social, physical, cognitive and spiritual wellbeing is cultivated. Wellbeing is the foundation of quality of life and human flourishing; personal achievement, emotional resilience and social competence are predicated on children feeling safe, challenged, supported and connected to others.
OXLEY COLLEGE VALUES
Oxley College was founded on Christian principles and the core values are: KINDNESS COURAGE WISDOM
Enlightened Academic Rigour
We want to know about the thoughts and actions of the wisest people from across place and time and we want to become wise ourselves. We want to be able to learn how to use this wisdom to enhance our planet and its people, now and in the future. We seek to foster this aspiration and capacity in each child through an experience of learning that is dynamic, innovative and child-centered through the provision of high quality learning and teaching.
Our dedication to preparing students for their futures inspires us to follow best practice in teaching and learning. Our commitment to maximising student achievement is informed by educational research that shows the strategies that make the most difference in the classroom. A Visible Learning framework allows us to use evidence to enhance the learning progression of each child, working in partnership with them as they become equipped and skilled in the articulation of their learning. This approach to transforming learning is based on Professor John Hattie’s internationally acclaimed research in Visible Learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement (2009) and his book Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximising impact on Learning (2012).
Our teaching staff are dedicated to providing engaging and enriching experiences that will nurture thinking skills, creativity and a love of life-long learning. We see the education of your child as a privilege and seek to build a partnership of school, home and community.
Our curriculum, while firmly grounded in the Australian Curriculum requirements, offers scope for the discovery of the ‘Big Ideas’ of life, personal passions, abilities and talents. Each student has the opportunity to grow through inquiry, discovery and exposure to a myriad of experiences designed to optimise motivation and hence learning.
Our day is a mixture of core learning experiences, enriched by time spent in specialist facilities. We believe that experience with the arts, language and physical activities is crucial to this development and therefore have deliberately built in exposure to these as a fundamental part of a child’s learning journey each week.
STUDENTS IN EACH STAGE UNDERTAKE CORE EXPERIENCES IN THE KEY LEARNING AREAS OF
English
Mathematics
Science and Technology
History
Geography
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
SPECIALIST TEACHERS ALSO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING CURRICULUM OFFERINGS:
STEM (K-6)
PE (P-6)
Library (P-6)
Music Core and Singing (P-6)
Instrumental Lessons (2-6)
French (P-6)
OUR STUDENTS ARE ORGANISED IN STAGE GROUPS ACCORDING TO THE BOARD OF STUDIES MODEL:
EARLY STAGE ONE: Pre-K and Kindergarten
STAGE ONE: Years 1 and 2
STAGE TWO: Years 3 and 4
STAGE THREE: Years 5 and 6
In keeping with our vision to equip our students for the future, digital skills and technology are increasingly embedded as part of everyday learning for all stages.
Students have access to interactive white boards, computers and tablets to enrich their learning. In Stage 3, our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) provides one to one access to technology and enables a contemporary and personalised approach to learning.
Our commitment to each student is honoured through a range of personalised programs to support or extend their current level of development. Our Diverse Learning team works in collaboration with classroom teachers to enhance our early screening and assessment schedules to inform the design of data driven programs in literacy and numeracy and the continuous monitoring of student progress. This team of expert practitioners are also available to support and advise parents in understanding their child’s current learning profile and needs.
The David Wright Library forms part of the resources for all students. Our Junior Library teacher works with students to facilitate research skills, reading programs, technology skills and time management. Significant reading resources are also based in the Junior School classrooms.
COMMUNICATION
At Oxley we believe that a partnership between home and school is vital for a student’s success. Therefore we value the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with students, parents and teachers at pertinent times throughout the year.
We commence each academic year with an information session where parents receive an overview of that particular year’s focus and outline. This is also an excellent opportunity to meet with other parents and ask questions.
Formal reporting occurs twice a year for all year groups.
To email staff please use: firstname.surname@oxley.nsw.edu.au
The usual pattern of communication is as follows:
SEMESTER 1 Term 1
Year Group Information Nights Curriculum Newsletter Parent/Teacher Interviews
TERM 2
Curriculum Newsletter Formal Report
SEMESTER 2 TERM 3
Student Led Conferences (3-Way Interviews) Curriculum Newsletter
TERM 4 Curriculum Newsletter Formal Report
Regular College communication takes place via the Portal and the Oxley App. You will be supplied with your login details and information about how to access the app on the College Website, https://www.oxley.nsw.edu.au/news-events/parent-documents/
CARE FOR THE WHOLE CHILD
At Oxley we want to be a place of welcome for all. We know that through a deep trust in our students and the power of positive role models we can achieve our aim to be the friendliest school in the world. Our students know that we might not be friends with everyone but we can always be friendly. Our teachers know that wellbeing, engagement and expectation are all vital factors in the development of each child.
Pastoral Care has always been a strength at Oxley College. The size of the school enables students to become known and cared for by all members of staff. The focus of Pastoral Care within the Junior School environment is with the classroom teacher. The classroom teacher is the adult with whom students most closely connect and to whom parents speak as a first point of call for both academic and social matters.
Our leadership structure also provides an integrated approach to Pastoral Care; our Deputy Head of Junior School, Stage Coordinators and Class Teachers all contribute to our shared knowledge and team based support of the social and emotional wellbeing of the students. Our Welfare Team, comprising of the Junior School Leadership Team, K-12 Diverse Learning Team Leader and College Psychologist meet regularly as a team to monitor and support students with additional needs to be successful. Our support of the whole child ensures that we monitor and nurture the academic, social, emotional and self-management development of the students in our care through a range of evidence based programs and initiatives.
BUDDY PROGRAM Our Junior School Buddy Program has provided a great sense of belonging for all. Our youngest students adore and admire their older buddies who in turn take great responsibility for the wellbeing of the younger buddies and friends. Throughout the year there are a number of ongoing activities and some special events that nurture and celebrate the buddy relationships.
Each year our Kindergarten students are allocated a Year 6 buddy who provides wonderful support as they settle into life and learning at Oxley. In addition, students in Years 1-3 are mentored with older buddies in Years 4-5 for buddy mentor sessions across the term for wellbeing, reading and service learning initiatives.
BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS All students and staff at Oxley College have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity in an environment free from physical and verbal disruption, intimidation, harassment and discrimination.
To achieve this, Oxley College will maintain high standards of student behaviour at all times. Respect for Self, Respect for Others and Respect for Oxley College replaces individual rules and acts as our guide in supporting students under our care.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS
RESPECT FOR SELF
I have a responsibility to be honest, kind, courteous and ethical. I have a right to feel safe and valued at Oxley College.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
I have a responsibility to co-operate, be respectful, kind and not distract others from learning.
I have a right to be treated with kindness and compassion and free to learn.
RESPECT FOR OXLEY COLLEGE
I have a responsibility to be well dressed and be a positive role model within the school and community. I have a right to be proud of my College.
The purpose of rules and guidelines is twofold: first, to educate students towards an understanding of the need for order and towards a desire to comply with reasonable regulation: second, to assist the smooth running of the school in all its operations. Discipline should therefore be caring, positive and educative rather than negative, uncaring and repressive. We recognise that mistakes are part of learning and growing up and therefore, when it is necessary to address a student’s behaviour, it is treated as a problem solving or learning opportunity. We expect that when appropriate, students will respond with humility, honesty and sincerity when reflecting on or apologising for the specific behaviour.
As in the Senior School, the principles of Restorative Justice form the basis for policies in this area. Restorative Justice is a model for resolving conflict, repairing relationships and building strong healthy communities.
Under the Pastoral Care umbrella our policies ensure a safe and caring environment with clear rules and responsibilities in place. Programs for wellbeing, mindfulness and relationships run by classroom teachers aim to help develop good self-esteem and relationship skills in our students.
The achievement of these aims is only possible with the full support and co-operation of parents. As our Year 12 students exit the school gates for the last time we want to develop the whole child who has academic rigour, compassion, integrity and true sense of who they are and where they are heading.
IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION
BELL TIMES
Times
Lesson
Roll Call
8.45-9.03am
Lesson 1
9.03-9.48am
Crunch and Sip
9.48-9.06am
Lesson 2
10.06-10.51am
Recess
10.51-11.16am
Nugia Canbe Time
11.16-11.36am
Lesson 3
11.36-12.21pm
Lesson 4
12.21-1.06pm
Lunch
1.06-1.51pm
Lesson 5
1.51pm-2.36pm
Lesson 6
2.36-3.00pm (P-2) 2.36-3.10pm (3-6)
ASSEMBLIES There is a Junior School Assembly every week to celebrate children’s performance and achievement. Parents are welcome to attend.
MAJOR COLLEGE DATES A list of Major College dates can be accessed via our App and Portal.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS Upcoming events and notices are circulated to members of the Junior School community through Broadcasts through our Parent Portal and App and the College Newsletter.
PIN OAK Two to three times a term, Oxley produces Pin Oak – our student-led Publication. This is shared via our App and Portal and is available on the College Website, on the quicklinks on the homepage.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL Our Out of School Hours Care service is situated in the grounds of Oxley College.
Their Care is our provider, they offer Before and After School Care for dozens of schools around the State and are fully accredited, offer high-quality staff, well-established programs and importantly, they are registered for the Child Care Subsidy – this means for most families there will be a substantial reduction in the cost to use the Service.
The program is available for all children at Oxley College from 7:00am until 8:30am in the morning and from 3:00pm until 6:00pm each school day.
ABSENCES You will receive a notification via the Oxley Portal (and App if you have access to it) at the start of the day alerting you to the absence. If you know your child is away, at this stage, please don’t do anything. If you were not aware of their absence, please contact Student Services at studentservices@oxley.nsw.edu.au or call 4861 1366. We will continue to mark the roll at each lesson throughout the day and at the end of the school day send you another notification, we ask that you please follow the prompts and fill out the details at that stage.
CANTEEN Oxley College has an excellent canteen which operates each day. The canteen has partnered with Flexi-schools to provide an online ordering facility via the Oxley Canteen link on our website. Children in the Junior School need to bring their own recess from home and lunch orders will be delivered to the classrooms.
LATE ARRIVALS/EARLY DEPARTURES If your child is late please take them to K-12 Student Services office to sign in. If your child is leaving the College before the end of the day they must be signed out by their parent/guardian at the Student Services office.
LEAVE Requests for leave (more than three days) need to be submitted to the Deputy Head of Junior School in writing.
STATIONERY Stationery packs and set texts will be distributed to students in Pre-K to Year 6 and charged to the parents’ school account as a recharge.
NAMETAGS Please ensure that everything is clearly named, including all items of clothing, sports equipment and books. Unmarked items are difficult to return to the owner when sent to lost property. Students are expected to take care of their possessions that are brought to school.
FINANCIALS All Oxley College families are required to submit the Oxley College Enrolment Agreement at the time of enrolment confirmation. As per the terms and conditions of this Enrolment Agreement, withdrawal from Oxley College at any time requires one term’s written notice to the Head of College in advance. Please refer all issues regarding fees and accounts to our Business Manager on 4861 1366.
MESSAGES TO STUDENTS Please ensure that phone messages during the day are kept for urgent matters. If you need to give your child a message regarding pick up arrangements you will need to call Student Services before 2.30pm. Please make sure your child knows the pick up arrangements for the end of each day.
MOBILE PHONES/SMART WATCHES Mobile phones and watches are handed into teachers in the morning and given back to students at end of the school day.
SUN SAFEPOLICY Throughout the year, students are required to wear their hat whenever they are outside. Sunscreen is provided in all classrooms.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE Students are covered for injury and associated expenses resulting from accidents that occur during school activities and meets the insurer’s guidelines. Overseas trips are insured separately. Full details may be obtained from the Business Manager.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES In the event of an emergency the following will occur: Evacuation – Notification given through the bell system. “A fire has been detected; please proceed to your evacuation route”. (Message says fire but is used for any emergency that requires evacuation). All students and staff are to assemble on the oval. K-6 in classes and 7-12 in Houses.
Lock Down – Notification given through the bell system. “The school has been placed in lock down; please follow lock down procedures.” All staff are to lock external doors, if it is safe to do so. All staff and students are to remain inside the building until advised that the lockdown is over.
Severe Weather – Notification given through the bell system. “Lightning has been detected in the area; please proceed to a safe location”. (Message says lightning but is used in any severe weather emergency that requires evacuation). All students and staff are to move to safety under cover or indoors.
THE OXLEY SHOP The Oxley Shop is located in the first demountable on the right, along the second Oxley driveway and operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8.30am – 4.00pm. Please check the website for details. Special arrangements/appointments will be made to assist new parents (Please call the Oxley College office).
DRESS AND APPEARANCE All students are expected to wear their uniform with pride on all school days and on special occasions. Blazers must be worn to and from school every day. Students may arrive or leave in their full sports uniform on allocated sports days. All uniform items must be clearly named. Students with hair longer than shoulder length are to tie their hair back. No jewellery is to be worn to school other than a watch and small plain sleeper or stud earrings for girls.
Parents and Friends Association
ALL PARENTS OF OXLEY STUDENTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY MEMBERS OF THE OXLEY P&F.
College staff are honorary members. Friends of the College may join by applying to the P&F Secretary. The aim of the Oxley P&F is to be a forum and means to implement the P&F’s objectives: to promote the educational interests of the Oxley College school community, to assist in the provision of teaching equipment and other amenities for the College and cultivate a sense of community at Oxley College.
The Oxley P&F Executive meet as required in the library to discuss key events throughout the year. The P&F elects an Executive Committee and confirms Year Representatives at the AGM in the last term of each school year.
Events held throughout the year are designed to be social or to raise funds. In reality the latter often become social as well, as this is a great way to meet and get to know other parents and members of the Oxley community. Annual events have included parent year group functions, the Trivia Night, Oxley Equestrian Day, the Pin Oak Fair and Eve on the Green.
A Contact List is produced each year and is a great resource for having the contact details for other families at the College. All P&F enquires should be directed to the P&F President.
The Junior School House System
The House system provides opportunities for students to become involved in a broad selection of sporting, cultural and service learning activities. Commencing in 2025 we will be combining Junior School and Senior School Houses. This enables students to feel a sense of belonging and achievement across various year groups and outside of the curriculum areas. Each Junior School student is allocated to a House.
The Oxley College Houses are named after famous Australian pioneers in their field.
Dobell – Culture (Green)
Sir William Dobell (1899 – 1970) was an artist whose works were representative of new styles and directions in Australian art. Dobell is known mainly as a portrait painter although he did paint landscapes. Dobell’s unique style embodies the pioneering attributes of originality and a sense of adventure – of exploring new techniques and pushing innovative and creative boundaries.
Durack – Sport (Purple)
Sarah Durack (1889 – 1956) had to fight for her right to represent Australia in swimming at the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games where she became the first woman to win a gold medal at an Olympics. Later she broke twelve world records and at one time held every record in women’s swimming from 50 yards to one mile. A person of great determination, Sarah Durack pursued her goals but never lost sight of fairness and justice.
Florey – Research (Yellow)
Baron Howard Florey (1898 – 1968) was a scientist and a co-discoverer of penicillin. Born in Adelaide, Florey became a Professor of pathology at Oxford University where he made his discoveries. Florey shared the 1945 Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine. Florey was never interested in fame. He simply sought to help people and share the knowledge to do this.
Mawson – Exploration (Blue) Sir Douglas Mawson (1898 – 1958) was an Australian Antarctic explorer, geologist and academic. First involved with Shackleton and Scott, Mawson later led three expeditions to Antarctica gathering valuable scientific data and mapping 1,500kms of coastline. He was an explorer of courage, fortitude, endurance and resolve.
Monash – Public Service (Red)
Sir John Monash (1865 – 1931) engineer and soldier, was probably Australia’s greatest military leader, serving successfully in Gallipoli and on the Western Front during the First World War. Monash was knighted on the field of battle, a distinction which had not been given to a British soldier for nearly 200 years. Loved by his troops, Monash always put the good of others ahead of his own.
Oodgeroo – Literature (Ochre)
Oodgeroo Noonuccal (1920 – 1993), formerly known as Kath Walker, was an Aboriginal poet and civil rights leader. Born a member of the Noonuccal tribe on North Stradbroke Island (Moreton Bay), she educated herself and later began to write poetry, and lecture on Aboriginal issues at Australian universities and at international conferences. Oodgeroo Noonuccal was a campaigner against all forms of injustice and a believer in reconciliation.
New students are allocated to their House as they commence at Oxley which forms a vertical strength to the weave of the College. In addition, Family Groups provide more intimate clusters within each House ensuring that each child is known and able to contribute to initiatives that serve our wider community. These groups provide leadership roles for all Stage 3 students who facilitate collaborative Social Service-Learning projects in which all students participate.
Students participate in House Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics carnivals and other House competitions including Poetry, Public Speaking and Singing.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP Student leadership in the Junior School has a number of manifestations. In Term 4, Boy and Girl Captains and Vice Captains are appointed. Each House has a Girl and Boy Captain. These students are representatives of the House at different functions such as the carnivals (Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country) as well as other Intra-school Competitions. As part of the Leadership of their fellow students, the Year 6 students also take part in a program to aid in the development of Leadership skills.
NUGIA CANBE TIME Nugia Canbe is for nurturing wellbeing and is an agency for voice and independence. It is a time for choice, creativity, and connection. Nugia Canbe means “Camp Fire” and it is a structured time for students across K-6, each day, to be undertaking independent writing, reading, looking at the Oxley values, reinforcing lesson content around our “Friendology” program, buddy time and having wellbeing discussions.
SOCIAL SERVICE LEARNING The Oxley College Social Service Learning vision is for our students to support local, national and international communities and make a difference to the lives of others.
Students are fortunate to attend Oxley College and we believe our students should give their time, energy and skills to build a better future. Social Service Learning is not only about giving money and donations it is about investing time in helping those less fortunate than themselves and displaying a true sense of compassion towards others.
During their time at the College our students will be exposed to different Social Service Learning opportunities and to a variety of programs. Social Service Learning initiatives vary from year to year to allow for student input into the nature and focus of each initiative undertaken by a range of different groups. For example, K-2 have developed a deep and rich connection with local aged care organisation, Harbison Care and it brings joy and kindness to all involved. Classes, House Family Groups and our Student Representative Council (which includes a social and environmental focus) undertake student initiated action to promote fund-raising, community outreach or friendraising which adds to each child’s sense of fun and belonging.
CULTURAL RICHNESS
AT OXLEY, WE ARE IMMENSELY PROUD OF OUR BEAUTIFUL NATURAL SETTING AND CONNECTION TO THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS. WE WANT OUR SCHOOL TO BE A PLACE OF WONDER FOR ALL.
Our learning environment celebrates childhood, our students and the natural connection between the internal and external spaces. We are proud of the sounds of joy, innovation and collaboration that echo through our campus each day. The co-curricular life of Oxley College is rich, broad and inclusive. From Kindergarten onwards, students are encouraged to extend their learning beyond the doors of the classroom into a world of experiences specifically designed to enrich their lives. The aim is to provide opportunities where every child can discover their passion, interest and talents, particularly as part of a team, group or ensemble.
The Co-curricular Program is offered within the broad areas of the arts and spoken word, sport and outdoor education.
Students have the opportunity to be involved in:
There are also Beyond the Classroom programs that occur on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons including Technology, Science, Dance, Art and PE.
THE ARTS Music Tuition Music Ensembles: Choir, Band, Strings Performance Assemblies Drama and Music performance opportunities Dramatic Productions Public Speaking
OUTDOOR EDUCATION Other Learning Experiences (OLE!) and a camping program occur across the College in P-12. Specifically camps and overnight experiences are built in from Year 3 – 6.
Round Square schools share a commitment to character education and experiential learning built around six themes – our IDEALS – International Understanding, Democracy, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
The Round Square IDEALS are underpinned by twelve Discoveries that students explore on their learning journey: inquisitiveness, tenacity, courage, compassion, inventiveness, ability to solve problems, self-awareness, sense of responsibility, appreciation of diversity, commitment to sustainability, communication and team-working skills.
Together these make up the Round Square Discovery Framework.
The IDEALS in our school
At Oxley College, the Round Square IDEALS are integrated into our vision of being a vibrant, inclusive, learning community. Our curriculum and school programs are designed to ignite academic excellence and character growth. We encourage our students to participate in a range of adventures and personal challenges, both in and out of the classroom, nurturing the school’s core values of kindness, courage, and wisdom. This is also realised through Oxley’s commitment to experiential learning initiatives, democratic student bodies and international opportunities, fostering a global mindset, and ensuring our students are ready to make a meaningful contribution for the future.
What being a Round Square school means to us
As a Round Square school, Oxley College is excited to collaborate with like-minded schools, enhancing our international focus and providing our students with a worldwide perspective. Through collaboration, we aim to offer enriching learning experiences, exchange opportunities, and shared initiatives that underscore our commitment to character, leadership, and service, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and global citizenship.
Joining Round Square is not about trips and adventures (this is a byproduct). Joining Round Square is a commitment to our vision well into the future – Oxley will continue to give students wide-ranging opportunities. Opportunities like tonight, opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zone, to be global thinkers, to have a voice, to care about their world, to be challenged, to show kindness and courage through leadership and service and to seek wisdom.
Meet Clover – Our Wellbeing Dog
This year we launched a new initiative into our school. We partnered with Dogs Connect and we introduced a wellbeing dog into our community.
Clover has become a much loved and important member of life at Oxley.
Clover is an Australian Cobber Dog, a breed developed to be an excellent therapy and assistance dog. She is hypoallergenic and was chosen from her litter by the breeder especially for Oxley because she is “a gentle, caring, responsive puppy. She is very focused; tail always wagging and will cope well with being a part of a school environment”.
Clover at 6 weeks old.
The Dogs Connect Program will support us in implementing Clover gradually, thoroughly, and considerately. Evidence shows that just by being near a dog can reduce anxiety and stress and improve wellbeing outcomes. A wellbeing dog can help with a number of things including trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation and the general wellbeing of students, staff and community.
We have a team of staff who will lead this program.
We would also like to assure our families that this program will not involve anyone who does not wish to be involved and would welcome discussion with anyone who may be worried or concerned. Our aim is for Clover and this wellbeing program to have a really positive impact on many people in our community.
