Cultivating Character: Oxley’s commitment to holistic student development

From the Head of College, Scott Bedingfield

At Oxley, we are deeply committed to the holistic development of our students, and character development is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. As we develop our new strategy for 2025 onwards the things that keep coming up is ensuring Oxley remains “big enough to cater, and small enough to care” and the importance of maintaining our commitment to the development of character in our young people. Our values of showing courage, being kind and seeking wisdom will remain at the centre of all we do as they are the values essential in shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make positive contributions to society. We look forward to sharing our new Strategy with you at Speech Night.

Our recent Orientation Days are testament to the importance of character development and community connection. I had the privilege of witnessing our School Captains, Vice Captains, House Captains, and peer support leaders embodying these values as they welcomed new students. Their leadership, empathy, and dedication were evident as they guided the newcomers through the day’s activities, ensuring they felt supported and included from the very beginning.

Our Orientation Days are planned to foster a sense of belonging and connection – for example having our students in mufti enables all to feel they belong no matter which school (or pre-school) they are coming from. The opportunities on these days to make connections, form bonds with their peers and mentors, sets the stage for a wonderful beginning of 2025.

Our older students played a crucial role in this process. They shared their own experiences at Oxley, offered guidance, and provided a reassuring presence. This peer support is invaluable in helping new students navigate the transition to a new school environment. It also reinforces the importance of feeling part of our community from day one.

We invite you to join us at our upcoming Speech Night on Thursday, 5 December 2024, in the Peter Craig Centre. Please be seated by 6:20 PM, and light refreshments will be served afterwards in the Pavilion. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements and the strong sense of community that defines Oxley College. Register your attendance via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CWRUU

Yours sincerely

Mr Scott Bedingfield
Head of College

Professional Learning for Teachers, Mental Health First Aid and Allwell Testing

From the Deputy Head of College, Mark Case

NSW Department of Education changes to start of 2025 school year

In late October 2024, the NSW Department of Education announced a significant change to the school calendar, introducing additional student-free days at the beginning of Term 1, 2025. This decision was part of a broader agreement with the NSW Teachers’ Federation, which sees the number of professional development days increase from six to eight per year. With these student-free days being added to the beginning of the school year, it means that NSW Government schools will not be commencing Term 1 teaching until Thursday 6 February.

Like other independent schools, Oxley College will not be following suit. The introduction of extra student-free days at the beginning of Term 1, 2025 by the NSW Department of Education was part of a broader pay and conditions deal with teachers.  The benefit of being an independent school is that we have a significant degree of autonomy over term dates and have separate agreements to our public sector counterparts. Our community also values continuity and stability in the academic calendar; to make a significant change of this nature to the calendar, less than four months from the start of the school year, would cause disruption to working parents and their childcare arrangements. It is also not desirable for our professional learning schedule, which enables us to integrate tailored professional learning days throughout the school year, when they can be of greater value for our staff.  Click here for the Oxley College Term Dates for 2025.

Mental Health First Aid Training

During the last week, the College delivered the second two-day professional learning course for staff this year on Youth Mental Health First Aid. As a result, we now have 31 teachers and student-facing College Services staff with this valuable qualification. The training is delivered by Mrs Rani Ritchie, our College Psychologist, who is a qualified trainer in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

The primary goal of MHFA training is to help teachers recognise signs of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Early identification allows for timely intervention, preventing problems from escalating and improving students’ overall wellbeing. MHFA training also helps create a supportive classroom environment, where students feel safe and understood. It also reduces the stigma associated with mental health issues, giving confidence to teachers in identifying potentially at-risk students. We will continue to rollout this training to other teaching and College Services staff in 2025; it is an important addition to our care for every child at Oxley.

Allwell Testing – Year 7 2025                           

This week, Year 6 students undertook several assessments on Senior School Orientation Day. Allwell Testing is a series of standardised assessments designed to evaluate students’ abilities in key areas such as literacy, numeracy, and cognitive skills. These tests offer valuable insights into each student’s learning profile, helping to tailor educational strategies to meet their individual needs.

Why do we do this as they enter Senior School?

As students transition from primary to high school, understanding their academic strengths and areas for improvement becomes crucial.

At Oxley, we take an evidence-informed approach to teaching and learning. Allwell Testing provides valuable data to help identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, inform decision around class placements, and ensures that each student receives the support they need to thrive academically. The detailed feedback from Allwell Testing allows for a deeper understanding of students abilities, enabling us to address issues before they become significant barriers to academic success. Significantly, the assessment can combine with school assessment data in Year 7, as well as NAPLAN, to ensure staff have a more complete and rigorous understanding of the progress of each child. Familiarity and experience with examination-style assessments has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety for students by the time they start their HSC years.

Yours sincerely

Mr Mark Case
Deputy Head of College

Navigating Assessments & Celebrating Achievements in the Senior School

From the Head of Senior School, Tristan Bevan

Welcome to the last few weeks of the year where there is plenty going on in the Senior School!

This week saw Year 7-10 examinations. These provide a snapshot of student academic growth in the style of assessment that they need preparation for when they undertake their HSC examinations in a few years’ time. The first HSC assessments for our new Year 12 have been sat and I look forward to marking those to provide feedback over the weekend. In our revision lessons we did focused practice on like questions with feedback in the form of both teacher & peer marking, but we also looked at how to manage the stress of impending assessments, sporting competitions and dramatic & musical performances.

This was in response to this data collected from the MMG survey that concerned me.

We discussed the structure of the HSC and how school assessment marks are not fixed until the final HSC examinations are set due to the process of moderation (as I covered in the Newsletter at the end of Term 3).

We focused on putting things in perspective and focusing on what you can control. At Oxley we talk about educating the whole child and this is something that I am passionate about. To me neither assessment marks, HSC marks or an ATAR will define an individual student. The character they have developed through involvement in sport, performing arts, word & outdoor education all help to build the resilience and character to overcome setbacks and learn from mistakes. If our students have a realistic, attainable goal and the strength of character to believe in themselves and work hard to succeed, then they are well placed to work through setbacks to reach that goal.

In 2025, we will be bringing study skills back into one timetabled class per cycle for students in Year 7-10. In Year 7 we call this ‘Learning to Learn’, where we will actively assist students in the academic and organisational transition into the Senior School. I will be taking some of these classes to get to know every student in the new cohort as they join the Senior School. The goal here is for the skills learned to help reduce some of the anxiety shown in the graphs above. I am hopeful that by the next time we do a whole school MMG survey, these graphs will have significantly larger green values and fewer students reporting in the red.

This week we welcomed our Year 7 2025 students to Oxley for Orientation Day. In line with our goal for ‘enlightened academic rigour’ we also started the day with a new initiative. We had all new Year 7 students undertake baseline testing so we can best meet their needs in the years to come. This data combined with external data will be used to inform our teaching for this cohort as the start in the Senior School. Hopefully, the challenges of a few hours of tests were quickly forgotten and replaced by the excitement of meeting their Heads of House and House Captains, and the type 2 fun of the scavenger hunt, including how to evade torrential rain. I look forward to seeing this cohort start in January next year and seeing them build connections over the first few weeks and the Year 7 Orientation Camp.

In the remaining weeks we can look forward to Mamma Mia & Speech Night along with more exciting rounds of ISA sport, including a bumper edition this weekend with Boys Basketball, Cricket & Boys & Girl Touch Football at Oxley. Please come along and support, remembering that the students are not playing for sheep stations and to respect the officials – one of them might be me!

Warm regards

Mr Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School

Empowering Responsibility: Why children should manage their school items

From the Head of the Junior School, Jane Campion

Each day I watch parents lugging school bags, often musical instruments and other items into school as their child skips along beside them, without a care in the world.

As educators and parents, we all strive to nurture responsible and independent individuals. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to foster these qualities in children is by encouraging them to take responsibility for their school items.

When children are accountable for their belongings, they learn valuable life skills such as organisation, time management, and problem-solving. These skills are not only essential for academic success but also for their overall development. By managing their school items, children become more aware of their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions. This awareness helps them develop a sense of ownership and pride in their achievements.

Moreover, when children are responsible for their school items, it reduces the burden on parents. Parents can focus on providing guidance and support rather than constantly reminding their children about forgotten items. This shift in responsibility fosters a more collaborative and respectful relationship between parents and children.

Encouraging children to manage their school items can be as simple as setting up a routine. For instance, creating a checklist for packing their school bag the night before or designating a specific spot for their school supplies at home. These small steps can make a significant difference in helping children develop a habit of responsibility.

Empowering children to take charge of their school items is a crucial step in their journey towards becoming responsible and independent individuals. Let’s work together to support our children in this important aspect of their growth.

Here are some practical examples of how parents can encourage their children to take responsibility for their school items:

1. Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine where children pack their school bags the night before as this ensures they are prepared for the next day.
2. Designate a Specific Spot: Have a designated spot at home for school supplies and bags. This makes it easier for children to find and store their items, reducing the chances of losing them.
3. Use Checklists: Provide children with a checklist of items they need to bring to school each day. This can include books, homework, lunch, and any special items for activities.
4. Lead by Example: Parents can model responsible behaviour by organising their own belongings and explaining the importance of being prepared. Children often learn by observing their parents’ actions.
5. Encourage Independence: Allow children to make decisions about their school items, such as choosing their own backpack or organizing their supplies. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
6. Positive Reinforcement: Praise and acknowledge children when they remember to bring their school items. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and encourage them to continue being responsible.
7. Discuss Consequences: Have a conversation about the consequences of forgetting school items, such as missing out on activities or not being able to complete assignments. Understanding the impact of their actions can motivate children to be more responsible.

By incorporating these strategies, parents can help their children develop a habit of taking responsibility for their school items, which will benefit them both academically and personally.

And to end on a light note, here’s a little anecdote: One morning, a parent noticed their child frantically searching for their missing homework. After a few minutes of chaos, the child triumphantly pulled out the crumpled paper from their backpack, exclaiming, “I found it! It was hiding in the secret compartment!” The parent couldn’t help but laugh, realising that the “secret compartment” was just the bottom of the bag.

It was a small victory, but a step towards responsibility nonetheless!

Hard to believe it is Week 5 and the weeks are going so quickly.

Kind regards

Miss Jane Campion
Head of Junior School

Oxley College Mobile Device Policy – 2025

From the Deputy Head of College, Mark Case

The following is adapted from my newsletter article on 23 August 2024:

There is compelling evidence that smartphone and social media use is having a significantly detrimental impact on the wellbeing of young people. It is leading to increases in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as disrupted sleep patterns. Furthermore, studies have shown that a smartphone-free school environment can enhance students’ focus, reduce cyberbullying, and improve overall academic performance.

The nexus of smartphones and social media is especially damaging. Their impact on the health and wellbeing of children and young people is a public health issue. At this crucial stage in the development of the brain, children are forming their identity, looking for validation from peers, engaging in social comparison and looking for connection with others. This makes them especially vulnerable to the business model of social media companies, which involves keeping users on their platform as much as possible.

The Federal Government has recently announced that they intend to pass legislation next year to prevent children under the age of 16 from having social media accounts. This welcome step supports Oxley’s position on smartphones and the evidence-based concerns we have for the damage that social media has been having on children and young people over the past 15 years.

In 2025, Oxley College will have a smartphone-free policy for all students below Year 9.

This means that students in Years K-8 will not be permitted to bring a smartphone to school or to any school event. If students in those cohorts need to bring a mobile phone to school or to any school event (which includes Saturday sport), they will need to acquire a feature phone, previously referred to as a ‘brickphone’ or ‘dumbphone’ (see below). Following the government’s announcement this week, at this stage it is our intention to extend this policy in 2026 to include Year 9 students in that year (ie. students currently in Year 7).

For parents with children in Years K-8 who do not have a smartphone, this policy aims to provide significant support for you in delaying giving your child a smartphone.

I will be writing to all 2025 Oxley families next week to reiterate the College’s position on this.

In 2025:

Junior School: students must not bring a smartphone to school or to any school event. If students need to bring a phone for the purpose of texting/calling parents or carers after school, they may bring a feature phone but must hand it in to their class teacher each day.

Years 7 & 8: students must not bring a smartphone to school or to any school event, including Saturday sport. If students need to bring a phone for the purpose of texting/calling parents or carers after school, they may bring a feature phone, but it must be stored in their locker during the school day, when on excursions or on Saturdays when attending sport. They may also keep it in their sports bag when at sport.

Year 8 (Year 9 2026): We are conscious that the change in policy is most challenging for this cohort of students, in which the majority (although not all), will already have a smartphone and social media access; adjusting to this policy will be especially challenging. However, given our commitment to protecting the health of young people, we believe it is our responsibility to limit, if not eliminate, its use until students are old enough to be able to use this technology safely. Therefore, it may be necessary for students to purchase an alternative feature phone device for school/school events and sport.

Years 9-12: students may bring a smartphone to school, but it must be stored in their locker during the school day and when on excursions.  Any exceptions to this will be at the discretion of the Head of Senior School.

Some FAQs:

What about smartwatches?

We discourage students bringing these devices to school. Some smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, have “school mode”, which disables notifications; however, like other devices, this can be circumvented. It would be very difficult for the school to operate a ban on smartwatches; however, students using their smartwatch for anything other than telling the time during the school day can expect to have it confiscated.

What about buses returning early/late from Saturday away games, and the need for students to inform parents?

We will be introducing a procedure next year in which parents will be sent a message if the bus is anticipated to return at least 15 minutes earlier/later than the published time; students will not need their phone to do this themselves.

My child’s smartphone does not have any social media apps or internet browser on it, so why can’t they bring it to school?

Experience over many years has shown that, despite the best intentions and determination of parents, students have repeatedly found ingenious ways to circumvent such attempts.

What about iMessage? Students can still access this on their laptop.

We are aware that students do this, and it is very difficult to prevent/catch students doing it. It would help us considerably if parents did not respond or contact their children in this way! We are in the process of assembling a pilot group of students in the Senior School who have volunteered (with their parents/carers agreement) to have software installed that will prevent students from being able to do this on the school network. If successful, we will roll this out in 2025.

Definitions

Classifying tech devices can be complex and confusing. For the purposes of our policy, here are some definitions:

Smartphone: a mobile phone with internet access and an operating system capable of running downloaded apps, including internet browsing, and/or social media apps.

Smartwatch: a wearable device, with additional computerised functionality. They vary considerably in their capabilities. Cellular smartwatches contain an eSIM that connects to mobile networks, without the need for a smartphone. Non-Cellular Bluetooth smartwatches function as an accessory to a smartphone when in close proximity.

Feature phone: a mobile phone that typically includes features like calling/messaging, and sometimes basic internet connectivity, but does not support the advanced functionality of a smartphone, including internet browsing or social media apps.  

There are many feature phones on the market that retail around $60-$130, including many Nokia models. See Alternatives to smartphones in Australia: Safer, smarter choices for kids | Wait Mate for other examples.

This change in our policy is made in the best interests of the health of children, and our aim to develop confident and capable young people. We realise that there will be a period of adjustment for many families in adapting to this. It will also require some parents/carers to change their current practice of messaging their children during the school day (or responding to their children’s messages). By avoiding messaging their children during the school day, parents/carers are helping them to grow up to become confident, responsible, capable and independent young people.

Further reading: Please see the College website: Smartphones and Social Media – Oxley College and also Jonathan Haidt’s book ‘The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness’, published by Penguin Press (March 2024).

Kind regards

Mark Case
Deputy Head of College

New Staff Announcements – 2025

We are excited to announce the addition of new teaching staff at Oxley College for 2025, reflecting our ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for our students. We take great pride in the calibre of teachers we are attracting, each bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for education. These dedicated professionals are not only experts in their fields but also share our values of courage, kindness, and wisdom, ensuring that they will contribute significantly to the holistic development of our students. We look forward to welcoming them into our vibrant community and are confident that they will inspire and empower our learners to reach their full potential.

Philipa Peters – Teacher of 7-12 Studies of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics

Philipa Peters is an experienced Australian educator and Senior Leader with a background in both international and NSW teaching. Her career has focused on History, Philosophy, and Ethics, with leadership roles at prestigious schools in Asia and Australia. Philipa holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney, with a double major in History and Government and International Relations, complimenting her teaching degree. She is committed to fostering an engaging learning environment, developing students’ critical thinking skills, and creating inclusive spaces. Her expertise extends to curriculum design, well-being initiatives, and pastoral care, reflecting her dedication to holistic education and student empowerment. Philipa is joining us from Kambala.

Maeghan Stace – Teacher of 7-12 Humanities

Maeghan Stace, Old Oxleyan, is a dedicated educator with extensive qualifications, holding a Master of Secondary Education (Double Major in French and HASS) from Charles Sturt University, and both a Bachelor of Letters (French) and a Bachelor of Archaeology Honours (First Class, H1) with the University Medal from Flinders University of South Australia. She has been teaching Humanities (Years 8-11) at St Peter’s Girls’ School in Adelaide with a strong commitment to fostering positive, supportive learning environments.

David Smith – Teacher of 7-12 Design & Technology

David Smith is a dedicated and experienced educator specialising in Design and Technology and PDHPE, with over a decade of teaching experience in primary and secondary non-government schools across NSW and the ACT, most recently at Newington College. He holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design complimenting his Teaching degree, specialising in TAS and PDHPE. David is passionate about hands-on learning, particularly in furniture and woodcraft, and has extensive AFL playing and coaching experience. He emphasises student-centred learning, well-being, and skill development, creating a safe and engaging environment for all students.

Tammy Nelson – Junior School Teacher

Tammy Nelson is a passionate and dedicated Junior School Teacher with a strong commitment to holistic student development. With a Master of Teaching (Primary) and a Bachelor of Music (Performance) from the Australian Institute of Music, Tammy blends academic excellence with a love for the arts. Her pedagogical approach centres on inclusive, student-focused learning environments that promote well-being, a sense of belonging, and personal growth. Tammy emphasises evidence-based practices, regularly incorporating current research into her teaching. She thrives in collaborative settings, contributing actively to both academic and co-curricular programs, including creative and performing arts initiatives.

Nichola Kirk – Junior School Teacher

Nichola Kirk is a dedicated Junior School Teacher with 15 years of K-6 experience in Australia and New Zealand who excels in fostering inclusive, student-centered classrooms. With expertise in structured literacy and data-driven teaching, Nichola aligns her practice with evidence-based methods to support academic growth and student well-being. Known for her collaborative approach with students, parents, and staff, she contributes actively to school-wide initiatives and co-curricular programs, bringing a strong commitment to holistic student development.

Richard Coward – Head of Music Co-curricular

Richard Coward is a seasoned Music educator with 28 years of experience, including 16 years leading co-curricular music programs. Currently teaching Music at St Mary’s Star of the Sea College, Richard has quickly enhanced their co-curricular music offerings, establishing new ensembles and creating performance opportunities. Formerly the Head of Bands and Contemporary Music at MLC School Burwood, he led a team delivering exceptional music education, directing multiple ensembles and co-ordinating high-profile events. Richard is a dedicated leader known for fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment, empowering students to excel and grow through music. A senior HSC Music 1 marker and experienced program manager, he brings a strong commitment to student engagement and community enrichment through the performing arts.

Senior School Sport

Thank you for your ongoing support of Oxley Sport. We’ve had an impressive start to the summer season, and we are proud of the effort and commitment our students are showing. As the season progresses, I’d like to remind you of a few key details to ensure your child’s participation runs smoothly. I have also included some important dates to make note of in Term 1, 2025.

Uniform

All students must wear the full Oxley PE/Sport uniform for Saturday fixtures, including appropriate footwear (no Crocs, slides, or Ugg boots). Students wishing to spectate, including siblings, are also expected to be in PE uniform.

Attendance

Attendance at both training and games is compulsory. Absences should only occur due to illness, injury, or exceptional circumstances. If your child will be absent for a training session or game for any other reason, prior permission from the Head of Sport is required.

Communication

For any queries regarding absences, pick-up arrangements, or other logistical matters, we kindly ask that you direct all communication to sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au rather than contacting coaches directly.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

For home games, students should arrive 30 minutes early. For away games, please ensure they arrive 5-10 minutes before the bus departs. If your child is not travelling with the team, please notify the Sports Department. If not collected within 10 minutes of arrival back at school, students will wait in the sports office in the PCC or will be supervised by their coach until you arrive.

Sportsmanship and Conduct

At Oxley, we believe that success in sport extends beyond just winning—it’s about fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and teamwork. As representatives of our school, both on and off the field, all students, coaches, and spectators are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship.

For Students:

We expect all athletes to demonstrate respect for their teammates, opponents, officials, and coaches at all times.

• Respect for Officials: Disagreements with referees or umpires are part of sport, but athletes must always accept decisions without complaint or disrespect.
• Team Spirit: Students should encourage and support their teammates, celebrating collective success and learning from mistakes together.
• Behavior Off the Field: When students represent Oxley College, whether traveling to away games or attending post-match events, we expect them to uphold the school’s values. This means acting responsibly, showing consideration for others, and maintaining the same high standards of behavior that are expected on campus.

For Spectators:

Parents, carers, and supporters play a crucial role in creating a positive sporting atmosphere. We ask that you model good sportsmanship for our students by offering positive encouragement for all teams and respecting coaches and officials.

Term 1, 2025 Dates:

Senior School Sport Training Recommences: Week 2 (Monday 3^rd February)

ISA Summer Season Round 7: Saturday 8^th February

Oxley College Senior School Swimming Carnival: Wednesday 19^th February

ISA Summer Season Semi-Finals: Saturday 8^th March

ISA Summer Season Finals: Saturday 15^th March

ISA Swimming Carnival: Tuesday 18^th March (date changed due to clash with NAPLAN)

Oxley College Senior School Cross-Country Carnival: TBC

Kind regards

Mr Josh Hurkett
Head of Senior School Sport

Junior School – Jump Rope for Heart Week!

We are excited to announce that Oxley Junior School will be celebrating Jump Rope for Heart Week in Week 6 this term. Jump Rope for Heart is the Heart Foundation’s primary school skipping initiative, designed to help kids move more, have fun, and raise funds for life-saving research and programs. This term, students from Prep to Year 6 have been honing their jump rope skills and working on their fitness during PE lessons, focusing on rhythm, timing, coordination, and teamwork, all in preparation for Jump Rope for Heart Week.

Throughout Week 6, skipping ropes will be available on school grounds, and students will be encouraged to skip during break times. This initiative will help them enhance their skills, increase physical activity, and learn about heart health. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their skills through various activities and competitions throughout the week. To support the Heart Foundation, we ask that all students bring a gold coin donation on Thursday, 21st November (Week 6) to help raise vital funds in the fight against heart disease. Class teachers will collect the donations on the day, and we appreciate your generosity and support for this important cause.

We look forward to jumping into Week 6, filled with fun, fitness, and learning. We can’t wait to see all our students participating in Jump Rope for Heart Week.

Details:

Date: Thursday, 21st November

Cost: Gold coin donation

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program.

Summer Sports Dates for 2024 and 2025: 

Below are the final dates for Junior School Sports training and games for 2024, as well as the recommencement dates for 2025.

Please contact sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.  

 Warm regards

Fran Dorczak
Head of Junior School Sport

Visual Arts – The Transurban Art Prize

The Transurban Art Prize is open to high school students from Years 7 to 10 in NSW. Artworks must be original and respond to the Transurban Art Prize 2024 theme, ‘Connections’. Poppy O’ Sullivan entered her work this year titled ‘Angel Monroe’ and is to be congratulated on her efforts. We encourage all students to enter work into competitions to further their artistic exploration. Congratulations Poppy on a beautiful artwork. We look forward to seeing more students entries for next year.

Poppy’s work can be found on the Transurban Website under the 2024 Gallery Artworks.

Prize | Transurban

Kind regards

Sara Aitken & Matthew Bentham

Parents & Friends Association

We are excited to announce the first Oxley P&F Textbook & Uniform swap meet / car boot sale on Friday 6 December. More details will follow shortly.

All parents and carers are welcome to join us for the P&F Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 19 November commencing at 5.30pm in Room 27.

The P&F is still need of an Accountant to audit the P&F accounts for 2024. If you would be interested in doing this audit, 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

Kristy Curr
P&F Vice President, Junior 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

Term / Week	Date	Event	Other information
Week 6	Tue 19 Nov	P&F AGM & Thank You
	Wed 20 Nov	Year 6 Celebration
Week 7	All Week	Mamma Mia!
Week 8	Wed 4 Dec	Junior School Final Assembly
	Thurs 5 Dec	Speech Night	Compulsory for all Year 3-12 students https://www.trybooking.com/CWRUU
		Last day of Term 4

Further Ahead

Thursday 30 January: Welcome Day (all Year 7, all Year 11 and new students in 8-12)

Friday 31 January 2025: Term 1 begins for all students

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!

Mamma Mia Mezze Boxes!

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

If you’re coming along, book your Mezze Box now via the link below: