Volume Eleven, Friday 14th August 2026

The past several weeks have been busy in respect to the College’s academic calendar. Year 12 completed their Trial HSC exams and will over the next two weeks receive some important feedback on what is needed moving forward to attain their best in the HSC exams in October. There is still plenty of time and much can still be done and achieved. It is important that all Year 12 in all classes continue to aim for the stars, that is to aim to achieve their personal best; in doing so it will help every student’s HSC mark. Look after each other like brother, like sister.

Recently, we received our NAPLAN results for 2026. I am most pleased to report that 2026 was again a significant improvement on the previous year with this trend seen in the graph for Year 7.

Several years ago, Oakhill College introduced a ‘Writing Across the Curriculum’ initiative for staff professional development, working with teachers on how to teach reading and writing in their subjects. We have revisited this program for staff professional development this year. Improving writing, especially academic writing, the type of writing needed for assessments and exams, requires a whole school approach, every teacher in every class across the College using the same terms and references, reinforcing a common standard and an awareness of what is required. I am confident our students writing will only continue to improve from what is already now, very good.

In addition to the busy academic programme in the College these past few weeks, students have been fully engaged in the closing rounds and finals of the winter sport competition. There will be 10 out of 10 tennis teams in the ISA Tennis Finals; 7 out of 19 rugby teams in the ISA Rugby Finals; 6 out of 9 teams in the Netball Semi Finals; and 16 out of 24 boys and 1 girls team in the Football Semi Finals. We wish all our finals teams and their coaches and managers every success.

The last few weeks have also involved many students in the Dance, Drama, and Music ‘Showcase’ recitals with Year 12 students trialling their HSC performances. These recitals illustrate the amazing talent and giftedness of the students at Oakhill College.

Research tells us that practice and feedback are the most essential elements to improving performance. This also applies to all aspects of life. There is no shortcut to hard work and particularly for boys who at times “overestimate their ability and underestimate the effort required”. Thank you to all those parents who support their children by getting them to training and rehearsal and who keep motivating and encouraging them to keep practicing and working hard. Building resilience is one of the more significant attributes home and school can work on together.

The last two weeks have also been busy in the Catholic and Lasallian life of the College. Saturday 8th August was the Feast of Mary MacKillop of the Cross. Thursday 13th August was the Feast of St Benildus, and Saturday 15th August is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Assumption is a very special day in the Catholic calendar. Mary is a woman who made a very strong choice for God in her life, whose vocation was one of service, to bring Christ to the world. It is encouraging to see our students engaged in the many service programmes the College offers, nurturing this tradition of service.

Finally, I would like to thank all parents for their support of the College through their attendance at parent meetings and briefings such as the recent Year 7 Parent-Teacher meetings where for example, we had 99%, 350 out of 354, student families in attendance. Oakhill College is special because her parents and students are so supportive and engaged, it takes a whole village approach to form good young men and women.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

St. Therese of Lisieux, youngest and second woman doctor of the Church, wrote simply but with incredible depth.

May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith, in yourself and others.

May you use the gifts you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to dance, sing, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

St. Therese’s father, a proud Lasallian, is having his cause for canonisation championed by the Brothers at present.

As part of Mission Action Week, Oakhill College will be holding our annual Lasallians Without Borders Service Tour Bingo evening.

This fundraising event will help support the 65 Year 11 students who will be travelling to Southern India and the Philippines in the September school holidays. Funds raised from the evening will help support educational resources, building materials and provide agricultural resources for sustainability in Lasallian schools. Your support will transform the lives of our Lasallian brothers and sisters in poor communities.

Event details:

Saturday 29th August
6.30pm, bingo starts 7.00pm
CSC Sports Centre

Tickets $15 per person. BYO drinks and nibbles.

Families, all ages, are invited for a fun Oakhill evening of bingo, games, silent auctions and prizes.

To book please visit Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/eventlist?aid=27454

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

As part of Mission Action Week, Oakhill College is running a raffle to raise funds for the Lasallian Foundation that supports De La Salle communities in Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea. There are some great prizes up for grabs! To purchase tickets please visit Trybooking www.trybooking.com/1624539. 

Please join us for a Night in the Chapel on Wednesday 19th August at 6.00pm. The evening will feature live music and a time for reflection. 

On Thursday 6th August, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend and participate in the "Busking for Vinnies" initiative alongside my fellow Year 10 Music classmates. The day was a great opportunity to step outside of the classroom and share our love of music with the wider community whilst raising money and awareness for Vinnies.

We performed a range of songs and pieces throughout the day, creating a truly memorable experience to play in front of members of the public and see people  stop to listen, support us and enjoy the music. Being able to perform alongside my classmates made the experience especially enjoyable and allowed all of us to embody the Lasallian spirit to serve.

Overall, it was a rewarding experience that allowed us to come together as a class, share our passion for music and contribute to such a meaningful cause. We managed to raise $1,524 on the day, plus a Parramatta Council donation of $660, totalling $2,184 for the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Jaydan Chan, Year 10 Music

Long standing member of the Oakhill College community and Parramatta Diocesan community, Mrs Donna-Maree Vinci (Class of 1979) and College Board Member, has been awarded the honour of Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great by the Most Reverend Vincent Long van Nguyen OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta.

The Order of St Gregory the Great is one of the highest honours the Catholic Church can bestow upon lay people in recognition of distinguished service to the Church and the wider community.

Reflecting on the award, Mrs Vinci expressed deep gratitude to the Oakhill community, acknowledging the significant role the College has played throughout her life and faith journey.

"As I remain a member of the Oakhill College Board and will always consider myself part of the Catholic Oakhill family, I wanted to thank the College community for its guidance and support. From the day I first stepped onto the grounds of Oakhill in 1978, through my graduation in 1979 and the many years since, I have been blessed by the encouragement, friendship and shared commitment to faith and service that I have found here. I am truly humbled and deeply grateful."

The recognition acknowledges Mrs Vinci's longstanding service to Oakhill College and the broader Diocese of Parramatta. The College congratulates Mrs Vinci on this well-deserved honour and thanks her for her enduring commitment to Catholic education and the mission of the Church.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

At Oakhill College, literacy is far more than the ability to read and write. It is the foundation upon which students learn, think, communicate, collaborate and contribute to the world around them. Literacy enables young people to engage deeply with ideas, evaluate information critically, express themselves confidently and participate meaningfully at school and beyond. These capabilities sit at the heart of the Oakhill Graduate, who is called to be a reflective learner, effective communicator, critical thinker and person of character. A deep knowledge of literacy skills help students develop each of these attributes, preparing them not only for success at Oakhill College, but also for life beyond the classroom. Recent research from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) highlights that literacy remains one of the most important capabilities for future success. While technology continues to transform the workplace, the ability to comprehend complex information, communicate clearly, solve problems and learn independently has become even more valuable. Literacy is the gateway that allows students to develop these broader capabilities. Source: https://www.edresearch.edu.au/research/research-reports/which-skills-are-important-future-literacy-and-numeracy

As teachers, we know that literacy is not the responsibility of English teachers alone. Every subject requires students to read, write, analyse, explain, argue, interpret and evaluate. Whether a student is constructing a scientific explanation, analysing a historical source, justifying a mathematical method or preparing a business report, literacy is central to learning.

Writing is one of the most powerful forms of literacy. Research consistently shows that writing supports learning in three important ways:

• Writing helps students understand and remember what they learn.
• Writing about reading improves comprehension.
• Reading and writing strengthen one another.
  

Writing is also highly complex. Effective writers must manage spelling, grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, planning, drafting, revising and editing while simultaneously considering audience, purpose and tone. A deep knowledge of writing skills does not develop naturally. It requires explicit instruction, purposeful practice and regular feedback over many years. At Oakhill College, writing has been a significant focus for several years. Our staff understand that writing is taught explicitly and they continually work to develop students' writing skills across all learning areas.

Australian and international research indicates that writing achievement remains a challenge for many young people. Studies have found that writing performance has remained stagnant or declined in some year groups over the past decade, reinforcing the need for schools and families to work together to build strong literacy habits. Source: https://www.edresearch.edu.au/research/research-reports/writing-and-writing-instruction

Encouragingly, writing is a strength at Oakhill. Our most recent NAPLAN results in 2026 showed particularly impressive writing performance in both Year 7 and Year 9. More importantly, this success reflects a longer term pattern shown by our students rather than a single cohort result.

One of the most significant influences on literacy development is the environment students encounter outside school. Children who regularly see reading and writing valued at home are more likely to develop positive attitudes towards literacy. This does not mean every family needs floor to ceiling bookshelves or a household that resembles a university library. Small, consistent actions often have the greatest impact.

Parents can support literacy by:

• Encouraging regular recreational reading.
• Discussing books, articles and current events.
• Modelling reading as a normal part of daily life.
• Encouraging students to write for authentic purposes, such as emails, journals, reflections or planning activities.
• Reinforcing the difference between informal texting and formal writing. "LOL" has its place, but not usually in an assessment task.
• Limiting distractions and creating opportunities for sustained reading and thinking.
  
  

For some families, particularly those with teenage boys, the challenge can be finding material they genuinely want to read. If your son is happily reading detailed analysis of Premier League Fantasy selections for the 2027 season, transfer rumours, cricket statistics or car reviews, that's a good start. While we may ultimately want students engaging with a broader range of texts, developing the habit of reading is often the first step. These simple practices help develop reading stamina, vocabulary, background knowledge and critical thinking. As literacy researcher Gabrielle Mace notes, community reading spaces make reading a visible and shared activity. They provide opportunities for discovery, curiosity and connection. They help children and young people see that reading is not simply a school requirement but a lifelong source of knowledge, enjoyment and growth.

These spaces are particularly important because they increase access to books and learning opportunities for all families. They foster equity and ensure that every young person has opportunities to engage with rich texts and ideas regardless of circumstance. Source: Gabrielle Mace, The Power of Literacy: Celebrating Community Reading Spaces https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-literacy-celebrating-community-reading-spaces-gabrielle-mace-itrkc/

The Oakhill Library is one such space. It serves not only as a learning hub but also as a place where curiosity, inquiry and independent reading are encouraged and celebrated. Whether students are researching an assessment task, borrowing a novel or finding a quiet place to learn, libraries remain one of the most valuable resources we can offer young people. Our friendly expert library staff are on hand for extended school hours to provide support and advice to both our students and their parents as a starting point for what engages our students.

The development of literacy is one of the most important investments we can make in our children's future. Research continues to demonstrate that strong literacy skills are associated with improved educational outcomes, greater employment opportunities and increased community participation.

For Oakhill students, literacy is ultimately about more than academic achievement. It is about becoming thoughtful, articulate and informed young adults who can contribute positively to our Lasallian community and the wider world. As families and educators, we share the responsibility of cultivating these skills. Every conversation, every book discussed at the dinner table, every visit to the school library and every opportunity to write contributes to the growth of a confident and capable learner. In doing so, we help form our Oakhill graduates who embody the values of Oakhill College: young people who can think critically, communicate effectively, serve generously and engage confidently with an increasingly complex world.

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, privacy and online safety, Oakhill College continues to monitor advice and updates from the eSafety Commissioner to ensure our policies and practices remain current and compliant. 

We remind families that consent for the use of student photographs and related media was provided as part of the enrolment process. Families may review or withdraw this consent at any time by notifying the College in writing to marketing@oakhill.nsw.edu.au. We appreciate your partnership in helping us celebrate student achievements while maintaining appropriate privacy and safeguarding standards.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communication

We invite all Year 12 students to join the Oakhill College Alumni Association. 

Membership is free and gives you access to alumni news, reunions, networking opportunities and updates about what's happening at Oakhill. This is a great way to keep in touch and remain part of the College community. The details you provide remain secure on our database and are only used for alumni events.

Please join with a different email address than your Oakhill email, as this will cease by January 2027.

To change your details please click here https://www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au...

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communication

Oakhill College has a short but proud history with the Australian Space Design Competition (ASDC). In January, Oakhill sent two teams Team Crux and Team Magellan to the ASDC National Finals in Brisbane, marking the first time in the competition’s history that a single school has had two teams reach the finals. Team Magellan were awarded the win and invited to represent Australia at the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) in Florida, USA. The ISSDC brings together 238 students from 16 countries to compete in a world‑class engineering and design challenge. Over nine days, students engaged in immersive aerospace learning at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and took part in high‑level engineering and design competition which required them to collaborated within global teams. The itinerary included private tours of iconic NASA facilities, full ISSDC competition days at the Disney Yacht Club Conference Center, and cultural experiences across Disney World’s Hollywood Studios.

The ISSDC experience was filled with unforgettable highlights that showcased the very best of international collaboration. Students began one extraordinary morning at 2:30am, gathering to witness a spectacular Falcon 9 rocket launch, lighting up the sky and setting the tone for a week of inspiration. They met NASA astronaut and Space Shuttle pilot Guy Gardner and were granted special access to explore the NASA Memorial Garden; a privilege rarely extended to the general public. The tour continued with an in depth visit to the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, where students stood beneath the orbiter that flew 33 missions. A full day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios offered a chance to unwind and enjoy world‑class attractions before returning to competition mode. Most importantly, students formed friendships with peers from around the world connections built through teamwork, shared challenges, and cultural exchange that will last a lifetime.

We would like to thank Mrs Grace Flaihan and Mr Ryan Hamilton for all their work in facilitating the trip and the Oakhill staff who supported from the College. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and for helping provide our students with such an extraordinary opportunity.

The students greatly enjoyed their experience as reflected below. 

Our recent trip to ISSDC was an experience that I will never forget. Over the course of a week, we not only grew closer together but gained a new appreciation for the similarities and differences that we share with our team members from other countries. The highlights of the experience were not just found within the competition but were found in the small moments in between. From watching a Rocket launch from Disney at 3:00am to the gondola rides back to the hotel, where we distressed from the day. All of my teammates from Australia, but in an extraordinary amount of effort into the competition, staying up well past 3:00 am to get the submission completed. Aside from the competition, our experience at Disney and Kennedy Space center was life changing, from meeting astronauts to feeling the magic of the Disney Parks, we all made memories that will last a lifetime. I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Hamilton and Ms Flaihan for keeping us safe and ensuring that the trip went smoothly. I would like to also extend this gratitude to Br Steve for his support and the curriculum staff for working tirelessly to ensure that our trial exams were not interrupted. Thank you for everything! Andrew S-C


Travelling to Orlando, Florida in my final year of high school was something I never imagined I would get the chance to do. Being surrounded by 238 students from around the world, all working together and competing at ISSDC, made it an experience I'll genuinely never forget. 

I've never seen myself as the smartest person academically, so by given the opportunity to represent Australia made this experience feel even more special to me. I met so may amazing people, made friendships from different countries and felt like I was part of something much bigger than myself. One of my favourite memories was handing out little Australian koala and kangaroo keyrings to other students and seeing how happy they were to receive them.

ISSDC taught me to take every opportunity that comes my way, even if it feels completely unexpected. You really never know where one small opportunity might take you. Tristen. G.


More than anything else, meeting and working alongside students from other nations is what I'll remember most. There was something genuinely fascinating about hearing everyone's ideas and passions. I really enjoyed talking with the students from the UK team, who I spent the most time with, sharing stories and experiences. Speaking to other countries about their qualification system to get to ISSDC was interesting. No other country runs a competition as long as ours, which is 12 weeks. Their experience is different from ours, and I'd say we are unique in Australia. Our competition gives us a different understanding and perspective. I've come away having made some real friends from other countries, which is exciting, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to build some bonds I already had.

A highlight on the space side of things was our time at Kennedy Space Center, where seeing the rockets, space capsules, and suits up close was so cool. I was in awe standing next to some of them, their size and the history they hold. It was such a fun experience that I definitely will not forget.

Outside of the competition, one of my favourite moments of the trip was a visit to Hollywood Studios, where I got to build my own lightsaber at Savi's Workshop. It was an incredible, immersive experience that I'll remember for a long time, and I now have a lightsaber to show for it! Also, the rides were super fun! Especially Rise of the Resistance. Overall, ISSDC 2026 was an unforgettable mix of creativity, fun, connection, and discovery.

I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr Hamilton, Mrs Flaihan, Br Steve Hogan fsc, Curriculum Department, and everyone else who made this trip possible, dedicating hours of work and preparation, 2am meetings with AEC in the US, and for taking us on an experience of a lifetime that will forever be a highlight of my Oakhill experience. Ilia. S.

Mr Ryan Hamilton
Science Teacher

On Thursday 6th August, Year 11 students Aiden Scalone and Jack Cruickshank graduated from the Generational Leaders Program at Woolworths head office in Norwest. These young men were involved in a six month program which is designed to propel individuals in their personal and community leadership through workshops and coaching. Both of these young men worked closely over the time of the program with a coach from industry to set leadership goals, build skills, develop a positive mindset and resilience.

Part of the program was to develop and implement an initiative that would benefit the wider community. Aiden developed an initiative called “Screen Savers” that empowers parents with practical strategies to build healthier screen habits. While Jack’s initiative was called “Open Door” which is a peer to peer program that supports young people who are facing discrimination. Oakhill College is extremely proud of the efforts of Aiden and Jack and we congratulate them on the completion of the program.

Mrs Deborah Gillis
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care 

As planning for the 2027 academic year begins, and with the end of Term 3 approaching, the College reminds families of students intending to leave Oakhill College at the conclusion of Year 10 to commence an apprenticeship or similar, that one term's written notice is required to be eligible for a refund of the enrolment deposit. Notification should be provided in writing to the Registrar via registrar@oakhill.nsw.edu.au. 

We appreciate your assistance in supporting the College's planning for class organisation for 2027.

A reminder that the third and final instalment for 2026 fees (one third of your annual fees) is due on Friday 15th August unless you pay in instalments via School Easy Pay Direct Debit.

Fee statements were issued prior to the beginning of term.

Please contact the Accounts Receivable Office on 9899 2288 if there are any matters relating to your statement that you need to discuss.

Ms Lisa Camilleri
Accounts Receivable Officer

Oakhill College will be hosting a Careers Breakfast focusing on psychology, social work, counselling and community services on Wednesday 26th August at 7.00am in the Commons Building. Tickets are available via the TASS Events portal. 

Please see the flyer below for further information.

Mrs Marisa Quattrocchi
Careers Advisor

We warmly invite all Oakhill College families to the TAS and Visual Art HSC Showcase. Join us for a showcase of art, craftsmanship, creativity and technology. 

Event details: 

Tuesday 1st September
5.30 - 7.30pm
Benildus Hall

Mr Scott McLeod
Academic Head of TAS

Oakhill College is delighted to announce the launch of our London Performing Arts and Science Tours for 2027.

These exciting international programs have been carefully designed to provide students with unique opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences, industry engagement, and cultural exploration in one of the world's most vibrant educational and creative hubs.

This tour is open to students studying Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics, Investigating Science, Drama, Dance, Music and Entertainment, giving the opportunity to participate in specialised workshops, expert led experiences, and guided visits to world renowned institutions. The tours will immerse students in authentic learning environments, allowing them to deepen their subject knowledge, develop practical skills, and gain valuable insights into future study and career pathways.

Through a combination of academic enrichment, cultural exploration, and collaborative experiences, students will broaden their global perspectives, strengthen their confidence and independence, and create lasting memories with their peers.

The tours are open to students undertaking the relevant subjects in Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2027 and promise to be a transformative learning experience that supports both personal growth and academic development.

Parents, guardians and students are warmly invited to attend our Information Evening on Tuesday 18th August at 6.00pm in the Miguel Lecture Theatre, where full details of the tours, itinerary, costs and application process will be presented.

To RSVP for the night, please use the TryBooking link below: https://www.trybooking.com/eve...

Mr Tyler Thoroughgood and Mr Ryan Hamilton
Tours Co-ordinators

Last week, Oakhill College Year 11 Standard English students had the opportunity to hear from Vietnamese- Australian poet, Vuong Pham, as part of our 'Close Study of Literature' unit.

Vuong Pham is an Australian poet of Vietnamese descent. As a first generation Australian, his poetry explores the challenges of belonging and displacement, cultural identity, intergenerational experience, legacy and heritage, memory, and trauma. The four poems, “Father”, “Mother”, “Fall of Saigon”, and “Refugee Prayer”, that we have studied in his micro-collection, Refugee Prayer, explore the influence parents have on shaping their child’s identity and the lasting impact of their sacrifices as they grow into adulthood. Further to this, we have been able to examine how Pham examines the effects of trauma and the devastation caused by war, while ultimately conveying a message of hope for peace.

One of my key takeaways was gaining a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese refugee experience and how displacement, loss of homeland, language, and identity have shaped Pham’s poetry. Hearing about his parents’ experiences of escaping Vietnam and eventually arriving in Australia gave greater meaning, insight, and perspective to the themes consistently explored across all his poems. I particularly found it quite interesting how Pham would use repetitive symbols such as the colour yellow, sunflowers, and daffodils to represent his family’s memories, past experiences, and hope for the future.

Overall, Pham’s discussion and deep break-down of his poems, including his purpose to share and preserve the experiences of Vietnamese refugees and highlight the lasting effects of war and displacement, language choices and techniques, made his poetry easier to understand and appreciate. Hearing his explanations directly will be especially useful in our Preliminary studies as we can apply these insights when analysing his work, and exploring the connection between context, purpose and meaning.

Ms Abbey Keogh
Year 11 English Student

Throughout Term 2, Year 9 Visual Arts students took on the role of activist artists to champion causes close to their hearts. Exploring pressing global issues, from environmental conservation and peace to standing up against inequality and social injustice, students transformed their voices into powerful visual statements.

Utilising a vibrant blend of acrylic paint, Posca markers and spray paint, students embraced an unusual canvas: skateboard decks. The resulting graphic designs are striking, bold and deeply thought-provoking.

Their final artworks are currently on display in the library. Congratulations to all students for their impressive creativity and dedication!

Mrs Rachael Manning
Visual Arts Teacher

Oakhill College Year 9 Drama students took to the stage at the prestigious ATYP Intersection Festival 2026, delivering a memorable performance that showcased their creativity, talent and professionalism.

The 2026 festival theme, Orbit, brought together young performers from across Australia to celebrate new Australian theatre. Run by the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), the Intersection Festival provides students and teachers with the unique opportunity to rehearse and perform brand-new Australian plays written specifically for young actors through ATYP's National Studio program.

Each year, ten short plays are commissioned from emerging playwrights, offering students the chance to bring fresh Australian stories to life. Through the program, participants develop skills in acting, script analysis and stagecraft while working alongside industry professionals. Schools from across the country rehearse selected scripts, submit filmed performances, and only one group from each school is chosen to perform live at the festival showcase.

As part of their assessment task, Oakhill's Year 9 Drama students embraced this challenge by staging interpretations of six of the ten festival scripts. Their dedication, imagination and theatrical flair paid off when Oakhill College was selected to perform In a Globular Sense by Sarah Esser at the live showcase.

The selected production delighted audiences with its clever staging, quick wit and comic energy. Bringing Esser's quirky and hilarious world to life, the cast captivated the audience with their engaging performances and sharp comedic timing, earning plenty of laughter throughout the evening.

A special congratulations goes to Tyler Thoroughgood, who directed the production with creativity and confidence. Congratulations also to the talented cast members Ari Wilson, Daniel Sukkar, Aldrin Kumar, Oliver Massingham, Ashwin Kurinchi and Brandon Srbinovski, who proudly represented Oakhill on stage and delivered an outstanding performance.

The opportunity to perform at the iconic Rebel Theatre, Pier 2/3, and to work alongside professional theatre practitioners was an invaluable experience for our students. Their success is a testament to their hard work, commitment and passion for the performing arts.

Congratulations to our Year 9 Drama students, Mr Flanagan and the Drama Faculty for creating and supporting such an exceptional learning opportunity. Oakhill's presence at the ATYP Intersection Festival once again highlights the strength of our Drama program and the outstanding talent of our students.

Bravo to everyone involved a fantastic achievement!

Mr Warren Flanagan
Academic Head of Drama

On Thursday 13th and Friday 14th August, Year 10 students took part in two full day programs delivered by Voices of Survival, led by Dr Ari Lander. Designed to complement classroom study of the Holocaust and Genocide, the program offered students a deeper, more empathetic engagement with these histories and the lessons they hold for today.

Ari's presentation drew striking parallels between the Holocaust and the 1994 Rwandan genocide, weaving together survivour testimony to show students how prejudice, propaganda, and silence can allow atrocity to take root, regardless of the era or the continent. Rather than treating these events as separate case studies, the session invited students to see the common warning signs that connect them: the phenomenon of dehumanisation, the bystanders who looked away, and the individuals who resisted at great personal risk.

A recurring theme throughout the two days was "Never Again", not as a slogan, but as a living responsibility. Students were challenged to think about what the phrase actually asks of them; to notice early warning signs of hatred, division in their own communities, and to have the courage to speak up.

The program also placed strong emphasis on memorialisation; why we build memorials, keep archives of survivour testimony, and teach these histories at all. Survivours Bruno and Bahati both shared their personal experiences and reflections with students. Speaking on the theme of memorialisation, Bruno reflected on how memorials built at genocide sites can offer a path to healing precisely because so much else has been taken away:

"Memorials give us a place to grieve when so much closure isn't possible. For many families, the normal customs and rituals around death and burial were made impossible by what happened - so the memorial becomes the place where that connection can still be made."

Ari built on this, explaining that remembrance is not just about honouring the past, but about equipping future generations with the empathy and critical thinking needed to prevent it from repeating.

Bahati shared her own experience as a young girl in Rwanda, speaking candidly with students about the necessity of not hardening one's heart when confronted with adversity. She spoke about developing coping mechanisms and building strong connections with others as essential to living with what had happened, rather than being defined by it. Together, Bruno and Bahati emphasised that forgiveness is not a single choice made once, but a daily decision, one made from the heart and the mind, and expressed through daily actions.

Bahati also spoke of the importance of connectedness, sharing that she regularly returns to Rwanda to reconnect with her culture, her people, and her sense of belonging. For her, this ongoing connection is part of how healing continues long after survival itself.

Students left the two days with plenty to reflect on, extending the work already underway in their study of the Holocaust and genocide. We're grateful to Ari and the Voices of Survival team - in particular Bahati Salima and Iradukunda Bruno, for a moving and thought-provoking program, and we hope that the conversations continue about memory, responsibility, and standing up against hatred wherever it appears.

On the same day, Year 11 Society and Culture students also participated in a segment of the Voices of Survival session. Through the powerful experiences and perspectives shared by Bahati and Bruno, students explored how people in different social, cultural, and environmental settings behave, communicate, and perceive the world around them. These firsthand accounts provided valuable insight into the ways culture shapes identity, values, and social interactions, helping students develop a deeper understanding of both others and themselves.

Bahati also shared aspects of the Kinyarwanda language and cultural traditions with students, including the concept of Umuganda, a national day of community service that brings people together to work towards the common good. Through this example, students examined how shared cultural practices can strengthen community bonds, foster collective responsibility, and promote understanding between individuals and groups.

The stories and cultural perspectives shared throughout the session provided authentic and meaningful examples of intercultural communication in practice. Importantly, these experiences also lay a strong foundation for the Year 11 students' future study of Rwanda in the Year 12 Social and Cultural Continuity and Change unit, where they will investigate how societies respond to change while maintaining elements of cultural identity and tradition.

Mrs Gloria Richards
Academic Head of History

Year 9 Geography students recently went on an excursion to Long Reef and Collaroy Beaches as part of their Geography unit on Environmental Change and Management. The students learnt a lot about human impact on coastal environments as reflected below.

As part of our Year 9 Geography unit we spent the day at Long Reef and Collaroy Beaches investigating how natural coastal systems work and how human activity has reshaped them. The weather was sunny, with temperatures between 3–12°C, a 19 km/h westerly wind and a 0.5 m south east swell. These conditions helped us clearly observe coastal processes and collect accurate field data.

Our guiding question for the excursion was: What are the causes and consequences of human induced environmental change at Long Reef and Collaroy Beaches, and are they being managed sustainably? To explore this, we examined the four natural systems shaping the coast. We looked at the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere and the biosphere. Seeing how waves, wind and vegetation interact helped us understand how beaches build up or erode over time.

We compared constructive waves and destructive waves to see how wave energy affects sand movement, and we watched longshore drift shift sediment along the shoreline. As we moved inland, we mapped the berm, the primary dune and the secondary dune, noticing how vegetation changes as the dune system becomes more stable.

Human impacts were also clear. Urban development at Collaroy, with homes and roads built right on the sand, has disrupted the natural dune cycle and increased erosion risk. Seeing the Collaroy sea wall helped us understand how engineered structures can protect property but also change the way waves interact with the beach.

Throughout the day, we used clinometers and tapes to measure dune gradients, anemometers to record wind speed, and vegetation surveys to track plant species from the shoreline inland. We also assessed current management strategies such as dune regeneration, fencing and controlled access points designed to protect fragile vegetation and allow dunes to rebuild naturally.

By the end of the excursion, we had a much clearer understanding of how delicate coastal environments are. While sea walls and other engineered structures offer short term protection, long term sustainability depends on supporting natural systems, especially healthy dune vegetation, so the coastline can continue to protect itself. 
Max Brundson, Year 9

Ms Katie Kovacevic
Academic Head of Geography Legal Studies and Society and Culture

On Tuesday 4th August after the second HSC Trial English exam, members of the Student Representative Council waited outside the De La Salle Building to show their support for their Year 12 school mates by passing on bags of jellybeans, each with an individualised message of encouragement. The HSC trials can be a challenging time as our Year 12 students prepare and manage their time in order to give their best efforts on multiple exams testing them on a years worth of content. To help give them a boost and let them know the whole student body is behind them, the SRC have taken up this small but powerful gesture. Below are some of the many messages passed along to the Year 12 students.

Dear Year 12,

On behalf of the SRC and all students at Oakhill, please accept this small token of our support as you continue to prepare for your upcoming HSC Trial exams. Perseverance breeds achievement and your will to prepare and strive for excellence is greatly admired by those of us who will follow in your footsteps in the years to come. We all support you and wish you the very best!

Dear Year 12,

On behalf of the SRC and all the students of Oakhill, we would like to wish you all the best for your upcoming HSC Trials, please accept this token of support so whenever you feel like you’re struggling or like you may fail that you may remember we all have your backs. In the words of Kevin Durant, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard”.

Deare Year 12,

On behalf of the SRC and the Oakhill community, we express our utmost support as you journey through your HSC Trials. Just know that we’ve got your back! All of the endless hours and hard work you have poured into your studies will truly pay off. You’ve got this!

It is our hope that as their high school journey approaches it's last months, that they know that we are all very proud of their efforts and hard work and wish them the very best.

All the best Year 12,
The Student Representative Council

On Friday 4th September, Oakhill College will be participating in its annual Jersey Day.

Jersey Day has been inspired by the story of Nathan Gremmo, a Year 8 student at Oakhill who was tragically lost in an accident in May 2015. This campaign is about raising awareness for organ and tissue donation. To support the cause Oakhill College staff and students are encouraged to wear their favourite jersey to school on this day.

Further to this, we will be hosting our annual Year 8 father-son Touch Football morning and breakfast. All boys and their fathers/significant male figures are most welcome and encouraged to attend. If a father/significant male figure cannot attend, students are still encouraged to participate in the morning.

After sharing breakfast, we invite you to the Father’s Day Mass in the College Chapel starting at 8.00am.

Date: 4th of September (Week 7)
Time: 6.45am
Location: Damien Oval
BBQ Breakfast at 7.45am
Cost: FREE
RSVP: Wednesday 28th August

Please make a booking on TASS Parent Portal Events Tab – Yr 8 Jersey Day Touch Football. Please include yourself and son (2 tickets).

Mr Brion Martyn
Year 8 Dean

Meet Oakhill College's newest lunchtime obsession: Warhammer Club.

From assembling miniatures to painting them in enamel, our hobbyists are crafting entire universes one tiny warrior at a time.

Guided by Miss Tiana Visnjic, the Library is now home to strategy, creativity… and a lot of very small paintbrushes.

Come join the battle.

On Saturday 8th August, Oakhill College students represented our school at the Greater Sydney School Cattle Competition; an event that allows students to experience the complete process of preparing a steer for market while developing their knowledge of the beef industry.

Over a 100-day period, participating schools are allocated a Murray Grey steer to feed, manage and prepare for competition. Throughout the program, students learn about nutrition, animal management, livestock handling and show preparation while working towards producing a quality market animal. The competition culminates in parading and judging events, as well as the presentation of an educational display showcasing students' learning and experiences throughout the project.

A special congratulations goes to Isla Smith (Year 12), who designed and assembled our outstanding educational display. Her creativity, dedication and attention to detail resulted in a professional and engaging presentation that represented our school exceptionally well.

Students were proud to showcase their achievements in front of Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie, and renowned veterinarian Dr Rob Zammit, who presented the ribbons and awards throughout the day.

Our Show Team achieved excellent results:

• Luca Compton – Champion Senior Parader
• Charlotte Lucak – 6th Place Senior Novice Parader
• Matthew Kenna - 6th Place Junior Novice Parader, 4th Place – Led Steer, 3rd Place – Best Presented Steer

Congratulations to all students involved for their commitment, teamwork and dedication throughout the 100-day program. Their efforts were rewarded with outstanding results and valuable industry experience. We look forward to the final carcass and beef judging results, which are still to come.

Ms Stellina Trestrail
Coordinator of Agriculture

The Oakhill Sport program continues to roll along. As the Semi Finals approach, our players have been improving their skills and execution in both training and games.

Despite experiencing a recent washout, the Tennis program continues to perform well. Our teams have recorded strong wins against a variety of schools who are ranked at numerous levels. One aspect of our Tennis program we can all be proud of is the comraderie shown by the players. You will usually see a group of players staying around to support their teammates in fixtures and the attitude towards this is infectious.

Our Netballers have hit the road in the last few weeks of the regular season and have relished this challenge. The First VII girls remain undefeated following road games against Chevalier College and Central Coast Grammar School. They’ve been well supported by other teams in the program, including the 2nd VII who are consistently facing First team opponents, and the 7th Netball team, who have progressed straight to the Grand Final.

Our Footballers have fought hard in recent weeks to maintain their positive records. In challenging conditions and against tough opponents, the program has continued to display the talent and depth of Oakhill Football. The A’s teams closed out the regular season with strong victories. The First XI Girls Football team have also continued to improve. Their hard work and dedication to their game has seen them qualify for a spot in the Semi Finals.

Oakhill Rugby teams ventured across the mountains to Bathurst last weekend for the ISA Festival of Rugby. Featuring in Semi Final matches, the players represented Oakhill with pride. Highlights throughout the day included the 13C’s hard-fought victory of St Stanislaus’ College, as well as a 100m try from the 5th XV. The day concluded with thrilling victories to the 14A’s and 1st XV, who have progressed onto the Grand Final this weekend.

History Made for Oakhill Tennis

Given the illustrious Tennis Program at Oakhill, it is surprising that this has never been achieved. Last Saturday, as the Oakhill 7th recorded victory in their match, all 10 Oakhill Tennis teams qualified for the Grand Final. All players, parents, and coaches who have contributed to this program should be congratulated on this result. Not only have they ensured an enjoyable season, they have played their games in the true Lasallian way. Credit must also go to those involved in the Tennis program in previous years; we are able to achieve this feat from years of hard work and toil from past alumni and their families. Well done, Oakhill Tennis! 

Summer Sport Registration

Summer Sports registrations are now open via the Parent Portal on TASS. You can click here to access a ‘How to Guide’ to assist with your registration. Sports available and people to contact are as follows:

Basketball – Ms Lisa Burke (basketball@oakhill.nsw.edu.au)

Cricket – Mr James Ransome Haberley (cricket@oakhill.nsw.edu.au)

Touch Football – Ms Shannyn Bissett (touchfootball@oakhill.nsw.edu.au)

Girls Sport – Ms Phoebe Reynolds (girlssport@oakhill.nsw.edu.au)

Golf – Mr John Williams (jwilliams@oakhill.nsw.edu.au)

Cricket registrations will take place via PlayHQ for both senior and junior players and you can click here to be taken to the registration page.

Information regarding training and grading for all sports will be communicated once the registration period has closed.

We hope to see your son/daughter representing Oakhill College at Sport at some stage throughout the summer season.

Oakhill College Gym

The Oakhill Gym has experienced a large increase in the number of students attending in Term 3. You can sign your child up using the Parent Portal on TASS. Once registered, students will be taken through an induction and can access the Gym during any of the opening hours available. For more information on the Gym, please click this link.

Coaches Corner

‘Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage’ - Dale Carnegie

The hardest part about making a positive change is committing to it and starting. If we can get adolescents to understand that taking action positively affects other areas, and not just their own development, there is a greater chance that they will succeed in their chosen goals. In a team setting, confidence is also contagious.

CIS Information

Families are reminded that if their child is an elite athlete in a particular sport and wishes to trial for a CIS team, they must reach out to the sports department to notify them of their interest. It is the responsibility of families to check the CIS website for information on the dates of trials and competition, ensuring their availability for all events.

Mr Murray Fisher
Head of Sports

Reminder - Oakhill families can receive a discount.

Please see the flyer below. This is open to all Oakhill families and will leave many benefitting as expensive medical scans are covered.

Term 3 Memberships 

If your child is interested in joining the Oakhill College Gym they can register for Term 3 now. To activate a membership please do so via the TASS Parent Portal. 

For further information please click here: https://www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au...

Mr Murray Fisher
Head of Sports

The annual P&F Golf Day is on Friday 21st August at North West Sydney's Premier golfing facility, Lynwood Golf & Country Club. This is always a highly attended day to reconnect, network and enjoy 18 rounds of golf with carts, breakfast and lunch included.

You can join individually, form a team or choose from one of our many comprehensive sponsorship packages or join us for lunch. To view sponsorship opportunities please click here 2026 PF Golf Day Sponsorship Packages 2

Bookings are now open: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1620566

Mrs Jenny Woodward
P&F President