From Br Steve Hogan fsc

Sir Br Pat Lynch OBE fsc (Board Director) tells us human flourishing has to be the central focus of education. “Schools need to deliberately build enough confidence in their students, so each possesses these character dimensions: audacious thinkers, imaginative dreamers, critical questioners, innovative inventors, enthusiastic experimenters, committed collaborators, faith filled leaders, strong willed individuals in the face of adversity with resilient personalities”
I believe the true test of a successful education is the subsequent life of a student - the kind of person they become; the extent to which they are fulfilling their potential, using their gifts and talents to the best of their ability, for the betterment of others.
Our theme for 2025 is ‘faith filled’ and continues the consistent narrative over the past several years about aspiring to greatness in terms of being and doing our best in the context of our five key principles: The Eyes of Faith; Respect, Inclusivity, Excellence and Advocacy for Justice. Faith filled is inclusive in both a religious and a secular sense.
- faith filled: is when we are living life as God inspires us to live it.
- faith filled: is being optimistic about the future, trusting ourselves and others, and not giving up.
- faith filled: is living with a hope and an expectation that the things I do make a difference in my life and in the lives of others.
- faith filled: is not copying the behaviour and customs of others, but living by a compass that guides one’s values.
- faith filled: is using life-giving words that give life and hope to its hearers.
This year our schoolwide focus for teaching and learning will again be reading, writing and critical thinking. In 2024 our Allwell results showed continued improvement in reading and writing with average scores above ‘similar schools’ and significantly above all schools.
We look forward to the 2025 Year 7 cohort of 350 students who come from over 70 primary schools with different teaching and learning styles and expectations. The Transition Program for Year 7 and the Pastoral Program Years 7-12, helps form students with the attributes and moral campus we believe essential for good civics and citizenship, and good wholesome beings known as the Oakhill Graduate.
John F Kennedy (1917-1963), President of the USA, said “every accomplishment starts with the decision to try”. He went on to say, it will not be easy, it will be hard. Confucius (551-479BC) said “it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop”. Having perseverance and GRIT, that is having the courage, resolve and strength of character to keep on doing the hard work after you are tired of doing the hard work you have already done defines the Oakhill spirit. This is what Theodore Roosevelt spoke about in his famous speech about the man in the arena of life: face marred by dust and sweat; who strives valiantly; errs; who comes up short; but who does actually strive to do the deeds. It will not be easy, it will be hard, says JFK (John F Kennedy) but we will do it for we must, because we can, and we have the measure. Words shared earlier by Marcus Aurelias and before him Alexander the Great.
In the holidays a number of people independently gave me books on stoicism, in many ways another word for GRIT. In their writings the stoics, Marcus Aurelius (Epictetus and Seneca) wrote about and meditated on the ‘art of living’, dealing with questions such as “What is the best way to live?”, “What are my obligations to my fellow human beings?”, “How can I overcome my weaknesses and faults?”, “How can I deal with stress, anxiety and difficult things I face?”. It was their belief that by strengthening themselves and fellow citizens, they could cultivate resilience, purpose and joy. I think much of what St Paul wrote in his letters may be influenced by stoic philosophy. The three stoic disciplines of Perception (how we see and perceive the world around us), Action (the decisions and actions we take in response to our perceptions), and the Discipline of Will (how we deal with the things we cannot change, attain clear and convincing judgement, and come to a new understanding of our place in the world), is certainly about GRIT and there are certainly these stoic elements in the becoming of an Oakhill Graduate. (ref: Holiday R. Hanselman S. (2016). The Daily Stoic. London: Profile Books Ltd)
Oakhill College graduates with feet firmly grounded, aim for the stars, know that life’s journey will not always be clearly defined, straight or predictable. Knowing that they have a strength of spirit that enables them to rise above the fleeting things to engage life consciously – they never give in. An Oakhill College graduate always strives for what matters, looks out for the other, knowing and experiencing true mateship; is always up for the challenge, keeps the faith, is good and kind, and knows that they contribute to God’s Kingdom.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the Class of 2024 and in particular Olivia Boumelham, our College Dux for 2024, with an ATAR of 99.45. The Oakhill College Class of 2024 has been our most successful to date with 91 ATARS above 90; 10 All Rounders i.e. all courses with a Band 6; and seven students in the Top-in-State (1st, 5th and 12th in Math Advanced and 5th Math Standard II). The College also had many sports and cultural successes including State, Nation and International titles. Of note also were a number of Science and Olympiad Championships; Champions in the Independent Sports Association Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Tennis, Football, Netball; and the College’s most successful and highly acclaimed musical, Mamma Mia. Year 12, 2024 were a most happy, hard-working, friendly group of students, service oriented, good people and good citizens, attaining the true test of a successful education. The kind of person they became; the extent to which they fulfilled their potential, using their gifts and talents to the best of their ability, for the betterment of others, earned them admirably the title of Oakhill Graduate.
Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal