Volume Twelve, Friday 28th August 2026

Special greetings to all fathers as we celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday 6th September. Fatherhood is a special ministry as is motherhood. The College celebrates fathers with the Year 8 Father & Son Touch Rugby game and BBQ, at 7.00am on Friday 4th September, and Father’s Day Mass 8:00am Friday 4th September for all fathers.

The student teacher relationship in a Lasallian school is modelled on the special role and relationship a father and mother have with their children.

We get an insight into what St John Baptist De La Salle understood by the special role of a father through De La Salle’s writing on God the Father. For De La Salle, God the Father is marked by two qualities: wisdom and gentleness. God the Father sees all, knows all, understands all, and is present to all. This God does not condemn. This God knows humankind and in wisdom loves its imperfection. There is no harshness in this God. This God exercises a loving vigilance and corrects by love and example. This God is companion and guide.

St John Baptist De La Salle describes God the Father very much as he saw his own father and the ministry of fatherhood. Fatherhood is an important ministry which we need to cherish and respect, show gratitude for, and celebrate. Let us not forget to pray for fathers, especially on Father’s Day.

This week our Year 12 received most of their Trial Exam results. These results will indicate areas of competence but also content areas and skills that need further development. With six weeks to go I have encouraged Year 12 to reset: take stock from the data given and work hard and positively not just to attain their goal but also the goal of every other student because the HSC scaling is impacted by the class average. Anything is possible with six weeks to go before the final exams and that is the exam that counts. It is the mission of a Catholic school, and particularly a Lasallian school, to pursue excellence, to achieve one’s personal best in all we do. It is our duty to hone one’s talents and skills, the potential that God has given us, we have these attributes for a purpose. Not to develop them inhibits our potential and God’s work. Keep working hard.

In commending the pursuit of excellence in various domains I congratulate staff and students for their accomplishments in the recent Music Showcase, simply amazing, and the upcoming Visual Arts and TAS Showcase on Tuesday 1st September. I also congratulate students for their achievements in the winter sports with nine out of ten Tennis teams finishing as ISA Champions and hard-fought games in the finals for Rugby, Football and Netball.

I conclude by sharing this reflection from Mr Chamberlain, Principal of a Lasallian school in New Zealand, Francis Douglas Memorial College, my alma mater. He had received a letter of commendation as I often do.

“I read the letter at assembly and reminded them that the reputation each of them has in the community affect’s people’s opinion of all of them. In the same manner, the opinion the community has about all of them affects the future of each of them when it comes to job seeking and scholarships”.

I would like to thank all the wonderful young men and woman at Oakhill College who are kind and polite in school, at home and in the community; all those who wear our uniform correctly and with pride; who refrain from swearing or slang; who offer a smile or a hand in assistance. The goodness and kindness of each of you forms the reputation that assists all of us. Thank you for your goodness and kindness – help each other to help each other.

Kindness and goodness come from a place of empathy and compassion and is evidenced in respect for each other.

Br Steve Hogan
Principal

For those who have not seen it: the Aboriginal Our Father

You are our Father, you live in heaven,
We talk to you Father, you are good. 
We believe your Word, Father,
We your children, give us bread today.

We have done wrong, we are sorry,
Teach us, Father, all about your Word. 

Stop us from doing wrong Father,
Save us all from the Evil one,
You are our Father, you live in heaven
We talk to you Father, you are good. 

Oakhill College would like to introduce our new Youth Minister, Mr Christian Attard (Class of 2025 College Captain). To help to get to know him a little better our Mission team asked him some questions about himself.

What inspired you to pursue youth ministry, and how has your faith shaped your path so far?

As a primary school kid, I struggled with poor body image and self-confidence. Starting Year 7 at Oakhill, I was surrounded by caring teachers who helped bring out the best in me. I focused on my faith, attended Mass each Friday, finding my place amongst like minded friends in all grades. 

I found strength in helping others, drawing on my own experiences to encourage self-love and appreciation. This is when I decided that my path in life was to help others. Being Youth Minister allows me to put my learnings into action, aligning with my studies in Psychology. 

What excites you most about joining a Lasallian school community?

As a Lasallian myself, I am excited to join the Lasallian school community at Oakhill College, focusing on the legacy of St John Baptist de La Salle. It is a huge privilege to help young people grow, mature and shine bright. Oakhill gives everyone the opportunity to put their faith into action, by doing small things in extraordinary ways. 

What do you enjoy most about supporting students in their faith and wellbeing?

I enjoy helping students succeed, helping them realise how their positivity and compassion make a difference in our Oakhill community. I draw inspiration from others' successes and utilising it to help students meet their potential as a person and student. 

What are some hobbies or interests that help you connect with young people?

I have a love for music and a passion for football. As an avid Tottenham Hotspur and Socceroos fan, I have friendly banter amongst the student body that makes my day. 

The Beatles have been my greatest source of inspiration and pushed me into playing guitar from a young age. As the lead guitarist of the legendary band Jinxed Magic, students seek my advice on how to improve and look for encouragement to perform and have fun. 

What are your hopes for your ministry this year, and how do you see yourself contributing to our College mission?

My hope for my ministry this year is to continue to support the Oakhill community, supporting staff and encouraging students to remain positive and focused in being the best version of themselves. I will continue to help students excel and grow as fine young men and woman, upholding the Oakhill reputation and strong Lasallian value, continuously promoting inclusivity amongst the Oakhill Community. 

What's one fun fact about you that students might be surprised to learn?

One fun fact about is that I can name every Beatles song in two seconds. 

The College is very excited to see how Mr Attard will help encourage and support our students in their journey. 

Mrs Roxanne Leopardi
Assistant Director of Mission

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

This week the College Leaders for 2027 were announced. The College would like to congratulate all who were short listed for their graciousness, both those who were sucessful, and those who were not. The College acknowledges the courage it takes for the students to put themselves out there for leadership positions.

Congratulations to all the sucessful candidates, the College looks forward to the upcoming year where you can display your leadership. 

This week during our College Assembly, we celebrated many student achievements. Together we would like to congratulate everyone on their accomplishments and dedicated hard work. 

Each award not only reflects the student's individual achievement but also the dedicated spirit and values of our wider Oakhill community and ethos. Congratulations to all the students recognised today. 

Level 2 Principal's Award

Year 8
Xavier Cooper
Malachy Green
Fernando Higuchi
Vihaan Mangal
Daniel Mascarenhas
Renit Shinde

Year 9
Ethan Joaquin
Alistair McLean

Year 10
Samuel Hicks
Rashan Rajakaruna

Level 1 Provincial's Award

Year 9
Krish Barua
Vansh Jain

Year 10
Miles Catabay
Pratyush Dawadi
Ryder Egan
Kabir Singh

Service Badges

Silver Service Badge

Year 8
Aariv Bhandari
Malachy Green
Fernando Higuchi
Vihaan Mangal

Year 9
Alistair McLean
Anjay Muttuvel
Xavier Ranieri
Hayden Sharwood
Hayden Shum
Markus Zhou

Year 10
Euan Adji
Lucas Harper
Samuel Hicks
Jacob Terrrel
Vivaan Vijendran
Angus Wood

Gold Service Badge

Year 11
Maia Booysen
Ethan Elsley
Ryan Pather
Michael Rizk
Alice Stebbing
Ilia Sveronis
Sarin Tejura
Bailee van Bentum
Sophie Wallace
Taylor Wood

Year 12
Kaina Kharade
Ella Langana

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Bronze Award
Luca Bercich
Liam Byrnes
Jaydan Chan
Moses Chan
Ryder Egan
Vivaan Gawade
Curtis Hamilton
Harry Hardley
Samuel Hicks
Miller Jameson
Dhilan Lad
Hunter Lennox
Anthony Lo
Nathan Ong
Ryan Pather
Guryash Puri
Kabir Singh
John Solomon
Samson Tran
Joshua Tollens
Vivaan Vijendran 
Murphy Wang
Matthew Webb
Liam Worne
Lachlan Zillman 

Silver Award
Olive Alley
Marcus Chow
Timothy Doyle
Ethan Elsley
Jake Frith
Cooper Korb
Charlotte Lucak
Charles Magdic
Jude O’Donnell
James Owen
Lachlan Paredes
Aayan Rath
Liam Smart
James Waterson

Gold Award Level
Mischa Saheb 

Musical Awards

Congratulations to the following students who were a part of the College's highly successful 2026 Musical Production, Jersey Boys

Manit Patel - is awarded the Most Outstanding Crew Member of the Musical 

Jack Romeo - is awarded the Most Outstanding Cast Member of the Musical. 

Sport Awards

There have been many sporting achievements across the College. We would like to recognise the following teams and people for their dedication to their sports and the success they have had. 

Tennis

A huge congratulations to our Tennis program, as all ten teams qualified for the ISA Grand Finals. Oakhill won nine out of ten fixtures reclaiming the Division 1, Division 2, and Champion School Shields for 2026.

Representative Honours

NSW U16 Rugby Team: Chris Brown and Finlay Goonan

NSW U18 Girls Rugby 7's Team: Gwyneth Vernon

NSW U18 All Schools Girls Basketball Team: Francesca Cusack

NSW CIS U18 Girls Football Team: Marlee Deane

NSW CIS U18 Netball team: Eliza Baker and Annabelle Casey

1st place in the NSW All Schools U17 Cross Country: Alexander Eason

NSW CIS U18 Girls Rugby League team: Zara Khouri

NSW CIS U18 Boys Rugby League team: Lukas Butler

NSW CIS U18 Boys Rugby League team, CIS Player of the Tournament, 2026 Australian Schoolboys Rugby League team for: Cyrus Bloomfield

Athletics Carnival Age Champions:

U12s – Levi Garnett
U13s – Ethan Foster
U14s – Xavier Eason
U15s – Jack Nardi and Adrian Rostami
U16 Girls – Taylor Wood
U16 Boys – Jamie Kastelan
U17 Girls – Gabriella Baker
U17s Boys – Mason Rawhiti
Open Girls – Addison Hickey
Open Boys – Matthew Cook

Congratulations to La Salle House and Captains Patrick Withford and Joshua Zeaiter for reigning victorious as Champion House. 

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

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.

Last week, Oakhill College hosted its annual Night in the Chapel Music Showcase night, giving students the opportunity to perform in an intimate and reflective setting. The evening brought together a wide range of musical items from both individual performers and co‑curricular groups, each contributing their own style and interpretation to their selected repertoire.

Across the program, each performance highlighted the talent, dedication, and hard work students have invested throughout the year. The event created a supportive environment where performers could confidently share what they have achieved, celebrate their musical growth, and inspire others in the audience to pursue their own creative interests. The atmosphere of the chapel encouraged attentive listening and genuine appreciation, allowing every performance to be received with respect and encouragement.

It was meaningful to see students express themselves through music and contribute to a shared experience that brought the audience together. Overall, the Night in the Chapel was a memorable celebration of musical achievement that allowed students to share their artistry.

Raavia Riar - Year 12 Music

During Mission Action Week, the Senior Houses used their creativity to form a human number "90" visible from above. Each House was creative, clever, and full of personality. The winning House was La Salle. Congratulations, La Salle!

A special thanks to Xavier Cooper (Year 8) for his assistance with the drone footage.

On Wednesday, 26th August, students from Years 10, 11, and 12 interested in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, and Community Services attended the Term 3 Careers Breakfast. These sectors offer strong career prospects, with employment projected to grow by 13% to 17% over the next five years.

One of our guests was Professor Howard Sercombe, Associate Professor and Head of Discipline for Sociology, Anthropology and Youth Work at Western Sydney University (WSU). Professor Sercombe has over 45 years’ experience in Youth Work both in Australia and overseas. Last year he was inducted into the NSW Youth Work Hall of Fame for his contribution and commitment to the field. Professor Sercombe highlighted the fact that there is a high demand for Youth Workers and that WSU offers the only Youth Work focussed degree in NSW. He also highlighted the personal qualities required to enter these fields.

Alumni guests included Ms Ashley Lovejoy (Class of 2018), Clinical Psychologist at Creating Change Psychology, and Ms Tiana Reedy (Class of 2018), Wellbeing Counsellor at a K–12 school within the Parramatta Diocese. Both Ashley and Tiana highlighted how gaining diverse experience during their university studies helped them secure meaningful roles in their respective fields. They encouraged students to seek placements and work settings outside their comfort zones to build a broader range of skills and deepen their understanding of their clients.

We were also fortunate to have parent guests Ms Rowena Saheb, Program Manager for the Towards Zero Suicide Initiative with Western Sydney Health, and Ms Sarah Farraway, School Psychologist with the NSW Department of Education. Throughout their presentations, both Rowena and Sarah demonstrated that career paths do not need to be linear, and that working across a variety of related roles can build a successful career in people-focused care. For Sarah, this path led to a transition into psychology following a successful business career. Meanwhile, Rowena’s decision to pursue doctoral studies (PhD) highlights how lifelong learning can continuously advance one's career.

Students also learnt about staff member and School Counsellor, Mr Kurt Rumsey’s career path. Kurt encouraged students to seek volunteer opportunities that will help develop relevant skills industry experience.

Student ambassadors from the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, and Western Sydney University provided information on courses in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, and Community Services. Our students also gained valuable insights into tertiary study as the ambassadors shared their experiences with early entry pathways, scholarship options, and general university life.

We would like to thank all of our guests for generously donating their time and contributing to the success of our Careers Breakfast.

The next Careers Breakfast will be on Wednesday 4th November. It will focus on careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). We invite Oakhill College alumni and parents working in STEM who are interested in speaking with our students to contact Careers Advisor Mrs Marisa Quattrocchi marisaq@oakhill.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Marisa Quattrocchi
Careers Advisor

Michael Rizk (Year 11) and Andrew Soares Caplice (Year 11) represented Oakhill College at the National Model UN Assembly, taking on the role of delegates for the State of Israel.

Throughout the competition, Michael and Andrew were exemplary representatives. They debated with candour, presented well-researched and articulate arguments, and handled rigorous rebuttals with poise, responding to opposing delegations with sharp, well-reasoned counterarguments.

Facing strong competition, particularly from the top-three delegations representing India, Lebanon, and Poland, the boys secured an outstanding 4th place overall.

Their performances were praised by the Rotarians, adjudicators, guest speakers, and Secretary-Generals, as well as visiting teachers from participating schools. We are immensely proud of Michael and Andrew for their remarkable achievements and for representing the College with such distinction.

Mrs Gloria Richards
Academic Head of History

As our Year 12 students completed their Trial examinations last week and begin the final stage of preparation for the Higher School Certificate, many families will understandably be focused on these results, the final ranks and the eventual university offers. These are important milestones. However, this season also provides an opportunity to remember something equally important: there is more than one pathway to a successful and meaningful future.

At Oakhill College, we believe every student has unique gifts and talents. One of the great strengths of a Lasallian education is that it values the dignity of each young person and recognises that success cannot be measured by a single score, university course or career destination. This message is particularly important given Australia's current workforce challenges. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, many occupations have remained in shortage for several consecutive years, with particularly strong demand for skilled workers in construction, hospitality and trade-related industries. These shortages are affecting major housing, infrastructure and service projects across the country. 

Similarly, Business NSW reports ongoing recruitment difficulties across construction and hospitality, with employers continuing to experience challenges finding suitably qualified staff. These workforce shortages are creating significant opportunities for young people entering these industries.

A recent article published by Independent Schools NSW, One Size Doesn't Fit All: How Independent Schools Empower Every Learner, highlights the growing recognition of Vocational Education and Training (VET) as a rigorous and valuable pathway. The article notes that VET provides students with practical, industry-aligned skills while supporting diverse learners through meaningful connections between education and future employment.

This philosophy deeply reflects the opportunities available to students at Oakhill College. Our Vocational Education and Training programs provide students with authentic, hands on learning experiences alongside the completion of their HSC. Students can gain nationally recognised qualifications, undertake workplace learning and develop skills that are highly valued by employers, while retaining pathways to further education, apprenticeships, traineeships and university study. We have state of the art, multi million dollar facilities that enable students to thrive, including the Innovation Hub, our working farm and the recently refurbished McIntosh Building, resources that many schools would aspire to have.

At Oakhill, students can access:

• VET Construction
• VET Hospitality
• VET Primary Industries
• VET Entertainment Industry

These courses develop technical knowledge and practical expertise, but they also cultivate the human qualities that employers consistently seek: communication, teamwork, initiative, adaptability, problem-solving and responsibility. Importantly, these qualities are deeply aligned with the attributes of the Oakhill Graduate. Whether students are building homes, managing hospitality venues, working in agriculture, supporting live productions, attending university or establishing their own businesses, they are called to use their talents in service of others and the wider community. The NSW Skills Plan 2024-2028 identifies construction, agriculture and related industries as critical areas for the state's future workforce needs. The demand for skilled workers in these fields is expected to remain strong for many years to come.

As our Year 12 students look beyond the HSC, it is worth remembering that there is no single definition of success. Some students will enter university. Others will commence apprenticeships, traineeships, employment or further vocational study. Each pathway contributes meaningfully to society, and each deserves equal respect. The final weeks before the HSC are important. Students should remain focused, maintain healthy study routines and continue seeking support from their teachers when needed. Yet they should also take confidence in knowing that their future cannot be reduced to a single set of examination results. For parents, this can be a reassuring message. Your encouragement, support and belief in your child's potential remain some of the most powerful influences during this period. The conversations you have about effort, growth, character and purpose often matter just as much as those about marks and rankings. As a Lasallian community, we celebrate every student's journey. We look forward to seeing our graduates leave Oakhill equipped not only with qualifications, but with the skills, values and confidence to make a meaningful contribution to their families, workplaces and communities. Whatever pathway they choose, we hope they leave understanding a simple but important truth: every pathway matters, and every individual has gifts that can make a difference.

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

Sources:

Independent Schools NSW, One Size Doesn't Fit All: How Independent Schools Empower Every Learner https://www.isnsw.edu.au/newsroom/one-size-doesnt-fit-all-how-independent-schools-empower-every-learner [jobsandskills.gov.au]

Jobs and Skills Australia, Current Skills Shortages https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/publications/towards-national-national-jobs-and-skills-roadmap-summary/current-skills-shortages [jobsandskills.gov.au]

Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List 2025 https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-shortage [jobsandskills.gov.au]

NSW Department of Education, NSW Skills Plan 2024-2028 https://education.nsw.gov.au [education.nsw.gov.au]

Business NSW, Responding to Skills Shortages https://www.businessnsw.com/advocacy/our-advocacy-agenda/workforce-skills/meeting-skills-needs-in-nsw/responding-to-skills-shortages [businessnsw.com]

Navigating adolescence is rarely a linear journey. Young men are naturally driven by energy, curiosity, and a desire to test limits. At Oakhill College, we look to two giants of the Catholic tradition, Saint Augustine of Hippo - whose feast day is on the 28th of August - and our founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle. They both guide how learning actively builds character. As our students enter Year 11, this developmental arc reaches a vital milestone with the introduction of co-education, accelerating their transition from adolescence into mature manhood. 

Long before he became a Doctor of the Church, Saint Augustine of Hippo - who lived some 1600 years ago - was a restless young man navigating peer pressure, existential confusion, and the search for identity. His famous spiritual autobiography, Confessions, paints a strikingly modern picture of youth, one marked by ambition, impulsivity, and a deep longing for connection. For educators in a De La Salle school, Augustine’s early life provides a powerful model for forming young boys into compassionate, mature men.

When we explore his ‘restlessness’ as a youth we see common contemporary attitudes. Augustine's rebellion commenced as a university student in Carthage, where he fell in with a rowdy, prestigious student gang known as the Evertores. While Augustine admitted he did not enjoy all their cruelty, he admitted to participating in their harassment of timid freshmen and chaotic street antics because he was "ashamed not to be as shameless as they were." 

Gifted with immense intellectual ability, Augustine mocked the simple language of the Bible as a teenager, preferring the flashy, complex rhetoric of Roman philosophers. He actively embraced alternative fringe movements like astrology, primarily to prove he was smarter than traditional authorities.

He also sought to run away and reject parental boundaries desperate to escape his mother St Monica’s constant prayers, advice, and boundaries. A young Augustine lied to her about his travel plans and snuck onto a ship to Rome under cover of darkness, abandoning her at the Chapel.

For St Augustine, his own turning point came through reading Cicero’s Hortensius, a text that ignited a lifelong passion for wisdom over superficial status. In our classrooms, we treat academic engagement as the primary arena where a young man's character is tested, refined, and forged.

Augustine famously wrote that real learning requires admitting what we do not know. When a student struggles with a complex mathematical proof or an intricate historical analysis, he encounters his limits. Learning to persevere through frustration teaches intellectual humility shifting a young man from adolescent arrogance to a grounded willingness to seek truth.

Overcoming academic friction requires impulse control. Choosing study over immediate distraction mirrors Augustine’s mastery over his own restlessness. By holding boys to high academic standards, Lasallian educators teach young men that true freedom is not doing whatever they want, but developing the self-mastery to do what is good and meaningful.

In Confessions, Augustine constantly examined his motivations, and so here at Oakhill we embed metacognition and reflection into daily coursework, prompting young men to ask not just "How do I solve this?" but "Why does this matter, and how does this knowledge call me to be a man for others?"

At Oakhill this Augustinian pursuit of truth is made tangible through creating structured, accessible learning environments designed to build virtue through routine. Boys succeed when boundaries, routines, and goals are transparent. The rigor of the Lasallian classroom forms habits of punctuality, diligence, and pride in one's work.

It was St John Baptist who introduced practical instruction in the vernacular to build a collaborative classroom. Collaborative problem-solving ensures boys learn accountability to their peers, transforming individual ambition into shared success. He also instructed teachers to act as "older brothers", so when a student encounters academic failure, mentors accompany him through restoration, teaching him that failure is not a final identity, but a vital step toward growth.

At Oakhill College, Years 7 through 10 provide young men with the foundational space, brotherhood, and tailored academic routines they need to build confidence. Introducing female peers in Year 11 acts as a powerful catalyst for the final stage of their growth into adulthood.

Augustine highlighted the value of dialogue in reaching truth. Having female peers in Year 11 classrooms introduces diverse viewpoints in humanities, ethics, and social discussions, challenging young men to think beyond a single perspective and articulate their ideas with greater nuance. Transitioning to a co-educational environment in senior years elevates daily standards of communication, empathy, and conduct. Young men learn to collaborate naturally with women as academic equals and leaders, a critical skill for university, modern workplaces, and healthy adult relationships.

In a Lasallian community grounded in human dignity, co-education in the final years ensures that leadership is modeled through collaboration rather than dominance. Young men step into senior leadership roles alongside female classmates, putting into practice the respect, integrity, and Christian service taught throughout their schooling.

Forming boys into men requires more than academic preparation; it demands character formation. By grounding our learning framework in the wisdom of Augustine and De La Salle and enriching it with a dynamic senior co-educational environment we help our young men transform raw restlessness into resilience, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Mr Jason Scanlon 
Academic Head of Religious Education 

Last Tuesday 25th August, our extremely talented Year 12 Music students showcased their hard work and dedication, performing pieces from their HSC programs to friends and family in the Carmody Lecture Theatre. Pieces ranged from classical opera works to musical theatre and contemporary jazz, across a variety of instrumentalists and vocal majors.

This was an outstanding demonstration of student talent and commitment to their musical endeavours with their audience captivated and enthralled by each performance. A huge congratulations to all who performed and a sincerest thanks to our College community who came to support the hard work of our incredible students.

Aidan Johnson-MacRae - Music Captain

Science Week was a fantastic opportunity for Year 7 and 8 students to engage in hands-on learning and problem-solving activities. 

Throughout the week, students worked together to solve escape room-style puzzles, developing their communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills as they shared ideas to unlock each challenge. 

A highlight of the week was the Science Week Show, where students were amazed by exciting demonstrations including elephant toothpaste, butane bubbles, spectral tubes and the Van de Graaff generator. It was an engaging and memorable celebration of science for all involved.

Ms Grace Flaihan
Science Teacher

Our Year 11 Biology students were thrilled to take part in their excursion to the Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre, located in the natural bushlands of North Ryde. Throughout the day, students explored a range of sites to investigate the biotic and abiotic factors within local ecosystems, uncovering the relationships and interactions that shape these environments. 

Using scientific field equipment, students measured light intensity, tested soil pH, and conducted quadrats to collect ecological data. This practical experience helped students appreciate the importance of conducting a valid and reliable investigation, including comparing data collected at different times of the day and drawing meaningful conclusions from their observations. 

Students also examined the impact of human activity on native wildfire, gaining insight into how disturbances can affect the broader ecosystem, particularly species such as bandicoots and wallabies. 

It was a highly engaging and valuable learning experience that brought classroom theory to life and deepened the students understanding of Australia's unique natural environments. 

Mr Danny De Alwis
Teacher

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

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 (Class of 2019), 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 over their College Uniform.

"Reading Between the Lines: Celebrating Books, Authors and Readers"

With mystery, suspense and detective work at its heart, Oakhill’s 2026 Book Week celebrations embraced the theme Reading Between the Lines, challenging students to uncover clues, solve puzzles and look beyond the obvious in a week of engaging literary adventures.

Last week, Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in a series of engaging library lessons that challenged them to think critically, collaborate effectively and solve problems creatively. Students worked their way through geography-themed puzzle stations, using clues, maps, hints and deduction to uncover hidden answers. Each team rotated through the stations, piecing together information and applying their knowledge to progress through the puzzles. The activities encouraged students to read carefully,

recognise patterns and quite literally read between the lines as they worked together to solve each mystery. The enthusiasm, persistence and teamwork displayed throughout the sessions made for a highly enjoyable and rewarding Book Week experience.

Book Week celebrations also extended into the library at lunchtime, where students participated in a range of mystery-inspired activities throughout the week. Popular challenges included a Cluedo-style mystery game, Caesar cipher puzzles, word and number riddles, and emoji book title challenges that tested students’ literary knowledge and problem-solving skills. Students embraced the opportunity to compete with friends, tackle brain teasers and discover new books along the way. On Wednesday, students from across the College also participated in a whole College rebus puzzle challenge, with many enjoying the opportunity to put their decoding skills to the test. The Library was a hub of activity all week, and it was wonderful to see so many students enthusiastically engaging with books, puzzles and each other.

The highlight of the week was the visit from acclaimed Australian children’s and YA author Tristan Bancks, who spoke with Year 7 students on Monday 24th August. Tristan captivated students with insights into his creative process and the habits that have supported his success as a writer. He encouraged students to write for just ten minutes each day, explaining how consistency is often more important than waiting for inspiration. Students also learned about his “anything goes” journal, a place to capture observations, ideas and thoughts that may later develop into stories. Tristan demonstrated how he builds rich settings through the use of vision boards, images, video, music and audio, creating a truly multimodal approach to storytelling.

Tristan also shared insights into his career journey in television, film, presenting and directing, highlighting how working across different forms of storytelling has influenced his writing. He spoke about the impact that books and comics had on him as a young reader and how these early experiences helped cultivate a lifelong passion for creating stories. He introduced students to several of his novels, sharing the real-life events, questions and experiences that inspired their creation, and gave a fascinating glimpse into projects he is currently developing. An engaging question-and-answer session followed, with students eager to learn more about writing and storytelling. His practical advice, creativity and enthusiasm left students inspired to develop their own ideas and continue their reading and writing journeys. 

Ms Marcelle Reichling
Library Teacher

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 past two weeks has seen the completion of the Rugby, Football, Netball and Tennis seasons. The action on the field and court has been exhilarating, with Oakhill capturing several Premierships across a variety of sports.

The Rugby achievements were led by the talented 14As. Powering their way into the Final, they made amends for their Round 7 loss with a dominant 14-7 victory over St Patrick’s College. The action concluded with the First XV demonstrating tenacity in defence over 70 minutes. They were relentless but ultimately fell short in a spirited performance. 

The Oakhill Tennis program made history with all ten teams making it through to the Finals. Played at the Blacktown Tennis Centre, Oakhill won nine out of ten fixtures and with that, reclaimed the Division 1, Division 2, and Champion School Shields for 2026. The skill displayed across all matches was a joy to witness and all involved should be commended for their efforts.

Last weekend saw Netball and Football take centre stage. Oakhill had four Netball teams through to the Grand Final with the 4th and 7th VII capturing victory with commanding performances. It was an agonising 1 point defeat for the 1st Netball team, with a last second shot sinking their hopes.

At Football, Oakhill was competitive in their matches. Highlights throughout the day were the 14As, 14Bs and 13As securing victories in exciting fashion. The 14Bs deserve a special mention as they had grit at the forefront of their performance as they prevailed in a penalty shootout. The same couldn’t be repeated for the 1st Boys and Girls teams who were both defeated. 

While some may consider 2026 as a lean year for trophies and shields, those same people must consider how we measure success at Oakhill. While trophies, shields, certificates and medals may symbolise success, it fails to draw attention to the hard work, dedication, resilience and passion for which our athletes display. Regardless of the sport, you can always expect to see an Oakhill athlete demonstrating these qualities, while also upholding high standards off the field. Oakhill, you have plenty to be proud of.

Winter Sport Presentations

Winter Sport Presentations will begin in Week 7. This is a great way for our community to come together and celebrate the 2026 Winter Sport Season. Attendance for students is compulsory and they should be dressed in their full winter College uniform. Dates for the Presentation evenings are as follows:

Wednesday 2nd September
5:30pm - Girls Sport in the Miguel Lecture Theatre
7.00pm - Tennis in the Miguel Lecture Theatre

Thursday 3rd September
7.00pm - Rugby in the CSC

Monday 7th September
7.00pm - Football in the CSC

Summer Sport Registration

Registrations have now closed for the 2026/27 Summer Sport season. If your son or daughter has missed out and still wishes to participate, they must collect a Registration Form from the Sports Office ASAP. Further questions can be asked of 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)

Grading will begin in Week 7 and will be communicated by the relevant Convener this week.

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

"A man is great not because he hasn’t failed; a man is great because failure hasn’t stopped him" - Confucius

As we reflect on the 2026 season, it is worth remembering the valuable quote above. If you did taste victory, you’re challenged to lift your standards while aiming to replicate that outcome. If it were defeat, take time to process what led to this outcome and plan to avoid it in the future. Failure is a key part of the journey towards success. One should not let it stop them.

Team of the Week - 13A Football

It is a treat to watch this team play each weekend. Coached by Mr Jack Stewart, these boys have built a strong, cohesive unit which fosters an exciting brand of football. This served them well in the Final and they prevailed over St Patrick’s College. It was a pleasure to see the boys take delight in the success of one another and lift the winners trophy at the end of fulltime.

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 - Oakhill families can receive a discount with H2H Physiotherapy.

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

The annual P&F Golf Day was a tremendous success, bringing together parents, alumni and members of the College community for a day of friendly competition, connection and fun. We thank our Major Sponsor: Shire Realty and Hole Sponsors: Shire Realty, Valour, Sports Clean and Core Broking and Sports Clean. We also extend our special thanks to Mark Hodges MP, State Member for Castle Hill, for donating our first raffle prize, a bottle of NSW Parliamentary Gin signed by Premier Chris Minns MP and the Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane MP.

With a strong turnout and excellent participation, the event provided a wonderful opportunity for community members to enjoy a great day on Lynwood Golf Course. 

We extend our thanks to Mrs Jenny Woodward, P&F President and the P&F Association who helped organise the event. 

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

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