Volume Eighteen, Friday 5th December 2025

It is hard to believe that another year is over and that this is the last Newsletter for 2025. These words from Br Herman written to his students at the end of the school year in1964 aptly apply to Oakhill College students in 2025.

“It is our fondest wish that all of you should grow up to be great and famous men and women – and surely some will. But what we wish even more is that all of you should grow to be good men and women with determination to do what is right whatever happens; with courage in doing good; with sympathy for other people’s troubles and strength and patience in their own; with hatred of injustice to others, but with patience when injustice touches themselves; with acknowledgement of other people’s rights without being too anxious about their own; with strength to fend for oneself.

All this looks like a rather formidable task, but in its accomplishment, you are not alone. God is your helper. Without His help, you cannot succeed, but with His help you cannot fail. That each and every one of you should be a success in school and after school is our fondest wish.”

I would like to conclude the year by recognising the incredible talent and achievement of our students both in the more recognisable fields of academics, music, dance, drama, and sports, but also in the fields of speech and debating, service and mission, velour, and virtue. In recognising these fine achievements of our students, I am particularly conscious of, and give recognition to, the dedication and expertise of all members of staff. This year we have already received notification of a significant number of students HSC work being nominated for OnStage, Callback, ENCORE, ArtExpress, and Design Technology Awards. The Oakhill graduate is grounded and future ready, articulate and confident, polite and respectful – qualities sought after.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Puleo, who retired from the Oakhill College Board on the 30th November this year, after 33 years of service to the College. Mr Puleo became involved in College life with the enrolment of his son, Matthew, in 1992 immediately volunteering on the P&F and then the inaugural Oakhill College Art Show. Mr Puleo was soon selected for the College Advisory Board and then as Director on the Incorporated Board in 2008 becoming Chair in 2011. Thank you also to all Board members for guiding us through a most successful year with the opening of The Commons, completion of three new kitchens, and further growth and success in all fields.

I would also like to thank the College Senior Leadership Team, Mr Munday (Deputy Principal), Ms Gillis (Assistant Principal Pastoral Care), Mr Russell (Assistant Principal Curriculum), and Mrs Forrest (Business Manager); the Academic and Pastoral Heads, Deans, Coordinators and teachers. I acknowledge especially too the leadership of Mr Chris Goodman, Director of Mission and his team, who continue to inspire and grow the College’s awareness and response to our call to service. I acknowledge the hard work of our administrative staff and our grounds and maintenance staff who work tirelessly to ensure the College is maintained to the highest standards. I acknowledge Mr Fisher, Head of Sport, and Mr Domars, Coordinator of Performing Arts, for their role in promoting participation, the attainment of excellence and above all, enjoyment in sport and the arts here at Oakhill College.

To all students of 2025, thank you for your hard work, mental toughness, discipline, and determination to succeed at whatever the task and to accept both success and failure that are always part of one’s journey. This year is a chronicle to both your attitude and your achievements as men and women of justice, tenderness and humility, striving for excellence in all you do, by being the best self that you can be.

I’d like also to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers, parents and friends of the Oakhill College community who have given so generously of themselves for the benefit of the College such as the Parent and Friends Association and the Gala Day, Golf Day and uniform shop helpers; the Rugby Club, Football and Basketball Clubs; those who attend drop-off and pick up for sports practice, drama, music, debating and the Show Team. To all those who attend the side-lines of courts and fields, theatres and stages – thank you. Special thanks to Ms Carina Morales the P&F President for eight years of dedicated service who Ms Nicola Moog, Vice President, retired at the AGM in October, and also Mr Darren Kable who retired as the Rugby Club President. Thank you all for your kindness and generosity.

May the good Lord bless you all.

Wishing you a happy and Holy Christmas and a restful summer break.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

Thought for Christmas the season of giving.

We make a living by what we get,
We make a life by what we GIVE.

Winston Churchill

Our Year 12 leaders recently took part in Encounter Day, a gathering designed to inspire, challenge, and connect Lasallians as one community. Guided by this year's theme from Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpens iron" - the day reminded us that we grow stronger when we learn from one another. 

Through shared stories, new ideas, and uplifting conversations, our leaders embraced the chance to sharpen their own leadership while encouraging others. Encounter Day was not just about reflection, but about building bonds that will continue to strengthen our Lasallian family. 

Mrs Roxanne Leopardi
Co-ordinator of Lasallian Ministry

Over the past week, Oakhill College has been blessed to welcome several members of our community into the Catholic faith. Through the College’s Sacramental Program, they received the sacraments of Communion and Confirmation in the Chapel, marking an important step in their spiritual journey. We celebrate their commitment and are grateful to share this time together as a faith community.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Year 10 students, accompanied by myself and Mr De Paoli, recently visited St Lucy’s School for children with disabilities, continuing a cherished tradition of connection and service. The boys spent time in classrooms engaging warmly with students, before heading to the playground where games and laughter filled the air. In the spirit of Christmas, gifts were shared, bringing joy to the children and deepening bonds of friendship.

This collaboration has grown into a lasting legacy, a true demonstration of Lasallian values of faith, service, and community. It stands as a reminder that small acts of kindness can create enduring impact, uniting schools and generations in compassion and celebration.

Mrs Roxanne Leopardi
Co-ordinator of Lasallian Ministry

Across the year, senior students visit the Anglicare Retirement Village residents weekly to share some joy and conversation. At the final visit for 2025, students shared the joy of the season by singing Christmas carols. The smiles, laughter, and heartfelt singing filled the room with warmth and festive spirit.

It’s always such a privilege to be part of this ongoing program - bringing generations together, creating connections, and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. We feel very lucky to share in these moments of joy and community.

Here’s to carrying the Christmas spirit forward and cherishing the bonds we build along the way.

Mrs Roxanne Leopardi
Co-ordinator of Lasallian Ministry

Congratulations to Father Meynard from St Bernadette's Parish, who today celebrated his first anniversary as a priest. Father has been a blessing to the Oakhill community since the beginning of the year, celebrating Chapel Mass every Friday morning. He also presided over our Dedication, Founders Day, and Year 12 Graduation in 2025.

Father played an integral role in our College formation during Term 2 at the Staff Spirituality Day, where he shared the story of his inspiring faith journey. A keen basketball player and fan, he has also joined the Oakhill coaching staff, mentoring the Under 13 E team alongside our Sportsmaster, Mr Fisher.

This morning, the Year 12 Leadership Team and the 13Es shared morning tea with Father Meynard. They presented him with an Oakhill Indigenous jersey in recognition of his milestone and to thank him for his guidance throughout 2025.

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

Throughout 2025, a dedicated group of young Year 10 men led the Walk the Talk Initiative, raising both funds and awareness around the important issue of domestic violence.

Their efforts directly supported our local Hills Women’s Shelter, The Sanctuary, through a variety of initiatives including the Mother’s Day Stall, selling lollybags and cupcakes at Mission Action Day, and running the booth with showbags at Gala Day. Each of these activities was met with great enthusiasm and community spirit.

It is with pride that we announce a total of $5,342 was raised and donated to The Sanctuary - a remarkable achievement that reflects the compassion and commitment of our Year 10 students.

Mrs Roxanne Leopardi
Co-ordinator of Lasallian Ministry

We hope you can join us for our Christmas@Oakhill Service on Monday 8th December.

Bookings are now open: Book Here

The Oakhill College Board Chair, Mr John Puleo, retired on Sunday 30th November after many years of dedicated service to the College. Throughout his tenure, Mr Puleo worked tirelessly behind the scenes, offering steadfast leadership and commitment that have left a lasting positive impact on our community. As Oakhill marks his retirement, we are pleased to share Deputy Chair, Mr Michael O'Brien's farewell speech, in which he reflects on John's journey and achievements:

Good evening, 

Today marks a special occasion - as we honour our retiring Board Chair, Mr John Puleo afsc, whose service as a member of the Board of Oakhill College over more years than he cares to remember, leaves an enduring and indelible mark on the life of this school and therefore, in a break from tradition, impels us to acknowledge that service and reflect on his legacy to the College.

John began his service to Oakhill College when his son Mathew (now also a Board Member) enrolled in Year 7 in 1992, i.e. 33 years ago - joining the P&F Association, assisting with the management of the inaugural “Art in the Hills” event as well as organising the Gala Day amongst his many other activities associated with the life of the College.

Many years later, he accepted an invitation to become a member of the inaugural School Management Board (then an Advisory Board to the Brothers) and, later still, in 2008, after the College had become a limited liability company, became a Director of the Oakhill College Board. John was appointed Chair after his predecessor Mr Chris McNicol stepped down in 2017.

During his term as Chair, John has always been available to provide timely advice and sagely guidance to Br Steve Hogan fsc with whom he enjoys a great rapport - at least several times each week where they, for example, might talk through a situation, where John might listen to Br Steve’s outline of his intended approach to a particular issue and with the accumulated wisdom and knowledge of the law over many years - impart his considered advice and opinion raising any flags of concern. Weekly, Br Steve would require legal counsel on one item or another that invariably arises in the day to day workings of a school the size of the College.

Every week Br Steve would share with John “Lasallian” information and/or any happenings from around the Lasallian world sharing educational updates from State or Federal government agencies with regard to policy, curriculum and any topic apposite to education and pedagogy. John in turn, professional in his responsibilities as Chair of an educational institution, having his own sources of educational news and updates, share those with Br Steve.

Topics of discussion might also include such things as, for example, theology and stoicism, resilience, social media as well as notable personages including JFK and Winston Churchill not to mention the stoics; Marcus Aurelius, Senaca, Socrates, Plato, Epictetus to name but a few – thus a rich breadth of ideas across the philosophical, theological, legal and educational spectrum.

For many years and particularly in more recent times, his dedication has guided this College through turbulent times of change and challenge. His leadership was never loud, but always steady, anchored in fairness, reason, and a deep belief in what the College stands for.

In all of his dealings, his honour and integrity have shone through which captures I think what Shakespeare alluded to in Richard II: “The purest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation; that away, men are but gilded loam or painted clay.” His leadership, I think, reminds us that progress is built on principle, patience, and purpose.

History will record that his tenure coincided with, recently, one of the more tumultuous periods in the life of this College – testing whether it would so endure and maintain the sound values and traditions on which it was built and maintained over the almost 90 years of its existence. Yet through every uncertainty, he stood with sound judgment and calm resolve. His legal counsel was more than professional advice - it was in many ways a compass, helping the Board navigate difficult decisions with confidence and clarity.

Beyond the complexities of policy and governance, he has brought a human touch to leadership - a willingness to listen, a talent for mediation, and an unwavering commitment to what is right. Time and again, his discernment has kept this College true to its values and its mission.

As he steps down, we recognise not only what he has accomplished but also the spirit in which he has done it - with humility, consistency, and grace. The legacy he leaves is one of resilience and trust, one that future boards will strive to emulate.

On behalf of the school community - students past and present, staff, and families, the senior leadership team, your fellow Board Directors - we say thank you. Thank you for your guidance, your wisdom, and your years of selfless service. Your impact will be felt here for generations to come, and though you formally retire from your role, you will always remain part of the heart of Oakhill College.

We wish you every happiness in the next chapter of your life - one filled with well-earned rest, new adventures, and the knowledge that your leadership has made a lasting difference.

Please find the Term Dates for 2026 below:

Following the Oakhill College Parents and Friends Association Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 5th November, the role of P&F President is still vacant and the College requires someone to join this team as P&F President for 2026. You can view the position description here: Committee Role Summary Information.pdf You may wish to co-chair with a friend.

For more information on the role of P&F President please contact Carina at pandf.president@oakhill.nsw.edu.au.

Br Steve Hogan
Principal

Thomas Axiak, who designed a dual-suspension bicycle for his graphics project, will have his Industrial Technology Major Project featured in the HSC Showcase Shape exhibition. The exhibition runs from Monday 16th March to Saturday 11th April, at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS).

Mrs Raji Johnston
Director of Administration & Planning

EOIs are now open for Year 11 2027 and Year 7 2028.

If you have:

• A daughter currently in Year 9 (2025) for Year 11 entry in 2027, or
• A son currently in Year 4 (2025) for Year 7 entry in 2028,

now is the time to complete your Expression of Interest.

Applications will be sent to families who have submitted an EOI when enrolments open. To be considered in the initial round of interviews and offers, applications must be submitted before the cut-off date (advised in the application email). Late applications may be reviewed for subsequent rounds at the discretion of the Enrolments Committee.

Complete your EOI here: https://oc-au-nsw-340.app.digistorm.com/forms/expression-of-interest/start

Mrs Sam Watson
College Registrar

Ten of our Year 10 students went to Barker College for the annual Cops vs Kids Oz Tag competition, a mixed competition with Oakhill being boosted by four players from Asquith Girls. 

They faced strong teams from Barker College, Turramurra High School, and a squad of NSW State Police's finest. The team went through undefeated, claiming a highly competitive but convincing win over Marsden High.

Mr Nathan Jones and Mrs Rebecca Wendell
Dean and Assistant Dean, Year 10

Life is full of challenges, and school is no exception. Whether it’s a disappointing test result, a tough subject, or feeling overwhelmed, setbacks are part of learning. But what if you could turn those challenges into opportunities for growth? Resilience - the ability to bounce back from difficulties - can be developed through reflection. By looking back at what went wrong, you can build the skills and mindset needed to move forward stronger.

1. Reflect on the Experience

When something doesn’t go as planned, it’s tempting to brush it off or feel defeated. Instead, take time to reflect. Ask yourself questions like:

“What happened, and why?”
“What part of this was within my control?”
“What can I learn from this experience?”

For example, if you didn’t do well on a test, think about whether it was due to a lack of preparation, misunderstanding the material, or simply nerves on the day. Reflection helps you understand the root cause and prevent the same mistakes in the future.

Tip: Write your reflections in a journal to track your progress and see how much you’ve learned over time.

2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

One of the biggest obstacles to resilience is perfectionism—the idea that you must get everything right the first time. Instead, focus on progress. Celebrate small victories and improvements, even if they don’t seem significant at first.

For example:
If you struggled with time management, aim to plan one day effectively this week.
If you find a subject difficult, commit to mastering one concept at a time.

Each step forward is a success, and acknowledging your progress builds confidence and motivation.

Tip: Use a growth mindset mantra like, ‘I may not be there yet, but I’m improving every day’.

3. Create an Action Plan

Resilience isn’t just about reflecting—it’s about taking action. Once you’ve identified what went wrong, make a plan to address it. For example:

If procrastination is your issue, set up a daily study schedule with short, manageable blocks of work.
If stress held you back, explore relaxation techniques like mindfulness or exercise.

Breaking big problems into smaller, actionable steps makes them less intimidating and more achievable.

Tip: Share your plan with a friend, teacher, or parent for accountability and support.

4. Embrace Feedback

Feedback, whether from teachers, peers, or parents, is a valuable tool for growth. Instead of seeing criticism as negative, view it as a guide to improvement. Ask specific questions like:

“What could I do differently next time?”
“How can I better meet the expectations?”

Using feedback constructively helps you grow and shows your commitment to learning.

Strength Through Struggles

Building resilience takes time, effort, and self-reflection, but the rewards are worth it. By learning from your experiences, focusing on progress, and creating actionable plans, you can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Remember, resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up stronger every time. Start reflecting today, and see how far you can go.

You can learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

Last week, students represented Oakhill College at the Schools for Impact Summit 2025, part of the global philanthropic movement Impact 100. This initiative inspires young people to become philanthropists by connecting classroom learning with real community needs.

Joining schools such as Shore, Barker and Redlands, our participation reflects values deeply aligned with the Lasallian Star and ethos: faith, service, community. The program also links directly to Stage 5 Commerce units on Investing and Work Futures, giving students the chance to apply their learning in authentic, impactful ways.

At the summit, students stepped into the role of investors in a “Shark Tank” style setting, deciding where donations should be directed to create meaningful change. This was our first year participating, with two student representatives from each Commerce class attending alongside staff.

The day was a phenomenal success for Oakhill, with:

- Ethan Elsley welcoming Ms Zali Steggall OAM, MP for Warringah to the event, and

- Lewis Whittaker posing an insightful question during Q&A and who went on to win the One Ball Social Cohesion Challenge, receiving a signed ball from Australian Footballer Kamal Ibrahim.

This was a valuable opportunity for students to see how their decisions could directly influence community outcomes. We are also pleased to embed philanthropic investing into our curriculum, learning that is just as important as what happens inside the classroom, and equipping our students with the skills and values to become leaders of positive change.

Ms Lara Keeton
Academic Head of Economics/Business Studies

Oakfest, our annual film festival, remains a wonderful showcase of student talent and imagination. Each year, participants are challenged to weave a specific theme into their short films. This year’s theme, “Black and White,” inspired a diverse range of interpretations, with students cleverly exploring contrasts, perspectives, and storytelling techniques.

Our panel of judges had the difficult task of reviewing each entry and selecting the film that most successfully captured the theme while keeping audiences captivated from start to finish. We extend our congratulations to all students who submitted films. Your creativity and dedication are truly commendable, and we encourage you to keep honing your craft.

Congratulations to our Oakfest Winner – Fynn Grady. Your imaginative and heartfelt short film stood out for its sophisticated storytelling and powerful exploration of growing up. The way you wove the “Black and White” theme throughout the narrative was both clever and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on the judges and audience alike.

We are proud to celebrate your achievement and look forward to seeing how all our budding filmmakers continue to grow and inspire through their art.

A huge round of applause also goes to:

• Runners up, Chris Flemming and Jonathan Le.
• Highly commended students Jacob Taouk and Elliot Greer.
• Achievement award recipients Magnus Wegner and Raphael Dineros

Your films lit up the film competition with bold ideas, inventive storytelling, and fresh perspectives on the “Black and White” theme. You’ve shown incredible promise as filmmakers, and we look forward to seeing how your creativity evolves. Keep experimenting, keep pushing boundaries, and be ready to shine even brighter at next year’s Oakfest!

The theme for Oakfest 2026 is “Lost and Found”, so start thinking about your new film storylines and developing scripts. We would love to see all of you get involved again next year. The earlier you start, the better.

“Oakfest celebrates the power of film to inspire, connect, and transform.”

Ms Nadina Hazon
Visual Arts Teacher

As we farewelled Year 10 today we celebrated thier achievements and efforts at the annual Year 10 Awards. Congratulations to those students who, irrespective of whether or not they have received awards, have simply done their best. 

Improvement in Learning and Results Awards

Ryan Fanayan
Jaidev Madhavapeddi
Erik Maina
Amaan Moledina
Jack Mowbray
Manveer Rajput
Ishaan Sharma
Ilia Sveronis
Lucas Thompson
Joel White

Consistent Application and Effort Awards

Mitchell Atkins
Aidan Attard
Cameron Bester
Will Deverson
Elias Fashho
Joshua Fernandes
Mridul Gupta
Spencer Kelly
Isaac Lai
Joseph Lim
Anthony Naim
Thomas Nourdine
Manit Patel
Aiden Scalone
Andrew Soares Caplice
Aidan Spada
Jordan Thompson
Anthony Toubji
Edward Wijanto
Rhys Wilson

Premiers Reading Challenge Medal

James Waterson

Reuben F Scarf Award

Aidan Attard

The Macquarie University Emerging Leaders Award

Michael Rizk

Academic Awards

Third Place

Spencer Kelly  - Agriculture
Ethan Murray - Commerce
Ilia Sveronis - Design and Technology
Jake Towers - Equal Third Place Drama
Callum Tyler - Equal Third Place Drama
Rohit Ruben - Equal Third Place English, Equal Third Place Science
Cade Harries - Food Technology
Lucas Bielby - French, Equal Third Place Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
Matthew Herrera - Graphics Technology
Kristofer Odendaal - Equal Third Place History (Mandatory)
Lucas Thompson - History Elective
Cooper Finch - Industrial Technology Timber
Mitchell Atkins - Philosophy
Gabriel Maginnity - Equal Third Place Photography and Digital Media
Nicholas McNeil - Equal Third Place Photography and Digital Media
Orlando Pearce - Equal Third Place Photography and Digital Media
Paul Mejalli - Equal Third Place Physical Activity & Sports Studies
Harley Verisan - Equal Third Place Physical Activity & Sports Studies
Luca Bercich - Equal Third Place Religious Education
James McGirr - Equal Third Place Religious Education
Edward Wijanto - Visual Arts

Second Place

Elijah John - Agriculture
Isaac Gunasekera - Commerce
Mridul Gupta - Computing Technology, History (Mandatory), Equal Third Place Science
Timothy Reshanov - Design and Technology
Ishaan Sharma - English, French
William Taylor - Food Technology
Edward Randall - Graphics Technology
Eli Croning - History Elective
Xavier Xiberras - Equal Second Place, Italian
William Yu - Equal Second Place Italian, Equal Third Place Personal Development, Health & Physical Education, Equal Third Place History (Mandatory)
Timothy Doyle - Accelerated Preliminary Mathematics Advanced, Equal Second Place Accelerated Preliminary Mathematics Extension I, Equal Third Place Science
Oscar Swain - Equal Second Place Accelerated Preliminary Mathematics Extension I, Second Place Science, Third Place Accelerated Preliminary Mathematics Advanced
Patrick Ren - Music, Equal Third Place Science
Cameron Bester - Personal Development, Health & Physical Education, Physical Activity & Sports Studies
Marc Cheng - Photography and Digital Media, Visual Arts

First Place

Spencer Robson - Agriculture
Aidan Spada - Commerce, Computing Technology, English, History (Mandatory), Science, Third Place Mathematics
Benjamin Woodward - Design and Technology, Food Technology
Jack Cruickshank - Equal First Place Drama, Equal Third Place Music
Jinan Faruqui - Equal First Place Drama
James Owen - French
Luca Puglisi - History Elective, Equal Third Place Drama
Liam McGovern - Graphics Technology
Zac Montesin - Equal First Place Industrial Technology Timber
Cooper Muscat - Equal First Place Industrial Technology Timber
Luca Scannone - Italian
Nilson Zhao - Accelerated Preliminary Mathematics Advanced, Accelerated Preliminary Mathematics Extension I, Third Place Computing Technology
Rhys Wilson - Music, Personal Development, Health & Physical Education, Equal Third Place English
Andrew Soares Caplice - Philosophy
Fynn Grady - Photography and Digital Media
Jack Mowbray - Physical Activity & Sports Studies, Equal Second Place, Religious Education
Aidan Attard - Equal First Place Religious Education, Equal Third Place Music
Jason Man - Equal First Place Religious Education, Second Place Philosophy
Aaron Ling - Visual Arts

DUX - Aidan Spada
2nd Place - Mridul Gupta
3rd Place - Nilson Zhao

Blue Service Badge

Mitchell Atkins
Sebastian De Villecourt
Joseph Lim
Manit Patel
Timothy Reshanov
Ilia Sveronis

Silver Service Badge

Jinan Faruqui
Jason Man

Year 10 Sportsman of the Year

Alexander Eason

Principals Award

Mitchell Atkins
James Coggins
Neel Reddy
Edward Wijanto

Provincial’s Award

Jack Cruickshank
Maddox Dragosetti
Jinan Faruqui
Rishabh Joshi
Jason Man
Ryan Pather
Spencer Robson

NSW Police Ethical Award

Kristofer Odendaal

Long Tan Future Innovators Award

Ilia Sveronis

Long Tan Award for Leadership and Teamwork

Paul Mejalli

Earlier this year, some of our historians in Years 7-10 tested their knowledge and skills against peers nationwide in the 2025 Australian History Competition. More than 38,000 students took part, providing a strong external benchmark of achievement. Within the College, outstanding results were achieved, with Jinan Faruqui, Timothy Reshanov and James Waterson awarded High Distinctions, thirteen students earning Distinctions, and twenty-eight gaining Credits.

Mrs Gloria Richards
Academic Head of History

First run in 1978, the Australian Mathematics Competition is Australia’s longest running, largest and most well-known maths competition for school students. In early August, 329 students from Years 7 to 11 undertook the Australian Mathematics Competition with Nilson Zhao from Year 10 taking out a prize award in the Intermediate division.

Nilson, along with his parents and Ms Debbie Stokes (Academic Head of Maths) attended the 2025 Australian Maths Trust State Awards in Surry Hills on 28th October. Nilson was presented with a lapel pin and voucher for his achievements, which included Best in School. Generally, the AMT only awards prizes to 1 student in 300 within a region or year group, so the College is understandably proud of Nilson’s achievement.

Mrs Donna Findlay
Mathematics Teacher

As the school year draws to a close, Year 7 students took on an exciting and practical STEM challenge this week: designing and building a working water filter using everyday materials and resources found around the College.

This hands-on project was the culmination of their learning about separation techniques, combining creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Students were tasked with creating a filter that could turn murky water into something much clearer using items sourced from the College.

The challenge encouraged students to think critically about how filtration works, explore the properties of different materials, and apply their knowledge of environmental sustainability.

The results were impressive! Many groups produced filters that significantly improved water clarity, and some even experimented with multi-layer systems to enhance performance. Beyond the science, this activity highlighted the importance of resourcefulness and innovation, skills that will serve our students well in the future.

Congratulations to all Year 7 students on a successful first year at Oakhill and for their creativity and perseverance in tackling this real-world problem!

Ms Grace Flaihan
Science Teacher

Year 9 Visual Arts students recently participated in an online workshop delivered in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia. The session explored Ouroboros, Lindy Lee's monumental public artwork commissioned for the NGA's 40th anniversary. 

Designed for the public to physically enter, the sculpture embodies cycles of renewal and inclusivity. Within the art making process, Lee employed augmented reality and QR coding to ensure her vision was realised in this large-scale interactive form. Students engaged directly with the artist's intentions, deepening their understanding of contemporary practice and the evolving possibilities of public art. 

Mrs Cecilia Weinert
Visual Arts Teacher

Three Year 9 Geography classes had the opportunity to hear from Ms Karen Isaacs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Co-ordinator, about the human, Indigenous perspective and experience of the difference in wellbeing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

She spoke about the need for the 'Closing the Gap' initiative, some of the challenges of 'Closing the Gap' and possible solutions to reduce the variation in wellbeing in Australia for Indigenous Australians. 

Year 9 Geography was very lucky to hear Karen speak and share her extensive knowledge and experience. 

Ms Kim Robertson
Dean of Year 8

Oakhill's Year 9 students recently went on Camp, making memories and bonding as a cohort. It was an enjoyable experience for all as reflected below:

The Year 9 Camp to Somerset was an insightful and meaningful experience that shaped our cohort and brought out our character, and ability to create bonds with existing and new-found friends. Throughout the Camp, the challenges we faced, whether hiking under the heat or paddling together across the Colo River, became opportunities to show resilience and unity. The 16km canoe journey pushed us physically, especially when our arms were burning and the river currents made it harder to stay in rhythm, but working together helped us realise how much stronger we were as a group. Additionally, the 10km hike tested our endurance, as the intense heat, steep climbs and heavy packs forced us to rely on teamwork and the encouragement from one another, uplifting us and strengthening our Tutor Group spirit. It was in those moments of fatigue and uncertainty that encouragement, patience, and determination shone through, revealing the strength of our cohort. There was no doubt that we were saddened to leave home, but it meant that we were all in the same boat, and we had to push through together, supporting one another through the tough moments and reminding ourselves why we were there.

By the end of Camp, we had cooked, hiked and canoed together, however what stood out most was not the activities themselves, but the way they revealed the depth of our persona and drew out qualities of perseverance, empathy, and leadership. Being out of our comfort zones, sleeping in tents, sharing spaces with others and adapting to new routines, taught us compromise and patience in ways we hadn’t experienced before. We motivated each other when we were tired, we stayed patient during stressful moments, and we discovered we were capable of more than we first thought. We thank all our teachers who came with us, particularly Ms Furnari, Mr Williams and Mr Morrison. We came back with friendships strengthened and a sense of accomplishment in how our character had grown through the challenges we faced together at Somerset, it was truly an experience to remember.

Joseph Naim and Jaydan Chan

Throughout November, Oakhill has proudly supported Movember and celebrated International Men’s Day with a range of engaging activities. From fundraising BBQs and a competitive Teacher vs Student Futsal showdown to fun Tutor Group challenges and discussions, the month has been full of energy and community spirit.

The grand finale was shaving of Mr McMurrich’s beard. Michael Rizk won the raffle and the honour of taking the clippers to it at lunchtime in front of a cheering crowd.

There’s still time to support Movember, raising funds for mens mental health awareness here: https://movember.com/t/oakhill...

Please see below notice from Transport for NSW regarding School Bus Services in 2026:

All school bus services will resume on Tuesday 27th January 2026.

We encourage you to plan ahead and school travel information is available on the Transport NSW site https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/school-bus-services under School Bus Services.

Parents are reminded to ensure their child has an Opal Card prior to the commencement of the school year as students are required to tap on and off on all trips.

If your child’s School Opal card is lost or damaged you can apply for a replacement; if the student is still eligible. Once you apply, the original card is cancelled and a new one is sent within 8–10 working days. There’s a $10 replacement fee, and students must use a valid ticket while waiting for their new card. You can visit the ‘Replace your School Opal card or travel pass’ page for details. Go to transportnsw.info and search ‘school opal replace’.

Ms Deborah Gillis
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

From Wednesday 10th December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account. eSafety is running a 30-minute webinar to help parents and carers understand the upcoming changes to social media access for children under 16.  Join the information session to:

• understand the purpose of the new age restrictions and how they aim to protect young Australians
• understand which platforms will require users to be 16+ and what platforms they can still access
• get tips and resources to support your child’s online safety and wellbeing through the transition.  

Parents and carers will gain:

• a clear understanding of the new rules and their implications
• confidence in guiding their child through these changes
• access to trusted resources to support safe and positive online engagement.

You can register for this webinar at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars/social-media-age-restrictions-explained-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers

Ms Helen Morris
Head of Counselling

Congratulations to the students who successfully completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge this year. Your commitment to engaging with a wide variety of books reflects both perseverance and personal growth. 

Year 7: Shourya Baisyet, Henry Connell, Christopher De Ponte, Theodore Hunt, Toby Huntsdale, Wade Justo, William Lakeman, Lachlan McCosker, Ayon Senanayake, Alexander Tsioutsias.

Year 8: Krish Barua, Ronny Fashho, Dhruv Mohan, Xavier Ranieri.

Year 9: Jaydan Chan, Archit Das, Pratyush Dawadi, Sebastian Haywood, Aarian Thayalan.

Year 10: James Waterson.

We thank you for your participation and commend the valuable skills and rewarding experiences you have gained through this achievement. We look forward to seeing even more students take part in the challenge next year and continue building their own reading journeys.

The Walsh Library Staff

It was a thrilling conclusion to Sport at Oakhill for 2025. The Girls Rugby 7’s competed against Barker College in a Grand Final and were strong in their defeat. Their progress this season has been great to witness and they will be out for redemption in Term 1.

The Oakhill Boys Basketball program experienced a strong set of fixtures against St Patrick’s College and were successful across the board. The standard they displayed was exciting to watch, especially the 13A’s who won 83-25. This continued for the fixtures against Redlands College in Round 6, with the 14A’s making amends for their Round 1 defeat. Unfortunately, for the First V Boys, they were defeated; that result will light a fire for training ahead of the season break. The First V Girls Basketball were gallant in defeat against Barker College at Oakhill College. Despite facing a team littered with state and national representatives, the improvement in this team was evident from the opening moments. A strong third quarter brought them back into the game but they were unable to close out the contest.

Our golfers concluded their season with a strong 3-1 win over Waverley Woollahra Golf Club. Starting out strongly, the boys performed well in some challenging conditions. Sinking some vital putts on the back 9 created a gap too far for their opponents to overcome.

Our First VI Boys Touch Football Team continued their undefeated run in both fixtures, putting on a show in a rare game at Oakhill College on Saturday 29th November. The junior touch teams have been following their lead; a minor setback in some results last week will narrow their focus on what needs to improve ahead of their run towards the Finals in Term 1. The Girls faced a similar set of circumstances, but the Girls 2nd VI Touch Football team set their own standard by winning three of their last four fixtures to finish the season. The 1st Girls team has been impacted by injuries to key players and will welcome a break for all squad members to return to full fitness.

The junior cricketers still have a few weeks remaining in their competition ahead of the Christmas break. The U15 Gold team continues to perform strongly in putting together consecutive victories. The First XI continue to face weekly challenges and will benefit from a few tough trial matches ahead in the holidays. A special note must be made of the performance of the 2nd XI against Scots All Saints at Oakhill on Saturday 29th November. Despite an opening week loss to the same team by nine wickets, resilience was at the forefront of their actions as they posted a victory by 209 runs with Aarush Pare scoring 187 for his team.

Resumption of the ISA Season in 2026

Fixtures will resume for all sports on Saturday 31st January. Most students will have not returned to school that week and it is imperative that families are aware of the game time and location. To assist, a draft of fixtures can be found via this link. Please note that the final fixtures will be uploaded on the College website by Wednesday 28th January and should be a main reference point for families.

How to get Ahead of your Competitors

As we enter a long break in the middle of a season, it is a great opportunity for players to improve upon their skills, fitness and overall mentality. This is also relevant for students ahead of the 2026 winter sport season. As highlighted throughout the year, success isn’t achieved solely by winning; success can be individual improvements. There is a great opportunity for players to achieve that in the Christmas break. It might be hard to motivate them initially; it has been a long year and their body/mind needs time to decompress once school has finished. When the time is right, they are encouraged to engage in training should they wish to improve during this time. Other useful tips for parents are:

• Encourage your child to discuss their goal(s). Ask them how you can support them or what is needed in 2026 to assist with achieving them.
• Ask what challenges they foresee in them reaching their goal(s). This encourages reflection but is also an open invite for parents to be part of the solution, especially if your teenagers verbal communication has decreased.
• Invite them to suggest a ‘reward’ should they complete a series of training sessions. This could be in the form of increased device access or a day activity. This promotes the brain to release positive chemicals when a student achieves this status, leaving them motivated to continue a positive pattern of behaviour.
• Don’t fight their lack of motivation. Adolescents need guidance but if they are not motivated, then perhaps it is best to avoid an argument or wait until the time is right before discussing it with them again.
• We also encourage the use of motivational quotes, reading or any positive forms of stimulus which can be used to your child's advantage. Here are two quotes which we would like our student athletes to take note of should they wish to improve:
  
  "Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you" and "The hardest thing to do is work hard when no one is watching".

Team of the Week - 17D Basketball

It was early on Saturday morning in the CSC where the 17D’s worked their magic. In a thrilling and spirited contest against St Augustine’s College, these boys demonstrated grit and determination in their play. As the score was level in the dying stages, they went back to basics and worked on getting clear shots at the basket in the paint. Supported by some strong defence, they closed out the match to record a 31-28 victory to get things off to a positive start for Oakhill Basketball teams. 

While they were successful in winning this game, you cannot overlook the development this team has made throughout the season to not only be in a winning position, but to capture victory in the manner in which they did.

H2H Physiotherapy - Oakhill family discount

Please see the flyer below. This is open to all Oakhill families (not just those who play Sport) and will leave many benefitting as expensive medical scans are covered.

Mr Murry Fisher
Head of Sport

We congratulate our Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award recipients who were honoured recently at Government House. Achieving the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award is a remarkable milestone that reflects resilience, leadership, and commitment. It represents years of dedication across service, skill, physical recreation, and adventurous journeys. 

Well done to College alumni: Lucy Patchell (Class of 2025), Ian Joye (Class of 2024), Ryan Day, Kiran Rajamantri, Zander Cheng, Kristijan Magdic (all Class of 2025), Joshua Farrant (Class of 2024). Also to DOE Leaders and staff: Mr Jack Rajczyk (Class of 2014) and Mr Thomas Rakuljic (Class of 2019).

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Mr Lachy Doheny's (Class of 2022) rugby career continues as he has moved to Hong Kong as part of the Hong Kong China Rugby squad.

After a stellar junior career representing Australia U18s (2023), NSW U19s (2024), and playing Eastwood 1st Grade (2025) — Lachy stepped away from a Waratahs academy contract and a potential Super Rugby future. Instead, he embraced his Hong Kong heritage through his mum and has signed a contract with the Hong Kong China Rugby Union.

Lachy says: "At the age of 20 and with the 2027 World Cup looming up, having that opportunity to potentially play in a World Cup at the age of 22, I thought that is just too good of an opportunity not to pass up."

His coaches agree, besides his talent, Lachy's determination, attitude and hard work are his greatest assets. We wish Lachy all the best.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

The Uniform Shop’s last day of trade for 2025 is Thursday 4th December. Thank you to all our volunteers who generously gave up their time to assist this year. 

On Monday 8th December the Uniform Shop will not be open for trade but will be available for online order collection only.

Uniform Shop Trade for the beginning of 2026:

Mrs Suzanne Haskins
Uniform Shop Manager