From Br Steve Hogan fsc
Remembrance Day is celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday the 11th November (the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month), the month dedicated to peace. Remembrance Day was initiated by King George V in 1919, a year after the Armistice was signed by the allies of WWI and Germany, and was originally known as Armistice Day. At Oakhill College, we will stop for a short service just before 11:00am, the moment each year in which many nations of the world remember those who gave their lives in war. A day in which we remind students never to forget and in all aspects of life be peace-makers and advocates of peace. Students are encouraged to treat one another with a spirit of genuine respect. Our actions of respect, kindness, sharing and forgiveness are ways we can bring forth peace. Our actions follow Jesus’ actions of being a light for others.
In November it is common in the UK and across the Commonwealth and allied countries to wear a poppy, the symbol of Remembrance Day. The red poppy was the only flower resilient enough to grow in the previously beautiful landscapes that had been turned into barren and muddy battlefields and symbolises the blood of soldiers who lost their lives. This image is captured in the poem entitled ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Canadian Doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, shortly after losing his friend in the battle of Ypres.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
In this issue, the third to last issue of the Newsletter for 2026, we give recognition to the amazing and incredible achievement of students at Oakhill College. On Friday 30th October, the new College leaders were inducted in a simple but symbolic ceremony. Already our Class of 2027 leaders are making their mark, initiating programmes and raising the bar, setting the example for all students to aim high, become involved, and to take up every challenge and every opportunity – to let your light shine.
The remaining four weeks of the school year are extremely busy as we host a number of events such as the Year 9 and 10 exams, Year 9 camp, St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper, Movember activities and Christmas at Oakhill. Reports are to be written and Year 7 to Year 10 Awards ceremonies to plan.
Keep us in your prayers as you will be in ours. As summer approaches, and Advent and the Christmas season, may what is essential, to love and be loved, to build the power within, to touch hearts and transform lives, to inspire each other to aspire to be our best, to be whom God has willed us to be, be our focus and resolution.
As Marcus Aurelius once said, “Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it to be beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity”.
Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.
Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal
