The Oxley Update - Term 4, Week 5A

Key Dates for the Week Ahead

College News

From the Acting Head of College

Parent Information Session: Upcoming Social Media Age Restrictions from the Australian Government

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION:

5.00-5.45pm
TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
Clocktower 6&7
Facilitated by Ms Genevieve Whiteley, Director of Students

RSVP here: Navigating the U16 Social Media Delay

Social media is a big part of how many young people connect, learn and express themselves — but it’s also an area that continues to evolve rapidly. The Australian Government, through the eSafety Commissioner, has recently introduced new social media age restrictions that come into effect from 10 December 2025. These changes mean that most platforms will no longer allow Australians under 16 to create or maintain accounts.

The goal isn’t to punish or limit connection — it’s about giving children a little more time to grow the social, emotional and digital skills they need before stepping into the world of social media. Many parents will know firsthand how fraught this space can be: long screen hours, comparison pressures, exposure to inappropriate or distressing content, and even cyberbullying. The new regulations aim to give families and schools some extra breathing space to help children develop healthy, balanced online habits.

If you’re wondering what this means for your family, the eSafety Commissioner’s page Social Media Age Restrictions and Your Family is an excellent starting point. It explains the changes clearly, offers practical advice for different age groups, and includes conversation starters you can use at home.

The key, as always, is connection. Talk with your child about how they use social media now — what they enjoy, what worries them, and what helps them feel safe. Be open about the changes, explain that they’re designed to protect rather than restrict, and reassure them that there are still many ways to stay connected with friends both online and offline. You might also want to revisit your family’s approach to technology — where devices are used, how long for, and what boundaries feel right for your household.

If you’d like more guidance, the eSafety team is also running a series of free webinars for parents and carers to help unpack the new rules and offer tips on managing this transition.

As a school, we’ll be talking to students over the rest of the term about what this means for them, what actions they can take to preserve any photos they have online before accounts are deleted (or in some case deactivated) and we will continue to support students in building digital literacy and wellbeing skills. This is a great chance for families and schools to work together — helping young people use technology in ways that strengthen, rather than strain, their sense of connection and confidence.

Whole School News

Senior School News

As we approach Week 6, we know that examinations and assessments are just around the corner. We encourage students to keep things in perspective, do their best, and remember that their wellbeing comes first. A balanced approach, with plenty of rest and support from home, will help them navigate this busy period with confidence.

Booklists for 2026

Booklists and Stationery Lists for 2026 are now available on the College website: Texts and Stationery | Oxley College. Instructions for how to order from Box of Books are also available. Please order by Sunday 7 December 2025.

Year 8 Academic Assessments – Thursday 13 November 2025

On Thursday 13 November, from 8:45am to 12:30pm, all Year 8 students will participate in two assessment sessions conducted by Academic Assessment Services. These assessments are designed to evaluate students’ literacy, numeracy and reasoning skills.

Students are asked to proceed promptly to the PCC to ensure the sessions commence on time. They will only require their pencil case, and recess will take place at the usual time. Academic Assessment Services specialises in the design of high-quality academic assessments in key areas of the curriculum. The data obtained from these assessments will assist us in identifying areas where enrichment or additional support may be required. This information is invaluable in ensuring that we continue to develop and deliver a curriculum that enables every student to achieve their academic potential. Please note that these assessments do not provide a definitive measure of your child’s abilities. Accordingly, individual results will not be shared directly with parents.

Week 6 Exams

Year 7-10 Yearly Examinations will take place on Wednesday 19, Thursday 20 and Friday 21 November. The main cohort will be seated in the PCC and provision students in DLS-05 and DLS-07.

Year 7 Yearly Examination Timetable 2025

Year 8 Yearly Examination Timetable 2025

Year 9 Yearly Examination Timetable 2025

Year 10 Yearly Examination Timetable

Exam Procedures and Protocols 7 10

Senior School Christmas Hamper Appeal

Oxley Senior School is once again proud to partner with Community Links to support their annual Christmas Hamper initiative. We invite families to contribute by donating non-perishable goods and festive items to help bring joy to those in need this holiday season. Donations can be brought to Mentor Group and must be received by Friday 28 November.

A list of suggested items can be found here. thank you for your generosity and support!

Parent Information Session: Upcoming Social Media Age Restrictions from the Australian Government, by Ms Genevieve Whiteley

Social media is a big part of how many young people connect, learn and express themselves — but it’s also an area that continues to evolve rapidly.

Social media is a big part of how many young people connect, learn and express themselves — but it’s also an area that continues to evolve rapidly. The Australian Government, through the eSafety Commissioner, has recently introduced new social media age restrictions that come into effect from 10 December 2025. These changes mean that most platforms will no longer allow Australians under 16 to create or maintain accounts.

The goal isn’t to punish or limit connection — it’s about giving children a little more time to grow the social, emotional and digital skills they need before stepping into the world of social media. Many parents will know firsthand how fraught this space can be: long screen hours, comparison pressures, exposure to inappropriate or distressing content, and even cyberbullying. The new regulations aim to give families and schools some extra breathing space to help children develop healthy, balanced online habits.

If you’re wondering what this means for your family, the eSafety Commissioner’s page Social Media Age Restrictions and Your Family is an excellent starting point. It explains the changes clearly, offers practical advice for different age groups, and includes conversation starters you can use at home.

The key, as always, is connection. Talk with your child about how they use social media now — what they enjoy, what worries them, and what helps them feel safe. Be open about the changes, explain that they’re designed to protect rather than restrict, and reassure them that there are still many ways to stay connected with friends both online and offline. You might also want to revisit your family’s approach to technology — where devices are used, how long for, and what boundaries feel right for your household.

If you’d like more guidance, the eSafety team is also running a series of free webinars for parents and carers to help unpack the new rules and offer tips on managing this transition.

As a school, we’ll be talking to students over the rest of the term about what this means for them, what actions they can take to preserve any photos they have online before accounts are deleted (or in some case deactivated) and we will continue to support students in building digital literacy and wellbeing skills. This is a great chance for families and schools to work together — helping young people use technology in ways that strengthen, rather than strain, their sense of connection and confidence.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION:

5.00-5.45pm
TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
Clocktower 6&7

RSVP here: Navigating the U16 Social Media Delay

Lost Property

There is a significant amount of lost property on the lost property table outside the Clinic in Senior School. Property consists of casual clothes, camp gear, containers from the Staff Appreciation Morning Teas, drink bottles, lunch boxes, etc. Could you please come and collect any items you may be missing? Items not collected will be repurposed.

The Oxley Update - Term 4, Week 5A