Meet your 2025/26 Co-Curricular Captains!

William C – Pipes Captain

I’ve been involved in piping at Oxley since Year 7 – I first started receiving lessons on a practice chanter in Term 3.

Having the opportunity to travel to Scotland for 5 weeks to play in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Year 9 had a huge impact on my independence, learning to live and care for myself on my own. On this trip I also played in, and won, the Scottish National and the World Championships for my grade, which was an incredible feeling.

As captain for 2025/26, I plan to get the band learning new material, as we have mostly been playing the same things for a while now. By learning new things, I hope to make the Pipe Band more fun for its existing members and for new and upcoming members of the band. I also plan to increase the bands competitiveness, to improve the skill level of our members by having goals to strive towards achieving.

Did you know… the Pipe Band is Oxley’s most busy co-curricular besides sports, performing at a wide range of events such as Tulip Time, ANZAC Day, Brigadoon and even some contests. We also perform throughout the year at the most number of events within Oxley, from Open Days to Speech and Foundation Nights.

Sophie C – Tennis Captain

I have been playing tennis since I was 6 years old, and I played in competitions around NSW until Year 7, when I joined the Oxley tennis team. 

The most rewarding aspect of playing tennis at Oxley has definitely been forming strong friendships with students from different years in my team and helping each other grow and get stronger. Tennis, particularly playing in competitions, has taught me resilience and how to stay grounded and in the moment. 

My main goal for 2025 is to get more involvement in the tennis program and to do more group training with all the different teams. I hope to promote the Oxley Tennis program by talking in assembly and talking to newer students in the younger years! 

Did you know… tennis dates back to the 12th century France, where it was originally played with bare hands and no rackets!

Archie C – Cross Country Captain

Since starting my Oxley journey in Year 7, I have always been keen to put my best foot forward to be involved within the cross country team. Whether it be turning up to trainings on cold winter mornings, or putting 110 percent effort in at carnivals, I feel confident in saying I have always strived to try my best and learnt from my many mistakes, which has put me in good stead for this position.

It’s no secret that cross country isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, drawing on a lot of mental determination and physical resilience. I feel as though this level of mental and physical training has helped me grit through challenging times such as intense study periods during exams and tough footy training sessions.

I am excited to be taking a lead role within the area of cross country this coming year. I would really encourage everyone to have a go, whether you like being competitive or just have having a slow jog with your friends. It is a good way to keep moving over winter and Mr Bevan is always happy to see people at run club every Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Did you know… the first international cross-country event was organized in 1898 by Harold Hardwick, bringing a team from England to France.

Molly D – Basketball Captain

I’ve been playing Basketball since I was little and have been involved in basketball at Oxley since my start here.

The most rewarding part of playing basketball, aside from the obvious big wins, would be the sportsmanship and resilience that I have learnt from it. For instance, shaking hands with the oppositions, win or lose, teaches great sportsman and respect that all sport players should have.

My main goal as captain this year is to liven the environment, bringing fun to all games, and encouraging and supporting all teams.

Did you know… women’s basketball was introduced one year after the men’s version, in 1892.

Chloe D – Equestrian Captain

Horses have always been a part of my family’s life and I have been riding properly since I was 7.

I believe that the thing that I have gotten the most out of Horse riding is the discipline, patience, persistence and resourcefulness that one needs to be a good rider. Horses don’t speak English so communicating exactly what you want the horse to do is extremely difficult. Horse riding is a sport completely unlike all others and requires more work than most sports as you are not only having to focus on your own athletic abilities but equally that of your horse.

My main Goal this year as captain is to create a greater sense of unity among all riders in the school as horse riding is sport where one trains predominantly by themselves. I plan on doing this by creating more training days and more frequent events where we come together as a team as well as encouraging anyone who has a horse to come and ride. I would also like to encourage more representation at interschool competitions especially among the primary and younger senior years so that they can get the most out of their school equestrian years.

Did you know… Equestrian is the only Olympic sport where men and women compete directly against each other on equal terms across all 3 events.

Imogen G – Athletics Captain

I have been involved in Athletics since Junior School.

I have really enjoyed getting to know the other years at the ISA carnivals and working with different years in different events e.g. relay teams.

My main goal as Captain this year is to get as many people involved in the Athletics Carnival whether you are good at it or not!

Charlie G – Swimming Captain

I have been swimming since I was very little, however only started swimming competitively in Year 6.

The most rewarding part of my involvement in my activity is helping others in achieving goals and personal milestones.

My main goal as captain is to get as many people involved in swimming as possible and create an encouraging and supportive environment.

Did you know… swimming engages all muscle groups, so it’s basically a full body workout!

Sam H – Cricket Captain

I have played cricket throughout my schooling career and have been a member of the Oxley Firsts since Year 8. The 2025/26 summer season will be my second year captaining the Oxley team, and I look forward to what is hopefully a strong season as we carry a team with only one change from the previous year.

The most rewarding part of my role is being able to influence the younger boys of the team. The Firsts team has three Year 9 and two Year 10 boys, who I have the privilege of mentoring throughout the season. Outside of cricket, it has developed my character and built my patience, respect and gratitude for the boys who turn up every week and put in their best efforts.  

I was lucky enough to captain the team last year, and that has allowed me to shift my goals for the current season. I had already built strong connections with all the members in the team, which has allowed me to shift my main focus for this year to preparing the younger members to thrive in the years to come. By giving my best tips and trying to showcase what I believe makes a good leader, I hope to leave a good structure and formality for the team once I graduate.  

With the most experienced team Oxley has seen in many years, I and the rest of the team hope to put Oxley in the spotlight and prove ourselves in ISA Division 1.

Harry K – Football Captain

I’ve been playing football at Oxley since Year 7 and have been involved in the First XI since Year 9. I’m very passionate about what I do. I’ve been playing Football for my whole life and been involved in numerous representative teams.

Additionally, I have been involved with coaching junior teams and refereeing for the last few years. These experiences in making connections with younger players and having the opportunity to help facilitate the same growth and passion I grew to have for the sport is very rewarding.

As Captain this year I aim to build on our football community and have the best season for all our teams to this date. I aim to increase support for all our teams by encouraging increased viewership of our games and most importantly ensure the sport is enjoyable for all. I want to emphasise that no matter whether you have played football all your life or are starting this year, Oxley football has a place for everyone. Sport is such a great way to stay healthy both physically and mentally and in my (non-biased) opinion football is most certainly the way to go.

One thing about Oxley Football that you may not know is the First Team has never won a grand final. Yet…

Mollie K – Cross Country Captain

I have been involved in cross country since Year 7, when I started at Oxley.

I really love racing at ISA and CIS, it is very rewarding each year to see my personal improvement after training and have a chance to push myself.

I hope that cross country becomes a sport that so many people can get involved in because it is great baseline sport for all the other ISA sports we are involved in at Oxley. It is also a great team sport, and many of the connections made through the sport are so important.

Did you know… many people don’t know about the team aspect of cross country – as it is normally considered very much an individual sport, when the connections made are so strong because of the gruelling nature of the sport. Overall, racing as a team is a great yet unknown aspect of the sport that is definitely overlooked!

Ella L – Netball Captain

I have been playing netball for Oxley since Year 5, but have been playing the sport since I was little.

Although the 2026 netball season is yet to begin, I enjoy representing Oxley and playing a sport I have loved for years. It has given me so many friendships across year groups, and it’s great to see how the team has improved together over the last few years.

My main goal is to get participation rates up, as I think sport is something that can be enjoyed by all abilities, and is a fun way to improve fitness and make friends. I also would love to see more support for junior teams. 

Did you know… netball is played by more than 20 million people worldwide!

Aston M – Athletics Captain

I’ve been doing athletics for many years now, from Little As in Singapore, Little As at Eridge Park to high school athletics here at Oxley.

I would say making it to CIS Athletics this year was the most rewarding, coming back from injury.

My main goal as athletics captain this year is to be the best role model to everyone, to encourage them to give it their best. I would like to get as many students as possible to participate in all different events, and to make sure that they have fun along the way.

Max M – Basketball Captain

I have been playing basketball since I was around 8 and have been in the Firsts for 3 years.

The most rewarding part of playing basketball is the isolation you feel with just yourself and the sport as well as interacting with friends. It has influenced me mentally and socially as I put many hours into it a week bringing me enjoyment but also tiredness.

My main goal is to make basketball enjoyable but also competitive as we have been in D3 for a few years and think we should move up. I just want everybody to look at it as socially healthy even if they don’t enjoy the sport. It also has the possibility from playing it socially to actually taking it competitive as that’s what happened for me.

Did you know… basketball requires a specific type of coordination and physical demand much different from other sports. I find that I am not coordinated in many sports even though I keep my coordination up for basketball daily.

Hamish M – Rugby Captain

I’ve been playing rugby since Year 7 at Oxley and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

I think this past season gone was most rewarding for me. Although we didn’t win overall, the experiences of playing with my best mates and navigating through all the challenges rugby offers made the season so enjoyable and sad that it had to end.

I really want more numbers for this coming year. Rugby is a game that offers so much more than what it seems like on the surface and it’s shaped me and so many around me. I really want to see that change in younger students and get more individuals experiencing those important lessons rugby has to offer.

Did you know… rugby is known for the use of oval-shaped balls. However, this hasn’t always been the case. Initially, the balls were plum-shaped due to the shape of pigs’ bladders that they were made from.

Flynn O’B – Spoken Word Captain

I have been involved in spoken word since Year 5 at Oxley, starting out with debating, and since then branching out to a range of activities. 

Before starting spoken word, I was extremely shy, with this opportunity providing me with the chance to get out of my shell, find my own confidence and improve my communication skills. 

My primary goal for this year is to encourage individuals, specifically those who were once like me and are very shy, and display that spoken word isn’t as daunting as most people believe. By showing the various opportunities for spoken word, that all take place in a safe and welcoming environment, I hope to encourage new students to get involved in Spoken Word. 

Did you know… Oxley’s MUNA team has qualified for the national competition, a three-day event that takes place in old Parliament house? In 2022 our team (representing India) won the entire competition. 

Jude O – Mountain Biking Captain, Snowsports Captain

I started skiing when I was 5 years and have been going ever since, and I have been riding since I was very young, which evolved into a focus on mountain biking.

The most rewarding part of mountain biking and skiing for me definitively is adventuring with your friends and also when you get a good run in. I also enjoy the exercise that they provides especially mountain biking, having fun activities that are good exercise definitively help me stay fit.

In both mountain biking and snowsports, I want to grow the number of people who attend as they are some of the smallest sports in the school right now. There was a time when the attendance for mountain biking was much larger, and I want to grow it back towards that number. I also want to bring more people into the local GD Champs competition. Snowsports has never been a very popular sport since I have been in Oxley (at least in the Senior School) although I believe a lot of people do snowsports not as a sport. I think that both these sports have a great potential for them to grow, and I hope to do so.

Did you know… many snowsports resorts like Whistler, Blackcomb and Thredbo double as mountain bike resorts in the summer.

Eliza S – Football Captain

I joined the school in 2025 and enjoyed a fantastic season as goalkeeper.

The most rewarding parts of school football are the friendships formed and the privilege of spending time with such a supportive team; I especially valued the mentorship I received from older players.

As captain in 2026 my main goals are to build a team that has fun, develops together, and competes at a high level, with the aim of going one step further this year and securing the win we narrowly missed last season. 

Chloe S – Outdoor Education Captain

I have been involved in the Duke of Edinburgh program since Year 8, and I hope to complete my gold award by the end of this year!

The most rewarding part has been exploring a variety of activities and challenging myself in new ways. I have played soccer and touch football, been part of the Off the Shelf team, and joined choir. These experiences have taught me to make the most of opportunities, try new things, and build connections with others. Completing hikes, spending up to three nights in the wilderness, has also taught me the importance of resilience and dedication.

My goal is to inspire more students to engage with the Duke of Edinburgh program and make the most of it. I plan to share my experiences, show the personal growth that comes from participation, and offer support and motivation. I also hope to run a clinic to help peers log their hours and give tips for success.

Did you know… during my Gold Practice in the Budawangs last year, we got lost and hiked until midnight. When I finally got back to camp, I realised I had left my tent door open and found a massive rat in my sleeping bag! My first tip: always zip up your tent door.

Ava S – Drama Captain

I’ve wanted to be an actress for as long as I can remember. The first time I realised my passion was finally transforming into some sort of talent was in Year 2 when I was chosen to star in our class film as part of a creative project. The joy and reward I felt after that is what boosted my confidence to pursue every acting opportunity I could.

The most rewarding part of being in of any production, theatre competition, or drama performance in general is to see the final product after months of rehearsal. Every time I get to opening night of a show, I often stop and reflect on all the hard work myself and everyone around me has put in and just feel a massive sense of relief and pride. This has really influenced my persistence and resilience as it just goes to show, no matter how hard, lengthy, and sometimes even boring a process is, you’ll always come out at the end having accomplished something which wasn’t there a few months earlier. Going from nothing to everything in such a short amount of time within a rehearsal space is truly the most surreal feeling and I hope everyone experiences it at least once.

My main goal as drama captain this year is to continue building on the community and closeness across all drama students and encouraging students who are a bit unsure to give it a go. I believe next year’s productions of ‘Lord of the Flies’ and ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’ will inspire students to refine their skills. I hope to get as many people as possible to come watch the shows to remind the community of the importance of the arts in building community and connections. To offer a platform to improve skills, I’m planning to create a lunch time drama help starting next year where younger aspiring and current drama students with any project. Whether it be learning your first monologue, trying to learn lines for a play, audition help, remembering blocking, I hope to make all processes of drama fun and exciting. Oxley has a strong legacy and reputation with drama, and I hope to assist in the continuation of that after the class of 2026 graduates.

Did you know… Shakespeare’s acting company literally had to compete with bears. The Globe Theatre was right next to a bear-baiting arena. Audiences would sometimes choose between Macbeth… or watching a bear fight dogs.

Hamish T – Fencing Captain

I have been fencing since the end of Year 7, for a total of 4 years now.

The most rewarding part of my fencing has been participating at the 2024 Australian Cadet championship. It was a national competition that brought together fencers from across Australia and New Zealand and gave me a national rank. Moreover, it made me a far better fencer and introduced me to higher levels of fencing. However, the event that has influenced me most as a person was becoming the fencing captain. Now that I am in Year 12, I am confidently Oxley’s predominant fencer and as such, I have directed my efforts in training more towards helping younger fencers improve. This has allowed my confidence to increase both as a fencer but as a leader and coach.

My main goal as captain is to achieve a good result in the senior team event. Last year we missed out on second by only 3 points, resulting in a fifth-place finish. The year before saw the current seniors place in 3^rd at the U16s team event. In terms of recruitment, the goal is to have fencers who have quit in recent years to rejoin and bring an injection of skill into the fencing club.

Did you know… at Oxley, we fence epee. However, there are far more different types of weapons. Epee is one of the three blades seen in Olympic fencing. Points are scored with the tip of the blade, and the entire body is target. Double hits score a point for both fencers. Foil is another of the blades; points are also scored with the tip of the blade and only the torso is target. Double hits are awarded to the fencer with right of way, meaning whoever moved first. Sabre is the third blade; points can be scored with the front third of the blade and everywhere from the waist up is target. Doubles hits are also awarded to whoever has right of way.

These blades were based off of historical weapons, with epee having its roots in duelling rapiers, which is why everywhere is target and only the tip can score a hit. Foil is based off of the training blade for epee; the reduced target intended to improve accuracy. Saber is the black sheep and is modelled after a cavalry sword. If you imagine yourself on horseback, charging down an infantry man during a rout, you don’t have time to line up the point, which is why cavalry swords had edges that could cut. The limited target is due to feet being a horrible target when mounted on horseback.

Camille V – Hockey Captain

I have been playing hockey since Year 3.

The most rewarding part of playing hockey is when our team works well together, despite many new people joining each year, I think his has influenced me to ensure everyone is having fun whilst playing and feels as though they are a part of the team. 

This year my main goal as hockey captain, is to ensure that everyone in my team feels bonded with each of their teammates, and that everyone has fun, I also hope that the team develops their skills.

Angela Z – Softball Captain

I started softball in Year 8 Term 4 and I have continued to play it since.

The most rewarding part of hockey is when the team plays a really hard game, and despite whether we won the game or not, it was a really nice experience as everybody got involved. 

This year, I hope to improve the team and especially the new players to play to our best abilities this season. I hope to encourage more students to join softball via playing well in the season and becoming more a part of the Oxley community.

Did you know… in softball, when a batter gets walked from home base, they are legally allowed to steal to second base if both the batter shows intention and the opposing pitcher with the ball is still live. 

Suffering a silent genocide: the situation in Sudan

WARNING: The following article mentions violence and sexual assault

First off, why should we care?

“Oh god, the shelling started again. Run.”

Those are the words of Hafiza, a 21-year-old hiding, secretly documenting the terrors of her life through a phone smuggled in by BBC. She speaks of how she found herself responsible for her five-year-old brother and two teenage sisters, after her mother was killed in a siege.

“Sometimes when I am home alone, I remember the places where my mother used to be. I remember I am alone without my siblings. I feel very broken.”

Since 2023, a silent genocide hidden in conflict by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed 150,000 and displaced 12 million civilians in the city of El-Fasher, Sudan. There is scarce news media coverage or international intervention that has taken place since. United Nations has called it the world’s largest humanitarian crisis ever recorded by the International Rescue Committee. Several attempts at negotiating an end to the conflict have been made, including efforts by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (a regional bloc), the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland.

“I spend my time crying alone at home,” Hafiza says.

What is a genocide?

According to the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, genocide is defined as “any acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”.

What is happening in Sudan?

As previously mentioned, a silent genocide killing over 150,000 people and displacing 12 million, all at the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Satellite images collected by Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab show evidence of what seem to be massacre sites – clusters of bodies and reddish patches on the earth that the analysts believe could be blood stains. Aid agencies say they have received credible reports of atrocities, including summary executions, attacks on civilians along escape routes, and house-to-house raids. Mass sexual violence on women and young girls has also been reported, including victims of rape as young as one. The RSF has gained almost full control of a vast nearby region, Darfur. They appear to have the support of some neighbouring countries, such as Chad, and have also received substantial financial support and weapons from the United Arab Emirates. The UAE denies this despite evidence presented in UN reports and international media investigations.

Who are the RSF?

The Rapid Support forces are a group of around 100,000 fighters that was formed in 2013. The group evolved from “Janjaweed militias,” which fought in a conflict in the 2000s in the Darfur region, where they were used by the government of long-ruling President Omar al-Bashir to help the army put down a rebellion. An estimated 2.5 million people were displaced and 300,000 killed in the conflict. The RSF was established in 2013 by the government to fight Sudanese rebels. Its power escalated, and it came to challenge Sudan’s official military, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The two have been engaged in a supremacy-based war since early 2023. Each side has accused the other of initiating the conflict. The RSF has been accused of genocide, engaging in the mass torture, rape, looting, and killing of non-Arab peoples in the areas it controls. 

Why is this happening?

According to BBC, the Sudan Doctors Network said the attacks are being carried out as part of a “deliberate and systematic campaign of killing and extermination.” The history and motivations behind the devastations is extremely complicated, but to put it simply, the RSF is deliberately attacking and trying to eliminate an ethnic group (and displace them from their land) as part of a broader power-conflict, while civilians suffer massively because of deliberate violence and denial of help. The main group being targeted are the Masalit people, an African ethnic group indigenous to West Darfur.

Why is this getting no media coverage?

El-Fasher has been largely cut off from the outside world for a year, making it impossible for journalists to enter the city, to report to the world the atrocities occurring. Sudanese journalists are under major threat from the RSF to not report anything to the press. Sudan has been considered as one of the world’s most dangerous countries to practice journalism today: “Journalists operate in a climate of insecurity marked by the constant threat of arrest, assault, or even assassination.” Sudan is ranked 156th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Many journalists are facing threats, with many fleeing their homes or even the country. Some journalists remain missing or detained in unknown areas, mostly RSF-controlled territories.

What can WE do?

The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is calling on the Australian Government to urgently increase its response to the worsening situation in Sudan, by increasing humanitarian aid to Sudan and supporting diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. The conflict has created an urgent need for emergency shelter and food, clean water, essential medicines and protection.

Caritas Australia is part of one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, the Caritas Confederation. Their website has a page (linked below) to financially support the crisis. The donations provide vulnerable communities with support to displaced families, emergency shelter, safe water and hygiene support. The funds donated to the appeal go to Caritas Australia’s Emergency Response Fund and will be used to provide humanitarian assistance to communities affected by this crisis. Currently, Caritas Australia have supported over fifteen-thousand people with protection services.

Caritas’ emergency appeal for the Sudan crisis

In the meantime, you can speak up, and spread awareness, even if just to your nearby community. Those in Sudan who have now been displaced and silenced cannot share their stories and pains. Awareness is key in giving a voice and recognition to those suffering in Sudan’s silent genocide.

Zara C, Year 12 2026

The Return of Physical Media: why people are coming back to the hard copies of their favourite films, music and shows

There is nothing compared to that feeling, right? That feeling of physically holding your favourite art in your hands – whether it be an album, a beloved childhood film, or perhaps that one TV series that always seems to cheer you up when you feel down in the dumps. That feeling of seeing your favourite art sit proudly in your home…even if it may be tucked away out of sight in a drawer. That feeling of knowing – knowing that your favourite art is yours to keep. Forever.

However, in the past couple of years, that feeling has seemed to have vanished. Disappeared. Gone without a trace; physical media – such as CDs and DVDs – have gone without a trace. They have all been replaced. Replaced by streaming services.

Over the past decade, we have left the realms of physical media for the never-ending online world of streaming. A world that has indeed become an integral part of our lives; it has impacted the way that we engage and view content, providing convenience and on-demand access to a variety of film, television, and audio options that cannot be found anywhere else – including exclusive content. For instance, the Netflix original series “Stranger Things’, which as of this year, ahead of the highly anticipated final season premiering from November 26, has earned the streaming service a revenue of over $1 billion since its debut in 2016!

Despite everything that the successful world of streaming can provide, there is still something it cannot offer – and it is that feeling. That feeling of physically enjoying and owning and enjoying a DVD, CD, vinyl, cassette tape, or even a VHS tape is something irreplaceable. Physical media is irreplaceable and is the reason why many of us are slowly returning to the hard copies of our favourite media. This includes myself; since late 2024, I brought out my old CD and DVD players and began to build up my own personal collection of CDs and DVDs (Taylor Swift albums and all the Harry Potter movies included) Indeed, everything old is new again.  However, collecting physical media is certainly not about conforming to a latest online trend, nor simply about the ‘aesthetics’ or visual appeal, but instead, a cultural shift. Physical media is slowly shifting its way back into our lives. But why?

Firstly, even though major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime remain highly popular amongst people, they come with many downsides. Primarily, one of them being the rising costs of many of these streaming services. In September 2025, Disney+ revealed their price increases of subscriptions; a standalone monthly subscription without ads, it has increased from $15.99 to $18.99, and for an annual subscription, an

Increase from $159.99 to $189.99. With the Australian average household having at least 3 accounts for streaming services – and paying at least $492 per year for these services on average – streaming indeed costs a lot!

 Due to these high costs, in the middle of the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’, people are starting to step away from streaming and seek other alternatives. One of these alternatives include going back to physical copies of movies and television shows. In recent times, I have visited many op-shops – or rather ‘thrift’ stores – in my local area, purchasing DVDs in good condition for only $1 or $2 each! Now that’s a bargain! Physical copies of media are away more affordable, aren’t they?

Another reason for physical media’s gradual comeback is also due to its guaranteed ownership. When streaming our favourite music and movies on many popular platforms, we are only paying for a license to access them. Even if we do not have to pay a subscription to access video and audio via streaming services like YouTube and Spotify, there are still ads…and no one likes ads, right? When it comes to ownership on a streaming platform, we do not own anything. The streaming platform does, meaning that they can do anything they want with movies, music and TV shows on their platform. They can even take things off from their platform, due to issues such as contracts and licensing deals. Currently, for Netflix, major blockbuster and classic films including Back to The Future, Clueless, and 10 Things I Hate About You are to be removed soon in December! You can imagine that this will lead to distraught viewers trying to find another platform that has one of these films! However, if you own these films on a DVD or VHS format, you can enjoy them whenever you want, wherever you want, without any fear or threat or erasure anytime soon!

Thirdly, because of nostalgia. As mentioned earlier, everything old is new again, and that seems to be the case for many forms of physical media. Popular artists such as Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo have fully embraced vinyl as a part of their music production, offering their fans a sense of nostalgia. Nostalgia, indeed, sells. It reminds us of simpler times. It takes us back to better times. Better times before technology rapidly took over. In a digital age as of today, nothing ever stops or slows down. With technology quickly advancing at the blink of an eye, sometimes we want to take a step back, rather than a step forward. We long for the past. Young people, including myself, have never truly experienced eras such as the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s firsthand, but through forms of physical media, there is that possibility to experience fragments of it. Physical media allows us to reconnect with more meaningful and simple moments!

Nevertheless, physical media provides us with that feeling – a feeling that cannot be truly replaced. A feeling that we love, cherish and long for. A feeling that streaming can never replace. A feeling as to why people, little by little, are coming back to the hard copies of film, television and music. Nothing will ever replace that feeling. Never.

Ruby C, Year 9

Change my mind

Year 9 English students have just concluded a unit on Words that Changed the World, considering how rhetorical devices and powerful speeches in particular have the power to create real social change. They wrote and presented their own speeches about a significant topic they had changed their minds on.

You only live once

I am sure we have all heard the phrase “you only live once.” I was 4 years old when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and since that moment on it has always been a part of my family’s story and a part of mine. Back then I didn’t fully understand what was happening, only that she was sick and that my life was going to change a bit from there on.

In the beginning I thought cancer was just about being sick, but it is so much more than that. It makes you realise how precious time is and how quickly it can change or be taken away. My mum was one of the lucky ones as she treated it quickly and didn’t let it spread but for her mum, my grandmother it was a different story. Unfortunately, my grandmother died of breast cancer when she was just 46 and my mum was only 21 and I unfortunately never had the privilege to meet her.

Watching my mum go through all the treatments and procedures over the years showed me that life is fragile and we should never take people we love for granted as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Around 1000 young women aged under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, equivalent to 3 young women each day.

This speech wasn’t made for pity or for anyone to feel bad it was made to make you realise that life is temporary so you must make the most of it and surround yourself with people and things that you love. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. It’s now been over 10 years since she was diagnosed and she is living a happy fulfilled life, she’s a mother, wife, friend to many, career person and creative being, as cancer hasn’t defined her.

Some organisations are making great advancements to help more women like my mum live a long and productive life. The NBCF is the National Breast Cancer Foundation and is Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation funding world-class breast cancer research towards our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Since 1994, NBCF has invested over $200 million into more than 600 world-class research projects across Australia. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and is the most common cancer among females.

Vanessa Juresic had big plans to “change the world for the better” but tragically died at the age of 36. She wrote her final words in a letter form; I am going to share some of her with message with you today.

“In a world where you can be anything … be kind. And don’t let anyone make you cruel. No matter how badly you want to give the world a taste of its own bitter medicine, it is never worth losing yourself. You never know what struggle someone is going through in their own lives.”

No matter if you like it or not there is no escaping the fact that you only live once. That doesn’t mean be reckless, it means live with purpose. It means making the most of everyday and make sure the people you love know how much they mean to you. Because one day you might not get the chance to tell them.

My mum’s battle with breast cancer was the event that changed my mind. Although I was young it taught me that life is short, but it can be full of love if we choose to value the people around us. So my message to you is simple don’t wait. Don’t wait for a crisis to remind you of what matters. Value your loved ones now, because you only live once so make it count as tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Audrey F, Year 9

Risks

BANG, gates open, people cheering, I’m at the horse races with my grandparents. I looked up and saw all the odds flashing on the screens, TAB logos everywhere, sports betting apps popping up every second, promoting gambling. That’s when it struck me. Most of the sports we watch today are run by gambling. People are no longer there for the love of the game. They are there to see if they have made money. And most of the time, they go home with nothing except an empty wallet and a dirty taste of defeat.

Risks. Black or red. Hit or stand. These are the words that loop you into gambling. According to the Australian National University, almost 2 in every 5 adults gamble at risky levels, and nearly 30% of kids aged 12 to 17 have already gambled at risky levels. You may have noticed that the word “risk” keeps coming up. The definition of risk is “a situation involving danger, harm, or loss.”

And that is what changed my mind.

Michael Jordan, a well-known basketball player – some may call him ‘the GOAT’- is known as a risk taker, not just the 3-pointer to win or the taking the two points to tie, he is a risky gambler and has documented his love for gambling and taking risks. Jordan has noted that taking risks and gambling has helped him get through rough times even when spending millions of dollars. Jordan’s gambling and risk taking is an extension and a trait that also made him a very dominant basketball player. It shows how on one side of the story gambling and risks can help people and on the other side it can take people.

The new tech today is making gambling really hard to quit. Apps today now track what stuff you like and tailor that for you popping up rewards and new features hooking you into trying more, right when you are about to quit. Gambling is 24/7, you can open your phone and its right there for you with cool screens, flashing lights and promotions popping up everywhere. At first it may seem fun and awesome, but in the end, it is very hard to quit and then you get the Australian government thinking they can get people to gamble responsibly after seeing all the big numbers you may receive and the small numbers you give, with a small sign saying ‘Gamble responsibly’ – a 2-second clip, after a 30-second ad roping you into gambling.

So, what changed my mind? It was seeing how easily something that started as innocent fun could spiral you into something dangerous. It was realising that real gambling isn’t on horses or cards, it’s on our future, our relationships, our mental health.

Now, when I hear the word “risk,” I ask myself: “is this a risk worth taking?”

But most of all, gamble responsibly.

Lachlan H, Year 9

Introducing: Wellbeing

The Oxley College Prefects for 2026 would love to hear from our community about wellbeing. This could be anything from meditation tips, yoga classes, mindful Monday traditions, or an article on wellbeing in each Pin Oak Edition. We will get this up and running for next year’s editions, but right now we would love to hear your ideas. Please email either Imogen G, Ella L or Lucy A for more information. For now, we leave you with this Christmas edition’s wellbeing quote and activity.

“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realisation that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.”

John Travis, MD

Christmas Activity: 

Option 1: Write a gratitude list during these holidays of all the things you’re thankful for while watching your favourite Christmas movie. 

Option 2: Bake your favourite Christmas treat with your family over the holidays.

OxLit

Actually, the True Story of the Three Little Pigs 

I was bored, and I don’t mean “bored”, I was REALLY BORED, I would even jump off a cliff into water. Imagine me, the wolf, doing that. So I decided to make pig pie, I got the recipe and was excited until… I realised I had no pig so I went to ask my neighbour. 

My neighbour was the 1^st  little pig. I asked him if I could borrow his passed grandmother and obviously he just went to say no sternly, so I went a bit crazy, stealing him, cooking him and all that, BUT one pig wasn’t enough…. 

I went to his brother to ask for his dearly departed dad and he yelled “NO!” loudly as well. I “accidentally” just stole the 2^nd little pig and cooked him again, nearly finishing the pie, but two wasn’t enough…. 

I was wondering where the 3^rd pig’s house was when I saw him walking to his house, so I followed him, but when I got there his house was made of bricks. When he got inside, I did what any wolf would do if they’re breaking into a brick house. 

I was huffing and puffing and blew the door open when the COPS got there. I was sure my life would be boring forever, but then… 

When I got to jail, I kept huffing on the wall until I saw a crack so I got an idea to huff and puff until the wall broke open. Then I went to the 3^rd pigs house and took the 3^rd pig and made my delicious pie. 

“I love my life!!” I yelled proudly. “I’m going to gobble up my yummy pie!” Wolf shouted excitedly.  

CHOMP!! 

Matteo S, Year 2

Experiences of the Round Square Conferences

Expressions of Interest for the Round Square Conference at Ballarat Grammar (April 7-12 2026) can be completed here: Expressions of Interest – Round Square Conference Ballarat Grammar

Expressions of Interest for the Round Square Global Conference at Barker College (September 28-October 4 2026) can be completed here: Expressions of Interest – Round Square Global Conference Barker College

Bunbury

The Round Square trip to Perth earlier this year was a great adventure, where we got to experience school and community life at two other schools on the other side of Australia; Bunbury Cathedral College and Scotch College.

We attended along with hundreds of other students from schools around Australia and other parts of the world including Bangladesh, India and the USA, coming together like a melting pot of culture, fashion, values and accents.

We had the opportunity to learn from and participate in many enrichment, recreational and service-learning activities in mixed school groups. Activities included high ropes where we pushed ourselves outside of our comfort zones and supported our peers. This wasn’t always easy as many of us had a fear of heights so had to really work through moving past this fear.

We also participated in a service-learning activity where we gave back to the community by making  sandwiches for children in the local region that were unable to provide a packed school lunch for themselves, often for varied reasons including financial hardship. This was something that resonated strongly with me. In fact, I would love the opportunity to bring this type of service-learning  to Oxley College as it would be a great service initiative to help make simple lunches for those children that may need them in our community.

I learnt about different cultures as I was in a shared dorm with a student from Bangladesh who taught me about his culture, dietary requirements due to religion and what it’s like to live and attend school in Bangladesh. He explained that the environment is beautiful in many ways however it is polluted and very dirty on the streets, which is the opposite to our experience living in the Southern Highlands.

It made me realise how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place and attend a great school. It also made me realise how big the world is, but how small it can be when we come together and connect with others that share similar values or seek similar opportunities for growth.

I learnt that I have more confidence than I give myself credit for. When placed in large groups with unfamiliar people, I found I was able to make friends and speak freely and comfortably rather than sitting back and observing, which is something that doesn’t come naturally.

I learnt that participation yields a better experience than observation, and sometimes when we feel uncomfortable approaching someone new, we just need to remember that the other person feels the same way that we do.

Round Square Perth taught me that we can all be great leaders when we work on the skills needed to lead ourselves, lead and support others and lead and contribute to the community, which formed the guiding basis of the activities of our trip.

Harry M, Year 7

The Round Square Perth trip was one I will never forget. Although it had its hardships, I came back a better and more resilient person. The trip pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to build connections I would otherwise never have made with people I would never have met, from places like India, the United States and even Sydney.

One of the hardest challenges that I faced was sharing a room with strangers because my Oxley friends were in different groups.  Although it felt scary at the time, I learned how to overcome my challenges and build long-lasting connections with people I thought I would never be friends with.

The trip encouraged me to be more friendly and open to new people. For example, the cabin I was in had no one I knew at all. Most of the people that I was in a cabin with were either from India or America. Only one person there knew where Bowral was.

The Perth trip taught me how to be brave even when it feels impossible.

Sophia B, Year 7

Oxford

Last April, myself, Flynn and Sophie ventured half-way across the world to Oxford University for the Round Square Big Baraza. Now I know everyone has heard about Round Square, but you only know the school and education part of it. During our time at Oxford, we were able to discover a whole new side of Round Square, one immersed with communication, culture and fun. The word ‘Baraza’ which was the theme of our experience, means “The coming together of different people” in Swahili. Barazas allow students to hold debates and free discussions where everyone’s opinion is valued equally. I was lucky enough to be a Baraza leader at the conference, where I lead a Baraza group of 15 students from different schools and countries. In our sessions, we discussed the problems facing young people, stemming from the Round Square IDEALS.

The slogan for this conference was ‘Inspiring Voices’, where we were encouraged to speak our mind without adult interference. This inspired the many keynote speakers we had the privilege of hearing from during the Conference and the many insightful ‘political style’ debates we were a part of whose topics ranged from climate activism to the United Nations Sustainable Development goals to the benefits of artificial intelligence. These debates were held at the historic oxford union, which has a debating history of over 170 years.

Flynn: Objection Mrs Speaker! In the true fashion of Oxford Union Debating, I choose to voice a question in the form of a Point of Interest. To the Honourable Lucy Anderson, I would like to ask how has your experience with Round Square impacted your daily life at Oxley?

Thank you for your Point of Interest. Whilst the round square experience was short, it had a massive impact on my life. Because of the discussions, debates and barazas, I was made more aware of the issues facing our generation today, such as poverty, hunger and climate change, and what potential solutions are available. These issues seem so much bigger than our life here at Oxley, but Round Square taught me that together, we can make a change.

Lucy A, Year 12 2026

Celebrating Art Achievements

We are thrilled to recognise the incredible talent of our Junior School students in recent art competitions.

Ngununggula Student Art Prize

Congratulations to the following students whose works were selected for exhibition in the Ngununggula Student Art Prize, celebrating the next generation of local artists. This year’s theme was Landscapes:

• Maicie B (Year 2)
• Harrison D (Year 5)
• Yorke D (Year 2)
• Harriet T-S (Year 6)
• Francesca R (Year 6)
• Eden M (Year 4)
• Juliette B (Year 2)
• Frankie C (K)
• Lachlan C (Year 6)
• Arlyn D (Year 1) – Special congratulations to Arlyn, who received an award in the 8 years and under category.

Kids on Show – Bowral Art Gallery

Well done to our students whose works were selected for the Kids on Show exhibition:

• K-1 Collaborative Work  – Our Happy Place, created with Ms Noonan
• Cleo S (K) – Joyful Blooms
• Phoebe C (K) – Joyful Blooms
• Rupert H (K) – Joyful Blooms
• Maxwell T (K) – Joyful Blooms
• Georgia W (K) – Bumblebee
• Orlando L (Year 2) – Patterns of the Land
• Harper D (Year 3) – Farm Life
• Charlotte L (Year 3) – Lone Dog
• Sofia M (Year 3) – Sunset
• Aiden W (Year 3) – Tree
• Emil d H (Year 4) – Volcanic Eruptions
• Maeve C (Year 4) – Home Among the Hills
• Charlotte K (Year 4) – Through the Green
• Francesca H (Year 4) – Still Life
• Esther S (Year 5) – Reflections
• Pippa S (Year 5) – Self-Portrait
• Veryan B (Year 5) – Cloud Catching
• Stella L (Year 5) – Pear
• George B (Year 5) – Pear
• Amelia G (Year 6) – Pear
• Max C (Year 6) – Pear
• Annabel H (Year 6) – Pear
• Chloe M (Year 6) – Whispering Horizon
• Claudia S (Year 6) – Space to Play
• Harriet T-S (Year 6) – Sydney Harbour
• Heidi S H (Year 6) – Dancers

Awards

• Annabel H – Highly Commended for interesting black and white work (Pear)
• Harriet T-S – Overall Winner in the Expressive Landscape category (Sydney Harbour)
• K-1 Collaborative Work Our Happy Place, created with Ms Noonan – Highly Commended for Most Outstanding Project by Teacher and Students

It was also an honour to have two of our works displayed at the entrance of the exhibition: the K-1 collaboration Our Happy Place and Aiden W’s Tree.

Springett’s Arcade – Be Part of the Art

Congratulations to Albert H, selected as one of six finalists. Albert will attend the awards presentation this Thursday, where the grand prize winner will be announced.

We are incredibly proud of all our students for their creativity, hard work, and dedication to the arts. Congratulations to everyone recognised in these exhibitions and competitions – your talent continues to inspire our school community!

Notre excursion à la crêperie « Franquette »

Nous avons passé une soirée très agréable à la crêperie « Franquette » à Bowral. C’était génial de sortir dîner avec nos camarades de classe. Nous avons pris des galettes savoureuses et des crêpes de dessert avec de la crème Chantilly. Nos plats préférés ? Les crêpes classiques au chocolat, au Nutella et aux pommes. Nous recommandons d’y manger avec vos proches. Ça va être une expérience inoubliable. Allez-y et bon appétit !

-par Cartier, Lucy, Isla, Imogen, Olivia, Thomas, Max et Oscar dans la classe de français « année 10/seconde » 

Translation: Franquette Crêperie Excursion

We spent a very enjoyable evening at the Franquette Crêperie in Bowral. It was great to go out to dine with our classmates. We ordered savoury pancakes and dessert crêpes with Chantilly cream. Our favourite dishes? Classic crêpes with chocolate, Nutella and apples. We recommend to eat there with your dear ones. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience. Get going and enjoy your meal!

-by Cartier, Lucy, Isla, Imogen, Olivia, Thomas, Max and Oscar in the Year 10 French class

Theatresports

Theatresports is available as an elective at Oxley for Year 8 in 2026.
The Interhouse Theatresports comp debuted this year with Dobell coming First, Mawson second and Florey in third. 

On October 28, the Year 8 Theatresports class travelled up to Sydney’s Tara Anglican School for Girls to participate in the Theatresports competition. A group of five students were chosen to perform one 1-minute game, one 2-minute game, and one 3-minute game all based on your improv skills within parameters. The first heat was an amazing experience, even with one of our competitors down, and while we didn’t win, it was great to go up and learn first-hand what competitive theatresports is really like.

Little did we know that we would be back up at Sydney a week and a half later with only two days to prepare for a second competition. Yes, it turned out that we would be back for a semi-final adjacent competition that we did not realise would be happening until the Monday for a Wednesday competition. Since we had such short notice, only the five competitors would be heading up through carpooling and meeting Ms Whiteley there.

Despite a few mishaps including but not limited to a lack of ties, the destruction of property and changed plans, the five of us were ecstatic to be back performing once more. Our hard work of practicing and rehearsing paid off, and in the end, we placed third out of nine teams—there was a three-way-tie for third, but that’s beside the point—and returned home happy and exhausted. Congratulations to Oxley’s team of Jock C, Evelyn H, Levi O, Maeve R & Eli W (Year 8).

Evelyn H, Year 8

Sports Update

Softball

In this season of softball, the First Softball Team is competing in the Southern Districts Softball Association Inc, which consistent of mix gendered teams. The start of the softball season hasn’t been so successful in terms of score. However, I’ve seen quick improvements from all members of the team, between the first game to the next. I trust my team to quickly develop and adapt their skills through these intensive and challenging games. 

Angela Z, Softball Captain

Duke of Edinburgh awards

The Duke of Ed encourages and supports young people to build resourcefulness and develop important and relevant life skills outside the classroom. An information session will be held for Year 8 students and their families in early 2026. It’s not too late for Year 9 and Year 10 students to get involved as well – email Mrs Benardos to find out more.

Bronze Awardees: The Bronze Duke of Ed award can be commenced in the year that a student turns 14. These students have completed a minimum of three months activity for each of the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections, and planned, trained for and completed a two-day, one-night Expedition.

• Clementine C (Year 9)

• Edie C (Year 9)

• Anna C (Year 9)

• Scarlett C (Year 9)

• Fraser F (Year 10)

• Max G (Year 9)

• Olivia M (Year 9)

• Rory S (Year 9)

• Stewart S (Year 9)

• Michael W (Year 9)

Silver Awardees: The Silver Duke of Ed award can be commenced in the year that a student turns 15. Further to their Bronze award, these students have completed a minimum of 6 months for the Volunteering section, and a self-allocated 3 months and 6 months activity for the Physical and Skills sections, as well as planned, trained for an completed a 3-day, 2-night Expedition.

• Samuel B-L (Year 10)

• Sophia B (Year 10)

• Tina F (Year 12 2026)

• Oscar M (Year 12 2026)

• Matthew M (Year 10)

• Brigitte P (Year 10)

• Madeleine W (Year 10)

Junior School Awards

Oxley Supporters Day

📷 Daphne H, Year 9