Hero? Villain? Victim? Ned Kelly in texts

A villain; an outlaw; a hero; a legend; a victim; an icon…

Throughout time, this is how perceptions, views, and opinions have changed regarding Ned Kelly: a symbol of Australia, trapped in his heavy steel armour. However, we only see him in a specific way depending on how he is represented in the numerous forms of media, such as songs, film, and artworks. Some representations portray the bushranger as callous and a downright criminal, while others see him as an inspiration and somewhat of a brave warrior. Additionally, in other representations, he may be seen as a sufferer of tyranny or a legendary icon. Nevertheless, attitudes and beliefs about Ned Kelly shift over time, based on how a certain piece of media represents him.

A considerable example of a representation of the bushranger – which portrays him as a villain – would be Sergeant Steele’s description of capturing Ned Kelly. Steele was a member of the Victorian police, who shot Ned Kelly down at Glenrowan. His personal account of events creates a huge emphasis on Kelly as an antagonist – or rather “the devil.” He has also contributed to forming this negative image of Ned by describing him as a kind of “inhuman creature”, since he is a “ghostly apparition…the strange figure, enveloped in a huge overcoat”. All these descriptive phrases are known as epithets – and the use of this literary device have made Sergeant Steele’s version of events subjective, yet a purpose of entertainment.

In contrast to Sergeant Steele’s description of capturing Ned Kelly, representing him as a villain, Paul Kelly’s song “Our Sunshine” represents Kelly as a victim, nevertheless an Australian icon. The song narrates him as someone guiltless that we, as a country, should have admiration of, as he was “never known to hurt a woman” and “he never robbed an honest man”. Paul Kelly enhances the idea of Ned Kelly’s innocence – as well as the hardship faced over the years – using a pause within a line of his song known as a caesura: “Through fire and flood, through tears and blood.” This technique highlights that despite all that Ned has gone through during his life, his legacy continues to today.

These two individual representations both present how beliefs and perceptions of Ned Kelly change with time – from him being a type of unearthly outlaw to a heroic and legendary symbol of Australia. Regardless, a particular view about him relies on what we think of him. Was he an outlaw and a villain? Hero and a legend? A victim? An icon? How we judge Ned Kelly also depends on the knowledge that we have of him, which is usually portrayed within different forms of representations, shaping our personal views over time. Yet, the unanswered and debatable question remains: was he a hero, villain or victim?

Ruby C, Year 8

Jump Rope for Heart

Jump Rope for Heart fever swept through the Junior School last week, with students proudly showcasing their skipping skills during break times. Students from Kindergarten to Year 6, along with teachers, enthusiastically participated in the Speed Skipper Competition, aiming to achieve the most skips in 30 seconds.

A huge thank you to our Junior School community for raising over $300 in gold coin donations for the Heart Foundation, and to our incredible student volunteers who helped run the competitions and activities throughout the week!

Oxley Writers’ Festival

This year, a small group of Year 10 students undertook a creative writing elective. As a part of their course, they composed a range of pieces in differing forms with differing writing styles. Please follow the link below where they showcase their favourite composition along with a brief bio and a review of a recent book they have read. ENJOY!!

Police mental health: a look into the mental health of thousands of Aussie officers

In Australia, being a cop is glorified by many, but what are the negative effects of the job that people regularly overlook?

As a Police officer in Australia, you must meet and handle many people with bad intentions and broken lives. This, in turn, could potentially break you. Former SA Police Officer, Matt Newlands was almost a decade into his career as an officer when he ‘felt his mental health begin to decline.’

“It felt like all of a sudden I was in a really bad way and didn’t necessarily know it and didn’t necessarily know how to get out of it,” he said.

Only a year earlier, he lost a friend and colleague to suicide.

The stigma of mental health

Many police officers, alongside Matt, struggle with the stigma surrounding the subject of Mental Health in the Police Force. This is because they fear that they will no longer be permitted to serve in their current roles once they speak up about it.

Local Detective Senior Constable Adam Behr states:

“I observed my colleagues who had demonstrated signs of struggling with mental health issues or had put their hand up to say they needed help, being treated as though they were a liability by the organisation. We heard things like ‘They will never tour again’ or ‘Can’t see them having a gun again.’”

This hush-hush on the topic of mental health throughout the field is what leads some officers into bad places, causing them to struggle further in silence and, in some cases, battle with anxiety, self-harm, depression, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, agoraphobia, regular panic attacks, hypervigilance, flashbacks and nightmares. These challenges are reflected in the alarming statistics that follow.

Alarming statistics

More importantly, we need to compare the amount of Police suicides to the number of occupation-related deaths. By analysing this, we can see that the amount of officers who have died as a result of suicide is more than double the amount who have passed away while on duty.

The role of firearms

The constant availability of firearms presents significant risks for self-harm among officers, with 64% of police suicides being by firearm, whereas off-duty suicides are normally caused by hanging at 30%. This cannot be overstated, as most weapons used were service firearms, indicating the negative impact on mental stability, with it being right there.

Rank also seems to have a big impact on the choice to commit suicide, with most officers being either a Senior Constable or a Sergeant. This may be because the higher ranking leads them to attend more traumatic incidents and suffer from more severe PTSD.

One of the biggest problems here is the organisation itself and the support it offers – or lack thereof. That’s right. They have seen the effects, seen the statistics and have still done the bare minimum for their officers and continue to bury their heads in the sand.

The needs for organisational support

Detective Senior Constable Adam Behr shares:

“…The Police Force did not do anything to help me get the necessary treatment. I went and found a psychologist on my own and paid for it out of my own pocket, keeping it a secret that I was suffering for fear of losing my job. In my 11-year career, I have not had a single mental health debrief and was often told after seriously traumatic events, ‘This is what you signed up for.’ Some days I was forced to go to multiple traumatic events in the same shift and then just go to the next job or home like nothing ever happened.”

Many others share his same story, eventually cracking under the pressure of keeping their struggle a secret. This then leads them, in some cases to undergo forced Retirement on Medical Grounds. This is outlined in s94b of the Police Act 1990 which states:

Retirement on medical grounds 

The Commissioner may retire a member of the NSW Police Force if– 

(a) the person is found on medical grounds to be unfit to perform or incapable of discharging the duties of the person’s position, and 

(b) the person’s unfitness or incapacity– 

(i) appears likely to be of a permanent nature, and 

(ii) has not arisen from actual misconduct on the part of the person, or from causes within the person’s control. 

Now, there, of course, could be other reasons for these officers to commit suicide, but their trauma from their position would be a large factor in pushing them off the edge and leading them to do so. Yet, even with these factors, there are still over 65,000 serving Police in Australia. But, fresh faces don’t make a strong force because many youths strive to become officers, with the number of employees being 25-44 at 56.2%. The organisation knows all this and yet still puts its Officers through traumatic events without so much as a second glance. This is something that needs addressing as there is no help, no warning, no support, nothing. There are many petitions to give Police more mental health support which are free to sign and accessible, taking only a few moments to make a change. Because, the truth is, you can never truly know when someone is struggling.

Honour B, Year 8

Brick by brick: the soaring costs of LEGO sets 

As the largest toy company in the world, Lego has been a staple in many childhoods, but in recent years the price of sets has skyrocketed, and people are demanding answers. Fans across the world have been crying out for a reason it is so expensive, and if it will ever become more affordable. Fortunately, after insightful words from Lego Certified Professional Ryan McNaught, better known as Brickman, some answers have finally been presented.

For some background information, Lego has been a toy company since 1932, and the classic interlocking plastic bricks that they are so well known for were patented in 1958. Originally, products from the Lego company were simplistic and small. They were cheap, as well, with the average price being around $1-5 USD (about $10-50 USD in today’s money). Now, sets can range to anything from $10 to $1200, a stark contrast. Obviously, the biggest factor that would change pricing so astronomically is quality and inflation.

But these are not the only things that come into play according to Brickman. In an exclusive interview, he spoke about things such as IP rights coming into play. “The most expensive theme is probably LEGO Harry Potter, or LEGO Star Wars, the main reason being that LEGO has to pay a license to the IP rights holder to use their branding.” This arrangement means that Lego increases the prices of branded sets to cover its cost. So that answers the question of why branded sets are so expensive, but what about themes were Lego doesn’t have to pay for a licence, like Lego City or Ninjago?   

As it turns out, these unbranded sets are actually much cheaper than they used to be (with adjustments for inflation). Brickman revealed the Lego was actually much more expensive per piece in the 70s and 80s. Nowadays, yes, overall Lego is quite expensive, but that is simply the reality of our current economy. The price of everything, from milk to houses, has been raised, and is much higher than it used to be, and Lego is no exception. There are some additional factors, such as having to create new moulds for specific pieces, that make sets a bit more expensive, but these factors are also increasing the quality of the sets exponentially. Just look at the improvement from the original Lego castle sets to the current one. 

In conclusion, yes Lego has jacked up their prices over the last few years, but the quality of sets has improved exponentially. As a consumer in today’s economy, Lego is still a great way to spend your money, and there are multiple ways to get what you want. If you are looking for a specific theme like Lord of the Rings or Marvel, you are bound to pay more. However, if you just want basic bricks to create your own fantasies, buying sets from the creator or Lego City themes are going to get you a lot more bang for your buck. There are also other ways to get just bricks if that is what you are after. Sites like Bricklink offer good prices for good quality and specific pieces, and even Lego stores will allow you to purchase a container of particular bricks for a certain price.

Finally, a great way to get mainstream sets for great prices is through retail stores like Big W, Target and Kmart. They will often offer sets for reduced prices, sometimes even up to 50% off. So, overall, if you are clever, you can continue to play at reasonable prices. 

Ed H, Year 8

Kanye West’s butterfly effect

In early October 2022, the famous rapper and producer, Kanye West sent multiple, highly offensive Tweets from the platform Twitter (now known as X). These Tweets caused outrage as reported widely through global media outlets and eventually lead to West’s removal from all social media platforms. The Tweets offended millions of Jewish people around the world with statements such as “going Death-Con 3 on Jewish people.”

These Tweets caused many Jews to be afraid for their lives as they thought the Tweets would cause an uprise in anti-Semitic attitudes and aggression due to West’s influence over his huge, global fanbase. Now, many believe these were posted due to his bipolar disorder, but despite this, mainstream media today continue criticise and shame Kanye West for his actions. The impact West has on social media underlines his global influence and demonstrates perfectly the butterfly effect of how little things can build up to a large, global controversy played out in the media, that ultimately ends with the destruction of a life’s work and career in a matter of days.

The butterfly effect of Kanye West’s global social media influence has been a key part of his rise to fame. The things he says will influence his entire fanbase. West’s impact on the media has been a major factor of his career’s success and growth, building up his career in the early 2000’s into the well-known artist that he is today. This influence has also led him to be able to create new fashion labels such as “Yeezy” (a collaboration with Adidas), making him even more popular on social media in recent years.

We have seen many recent examples of social media enabled influence, with the global sensations Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish endorsing US presidential nominee Kamala Harris. But Kanye West’s media presence today has clearly changed his fortunes compared to the early years of his career when he would promote his music through social media and received positive support from his growing numbers of adoring fans.

Throughout Kanye’s career the media has both built his public image and career up but also caused its demise. “He should know better” says Steve Sos, an affected Jewish community member and music industry leader, based in Australia. His recent Tweets caused a ripple through social media which “blew up” across the news because of how unexpected and offensive his statements were to so many people. In an interview, Steve Sos, the Managing Director of Vevo, stated he was not only shocked but also greatly disappointed because of how influential Kanye was to his fanbase all around the world.

These controversial Tweets would inevitably lead to lots of backlash from various communities, organisations, the media and even other celebrities resulting in a ban from all social media platforms just a day after he published the Tweets.

Consequently, not long after, he also lost one of his biggest contracts with Adidas incorporating the Yeezy label, where Kanye West claims he lost $8 billion. If we explore Kanye West’s situation in the present day since the Tweets in October 2022, there is a clear picture of decline as both an artist in terms of his popularity and records sales, plus the many cancelled contracts with the likes of Adidas, Balenciaga and GAP, along with the destruction of his personal life and relationships that eventually concluded with his divorce from Kim Kardashian.

Since the backlash, the rest of Kanye West’s career remains uncertain as his fanbase has shrunk and the controversy over him remains. As West moves forward following this incident, he will need to completely reassess and re-shape his public image returning to the positive influence he once conveyed globally. Perhaps a return to music and less social media will greatly benefit the star.

Tom S, Year 8

Post-Olympic Depression

Once every four years the Olympics happens. Just months ago, people all around the world cheered and celebrated, as talented individuals won medals and proudly represented their countries in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Then eagerly rushed to watch athletes in interviews and on social media talking about the Olympics and celebrating. For weeks after, Olympians are famous, with people wanting to know about them and their lives.

This is when what is called ‘Post Olympic Depression’ starts to kick in. Post Olympic Depression is a phase many athletes at any level can feel post competition. It is described as feeling depression, anxiety, loneliness, loss of self-worth and low self-esteem.  

Studies show that Post Olympic Blues is an actual mental illness, classified as a type of depression that can happen after a major sporting event. It happens especially with Olympians, as they are given everyone’s attention and are celebrities in the Olympic Village. But as soon as they get home everyone’s interest slowly dwindles until they move to the next trending topic. Especially Olympians that were given lots of publicity due to their performance can start to tie their athletic achievements to their self-worth and self-esteem, which makes the blow even harder when everyone moves on.

Athletes that considered competing at the Olympics their lifelong dream find it harder to stay motivated knowing that they have accomplished all they were aiming for.

Such as Michael Phelps who experienced severe Post Olympic Depression. “[You] work so hard for four years to get to that point, and then it’s like you’re… at the top of the mountain, you’re like what the hell am I supposed to do? Where am I supposed to go? Who am I?” he said in an interview with Healthline. He also explained how Olympic first timer athletes are more likely to fall into the hole of post-Olympic depression, as they don’t realise the Olympic high, they are on until it’s over.

Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty experienced this and shared how for years leading up to the Olympics elite athletes are used to having every minute planned out for them. When to eat, train and rest. Then suddenly they are all alone with no idea what to do with themselves. It is a hard adjustment that can be very sudden that can make freedom awkward. In an interview, psychologist Anika Brett explained how athletes are very routine people and the sudden loss of a schedule that controls their entire life for years is the main contributor to the massive amount and feeling of change. She recommended that to help combat post-Olympic Depression Athletes should still stay eating healthily and exercising daily, so that they are still staying with healthy habits and some sort of routine that vaguely resembles their old training schedule to slowly adjust to doing it less and less instead of partying, staying in bed all day and giving up because the Olympics are over.

But with more attention to mental health, Post Olympic Depression is coming to light. Olympic athletes are sharing stories of how they cope with Post Olympic Blues. Simone Biles shared how therapy has helped her, and many other athletes stay grounded all throughout the Olympics so that returning home and no longer being in the spotlight won’t have as big of an impact. Brett also recommended that to the lead up to the Olympics athletes should also have other things in their lives that are not related to the Olympics, such as a part time job, that they can return to after the Olympics to help with the feeling of normalcy and returning to normal life. She also explained that most of all, Olympians should be prepared mentally before competing so that they are able to control their feelings after, to be able to combat Post Olympic Depression.

Year 8 Journalism student

Kids, tweens and teens in the beauty industry

The blossoming industry of skincare

The explosion in the skincare trend started in 2023 has children aged 6 – 12 from all over the world, using hundreds of dollars’ worth of products from brands such as Drunk Elephant, Glow Recipe, and many more.

The trend of tweens using such products originated on social media platforms, specifically TikTok, which had young girls wanting every new and trendy cosmetic.

Skincare is rapidly destroying many kids’ confidence, being afraid of what their friends may think if they aren’t using the ‘popular’ products.

All my friends use it, and I don’t want to be left out.

Lily, 9

The brands from Sephora are also not preventing this from happening, many of them marketing their products to a younger demographic of children, by using younger models for their advertisements, making the packaging for these products extremely colourful, and making out that these products are okay for younger skin to use every day and night.

I want to have clear skin…. it puts a routine in early for when I’m older.

Lily, 9

Many people often say that the reason young girls are buying all these products are because of social media, and while that is true, another reason is also the fact that these young girls are wanting to look older, and grow up quicker, which has always been a part of history. It is also making the children may feel compelled to participate to fit in or gain social validation.

The influencers in the beauty industry

Social media, specifically TikTok is having an extreme negative impact on young consumers, who are purchasing multiple products that are not age appropriate for them. TikTok’s hundreds of beauty influencers who put their looks on display, and review multiple products per week, and perform makeup tutorials, often influence these young girls. This eventually develops an addiction to these products, which is doing more harm to their physical appearance and mental health.

‘Disturbing’ for parents

The parents of these children have been finding it difficult to navigate how to make their child happy, but
also to use age-appropriate products.

One day my daughter just started asking for all these products… It was quite disturbing.”

A mother of a ‘Sephora kid’

While some parents have been trying to understand their child, many of them seem very unconcerned over the products their child are using, products that have a potential for skin damage, like retinol, which should be nowhere near these girls’ shopping lists.

What dermatologists think

Many dermatologists have been expressing their worries about using skincare as it can provoke allergies or eczema. The British Association for Dermatologists have warned young girls that using skin products designated as anti-aging could leave them with irreversible skin damage.

Dr. Anjali Mahto, the dermatologist at self London, told The Times, “Something I feel quite strongly
about is discouraging the adoption of intricate anti-aging routines that involve actives like vitamin C,
retinoids and other exfoliating acids.”

Many dermatologists say that since the beginning of 2023, they have seen an increase of children coming to see them with issues with their skin, while having multi-step skincare routines filled with products that they don’t need and are harming their skin. Dermatologists are now starting to press the alarm against the beauty industry and culture which is ruining kids’ confidence, and are going on these websites such as TikTok, and Instagram sharing what young kids should be using.

A simple routine

A simple routine that these children should be using include a simpler, non-expensive gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. Sunscreen specifically should be emphasised, as part of a daily skincare routine and for swimming or sports.

Year 8 Journalism student

Influencers have taken the internet by storm

What’s hidden behind how they impact you?

Influencers. They have taken the world by storm. Appearing on your For You page, but what impacts do they have on the way we view the world?

The first ever social media platform was made in 1997. Since then, there has been the adding of many platforms including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and a variety of other social media platforms. Over the various platforms that we have, they occupy over billions of users. This means that almost everyone has some sort of access to the influencers that appear quite frequently on our social media platforms around the world.

New statistics that have been released in the Black Dog Institute’s Adolescent Screen Use and Mental Health report provides insight into the real effects influencers and social media have on the young population around the world. Adolescents using social media have said they spend 70% of their time scrolling and viewing other’s content. These statistics bring worrying evidence that access to social media has dramatically influenced how our perspectives and opinions are influenced.

The eSafety Commission aims to help people have safer experiences online. They are concerned with illegal and restricted content that ranges from the most seriously harmful material to content that should not be accessed by children. Restrictions are in place, but should there be more?

Dr. Marian-Andrei Rizoiu is an Associate Professor leading the Behavioral Data Science Lab at the University of Technology, Sydney. “Producer to consumer,” is what Dr. Rizoiu said the relationship is between the influencer and their audience. The reason that influencers are able to draw in such great audiences is because “users naturally converge towards topics of interest; they form thematic social groups where they discuss and debate.”

How do influencers impact our opinions and perspectives?

“Influencers do have an impact on opinions and perspectives; they can push certain brands and ideas, and they can shape the discourse. But this impact must be placed in the context of the first question: they can shape the opinions and ideas of people interested in those topics,” Dr. Rizoiu said about how the influencers around the world change and shape our opinions and perspectives. “Influencers are localised, and it is known that this type of influence is among the strongest,” Dr. Rizoiu stated about the way that influencers affect us as when they are targeting a specific group of people. It can mean that their influence is greater.

Dr. Rizoiu claims that influencers aren’t necessarily positive or negative. “It is good to remember that influencers are not a new phenomenon, nor is misinformation, nor is influence. The only “newish” concept is the online information environment that allows real time exchange of information, with no geographic boundaries. This usually has the effect that, no matter how specific or fringe is a topic or ideology, one can find peers online – as opposed to in the offline world, where the offer of ideologies in immediate proximity is quite small. Therefore, online influencers don’t really have a good or bad impact. See them more like content producers, who cater for a topical cohort.”

So should a restriction be placed on what is being posted on online platforms? “Just like in the offline world, we can’t go around saying whatever goes through our heads, and we cannot express any type of idea (e.g., Nazi ideology is expressly forbidden in many European countries). The content expressed online should be regulated.” Dr. Rizoiu also stated how some regulations are already in place. “The Digital Services Act in the EU already forbids illegal content, as defined by a set of laws. Therefore, an online individual cannot post illegal content,” he said.

The job of being an influencer is not an easy one. “It is a full-time job. They must find a niche and carefully consider their community’s needs and desires. They need to post content regularly and always follow the cues of the consumers. We found examples of producers who start to drift away from their original content, but unless they are willing to redefine the communities they tent for, then they need to maintain certain topics and opinions. That’s why we find the misinformation producers tend to be less radical than their consumers, as we/I believe they don’t really think what they say. But they start with a certain ideology and are somewhat stuck to it,” Dr. Rizoiu said, providing the insight that we should take what an influencer says with a pinch of salt as sometimes what they say is false. The last question that was posed to Dr. Rizoiu is what needs to be changed in order for the influencer industry to create a positive impact on our perspectives and opinions. Dr. Rizoiu said that we need to “keep the methodology but regulate the content they can post.”

A second interview was conducted with Professor Peta Wyeth who is internationally recognised in the field of human-computer interaction at the University of Technoloy Sydney. Professor Wyeth was able to give her insights based on her expertise in interaction design and human computer interaction. She answered the first question with her insight into studying people who engage in technology for leisure purposes. “Types of interactions fulfil our needs in some ways,” she said. “There is an immersive quality that pulls us into this world of the influencer and allows us to experience it in some way. The experiences we watch might also provide us with a sense of relatedness (e.g., we can relate to what they are doing, how they are acting/engaging, etc.),” Peta answered.

Does the rise in influencers have a positive or negative impact, was the next question posed. “Like most media, influencers can have both a negative and positive impact,” Professor Wyeth commented. “Most people will consume the information provided in a healthy way, recognising it as a type of marketing, or entertainment, or information gathering. However, there are members of the population who do respond in ways that are less healthy (this is also true for computer gaming). It is also fair to say that some influencers (like other marketers) are disingenuous in the promotion of themselves, their ideas, and their products.” She also pointed out that “there is a risk when there is a lack of transparency and regulation” as well as mentioning that there are risks “particularly for more vulnerable members of our community (e.g., children, people with disabilities, the elderly).”

What about a restriction on what is posted by influencers? Professor Wyeth stated how this question was one that was great, but at the same time quite difficult to answer. “Generally, I’m not a fan of censorship. However, I recognise the importance of guardrails/guidelines that are used for the protection of certain groups (e.g., ratings systems for movies and videogames). Of course, we should be protected from any form of violence, racism, or other harm when we go online.”

By bringing together experts from industry, the influencers themselves, researchers, and experts in public policy, we can work together to ensure that the influencer industry doesn’t create harm (particularly for the most vulnerable in our community). Influencers and social media have a profound effect on us, so how often do you use social media and what is it doing to your perspectives and opinions?

Charlotte G, Year 8

Staff Spotlight: Mr Darren Brett, Mathematics Teacher

This month, Chloe S (Year 10) shone the spotlight on Mr Brett, a Mathematics teacher and Oodgeroo House Mentor.

Why do you like teaching at Oxley College?

Why do I love teaching at Oxley College? Well, it’s simple. It is the perfect blend of incredible students, supportive colleagues, and just enough chaos to keep life interesting. The students at Oxley keep me on my toes … they are curious, hardworking, and bring their own unique quirks that make every day different. It is like being part of a comedy-drama-action show, where you are never quite sure what you will get, but it’s always worth tuning in for! Oxley is a community where everyone truly cares about education and the growth of the students, and that sense of purpose makes it a genuinely special place to teach.

Tell us the funniest experience that has ever happened in the classroom.

Ah, the unforgettable day a student decided to turn my Maths class into a live reenactment of a disaster movie.

So, there I am, in full ‘maths-mode’, explaining fractions with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for sports commentators. I notice one student looking a bit green, and I think, ‘Hang in there, we’re almost through this!’ But, oh no. This unfortunate young man had other plans.

Suddenly, mid-fraction, they turn to me, eyes wide, and before I can even process what’s happening, it is a full-on vomit volcano. The student erupts like Mt. Vesuvius right onto my shoes, my pants, and even a little on the whiteboard … just enough to really emphasise that fractions can be messy.

From then on, every time we did fractions, someone would ask if they should ‘grab a bucket, just in case’.

Do you have a pet?

Yes. A dog called Ziggy! He’s like the lovable, scrappy old grandpa of the dog world. 18 years old … pretty much the canine equivalent of being, like, 150 in human years. He is blind, deaf, and has lost control over his bodily functions, which means, at this point, Ziggy is living his best life as a silent and invisible mystery. He is basically the dog version of a haunted house … you never quite know what’s going to happen next. Honestly, Ziggy is just out here vibing in his senior years like, ‘Yeah, I can’t see or hear, but I can smell you, and that’s all I need.’

Every time I walk into the room, I’m like, ‘Is he looking at me? Is he even aware I’m here?’ But Ziggy, with the wisdom of a dog who has survived more than any of us, just gives me the look of ‘I know you’re here, I just can’t be bothered.’

What is your favourite food?

Alright, we’re talking hot chips here – the crispy golden sticks of pure joy. Specifically, the ones that are so hot they could be used as medieval weapons. I’m talking about those fries that you grab straight out of the fryer, thinking ‘how bad could it be?’ only to realise they are hotter than the surface of the sun. But do I wait for them to cool? Absolutely not. I’ll sit there, steam billowing out of my mouth, eyes watering, trying to play it cool like, ‘No, I’m totally fine, this is delicious’, while internally I’m debating if I will ever taste anything again.

Also, nothing quite compares to the thrill of eating popcorn. 10% actually goes in my mouth, while the other 90% decorates my shirt, the couch, and somehow the entire living room, leaving me with the lifelong mystery of ‘where did all my popcorn go?’

What is the meaning of life?

Ok, the big question! Ultimately, in my opinion, the meaning of life can be something we define for ourselves. It may involve the simple moments of joy, the challenges we overcome, and the connections we make. While the search for meaning can be complex and individual, I think many would agree that it is about finding ways to live with purpose, compassion, and authenticity.

Kamala Harris: redefining leadership and empowerment

She has become more renowned than ever before. You may have seen her on TV or on any social media platform – and for good reason: campaigning for abortion rights, peace in Ukraine, an end to the Israel-Gaza war, publicly funded-healthcare and much more. She was the democratic candidate for the US election and was not far off from winning. Her name is Kamala Harris, and she is America’s first female Vice President, making history as the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to hold this office, and she continues to advocate for issues that impact communities across the nation.

Since becoming nominee for US president, Harris had remained mostly inaccessible to the press and interviewers. But in September, she sat down in a Washington D.C hotel for a 40-minute interview with podcast host Alex Cooper. Cooper’s podcast, ‘Call Her Daddy’ has been Spotify’s second-biggest podcast for the past three years. The podcast also averages five million weekly listeners. ‘Call Her Daddy’ normally covers topics such as relationships, dating and personal stories about both her and her interviewees. But Cooper has recently taken a twist on the podcast, broadening her audience with topics such as women’s rights, mental health, and psychology. On the topic of women’s rights, Cooper invited Kamala Harris for an open discussion about women, with no topic off limits.

Cooper clarified at the beginning of the podcast that ‘my goal today is not to change your political affiliation. But the conversation I know I am qualified to have is the one surrounding women’s bodies, and how we are treated and valued in this country.’

Harris discussed a variety of subjects, blending serious topics with a conversational, casual tone. She gave an insight into her childhood and the values she was taught at an early age by her late mother – something most US presidents do not often discuss. Her mother taught her to not let things just happen to you and to figure out how to take charge of a situation. “We don’t have control of everything obviously, but don’t just let things happen to you without thinking about ‘Ok, what can I do in this moment?’”  

During the podcast episode, there was also a discussion of the fight for reproductive freedom in America. “There are now 20 states with Trump abortion bans.” Harris mentioned that these bans make no exception for assault victims. “They don’t have a right to make a decision about what happens to their body next, which is immoral.” Kamala Harris was the first VP to ever visit an abortion clinic and has promised to support a bill which will restore Roe’s protections or make a stop to any national abortion ban. Religious values, specifically Catholic values, and the issue of abortion being a sin in Catholicism was raised in the conversation. But Harris established what revolved around her plan to stop the abortion ban. “This is not about imposing my thoughts on you in terms of what you do with your life or your body, it is actually quite the opposite. It is saying the government should not be telling people what to do.”

In summary, this podcast episode is an influential ground breaker in political history – sharing a fresh, and much needed approach towards the hefty debate of the handling of American politics and laws. Whilst the result of the election was not the result a lot of us hoped for, Kamala Harris encouraged Americans to “not despair” whilst she was conceding the election to Trump. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign.” The fight Harris carried through these past anxious months brought hope to America, and though she is not going to have her place as President next term, she left an impact on many that gave comfort for what may happen in the future: reproductive freedom, affordable healthcare, and foreign peace. This podcast episode is an incredible insight into an in-depth and conversational discussion of crucial political issues in America, especially the issue of women’s healthcare rights.

Zara C, Year 10

Poetry spotlight: the legacy of Ned Kelly

Who Will Be Next?

Through the years, Ned appears
Bringing light and tears.
Bullets fly and someone else dies,
Who will be next?
From the Kelly clan to the single man
Who will be next?

The bullets fly through the night, and yet another dead.
However bad, he’s still a man,
Even with blood on his sunshine hands.
His eyes still tear, and his heart still breaks,
His actions filled with horrible mistakes.
Trapped within the irons hold, he never did grow old.
Kelly brought light and dark throughout the land.
Who will be next?

To death’s hold, Kelly was sold,
To the man who took all.
The darkness appeared and so did the tears,
Ned had been next.
The rope draped around his neck, his body cold to the touch.
With Kelly gone, many mourned, but now,
Who will be next?

Eadie V, Year 8

The man

Ned Kelly the boy and Ned Kelly the man was known very well throughout the land,
for he fought injustice and stood for his beliefs
Was he man or was he beast?
he was known as our sunshine, but he shall shine no longer except for in our hearts as he shoots darts at the heads of policemen

He was a murdered, a villain with an evil plan to conquer the Victorian police and land,
for what he did we can never forgive for the lives we can never give back and the families he left down the track
He robbed a bank and blew up a train and yet gathered so much undeserved fame.
He was a dragon eating the land, ruining justice, and saying, “I’m just a man,”
he blew flames on families killing their sons, blood red and bright on his murderous hands

So, was he a man or a murderous dragon?
Was he a victim, villain, or hero?
Will we see his ghost pearly and white?
Does he shine light on the Australian legacy?
Do the shots still ring out in the Australian desert?
In commemoration of the man. Ned Kelly.

Cadence W, Year 8

Such is life

Ned Kelly at the Creek,
Making plans but they stink.
Trying to relax but must quickly think.
Soon they’re under attack,
Lonnigan and Kennedy on their back.
The Kelly Gang were about to be sacked.

The coppers run on the track,
Ned Kelly is on their back.
One shot dead, the other for kidnap.
Glenrowan under flames,
It’s all just the same.
No one else, but Ned Kelly to blame.

Ned Kelly caught on sight,
No sharper than a knife.
Ned’s final words, “Such is life”.
The sunlight you can feel,
The birds chirping at the bill.
But Ned Kelly’s legacy remain at a still.

Mitchell C, Year 8

Slam poetry

A Place to Call Home

I was laying in my bed,

Thoughts racing through my head,

Then one turned to stone.

People like me don’t feel safe,

They don’t have a safe place,

People abuse and hurt,

They want you to cower and bow,

They don’t accept you for who you are,

They tell you being different is good,

But it feels like you must be a clone,

A clone just looking for a place to call home,

A place that accepts you for who you are,

A place that doesn’t have those people,

They are never caught,

Never brought to justice,

Always protected by someone or another,

Bailed with no dilemma,

No one is listening,

No one is acting,

People are reenacting,

What happened in the past and should stay back there,

So, we need to fight for a better world,

One of equality,

One of truth,

There is no excuse.

Amelia G, Year 5

The 2025 Grammy Awards

On 8 November, the Grammy nominations for 2025 were announced, sparking worldwide interest and controversy. Although receiving a Grammy is the goal itself, being a nominee is an achievement as well. New artists Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan have secured nominations in the categories considered ‘The big four’, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. The success of the two rising artists hasn’t surprised the public; both have reached up to 1 billion streams this year on their newest tracks such as Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ and Roan’s ‘Good luck, Babe!”, surpassing songs on record-breaking artists’ albums such as Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poet’s Department’ and Beyonce’s ‘Cowboy Carter’.

Although the record-breaking artists are facing competition, both Swift and Beyonce have earned various nominations. Due to the popularity earned from ‘The Tortured Poet’s Department’ and the collaboration ‘Us’ with Gracie Abrams, Swift has accepted six nominations this year. Beyonce, who not only is the ‘most-decorated’ Grammy artist in history with a total of 32 wins but has beat the record of most nominated artist of all time with a total 99 nominations throughout her prominent career. Prior to this year’s eleven nominations for ‘Cowboy Carter’, Beyonce shared the title of most nominated artist with her husband, Jay-Z, with an impressive 88 nominations each.

Despite the current nominations showering both under-appreciated and popular artists with the recognition and celebration, they have once again caused outrage and disappointment. Commenters are stating that popstar Ariana Grande deserved more nominations for categories such as Record of the Year for ‘We Can’t be Friends’ and Album of the Year for the popular ‘Eternal Sunshine’. She did achieve nominations for Pop Vocal Album, Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Dance Pop Recording. The singer has also received success this year in her role as Glinda the Good Witch in the musical Wicked alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo portraying Elphaba.

Regardless of the dispute surrounding the Grammy nominations and awards, the invitation and on ongoing tradition of the Grammy Awards is widely considered the most ‘prestigious honour in the music industry and one of the greatest accomplishments in entertainment.’ Although people, like me, believe the Grammy’s distribute unfair awards and nominations from time to time, I do admit that the Grammy’s allow diversity and acknowledge a range of artists less successful, giving numerous opportunities and at the end of the day, entertaining an audience.

Lulu E, Year 9

Warragamba Dam

What does a fish say when it runs into a wall?…… Dam

In Week 3, Year 8 Geographers visited Warragamba to see the dam that supplies water to over 5 million Australians. Accompanied by Mrs. Shedden, Ms. Spencer, and Mr. Dibdin, we learnt so much about the importance of the dam in times of drought, its role in flood prevention and we undertook some water sampling to investigate water quality.  We even had the opportunity to go underground through the tunnels in the dam wall.

Warragamba Dam took 800 men over 12 years to build between 1948-1960 with over 300 000 tonnes of cement used to create large interlocking blocks. In 2002, the auxiliary spillway was built in case of a rare extreme flood so floodwaters could be diverted around the dam.  

Our day started at the visitor center overlooking Lake Burragorang where we were overcome with beautiful views of the lake and how unexpectedly large it was.  Turning to the other side we were greeted with a steep decline of 142m. We journeyed down to the bottom of the dam and inside the dam walls where the pumps were located.

This excursion was a new experience that no one had done previously. Learning things in a more practical way outside of class allowed us to understand how important it is to not just keep the environment clean, especially around water, but also how important it is to not waste water particularly in drought. Given that the water in the Wingecarribee River flowing past Oxley College eventually ends up in Lake Burragorang, which is Sydney drinking water, we need to do our best to keep the environment around Oxley clean.  Attending this excursion in the lead up to exams helped students immensely and with that, thank you to the teachers who organised it.

Millie L, Year 8

Pharma Latch: revolutionising vaccination

A new technology designed by Australian biomedical entrepreneur, Dr Nicky Bertollo, is on the verge of transforming the medical industry. Pharma Latch, a Dublin based company, founded by Dr Bertollo and Ronan Byrne, is currently in negotiations with John Hopkins University, the Mayo Clinic and the Food and Drug Administration of America (FDA) for exploring the possibilities of the product. Pharma Latch is expected to hit the American market in mid 2025 initially for intradermal vaccination, with plans to diversify its uses in the future.

Dr Bertollo explained the Latch device as follows, “Pharma Latch is a single use, disposable medical device that will be used by Healthcare Professionals to inject liquid vaccines and drugs into the skin of patients. This method is generally referred to as intradermal delivery, because it targets the ‘dermal’ layer of skin.”

This method of injection allows the product to fulfil a variety of purposes, most notably the administration of intradermal vaccinations, such as the Monkey Pox or Rabies vaccines. Intradermal vaccination is currently both very painful for the patient, and extremely difficult for those administering it, with only 30% of such vaccines being successfully delivered.

Pharma Latch has devised an improved way to administer intradermal vaccines, as well as needle-based drug delivery. Its unique design and use (shown below) uses micro-needles to attach to the skin in a relatively painless way. This makes vaccines significantly less painful and easier to deliver and also provides more consistent dosing than other technologies.

Owing to both the inconsistency and painfulness of the current form of vaccinations, and the recent outbreak of Monkeypox, finding a new way to deliver intradermal vaccinations has been a common target among many companies in the medical industry.

This has led to Pharma Latch having competitors in creating a better form of intradermal vaccination and drug delivery, including companies such as Nutriband and Powderject. This provides Pharma Latch with serious competition for drug delivery intradermally and transdermally. However, none of the companies have been successful in improving the process of intradermal vaccination, giving Pharma Latch a significant edge.

Currently, the Pharma Latch technology has been fully designed and is being manufactured in the United States. The company is in discussion with the FDA to get approval for human use in America.

Dr Bertollo says the future of Pharma Latch is bright, with many possibilities for their technology. From administering emerging cancer vaccines, to a version used for self-injection of drugs, to wearable patches capable of long-term drug delivery, the options for this product are seemingly endless.

Pharma Latch has entered agreements with many significant universities, businesses and institutes who are backing the capabilities and potential of this product. The Pandemic Institute has said “We are excited to be working with Pharma Latch going forward”.

“Ultimately, because Pharma Latch is truly a ‘platform technology’ it can support a range of different drug delivery device designs we haven’t even thought of, so the future of the company is hugely exciting.”

Dr Nicky Bertollo

With so much potential for their innovative technology, Pharma Latch is primed to revolutionise vaccination, and medical injections. Keep an eye on this exciting company, as soon enough you could be getting a vaccine using a Pharma Latch patch.

Coen B, Year 8

How the 50-year mystery of D.B Cooper could soon be solved

It has been nearly 53 years since the mysterious disappearance of plane hijacker D.B. Cooper, but private investigator Eric Ulis believes new evidence could soon reveal his identity.

On November 24, 1971, a man using the alias Dan Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, which was travelling from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington. During the flight, Cooper informed a flight attendant that he had a bomb and demanded $200,000 in ransom (equivalent to about $1.5 million today) and four parachutes. After the plane landed in Seattle, Cooper released the passengers but insisted that the plane be refuelled for a flight to Mexico City.

Roughly 30 minutes into the flight, Cooper removed his tie and jumped from the plane over Southwest Washington, taking the ransom money and the parachutes with him. Despite extensive searches and investigations, both his identity and whereabouts remain a mystery.

Private investigator Eric Ulis, however, believes the case is “solvable.”

FBI composite drawing of DB Cooper, dawn in 1972.

Since becoming deeply involved in the investigation in 2008, Ulis has unearthed significant information that might unlock the mystery surrounding Cooper. A crucial piece of evidence, according to Ulis, is the tie that Cooper left behind when he jumped from the plane. The tie contains DNA that could potentially reveal Cooper’s identity, and as Ulis hopes, it may just be the clue that will ‘tie it all together.’

In 2001, the FBI conducted DNA tests on the tie pin, but the results were inconclusive. Shortly after, the FBI shifted its focus to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and as Ulis explains, the D.B. Cooper case was “put on the backburner.” Although the FBI resumed the investigation in 2003 and 2004, they officially closed the case in 2016.

Frustrated with the inconclusive DNA results, Ulis later sued the FBI, claiming they had failed to properly test a critical part of the tie known as the spindle. While he lost the case, Ulis’s persistence kept attention on the investigation. His efforts paid off in 2023 when the FBI reopened the case and conducted another DNA test on the tie.

“I have seen the files,” Ulis claims. “I believe the FBI came up with a pretty good profile… strong enough to find who D.B. Cooper is.” His optimism stems not only from the renewed investigation but also from his belief in the potential of DNA evidence to yield new insights.

In addition to his faith in the DNA evidence, Ulis has developed his own theory about Cooper’s identity based on a new analysis of the tie. He discovered that the tie contains trace elements of rare metals, including titanium, which were not commonly accessible in 1971. This discovery has led Ulis to believe that “D.B. Cooper, or who he may have been, worked for the specialty metals industry in Pennsylvania”.

With this theory in mind, Ulis continues to investigate, determined that the information he has gathered, along with advancements in DNA testing, could finally uncover the true identity of one of America’s most infamous hijackers. As he delves deeper into the case, Ulis remains hopeful that the advances of modern forensic science will yield the answers long sought by investigators and enthusiasts alike.

With each passing year, the legend of D.B. Cooper only grows, but for Eric Ulis, the prospect of solving this enduring mystery is not just a possibility- it’s a mission. As he pursues new leads and examines old evidence, he stands at the forefront of an investigation that could finally unravel one of aviation history’s greatest enigmas.

George H, Year 8

The future has arrived: young Olympians

Many young citizens have taken place in the Olympics over many years, getting more and more successful each Olympic games, leading their countries to success. This success is predicted to skyrocket into the future as they grow older and grow in talent in their sports, of course with the help of their coaches. 

Young Olympians have shared many successes from the recent Olympics, proving that their hard work and dedication is vital to these wins. For example, Arisa Trew, young Australian skateboarder won gold at only 14 years old, after years of training and work. She stated in my interview that she has been skating since she was 8, and with a lot of passion she just flew through the years and ended up where she is now. ‘I look up to skaters like Poppy Starr and my friends at the park,’ she mentioned. ‘Watching them try new tricks really pushes me to step up my game.’

Other than the Olympics Arisa has also mentioned that ‘the X Games was a massive deal for me’. She competed in the X Games on September 22, 2024. I’m sure this doesn’t compare to winning gold though as she said how it was just ‘mind blowing’ and ‘the best feeling ever!’ She also shared a great piece of advice for other young skaters: ‘Just have fun and be yourself! Don’t stress too much about pressure or what others expect. Progress takes time, so enjoy the ride and celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Every little step counts!’

Although these achievements are great, let’s talk about the mental state of these wins. After the Olympics some athletes go through stages of depression and negative self-worth as they feel their trainings are now leading them nowhere. To stop this depression, they usually go out and about to more competitions and try their hardest to come out on top and start training again for the next Olympics. I can imagine that young athletes especially would be affected by this, considering their brains aren’t fully developed and they would find it harder to motivate themselves again. A positive side may be that they don’t experience these mental struggles, and their successes motivate them to be even better than before, helping them go further in their sport.

Being serious about their sport can be very good for young Olympians, as physical activity is great for their brain development, as well as distracting them from negative thoughts and providing them with many opportunities. Having a passion at a young age influences them to have a strong mindset about their passion, helping them succeed and proving to them that hard work and dedication pays off. Physical activity releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that helps you feel happy. This will also benefit their mental health, especially when they are going through a hard time.

Young Olympians typically range from ages 15–18, although there have been many other athletes younger than this. For example, the world’s youngest Olympian, 10-year-old Dimitrios Loundras, who took bronze in gymnastics in 1896. Arisa Trew doesn’t come far after this as she is now the youngest Australian Olympic medal holder.

To conclude, young Olympians are amazing role models. They have so much hard work and dedication, proving that age doesn’t matter when it comes to your passions. Unlike older Olympic champions, these athletes also must manage school, as well as training, giving them less time to work towards their goals. These Olympians have beat many athletes older and more experienced, and they ARE our Olympic future.

Lily M, Year 8

Co-Curricular Achievements

Cricket

In Oxley’s Cricket Firsts, we have a very young team this year, having no current Year 11/12 members, however, we are fostering a positive team environment to hopefully carry into next year’s team as many, if not all, will be playing again. This is the first time in recent memory that Oxley Cricket has competed in Division 1. We defeated Chevalier College the weekend before last, however have struggled again some of the stronger Sydney competition.

Significant personal contributions include a century for Sam H (Year 10) (112 runs) against St Spyridon last weekend and leading the competition for fielding stats. Freddie K (Year 8) is currently 10th in the bowling stats among all teams. Henry J (Year 8) took a hattrick a few weeks ago against St Spyridon for the Oxley Cricket Seconds team, with bowling figures of 3/2. 

Sam H, Cricket Captain 2025

Mountain Biking

Sandy C (Year 8) recently competed at the Green Valleys Interschool Enduro competition in Albion Park. He blitzed the field with 2^nd place in the Year 7/8 male category out of 76 riders and was also the 6^th fastest rider overall (Years 7-12). This is a fantastic achievement and shows that Sandy has a big future in this sport!

On Sunday 24 November, the fourth edition of the GD Champs took place at Welby. The GD Champs is a mountain bike event that celebrates and remembers George Dummer, an ex-Oxley student and passionate mountain biker who tragically passed away just over 4 years ago when he was in Year 9. The event is for riders of all ages but has a schools’ component, which is fiercely contested each year by Oxley and Chevalier, although there are riders from Moss Vale High and other schools too. Although we had fewer riders than in previous years, Oxley College was proud to bring the George Dummer Cup home for the 4^th time. Congratulations to Harry G (Year 12 2025), Isla T (Year 12 2025), Aston M (Year 10) and Alex W (Year 6) who took the win in their age categories. Special mention goes again to Aston who won the bunny-hop competition with an astonishing display of skill.

Pipe and Drums

Oxley Pipe Band members Sapphire S (Year 7) and Thomas A (Year 8) competed in the recent NSW State Solo Championships. In solo competitions, there are 5 grades: A (professional level), the amateur levels B-D and Novice levels. There are multiple requirements for each contestant to play in on the day to determine the overall State Champion. Tenor Drummer Sapphire was crowned the C Grade State Tenor Drum Champion and Piper Thomas was placed 2nd overall in the Novice State Championships. Well done, Sapphire and Thomas!

Grace P, Pipe Captain 2025

Year 6 Celebration

Junior School Instrumental Concert

Junior Strings Spectacular

Year 5 Street Art Incursion

Junior School Awards

Term 4, Week 4

Term 4, Week 6

Term 4, Week 7