A Message from the Oxley Leadership Team: Welcome to 2024!

This year our leadership team has chosen a new theme through which our House and College Captains will be running events and inspiring change in the community.

Our theme this year is connections! Connection is integral to Oxley’s defined sense of community and is already part of the wellness framework that we have in place. Through positive connection we can promote more positive understanding of each other’s differences and celebrate each other’s successes.

Everything at Oxley is connected, from the pen in your hand to the amphitheatre stairs; all the staff, students, parents, and carers are part of this community. Through our theme, we aim to bring attention to the deep interconnected web of connection within Oxley and promote the continuation and development of new positive connections. At Oxley connections are so much more then people, with trips such as Rites of Passage, Nepal and Outback we not only foster connections with your year group, but with the land and ourselves.

To help display the image of connections we have recruited the House Captains, who, through each embodying a subtheme of connection, will run an activity, to encourage the connections within the Oxley community to flourish.   

We have already had an awesome Florey event with Year 7s and Year 12 students having a ‘speed-chats’ event at lunch under their theme of relationships. However, there’s a lot more to look forward to with Monash’s theme of effort, Dobell’s theme of generosity, Oodgeroo on Open Hearts, Mawson on spirit, and Durack on unity. Each will have their own events which they will announce at future Assemblies.

Will B, College Captain 2024

2024 Junior School Swimming Carnival

2024 Senior School Swimming Carnival

Shake it off, world: Taylor Swift is uncancellable 

Taylor Swift, American singer-songwriter, has landed in Australia, taking over the world as this month’s hot topic. Through dating a Superbowl winning quarter back, taking trips in her private jet, causing climate change and inspiring the next generation of ‘Swifties’, it’s hard to not know who she is and what she does. However, being this famous comes at a cost; all eyes on her means nothing goes unnoticed. Her pitch may be perfect, but can she be cancelled? 

Taylor Swift stands as an indisputable icon of our generation, wielding influence over her worldwide fans like no other. Her impact exceeds well beyond pop culture realms even landing in a Harvard course of over 300 students called ‘Taylor Swift and her world’. But it’s her relatable and catchy lyrics that stand out and creating a connection between her and her audience. Through themes of heartbreak, love, resilience and self-discovery, Taylor created a worldwide fan base/army called the ‘Swifties’. As she enters her 20^th year of making music it doesn’t seem like she is slowing down anytime soon, as she is currently performing her ‘Eras Tour’. Due to this long career of hit after hit Taylor has grasped the hearts of fans ranging from 8-year-olds up to their 50-year-old parents who were at first forced to listen and now catch themselves playing her on repeat. Her influence is undeniable as she shapes the music industry as well as the minds of her listeners who undoubtedly draw inspiration from her.  

Many say no one is perfect, but the Swifties seem to believe that Taylor is the one exception. Are they blinded by their love for her? Not everyone is a Taylor Swift fan although sometimes it feels like that. Many news articles have been published slandering her about climate change and carbon emissions. Not only is Taylor Swift topping the charts, but she also comes in first on the list of celebrities with the highest Co2 emissions from flying in her private jet. One of her most notable flights was a mere 26-minute flight from St Louis, Missouri to Cahokia, Illinois. This public record was posted by a university student Jack Sweeney on X. Swift’s team caught wind of the posts and responded by sending Sweeney a cease-and-desist letter to take down his account, accusing him of stalking and harassing. Raising the question, is causing climate change just part of the job or something to pass the time? 

If you thought she couldn’t get more attention than millions of fans and private jet scandals, you were wrong. Her boyfriend Travis Kelce is a quarterback for the Chiefs NFL team and recent winner of the Superbowl. After attending her first Chiefs game in September 2023, prompting a media frenzy, 20 per cent of the 2024 Super Bowl’s viewers were rooting for the Chiefs because of Kelce and Taylor Swift. This celebrity relationship is holding her fans by the collar. With their PDA and romantic gestures the Swifties just can’t get enough. A long-distance relationship doesn’t seem a possibility between the two, as Kelce is seeming to be part of the drive for Swift’s travel bug; maybe he should be paying more attention to “look what you made me do” to keep Swift out of trouble.  

Eve M & Ava R, Year 11  

Staff Spotlight: Meaghan Stanton, Talented Athlete Program Coordinator

What is the Talented Athlete Program (TAP) all about? 

People who are performing at a high level in their chosen sport are very busy people, as they often spend large chunks of time training, competing and possibly traveling, all while juggling the time demands related to normal life, such as school, work, social, family and other personal commitments, not to mention trying to find enough time to rest and sleep!

“Burnout” is super common in teenaged athletes and is a key reason that many people who perform at a top level in their teen years are no longer even competing in that sport by the time they are in their twenties. Avoiding burnout is essential if you want to reach the elite/professional ranks in any sport.  Even those who “make it” and achieve all their sporting goals can find that if they did not foster their academic and other co-curricular strengths throughout the teen years, their career choices when they finish competing can feel very limited. 

The TAP aims to help those busy student athletes to find balance, so that their sport is sustainable and they also feel successful in other areas of life. 

Why did you decide to do the Talented Athlete Program? What motivated you?

Oxley College has introduced this program because we have lots of student athletes that could benefit from it, and I applied for this role because I feel I have the knowledge and skills to help student athletes find that healthy balance.

I compete at a high level in cross country mountain biking (I am currently a world champion in my age group) and successfully balance my training and competition with teaching Maths at Oxley. I work a 0.8 load, equivalent to four days/week but spread out across the week, to allow extra time for training, so I understand that compromises must sometimes be made to allow for balance. I have had plenty of practice planning for competition and managing the way my sport coincides with busy periods at work. Being organised is key! 

At university, I first studied Exercise Science and later taught Human Anatomy and Physiology. Although I have taught Maths for the past 8 years, I am also a PE teacher, so I have a good understanding of the mental and physical demands of most sports. My mother has been one of Australia’s most prominent sports nutritionists for the last 40 years, so I have also grown up with a good general knowledge of sports nutrition principles, which will be helpful in this role.

I am sponsored by large companies such as Trek, Shimano and Fox, which means I am well placed to advise student athletes on the pros and cons of seeking sponsorship.

My own children, who went to Oxley, are now in their twenties and given that two of them competed in sport at National level, I think I can relate to the way parents are likely to feel when trying to support high-achieving children with their sports.

What are your aspirations for the Talented Athlete Program?

TAP is not about turning good athletes into outstanding ones. It’s about helping athletes who are already performing at an outstanding level to feel supported and able to cope with the pressures they face, for the benefit of their own mental and physical health now and in the future. The success of the program will be hard to measure, but my hope is that students in the program will learn to compete for the right reasons and will still be competing in their chosen sports in ten years’ time. Achieving that will require them to have a sustainable long-term approach to their own development. 

Can you tell us about your athletic background and what sports you’ve been involved in?

As a kid I was a good cross-country runner and I played a lot of hockey, making the NSW squad a few times. I played plenty of other team sports competitively at school (basketball, cricket, football and volleyball) and have always loved skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding and surfing. As a kid, I used to ride my bike everywhere, but it was only after a few knee and ankle injuries from running that I took up cycling properly in my late thirties. I stopped playing hockey about 7 years ago, to focus on racing mountain bikes and have thrown myself into that wholeheartedly.

How are you hoping to support these athletes?

I will take TAP students out of mentor group from time to time to check in with them one-to-one and see how they are going. I will help them plan for upcoming competitions and find time to fit in things that might be falling by the wayside, especially academics and rest. Rest is essential to help reap the benefits of training, while maintaining mental wellbeing. One key difference between professional and amateur athletes is that professionals actually have more time to rest, without having to hold down a “day job”. One of the biggest challenges for those of us who don’t have that luxury, because we also have to fit in work or school, is finding time to get that rest. Students in the TAP will also, from time to time, be withdrawn from mentor group for group workshops on issues such as sports psychology, nutrition, fair play and drugs in sport, sponsorship, rest and recovery, injury prevention and general tips on time management.

How will you choose who to include in this program?

I would love to help everyone who applies, of course, but I only have so much time myself!  Preference will be given to students whose sporting performance is at a very high level and whose time commitments are most difficult to manage, either because of their academic load (those preparing for the HSC have significantly higher academic demands) or because of the nature of their sport. Being in the TAP is not a prize or an award. It is simply an opportunity to have the support of someone other than parents, teachers and coaches, who can provide helpful perspective. Those who apply but are not accepted into the TAP should not feel that they are “missing out” or “unworthy”.  The Oxley pastoral care system means that all students have a mentor who will keep an eye on the way each student is managing various pressures. TAP is just something extra for those most needy. There may also be top athletes in our school who don’t feel they need any extra help and don’t apply for the TAP, and that’s also fine!

What are you most looking forward to about this program?

I’m looking forward to getting to know more students and sharing my knowledge to help them cope with the pressures they face, so they can tackle their sports with a healthy mindset.

Emilie S & Annalise W, Year 9

The Style Section: 2024 S/S

A new year means new season looks! From January to February the fashion world has been nothing short of plentiful with runway shows, events and releases.

Paris, 25 January: Jean Paul Gaultier sat to watch Simone Rocha’s couture collection she made for his brand. A collection of beautifully articulated feminine pieces which perfectly complimented Gaultier’s classics. Incorporating unique shapes and keeping it minimalistic with colour was the perfect touch. The attention to detail is astounding, each diamond and pearl placed with perfection. Each piece was unique and special in its own way – some through shape, others through texture. The use of tulle, pink satin and 3D flowers displays the womanly properties of this collection. An unmodern approach to shapes gives her clothes beautiful historical characteristics.

On the following day, Miss Sohee’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection aired, and I can confidently say it is one of the most stunning spring collections I have ever seen, featuring lavish gowns with trains reaching the end of the runway and full skirts which swayed through the hall. The atmosphere of the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel in Paris perfectly matches the fashion, keeping the same regal and feminine ambiance. Sohee Park did her bit for the environment as she sustainably sourced her fabrics from old Korean costumes. Crystal embellishments, layering, silks, and patterns made for a classic collection. Some of the fabric looked almost metallic sweeping through the lights. This is Miss Sohee’s second collection, which means she is only getting started – I cannot wait to see her next collection.

All eyes were on Maison Margiela’s spring show as it debuted the same day. The runway was full of not only beautifully articulated pieces, but the use of the models created a whole character for the looks. The only way to describe this work is art. The daring looks partnered with the models’ doll-like modifications with hourglass bodies and glass skin ensured you won’t forget this collection. The looks themselves were dark and used a unique blend of materials and patterns. The looks are risky, but the feedback has been nothing but admiration.

Robert Wun showed off his spring collection the following day, with unique embellishments describing rainy days and murdered brides with ink splatter and writing. His collections too tell a story; his opening number uses draping embellishments to indicate the falling of rain highlighted on its black, slick gown. He kept his looks traditional with eye-drawing details, like the hands which cupped the faces of two models adding to his apparent horror theme of the show. Interesting shapes and techniques were explored with a corset for a skirt and chains to connect the sleeve of a pointed bra top. The final piece, a complete red dress, featuring a human-like shape coming out of the dress from the zipper at the back, appearing to be adjusting the strap of the floor length gown. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of Wun’s incredible work. I have hope that he will complete looks this year that pay tribute to some of his older work.

The start of 2024 has been unique and particularly feminine. Fashion month begins now, with new shows released every day. I am looking forward for the next edition of Pin Oak, where I can explore some of those shows.

Juliette J, Year 11

ET, the classic of classics?

Film Studies is a new elective at Oxley College and over 50 students have taken the elective as a unit of study in Year 10. This term students are introduced to the Body of Work of director Steven Spielberg, beginning with his classic masterpiece E.T. Here, Olivia Q shares her ideas on why the appeal of this film has endured decades later and is well worth a re-watch…

There are few movies that can make you audibly laugh and ugly cry in the same sitting. Stephen Spielberg’s 1982 ‘ET’ however, is one of them. It is hard to ‘label’ this movie as a single genre, whilst many place ‘science fiction’ before its famed title, “ET” has the characteristics of a coming of age, adventure, action, comedy, thriller, and children’s film.

‘ET’ could be watched at your first sleepover in primary school, on a comfort movie night at home alone or with your grandchildren and friends at a family gathering. This movie continues to be a loved and celebrated classic, and overall, a great film.

For those reading who have somehow not yet watched the film, ‘ET’ follows the story of a little boy Elliot, excellently played by Henry Thomas, and the extremely unusual friend he makes – a gentle and unintentionally cheeky alien that has been stranded on earth, accidentally abandoned by his alien spaceship. Elliot brings the alien into his suburban home, deciding to keep the creature a secret between him, his older brother, and his younger sister, played by an adorable young Drew Barrymore. All three children (mainly Elliot) form a strong bond and childlike love for ET, introducing him to ‘human’ foods, feelings and technology and marvelling at his extra-terrestrial powers and strangely empathetic and sensitive temperament. Soon enough, ET falls seriously sick and an entangle of bike chases involving the government, magical happenings, and bold displays of loyalty and affection take shape. Young Elliot must struggle with the desire to help ET find his way back home, and the gut-wrenching feeling of losing a friend.

The story line is not all that this film has going for it, in fact some may argue the best parts of this film are far from it. Spielberg’s use of colour and lighting, John Williams’ incredible music compositions, and the performance of some key roles is what really secures this film as a classic. Contrasted lighting plays a massive role throughout the film and is excellently used to portray feelings of wonder, fear and excitement. Scenes like when Elliot first sees ET coming out of the shed at his house; Elliot is merely a silhouette against the brightly lit shed which ET emerges out of. The first time ET manages to use his healing abilities on Elliot, his finger glows brightly with a warm orange, lighting up a tiny patch on Elliot’s face contrasted against the rest of his shadowed figure. The incredible music adds to the entire feel of the film, ramping up with quicker paced compositions in scenes like the bike chase, and almost an entire slowed symphony bringing you to tears near the end of the film when ET finds his spaceship again, (no spoilers). Simple key details throughout this film are what makes it so entertaining and watchable.

However, nothing is perfect. Many aspects of this classic could still be improved and worked on. For example, the whole relationship between these kids and ET felt rushed. Is it really possible to bond that much with someone over such a small amount of time? Some more scenes exploring the friendship and developing relationship particularly between Elliot and ET would have made the film that much better. Again though, there is not very much I can comment on about this film that’s not to like. 

If somehow you are still yet to watch Stephen Spielberg’s classic story following a forlorn little alien and a boy, you are seriously depriving yourself of a great film. From the plot line to the performances and the cinematography, ‘ET’ is a 5-star watch any day.

Olivia Q, Year 10

Welcome to the Company, Employee!

After a review of your qualifications, we have decided to give you the job so many [DECEASED] employees dream about. You may be wondering, what is the company? Why do you want this job? And why does [NO ONE COME BACK]?

Well, we’re glad you asked, so please remember the following guidelines as to ensure the safety of your own person and fellow co-workers.

You and up to 3 co-workers will be deployed onto different moons of your choice. Your mission? Collect useless scrap and/or other items of value! After the 3 days given to you to fulfill your profit quota, you will be retrieved and sent back to 71-Gordion. On this safe and peaceful planet, you will offer your items to [REDACTED] and in turn will receive your paycheck.

Be aware that the moons that you arrive at have been abandoned and may contain hazardous materials, unpredictable weather conditions and [CREATURES].

*File corrupted error*

Your fellow employees are vital to fulfilling your [UNOBTAINABLE] quota. Standard employee rules include:

1. All for one and one for all! You will be fined in the event of employee [DEATH] injury.
2. Maintain contact! Please ensure you keep up communications between employees. It is vital to watch out for each other, especially when loot is in sight!
3. Monitor duty! All standard company drone ships come equipped with terminals. These advanced computers will help monitor the whereabouts of company workers, loot, potential [THEY ALWAYS HUNT YOU] hazards and semi-active defences. Advanced company software can help deactivate said defences and/or open secure doors.
4.  Be aware of time! To minimise company losses, drone ships will always land at 8AM, and will subsequently leave at 12PM. Please watch your inbuilt clocks, otherwise you will have to wait for your [THEY AREN’T COMING] eventual rescue.
5. Have fun! You’re part of the company! Smile! [NO ONE LEAVES]

Now that you are up to date with company standards, it’s time to get to work!

At the end- the end of all things…

Remember,

[WE LOVE THE COMPANY]

[SIGURDSIGURDSIGURDSIGURDSIGURDSIGURDSIGURD]

Further company information can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f28nKLp-eKg

Thomas C, Year 11

The magic of Wonka

Adapted from both Willy Wonka films and Roald Dahl’s classic novel comes a magical and bittersweet movie that makes us “quiet up and listen down!” From Paddington director Paul King – as well as Harry Potter producer David Heyman – the fun-filled film follows the backstory of how Willy Wonka became who he is today. Since its release in December last year, the film has earned itself about $600 million at the box office worldwide, proving to be a ‘hit’ of 2023 (and 2024). Wonka has even been nominated for awards including the Critic’s Choice award for “Best Young Actor/Actress,” the people’s choice award for “The Comedy Movie of the Year,” and even a BAFTA for “Outstanding British Film of the Year!”

Wonka follows the story of a young Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet), who is set on his lifelong dream of changing the world, one chocolate at a time. However, he is faced with the of the infamous chocolate cartel, the “Dahl-esque” Scrubbit and Bleacher – as well as an Oompa Loompa called Lofty (Hugh Grant) who tries to steal his Willy’s chocolates! As Willy overcomes these adversities, he befriends an orphan girl called Noodle (Calah Lane) and the other captives of Mrs. Scrubbit’s laundromat. And together, they help Willy Wonka’s dreams come true.

Overall, Wonka is a wonderful film for the whole family, and I hope that one day we might see some more ‘Wonka-related’ films in the future!

Ruby C, Year 8

Swimming Carnival Results

Junior School Age Champions

Junior School House Points

1st: Flynn (833 points)
2nd: Chisholm (719 points)
3rd: Walton (689 points)

Senior School Age Champions

Senior School House Points

1st: Dobell (1173 points)
2nd: Durack (830 points)
3rd: Monash (828.5 points)

2024 Records

Sporting Achievements

Cricket

Sam H (Year 10) has spent his summer holidays playing in two of the country’s most prestigious cricket competitions, Bradman Cup and Green Shield. These tournaments bring together the best under-16 cricketers from country and metropolitan NSW.  

In the Bradman Cup, Sam represented the Greater Illawarra team who placed 3^rd overall. He racked up more than 200 runs, scoring 61 runs against Central Coast. This placed him 5^th top batter overall and he was named in the NSW Country Championship team of the tournament.  

Sam then went on to play in the Sydney Green Shield competition, which is one of the best Australian under-16 junior competitions and showcases the talents of the best cricketers from 20 NSW Premier Cricket clubs.  

His team, North Sydney, narrowly missed out on the finals. Sam placed 2^nd for North Sydney in batting with over 100 runs and was placed 5^th overall in the tournament for fielding with 9 catches. His top batting performance was 45 runs against Manly Warringah, the eventual Grand Final winners. 

Sam has been selected to attend the U16 NSW Country trial matches to be held at Cricket Central on February 22 and 23. The purpose of these matches is to finalise the selection of the U17 NSW Country State Squad. 

Sam also heads off to India in April for two weeks of cricket at the International Academy League Tournament to be held in Bangalore.  

The Oxley 1st XI put on an incredible show for spectators last weekend, with particular mention to Darcy K (Year 12) who took 6/32 including 5 wickets in 5 balls against the Old Oxleyans!

Swimming

Annabel A (Year 11) had a very busy Friday in the pool – after storming the Oxley Senior Swimming Carnival and breaking the school record of each race she competed in, she participated in the NSW Country Championships at Sydney Olympic Park with the following incredible results:

• Bronze medallist in 100m Breaststroke, qualifying for Nationals with a time of 1:17:82

• Bronze medallist in 50m Breaststroke, qualifying for Nationals and for the Open Championships (to race against Olympians!) with a time of 35:31

• Silver medallist in 200m Breaststroke, qualifying for Nationals with a time of 2:46:35

Athletics

A massive achievement from Pixie H (Year 7) who finished 1^st in the Under 15 age group at the NSW All Schools Individual Triathlon Championship this week. She has now been selected in the NSW All Schools Team to compete in Perth at the Australian Championships in March.

Oxley’s Junior Girls Triathlon Team (Pixie H (Year 7), Charlotte H (Year 7) and Penelope B (Year 8)) came 3rd in the NSW All Schools Triathlon Championship (2^nd across CIS Schools) this week. This is a wonderful achievement in a huge competition; the Junior Girls Relay had 76 teams in the NSW Championship, and 32 teams in the CIS Championship. Well done, girls! 

Oxley Out and About

Last month, Oxley’s Class of 2018 gathered in the Highlands for their 5-year reunion. 27 of the 54-strong cohort was able to attend and it was by all accounts a lovely event.

Ceramics @ Oxley

During the first lesson of Year 8 ceramics, Mr Bentham introduced the art of ceramics, instructing us on all of the basic knowledge, utilities, and most importantly, how to use clay to make ceramics. At the beginning of the class, we learned the key terms of ceramics as well as words that describe all the things we would be using and learning about throughout our time as potters this semester.

After we had gone through this information, we were introduced to the “potter’s wheel”, the device we would be most commonly using in this class. Mr Bentham then thoroughly explained how to use the wheel so that we could start making our artworks and sculptures. It wasn’t long before everyone had gotten used to using the potter’s wheel and creating their clay into beautiful ceramic bowls.

This was an enjoyable and engaging experience filled with lots of new information and we all can’t wait to continue to learn about ceramics throughout the semester. We thank you, Mr Bentham, for a wonderful and creative start to this elective subject.

Anna S & Charlotte G, Year 8

Junior School Assembly Awards

SRC Assembly