The Arts Archive

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2010 Junior Art Works

Junior School Art 2010

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Music Ensemble Evening 2010

Music Ensemble Evening 2010

Date: August 5th 2010
Venue: Life Ministry Centre Auditorium. Oxley College – Old Melbourne Road, Chirnside Park
Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm (approx.)

You, your family and friends are warmly invited to join us for what promises to be a joyful and entertaining evening, as our students work together in sharing their many talents.

Ensembles performing on this night include:

Camerata (Violin)
Flute Cantabile
Percussion Ensemble
Senior Choir
Senior Concert Band
Selah (a Capella)
Sinfonia (Violin)
Training Band

National Day of Thanksgiving

National Day of Thanksgiving

To mark this year’s National Day of Thanksgiving, a special breakfast was held on Saturday 29th of May at the Foothills Convention Centre. This breakfast provided an opportunity for many local Members of Parliament, church leaders and community members to thank and celebrate the extraordinary service of some of the unsung heroes of  our community.

Oxley College has been honoured to be part of this special event, by providing singers for the last three years. This year ‘Selah’ was privileged to be given the opportunity to perform three items.   ‘Selah’ is Oxley’s newly formed auditioned vocal ensemble for 2010. The word ‘Selah’ is a biblical term and while its precise meaning is unknown, it is thought to mean “Amen” or “Hallelujah” [Praise the Lord].

The guest speaker for the event was Detective Senior Sergeant Ron Iddles of the Victorian Police Homicide Squad. He spoke of the need for better support and communication in our society. He honoured the many community volunteers who enrich the lives of others and referred to the lyrics of one of the songs presented, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, likening the vital part that volunteers play in providing hope to troubled members of the community. He reminded us that by reaching out to others, the often tragic consequences of alienation may be avoided.

The audience enthusiastically expressed its appreciation for the beauty of Selah’s music. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to contribute their God-given talents at such an important event.

Unit 3 VCE Drama Ensemble Evening

Unit 3 VCE Drama Ensemble Evening

Congratulations to our fantastic Unit 3 VCE Drama students of 2010!

On Thursday, 20th May our talented Unit VCE Drama students performed their ensembles before a large number of the school community.  This year the theme was ‘the elements’, incorporating earth, air, fire and water.  Four groups of students represented an element each.  The students were given stimulus material, including a visit to the Melbourne Aquarium to explore wildlife and environmental issues.

The groups had the freedom to devise their pieces in any way they liked, keeping in mind certain criteria.  There seemed to be no limit to the students’ imagination, managing to include historical, political, social and literary references throughout much of their work.  The mastery of non-naturalism was excellent, as they disjointed time and transformed character and objects with precision. Their work was nuanced with pathos and much comedy, giving us a highly entertaining evening.  Again, congratulations to them all!

Mrs. Karyn Hodgkinson

VCE Drama Ensemble Evening

VCE Drama Ensemble Evening

Date: May 20th 2010
Venue:
Life Ministry Centre Auditorium
Oxley College – Old Melbourne Road, Chirnside Park
Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm

This year, there are 4 ‘plays’ based on the 4 elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

The titles of these plays are as follows:
i) Earth’s End
ii) Up in the Air
iii) Burnt Out
iv) In Shallow Seas, we Sail

A drama ‘ensemble’ in this context, is a group devised piece of drama (ie the students write their own plays, ½ hour in duration). There there are no ‘lead roles’ as such, the ensembles allow equal time spent on the stage for each actor.
The drama presentations are  ’non-naturalistic’, meaning that the actors create their own environments on stage, transform character often and also transform objects, making use of objects that become anything necessary for the scenes eg. two oars of a boat, become a cross, etc. These projects are highly creative and are sure to be very entertaining.

The evening is also a major SAC, where the students will be assessed individually on their performances.

It promises to be a great night!

Above artwork has been created by Jonathan Grace (Year 12)

Fish & Chips

Fish & Chips - Samantha Redford | Schools in Melbourne | Oxley College Christian School

Fish & Chips - Samantha Redford

I would say that the best feed of Fish & Chips I have ever experienced was in Edinborough Scotland, some years ago – served in a box.

In recent years I have been entranced by Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954), with his wonderful ‘modern’ paintings displaying something of the decorative effects of children’s drawings in the bright colors and simple outlines that he used.

Towards the end of 2009 I asked the children to make up a composition of ‘Fish & Chips’, vegies, plate and decorated table cloth, and they achieved some stunning results.  In a few weeks time I plan to mount an exhibition of a dozen or so works by the children in our Resource centre.

This weeks artist is Samantha Redford (5 0 last year – now 6 S), and her work “Fish & Chips” will be on display outside the staff room from Tuesday next week.

Many of the exhibits from this collection (to be exhibited in the Resource centre) will be entered in the Lilydale show later this year.

Mr. Paul Gahan
Junior School Art

Oxley College is a co-educational christian school in Melbourne

‘Dining Room’ Concert

The Dining Room Concert - Members of Oxley College Concert Band
Members of Oxley College Concert Band

Last Saturday members of our Senior Concert Band, Lodaré and the boys from the Senior Choir took part in a community concert for ‘The Dining Room’, a Croydon community meal service for struggling families and homeless people.  The purpose of the concert was to raise funds and raise public awareness about the issue of homelessness and poverty, and needs in our own community. The evening included a presentation from David Knoop, the Director of The Dining Room.

The groups from Oxley College were joined with traditional jazz band, Maurie’s Jolly Rollers and the Sunbury Divas who were seen on The Battle of the Choirs television show.  The manager of the Divas, Adam Przewlocki, said before his Choir performed, “I just want to congratulate the Oxley choirs, they were just outstanding.  It’s fantastic to see the quality of what is coming out of the secondary school system in Victoria at the moment. It’s an exciting sign for the future.”

Concert Band Performs

Senior Concert Band Performs for the Companion Club

On Friday, 28th August the Senior Concert Band, conducted by Mr Kevin Hogg, performed a concert for the members of the Companion Club at the Ringwood Salvation Army Church.  The Club draws its members from the local community and they come together weekly to socialise, providing a place for companionship and fellowship.

Our Senior Concert Band and its members offered a diverse program of band and other items including trumpet, piano solos, and a flute duet.  The audience tapped and clapped along to the Bands exciting performances of music from Grease to Star Wars and our students are to be congratulated on their fine performances.  Following the concert, the students were treated to a delicious lunch.  This was a wonderful opportunity for our music students to reach out to the wider community and share their love of music with others.

Lodaré perform for the Governor

Melbourne Schools - Lodare with the Governor of Victoria and the Mayor

Miss Anna Broadley & Lodaré with Professor David de Kretser and Mayor Len Cox

On Thursday the 6th of August, the Oxley College a Capella vocal group Lodaré were invited by Mayor Len Cox, to perform at a Civic Reception for the Governor of Victoria at the Linley Estate in Kilsyth.  The event was attended by over 200 invited guests, including state and federal politicians, volunteers, representatives from CFA and the Police, local business leaders and welfare organisations.

The Governor spoke of how beautiful our shire is, with its amazing natural beauty.  He told of his visit to fire affected areas and acknowledged the fantastic work of volunteers, especially those who continue to work tirelessly for those affected by the fires of Black Saturday.  Governor, Professor David de Kretser also used the opportunity to highlight men’s health and the resources that are now freely available, stating “Men are role models for their family and need to take their health seriously”.

Lodaré performed four items to the mingling guests and were congratulated on their beautiful sound by the Mayor. Cr Len Cox invited Lodaré as entertainment for the event after hearing their performance at the National Day of Thanksgiving earlier this year.  The performance capped off two busy days for the group, who participated in Oxley’s Musical Ensemble Evening the night before and presented items that morning to the hundreds in attendance at the Outer Eastern Prayer Breakfast held at the Karalyka Centre.

Performing Arts Centre Appeal

Oxley College Peforming Arts Centre

Coming Soon…

  • 250 Seat Theatre
  • Performance and Rehearsal Spaces
  • Music Technology and Drama Classrooms
  • Instrumental Teaching Rooms
  • Recording Studio
  • Public Foyer
  • Staff Offices and Amenities
  • Environmental Sustainability Measures
  • Future Outdoor Amphitheatre

Oxley College has a rich history of excellence in the performing arts.  Exciting programs of instrumental music, vocal ensembles and productions such as Gershwin’s ‘Crazy For You’, Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and more recently, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, provide students with fabulous experiences which build on the class room studies of Music and Drama, enhancing cultural understanding and self confidence.

In July 2009 Oxley will begin construction of a brand new Performing Arts Centre, using $2.5 million dollars in Government Funding under its Building the Education Revolution.  This will provide a much needed resource, meeting the desperate needs of our Performing Arts faculty, who currently work in rooms with limited equipment across the school.  This new building will provide a central location, acoustically sound rooms and a new sense of cohesion within the faculty.  The ultimate benefit is the performing arts education of our students.

Every student at Oxley has the opportunity for a rich education within the Performing Arts curriculum.  Many also enjoy individual music lessons, participation in instrumental ensembles and choral groups.  Will you commit to join with us as we seek to raise further funds towards this exciting project?  Your donation will help equip and furnish this new building to ensure the needs of our students and this faculty are met.

Help us inspire the next generation!

For further information on how you can support the school in this exciting development, please contact Matt Daly in the Development Office on 03 9727 9900 or email: matt.daly@oxley.vic.edu.au

Recent communications regarding the building of the new Oxley Performing Arts Centre and details on how you can donate can be downloaded via the links below. We thank you for your consideration and for your continuing support of Oxley College as we partner with you in the pursuit of excellence in Christian education.

Performing Arts Centre Brochure

Performing Arts Centre – Letter to Parents (24th June 2009)

Michael Johnson – A top act!

Past student Michael Johnson (Class of 2008) has made Oxley proud, recently performing in front of a full audience at The Arts Centre, Hamer Hall as part of ‘Top Acts’ (the finale of the ‘VCE Season of Excellence’).  Selected students performed across the performing arts, including music solo, music group, dance, drama and theatre studies – showcasing the top performing students from across Victoria in each of these genres.  Michael was one of only four students to be selected for drama.”It’s actually quite a significant thing to be asked to do, in the world of performing arts. It’s the first time Oxley has been represented in this event” said Drama Teacher, Mrs. Karyn Hodgkinson. “We congratulate him on this fantastic achievement, he was excellent in our Fiddler on the Roof production last year and shone again at Top Acts.  He is a talented young man!”

Pictured:  Michael Johnson in Fiddler on the Roof (2008)

Michael Johnson - A Top Act! - Oxley College Christian Schools

World Class

Clare Tyler and KellyClare Tyler is currently completing Year 12 at Oxley College… and is a world class dog handler by night!

We would like to congratulate Clare and wish her well as she travels to Birmingham, England to take part in ‘Crufts’.  Crufts is an annual international championship conformation show for dogs, organised and hosted by the Kennel Club (UK).  It is the largest annual dog show in the world, as declared by the Guinness Book of Records.

Clare took part in the State Junior Dog Handler Final on July 12th 2008, competing against the top winning handlers in Victoria.  Progressing through to the top four, she then went on to take out the senior section where our own Jacqueline O’Riley ( Year 8 ) placed second.  Clare was then required to compete against the Junior section winner which she also won, heading off to the Victorian State Finals at the Royal Melbourne Show.

“I competed against a handler from every State and Territory, I was lucky enough to be selected as Australia’s number one handler!”  Clare now flies to England on Monday to represent Australia in the International Junior Dog Handling Final at Crufts.  Good luck Clare!

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