Volume Twelve, Friday 30th August 2024

Greetings,

Special greetings to all fathers and all those who serve this role, as we mark and celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday 1st September. Fatherhood is a special ministry as is motherhood.

St John Baptist de La Salle formed the first Brothers of the Institute by using father and mother as a metaphor, encouraging the Brothers to have the gentleness of a mother and firmness of a father. The student-teacher relationship in a Lasallian school is modelled on the special role and relationship a father and mother have with their children.

Br Jeffrey Calligan fsc, gives us an insight into what St John Baptist de La Salle understood by this special role and relationship of a father through De La Salle’s writing on God the Father. For De La Salle, God the Father representing the nature of fatherhood, is marked by two qualities: wisdom and gentleness. This wise God the Father sees all, knows all, understands all, and is present to all. God the Father does not condemn. God the Father knows humankind and in wisdom loves its imperfection. God the Father is the font of all knowledge, equity, and mercy. God the Father’s loving providence creates mystery and lovingly houses it in the common everyday fabric of life with love and care that enriches us and leads us as it unfolds. There is no harshness in God the Father. God the Father exercises a loving vigilance and corrects by love and example and is companion and guide: listening and watching with subtlety and vibrancy.

St John Baptist de La Salle describes God the Father very much as he saw his own father and the ministry of fatherhood. Fatherhood is an important ministry which we need to cherish and respect, show gratitude for, and celebrate. Let us not forget to pray for our fathers and all those who fulfill the role of father, especially on Father’s Day.

To conclude, I wish to commend the pursuit of excellence (one of our five Lasallian principles) in a variety of activities and events over the past few weeks. I congratulate our Year 12 on their preparation for and completion of their Trial Exams. I congratulate staff and students for their accomplishments in winter sport with the vast majority of teams winning the Final in their grade. Last week Oakhill College Firsts Tennis team, Firsts Netball team and Firsts Boys Football team all won their competition Final. Oakhill College concluded the winter sport season, ISA Overall Champion School for Tennis and Boys Football. I congratulate the recent Performing Arts Showcase and the upcoming Visual Arts and TAS Showcases. I also congratulate staff and students for their generosity and sense of service, compassion, and empathy shown at the Mission Action Day (MAD) events, Jersey Day for organ donation, and for fathers at the Father’s Day Liturgy on Friday 30th August.

Oakhill College’s purpose as a Lasallian school is to touch hearts and transform lives, forming good men and women, and good citizens mindful of a better future for all, and to do this the best we can.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization. Mahatma Ghandi.

With war waging on our screens every night, may we work and pray for the victory of Ghandi’s vision and make sure we practice inclusion at Oakhill College.

We pray for Mrs Melissa Youell (staff member) and her family. Melissa's mother recently passed away, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. 

Eternal rest grant to her O Lord.
May the perpetual lights shine for ever upon her.
And the choir of angels come to greet her.
May she rest in peace .
Amen.

2024 Mission Action Day is on again on Tuesday 3rd September. The theme is Walk as One as we walk together to support our brothers and sisters in Pakistan and Papua New Guinea. By participating, we show our commitment to standing together and supporting communities beyond our own. 

Students will be participating in several activities to raise money. Each student is asked to raise a minimum of $20.00. Every ticket purchased gives students an automatic entry into the major prize raffle for each year group. Prizes include Playstation 5s, iPads, NRL Grand Final tickets, Event Cinema movie tickets and more. We also have a teacher vs student football match and MAD Fashions on the Field.

Donations via: www.trybooking.com/1266828

The funds we raise will go towards critical projects in Pakistan and PNG, providing much-needed assistance and hope.

Today we celebrated our fathers, grandfathers and father figures at our Father's Day Mass. Thank you to all those that attended this special occasion.

We wish everyone a happy Father's Day this weekend!

There are several faith opportunities students can get involved in at Oakhill each week. The Mission Team encourages everyone to come along!

Ms Jaimee Bocasan
Co-ordinator of Prayer and Liturgy

Join us for the Lasallians Without Borders Service Program Bingo Night on Saturday 31st August. Tickets only $20 are on sale now: www.trybooking.com/CTBQN .

All proceeds go towards the College's Service Program in India and Fiji in the September/October holidays.

Please note, there has been some slight changes to the Term dates for 2025. Please find the finalised dates below: 

Term 1
Friday 31st January - Year 7 and 11, Term 1 commences
Monday 3rd February - Year 8, 9, 10 and 12, Term 1 commences
Friday 11th April - Term 1 concludes

Term 2
Monday 28th April – Term 2 commences
Friday 27th June – Term 2 concludes

Term 3
Monday 21st July – Term 3 commences
Friday 26th September – Term 3 concludes

Term 4
Monday 13th October – Term 4 commences
Thursday 4th December – Year 10 Term 4 concludes
Tuesday 9th December - Years 7 ,8, 9 and 11 students Term 4 concludes

Ms Deborah Gillis
Acting Deputy Principal

A reminder that the third and final instalment for 2024 College fees (one third of your annual fees) was due on Thursday 15th August unless you pay in instalments via School Easy Pay. Fee statements were issued prior to the beginning of term.

Could you please organise payment if not already made or contact the Accounts Receivable Office on 9899 2288 if there are any matters relating to your statement that you need to discuss.

Ms Lisa Camilleri
Accounts Receivable Officer

Nathan Colaco and Christian Attard (Year 11) both found their participation in the Generational Leadership Program to be a highly impactful experience. Below they shares some insight into the program, their inspirations and a quick summary of what it involved.

The Generational Leadership Program has been a journey, if not a development of my mindset, vision, and influence. The program has not only developed my overall networking and social skills but also fostered confidence in myself, a mindset I have adopted to guide and partner with various individuals. Most notably, I was honoured with the opportunity to collaborate with Mrs Julia Fleming - Education Officer, Women’s Shelters, and Mrs Jane Frewen - Director of Facilities, Woolworths 360. I strongly believe that the biggest takeaway from the Leadership Program has been self-discovery, building self-confidence to overcome challenges, especially balancing the program's various modules, examinations, volunteer service and sports.

The Generational Leadership Program entailed various modules, each to develop personal goals and an overarching project, the Community Service Proposal. The final showcase hosted well over a hundred guests, an audience to several community initiatives. The event fostered an environment that allowed young adults to share and express the pitches we had dedicated so much time towards. My initiative, Actifun Kids is dedicated to improving fitness, headspace, and social skills for children impacted by homelessness and domestic violence. The project specifically entails the delivery of various fitness exercises, team sports, games, and friendly competitions, delivered and led by youth leaders.

I was heavily inspired by the initiatives Oakhill College is part of through various service opportunities and leadership programs. Year 10 Walk the Talk has had a strong impact on my community pitch. Another inspiration has been the range of service around the College, most notably Anglican Retirement Village visits and Special Olympics, which stemmed my inspiration for youth leadership driving my initiative.

The Generational Leadership program has been a journey of self-growth and development, and I encourage any aspiring leaders to participate if offered the opportunity.
- Nathan Colaco, Year 11

I was fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to participate in The Future Leaders Program, a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. The program saw months of hard work and dedication, which encompassed working with industry leaders and professionals, and networking with students from several schools across Sydney.

Over eight months, I worked with my mentor to set goals that would lay foundations for healthy habits and mindsets to future success. This was reinforced with the MAXI principles, helping me to Make Things Happen, Achieve Personal Significance, ‘X’ out the Negatives, and Internalise Right Principals. These principles aided my personal development to take initiative and ownership in my own life, whilst acknowledging my personal efforts, and eliminating the necessity to be a perfectionist. Ultimately, this helped me develop resilience by adapting to change and overcoming challenges.

During the Program, we were tasked with developing two major works, one of which was a Community Service Pitch (CSP) that focused on an issue which is prevalent in society and something important to us, and the other a personal expression piece. My CSP, “The Step Forward Project”, would focus on developing and working to rehabilitate Female Victims of Domestic Violence, by providing victims access to resources to help overcome their trauma, to feel safe and confident enough to become independent and break the cycle of abuse. I was especially influenced after researching the recovery process, and how domestic violence has increased in numbers over the last decade. The need for help is becoming more prevalent.

I was honoured to receive the Scholarship and represent Oakhill College with my fellow classmate Nathan Colaco. Although at times we were challenged, we learnt to prioritise and push through, finding the confidence and drive to balance our workloads. This opportunity is something I am extremely thankful for, and the learnings I have taken away will be ones I reflect on and continue to apply into the future.
- Christian Attard, Year 11

Congratulations to two of Oakhill's talented staff who have recently represented their sport at a national level in International sporting events: 

Mr Alex Vlismas played for Australia in Futsal, with his team narrowly missing out in progressing through the group stage. They versed the top teams in the United States with players ranging from within the States and in neighbouring countries from South America such as Mexico and Brazil.

The first game they lost to Bay City 5-2. The second game was lost to one of the top teams Miami - 6-0. The third game they won against strong competition Ocho - 3-1, and they also played an international friendly against Mexico.

Mr Josh Naidu has been selected to play for the International Indian Rugby League team to play against the Philippines in a test match in Brisbane in the school holidays for points towards for the next world cup.

Today, Friday 30th August, Oakhill students wore jerseys in support of Jersey Day. Jersey Day is not a fundraising day, it is a day to raise awareness about organ donation.

Oakhill is a proud supporter of Jersey Day, which began when Nathan Gremmo (Class of 2019) was killed in 2015. His family selflessly chose to donate Nathan's organs, giving the gift of life to six other people.

Michael Gremmo, Nathan's father appeared on A Current Affair, you can view that moving interview here: https://9now.nine.com.au/a-cur...

To learn more about Jersey Day please visit www.jerseyday.com.au

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

On Tuesday 20th August, Agriculture and Yarn Circle students came together to participate in the "Cooling the Schools" program, an initiative dedicated to creating greener, healthier environments on school grounds. This free program, run by Greening Australia in collaboration with the Department of Education (DoE) and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), aims to combat urban heat while supporting biodiversity.

The program provides up to 200 plants to establish tree canopy cover and native habitats within school premises. By planting these trees, the initiative seeks to reduce the effects of urban heat, supporting cooler and more sustainable environments for children to learn and explore.

During the event, students learned about the significance of plant cover in mitigating urban heat and enhancing biodiversity. Additionally, they were introduced to the cultural connections associated with the native plants selected for the area, gaining a deeper understanding of the land’s heritage and ecological importance.

"Cooling the Schools" is making a positive impact across Greater Sydney, one tree at a time, ensuring that future generations will have greener spaces to enjoy and thrive in.

Mrs Stellina Trestrail
Co-ordinator of Agriculture

Please find below a link to the latest edition of The Oakhill Drive, our alumni magazine.

We hope you enjoy reading about the various paths our past students have taken since leaving the College.

https://bit.ly/ODAug24

Mrs Lisa Foulstone
Marketing Officer

The College Business, Commerce, Economics and Finance related Careers Breakfast was a resounding success, with a full house of students eager to learn from our distinguished alumni and guests. The event highlighted the diverse career paths in business and finance, showing the next steps to opening doors to endless opportunities.

Carmel Emanuel (Class of 1981) a business and accounting expert, shared her journey from Oakhill to becoming a respected academic leader. She emphasised the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and mentorship, illustrating how these elements can shape a successful career.

Stephen Halmarick (Class of 1982) Chief Economist at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, spoke about the vast scope of careers in economics and finance. He highlighted how your degree can take you where you want to go, provided you stay informed, adaptable, and open to new challenges.

Yvette McEnearney (Class of 1989) an accomplished leader in the technology and telecommunications industries, inspired students with her journey of balancing a successful career with life’s challenges. She emphasised the value of curiosity, a can-do attitude, and the willingness to try new things.

Grant Brits (Class of 2005) Olympic medallist turned finance leader, discussed the importance of discipline, motivation, and embracing every opportunity. His transition from sports to business showcased the power of determination and resilience.

Anthony Ceroli (Class of 2004) a marketing and sales expert, shared insights from his 15-year career in tech sales and his recent move into real estate. He highlighted the importance of listening, building relationships, and approaching each opportunity with innovation and hard work.

Marguerite Jensen, Director and Managing Partner of Jensen Real Estate, spoke about her passion for real estate and her journey to becoming a leading figure in the industry. Her commitment to honesty, strong principles, and client satisfaction was inspiring.

We also had representatives from University of Sydney and Macquarie University who advised on the opportunities available, including Sienna Beldham-Collins (Class of 2022) Macquarie University Student Ambassador, shared her experiences as a recent graduate pursuing a business degree.

We extend our thanks for their invaluable contributions to our breakfast. Their stories of success, perseverance, and passion provided our students with the motivation and guidance to pursue their dreams.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

During Book Week, Year 7 was lucky to have award-winning poet Solli Raphaael come and speak to them. Named an icon of 21st century poetry, Solli has broken barriers in making poetry more accessible and relatable for everyone. Oakhill's Year 7 cohort were amazed at what Solli has achieved at such a young age and were inspired by his story. 

Harrison McCaffrey, Year 7 reflects: 

Solli Raphael coming to Oakhill was a unique experience. He introduced us to a new technique of writing poems which allowed us to make better and more empowering slam poems teeming with imagery. Solli Rapheal also told us about his own inspiring story which led him to become an author and a slam poet. He taught us about a new book which he pioneered, where chapters are replaced with poems and leaves a very powerful message. Solli Raphael also showed us some of his poems from the books he has written, he even shared a poem from a book which has yet to be published. We also learned about some of the issues that matter to Solli, including environmentalism and conservation. He taught us the importance of finding our voice and how to actively combat these issues. It was a great opportunity which advanced everyone's knowledge about poetry.

Ms Madeleine Gray
Academic Head of English

Please join us to celebrate Oakhill's talented HSC students as they showcase their works in Industrial Technology Timber, Industrial Technology Graphics, Design and Technology and Visual Arts.  Congratulations to all students on their outstanding pieces.

The Showcase will take place in Benildus Hall and CSC foyer on Tuesday 3rd September, 5.30pm - 7.30pm. 

We hope to see as many of our community there as possible. 

HSC Visual Arts students have demonstrated diligence and creativity in the making of their Body of Work. Over the past few months, artworks have evolved demonstrating sophisticated rendering skills, conceptual depth and resolution. The student's artworks take the viewer on a journey into their world and challenge them through the exploration of ideas. 

Our outstanding recipients for Artist of the Month for July is Bianca Salloman and Artist of the Month for August is Alyzandra Almario. Congratulations ladies on this award. 

On behalf of the Visual Arts Faculty, we wish all our Year 12 students the best for the final submission in September.

Mrs Marie Hogan
Academic Head Visual Arts

Congratulations to the following Year 12 students who have been recognised for their outstanding effort and dedication during work placement. The following students will be honoured with an award at the upcoming 2024 The Skill Engineer Ltd's 2024 VET Awards:

Lukas Nicholls - outstanding effort and dedication during Work Placement in Construction.

Isaac Tocher - outstanding effort and dedication during Work Placement in Hospitality - Cookery.

Nicholas Gomez - outstanding effort and dedication during Work Placement in Entertainment.

Ms Heidi Mckay
Academic Head of VET Pathways

History students across Years 8, 9 and 10 from Oakhill College tested their historical skills and knowledge against students all around Australia in the 2024 Australian HIstory Competition. The Competition is proudly supported by The History Teachers Association of Australia.

Students from schools all across Australia entered the Australian History Competition so the results gives us an external benchmark as to how our students are performing in certain aspects of History. The Australian History competition noted that this year's paper was harder than previous years and had a stronger focus on interpreting and analysing sources for information.

We have recently received the results and are very proud of our students' achievements.

We have a number of Historians at our school who performed at a very high level in the competition this year with three students gaining High Distinctions, four gaining Distinctions, eight Credits and 17 Merits.

Of particular note are:

Stage 4 Category from Year 8
Sebastian Haywood achieved a High Distinction with a mark of 92.
Angelo Chichizola achieved a High Distinction with a mark of 88.
Maxym Zhebelev achieved a Distinction with a mark of 82.

Stage 5 Category from Year 9
Jack Towers a High Distinction with a mark of 88.

Stage 5 Category from Year 10
Samuel Diaz Gomez achieved a Distinction with a mark of 76.
Senuk Ranasinghe achieved a Distinction with a mark of 76.
Joel Orshansky achieved a Distinction with a mark of 74.

Congratulations to all our entrants for their participation and we look forward to entering the 2025 Australian History Competition.

Mrs Gloria Richards
Academic Head of History

Book Week 2024 at Oakhill occurred in Week 4. The theme this year was ‘Time to Read’ with time related games and activities all week.

According to research conducted by Reading Australia 56% of teenagers said ‘lack of time’ was their top barrier to reading. READING AUSTRALIA

Students in Year 7 and 8 visited the Library during a Mathematics lesson to play some time and reading related games. Hopefully after this lesson students gained a greater understanding of the different types of reading they are doing in their day to day life.

Students in Year 8 were given the opportunity to attend a guest author talk with Jeremy Lachlan. Students enjoyed hearing about the 17-year journey of writing an epic adventure in the form of two different duologies. These books are available through the Library website for students to access.

During Wednesday Tutor Time all students were given a ‘speed reading’ challenge in the form of an online quiz. Congratulations to the Tutor Groups who were able to test their reading skills up to 1,000 words per minute. The Guinness World Record Holder can read at 25,000 words per minute. Click Here to learn about his tips for speed reading.

Finally, during lunch times in the Library students could take part in a number of fun ‘minute-to-win-it’ games and scavenger hunt activities over the week culminating in a ‘bowling number challenge’. All week students were completing these activities and earning prizes along the way.

Thank you to the Oakhill staff and students for their support of Book Week and special thank you to the Library staff who created and managed the initiatives during the week.

Parents, I encourage you to make time for reading for yourself and your family during the month of August. Happy Book Week!

Ms Tania Moriarty 
Academic Head of Library

As we celebrate Australian School Library Day here is some information about Library staff and what we do.

My name is Mrs Moriarty, I am the Academic Head of Library at Oakhill College. My job is to help support the teaching staff and students at Oakhill College so that all their information needs are met. I help organise collaborations with different faculties and I help coordinate the Reading Boost program so that students can be rewarded for the reading that they are doing. I enjoy purchasing books that students or teachers would like to read. The best part of my job is helping students see the value in reading for pleasure.

My name Ms Ng, and I am a Teacher Librarian at Oakhill College’s Library. My role is to source and promote a diverse range of reading materials to Oakhill staff and students, so that their educational and recreational interests are met and well-supported. Furthermore, I collaborate with classroom teachers to design and implement stage appropriate lessons to help students identify and access quality information sources as well as sample different fictional worlds. It is our mission to promote reading as a valuable, self-enriching experience for all Oakhill students.

Our names are Ms Fabris and Ms Visnjic, and we are the two Library Assistants at the Library. Together we are responsible for maintaining the collection and processing all the fantastic new books that come into our Library. Recently during Book Week, we had the opportunity to share some fun lunchtime activities with the students and transformed the Library with displays for our theme Time to Read. Every Wednesday lunchtime, students are always welcome to participate in Reading Club where we have conversations about books and spend some time reading. We love sharing the Library space with all our wonderful students.

Ms Tania Moriarty
Academic Head of Library

Congratulations to Oakhill's debating teams who had an enjoayble and successful competitive season. Oakhill's Year 11 debating team made it all the way to the Grand Final and the Year 9 team also had great success making it to the final rounds. 

Last week marked the conclusion of our winter sports season, and I am pleased to share the outstanding results. Congratulations to our Football and Tennis teams for being named the ISA Champion School. Additionally, our First Girls Netball team secured the Divison 1 title.

ISA Titles Achieved by Oakhill College for the 2024 Winter Sport Season:

• Rugby Premiers: 3rd XV, 5th XV, 15D
• Netball Premiers: 1st Girls
• Tennis Premiers: 1sts, 3rds, 10ths (Champion ISA Tennis School)
• Football Premiers: 1st XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 15A, 14A, 14B, and 13C (Champion ISA Football School)
  
  

Special Congratulations to Our 1st Teams:

• 1st XV Rugby: 2nd place
• 1st XI Boys Football: 1st place
• 1st XI Girls Football: 3rd place
• 1sts Netball: 1st place
• 1sts Tennis: 1st place

Summer Sport Season Registration

Registration for the summer sport season is now closed. Players and parents are reminded to check closely the grading and trial details. We look forward to a successful summer sports season and thank everyone for their dedication and hard work throughout the winter.

Student Achievement

Julian Rodriguez - Football

Julian (Year 12) represented NSW in the NSW/QLD 19 Years and Under Boys Football Exchange held in Brisbane, Queensland from 20th-23rd August.

The NSW team unfortunately lost the final game of the exchange to Queensland Maroon to finish in 2nd place. However, Julian was selected in the exchange merit team. Further consultation between national selectors will determine if Julian is selected in the National Team. This announcement should be made over the coming days. We all wish Julian the best of luck, hoping this will top off an outstanding season.

Mr Anthony Toro
Acting Head of Sport

Year 12 student, Marcus Campagna was recently honoured at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. Marcus was recognised for his amazing efforts as the North Western Sydney Young Nominee for 2024. Pictured with Mayor Dr Peter Gangemi Hills Shire Council.

Purchase an Entertainment Membership just in time for Father’s Day! 

Support Oakhill's fundraiser and get incredible rewards! Purchase a Single City Membership today for just $70, and you will receive:

• A $20 Activ Visa eGift Card – Yours instantly with any membership purchase! 
• FREE Multi City Upgrade – Access offers across Australia, New Zealand, and Bali!
• Up to 50% off dining, shopping, travel, and more for 12 months!

But that’s not all! Your membership will also:

• Contribute 20% directly to Oakhill College
• Entry into Entertainment’s 30th Birthday Competition
• Unlock everyday savings with up to 10% off Gift Cards, exclusive travel deals, and more!

Hurry, this offer is only available until Monday, 2nd September!

Order Here - https://subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/21434p0

What a fantastic day we had at the annual P&F Golf Day held at Lynwood Golf Course and Country Club on Friday 23rd August! The sun was shining, everyone was smiling, and the day was once again a huge success, with 90 guests registered to tee off.

It was wonderful to meet and connect with both new and familiar faces from our Oakhill community. It was also great to see so many ladies join us on the green this year.

The Oakhill College P&F would like to thank all those who attended the day along with our generous sponsors and supporters of the College. Without your support, our fundraising and social events would not be the success they are. With your help, we raised just under $6,500 to go towards our fundraising endeavours.

Special thanks to the team at Lynwood, Nicole Moog and Julie Campagna who helped me ensuring that the day ran smoothly. Thanks also to Carla Vassallo and Penny Toon from Elite Events & Travel Group who also helped out on the day with awards and raffle prizes.

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Brent Callan-Kerknezov’s TEAM IVY – who took home the P&F Golf Day Trophy as winners of the 2024 P&F Golf Day.

MAJOR SPONSOR:
Elite Events & Travel Group

LUNCH SPONSOR:
The Epping Club

HOLE SPONSORS:
Affective Building Services
Core Broking
Makinson d'Apice Lawyers
Linxman Golf
Oxford Plumbing
Roadwork Solutions
Spinal and Sports Care
Valour Sport

Ms Carina Morales
P&F President

Please find below the upcoming Uniform Shop roster. 

Suzanne Haskins​​​​
Uniform Shop Manager