Volume Thirteen, Friday 11th September 2026

Greetings,

Today, 11th September, at the 8:00am Friday morning Mass, Br Patrick (College Chaplain) reflected on the readings and in particular St Paul’s letter to the Philippians [4:4-9].

Let your kindness be known to all.
Have no anxiety at all.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Br Patrick reminded us that there are three important virtues that run through scripture: faith, hope and charity, and that hope is the most neglected. When we lose hope, things begin to unravel.

St Paul is guiding the Philippians to be people of hope by dwelling on what is good and right and positive.

These past few weeks it has been a difficult time for women: to be a young woman, a mother, a survivor of violence, a women who has never experienced such things, but who live with the thought that they might. We trust all are receiving the support they need.

It has been a difficult few weeks to be a man (and a young boy). As you may be aware, over the past several weeks there have been multiple reports in the media regarding young men and allegations of sexual assault and ill-treatment of women. It is a time when all men and young boys may feel that they are being judged.

It has been a time when boys education has come into the spotlight.

At Oakhill College we take our responsibility seriously to ensure we have programs through Year 7 to Year 12 to form good young men and women. As Mr Blake from St Jospeh’s College Hunters Hill said at an assembly this week, and as I say here to our young men “I want every young woman who encounters an Oakhill College lad to be safer because you are an Oakhill College young man.”
“Not safe from you, safer because of you.”

I have hope that this is the case and that we do form young men and women respectful of each other and who are brave enough to address injustice when it occurs.

I often ask the young ladies how the boys are looking after them and they are always positive saying they are good and kind and look out for them. I hope this to be true.

It is essential that we provide a narrative of hope for young men and women about what it is to be a good man and a good woman.

Last Friday we celebrated Father’s Day with several hundred dads at the College playing a game of touch football with their sons followed by a BBQ breakfast and then Mass. At Mass we were able to applaud the dads who are those role models: loving fathers; caring husbands; active, involved and affirming in the lives of their sons and daughters.

A talk at Assembly, a program in Pastoral Care while good is not enough to counter misogyny and inappropriate masculinity. Our young men and women need good role models at home and at school and I thank our parents and our staff for being so.

A Lasallian school is founded on the association between home and school, consistent in the formation of good men and women.

An Oakhill Graduate is grounded, strives for what matters, looks out for the other, is up for the challenge, keeps the faith, and is good and kind and just.

As St Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians “Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

We are people of hope.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

For our seniors going to India and the Philippines during the upcoming holidays.

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?

Martin Luther King

Mission Action Week (Weeks 6 and 7) was a tremendous success, bringing together the Oakhill community in a spirit of service, generosity and fun. Across the two weeks, students enthusiastically participated in a variety of activities that not only fostered House spirit and teamwork, but also deepened their understanding of the realities faced by our Lasallian brother and sister schools around the world.

One of the highlights was the creation of a human logo in recognition of Oakhill's 90th Anniversary. Students came together to create a memorable visual display that reflected both College pride and the strong sense of community that defines Oakhill.

Students also took part in a range of engaging challenges, including frisbee activities, these frisbees will be donated to our brother and sister schools overseas. These activities provided an opportunity for students to have fun while contributing to a meaningful cause.

Throughout the week, students competed in events designed to represent some of the daily challenges experienced by communities in Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and India. These experiences encouraged students to reflect on their own circumstances and develop a greater appreciation for the resilience and determination shown by young people in these communities every day.

Of course, no Mission Action Week would be complete without the opportunity to share food and friendship. Students enjoyed a variety of shared snacks, with the much-anticipated fortune cookies proving especially popular. Hidden inside each cookie was a Lasallian message, reminding students of who they are, where they come from, and their responsibility to make a positive difference in the world.

Another major highlight was our MAD Mega Raffle. Thanks to the generous support of our community, the raffle raised valuable funds to support our Mission Action projects. We are delighted to congratulate all of our prize winners and thank everyone who purchased tickets and supported this initiative.

Mission Action Week would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of so many people. We extend our sincere thanks to the coordinators, facilitators, tutor teachers and Deans who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of every activity.

Most importantly, we would like to thank the entire Oakhill College community for its extraordinary generosity, enthusiasm and spirit. Your support continues to demonstrate what it means to live out the Lasallian values of faith, service and community. Together, we have made Mission Action Week a memorable celebration of giving, learning and belonging.

Thank you for making Mission Action Week 2026 such a remarkable success.

Ms Roxanne Leopardi
Assistant Director of Mission

Congratulations to the winners of the Mission Action Week raffles. 

The winners are:

Year 7
1st Prize – Vihaan Parate
2nd Prize – Rhys Calvert
3rd Prize – Tasman Gadow

Year 8
1st Prize – Sean Banza
2nd Prize – Aedan Meade
3rd Prize – Charlie Massingham

Year 9
1st Prize – Nicholas Cassin
2nd Prize – Stefano Cagliostro
3rd Prize – Patrick Kelly

Year 10
1st Prize – Jaydan Chan
2nd Prize – Euan Adji
3rd Prize – Ashton Yu

Year 11
1st Prize – Jack Morrison
2nd Prize – Amelia Wood
3rd Prize – Danijela Gilbert-Kiro

Year 12
1ST Prize – Gavin Lim
2nd Prize – Lachlan Pacchini
3rd Prize – Collin Jiang

Staff
1st Prize – Marie Hogan
2nd Prize – Stefani Furnari
3rd Prize – Jonathan Crecca

Oakhill College would like to extend an invitation to our weekly Mass at 8.00am on a Friday morning in the Chapel

We know the importance of work-life balance. A healthy work life balance is important because it helps people maintain their wellbeing, reduce stress, and perform more effectively both at work and in their personal lives. For many of our students, their version of work-life balance is a ‘school-sport balance’. In particular for students who are playing beyond the local club/school level or playing multiple sports at the same time, they seem to spend an ever-increasing amount of time training during the week and playing games, mostly on weekends, and even on weekday evenings. Their increased training demands in particular have reduced the time students have for other things such as homework, study and just as importantly, rest and sleep.

In recent years, junior representative sport programs have increased the training demands on their players. Adolescents are now training up to 4 times per week, with sessions lasting up to two hours and even longer in some cases. Even for students who are not playing at a representative level, they could have up to four training sessions and two games per week if they are playing school and club sport. For example, many of our Oakhill Rugby students will have two school training sessions and two club training sessions per week, along with games on Saturday and Sunday.

Research conducted by Ma (2024), highlights the ever-present challenge between fulfilling these commitments, known as ‘academic-sport dual pathway stress’. “The pressure of high standards and demands from coaches in training and competition stress may cause adolescent athletes to spend more time and energy on training, thus creating problems on how to divide their energy, which in turn transforms into academic-sport dual pathway stress.”

Furthermore, the same research states that “Although training and competition tasks occupy much of their time, completing academic tasks remains a crucial aspect during adolescence, leading to academic-sport dual pathway pressure.”

The big question is - how do we help our Oakhill students achieve in both their academics and sporting goals?

The research and benefits of playing sports for adolescents are all well known and most adolescents who enjoy playing their favourite sport are unlikely to suddenly stop playing. Therefore, it’s important to assist adolescents in managing their commitments in both school and sport, so they can achieve this school-sport balance.

Psychologist Dr Liz Murdoch states that achieving this balance is not a one-size-fits-all approach and will involve some trial and error. It can take time to work out what an adolescent’s responsibilities and expectations are at sport and school and understanding how much they can realistically commit in order to promote wellbeing.

Murdoch provides four main strategies for student athletes to effectively manage sport with their academic responsibilities.

Tip 1: Students should work out their priorities

• Think about their priorities from most to least important.
• Set goals that link to each of their priorities.
• Break down these goals so they can measure progress.

Tip 2: Practice acceptance

• Balancing school and sport triggers a need for trade-offs.
• Accepting there is a limited number of hours in a day can keep stress levels at a manageable level. 
• Practicing acceptance helps an adolescent disengage from feelings of unfairness (in comparison to other students who don't play sport and can devote more time to their studies) and focus on moving forward. 

Tip 3: Assemble a support team

• Their inner voice may tell him/her to manage it themselves, but asking for support is not a reflection of their capabilities. 
• Start conversations with people such as family, coach, subject teachers and Tutor teachers about how they can manage their responsibilities and lower their stress. 

Tip 4: Assemble a student-athlete toolkit

• Time management: Set aside time each week to plan the week ahead
  • Match the task with their energy levels. For example, complete a simple task when feeling tired after training such as packing their bag rather than jumping into a difficult homework task.
  • Start early. Chip away at assessment tasks as soon as they receive them, rather than waiting for deadlines.
  • Shift their mindset: Rather than waiting for a large block of time after training or on days off to complete homework or study, use other small chunks of time when available, such as testing themselves when travelling to and from school or training. 

• Active self-reflection for managing mood and mindset. Reflect on:
  • What unhelpful patterns do they notice?
  • What strategies work for when they feel stressed or overwhelmed? 
  • Consider a short amount of time to recap at the end of each week. 

• Effective study skills
  • Take effective notes, paraphrase essentials to check for understanding.
  • Remain focused on the essentials of each unit in each subject.

• Truly decompress during the quiet moments
  • When free time comes around, it's too easy and tempting to open social media to zone out. 
  • Ask themselves, if this actually helps them to unwind, or does it trigger FOMO?
  • If so, find other ways to decompress such as seeing friends in person, listen to music, etc. 

At such a large school such as ours, there would be many students who are in this situation and could benefit from this advice. These strategies are important because they help students pursue excellence in both the classroom and on the sporting field without compromising their wellbeing. Achieving this balance reflects the qualities of the Oakhill Graduate: disciplined, resilient, reflective and committed to making the most of their gifts and talents.

Mr Daniel Simonian
Assistant Academic Head of PDHPE

References

Ma, Z. (2024). Adolescent Athletes’ Stress and Coping Strategies: A Study of Dual Pathway Challenges in Academics and Sport. Studies in Psychological Science, 2(4), 34-47. https://www.pioneerpublisher.com/SPS/article/view/1107/1009

Murdoch, L, (2025). Student athletes: Tips for balancing sport with your studies. The Skill Collective https://theskillcollective.com/blog/student-athlete-tips

A reminder that all students are required to wear summer uniform on the first day of Term 4. Summer stock is now available to purchase at the Uniform Shop or alternatively, place on order online through Flexischools.

If your child is missing a button on their blazer please note that blazer buttons are available to purchase from the Uniform Shop or via Flexischools.

Ms Suzanne Haskins
Uniform Shop Manager

The announcement of new leaders is always an exciting time at the College, with new ideas, aspirations and hopes for the year ahead. Below we hear from the 2027 College leaders, gaining an understanding of what makes them our leaders of the future.

College Captain - Rhys Wilson

Hi Oakhill! My name is Rhys Wilson, and I’m incredibly honoured to serve as College Captain for 2027 alongside our incredible leadership team. When I first arrived at Oakhill in Year 7 from St Angela’s Catholic School, it marked the beginning of a journey filled with opportunity, growth, and belonging. Oakhill has shaped my academics, leadership and faith, and this appointment is a privilege to serve a College that has given me so much.

From the moment we all walked through those Oakhill gates, we became part of something greater than ourselves. For me, music was one of the most amazing gifts Oakhill provided, creating a sense of belonging like no other. Through Chamber Choir, College Choir and Friday Masses, I found moments of joy, faith and community… and that’s what makes Oakhill truly special. It’s the friendships formed and the invaluable support of our teachers and staff. As a passionate footballer competing at the NPL level, Oakhill Football has given me something far beyond the game itself. The camaraderie, mateship and memories of Oakhill’s First XI have taught me the importance of supporting one another, always.

Faith has remained at the heart of the Oakhill experience. Through prayer, worship and the Lasallian tradition, I’ve been able to strengthen my relationship with God. Attending Mass and visiting the Anglican Retirement Village has also shaped my understanding that leadership is fundamentally about service, as expressed through the incredible example set by Br Steve Hogan and the dedicated teachers. One of the greatest honours provided by Oakhill was the opportunity to serve as an ANZAC Ambassador. Commemorating the fallen soldiers and listening to the stories of those who served, taught me that service is sacrifice and putting others before ourselves, the very essence of leadership.

As 2027 approaches, together, the leadership team is committed to serving, communicating, and connecting with every student across the College. The goal is simple: to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and proud to belong to the Oakhill community. “Enter to learn, leave to serve” is a remarkable legacy to be part of, and with God at the centre, together, we can continue to make Oakhill the truly special place that it is.

College Captain - Abbey Keogh

Hello Oakhill! My name is Abbey Keogh, and if you’d told me eight months ago, walking into Oakhill College as a new Year 11 student, that I’d be your 2026 College Captain, I wouldn’t have come close to believing you. Having transferred from Gilroy Catholic College in Castle Hill this year, I’ve had to learn Oakhill College from the ground up. New buildings, new faces, new routines, but somewhere along the way it started feeling less unfamiliar and started feeling like exactly where I was meant to be.

The mix of experiences, including sport, service opportunities, SRC meetings and action plans, weekly visits to Anglicare Retirement Village, and the upcoming Lasallians Without Borders Mission trip to the Philippines, has shown me what makes Oakhill so special. Our College is not just a school, but a community. As College Captain, my hope is to be a leader students actually know, not just recognise. Someone that any student from Year 7 to Year 12 feels comfortable stopping to talk with, not just see on stage at Assemblies. I also wish to use this opportunity throughout the next 12 months, working alongside the amazing leadership team, to advocate for what Oakhill stands for in the wider community because the service and mission work we do isn’t just something we’re lucky to take part in, it’s who we are. That’s the legacy I wish to leave behind as College Captain; a community that’s known not just for what happens within our gates, but for the impact we make beyond them, living out the core Lasallian values that we hold close to our hearts: To live in Faith, Love, and Service.

So to every student here at Oakhill College wondering whether to get involved in leadership, in service, in anything that pushes you outside your comfort zone, say yes, because I myself have experienced first hand just how far it can take you.

College Vice Captain - Paul Mejalli

Hi, I’m Paul Mejalli, and I’m profoundly honoured to be elected as your College Vice Captain for 2027 alongside Lexi Beacroft.

Since joining Oakhill in Year 8 from my previous small schools, Our Lady of Lourdes Baulkham Hills and Redfield College Dural, the immense size of Oakhill has opened my eyes to the amazing opportunities and the wonderful community the College has cultivated. I’m driven to lead the College to be its very best, so we can continue to see Oakhill thrive and aim for greatness in every area, whether that’s in the classroom, on the Football pitch, in theatre or through performing.

I come from a strong football background, and I play in the Oakhill First XI team and also compete outside the College in the NSW NPL1 program. The experiences I’ve gained across these different teams have taught me that leadership isn’t only about setting goals and expectations, it’s also about working for the community’s best interests and helping make life at school enjoyable for everyone.

I’ve also been very fortunate to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia on the 2024 and 2025 service trips. Seeing how much we are privileged to have has deepened my perspective and it has sparked my profound love for helping others receive the same opportunities we all deserve in the eyes of God.

Thank you for electing me. I can’t wait to lead you with dignity, integrity and active listening, creating a safe, fun, and enjoyable environment where we can all continue to grow and succeed.

College Vice Captain - Lexie Beacroft

Hi Oakhill Community! My name is Lexie Beacroft and I am beyond excited to be a part of the 2027 leadership team. In coming to Oakhill for Years 11 and 12, despite only being at the College for a seemingly short time, I have genuinely loved immersing myself in the vibrant culture that Oakhill offers. Thanks to Oakhill I have been able to do things I never expected – like being a part of Oakhill’s first ever all girl band (shoutout Hit or Miss) and playing Rugby 7’s with the most amazing bunch of girls.

My favourite subjects are definitely English (controversial, I know) and Music I, as I find both to be such an awesome creative outlet – credit to my teachers for that, as the fun atmosphere they bring to class truly makes all the difference. Moreover, I’ve been able to pursue my passions across a diverse range of extracurricular activities like 1st XI Girls Football, Battle of the Bands, ISA Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals and many other performing arts, sporting and academic opportunities.

However, what I value most about Oakhill is not what I have received, but how I have had the opportunity to serve others. In my time at the College, I have been able to visit the Anglicare Retirement Village and make real connections with some of the loveliest people I’ve ever met, collaborate with my peers as a Year 11 Leader at the Year 8 Reflection Day, and, in a few short weeks, will fly to India to work alongside the Lasallian Brothers to give back and help those who are less fortunate than us.

Ultimately, Oakhill has opened so many doors of experience and opportunity for me despite being here for less than a year. I am thrilled to work with Paul next year to continue the rich faith and service oriented culture that Oakhill has curated in the last 90 years. I am excited to collaborate with the most amazing leadership team heading into 2027, working towards the most important principle of entering to learn, leaving to serve.

Lasallian Captain - Michael Rizk

My name is Michael Rizk, and it is my pleasure to serve Oakhill as Lasallian Captain alongside Danijela for the next twelve months. Oakhill has really been my second home these last five years, growing up around staff and peers who have taught me so much about this world. Starting Oakhill in a grade of 350 from St Paul the Apostle Primary with about that many in the school, certainly this transition was not easy. Yet, Oakhill brought the best out of both myself and the environment. If you have ever been to a Friday morning Mass, you would have seen me either sitting up the back with Br Peter McIntosh, in the pews with my dad, or serving at the altar. Those who have played Football or Basketball for Oakhill will have also seen me on the pitch, court or sideline, enjoying a good matchup alongside friends. Oakhill sport certainly brings out the best (and competitive) side of Oakhill, and everyone has so much to be proud of when they wear the Oakhill crest on their chest. 

In my free time, I love playing the guitar, the occasional jam session on the drums, or offroad driving with friends in my beloved twelve year old Land Rover. I also love working with others to achieve their goals, so don’t be afraid to approach me around school or email. I'm always happy to help or have a chat about anything. I can say with confidence that 2026-27 has a promising future ahead, and I would encourage everyone to get involved with something they’re passionate about - whether it’s rugby, youth group, athletics, service trips or anything in between!

Lasallian Captain - Danijela Gilbert-Kiro

Hi!, my name is Danijela Gilbert-Kiro and I am honoured to be working alongside the 2027 leadership team as one of your Lasallian Captains. Transitioning from William Clarke College in Kellyville has been one of the most beneficial opportunities I have ever undertaken as it has allowed me to grow as an individual and has shifted my perspective in ways I could have never imagined, as St John Baptise de La Salle said, "In the light of faith you see things differently".

Being immersed in an environment that values and celebrates each of its students for their strengths whether it be in academics, sport, performing arts etc. has taught me to value every aspect of College life and give back in ways I wouldn't have thought of before. The array of opportunities Oakhill has provided me through initiatives including Anglicare Retirement visits, Mock Trial, College Tours, UpOnStage performance nights, Shrove Tuesday pancake selling and participating in Friday morning Mass has ultimately shaped me into the person I am today.

As Lasallian Captain I not only hope to reinforce the Lasallian values of service, faith and community, but to also help shape a school environment where every student feels seen, valued and genuinely supported in their time at Oakhill. In my three terms at Oakhill, Oakhill has already given me so much whether it be my teachers providing me feedback on my 10,000 practice responses I submit to them, the support the community brings on sporting days and the genuine connection you build with peers at Oakhill. As Lasallian Captain I want to leave a path to be remembered within and outside the gates of Oakhill, one built on gratitude, faith and connection because at the heart of leadership is the recognising of those who support us, lift us up and inspire us to make our journey possible. My time as Lasallian Captain at Oakhill isn't defined by my partner and I's ideas, so please if you ever have an idea or a thought please share it for if we want to go far, we go together.

Academic Captain - Andrew Soares Caplice

Hi, my name is Andrew Soares Caplice and I am very excited to serve the College community as one of its two Academic Captains. Coming from Murray Farm Public School and being the only boy in my grade to do so, I was shy and nervous at first. However, it was through academia that I was able to form some of my closest friendships. For me, academics at Oakhill contains an incredibly broad spectrum of opportunity, pushing past traditional recognition for outstanding results in the classroom. It encompasses everything from small in-school enrichment opportunities, to large scale international competitions. Taking part in these opportunities myself, most notably the National Model United Nations Assembly and the International Space Settlement Design Competition, I find great joy in working with others to improve to push the boundaries of what we perceive as our limits. 

I stand today as a proud product of academics at Oakhill, and I cannot wait to help others become the same. As only the second pair of Academic Captains ever, Aidan and I will strive to continue to define this role for future generations of Academic leaders to come.

Academic Captain - Aidan Attard

My name is Aidan Attard, and I am honoured to be serving as Academic Captain for 2027 alongside Andrew Soares Caplice.

Since starting Year 7, Oakhill has provided me with opportunities to grow academically, develop friendships, and become the person I am today. The support I have received from teachers has pushed me to always achieve my best.

I have a strong passion for music, particularly playing the drums. I enjoy participating in Friday morning Mass, Greatest Hits Night and competing in Battle of the Bands. Music has taught me discipline, commitment and teamwork. I enjoy playing football and have been fortunate to have travelled overseas to watch many live matches over the years.

I have always been passionate about academics and challenging myself to learn, grow and achieve my goals. As Academic Captain, I hope to help students become self-driven learners and build confidence through a supportive environment. Most importantly, I hope to finish my last year serving and representing Oakhill, knowing I have contributed and given back to the best of my ability.

I am excited for the year ahead, and look forward to working alongside Andrew and the Leadership Team to make 2027 a successful, rewarding and memorable year for everyone.

Drama Captain - Stella Powell

Hi Oakhill College, I’m Stella Powell, your 2027 Drama Captain. I am so very excited to be serving alongside the amazingly talented Jack Cruickshank to continue the renowned tradition of performing arts at Oakhill.

Drama is such a formative part of my identity, growing up in dance and musical theatre, the stage has been in my life for as long as I can remember, and it’s something that continues to challenge and inspire me every day. I’ve been involved in the musical theatre world since I was 11, performing in productions and concerts, constantly looking for opportunities to grow as a performer.

But my favourite part of Drama has never just been the stage, it’s the beautiful community that comes with it, especially at Oakhill. Drama creates the unique opportunity for students to form friendships and support each other across grades. I’m so grateful to the people that welcomed me, and I hope to strengthen that sense of belonging for everyone involved.

This coming year, I am super keen to continue to foster a creative and accepting space for all. Whether you’re finding the spotlight for the very first time or you’ve been a performer for years, I’m here to support you, listen to your ideas and build confidence. If you ever need me for anything, or just want to chat about our little corner of the world, you can find me in the Adrian building… I’d love to hear from you.

I can’t wait to see what we can create together in 2027.

Music Captain - Jack Cruickshank

Hi, my name is Jack Cruickshank, and I am truly honoured to have been elected as Music Captain for 2027. Over the past five years, I can say that it has honestly been an amazing experience to be a part of the Performing Arts Department at the College, and I feel incredibly honoured to step into this position. And although I don’t have seven instruments learnt under my belt like the past few captains, I still strive to uphold the legacy the previous Music Captains have established, intending to lead not just the Adrian community, but also to encourage as many as possible to find a passion for music and the means to comfortably express it within the College community. I know that I have found considerable joy and confidence through performing in College Musicals, Theatresports and Chamber Choir, and I hope to help others have the opportunities to find the same sense of confidence and support in their own performances. 

I am also thoroughly excited to be working closely with the incredibly talented Drama Captain for 2027, Stella Powell and look forward to collaborating on ideas, initiatives and goals with her for the coming year. Whether it’s emceeing music nights, performing at Assemblies or being someone you can talk to, I hope to see you all next year, instruments in hand or not. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.

Sports Captain - Riley Paki

I’m Riley Paki, and I’m genuinely honoured to represent Oakhill College as a Sports Captain for 2027 alongside Eliza Baker. I completed primary school at St Madeleine’s Catholic Primary School before arriving at Oakhill in Year 7, ready for a fresh beginning and motivated to form new friendships. I began Rugby Union at nine years old, later transitioning into Rugby League at thirteen. I picked up Basketball in Year 4 and represented the College from Year 7 to Year 9. I have also represented Oakhill as part of the swim team for both 2022 and 2023. Playing rugby for Oakhill is a feeling that goes beyond words and cannot simply be described as “good”. Sport has strengthened my teamwork abilities and helped me communicate confidently with teammates, students, and parents. Being part of a team shaped me not only as an individual but taught me how to lead with purpose, courage, and action rather than just words.

Choosing Oakhill was an easy decision. From Year 6, the only thing I dreamed of was running out onto Damien Oval playing for the First XV, and I now have the privilege of saying that dream has become reality. Having my cousins at Oakhill, as well as my mum attending Oakhill before me, made my decision a no‑brainer. The opportunities I’ve gained at Oakhill extend beyond sport, including academics, Mission trips, and the wide variety of subjects available to choose from. I’m driven for a hardworking year ahead as Sports Captain and will continue to uphold the Lasallian core values and the strong sporting tradition that defines Oakhill today.

Sports Captain - Eliza Baker

Hi, my name's Eliza and I am beyond excited to be the Sports Captain of Oakhill College for 2027. I can’t wait to work with the 2027 leadership team and promote and produce new ideas for Sport at Oakhill. Coming into the College this year, I have been ecstatic with the abundance of opportunities to get involved and apply myself in all aspects of school life. Throughout the year, my participation within Netball, Swimming, Athletics, and soon to be Basketball and Rugby, have shown me the immense joy and participation from students at the College, and I am so excited to build on this positive foundation in 2027. I am grateful for this opportunity as Sports Captain and can't wait to work with Riley throughout the year to bring new ideas to Sport at Oakhill, get involved, and support all teams and players.

Sport has always been a big part of my life, starting netball at the age of five. Growing up and watching my siblings on the sideline, then participating myself, has fostered a genuine love and connection for sport. My netball experience has taught me the benefits of community, teamwork and involvement, and I am excited to bring these experiences and skills to my role. I am passionate and enthusiastic about building on the Lasalian values at Oakhill, where every student feels encouraged to participate, challenge themselves, and celebrate the spirit of sport at the College.

Benildus House Captain - Jack Treak

Hi, my name is Jack Treak and I am proud to be one of the Benildus House Captains for 2027. I began my schooling at St Madeleines Primary School in Kenthurst before joining Oakhill College in Year 7. Since then I have always appreciated the inclusive and welcoming culture of the College. Throughout my time here, I have been involved in Reflection Days, Open Days and Friday morning Mass, all of which have given me the opportunity to develop the values and skills needed to guide others. I have also played Rugby for the College throughout my schooling career, where I have learned the importance of teamwork, discipline and resilience, qualities I hope to bring to our leadership team. 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as watching the footy. Academically, I am passionate about my studies, particularly Mathematics, Economics and HMS, and as a leader I aim to encourage all students to make the most of the opportunities that Oakhill provides and contribute positively to our vibrant community.

Benildus House Captain - Anthony Toubji

Hi, my name is Anthony Toubji, and I am extremely honoured to be partnered alongside Jack Treak as the 2027 Benildus House Captains. I began my schooling at St Michael's Primary School before joining Oakhill College in Year 7. Sport has always been a big part of my life, both at Oakhill and beyond; I've been honoured to be part of the College's First XI Football team, a sport I've loved since I was young, and one that has taught me the importance of teamwork, resilience, and commitment.

Beyond sport, I am passionate about supporting my peers and the Oakhill community, giving back through Open Day tours, readings at Friday morning Masses, and Reflection Days. These experiences have shown me just how much a strong sense of community shapes our College. For Benildus House, I aim to build a culture where students from all years feel safe, included, and encouraged to get involved, whether that's joining in on activities and chants, or bringing that same energy to carnivals and house events. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to all that lies ahead in 2027.

La Salle House Captain - Luca Tamas

Hi, I’m Luca, and I’m incredibly honoured to be one of the La Salle House Captains for 2027. I attended Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School and Gilroy Catholic College before joining Oakhill College in Year 9. Since arriving at Oakhill, I’ve really valued the welcoming community, strong sense of belonging and the many opportunities the College provides. I’m passionate about science and health-based subjects, as I enjoy understanding how the world works and learning more about the human body. Basketball is also a major part of my life and has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, resilience, commitment and supporting others. 

As House Captain, I want to be an approachable, motivated leader who leads by example. I hope to encourage students from all year groups to get involved in House activities, competitions and events, while creating an environment where everyone feels included and proud to be part of La Salle. I want to build stronger connections, recognise those who may lack confidence and ensure every contribution is valued. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent La Salle and excited to help make 2027 a year that our House can be proud of.

La Salle House Captain - Andrew Cook

Hi, my name is Andrew Cook, and I am honoured to be named one of the La Salle House Captains for 2027 alongside Luca. Before coming to Oakhill College in Year 7, I attended Kenthurst Public School. I've always had a passion for sports and feel that since moving to Oakhill, my experiences in sports have been phenomenal. I've played Rugby and Cricket since Year 7, which taught me early on the power of discipline, backing your mates, and playing for the person next to you. That sense of unity is what defines our College. As Captain, whether it be in the classroom or on the sporting fields, I aim to reflect this strong sense of camaraderie, especially to the younger students, motivating them to be a better version of themselves.

Being a part of the Oakhill community has taught me to put my best foot forward and has allowed me to get involved with the unlimited opportunities that Oakhill has to offer in Faith, Sports, and Academics. Making not only myself but everyone around me better people. I am really looking forward to this opportunity to represent La Salle with Luca and look to make the year the most successful and memorable.

Miguel House Captain - Kristian Kohlhagen

Hi, my name is Kristian Kohlhagen, and I am proud to be one of the Miguel House Captains for 2027, alongside Chloe.

I first started my journey in Year 7 as a young kid with little friends. Throughout my time at Oakhill, I began to develop great bonds with many people across my year, shaping me into the person I am today and allowing me to create friendships all across my grade.

I am incredibly grateful for all the people who have been a part of my journey so far. Whether they have been friends, teachers, classmates, or members of the Miguel community, each person has helped me in making my school experience what it is. The memories and friendships I have made throughout these years will definitely be something I will always look back on and be thankful for.

Being given the opportunity to represent Miguel House, and our Dean Mr McMurrich means a lot to me, and I am extremely grateful for the trust that has been placed in Chloe and me. I hope that throughout the year, we can create a place where everyone feels included, supported and proud to be a part of Miguel.

Miguel House Captain - Chloe Wong

Hello! My name is Chloe Wong, and I have had the honour of being Miguel House Captain for 2027. Starting at Oakhill this year has been a massive turn around in my life, as it’s taught me dedication, discipline and how to have heaps of fun while being able to maintain a healthy study life. The past three terms have gone incredibly fast and at the start of the year I always had it in my mind that being House Captain was a distant goal that I wanted to achieve, and looking back on that now makes me incredibly proud and excited for what I have achieved. 

A little overview of me is that I enjoy hanging out and having fun with my friends, as well as staying active in the gym or sports, especially netball and have even started rugby 7s this year, and have really enjoyed myself in class and at Oakhill. I cannot wait to see what the next year has in store for me, and can definitely say I will try my best to fill the shoes of previous Miguel House Captains with my own unique style!

Mutien House Captain - Fynn Grady

Hi, my name is Fynn Grady, and I am honoured to be one of your Mutien House Captains for 2027, alongside Lucian. Before attending Oakhill in Year 7, I attended Beaumont Hills Public School. I am extremely excited to be taking up this role as House Captain representing Mutien and will work hard alongside Lucian and the rest of the leadership team to make 2027 one of the most memorable and successful years yet. Through my years at Oakhill, I've been heavily involved in different areas at the College. In sport, I have played Rugby since Year 7 and Touch Football in Years 7 to 9 and competed in various house events like the Athletics Carnival and Swimming Carnival, all teaching me the importance of teamwork, resilience and commitment. 

In the arts, I have been involved in music, competing at Battle of the Bands and other music events around the College where I play drums. In Visual Arts, I am also a photographer and filmmaker, and I have won Oakfest. I am also dedicated to my studies, with some of my favourite subjects being HMS, English, Music and Visual Arts. Beyond all this, I am very passionate about service and helping others. I’ve been involved in Open Days, Reflection Days, Vinnes Van and the upcoming Lasallians Without Borders immersion trip to the Philippines, all giving me valuable insights and the opportunity for me to make a positive contribution towards our wider Oakhill community. As one of your 2027 College leaders, I will bring positivity, teamwork and encouragement to Mutien and the College, ensuring all students are heard and give their best in all aspects of College life. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait for the year ahead.

Mutien House Captain - Lucian Bester

Hey guys, my name is Lucian Bester, and I am exhilarated to be your new Mutien House Captain for 2027 alongside Fynn Grady. This is a big opportunity, and I'm excited to represent Mutien House and work with the Oakhill community to make it a successful but also memorable year. I attended Beaumont Hills Public School before joining Oakhill College in Year 7. Sport at Oakhill has always been an important part of my life. I have been involved in Rugby from Years 7-11 and Basketball from Years 7-8, which have taught me many valuable skills that will stay with me throughout my life. One thing I value the most in a community is a strong culture, which Oakhill has continuously offered during my time being here. No matter the setting, whether it is out on the sports field or in the classroom, a genuine bond between people is always present. 

As a House Captain, I want to encourage and motivate younger peers to always get involved in every opportunity that Oakhill College throws at you, whether it is to do with sport, faith, or academics. As mentioned before, it is an absolute privilege to be chosen as a House Captain, and therefore I will do my best to support and contribute to the Oakhill spirit and Community. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with Fynn Grady and all of you to lead Mutien in the Big 27.

Solomon House Captain - Kiara Bazyar

Hi, I am Kiara Bazyar, and I am honoured to be one of the leaders alongside the amazing leadership team of 2027. I attended Crestwood High School until Year 10, and the transition into Oakhill college in Year 11 has been extremely smooth sailing. I have ensured to involve myself in as many of the opportunities the College enables, and have cherished every moment of it. I have immensely enjoyed my time volunteering at the Anglicare Retirement Village visits on Wednesday afternoons and participating in netball winter sport. I love the unified energy that exists in all the service and sporting communities at the College, there is always something for everyone. My favourite subjects are legal and English, which is thankfully beneficial for my future aspirations in becoming a lawyer. 

My vision is to encourage students to participate in as many opportunities possible, and to ensure that all students feel seen and included. I am super keen to lead the Solomon house alongside Vansh, and can't wait for what the journey brings. I am honoured to be one of the college captains of 2027!

Solomon House Captain - Vansh Chopra

Hi, my name is Vansh Chopra, and I am honoured to be one of the Solomon House Captains for 2027 alongside Kiara. Since Year 7, the College has given me countless opportunities across academics, music, sport and service. These experiences have allowed me to build great friendships, challenge myself and grow as an individual. I have been fortunate to be involved in many performing arts opportunities, including choirs, Masses, Battle of the Bands and Greatest Hits Night. I have also participated in service initiatives such as the Door Knock Appeal, Reflection Days and retirement home visits. However, it has been through College Musicals that I have truly been able to foster connections and mentor younger students. This year, I was fortunate enough to play Frankie Valli in the College Musical Jersey Boys. This opportunity allowed me to work closely with younger students, learning from those around me while also teaching, encouraging and supporting others. Through this experience, I discovered that leadership is not simply about having a title, but about building meaningful connections and helping others grow. Fostering a sense of belonging is something I have been passionate about since starting at Oakhill. 

Having moved between seven primary schools and three countries in five years, I understand how important it is to feel welcomed and valued. The sense of belonging and brotherhood I immediately felt at Oakhill is something I hold very close to my heart. My vision as House Captain is to ensure that students are able to feel that same sense of belonging that I was gifted in abundance upon starting at Oakhill, alongside leading by example and helping all students feel proud of their House and motivated to do their best. I am so excited to serve and strengthen the College’s family spirit with this awesome new team of leaders.

Turon House Captain - Jake Towers

Hi, my name is Jake Towers, and I am fortunate enough to be one of the Turon House Captains for 2027. I've been a proud member of the Oakhill College community since day one of Year 7. My parents always told me to “get involved” and I can proudly say that as a student of Oakhill, I have been extremely lucky to have been a part of many extracurricular activities that you wouldn’t find at other schools, including representing the school in touch football, theatre sports, the Cambodia Mission trip, mock trial, Battle of the Bands, as well as numerous musicals and other drama productions. All of which has taught me the value of being a part of a team and commitment to serving something with pride.

The community that I have found at Oakhill, especially within performing arts, has been nothing short of astounding. Through my involvement in communities like this, I have fostered connections with friends whom I will hopefully know for the rest of my life.

Ultimately, I look forward to representing the Turon House with its other captain, Marli. As house captain, I plan to help cultivate a sense of community in Turon that students in future years can rely on. 2027 will be our year!

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 to commence an apprenticeship, full time work 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 of your students intent to leave. The Registrar will then send you the appropriate sign out documentation to complete.

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

Congratulations to Antonio Zeaiter (Year 12) on receiving the Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence.

This prestigious award recognises students who exemplify faith, leadership, service and academic commitment within their school and wider community. We are incredibly proud of Antonio's achievement and the positive contribution he makes to College life each day.

To assist parents/guardians, please find below the schedule of proposed and past Service and Cultural Tours for 2023 – 2030. These tours are dependent on a number of factors such as demand, staffing, price and local/global factors which may prevent such a tour that particular year.

At the National Model United Nations Assembly, Michael R and Andrew S-C (Year 11) represented the State of Israel with distinction, demonstrating confidence, critical thinking and exceptional public speaking throughout the competition.

They presented well researched and persuasive arguments, engaged thoughtfully with complex global issues, and delivered articulate and effective rebuttals in response to opposing viewpoints.

Competing against a strong field of delegates, including teams representing India, Lebanon and Poland, Michael and Andrew achieved an impressive 4th Place overall.

Led by Mrs Richards, their performance earned widespread praise from Rotarians, adjudicators, Secretary Generals, guest speakers and teachers from participating schools, who commended their professionalism, preparation and leadership. We congratulate Michael and Andrew on this outstanding achievement and the way they represented the College.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

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

Congratulations to the four students who have been nominated for possible inclusion in the HSC Callback for Dance:

Allegra Alzona - Core Performance and Major Study Performance
Stella Azares - Core Performance and Major Study Performance
Eva Sta Maria - Core Performance and Major Study Performance
Elizabeth Drayton - Core Performance

Callback is an annual showcase of HSC Dance works held at the Seymour Centre in February 2027.

Note: a nomination does not guarantee any specific HSC mark or result. Since many more components are nominated than can be presented in the showcase, a final selection process will now determine which works are included.

At Oakhill College, we are continually exploring ways to support our Year 12 students as they prepare for their final examinations and post school pathways.

One recent initiative has been developed by our Academic Captains Talia and Lachlan, in response to student feedback and leadership. A dedicated online learning space has been established to encourage the sharing of study resources, revision materials and effective learning strategies across a range of subjects. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among students and promote a culture of academic support and excellence.

Teaching staff are also contributing to the initiative by reviewing, curating and sharing quality resources that can assist students in their learning. This collaborative approach ensures that materials remain relevant, accurate and beneficial for current and future cohorts.

By encouraging students to learn from one another and engage with a broad range of study strategies, the program seeks to enhance academic outcomes while reinforcing the importance of initiative, collaboration and student voice.

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

During Term 2, Year 8 Visual Arts students learnt how to draw a portrait using correct facial proportion techniques. They then completed a self-portrait using lead pencil. Sam Siciliano’s self protrait is excellent, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of how to render depth and texture. He demonstrated exceptional skill in drawing challenging facial features, particularly in his accurate depiction of the mouth, teeth, and braces. Sam’s use of lead pencil to build tone, depth, and texture has resulted in a striking likeness and he has been awarded the April Artist of the Month. Well done Sam!

Mrs Rachael Manning
Visual Arts Teacher

Oscar Jackson (Year 12) demonstrated a clear, ambitious vision for his Major Work, creating a vibrant, engaging narrative series of images alongside an animation that showcased both creativity and technical skill. His perseverance and dedication throughout the process have paid off, resulting in a body of work he is justifiably proud of, and that clearly reflects his enjoyment of the creative journey. 

Congratulations to Oscar on being awarded July Artist of the Month.

Mrs Marie Hogan
Academic Head of Visual Arts

Throughout August, Oscar Collimore (Year 12) demonstrated exceptional diligence, creativity, and persistence in overcoming artistic challenges, consistently seeking feedback and using it to refine and strengthen his Photomedia artwork. His commitment to pushing himself in both practical and theoretical classes resulted in outstanding achievement, earning him the well-deserved title of Artist of the Month for August. 

Congratulations, Oscar on receiving this commendation. You are a most deserving recipient of this award.

Mrs Marie Hogan
Academic Head of Visual Arts

Ms Freda Chiu (Class of 2006) is an accomplished Australian illustrator, author and public artist whose work has earned significant national and international recognition. She continues to expand her practice across children’s literature, public art and editorial illustration, and was recently selected for a 12‑month Residency at The Rocks from 2027–28 by Create NSW. Her Crystal Kite Award, an international honour voted by fellow illustrators and writers, further highlights her growing influence. Ms Chiu’s vibrant, character‑driven style and her blend of humour, warmth and cultural storytelling have made her a distinctive voice in contemporary Australian illustration.

Her visit to Oakhill College marks twenty years since she graduated and represented the College in Art Express. By returning to run a workshop, she offered Year 10 Visual Arts students a valuable opportunity to learn from a practising artist whose career spans publishing, public commissions and tertiary teaching at UTS. The workshop directly supports the boys’ current task by encouraging them to explore diverse materials, techniques and approaches, helping them move beyond familiar methods and deepen their emerging interests; a strong match with our program’s focus on versatility and reflective artmaking.

During the session, students observed natural forms and combined them with imagined insects to create hybrid figurative ink artworks, before shifting into spontaneous monoprints, collage and expressive brushwork to produce Abstract Gardens. Many boys commented on how the workshop expanded their confidence and creativity. Samuel Worboys noted that “Freda encouraged me to loosen up and experiment confidently with new techniques,” while Alexander Chammas reflected that “the workshop helped me appreciate the value of experimenting with different ideas and combining unexpected elements to create original artworks.”

Students also spoke about how the workshop challenged their thinking. Ashton Pace shared that “the workshop was helpful and challenged us to think differently about how we create art,” and Max De Villecourt appreciated the professional insight, explaining that “the workshop helped me understand the lifestyle and career of an emerging artist, and I’m grateful for the generous way Freda shared her artmaking practices and techniques.”

For others, the session strengthened technical skills and confidence. Jacob Gibson commented that “the workshop helped me expand my artmaking skills, especially expressive mark‑making and confident ink brush strokes, and highlighted how supportive Freda is in guiding young artists.” Oliver Quinn added that “I found the workshop fun and engaging. I learned new ink techniques and became more confident experimenting with different approaches.”

Ms Chiu, who studied Visual Communication at UTS, credits a mentor lecturer for encouraging her to pursue illustration. Notably, both visiting artists this year, Ms Freda Chiu and Mr Nicholas Matthew (Class of 2007), spoke about the influence of their university mentors in shaping their creative careers. Our Year 10 students have been fortunate to learn from such accomplished practitioners in 2026, gaining inspiration and practical guidance that will continue to support their developing artmaking practice.

Ms Cecilia Weinert
Visual Arts Teacher

Term 3 has been a big one for Languages.

We started with the HSC speaking exams, where Year 12 held 10-minute conversations with external examiners. Every student walked out with a smile, proud of how much they’ve picked up along the way. As Frank Smith put it, learning a language isn't a genetic trait, it's a way of joining a broader community.

Meanwhile, Year 11 is getting ready for their Preliminary exams. We wish them the best of luck as they tackle their listening, reading, and writing papers on friendship, health, and travel.

Down in the junior years, progress has been just as steady:

• Year 10 built up their fluency with the conditional and imperfect tenses, using them to chat about future goals in 5-minute peer conversations.
• Year 9 filmed videos about teen life in Sydney, covering daily chores, pocket money, and getting along with siblings.
  
• Year 8 held mini-conversations about school subjects and food, and did remarkably well on their first French listening exam.
  

We are proud of how hard everyone is working this term, and we're looking forward to the France Tour these holidays, as well as Stage 5 excursions, the Italian Film Festival, and our trip to the Alliance Française around the corner! A bientôt!

Ms Darija Egic
Academic Head of Languages

This year's HSC Showcase was an outstanding display of major works from Visual Arts, Industrial Technology and Design & Technology. With so many varied works, it was hard to decide on the 'People’s Choice Award’, allowing parents, friends and students to vote for the project that caught their eye or showed a unique display of skill from ten months worth of work. The night was a huge success with limited space to view all the projects while enjoying some delicious catering.

On behalf of Mrs Marie Hogan and myself, we can’t thank our dedicated staff enough for the endless hours and continual support for our students in giving them the opportunity to excel in their chosen area. I hope that these projects take pride of place where others can appreciate the work involved.

Mr Scott McLeod
Academic Head of TAS

The Visual Arts Showcase was a truly proud and joyful evening, celebrating the creativity, dedication, and talent of 27 students as they displayed their Major Works in the Centenary Sports Centre. Surrounded by the wonderful musical performances of fellow Music students, food from our talented Hospitality students, and the impressive displays from TAS/Design Technology, IT, and Graphics students in Benildus Hall, the event highlighted the breadth of artistic achievement across our College community. It was both humbling and inspiring to witness the collegial spirit behind the evening, with so many staff and students contributing their time and expertise to create such a memorable and successful celebration.

Mrs Marie Hogan
Academic Head of Visual Arts

RUOK? Day is an important opportunity for Oakhill to come together and recognise the importance of checking in with the people around us. Mental health presents as a significant issue for many of our youth, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting that 38.8% of young Australians experienced a mental health condition between 2020 and 2022. Despite this, many young people still struggle to speak up, with 40% of young Australians in 2023 being more likely to deal with emotional problems on their own rather than to speak to someone else about it. This highlights for us why R U OK? Day is so important, encouraging us to look after each other by checking in and starting conversations with those we are worried about, rather than waiting for someone to ask for help. 

In a large community like Oakhill’s, it is important that no one is overlooked, as we are all significant and we all are likely to feel low at times. This makes checking in with those around us by asking R U OK?, any day excellent practice. The Student Representative Council (SRC) and the counselling team are proud to support R U OK? Day and help promote a culture where students and staff feel comfortable speaking up and looking out for one another. Most importantly, if you are struggling, reach out to someone you trust, whether that is a friend, teacher, family member, GP, or mental health professional. If someone seems withdrawn or not themselves, take the time to check in. R U OK? Day reminds us that support starts with a conversation, and that is something we can all carry with us every day of the year.

Luka Thomas, Year 12

Just a reminder to those students taking part in this year’s Premier Reading Challenge that books must be added to your online reading records by Friday 18th September to be validated and qualify for a certificate.

If you do not remember your login details, please email or come to see Mrs Lunau in the Library so she can re-issue these to you.

Celebrating 25 years of the Premier’s Reading Challenge

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC)! Since it began in 2001, millions of students across New South Wales have enjoyed taking part in this wonderful reading journey. Oakhill College is proud to be celebrating this milestone and joining in the fun this year.

How many books do you need to read?

Year 7 to Year 10 - Read 20 books independently. At least 10 must come from the official PRC book lists, and up to 10 can be books of your own choice.

If a book is part of an approved PRC series, you can include up to five of those books on your Challenge list and up to 10 more from the same series as Personal Choice books.

Mrs Kellie Lunau
Library Teacher

The Miguel Lecture Theatre was buzzing with energy last night as students took to the stage for the 4th Annual Oakhill TheatreSports Competition. With an impressive 13 teams entering from across the College, the evening showcased the creativity, quick thinking, and performance skills that continue to make TheatreSports one of the highlights of the Drama calendar. 

After a fiercely contested competition filled with laughter, unexpected twists, and outstanding improvisation, First place was awarded to the Year 11 team 'Jake and the Towers'. Second place went to the Year 8s 'Shut Up BackStage', while Third place was awarded to the Year 10 team 'The Jersey Boys'. 

A special congratulations goes to the evenings Most Valuable Players, who consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity, teamwork, and stage presence: Oliver Colless, Oliver Massingham, Lachlan Bathur, Lui Zhang, Praneel Naran, Alexander Tanner, Christopher Campanale, Elijah Dellas, Max Abouhamad, and Sara Cleland. 

The event was expertly hosted by Mr Turbott and Mr Thoroughgood, with academic Head of Drama, Mr Flanagan, coordinating the evening. The competition would not have possible without the generosity of our judges, Ms Borg, Ms Gillis, and Oakhill Drama alumni Tara Bishop (Class of 2025), who volunteered their time to assess teams across the three TheatreSport criteria of Narrative, Technique, and Entertainment. 

The evening was a tremendous success, providing both competitors and audience members with countless moments of fun, laughter, and memorable performances. It was wonderful to see students from different year groups supporting each other and embracing the spirit of improvisation and collaboration. 

Congratulations to all students who participated and the Drama Faulty for hosting another outstanding event. The continued growth of TheatreSports at Oakhill is a testament of the talent, enthusiasm, and creativity of our students. Drama is truly thriving at Oakhill College. 

Mr Warren Flanagan
Academic Head of Drama

Summer Sport - Season Commencement

Following the association meetings, there has been an adjustment to the ISA Summer Sport season which impacts the majority of our athletes. It is also challenging for Year 11 students, who will spend Wednesday 14th to Friday 16th October at Retreat, and miss some last minute messages which could impact them. All students and parents are encouraged to regularly check their emails in Week 1 of Term 4. The changes are as follows:

Basketball: ISA Round 1 will now be held on Saturday 17th October. All students should have the required playing shorts and will be provided a singlet prior to their first match.

ISA Cricket: the Opens (1st and 2nd) Cricket will begin on Saturday 17th October. Like Basketball, students are expected to have the correct playing uniform ahead of the first match.

Junior Cricket: the competition will resume from the October holiday break on Saturday 17th October. Their season will commence prior to this date.

Touch Football: there will be trial and final grading matches held on Saturday 17th October for all Touch Football players.

Please note, this information is different to what has been printed in the College Calendar and Student Diary. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Summer Sport Contacts

All questions related to the upcoming Summer sport season should be directed to the following Conveners:

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)

Students can also visit the Sports Office for assistance.

Winter Sport Presentations

Thank you to all players, parents, and coaches who attended the 2026 Winter Sport Presentation evenings. Finishing the season in this way is an ideal opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the season. The recipients of the major Perpetual Awards are as follows:

Significant Contribution to Girls Sport
Marlee Deane and Lara Wendell

Br Ambrose Rugby Award
Lukas Butler, Benjamin Visagie, Cyrus Bloomfield, Joseph Wesser, Callum Spooner and Tobias Comito

Spirit of Football Award
Zayne Boreham

Most Outstanding Tennis Player
Harry Palmer

As previously mentioned, a trophy or medal may symbolise one achievement but fails to recognise the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice a player has made. All students can be proud of demonstrating this throughout the 2026 winter sport season.

Summer Sport Committee

We are seeking parents to become involved in a Summer Sport Committee beginning in Term 4, 2026. The purpose of establishing a committee is to support the Oakhill College sport programs by raising funds and promoting other school-based initiatives to strengthen the overall Oakhill sport program. There would be an emphasis on supporting The Oakhill College Sports Lunch. To begin, we would aim to run a canteen on a Saturday out of the CSC Foyer canteen area.

If you would like to be involved, please complete this EOI form by Tuesday 15th September.

Boys Basketball and Football Tour 2027 - Expression of Interest Meeting

Oakhill College is excited to announce that a combined Basketball and Football Tour is planned for December 2027. This will be open to current Year 9 and 10 students. A meeting will be held on Thursday 19th October to discuss the aspects of the tour and assist parents in deciding whether they would like their son to participate. The meeting will begin at 7.00pm in the Miguel Lecture Theatre. All interested students should attend in their College uniform, along with one parent.

Coaches Corner

‘It’s not always about the talent that you have. Sometimes, it’s about the effort that you give. Talent makes you good, but relentless effort makes you great.’  Unknown

Whether a student is preparing for the summer sport season or about to begin preseason training, it is important that they understand the impact that effort has on their performance. Talent will only take an athlete so far and there are numerous cases whereby an athlete has let their talent go to waste. This lesson can also transcend into other areas of a student's life, most notably, academically. We want our students to continually give their best effort in whatever circumstance they are provided with.

Team of the Week - Year 12 Student Netball Team

As is tradition at Oakhill College, the annual Staff vs Students event took place on Wednesday with a game of Netball in the CSC. Highly competitive, the students were successful 17-15. Despite a few sore bodies the following day, the staff can be proud of their competitiveness. Congratulations to the students on their victory and well done to all who took the court or supported from the stairs. The atmosphere within the venue was great to witness.

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 Sport

Reminder H2H Physiotherapy - 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.

Support Oakhill College and enjoy more of what you love with an Entertainment Membership!

Purchase an entertainment membership for $75 by 5pm Monday 7th September and receive a second membership free, perfect for sharing with a friend or family member.

You will unlock thousands of offers on dining, travel, attractions and experiences across Australia, New Zealand and Bali. Plus, you will receive a free $30 gift card and go in the draw to win a $500 dining eGift card!

Every membership sold helps support Oakhill College.

To purchase your membership please click here: Oakhill College