Head of College

It has been a joy to end the term celebrating with the Class of 2024. Following their graduation last week, our students have been diligently preparing for the upcoming HSC exams, including participating in this week’s study camp. I want to extend my gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support and to our dedicated staff, particularly Year 12 Academic Master, Mrs Molly Simpson, for their tireless efforts in guiding the students through their preparations. I also wish all our students the very best in their exams. 

Congratulations to the students nominated for ENCORE and SHAPE 20234 HSC Showcases. It was particularly pleasing that all students were nominated for On-Stage, the HSC Drama Showcase. This is the first time this has happened at Oxley, and I would like to thank the incredible work of our English and Drama department, notably Mr Phil Cunich for his work with this group of students. 

Strategic Planning 

This term, the Board of Governors and the College Executive have been working on the development of the new College Strategic Plan. With the support of the Association of Independent Schools (AISNSW), we have been closely reviewing the results of the MMG survey conducted in April. I would like to extend a special thanks to the parents who participated in the session earlier this term, where we began exploring Oxley’s identity and priorities for the future. For those who couldn’t attend, rest assured that your survey feedback is playing a vital role in shaping our next steps. 

In the coming Newsletters, I will be sharing insights from the survey, along with how we are responding to the valuable information we’ve gathered. 

This week, I’d like to focus on the topic of communication. The graph below highlights the results from this section of the survey: 

As you can see from the results, while there are many positives, there are also areas where we can improve. 

Over the next six months, Oxley will be developing a new website and a secure, password-protected Parent Intranet. We will also be working on enhancing the College App to better meet your needs. 

I hope you all have a wonderful and restful break ahead! This time of year is perfect for recharging and spending quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re traveling, enjoying some downtime at home, or making the most of the spring weather, I encourage you to relax and take a well-deserved pause. We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for Term 4. 

Yours sincerely

Mr Scott Bedingfield
Head of College

Deputy Head of College

There have been numerous articles in the Sydney press over the past couple of weeks about how schools handle bullying, and the terrible impact (usually accompanied by other factors) that it can have on young people. Bullying is, of course, not a new problem in schools – and it can persist in adult institutions, too – but that is certainly no reason to not have robust and effective preventative and response strategies.

The term should also not be used lightly, and its misuse contributes to the difficulty in managing challenging social dynamics in school contexts. At Oxley, we define bullying as “an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening” (Oxley College Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy).

I have highlighted key words in this definition as these are significant features of bullying behaviour. Bullying certainly involves “mean-on-purpose” behaviour (to employ language we use in our Junior School), although not all “mean-on-purpose” behaviour is bullying – even though it is, of course, wrong and needs to be addressed. Bullying is also not the same as a “friendship fire” or a friendship breakdown. It is an essential part of growing up to learn how to navigate relationships – which young people are doing at the very the same time that they are developing their own identity and working out where they ‘fit’. Upset can be caused unintentionally; apologies may be made, forgiveness may be chosen. One to one relationships often play out within a social group, with implications for the status of those within it, whilst that group itself may be fluid in its members. All of this adds to the complexity of dealing with such social issues. These are natural and important lessons that humans must learn growing up, in order to navigate the adult world.

Social media and digital communications can hugely amplify mean-on-purpose behaviour and incidents of bullying. This includes, for example, passive-aggressive posts about a social event that intentionally excludes a person who is in that social group, to liking – or even tolerating – a mean post about another person. The feeling of anonymity of witnesses to such online behaviour that social media provides is a significant contributor to bystander behaviour. It is easier to ignore online bullying behaviour (which often plays out to an online audience) than it is the same comments being witnessed in person. All are reasons why access to social media should be delayed as long as possible, so that young people can learn real social skills and have sufficient brain development to deal with the potentially harmful effects of the online social world. The insidious nature of some social media platforms makes it very difficult in some cases to prove that bullying has occurred, not least that it often occurs outside of school hours at home.

At Oxley College, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all our students. Our Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy and its related procedures is a cornerstone of this commitment, ensuring that every student feels secure and supported. It emphasises the importance of establishing and maintaining a culture of respect, kindness, and empathy among students, throughout the College. It includes promoting the value of courage to be an upstander: as bullying is about power/perception of power, it usually involves bystanders. It involves regularly promoting and celebrating these values, for example via assemblies, and proactive strategies through wellbeing programmes (e.g. UR Strong) or in curriculum units (e.g. Cornerstone and PDHPE). One such strategy is the Social Behaviour Survey that was conducted in the Senior School in Week 8, that will provide anonymous and valuable insights into social dynamics and behaviour.

The policy is available on our website and is included in student diaries (via a QR code in the Senior School). We encourage parents to familiarise themselves with the policy and discuss it with their children.

Yours sincerely

Mr Mark Case
Deputy Head of College

Business Manager

As our students finish Term 3 and enjoy their well-deserved break, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the incredible work being done behind the scenes by our dedicated operations staff. While the school may seem quiet, there is a flurry of activity ensuring everything runs smoothly for the upcoming term.

Registrar Lucy Welsh is hard at work managing enrolments for 2025, ensuring a seamless process for new and returning families.

Our Maintenance Team, including Jason, Jimmy, and Cameron, is focused on field preparation to ensure our grounds are in top condition. A new synthetic wicket for Junior cricket will be installed at Bray Fields ready for the summer season. A special mention to Cameron, who has recently become a qualified snake catcher, adding an extra layer of safety to our campus as we move into the warmer weather.

The Executive and Accounts team is diligently preparing budgets, ensuring that we are financially ready for the year ahead. Their meticulous planning is crucial for the smooth operation of our school.

Meanwhile, the Performing Arts Department, together with the Marketing and Communications team is busy as ever, especially with the release of tickets for our upcoming production of “Mamma Mia.” We are excited to announce that the P&F will be offering a delightful Greek Taverna surprise during the interval. Don’t forget to book your mezza plate when you purchase your tickets!

By acknowledging some of the less-known faces of our school, we hope to give parents a stronger sense of our whole community. These dedicated individuals are here, making things happen, and their hard work ensures that our school remains a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow.

Happy holidays

Em Cassin
Business Manager

Head of Senior School

Term 3 has sprinted to a finish! We farewelled Year 12 with their informal assembly and other creative celebrations followed by the Graduation Assembly and Evening, only to welcome them back for the intensive Study Camp! Students have attended a number of subject specific workshops and built the habit of independent study supported by access to their teachers for feedback.

Some may ask why we have brought this new initiative in and to fully understand parents need an education in the way the HSC works. If asked what key word relates to HSC marks, most parents may initially think…..Scaling! I tested this out by asking a number of current parents I know with students in Year 12 and below, and this was the first word that sprang to mind for most. Now don’t worry too much if you fell into this trap, but there are two equally important words and the first, and most important at this stage is Moderation. The other is Alignment.

These are very difficult to explain in print, but Eddie Woo explains them very well and recorded some videos that are available on YouTube.

Why HSC Marks are Adjusted

Moderation

Alignment & Scaling

If you watched the second video, you will have seen that the marks that students receive from us at school (School Assessment – SA) are not fixed until they have been moderated against students HSC Examination Mark (EM) to turn them into the Moderated Assessment (MA). More important than the mark is the spacing between the marks and the rank.

If students perform well in the HSC examination, their SA can be moderated up to a better MA that is then averaged with their EM and rounded up to their HSC mark.

Essentially there is a better outcome in each subject for ALL STUDENTS if all the students score between, for example 65 and 95 in their examination rather than between 55 and 85. To circle back to the point of this, we want the students to improve as much as possible between the submission of their SA marks and the HSC as this will help each individual perform to their best. Groupwork to help each other, plenty of practice papers and feedback are all key in the transition from learning mode to performance mode.

Alignment and Scaling is used by UAC to allow subjects, each of which are of a different level of difficulty to be compared when calculating students ATAR. We have guided students all along that by studying subjects that they enjoy, are good at, are passionate about or need for their future pathway they do not need to worry about scaling or alignment.

I wish each and every student the very best of luck in their HSC Examinations and to remember that the numbers that they will receive in December do not define the person that they have become.

There are a wide range of overseas trips and school camps that have either started or begin soon. Please encourage your children to step outside their comfort zone on these trips and to take the opportunity to discover more about what they are capable of. The trips are excellent way to build character and build connection.

The new College Student Leaders for 2025 were announced this afternoon and I look forward to working in partnership with them over the next year.

I wish everyone a restful break and look forward to the start of Term 4.

Warm regards

Mr Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School

Head of Junior School

The Importance of Expanding Friendships for Primary School Children

As we continue to nurture and support our children’s growth, it’s essential to recognise the significant role that friendships play in their development. Expanding friendships can have numerous benefits for primary school children, contributing to their emotional, social, and academic well-being.

1. Emotional Support and Resilience

Friendships provide children with a sense of belonging and emotional support. Having a diverse group of friends helps children feel more secure and confident, knowing they have a network of peers to rely on.

2. Social Skills and Empathy

Interacting with a variety of friends allows children to develop essential social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. By engaging with peers from different backgrounds and with different perspectives, children learn to appreciate diversity and develop empathy.

3. Academic Success

Research has shown that children with strong social connections tend to perform better academically. Friendships can create a positive learning environment, where children feel motivated and encouraged to participate in class activities. Collaborative learning with friends can also enhance problem-solving skills and foster a love for learning.

4. Broadening Horizons

Expanding friendships exposes children to new ideas, interests, and activities. This broadens their horizons and encourages them to explore different hobbies and passions. It also helps children develop a more well-rounded perspective, as they learn from the experiences and viewpoints of their diverse group of friends.

5. Building Confidence

Having a wide circle of friends can boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Positive interactions with peers reinforce a child’s sense of self-worth and help them feel valued and accepted.

6. Importance of Friendships During Transitions

Transitions, such as advancing to a higher grade, can be challenging for children. During these times, friendships play a crucial role in providing stability and comfort. Having friends to share these experiences with can make transitions smoother and less intimidating. Friends can offer support, share advice, and help children adapt to new environments.

7. Handling Conflicts in Friendships

Conflicts are a natural part of any relationship, including friendships. Learning to handle conflicts constructively is an important skill for children to develop. Here are some tips to help your child navigate conflicts in their friendships:

• Encourage Open Communication: Teach your child to express their feelings and listen to their friends’ perspectives to prevent conflicts from escalating.
• Promote Empathy: Encourage your child to consider their friends’ feelings and viewpoints. Empathizing with others can help children find common ground.
• Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Help your child develop problem-solving skills by brainstorming possible solutions to conflicts together. Encourage them to think about the consequences of different actions and choose the best course of action.
• Model Positive Conflict Resolution: Demonstrate positive conflict resolution in your own interactions. Children learn by observing adults, so showing them how to handle conflicts calmly and respectfully can set a good example.
• Encourage Forgiveness: Teach your child the importance of forgiveness and moving on from conflicts. Holding onto grudges can harm friendships, while forgiveness can strengthen relationships and promote emotional well-being.

8. The Role of Parents in Fostering Friendships

As parents, you play a vital role in helping your child develop and maintain friendships. Here are some ways you can support your child in fostering friendships:

• Be a Role Model: Demonstrate positive social interactions and show your child how to be a good friend.
• Encourage Social Activities: Provide opportunities for your child to engage in social activities, such as playdates, group outings, and extracurricular activities.
• Teach Social Skills: Help your child develop essential social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and showing empathy.
• Support Their Interests: Encourage your child to pursue their interests and hobbies, as these can be great avenues for meeting like-minded friends.
• Be Involved: Stay informed about your child’s social life and be available to offer guidance and support when needed. Encourage open communication and listen to your child’s concerns about their friendships.

By fostering an environment that encourages expanding friendships and teaching children how to handle conflicts constructively, we can help our children develop into well-rounded, empathetic, and confident individuals. Let’s work together to support our children’s social growth and ensure they have a strong network of friends to rely on.

Please enjoy the holidays and create some special memories together – see you all in Term 4!

Miss Jane Campion
Head of Junior School

HSC Nominations

On-STAGE

OnSTAGE is a prestigious showcase that features the best performances and projects from HSC Drama students across the stage. Students are nominated based on their outstanding performances during the HSC practical examinations which involves performing in front of a live audience and external markers. We are incredibly proud of the Year 12 Drama class who has had every single student nominated for On-STAGE for their HSC performance. All these students now have the chance to be selected for the OnSTAGE showcase which is held at the Seymour Centre in Sydney during February. Please join us in congratulating Beam D, Genevieve F, Oscar F, Lola G, Cameron H, Isabelle H, Isabella L, Ruby L, Amelia M, Jacob M, Greta P, Ilana S, Sergio SI, Gloria W.

SHAPE

Being nominated for SHAPE is a prestigious recognition for students studying Design & Technology. These Year 12 students have had their HSC major projects singled out as exemplary and now have the chance to be featured in the SHAPE exhibition held at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct in March 2025: Tika C, Jasmine M, Ellen M-R, Greta P, Emily R, Lulu S, Luke S, Orlando U. Congratulations to all the students!

ENCORE

Congratulations to Max M who was nominated for ENCORE for his Music 1 performance in his chosen field of Rock Drumming. Max’s ENCORE nomination means he will be considered for selection at the ENCORE performances to take place at the Opera House in February next year.

Congratulations to all the students and the wonderful team of teachers who have taught them in Year 12: Mr Phil Cunich, Mr Richard Madden, Ms Dene Patterson, Mr Jake Sheppard and Ms Renae Zink.

Round Square Visit to Scotch Oakburn College

A group of three Year 8 & 9 students embarked on a Round Square trip to Scotch Oakburn College in Launceston, Tasmania. They were accompanied by Mr Christophe Gauchat and Mrs Kathy Cupitt. This visit was more than just a school excursion; it was a week filled with opportunities to live out the Round Square IDEALS—Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.

The Oxley team’s time at Scotch Oakburn was focused on learning from a different school community and fostering understanding. Through collaborative projects and classroom interactions, the group embraced Internationalism, engaging with Scotch Oakburn’s diverse student body and building meaningful connections.

The visit also provided a platform for students to experience Democracy in action as they participated in discussions, sharing ideas and exploring the importance of student voice within the school community. They attended the school’s Peace Assembly and were able to engage in the 9Alive program which is an immersive Year 9 experience.

As part of the trip’s focus on Environmentalism and Adventure, the group explored Tasmania’s natural beauty. Highlights included a walk through the iconic Cataract Gorge, a rock-climbing session at Beta Park Bouldering, and a full-day hike around Cradle Mountain’s Dove Lake. They were also able to explore the underground world of the Honeycomb caves in Mole Creek as part of the 9Alive program. These outdoor experiences not only encouraged a deeper appreciation of nature but also tested the team’s resilience and collaboration, bringing the Adventure ideal to life.

In true Round Square spirit, the group was also introduced to Service, reflecting on how they could take the lessons learned back to their own school community. The students were part of an effort to collect over 45kg of rubbish from the local wildlife reserve. They also shared dinners and interactions with Scotch Oakburn’s boarding students, which helped to deepen the bond between the schools.

This week-long Round Square trip was an unforgettable opportunity for Oxley students and staff to embody the IDEALS in a real-world setting. They returned home with broadened perspectives, strengthened leadership skills, and a renewed commitment to the values that define the Round Square ethos.

Oxley Shop

School Holiday Hours and Term 4 Uniform reminders

A reminder that students will be expected to start Term 4 in summer uniform.

The Oxley Shop will be open during the school holidays.

Tuesday: 8.30am-4.00pm

Wednesday: 8.30am-4.00pm

Thursday: 8.30am-4.00pm

Our online shop is also available for orders: Oxley Shop Online Store (company.site)

Warm regards

Nicky Moran
Oxley Shop

Staffing Updates

Andrew Young (Head of Performing Arts), will be taking his final bow at the end of this year, retiring from teaching after a distinguished career spanning 37 years.

Since joining Oxley College in early 2019, Andrew has left an indelible mark on our school community. Under his leadership, the Performing Arts department has flourished, with students and staff alike benefiting from his vision, creativity, and boundless passion for the arts. Andrew’s incredible direction and mentorship have brought to life some memorable musical performances for Oxley – from breathtaking school productions to the captivating performances and concerts, his ability to inspire students to reach new artistic heights has been remarkable.

Through his dedication, Andrew has not only elevated the standard of performances but also fostered a deep sense of confidence and teamwork among his students. His impact extends far beyond the stage, instilling a love for the Performing Arts that will resonate in the hearts of Oxley students and staff for years to come. His productions have consistently united the community, creating moments of joy and pride for everyone involved, from families to staff, and bringing the wider Oxley community together to celebrate our shared passion for the arts.

We wish Andrew all the best for the next chapter in his career.

We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge staff members who are leaving Oxley at the end of this term. Every one of them has brought something special to our community and they will be missed by staff, parents and students alike.

Grahame Chambers

Grahame heads into retirement after almost 8 years at the College and close to 40 in the teaching profession. Over his time at Oxley in addition to teaching English and Studies of Religion, Grahame has been Head of Oodgeroo House, Year 12 Co-ordinator, coached Netball, and been on three Outback trips.  His professionalism, care for his students and razor-sharp wit will be missed by us all at Oxley and we wish him the very best in retirement, which will undoubtedly involve plenty of travel & trivia!

Richard Madden

Richard started at Oxley in 2020 and has been Head of  Art, Design & Technology since 2022. There have been numerous excellent results in his faculty including student nominations to the HSC Art Express & Shape exhibitions. Richard has coached Touch Football, been on three Outback trips and brought his sense of humour to everything he does both in and out of the classroom. We wish Richard the best of luck in the future.

Shannon Marecic

Shannon has been at Oxley since 2022 as a Chemistry & Science teacher. She has been an advocate of Science and pedagogy during her time here and has also been involved with after-school Science clubs for the Junior School and the After-School Assistance Program (ASAP) with the Senior School. We wish her the very best as she moves to a new school.

Rob Willis

We are so thankful for Rob’s assistance with English over the last two terms. It is great to have such an experienced educator to step up and join us. We will no doubt see Mr Willis back in a casual capacity, once he has had a well-deserved break.

Claire Browne

The Junior School bids a heartfelt farewell to Claire who has been an invaluable part of Oxley throughout 2024. Claire has worked closely with Alison Rasheed on 3BR demonstrating exceptional dedication and teamwork. We are grateful for her contribution to the Year 6 Debating Team where her commitment left a lasting impact on the students. While we will miss her regular presence, we are hopeful that Claire will continue to be part of our staff community through casual work in Term 4.

Emily Hurkett

Emily has been a wonderful addition to the Junior School and Library Teams this term as she has taken Library classes for Years P-6. Her lovely bubbly nature and kindness to everyone have been appreciated by the students as well as her colleagues. Thank you Emily!

Junior School Curriculum

Refining the Student-Led Conference Experience: Learning from Feedback

At Oxley College, we are committed to gathering and acting on data. As part of this process, we recently asked for feedback from students, teachers and families on the recent ‘Student-Led Open Classroom’ sessions in the Junior School that we trialled as an alternative to the usual Term 3 Student-Led Conferences. From this feedback, it’s clear that this year’s sessions fostered pride, independence and meaningful engagement between students and their families. Overwhelmingly, students confidently guided their families through their work, showcasing classroom displays and explaining their daily routines.

Many families appreciated the transparency of the classrooms being truly ‘open’, and felt this format helped them feel more connected to their child’s school experience. In the feedback, most families stated the relaxed, unrushed atmosphere encouraged open communication, with their children being more willing to discuss themselves as a learner and share their learning journey than they have been in the past. Having a reflection page that students had pre-prepared, provided a structured but engaging way for students to present their learning, and parents appreciated the opportunity to look through all books and wall displays, rather than feel constrained by sitting at a table with only a few work samples and a short time frame.

Students reported that they enjoyed the relaxed and informal atmosphere, which allowed them to share their work with confidence. The ability to guide their parents through classroom displays and daily routines, as well as discuss feedback, was empowering for students, and many appreciated the length of time which allowed for in-depth sharing of work both in books and on display. One student was so eager to show off their progress in Maths that they started giving their parents a full lesson, complete with equations on the whiteboard!

However, as with any educational initiative, there’s always room for improvement. Some parents expressed a preference for traditional one-on-one parent-teacher meetings to gain more direct feedback on their child’s progress. A few families noted challenges when visiting the specialist classrooms, while others mentioned discomfort with the group format, sometimes leading to comparisons between students’ work. Some students found the sessions awkward at times, particularly in the older grades, where indicated that they were self-conscious with their peers in the room, and perhaps felt like parents/carers compared their work to others’. Issues like running out of things to show or feeling as though there was not enough access specialist classrooms also emerged as challenges for students.

This openness and willingness to share feedback is critical for continuous improvement and allows us to refine future experiences to better meet the needs of our families. In response, we’re committed to using this feedback to improve the format of future Term 3 student-led sessions.

Suggestions we are considering include:

• Hosting a mix of student-led open classroom sessions combined with one-on-one meetings with teachers to discuss specific progress and areas for growth,
• Allowing students to choose whether they participate as part of a group of students in the room or on their own,
• Clear communication about time limits and expectations,
• Provision of guidelines for managing siblings during the sessions,
• Encouragement for parents/carers to request a meeting with their child’s teacher at any time throughout the year,
• Implementing a digital platform to share ‘snapshots’ of students’ work more frequently throughout the year,
• Ensuring specialist classrooms are accessible and that staff are on hand to speak with families,
• Bringing work done in specialist classes into the classroom to reduce the need to visit multiple rooms, and
• Provision of more flexible times for sessions, especially for families with multiple children.

While biannual written reports are the only formal requirement for student reporting in NSW, at Oxley College Junior School, we believe that continuous communication is key to supporting your child’s learning. Throughout the year, we keep families connected with regular updates, including Term 1 parent-teacher conferences, ongoing messages via the school diary and direct contact between teachers and families through email. Additionally, we encourage parents and carers to request meetings with their child’s teacher at any time, ensuring an open dialogue and reinforcing our commitment to providing continuous feedback and support.

At Oxley, we believe in the importance of “learning through feedback,” a principle supported by current educational research. Reflecting on feedback from all stakeholders allows us to continuously improve and ensure our practices support every child’s growth and development. We look forward to refining the Term 3 Student-Led experience further, making it as valuable, enjoyable and inclusive as possible for all families, and thank you for your honest feedback and support.

Warm regards

Alison Rasheed
Director of Curriculum P-6

Senior School Sport

ISA Summer Sport 2024 – 25

Another season of ISA Sport is nearly here, and students should now know their allocated team, coach and training schedule for the upcoming season. Congratulations to those students selected in our 1st teams and in particular those selected for the first time, a great achievement. Please see below for information about the start of the season and some key dates. We are looking forward to another fantastic season of sport at Oxley.

Uniform – Sport Uniforms should be purchased from the Oxley Uniform Shop prior to the season beginning.

*Note – If you have purchased a Basketball or Touch Football singlet second hand or acquired one another way, please email oxleyshop@oxley.nsw.edu.au and let Nicky know which number you have, to avoid double ups.

A reminder that only Oxley PE/Sport uniform should be worn during training and game days.

Training – To maximise court space and to assist with coach availability, some Basketball teams have been scheduled to train outside of the usual Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. We are hoping this doesn’t cause too many clashes and will be reviewed early in the season.

Attendance – Attendance at training and games is compulsory. If your child is unable to attend training or a game due to injury, illness or misadventure please notify sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au. We ask that where possible, appointments are scheduled outside of training times and matches.

*Note – If your child is absent from training without explanation, you will receive an email from the Sport Dept notifying you of their absence. This is an important step in ensuring students are safe and accounted for.

Important Dates – Training restarts in Week 2, Term 4. The 1st round of the ISA season will begin on Saturday 26 October and continue until Saturday 30 November in Term 4.

Training will recommence in Week 2 of Term 1, 2025 with the season recommencing on the Saturday 8 February. The last round of the season is on Saturday 1 March. Semi-finals and Finals are scheduled for Saturday 8 and Saturday 15 March.

*Note – The Softball team and the Under 14’s Cricket team do not play in the ISA Competition, competition dates will be communicated separately.

Communication and Planning – The weekly sports draw will be available on the Oxley portal/app each Tuesday afternoon. The season draws will be posted on the Oxley College website shortly. You can view upcoming fixtures, points tables and other information via the ISA mobile app which can be found in the Apple or Android app store.

ISA Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to the 65 Oxley students who attended the ISA Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 17 September. It was wonderful to have so many students involved and representing Oxley at so many events. A special thank you to those students who filled in at the last minute, replacing students who were absent or withdrew. Their participation was appreciated and contributed to our overall success.  We had some fantastic team and individual results on the day and the girls’ and boys’ teams both maintained their place in Division 1 for 2025.

Please see below for a summary of outstanding achievements:

Junior Girls Team – 3^rd Place

Senior Girls Team – 3^rd Place

Penelope B – 1^st 800m

Molly H – 1^st Javelin

Sabella W – 1^st 100m

Helena W – 1^st 100m

Sam H – 1^st Javelin

Harrison K – 1^st Javelin

Harry K – 1^st 100m, 1^st 200m, 1^st 400m and U14’s Boys 400m record (53.64)

CISNSW Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to the 22 Oxley Students who qualified for the NSWCIS Carnival on Tuesday 24 September and represented the ISA Association. It was a fantastic day with an extremely high level of competition and all of our students should be proud of their efforts on the day. Congratulations in particular to Ben H who finished in 1^st place in both the Long Jump and Triple Jump events and to Milo S-W who finished 1^st in the 400m.

Final results will be uploaded shortly to the CIS website which can be accessed here: Athletics – NSW CIS

Swimming Training and Carnival Dates

Swimming training will begin for Senior School students on Wednesday 6 November (Week 4, Term 4) at Bowral Swimming Pool from 7am – 8am. Training will continue each Wednesday for 4 weeks in Term 4, finishing on the 27 November. Training will resume in Term 1, 2025 on Wednesday 5 February and continue each Wednesday and Friday morning until Friday 7 March.

Students will be supervised by a staff member until they are picked up or can catch the bus from the pool directly to school.

*Note – this program is squad style swim training and is not a learn to swim program or suitable for beginners.

The Oxley College Swimming Carnival is on Wednesday 19 February. The ISA Swimming Carnival is on Wednesday 12 March.

Mr Josh Hurkett
Head of Senior School Sport

Junior School Sport

Term 3 Sports Wrap-Up!

A huge congratulations to all our students for an action-packed and fantastic term of sport at Oxley! From the excitement of the Athletics Carnival and the spirit of our Green and Gold Olympics celebrations, to the fun-filled K-1 Football Gala Days, representative sport successes, and the thrilling Winter Sports Finals – the energy and enthusiasm have been outstanding. It’s been wonderful to see the Oxley spirit shine through at every event. Enjoy a well-deserved break, and we look forward to kicking off summer sports in Term 4!

Sporting Achievements:

A huge congratulations to our Oxley Senior Boys 4x100m Relay Team (Lucas H, Chase H, Sebastian R, and Harrison S) for securing 1st place at the NSWCIS Primary Athletics Championships earlier this month at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. Special mention to Lucas H who also claimed 1st place in the 12 Years Boys 100m, setting a personal best, and took 2nd place in the 12 Years Boys 200m. These students will now go on to represent the NSWCIS team at the NSWPSSA Athletics Competition in October.

Well done to our Oxley U12’s Netball team, who finished as runners-up in the Southern Highlands Netball Grand Final against the Bowral Butterflies. A special shout-out to Gabriela J for her outstanding performance, earning her the Player of the Match award.

Lastly, congratulations to all our Junior School riders who participated in the recent Oxley Equestrian Day. A big thank you to our junior volunteers for their help with the set-up and running of the event!

Well done to all Junior School students for their dedication and sporting success!

Start Dates for the Summer Sports Season:

We’re excited for the summer sports season to kick off when we return after the school break. Please see the start dates for Junior School sports training and games below. Please be aware that there will be no Junior School sports training during Week 2 of Term 4 due to OLE Week. Please contact sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.

 Warm regards

Fran Dorczak
Head of Junior School Sport

Mamma Mia!

Oxley College proudly presents Mamma Mia! Coming to Hoskins Hall in Term 4 with a cast and crew of over eighty talented senior students.

Tickets are on sale now via the link below:

Junior Strings Spectacular

Oxley College is proud to be hosting the 2024 Junior Strings Spectacular. Gathering together over 100 string players from the Southern Highlands, Illawarra and South Coast, this event will see students engaging in a series of workshops with experienced String Practitioner Loreta Fin, AM, culminating in a mass performance celebrating all things string!

Dining Dilemmas

The Oxley College Centre for Ethics warmly invites you to Dining Dilemmas.

Over a delicious two-course meal and a glass of wine, you’ll have the chance to dive into lively discussions on pressing ethical issues such as the impact of AI on society and the role of social media in shaping young minds.

• How do you separate truth from belief when everyone’s shouting?
• How do we rank crimes when everyone has a different sense of justice?
• When cultures clash, whose morality wins? Can something be right in one place and wrong in another?
• Where do we draw the line between free speech and shouting ‘fire’ in a crowded theatre?

This light-hearted yet insightful evening offers a unique glimpse into how Oxley College is preparing students to tackle the ethical challenges of tomorrow.

We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of engaging conversation, great food, and a deeper understanding of our transformative ‘Cornerstone’ program.

HOSTED BY: Mark Case (Deputy Head of College) and Jeremy Hall (Head of Philosophy and Ethics)

WHEN: Wednesday 6 November 2024, 7.00 – 9.30 pm

WHERE: The Conservatory, Briars Country Lodge, 653 Moss Vale Road, Burradoo.

COST: $75

Dr Judith Locke – Helping Your Child Become Capable & Confident

We are pleased to announce that Dr Judith Locke has rescheduled her presentations for Oxley parents.

Dr Judith Locke is the author of two best-selling parenting books, The Bonsai Child and The Bonsai Student. She is a registered clinical psychologist, former teacher and school counsellor and speaks to parents, teachers and students throughout Australia and internationally on topics related to modern parenting, family wellbeing and academic environments.  Dr Locke’s psychological commentary features regularly in the media, including a weekly parenting column for The Sunday Mail. She is a member of The Australian Psychological Society and a fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.

Dr Locke is presenting two parent sessions at Oxley, one aimed at parents with children in Pre-K to Year 6; and the other with children in Year 7 – 12.

These presentations will assist parents in adopting a parenting approach that truly builds their children’s wellbeing and competence. Topics will include strategies to help students develop essential skills such as resilience, confidence, self-regulation and resourcefulness. Dr Locke will also work on strategies to maintain a good relationship between parents and children as children become older.

Junior School Session: Wednesday 23 October at 6.00pm

Senior School Session: Thursday 24 October 6.00pm

Class of 2023 – One Year On

Dear Class of 2023

Come back to Oxley – we would love to see you!

Wow that year has flown by so quickly and we would love to extend to the Class of 2023 the warmest invitation to come back to Oxley, stop by for a cuppa and visit your Mentor Group and tell them all about your adventures over the last year. (Maybe you would all like to get together for lunch afterwards?)

WHO:

The Class of 2023

WHAT:

One Year On Catch Up

WHEN:

Friday 29 November 2024

10.30am Morning Tea

11.15 am Visit your Mentor Group

RSVP:

Friday 15 November 2024 to oc.alumni@oxley.nsw.edu.au

Head of College Breakfast, Term 4

You are warmly invited to join Scott Bedingfield for the Term 4 Head of College Breakfast, to be held on Tuesday 5 November 2024 from 7.45am – 8.30am.

Please register via this link: Head of College Breakfast

We look forward to seeing you there.

Zephyr Ensemble

Featuring Oxley College Senior School Choristers

Zephyr Ensemble joins talented soloists and a beautiful string ensemble to present Ring Out, Wild Bells, featuring works by Rutter, Arnesen, Gjeilo, Dove and Clements. Zephyr Ensemble is a local vocal ensemble that brings together Oxley College staff, parents and friends. This November, Zephyr Ensemble’s concert will also feature some of Oxley College’s own Senior School choristers.

Hosted by Centennial Vineyards Cellar Door, ticket holders can enjoy beautiful music paired with Centennial Vineyards wines and a light menu.

Join us this spring to ring out the old year and joyfully welcome the new. We’d be delighted to have you with us for these beautiful performances.

Jeonghwan Kim in Concert

KYUP! Project Spring Holiday Workshop

Award-winning martial artist, Mel Thomas will share personal safety tips and simple self-defence techniques any teen can use, no matter their size or skill level. Using relatable examples of real-life scenarios – such as public transport, public places, and parties this fun, safe, hands-on workshop focuses on setting boundaries and responding to conflict.

Participants learn to:

• Replace fear with confidence
• Trust their instincts and make smart choices
• Use the power of their voice to defuse dangerous situations
• Get away from a situation that doesn’t feel right
• Fight back when needed
• Break the cycle of violence

KYUP! Project Spring Holiday Workshop Mittagong (afternoon session) | Humanitix

Parents & Friends Association

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent events, which showcased the incredible spirit and involvement of our college community. 

Trivia Night was a huge hit, with over 200 parents joining us for a night of laughter, friendly competition, and great company. 

The energy in the room was fantastic and costumes outstanding. It was wonderful to see so many parents come together to support the evening and successfully raise funds for a projector for Hoskins Hall. 

Equestrian Day was another highlight, thanks to our fabulous student volunteers and talented parent bakers who kept everyone fuelled with delicious treats. The event ran smoothly, with students lending a hand throughout the day, demonstrating teamwork and enthusiasm. 

We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, skills, and energy to make these events such a success.

Thank you to all who participated and supported these events. Your involvement helps strengthen our college community,  keep an eye out for your year level catch ups for Term 4 . 

Everyone is warmly welcome to our next P&F meeting on Tuesday 29 October (Week 3) at 5.30pm.           and AGM on Tuesday 19 November. 

As our community evolves , Executive roles become available. If you would be interested in taking an active role or would like to have a chat with what that might involve please reach out to either:

Sooz ( Senior School ) 

0414 894 544

Kristy (Junior School) 

0466 911 140

Kind regards

Sooz Heinrich
P&F Vice-President, Senior School

The Oxley College 40th Birthday Book

to think, to dare, to dream

The Oxley College Book: to think, to dare, to dream is now available for sale. This beautiful, hard cover, coffee table book has been lovingly created to mark Oxley’s 40th Birthday milestone and is full of stories, photos and memories.

Purchase your copy today by following the link below:

Upcoming Events

Further Ahead

Tuesday 27 Nov – Sun 1 Dec: Mamma Mia

Thursday 5 December: Speech Night, Last Day of Term 4