Head of College

It has been wonderful to see the College come alive with activity and energy over the last five weeks. I am sure you will join me in congratulating the wonderful student performances in the Senior performance of “The Book of Everything” and those students in the Senior School that have now completed a wonderful season of Summer Sport. We wish our teams all the best as they compete in the ISA finals this weekend.

We’re grateful for the feedback we’ve received regarding the new College Newsletter. It appears that people have found value in having a distinct Newsletter while maintaining Pin Oak’s emphasis on student perspectives. Should you have any suggestions for improvement in this regard, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the College.

In the upcoming term, we will initiate the development of the school’s next Strategic Plan. This endeavour will kick off with a comprehensive whole-school survey early in the term. We are looking forward to refining our practices to sustain our vibrant, respectful, and inclusive community while nurturing character development and ensuring holistic care for every child.

Advancement Department at Oxley

Over the last 6 months we have been re-evaluating our Marketing, Communications, Enrolments and Development team at the College to ensure that the wider Oxley community is cared for and that we ensure that Oxley is in a positive position for the future.

I am pleased to present to the community this new department in the school.

Amberley Guilly – Community and Marketing
Following 20 years in the media, producing network television and managing sponsorships and brand integrations, Amberley moved across to work in events at the Royal Agricultural Society and then discovered her love for working in schools as the Development Manager at Santa Sabina College in Sydney. Her family’s move to the Highlands saw Amberley as the Account Director at a local marketing agency and she joined Oxley College in 2022. Amberley’s new role will see her work towards taking the news of Oxley out into the community and marketing Oxley to new families in our local region and beyond.  

Claudia Johnson – Communications and Events
After studying hospitality and working in events for 5 years, Claudia spent 12 years as a Teachers Aid across the Catholic system, Pymble Ladies’ College Junior School and Oxley. Since 2021, while studying for a Certificate IV in Marketing & Communications, Claudia has worked as the PA to the Junior School and then Senior School Administrator, providing Claudia with a unique perspective on both the Junior and Senior School requirements. In Claudia’s new role of Communications and Events she will work to keep all our families abreast of key information from the College, and to encourage their engagement with the school whether through the P&F, attendance at the many and varied key events each year or by volunteering.

Amelia Morgan-Hunn – Development and Foundation
Amelia has lead development teams in both large and small Arts organisations. Her experience includes working with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Musica Viva and Australian Plays Transform. Amelia has successfully launched multiple new fundraising projects and her role at Oxley will see her focus on philanthropy and fundraising for the Oxley College Foundation. Oxley has a wonderful history of giving and Amelia is looking forward to meeting many of the current and Old Oxleyan families, connecting with our Alumni and working to sustain and strengthen the College through support of building and facilities and to broaden and enhance our community through Foundation Scholarships.

Lucy Welsh – Registrar
With a background in customer service and an interest in education, Lucy began at Canberra Grammar School in 2013 and took on diverse administrative and pastoral roles. Eight of those years were in Admissions, including being Head of Admissions in 2023. She found her passion for schools and people-focused work, with a particular interest in what the school experience means for young people. As a former Oxley student and daughter of former Head, being immersed in Oxley life led to a great passion for the College. In returning to Oxley, she has found that the commitment to holistic education and lived values, a genuinely respectful student body, connection between staff and students, and a warm community. In facilitating their commencement at Oxley, Lucy hopes all future students come here and find a love for our school.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and good luck to the teams playing their ISA Grand Finals this weekend.

Yours sincerely

Mr Scott Bedingfield
Head of College

Deputy Head of College

Feedback to Parents in the Senior School: Student-Parent-Teacher Nights & Reporting

Following an extensive review in 2023, we are changing the way we provide feedback to parents/carers in the Senior School this year.

The primary purpose of academic reports is to provide formal feedback on academic achievement and progress. However, the writing and proofing of free-form subject comments in Years 7-10 is an incredibly time consuming and onerous task for teaching staff; and yet there is a lack of research anywhere in the world that links the benefits of free-form written subject comments with improved student outcomes. It is also the case that the process of generating these reports takes many weeks, so that by the time that parents/carers receive the reports, the comments may be out of date. These written reports follow periods of significant examination marking for staff and so this process adversely impacts staff wellbeing.

From this year, subject comments in Years 7-10 will be in the form of selected learning outcome statements that are specific to each subject. This will significantly streamline the reporting process and improve the timeliness of the reports. Both the Learning Profile statements and academic achievement data for each subject report will be retained.

We are also introducing a student written comment to the reports. This gives vital student agency to reporting by promoting active and authentic reflection on the learning process. This also brings the Senior School into line with Junior School reporting practices. There will be an additional wellbeing comment from the Head of House that will set the report in the context of the student’s journey through the school, to supplement the existing one from the Mentor.

Aside from the above additions, subject reports in Years 11 and 12 will remain unchanged.

Whilst many families enjoyed the convenience of online SPTNs during the pandemic, in 2023 increasing numbers of parents/carers expressed frustration about feeling disconnected from the school and their child’s teachers. For this reason, we are reintroducing face-to-face Student-Parent-Teacher Nights (SPTN) for all year groups for Semester 1 2024.

Following the Semester 1 report, we have also introduced a second, online SPTN for Years 7-9 in Term 3, to ensure parents/carers receive timely, effective and meaningful feedback from teachers in the second half of the year. As in previous years, Year 10 parents/carers will have an online consult with their child, their Head of House and a senior member of staff to discuss HSC subject choices in Term 3, following the Semester 1 report.

Semester 1 in-person SPTNs:

Year 11: Monday 11 March

Year 7: Monday 18 March

Year 10: Monday 6 May

Year 9: Monday 13 May

Year 8: Monday 27 May

A summary of the changes is below:

• Free-form written subject comments will be replaced with learning outcome statements for Years 7-10 end of semester reports.
• The learning outcome statements for Years 7-10 will be divided into ‘Areas of Strength’ and ‘Areas for Development’.
• All year groups reports will have a student written reflection and an additional wellbeing comment from the Head of House.
• All year groups will have an in-person SPTN in Semester 1.
• Year 7-9 will have an additional, second SPTN in Term 3 (online).

Parent Code of Conduct

In 2023, the College undertook to develop a Parent Code of Conduct, to uphold everyone’s right to a safe and respectful learning and working environment at the College. Key to achieving this is the existence of an understanding, empathetic and caring College community that supports the College, its vision, and values. Parents, carers and others with parental responsibilities form an intrinsic part of our community. A positive and co-operative partnership between parents and the school is fundamental to student achievement and progress. The code has been developed to ensure parents are aware of and meet the College’s expectations regarding their interactions with staff, students, and other members of the College community, including the Board of Governors and Old Oxleyans. We have similar codes of conduct for all staff, including contractors and volunteers, and students. Adhering to the code is important for the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and members of the College community, whilst also helping to foster a positive and respectful culture.

The Parent Code of Conduct can be found on the College website, under “Parent Documents”.

Also under this section of the website are policies and procedures relating to our Child Safety program, as well as our Student Discipline Policy and Procedures and other important policies.

Yours sincerely

Mr Mark Case
Deputy Head College

Business Manager

Child Protection Risk Management

Oxley College is committed to providing a safe physical, online and emotional environment, where all of our students are respected and treated with dignity in an appropriate professional and caring manner, the risk of child abuse is minimised, and a safe and supportive child safe environment is maintained.

Oxley College staff, volunteers, coaches, peripatetic tutors and other contractors hold a unique position of influence, authority, trust and power in relation to students at the College. As such, it is their duty, at all times, to maintain professional boundaries with students.

Each year in the professional development week prior to the children returning to school we hold a series of compliance and risk trainings for staff. Discussions on our policies and processes are reaffirmed and a mandatory training session comprising readings, cases studies, legal responsibilities and an online training module is delivered.

Did you know:

• We also ask all our volunteers, coaches and peripatetic tutors to be fully trained in Child Protection and to complete the online training modules before working with your children.
• We ensure all staff, Board Governors, coaches, peripatetic tutors and volunteers hold a current working with children check to ensure they have been cleared to work with young people.
• We induct each trade contractor on to site and ask them to read and agree to the expectations of the College around keeping young people safe. This includes wearing a visual armband when on site to indicate they have been briefed and agree to the Child Safe Program.

We have implemented standards in accordance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations as well as the NSW Safe and Supportive Environment Requirements. Those standards are below:

Standard 1: Child safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture

Standard 2: Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously

Standard 3: Families and communities are informed and involved

Standard 4: Equity is upheld and diverse needs taken into account

Standard 5: People working with children are suitable and supported

Standard 6: Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child focused

Standard 7: Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training

Standard 8: Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur

Standard 9: Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is continuously reviewed and improved

Standard 10: Policies and procedures document how the organisation is child safe

Oxley College also has child friendly policies which can also be found on our website at https://www.oxley.nsw.edu.au/news-events/parent-documents/

Your children are precious, and we are committed to keeping them safe.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Em Cassin
Business Manager

Head of Senior School

Welcome to the end of Week 6! We are already over halfway through the term and students have settled into the structure & patterns of learning within the context of our new timetable. We are continuing to raise expectations in the classroom and evidence suggests this is of benefit to support student outcomes.

We are in the process of introducing a range of initiatives to support the wellbeing of students in and out of the classroom. These include:

• Year 12 Academic Coaches: Each Year 12 students will meet with a member of the Executive or Senior Leadership team on a regular basis. This is an extra layer of support to enable students to reach their academic potential in preparation for their future goals. The first meeting for all students will be before the end of Week 7.
• Year 12 Flexible Timetable: This allows students in Year 12 with classes outside the timetable, who have demonstrated the ability to work independently, to sign in late or leave early for designated periods. Students can complete the form on CANVAS to apply.
• Year 7-10 Study Skills: We are working towards the implementation of a Study Skills program for Year 7-10 in conjunction with Enhanced Learning Educational Resources. This will start with a focused session later this term to start the program for each cohort, followed by regular sessions delivered jointly within the curriculum where study skills will be explicitly taught. The program will also be available for senior students to access.
• House Colours: We are introducing House Colours for students in Year 10 and above who participate fully in the life of the College. This involves students completing the following throughout Year 7-10: Participating in all Inter-House Carnivals and major College events. Completing their mandatory ISA Sport requirements and being involved in an extra co-curricular activity. Completing 10 hours of a voluntary service activity in the year preceding their application and having fulfilled expectations for OLE week & Rites of Passage. Students are also expected to have maintained attendance, disciplinary, punctuality and uniform expectations and have above average effort grades. The first awarding of House Colours will be in the last week of term and students will have to apply over the next few weeks.
• Study Club: Whilst study club is not a new initiative, this year we are running it four nights a week for both Year 11 & 12. This takes place from 5pm (for students who order supper) with supervised study from 5.30 – 7.30pm. We have Year 12 teachers from all faculties rostered on across the week to provide support, assistance and to run seminars with students on focused subject areas or study skills. Year 12 are well into their study club routines. Year 11 started this week, and the numbers of student attending has increased dramatically as students make the most of the opportunity.

Key events for the next few weeks:

We look forward to welcoming Year 11 & Year 7 parents and students to the Student Parent Teacher Nights in Week 7 & 8 respectively. You will have received invitations and schedules will follow shortly before the event.

NAPLAN starts for Year 7 & 9 in Week 7 and students must ensure that their device is fully charged, that they have the NAPLAN Locked Down Browser installed on their device and bring headphones (preferably wired) with them on each testing day. Further information has already been sent to Year 7 & 9 parents.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s mentor who will be able to forward your question to the relevant staff.

Warm regards

Mr Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School

Head of Junior School

It is estimated that students who are gifted and highly talented encompass 5 to 15% of the school age population. These advanced students can have increased capabilities in academics, creativity, music, dance, art, and/or leadership. Here at Oxley, we use Gagne’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent as our foundation because it focuses on identifying outstanding potential rather than outstanding performance.

We recognise that giftedness is potential (natural aptitude or ability) that is significantly beyond what might be expected for one’s age, in any area of human ability including intellectual, creative, social and physical. We also recognise underachievers who have not yet been able to translate their potential into performance that is significantly above average. This all happens in a supportive and respectful environment to develop resilient learners who possess willpower, curiosity, love of learning and ambition.

Some of the ways we go about this are:

• To compact the curriculum and provide enrichment activities – implement a multi-level and multi-dimensional curriculum.
• To differentiate the curriculum in order to address differences in the rate, depth, and pace of learning.
• Take advantage of real-life experiences that can be translated into problem-solving academics for all students.
• Make the curriculum student-centred – allow students to pursue independent projects based on their own individual interests.
• Teach interactively. Have students work together, teach one another, and actively participate in their own and their classmates’ education.
• Encourage gifted students to participate in extracurricular activities that involve academic skills.
• Involve students in academic contests. Gifted students tend to be competitive by nature. Therefore, participating in regional and national competitions such as The da Vinci Decathlon, The Olympiad competition, Tournament of the Minds, ICAS competitions, science fairs, and essay competitions will be fun challenges.
• Allow gifted children to create and publish a Junior School newspaper to distribute.
•  Set individual goals. Help guide students in creating their own goals and set goals that are specific, measurable, rigorous, realistic, and within a reasonable time frame.

Our aim is to establish and maintain warm, accepting classrooms where our College embraces diversity and honours differences. Within this environment, the child can demonstrate his or her potential or aptitude to learn and perform.

Ms Dani Noonan is our Junior School Gifted and Talented teacher who has completed the GERRIC training and is committed to fostering the wellbeing of gifted students by providing a supportive and challenging environment that encourages risk taking, strengths-based learning and opportunities for creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking. We continue our established extension programs this year but also will be expanding our offerings to include some new initiatives.

Exciting times in 2024!

Warm regards

Miss Jane Campion
Head of Junior School

Meet Clover – Our Wellbeing Dog

Meet Clover!

We are excited to announce that we are about to launch a new initiative into our school. We have partnered with Dogs Connect and will be introducing a wellbeing dog into our community.

Our school wellbeing dog will become a much loved and important member of life at Oxley.

Clover is an Australian Cobber Dog, a breed developed to be an excellent therapy and assistance dog. She is hypoallergenic and was chosen from her litter by the breeder especially for Oxley because she is “a gentle, caring, responsive puppy. She is very focused; tail always wagging and will cope well with being a part of a school environment”.

The Dogs Connect Program will support us in implementing Clover gradually, thoroughly, and considerately.  Evidence shows that just by being near a dog can reduce anxiety and stress and improve wellbeing outcomes. A wellbeing dog can help with a number of things including trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation and the general wellbeing of students, staff and community.

We have a team of staff who will lead this program. 

We would also like to assure our families that this program will not involve anyone who does not wish to be involved and would welcome discussion with anyone who may be worried or concerned. Our aim is for Clover and this wellbeing program to have a really positive impact on many people in our community.

Please visit the website below to find further information. https://dogsconnect.net.au

You may have some questions, below are some frequently asked questions:

Should you have any concerns and or comments, please go to this link Wellbeing Dog (jotform.com) and we will be in touch to discuss.

Kind regards

Oxley College Wellbeing Team

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 first esteemed guest is Prof. Toby Walsh, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of New South Wales and DATA61. Don’t miss his enlightening discussion on ‘Faking It! What to Believe in an AI World’

Book your tickets: www.trybooking.com/CPPAQ

Co-Curricular P-12

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Oxley remains an outstanding provider of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award thanks to the commitment of key staff and opportunities for all facets of the Award. In 2024, the journey towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards continues with a Bronze hike leaving on March 16 and March 23. There are an impressive 72 students in the Bronze program for these hikes. Thanks again to the staff who take the time out of their weekends to support our students. For all the participants in the program – do not forget to keep your Online Record Book (ORB) up to date.

Year 9 Rites of Passage

In October, Year 9 students will be embarking on Rites of Passage. This is an Oxley distinctive designed to encourage students to step out of their comfort zone, embrace independence and engage in a variety of learning experiences. These experiences will occur in museums, galleries, universities, sporting events, theatres and the historically rich urban environment of Sydney’s CBD. In 2024, the program will focus on Sydney to allow for a 9-day intensive program allowing access to the many wonderful things that occur in the ‘Emerald City’ over two weekends.

The program has been designed around psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg’s identified needs for 14 and 15 year olds:  

· Develop a strong sense of personal identity  

· Build healthy friendships  

· Experience emancipation from parents  

· Develop a vocational direction 

Please be aware that the program commences on Friday October 11, and students will return to the College on Saturday October 19. This departure date falls inside the school holidays, and it is expected that students will be available to participate from the first day of the program.

Further information including a full program will be shared later in the year.  

International Adventure Trips Update

Information and enrolment in the Year 10 trip to Thailand, Nepal and Regional Australia were all successfully launched this week with excellent numbers and support. The Year 6 trip to Far North Queensland was also successfully launched for the first time and a lucky group of students have an incredible opportunity waiting for them in October. There has been a lot of buzz about the Japan trip in January and we are waiting to connect with a Round Square school for some final details. Information and confirmation of the itinerary will come in the next couple of weeks – thank you for your patience. It is so exciting to have such incredible experiences in the pipeline for Oxley students.  

Spoken Word

Oxley has a proud history of producing amazing public speakers and thought-provoking orators. Earlier this term our newly appointed Spoken Word coach, Ms Cath Taylor, joined the team with Ms Tankard and Ms Traill-John to provide a coaching and enrichment program for our debating teams. This workshop was hugely beneficial for our Junior and middle year teams who will provide the engine room of debating in 2024. Preparations are underway for the Mock United Nations (MUNA) competition with two evenly matched teams ready to take on the world of politics, global diplomacy and internationalism. We look forward to celebrating their efforts and successes.

Many thanks

Mr Christophe Gauchat
Head of Co-Curricular P-12

Performing Arts

Book of Everything

Congratulations to our wonderful cast and crew on their outstanding performances of the Book of Everything. A special thank you to Mr Cunich on his brilliant direction and perfect casting of this show. It was an absolute treat to see our student’s performance with such energy and at such an incredibly high standard. Thank you to all for your many hours of hard work.

Encore at the Opera House

The Year 11 and 12 Elective Music classes recently attended Encore at the Opera House, showcasing outstanding high school performances from the 2023 HSC Music exams. Witnessing such exceptional performances not only provided inspiration but also demonstrated the potential attainable through dedicated practice and commitment.  The camaraderie on the bus further enhanced the overall experience, fostering a sense of unity among the students who shared this musical journey.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Oxley is alive with fairies, players, paper flower makers, seamstresses and technicians.  Tickets for the upcoming production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream are now on sale. Don’t miss the chance to witness this enchanting Shakespearean play come to life under the stars on Elvo Lawn. 

Purchase your tickets here www.trybooking.com/CPNEY.

Matilda Auditions

The Junior School recently embarked on a theatrical adventure as students in Years 3 to 6 experienced auditioning for a musical for the first time.  We are currently conducting call back auditions and hope to finalise all lead roles by Friday afternoon.  It’s rumoured the ensemble cast all may be “A little bit Naughty”.

Classroom Activity

Meanwhile, back in the classrooms, Year 8 students are currently engrossed in their guitar assessment pieces.  Finn Halloran, a skilled Year 8 guitarist, has shared his expertise by demonstrating various techniques to most of the Year 8 classes. This hands-on approach by one of their peers not only enhances the learning experience but also inspires students to explore and express their musical talents.  We hope to have some applications for private guitar lessons from Year 8 who would like to explore their musical growth.

Music Ensembles

It is never too late to join a musical ensemble at Oxley. If you are in Year 7 or new to the College, please talk to your Music teacher about all the options available to you. We are currently seeking students to join our College Choir. We meet at 7.45am in the Orchestra on a Wednesday morning. Please come along if you are interested.

Congratulations!

One of our outstanding pipers William Cavanough featured in Australian Idol on Sunday night.

William had the opportunity to work alongside one of the 10 finalists TJ. Congratulations William on a job well done. A star of the future!

Warm regards

Mr Andrew Young
Head of Performing Arts

Senior School Sport

ISA Summer Season Wrap – Up

Thank you to all the families and students who committed their time to the Summer Season of Sport. We had another very successful season across all sports with 13 teams qualifying for the semi-finals. Congratulations to the 3rds Girls Touch Football team and the 13A, 14Gold and 1sts Boys Basketball who are all playing Grand Finals this coming Saturday. Good luck!

We are holding the usual end of season BBQ for Summer Sport teams and their coaches at lunchtime on Tuesday 19 March. This will be a time for students to thank their coaches for their efforts over the season and celebrate their successes as a team.

ISA Winter Sport 2024

The updated Winter Sports Booklet and Winter Sport selection form was sent home to students and families last Friday and all students should have now completed the form. Thank you to those who completed it so promptly. Once we have an idea of the final teams and student numbers, we will let students know about the time and location of trials and training for each sport.

You will have noticed the Winter Sport booklet has had a refresh. I would encourage all students and families to read through it as there have been plenty of updates.

The Winter Sports Booklet can be found here.

Some of the key messages from the updated booklet include:

• The weekly sports draw is now being sent out to families as a broadcast via the app. Students can access the Weekly Sports Draw through the Sport Canvas page.
• Only Oxley College uniform should be worn on matchdays.
• All communication about absences or other matters must go via the Sports Department and not directly to coaches.

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 2024.

ISA Swimming Carnival

Congratulations again to all students who participated in the Senior School Swimming Carnival. It was a fantastic day and the participation rates across all year groups were extremely impressive.

Students who have qualified for the ISA Swimming Carnival have been notified and the carnival will take place next Wednesday 13 March. The bus will depart from Oxley College to the carnival at 6 am.

A reminder that if you are on the Swimming Team for the ISA Carnival, you will require an Oxley Swimming Cap and Swimmers.

The program for the carnival can be found here.

Oxley College Cross Country

The Oxley College Senior School Cross Country Carnival is taking place in Week 8 on Thursday 21 March.

The carnival for Senior School students will begin in Period 4 (12.39 pm) and will continue throughout the afternoon. Please see below for the age categories (as determined by CIS NSW) and their corresponding distances:

12/13 Years Boys and Girls– 3KM             16 Years Girls – 4KM

14 Years Boys and Girls– 4KM                    17 Years Boys – 6KM

15 Years Boys and Girls – 4KM                    17 Years Girls – 4KM

16 Years Boys– 6KM                                       18 Years Boys and Girls – 6KM

Further information about the day will be distributed shortly.

Updated Rugby Safety Protocols

Rugby Australia has confirmed that from February 2024, it will implement a new trial that will see the legal height of tackles in the game lowered to below the sternum. The new law (9.13) will see dangerous tackling now deemed to include, but not be limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the sternum. Studies have proven that this change will significantly reduce concussion and other injuries.

All Oxley Rugby coaches must complete yearly safety training, and this update will now be included and implemented in our program.

Further information about the changes can be found here.

Warm regards

Mr Josh Hurkett
Head of Senior School Sport

Junior School Sport

K-2 Splash and Dash Swimming Event

Recently we held the K-2 Splash and Dash Swimming event at the Bowral Swimming Centre. We were fortunate to have beautiful weather, and it was a joy to witness the enthusiasm of these students, observing their big smiles as they took on challenges and earned ribbons. It was a delightful experience observing our youngest students thoroughly enjoy an afternoon of wholesome swimming races and entertaining novelty events. A special acknowledgment goes to the Year 6 students who did an outstanding job looking after their Kindergarten buddies throughout the afternoon. Appreciation extends to the many parents who participated in supporting the children, as well as to the staff members who contributed to the smooth organisation of the events.

Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA) Swimming Carnival

This week, a group of 33 athletes from our Junior School travelled to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre to participate in the IPSHA Swimming Carnival. This event serves as a fantastic chance for students in Years 3 to 6, providing them the opportunity to swim in the Olympic pool situated at Homebush amid an incredible atmosphere and spirited competition. Congratulations to all students who exerted themselves to reach their personal bests in the pool. We take pride in the commitment and sportsmanship shown by our young athletes, contributing to the overall success of the day for all participants.

Summer Season of Sport

Congratulations to all our Junior School teams for actively engaging in the Summer Sports season. We are proud of the dedication and sportsmanship demonstrated by our young athletes across various sports, including cricket, softball, and basketball. Congratulations and good luck to our Junior School teams as they approach the upcoming finals – the U12’s Cricket team engaging in their Semi-finals this Saturday, and our Junior Softball team contending for the Grand Final in their division in two weekends’ time.

We are excited about the upcoming commencement of the Winter Sports season and are thrilled to see a significant number of registrations from the Junior School students.

Many thanks

Ms Fran Dorczak
Head of Junior School Sport

Pre-K Official Launch

You’re invited to the official launch of the Oxley College Pre-Kindergarten.

https://www.trybooking.com/CPYRK

Brigadoon 6 April 2024

Oxley will have a very strong presence at Brigadoon this year on Saturday 6 April. Alongside our amazing Pipe Band, marching in the main parade and playing on the main stage during the day, we will also be there as an army of volunteers and running a barbecue. This will involve a huge day of helping the highland games and contributing to this very important community event. There will also be a special Maugers’ ‘Highland Sausage’ on sale from our barbecue, created especially for the event and in the spirit of the day. We look forward to seeing a large number of students volunteering and are very open to parents who may want to contribute further.

For information or to register your interest please email Amberley Guilly, Community and Marketing amberley.guilly@oxley.nsw.edu.au

SAVE THE DATE: Brigadoon, Saturday 6 April 9:00am-3:00pm.

Highlands Wellbeing Forum

On Monday 4 March, over the course of three sessions, more than 400 Southern Highland residents gathered together at Bowral Memorial Hall for the inaugural Highlands Wellbeing Forum, an event generously supported by the Bowral District Children’s Foundation.

Over three sessions – one for students, one for educators and one for parents and carers, this event proved to be an enlightening and empowering event for all attendees. The keynote speaker, Dr. Kristy Goodwin, renowned for her expertise in digital wellbeing and parenting in the digital age, captivated the audience with her insights on how technology impacts our mental health and provided practical strategies for achieving a healthy balance in the digital world. Her presentation shed light on the importance of establishing boundaries and incorporating digital detoxes into our daily routines,
sparking meaningful discussions among students, parents, and educators alike.

Attendees at the forum left feeling inspired and equipped with newfound knowledge to prioritise their wellbeing in an increasingly digital society. Dr. Goodwin’s emphasis on the significance of mindfulness and intentional technology use resonated with many, prompting reflection on personal habits and habits. The forum served as a catalyst for ongoing conversations about fostering a healthy relationship with technology and promoting overall wellness among students and families.

One of the key aims of the Highlands Wellbeing Forum was to bring together students, educators and families from across the Southern Highlands community. The event facilitated collaboration and the exchange of ideas among educators, students, and parents from a wide range of schools across the Southern Highlands. This inter-school engagement not only enriched the discussions but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose in promoting digital wellbeing within the broader community. Through collective participation and mutual support, the forum exemplified the power of collaboration in addressing common challenges and striving towards collective wellness goals. As a result, the impact of the event extends beyond individual schools, contributing to the development of a more connected and supportive Southern Highlands community focused on prioritising the wellbeing of our young people.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, events like the Highlands Wellbeing Forum play a crucial role in promoting awareness and understanding of the impact of technology on our lives. Dr. Kristy Goodwin’s expertise and engaging presentation style left a lasting impression on attendees, inspiring them to make positive changes in their digital habits. The insights gained from Dr. Goodwin’s presentation will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the broader community of the Southern Highlands as individuals and families strive to prioritise mental health and balance in their daily lives.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of the Bowral District Children’s Foundation. My co-organiser, Sarah Mangelsdorf, school counsellor at Chevalier College, and I would also like to sincerely thank Oxley College, Berida Hotel, Community Links Reframe, Chevalier College, Coles Bowral, our generous volunteers from schools across the Southern Highlands and, of course, all attendees. We look forward to seeing you at 2025’s Highlands Wellbeing Forum.

Mrs Alison Rasheed
Director of Curriculum P-6

Resilient Hearts Charity Lunch