Head of College

Dear Parents and Carers

As Term 1 draws to a close, I pause to reflect on what an incredible team of staff we have at Oxley College who have worked extremely hard to ensure our students have been able to make the most of their learning journeys so far, in 2024. While we have had some challenges as a school this term, we have also achieved so much. Listed below are just a small number of these highlights. 

• The launch of Pre-K at Oxley. We particularly thank the Judy Hannan MP for her attendance at our launch last week. 
• The launch of the Oxley College Centre for Ethics, with our inaugural lecture from Prof. Toby Walsh on the important issue of AI. We have also seen the introduction of the Ethics group in the Senior School – The Gibraltar Society, I am sure we will hear more from them soon. 
• Celebrating the extraordinary success of Hannah Zupp (Year 12, 2023) and her inclusion of her HSC Design and Technology work in Shape. 
• Four students being presented their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO, Governor of NSW. 
• The wonderful performances of “The Book of Everything” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. 
• The launch of study sessions for student in Year 11 and 12, four nights per week and the introduction of Academic Mentoring for Year 12 students. 
• Our first student led International Women’s Day Breakfast 
• Wonderful sporting opportunities, including Swimming and Cross Country carnivals. 
• Year 7 Camps, Year 5 and 6 camps to Bathurst and Canberra and two wonderful Duke of Edinburgh Adventures. 
• New electives in Year 8, 9 and 11, the introduction of Year 8 Service each week and our continued work with the Grand friend’s program. 

Feedback and our next Strategic Plan 

We know from the work of John Hattie that feedback is one of the top 10 influences on student achievement. Some of the principles of effective feedback include: 

• Ensuring the feedback is timely and related to learning. 
• Is constructive and provides meaningful information to students. 
• Focusses on the activity rather than the individual. 
• Identifies and reinforces strengths and provides information about how they can improve.

This is something I am pleased to say that our staff at Oxley are very well versed in and continue to work hard to achieve the best for the students we teach. 

As an organisation feedback from our community is also vital to ensure we continue to partnership with each other to ensure the best outcomes for the students in the school. The principles above also work at an organisational level. That is ensuring feedback is timely, constructive, focusses on the activity, reinforces strengths, and provides information about how we can improve. 

As per the direction in our Strategic Plan (Item 5.4), in May this year we will be conducting a school wide survey to support the preparation of our next Strategic plan. I look forward to receiving this feedback to enable us to make positive decisions for the future of Oxley. 

As a school we have spent some time this term reflecting on our strategic plan and as you look through the plan, I am sure you will agree there is much we have achieved.  

As always if there are things that are not working for you and your children, I do encourage you to reach out to us at the College. Or if things are going well, reaching out is also appreciated. As our Deputy Chair of the College mentioned this week in some correspondence to you, you can always provide feedback at any time through contacting us at the College or providing feedback through the feedback form on the website under policies and documents.  

Recommencing in Term 2 will be the Head of College Breakfasts, I hope this provides Oxley families with an opportunity to come and speak with me in a more casual setting. We’ll hold one per term, in The Pavilion, and adjust frequency as required. Should you wish to attend please book in here.

Our website is also currently under review and we will be launching a new website soon to continue to ensure the most effective way to communicate with our community. 

Staffing updates 

It is with mixed emotion that we farewell some staff from the College at the end of this term. 

• Ms Lorrae Mueller (Accounts Receivable). Ms Mueller has been with the College since 2006 and is relocating to Port Macquarie. We are so thankful for her service to the College over so many years and we wish her all the best for her move. 
  
• Mrs Tahren Hicks (Head of English). Mrs Hicks has been with the school since 2013 and we are incredibly grateful for her leadership. She has made the decision to step down and spend time with her young family. We will still see Mrs Hicks around the school from time to time as a casual teacher and we look forward to continuing to work with her in that capacity. 

• Mr Andrew Jones (Art Teacher). Mr Jones has been with the College for the past 15 months and is returning to Canberra. We thank Mr Jones for his work with us and we wish him all the best for his future. 
  
• Ms Melissa Lamrock (Music and GnT Teacher). Ms Lamrock has accepted a promotion position in a new school. We wish her all the best as she takes up this new role.  

We have begun advertising for these positions, and we will update the community with the replacement staff in the not too distant future. 

Yours sincerely

Mr Scott Bedingfield
Head of College

Deputy Head of College

The OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030 is a global project aiming “to set goals and develop a common language for teaching and learning”. You can find out more about the project via this link, but a particular quotation struck me in light of the launch last week of the Oxley College Centre for Ethics, with our inaugural lecture from Prof Toby Walsh:

“As trends such as globalisation and advances in artificial intelligence change the demands of the labour market and the skills needed for workers to succeed, people need to rely even more on their uniquely (so far) human capacity for creativity, responsibility and the ability to “learn to learn” throughout their life. Social and emotional skills, such as empathy, self-awareness, respect for others and the ability to communicate, are becoming essential as classrooms and workplaces become more ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse.”

It aligns well with our aims for the Centre for Ethics. Below is an extract for the proposal for the concept of such a centre that I wrote in August 2023:

“Accelerated climate change, the rapid emergence of AI, the risk posed by nuclear weapons alongside the stalling of global democratisation and growing distrust of science – the very discipline that has sustained our ongoing success – are all existential threats; not just to our culture and way of life, but to the continuance of our species. Humanity is only around 200,000 years old, with remarkable advancements in human knowledge and technological development in the past 200 years that are now increasing exponentially. Human potential is virtually incalculable, however to survive the crises we face will require creative, critical, ethical and collaborative thinking.”

Oxley’s vision is one of a vibrant, inclusive and enlightened learning community. Critical, creative and ethical thinking is central to this. For a non-denominational school – untethered to ideology, but with values that are grounded in the wisdom traditions – such a Centre aligns perfectly with who we are. It also aligns with our potential status as a Round Square school. It would appeal to families well beyond the Oxley community and establish us a pioneering leader in education in the Southern Highlands. The benefits for our students, families and staff are only the start.

Our next lecture from Professor AC Grayling on “Philosophy and Life”, promises to be as thought provoking and fascinating as our first lecture.  Professor Grayling is the Principal of Northeastern University London and co-author of the Northeastern University London School Certificate in Philosophy, which we offer to our Year 9 and 10 students this year as part of the Stage 5 Philosophy elective course.

In recent years, NESA has endorsed a 1 year Philosophy course for the Preliminary HSC (which was taught at Oxley from 2020-2022). However, from 2023 NESA changed the rules for such courses, requiring a school to have a minimum candidature of 100 students for Board Endorsed Courses. This has been prohibitive for schools, and with no plans by NESA for a Board Developed Course in the subject, NSW students will continue to be denied the opportunity to study the subject for the HSC. Unfortunately, we appear to be in a chicken and egg situation – the absence of a Board Developed Course in NSW at Stage 5 or 6 means there is a lack of demand for an HSC course; and without demand there is, it seems, insufficient justification for change.

“If we are serious about teaching children to think, then we need to be serious about structuring the curriculum around thinking.  This requires us to pay attention to the general thinking strategies and broad conceptual understandings that find a natural home in philosophy. By looking to the concepts and procedures of philosophy, we can help to integrate the curriculum and at the same time make children more effective participants in the process of learning.” – Professor Phil Cam, Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Humanities and Languages at the University of New South Wales (Philosophy for a ‘thinking curriculum’ – Philosophy in Schools NSW)

Alongside our distinctive Cornerstone program for all students in Years 7-10, at Oxley we will continue to offer Philosophy as an elective for Stage 5. Students can also pursue their interest in philosophy through membership of our newly formed and popular “Gibraltar Society” in Years 10 and 11, which is linked to the Oxley Centre for Ethics. As the OECD Future of Education 2030 project shows, philosophical and ethical enquiry, developing empathy and appreciating a diversity of responses to the question of what it means to be human have never been more important.

Senior School: Winter Sport Pick Up – Tuesday & Thursday afternoons

Given the number of students being picked up in the Senior School Pick Up Zone, the Traffic Management Plan will be in operation on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 5.00pm-5.15pm from the start of Term 2. Please do not wait in the pick up bays or attempt to overtake vehicles waiting in the pick up bays. From 5.00pm, drivers who are waiting for students who have not yet arrived will be asked to exit the campus and re-enter.

Yours sincerely

Mr Mark Case
Deputy Head College

Business Manager

Dear Oxley Community 

At Oxley College, we prioritise the safety of our students,  staff and visitors both on our school grounds and off-site during excursions. We have a Work Health and Safety Committee who meet quarterly to discuss any concerns that have been raised, however we also have near miss reporting structures, and detailed incident reporting with follow up procedures in place to ensure matters are dealt with immediately and risks removed prior to an incident occurring. 

Risk Committee: 

Our Risk Committee comprises members of the Senior Leadership Team within the school, responsible for assessing, managing, and mitigating potential risks. This committee regularly reviews our safety protocols and ensures they align with best practices and regulatory requirements. They review overnight excursions, camps and service learning trips reviewing any associated risk –  focusing on student needs, activities and location. 

Excursion Safety Measures: 

Before any excursion, thorough risk assessments are conducted by our staff and reviewed and signed to ensure all attending staff are aware of any potential risk and measures to reduce any risk associated with the trip. 

As part of our risk mitigation strategies we prioritise transportation safety, ensuring all vehicles and drivers meet safety standard, and ensure external transportation providers are regularly reviewed.  

Our staff who accompany students  on our trips are all trained in emergency procedures and hold senior first aid certificates. Some of our staff also hold qualifications in remote first aid giving an additional layer of expertise to ensure safety for our students.  

Drills and evacuation preparation: 

You are probably also aware that we hold evacuation and lock down drills regularly to ensure our students are familiar with the processes and that should a real evacuation be required, they are relaxed and comfortable with what to do. 

Your involvement and vigilance are crucial in maintaining a safe learning environment. If you have any feedback, concerns or suggestions please use the Oxley College Feedback Form on our website. 

Together, we can continue to prioritise safety in all aspects of school life. 

Kindest regards 

Mrs Em Cassin
Business Manager

Head of Senior School

As we approach the end of another term filled with growth, learning, and community spirit, we are immensely proud of each and every one of our students.

I am in the process of reading and commenting on Year 12 Half Yearly Reports. Whilst there are some exceptional reports and others that indicate that students have more to do, all reports identify areas of strength and provide feedback for next steps for students.

Academic Achievements:

Our students have continued to excel academically, demonstrating their commitment to learning and their perseverance in the face of challenges. From mastering complex mathematical concepts to exploring the depths of literature and history, our students have shown exceptional dedication to their studies.

Co-curricular Success:

Beyond the classroom, our students have also shone brightly in various co-curricular activities. Oxley continues to find success in ISA sports, with a number of teams reaching the finals. On the stage, The Book of Everything and A Midsummer Night’s Dream showcased our talented actors, directors and backstage crew. Music preparations are well underway for Foundation Night and our Pipe Band is leading the ANZAC Day march in Bowral this year.

Service & Community Engagement:

At Oxley, we believe in the importance of giving back to the community and making a positive difference in the world. This term, our Year 8 students have actively engaged in various community service projects, demonstrating compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards others. The ‘S’ of Service may be the last of the Round Square IDEALS, but it is well represented at Oxley with students assisting our College community regularly through ‘Off the Shelf’, the Environment Group and the Content Creation Club to name a few.

Upcoming Events:

As we look ahead to the next term, as well as Foundation Night there are Student Parent Teacher nights for Year 8, 9 & 10 as well as plenty of other opportunities for our community to come together, celebrate achievements, and build meaningful connections.

Staff Farewells:

There are a number of staff leaving us at the end of this term: Mr Andew Jones, Mrs Melissa Lamrock, Head of English – Tahren Hicks and Lorrae Mueller, a long-term member of the College Services team and, for 10 years, my patient lab assistant. We wish them all well in their future endeavours.

Timetable Adjustments:

The changes to teaching staff means that there will be some disruption to the Senior School timetable for the start of Term 2 and some changes will have to be made. Whilst we always focus on the students in these decisions, trying to maintain consistency to benefit their academic outcomes, the timetable is a complex puzzle with a number of restrictions. Please be patient with us as we make these changes. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s mentor who will be able to direct your enquiry to the correct person.

Holiday Wishes:

As we prepare to break for the holidays and I encourage the students to rest and recuperate over the break, Year 12 students should have a clear plan for what they intend to achieve in preparation for the last full term before the HSC Trial Examinations. I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all of our families and to express my gratitude to our dedicated staff, passionate students, and supportive parents for their contributions.

Warm regards

Mr Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School

Head of Junior School

I

Celebrating Pre K at Oxley College.

This year we have our first students enrolled in our Pre-K class. The program runs with 2 x 3-day programs and a 5-day program, 22 students in total.

Research shows that the many benefits received from an early childhood education program are long-lasting, and they prepare children for academic success for years to come.

The long-term benefits of Pre K include:

• Learning academic skills that carry over to Kindergarten and indeed, beyond
• Building social and emotional skills in a safe, nurturing environment
• Developing communication, oral language, and numeracy skills
• Developing and supporting children’s creativity and their ability to problem solve in everyday situations.
• Becoming a life-long learner
• Building self-confidence and independence

Pre K is all about learning through open ended play and structured play activities that allow children to develop at their own pace. Our play-based experiences are a balance of child-led, child-initiated, and Educators’ intentional teaching. As a result, children have the opportunity for engaging play experiences that support them in their transition to school and promote life-long learning.

Whether a child is finger painting, building a block castle, or singing with other children, Pre K helps children to expand their experiences and develop their abilities and knowledge.

We offer both indoor and outdoor learning experiences, as well as opportunities for solo and group play.

Indoor learning experiences often include:

• painting and drawing, scribbling and early writing, clay or playdough play, puzzles and games, construction with blocks or Lego, books, sensory activities and imaginative play, where the Pre K children love pretend cooking, being vets and doctors, construction workers etc

Outdoor learning experiences often include:

• sand play, play in the natural environment, riding the bikes, water play, dramatic play, art activities, the trampoline and climbing equipment, enjoying cooking in the outdoor kitchen and sitting under a tree and looking at a book or chatting with friends.

Group learning experiences with the teacher often include:

• Literacy (Pre-Lit program) and Numeracy activities through hands on games, stories and poetry, dancing, singing, finger plays and rhymes.
• drama and acting, show and tell and using the interactive whiteboard.
• Weekly lessons in French, Music, PE and Library.

For the first time this year our Pre-K children will spend time with our friends from Harbison in our ‘Wisdom of Wombats Program’ – the uniquely special sharing of knowledge between the experienced and the not so experienced. I don’t know who has more fun during these sessions which are a highlight for us and for those who come from Harbison!

Our Pre K Burrow is where the magic happens each day through the eyes of our youngest students. We are thrilled to be able to offer such a wonderful play-based program that nurtures and supports our students to grow and thrive, at their own pace. Kelly is an amazing educator who inspires learning each and every day, she has lots of patience, is able to both challenge and support each child and she absolutely loves what she does.

Early childhood is a short time in a long life, and it is the foundation of who we are and what we will become. It is a very special time of childhood, where children have so much more freedom and time is not a factor in their day – imagine that!

The Pre-K Burrow is indeed at the centre of our College, and we are very proud of the wonderful start to the year our Pre-K Joeys have made!

Warm regards

Miss Jane Campion
Head of Junior School

Curriculum 7-12

As Director of Curriculum, it is vital that I work closely with the Heads of Department to make sure that as a school, we deliver quality curriculum and foster a love of learning for all students in our care. As a new member of the staff at Oxley, it was important for me to meet with all Heads of Department over the term to discuss personal, faculty and whole school goals. This has been a wonderful learning experience, and it is exciting to know that we have a team of passionate educators. These leaders shared with me their expert understanding, their commitment to excellence and innovation, and a recognition that curriculum at Oxley will continue to evolve and reflect excellent practice.  

Study Skills  

From Term 2, the Study Skills program will be implemented across Years 7-11. The initial step will be an intensive introductory session where students will complete modules that are suited to where they are at in their learning. Some examples of the types of modules available are Time Management Skills; Preparing for Exam Blocks; Summarising; Active Studying and Avoiding Procrastination. The next goal will be for the students to continue to work through the appropriate modules across the school curriculum and as part of their Academic Prep routine. It is hoped that by the time a Year 7 student reaches Stage 6, they have a strong set of skills and strategies that they can draw upon to optimise their learning and performance both in and beyond school.  

Academic Coaching  

Year 12 have met with their Academic Coaches over the course of the term and have responded well to being supported by the Senior Leadership team. The sessions are tailored to meet individual needs. This can be based on what the student may articulate as an area of challenge, or where the school has identified additional support is required, such as planning for multiple assessments or balancing school commitments with a rigorous academic program. Students have been encouraged to create study plans, evaluate their time, learn to prioritise, focus on all their subjects, and see challenge or ‘hard’ tasks as opportunities rather than threats. 

Warm regards

Lee McGuinness
Director of Curriculum 7-12 

Curriculum P-6

It may not be everyone’s idea of a fun Saturday, but last weekend I had the pleasure of spending the day at the Maths Association of NSW’s annual conference in Sydney. Sessions ranged from experts discussing how to create Maths lessons that use ‘horizon’ thinking, where students are encouraged to stretch their thinking and make connections, the wonderful way picture books can be used to teach mathematical concepts, and how to help students who might be experiencing anxiety around Mathematics.

An exciting session was run by Dr Bronwyn Reid-O’Connor from the University of Sydney, where she spoke with passion about the crucial role of times tables knowledge in a child’s mathematical development. She defines multiplication facts as the basic arithmetic combinations of numbers, emphasising their importance as fundamental building blocks for more advanced mathematical concepts. A strong grasp of multiplication facts lays the foundation for efficient and confident problem-solving in Mathematics, enabling children to tackle more complex calculations with ease.

In the NSW Mathematics syllabus, students begin their schooling with being taught to recognise equal groups and patterns. Multiplication is understood as repeated addition and students develop basic strategies for solving simple problems. As students progress, they build upon their understanding of multiplication and refine strategies for solving multiplication and division problems using arrays, equal groups and skip counting. They learn to apply these strategies to solve real-world problems and develop fluency in basic multiplication facts, beginning with recalling multiplication and related division facts of 2 and 4, 5 and 10, and progressing to generating and recalling multiplication fact families up to 10 x 10 by the end of Year 4.

How can parents and carers help children with this important area of Mathematics? Dr. Reid-O’Connor’s research highlights the significance of incorporating visual aids and mnemonics into times tables learning. Visual tools such as multiplication charts, number lines, or arrays to help children visualise the relationship between numbers and grasp multiplication concepts more effectively. Mnemonic devices, such as rhymes, songs, or memory tricks, can also aid in memorisation by providing children with memorable cues to recall multiplication facts, as can the use of technology through sites such as www.timestables.com. Digital resources can provide children with additional practice opportunities and a different perspective on times tables learning.

Dr. Reid-O’Connor also suggested specific games and activities to reinforce multiplication facts in an engaging and enjoyable manner. One game is “Multiplication Heads Up” where pairs use playing cards to calculate multiplication facts. Another great activity to do at home is print some multiplication grids and explore patterns with your child. While travelling in the car, encourage your child to look at number plates and combine numbers to generate times tables facts. Shopping is another ideal time to encourage multiplicative thinking, such as calculating the total cost of items when buying multiples of the same product or determining discounts based on percentages.

Consistency and patience are key when helping students learn times tables. It’s essential to set aside regular time for practice and review, allowing them to gradually absorb and retain multiplication facts. Praise and positive reinforcement can also boost children’s confidence and motivation as they progress in their times tables journey. By creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment, teachers, parents and carers can work together to empower children to master this fundamental skill and build a strong mathematical foundation for future learning.

For those seeking further ideas about how to support your child on their Mathematical Journey, click here and scroll down to ‘Supporting Your Child: Parent and Carer Guide’ for advice from the NSW Education Standards Authority.

Warm regards

Mrs Alison Rasheed
Director of Curriculum P-6

Senior School Sport

ISA Winter Sport 2024

Over the last few weeks, we have been holding selection trials and pre-season training sessions for the upcoming ISA Winter Sport Season. Team selections will be finalised shortly, and these will be communicated to students via email and on the sports noticeboards outside the PCC. This information will also include the coach allocated to each team and the training schedule for the season.

A reminder that final decisions regarding team selection will be made by the Oxley Sport Department in consultation with the coaching staff. Students are encouraged to seek feedback if they are disappointed with their allocated team.

Once the ISA has confirmed the season draw, these will be added to the Oxley College website to help with family planning over the winter. You can also access information about the upcoming season, competition ladders and season draws on the ISA Website (www.isa.nsw.edu.au). They also have a handy mobile app which can be found in the Apple/Android app store.

The Winter Season begins on Saturday 4 May and training will begin in Week 1, Term 2.

The updated Winter Sports Booklet can be found here.

ISA Cross Country

Thank you to all students who participated in the Senior School Cross Country Carnival in Week 8, it was great to see so many students doing their best and enjoying the day. The ISA Cross Country team has been selected and the students involved have been notified. The ISA Cross Country is on Wednesday 29 May (Week 5, Term 2) at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.

Starting from Term 2, team members should attend Cross Country training on Monday afternoons (3.45 pm on Founders Field) with Mr Sievert. Students will also need to attend the Frensham Invitational Carnival which will take place on Friday 10 May. This is a great opportunity to practice in race conditions prior to the ISA Carnival.

As a member of the Cross Country team, students must wear the Oxley College Cross Country singlet which can be purchased through the uniform shop. This should be purchased prior to the Frensham Carnival.

Permission notes and further information about both carnivals will be sent out shortly.

Refereeing & Umpiring

We are always on the lookout for experienced referees and umpires for our Saturday sports fixtures. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested in assisting with Hockey, Netball, Football or Rugby officiating, please contact sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au

These are paid positions and opportunities exist across both the Junior and Senior school. Senior School students with relevant experience or qualifications may apply.

ISA Strategic Review

The Independent Sporting Association (ISA) is conducting a strategic review of their competition.  Please see the letter below from the ISA Director of Sport, Mr Stuart Newman.

Dear Parents/ Carers,

As a member school of the Independent Sporting Association (ISA), we are participating in a strategic review. Of which, we are inviting your participation and input. ISA exists to provide students from member schools with invaluable opportunities for sports participation in a healthy and competitive environment. This research will inform the ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community, particularly the changing preferences of students regarding sporting opportunities.

To facilitate this process and provide an independent perspective, the ISA Board has engaged McCrindle Research to assist with the necessary research in ISA’s strategic review. As part of this review, McCrindle has prepared a survey to be completed by parents/care givers and students themselves. The data received will not include any identifying information and will be used only in aggregate.

The survey can be accessed HERE and will be open until Friday 19 April 2024.

The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete and cover themes like your satisfaction, expectations, and sentiment toward various elements of ISA.

Your feedback is valuable to us, and we look forward to using it to guide ISA into the future.

Kind regards, Stuart Newman

ISA Director of Sport

Thank you for your continued commitment to Oxley Sport throughout a very busy Term 1 and I hope you all have a safe and relaxing break. We are looking forward to kicking off the Winter ISA season in Week 1.

Warm regards

Mr Josh Hurkett
Head of Senior School Sport

Junior School Sport

IPSHA Cross Country

Congratulations to the students who proudly represented Oxley at the recent IPSHA Cross Carnival hosted at The Kings School, Sydney. A special acknowledgment goes to Charlotte K and Ruby R for their outstanding achievements, securing 4th and 5th positions respectively in the 8/9 years girl’s race. Their exceptional performance has earned them a spot to represent IPSHA at the NSWCIS Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 6 June. Additionally, we commend Joshua L and Naomi R for their commendable finishes within the top 20 places in their respective age groups. Well done to all!

Junior School Athletics Club

Students in Years 3-6 will soon have the chance to join the Athletics Club, starting from Week 2 of Term 2. Parents and carers will receive an email at the beginning of the next term containing a registration link for their child. Please be aware that spaces will be limited, and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The Athletics Club sessions will take place on Wednesday mornings, from 7.45am to 8.30am, onsite at Oxley, and will continue until week 6 of Term 3. Keep an eye out for more details to come.

K-1 Football

A friendly reminder that K-1 Football skills sessions will begin in week 1 of Term 2 on Wednesday afternoons at Oxley from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Students will get the chance to demonstrate their skills at a Gala Day scheduled for later in Term 2.

Seeking Parent Volunteers for Junior School Saturday Sports Responsibilities!

The Sports Department is seeking parent volunteers to assist with the duty weekends outlined below for Netball and Hockey. If your child is registered for these teams and you’re willing to contribute an hour of your time on the specified dates, please notify the sports department by sending an email to sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Junior School Netball:

Duty: Management of the canteen.

U11’s Netball – Saturday 17 August, 8.30am – 12.00pm

U12’s Netball – Saturday 1 June, 8.30am-10.45am

Junior School Hockey:

Duty: Field set up and pack up, overseeing match times.

Teams: U8’s and U10’s

Dates: Saturday 18 May and Saturday 10 August.

Times: 7.30am – 1.00pm

Many thanks

Ms Fran Dorczak
Head of Junior School Sport

Performing Arts

Junior School Instrumental Program

A very important component of the Junior School Music program is our Instrumental Program. All students in Years 2 – 6 are given the opportunity to learn an orchestral instrument in a classroom setting, guided by our dedicated team of teachers. In week 10 and 11 all students in Years 2 – 6 presented their hard work in this program for parents and carers. 

Years 2, 3 and 4 and impressed our audience with their demonstration of their skills on string instrument demonstrating pizzicato, bowing, technique and careful listening as they presented a series of pieces including Manhattan Blues, Hokey Cokey and Twinkle Twinkle.

Year 5 and 6 put on an impressive display on a selection of instruments including Saxophone, Clarinet, Brass, Strings, Flute and Orchestral Percussion. Our audience was treated to some familiar melodies, as well as some fabulous displays of technique and note reading.

Thank you to our wonderful tutors who support our students in their learning in this program, and to our parents and carers for their continued support.

The Book of Everything and A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Congratulations to all cast and crew on your spectacular performances this term. The depth of talent at Oxley is impressive and it is wonderful to see our Drama students thriving with these performance opportunities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our two wonderful directors Mr Cunich and Ms Pascoe for their dedication and creative vision.

Matilda

Matilda rehearsals are in full swing, and our leads are working hard on their repertoire with Mr Lindsay. Further rehearsals for the full cast and Matilda ensemble will commence next term on Tuesday afternoons. More details to follow. This an exciting production that will appeal to all age groups and we hope you will come along to the performances in Term 3.

Senior Musical 2025

Many of our students are waiting in anticipation for the announcement of our 2025 Senior School Musical. We hope to announce the musical in early term 2 with auditions planned for the second half of the term. We encourage all students to consider auditioning and participating in this exciting College event.

Warm regards

Mr Andrew Young
Head of Performing Arts

The Oxley College Centre for Ethics

The Oxley College Centre for Ethics is the home of ethical inquiry and critical thinking at Oxley.

In its inaugural year, it will be delivering an ambitious program of events for both our students and the local community in the Southern Highlands. These events will feature distinguished speakers and leaders from diverse fields, including philanthropy, higher education, non-governmental organisations and industry. You can find out more here: Oxley College Centre for Ethics – Oxley College

Our next esteemed guest is Professor AC Grayling.

Philosophy and Life

There is a question everyone has to ask and answer – in fact, has to keep on asking and keep on answering. It is ‘How should I live my life?’, meaning ‘What sort of person should I be? What values shall I live by? What shall I aim for?’ The great majority of people do not ask this question, they merely answer it unthinkingly in conventional ways.

This is the ‘Socratic Question’, challenging us to examine the philosophy of life we live by. Everyone has a philosophy of life, but most people do not know that they have one, because they imbibed it unconsciously from society, parents, schools, friends. What are the assumptions of that unconscious philosophy, and the reasons for living according to it? Do these assumptions and reasons survive scrutiny? If one really thought about one’s life and the philosophy that underlies it, what changes would one make?

In this talk, Professor Grayling traverses love, death, grief, ageing, friendship, and art in the quest to understand what matters.

“… I believe as strongly now as I ever did that Socrates’ question is the most important anyone can be asked to answer” (A.C. Grayling)

 Professor A.C. Grayling CBE MA DPhil (Oxon) FRSA FRSL is the Principal of Northeastern University London, and its Professor of Philosophy. He is also a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne’s College, Oxford. He is the author of over thirty books of philosophy, biography, history of ideas, and essays. He was for several years a columnist on the Guardian, the Times, and Prospect magazine. He has contributed to many leading newspapers in the UK, US and Australia, and to BBC radios 4, 3 and the World Service, for which he did the annual ‘Exchanges at the Frontier’ series; and he has often appeared on television. He has twice been a judge on the Booker Prize, in 2014 serving as the Chair of the judging panel. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a Vice President of Humanists UK, Patron of the Defence Humanists, Honorary Associate of the Secular Society, and a Patron of Dignity in Dying.

WHEN: Wednesday 22 May, 2.00 – 3.20 pm
WHERE: Oxley College, Burradoo

WHERE: Oxley College, Burradoo
COST: $15 (free admission for students)

*Please note this event is only available for Oxley College students and their parents and carers.

BOOKINGS: https://www.trybooking.com/CQSOW

Festival of Lights and Learning

On behalf of Oxley College, I am writing to request your support as a member of the Oxley community for our upcoming Festival of Lights and Learning.

This night time festival is all about illuminating all things Oxley. The aim is to celebrate and showcase all the amazing things students do each day with a touch of light.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday 12 June 2024
• Time: 5.00 – 7.30pm
• Venue: Oxley College
• Target Audience: Families, students and greater community members of all ages

The Oxley College Festival of Light and Learning promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring:

• Live Performances: Dance and music
• Art Exhibitions: A gallery of student artwork
• Food Stalls: A delightful array of winter-themed flavours
• Interactive Workshops: Engaging activities for all ages
• Community Bonding: A chance to connect, share stories, and build lasting relationships

Why Sponsorship Matters: By becoming a sponsor, you will:

• Promote Your Brand: Gain exposure to a diverse audience.
• Demonstrate Community Support: Show your commitment to our shared values.
• Make a Difference: Contribute to the success of a community-driven event.

Sponsorship Opportunities: We offer customisable sponsorship packages to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a local business, a parent, or an individual passionate about community growth, there’s a sponsorship level for you.

How to Get Involved: Please reach out to Amberley Guilly, Marketing and Community (amberley.guilly@oxley.nsw.edu.au) we would love to discuss how your support can make a meaningful impact.

Let’s come together to celebrate our community spirit! Your sponsorship will help us create an unforgettable event that brings joy, connection, and pride to everyone involved.

Thank you for considering this opportunity.

Warm regards

Jonathan Adams

Head of Learning Technologies / Festival of Light and Learning Event Leader

Matlida JR

SAVE THE DATE!

Anzac Day March – Thursday 25 April

This year, Anzac Day will fall during the second week of the school holidays.  There is a strong tradition at Oxley of students participating in the Bowral Anzac Day March. This year, the Oxley College Pipe Band has the honour of leading the Parade, and, along with other local schools and organisations, our students will follow as part of the March. 

Any student who would like to be part of the March should meet in the Coles car park at 10.00am, in full winter school uniform.  The March will be followed by the 11.00am Anzac Day Service at the War Memorial.

We hope many of our students will be there to pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much for their country, and to honour the courage of the service men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

An Autumn Evening

The Oxley College Foundation is hosting an ‘Autumn Evening’ on Saturday 25 May 2024. This event will be a key part of the Foundation’s fundraising for this year and proceeds from the Autumn Evening will be going towards the re-imagined Hoskins Hall. As one of Oxley’s original buildings every student who has ever attended Oxley has a memory of time spent in the Hall. A major re-development of the space is planned to commence later this year, the purpose is to reimagine it for current students and for many generations to come.

The aim is to create:

A place to think – a home for the Centre for Ethics, a place for visiting lecturers and presentations, virtual conferences, debating, public speaking and even exams.

A place to dare – a modern performance space for drama, music and dance and a significant gallery space for visual artists.

A place to dream – a hub for gatherings, meetings, celebrations and events; where big ideas are born and creativity and imagination thrive.

There is no other place in our College like Hoskins Hall. Together our school community can bring it back to life so it may once again take its rightful place at the heart of our College.

Book your tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CQTJN

Term 2 Dates

We wish everyone happy and safe holidays and look forward to welcoming students back for Term 2 on Tuesday 30 April 2024.

Full 2024 Term dates: Term & College Dates – Oxley College