Farewell Kate Cunich
In Oxley’s 40th anniversary year, long standing staff member Kate Cunich has made the difficult decision to end her time at the College at the conclusion of Term 3. Kate’s passion for the students and the College has been far reaching and she leaves a huge legacy behind, having been a source of inspiration for teachers and students alike and building a deep love of learning across the College.
Kate commenced at Oxley nearly 29 years ago as the Director of Music, having graduated from the NSW Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music Education. Across her time at the College, Kate has held a variety of leadership roles including her recent position of Deputy Head Teaching and Learning.
In the role as Head of Co-Curricular, Kate created and implemented the Oxley distinctive OLE program K – 12. A rich and innovative week where every child is immersed in learning outside the classroom, taking part in a range of diverse experiences. In her first year as Deputy Head Academic, Kate worked with the Executive to establish the Junior School, a huge undertaking and part of her extensive legacy to the College.
Kate directed and produced many of our outstanding productions, including the magnificent ‘Cabaret’. She also led dynamic music and performing arts tours to New York, Canberra and Melbourne and grew Oxley’s music ensembles, which have performed in Beijing and Shanghai under her guidance.
Over the years, Kate has worked collaboratively with staff and students with one purpose – to establish Oxley as a lighthouse of exceptional learning and teaching. Kate is well known in the teaching profession on the national and world stage and has given keynote speeches at many industry conferences.
A highly respected educator, Kate has a unique blend of warmth and an unfaltering passion for igniting the flame of the love of learning for the students in her care.
At the College she was well known for her off-the-cuff eloquent speeches and her inability to stand still whenever there is music.
On a personal note, Kate will be greatly missed by the Executive team. We wish Kate all the very best for her next chapter and thank her for three decades of the wisdom, passion and kindness she has given the College, its community and most importantly its students. Kate will always be a part of the magic and leaves a huge legacy at Oxley College.
Emma Calver, Head of Community Engagement and Culture
Messages of farewell
Kate celebrates the art of teaching. As an educator, she is less of an instructor and much more an inspirer; working with staff to paint possibilities, weave dreams, let ideas dance and imagine stories of discovery and growth. Her deep background in music teaching drives a sense of magic and synergy when the best elements combine. Anyone who has ever worked with Kate would have vivid memories of rich, complex discussions about current educational theories and audacious goals, punctuated by a brief moment of sudden silence where she’d grab a piece of paper and say, “I have to draw it”. Then the mental model would evolve and great plans began to take shape as the integration of theory and practice was translated for the strategic benefit of others.
The science of educational evidence is also her friend. Part of Kate’s capacity for magic making is to interpret the relevant research to life in a school. The vast and complex research of John Hattie’s meta-analysis and work in Visible Learning was the basis of the significant School Improvement process she led from 2017. Her work launched Oxley College onto the global stage in education.
Justine Lind, former Head of Junior School
During my HSC year I was fortunate enough to work with Mrs Cunich. Her experience and insight into both academic work and the future beyond school made me feel motivated to do my best in all my courses. With her assistance, I set achievable goals for my trial examinations which have demonstrated to me just how much I am capable of academically.
Oliver B, Year 12 2023
I was so sad to hear of the news that you will be leaving. You have so much to be proud of. I will really miss seeing your face around the school. I will miss seeing you amongst the choir at Speech night and Foundation days and just always been present as a support, during productions and all of those special occasions. To me, you will always be that… Greenlight person. Always seeing the positive and always saying yes to good ideas and just letting them flow through to eventuating.
Dominic Lindsey, Music Teacher
Thank you for your years of service to Oxley College. Your passion for education and learning has benefitted our children, through the implementation of new teaching initiatives at Oxley. As a parent I have appreciated your kind nature and supportive wisdom, always encouraging my children, as they moved through their high school years. Thank you for your support of the P&F and your welcoming smile to parents and members of the Oxley community. You have always been a great supporter of all Oxley productions, from plays and music nights to performances at Speech nights. On these nights your love of performance and music was always evident and your pride in Oxley always on show. Megan Moore, President P&F
