Volume Three, Friday 14th March 2025

Greetings,

We all need to be people of hope, for it is hope that drives us to do good and be better people. At Oakhill College we teach empathy, compassion, respect and understanding through our five key principles: respect for all persons; inclusivity; faith in God’s presence; quality education; and social justice; and also, through our relationships with each other and through service. The Prophet Micah says, “All God asks of you is to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:4).

Congratulations to all students involved in the rich co-curricular life of the College this term. With hopeful anticipation I wish our students every success, and if not, to feel fulfilled, for having given one’s best as we attend a number of interschool finals this week. The College has 22 Basketball teams, four Touch Football teams, and 1st XI Cricket competing in the ISA Summer Sports Finals. Thanish Gnaneshwara will be competing in the CSDA Public Speaking Final. In the ISA Swimming Carnival Oakhill College will be hoping to retain the Overall Champions Shield. Next week, the College will participate in the Castle Hill Show with many students hoping to qualify as paraders and judges for the Royal Easter Show. And let us not forget our Year 12 students who are sitting their mid-year exams, hopeful of bettering their grades and attaining equally if not better results than the 2024 Year 12 cohort.

On this note Winston Churchill says: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Never, never, ever, give up”.

Monday 17th March is the Feast of St Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland. St Patrick preached the Gospel message of HOPE to the many tribes and Kingdoms of Ireland who in turn took that message of hope to the Isles of Iona and Lindisfarne and from there to Europe.

To conclude, I wish to share with you the prayer, St Patrick’s Breastplate, written by St Patrick in 433AD, and hope that it brings you the same comfort and strength, and hopefulness, as it does for me.

Take a breath, take time, and take comfort in these words.

I arise today through

God's strength to pilot me, God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to see before me,
God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,

God's host to secure me.

Christ, be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit,
Christ where I arise, Christ in the heart of those who think of me,
Christ in the mouth of those who speak of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

This Lent is a time to exercise the neglected virtue of hope. Hope for an end to the shocking wars, hope for the recovery of the Pope, hope for the future of America and for the world order.

Faith and charity are the big virtues, but hope is the one we need when our backs are to the wall.

We invite our College community to join us in the College Chapel to celebrate Mass every Friday at 8.00am. Please find below the Mass timetable for Term 1. Parking is available in the visitor parking spots and also the bus bay spot numbers: 28-38. All other parking spots are reserved.

Ms Jaimee Bocasan
Co-ordinator of Prayer and Liturgy

Last week Oakhill's staff and students dressed in their favourite team's jersey in support of Caritas - Show Your Colours. As part of our Lenten program, any student wearing a jersey made a gold coin donation fundraising for Project Compassion. This event gives our community the chance to support poor communities across the globe. Thank you for your generous donations, together we raised $2058.50.

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

On Wednesday 5th March our College came together for our Ash Wednesday ceremony, marking the beginning of Lent. Students and staff received ashes as a symbol of reflection, repentance, and renewal. This sacred tradition reminds us to live with compassion, humility, and gratitude as we journey towards Easter.

Work on The Common is moving ahead smoothly, with great progress this week. Tall cranes have been busy lifting in the exterior windows, and the bridge is starting to take shape. 

Help Wanted. Due to work roster changes some Guest Speakers have had to pull out of the Medicine; Nursing and Allied Health Careers Breakfast which will be held on Wednesday 2nd April from 7.00am to 8.45am.

If you are a Nurse, Paramedic, Radiation Therapist, Sonographer or Dentist and are keen speak at the College Careers Breakfast, please email Mrs Marisa Quattrocchi – Careers Advisor at marisaq@oakhill.nsw.edu.au. This event is designed to assist our current Year 10, 11 and 12 students learn more about careers in these fields.

Ms Marisa Quattrocchi 
Careers Advisor

This week, Senior Constable Glenn Clark visited Oakhill College for a special lunchtime presentation, offering students insights into careers in law enforcement. He shared the key requirements for becoming a police officer, explored various career pathways within the force, and provided a firsthand look at some of the realities of the job. 

Senior Constable Clark's engaging presentation encouraged meaningful discussions, with students asking insightful questions exploring the diverse career opportunities available in policing.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

The College Open Day on Sunday 2nd March was a fantastic success, with thousands of guests from our community experiencing firsthand what makes Oakhill so special. From our vibrant learning spaces to our strong sense of community, dedicated staff, and wonderful alumni it was clear why becoming an Oakhill graduate is so sought after.

Expressions of Interest can be completed at any time. Applications for boys for Year 7, 2027 have closed. For girls wishing to enter Year 11 in 2026, applications close on Friday 21st March. There is also a Girls Information Evening on Monday 17th March for those who would like to know more. You can register for that session here: https://oc-au-nsw-340.app.digistorm.com/.../information...

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Congratulations to Ashlyn Kumar (Year 11) who was selected as a Secondary Schools’ Anzac Ambassador by the Castle Hill and District RSL sub-Branch. Ashlyn will play a key role in Anzac and Remembrance Day commemorations in The Hills, speaking at both the Anzac Dawn Service and at the Remembrance Day services. 

Congratulations Ashlyn on your selection. 

Ms Deborah Gillis
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

On Tuesday 11th March Oakhill marked International Women’s Day with a range of activities reflecting this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction.

Through activities and discussions, the College reflected on the importance of progress, inclusivity, and action.

A reminder that the first instalment for 2025 fees (one third of your annual fees) was due on Saturday 15th February unless you pay in instalments via School Easy Pay Direct Debit. Fee statements were issued prior to the beginning of term and can also be found on the Parent Portal.

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

After the incredible success of Pink Stumps Day, the raffle has been drawn, and we’re excited to announce that Mr Geoff Newey is the lucky prize winner.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and supported PSD, the College raised over $5,000 for this important cause. Your generosity and enthusiasm made it a fantastic event.

Over the past two weeks, staff have distributed the 2024 Oakhill College Yearbook (one per family to Years 8-12, except Year 11 girls) at Tutor Time. If your family has not received a 2024 Yearbook, please contact your child's Tutor Teacher or the Marketing and Communications office.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

This week the College welcomed Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services as our guest speaker for an insightful session with our Year 11 students. The session was an opportunity for students to reflect on achievements in learning, identify areas for growth, and explore practical strategies to support ongoing success as students move closer to completing high school.

Dr Salter’s session provided actionable advice on mastering study at home, staying focused amidst distractions, managing time effectively, and creating personalised, brain-friendly study notes. She also introduced a variety of active study techniques that cater to different learning preferences, empowering students to take control of their academic journey. Dr Salter emphasised the importance of building sustainable routines that align with individual needs and aspirations. By developing consistent habits, such as setting aside dedicated study blocks, prioritising tasks, and regularly reviewing their progress, students can reduce stress and maintain a sense of balance amidst the demands of senior school. These skills are not only crucial for academic success but also lay a strong foundation for managing future responsibilities in tertiary education and beyond.

We would like to thank Dr Prue Salter for sharing her insights and expertise with our students, and we encourage our entire school community to leverage the valuable insights available to our school on the study skills website: www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Log in using the username: foroakhillonly and password: 41results to explore a range of helpful handouts and tools available on the “Things to Print” page.

Ms Deborah Gillis
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

March 14th is a very important day in the calendar for Oakhill and especially for the Mathematics Department. For all Maths lovers, it is a chance to celebrate Pi (π), one of the most important numbers!Pi (π) has been around for 4,000 years and was originally used by Babylonians to calculate the area of a circle. Pi (π), is the irrational number that represents the ratio of a circumference of a circle to its diameter. The Pi symbol (π)i s the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet.

To mark the occasion, all Tutor Groups took part in a Pi Kahoot, testing their knowledge with fascinating facts about π. Adding to the celebrations, students could purchase Krispy Kreme donuts, with all proceeds supporting the Breakfast Club in Papua New Guinea, and today are finishing at 3.14pm. 

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made Pi Day a memorable event!

Mona Lisa made a special appearance at Oakhill's Open Day! Our language students had a fantastic time taking photos with her and transporting our young, upcoming students into the world of French and Italian. 

Merci et Gazie to all the wonderful language student helpers.

Ms Darija Egic​​​​
Academic Head of Languages

Taming Big Topics, One Step at a Time
We’ve all faced it—that overwhelming moment when you look at a massive topic and wonder, “Where do I even start?”. Whether it’s preparing for a history essay, learning a difficult science concept, or tackling a big project, it’s easy to feel stuck. But breaking down complex subjects into manageable steps can make studying not only easier but also more effective. Here’s how you can master the art of simplifying the complex.

1. Understand the Big Picture
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, take a step back and ask: What is this topic really about? For example, if you’re studying photosynthesis, the big picture might be understanding how plants convert sunlight into energy. Write this overarching goal at the top of your notes—it’ll act as a guide for everything you learn.

Tip: Look for summaries in your textbook or online resources to help you grasp the main idea. Tools like YouTube explainer videos can also offer quick overviews or ask ChatGPT to explain the concept to you in a simple way.

2. Break It Down Into Sections
Once you understand the big picture, split the topic into smaller, more manageable chunks. Think of it like dividing a pizza into slices—it’s easier to tackle one piece at a time than trying to eat the whole thing at once. For example:
- Studying ‘The Nervous System’ can be broken into ‘Brain’, ‘Spinal Cord’, and ‘Nerves’.
- Preparing for an essay might involve planning the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion separately.

Focus on one section at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Tip: Use your syllabus, textbook headings, or teacher’s notes to identify these sections. If the subject feels particularly dense, ask your teacher for clarification on what’s most important.

3. Create Visual Aids
Many students find it easier to remember information when they can see it laid out visually. Try these tools:
- Diagrams: Perfect for subjects like science or geography. Draw a labelled diagram to understand relationships between components. 
- Flowcharts: Great for processes like historical events or problem-solving methods.
- Mind Maps: Ideal for summarising ideas and seeing connections between subtopics.

Visual aids not only help you organise your thoughts but also make revision more enjoyable and less monotonous.

4. Learn in Layers
Think of studying like peeling an onion—learn the surface level basics first, then delve deeper as your understanding grows. For instance:
- First pass: Identify the key terms and concepts.
- Second pass: Learn how these terms connect.
- Third pass: Dive into details and examples.

Tip: Use multiple resources during this process. Your textbook might provide one perspective, but online videos or practice questions might give you a new way of looking at the material.

5. Review and Consolidate
Once you’ve mastered each section, it’s time to fit the pieces back together. Review how the smaller parts connect to the big picture. This step helps you see the subject as a whole and prepares you for tasks like essays, exams, or projects.

Tip: Try summarising the topic in your own words. If you can explain it simply, you’ve truly understood it.

From Chaos to Clarity
Complex subjects might seem intimidating at first glance, but with the right approach, you can simplify them into manageable steps. By understanding the big picture, dividing the topic into sections, and using tools like diagrams and mind maps, you’ll gain confidence and clarity. Remember, learning is a process—take it one step at a time, and you’ll find that even the most challenging topics can be conquered.

For further information Oakhill's login details are:

Username: foroakhillonly
Password: 41results

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

Year 10 students are diving into Newton’s Laws of Motion, exploring how force, mass, and acceleration are connected. Using specialised equipment, they’re conducting hands-on experiments to calculate and analyse these fundamental principles in action!

Mrs Maria Thomas
Academic Head of Science

Year 7 Geography headed outdoors to play human bingo. As they are currently studying Interconnections, students took time to get to know their classmates, becoming more familiar with the global interconnections we have at Oakhill. Students searched out those who were born overseas, spoke another language or who travelled to another country, facilitating themselves with the global nature of society.

Ms Kendra Bruseker
Academic Head of Social Sciences

If you have turned 16 and have not yet applied through Student Services, you are invited to apply for a concession card. This card allows you to travel on public transport at student rates and also to secure tickets to various events at a reduced rate.

To request a concession card, students should complete the form below which requires your name, date of birth and the school year for 2025.

Concession Card Request

Once issued, concession cards will be valid until March 2026. You are encouraged to apply now if you haven't already obtained a card.

If you already hold a concession card, now is a good time to check that it hasn't expired. If it has, you can also use this form to apply for a new card.

Without a concession card, you may be expected to pay adult fares and rates now that you are 16 or over. You may be subject to fines on public transport if you cannot show a valid card. This concession card will be the only proof of student status which some venues and providers will accept.

If you have any questions about this, please contact Student Services at the College.

Ms Joanne Lenane
Student Services

We are heading into exam blocks and assessment tasks being due. A reminder that the Library is a great place to come for individual or group study.

Our Study Boost program has teachers from a variety of different subject areas available every afternoon. See the schedule below.

Students are reminded that the Library is a place for homework, reading or study after school as well as during the school day.

**The playing of games on devices is not permitted at any time.

Ms Tania Moriarty 
Academic Head of Library

The NSW Premier's Reading Challenge is now open and Oakhill College is excited to be participating!

What is the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge?

The Premier's Reading Challenge is a statewide challenge that encourages students to develop a love of reading for leisure and pleasure enabling them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition, but a challenge to encourage each student to read, to read more, and to read more widely.

All students who complete the challenge will have their reading validated by Oakhill's Premier's Reading Challenge Coordinator and will receive a certificate signed by the Premier of NSW.

How many books do students need to read?

Students in Year 7 to 10 are challenged to read 20 books independently. At least 10 of these books must be from the relevant challenge booklist, and up to 10 books can be of personal choice.

More information on the rules of the challenge can be found on the Premier's Reading Challenge website.

How to join

Any student wishing to participate should visit the Walsh Library to register. Once registered, a username and password will be generated. Students can then access the Premier's Reading Challenge Student Experience site using this username and password to create a reading log and search for books.

Books must be added to a student’s online reading record by Friday 22nd August in order for their reading record to be validated and receive a certificate.

Happy reading!

Ms Jillian Fabris
Library Assistant

All students are welcome to come along to one of the Library's Lunchtime Clubs in the Investigate Room. 

Please see the schedule below. 

Ms Tania Moriarty
Academic Head of Library

Good luck to Thanish Gnaneshwara (Year 10) who will be competing in the CSDA Public Speaking Grand Final on Friday 14th March at Marist College North Shore. 

It was a true battle of the bands on Wednesday evening with 10 bands striving for victory at the finals. We had one of the biggest audiences we have ever had with over 400 people attending to watch the amazing performances. Congratulations to Jinxed Magic who have now won the last three Senior Battle of the Bands titles as well as the Junior Battle of the Bands title in 2022!

The 2025 Winners of Battle of the Bands are:

Junior Band

• First: A Risky Gamble (Alexis Mortel, Adam Gamble, Thomas Macey, Charlie Bollom)
• Second: General Waste (Oliver Massingham, Draco Lin, Max Thomason, Trevor Wang, and Luke Smolinski)
  

Senior Band

• First: Jinxed Magic (Joshua Vaz, Christian Attard, Harrison Meek, Gerry Hanckel)
• Second: Bizzness (Ava Bizzanelli, Angus McGovern, Sudhanva Iyengar, Joshua Vaz, Angela Natoli)
• Third: Bernie & the Dettes (Jude O'Donnell, Ryan Sloan, Thomas McGinty, Gerard Reyes, Bernadette Laird)
  

People’s Choice

• Jinxed Magic (Joshua Vaz, Christian Attard, Harrison Meek, Gerry Hanckel)

Congratulations to everyone involved. 

Ms Rebecca Madigan
Administration Assistant - Performing Arts

ISA Round 10 - Saturday 1st March

The last round of the ISA regular season began early, with 8.00am Basketball games tipping off a full day of action at Oakhill. The touch footballers were also on field, with the First, 2nds and Junior A teams all recording dominant victories. It was a long-time coming for the 2nds Touch team but finishing the season with a 9-6 win over Scots All Saints was the perfect way to complete a challenging year. Our Golf team needed a whitewash victory over Scots at Castle Hill Country Club and delivered in a 4-nil victory to make the 3rd Place Playoff. All our A Basketball teams defeated St Patrick’s College, with the 13As closing out the day nicely with a 56-35 win. Both our Girls Basketball teams recorded wins over strong opponents, with the First V Girls securing a spot in the Finals along the way. The 2nd XI Cricketers successfully chased down 141 set by St Augustine’s College while the First XI were heading back to the drawing board following their 7-wicket loss to St Patrick’s College. The most exciting match of the day was played in U13 Division 6 Basketball with Oakhill Yellow up against Oakhill Red. Oakhill Yellow prevailed 23-20 in a nail-biting match.

Semi Finals - Saturday 8th March

29 Basketball, four Touch Football, three Cricket and one Golf team all progressed to the Finals of their respective sport. 10 of those Basketball teams had the week off after finishing in 1st Place, with many taking the opportunity to record an extra training session. Only five teams lost to other schools, while two other Oakhill teams were defeated by their Lasallian brothers. 22 Basketball teams will be in action during the Finals at Barker College and Blacktown Leisure Centre. The Touch Footballers also enjoyed a week off to prepare for Finals day, with action now taking place on the 15th March at Macquarie. The Cricketers enjoyed mixed results; the First XI bounced back with a 4-wicket victory over St Augustine’s College to progress to the Grand Final. In a low-scoring match dominated by the ball, they successfully chased down the total of 92. The 2nd XI were not as fortunate, losing by 46 runs. Our Golfers teed off at Strathfield Golf Club against Knox. It was tight between the four players on the course until the closing holes, where we were eventually defeated 3-1. Best of luck to all teams competing in the ISA Grand Finals on Saturday 15th March. Fixtures can be found here and all students are encouraged to attend and support their peers. Those attending are reminded that they must do so in the Oakhill Summer Uniform, upholding the high uniform standards of the College.

Barker College and Oakhill College Invitational Swimming

The Oakhill College Swimming team has been in regular competition in recent weeks. A strong team competed recently at the Barker and Oakhill Invitational. The team were able to capture the junior and senior boys shields at these events. All attention now turns to the ISA Swimming Carnival at SOPAC on Tuesday 19th March. We wish all those participating the best of luck.

CIS Triathlon

Six Oakhill students participated in the CIS Triathlon at Penrith a few weeks ago. Oliver Havron, Zachary Green, Sebastian Villoria, Ned Francis, William Cornish-Brown and Alex Eason put their bodies through a grueling race, pushing themselves to the limit. Alex Eason won the intermediate division by an impressive margin and will progress on to the next level. Alex has a big year ahead also with Oceania and World competitions booked for later in the year.

CIS Awards

The CIS Awards were held at the end of February and Oakhill were well represented with the U18 Touch Football Team being named ‘Secondary Team of the Year’. Contributing to this success was Logan Bubb, Ryan Charlwood (Class of 2024), Liam Bissett (Class of 2024) and Dane Grosvenor (Class of 2024). Ryan, Liam and Dane are sharing their talents as Touch Football coaches at the College while Logan is still in Year 11 and proudly representing the College.

Team of the Week - Cricket U15 Gold

While the rest of the College was participating in Open Day, the U15 Gold Cricketers were donning whites in their Semi Final against Hornsby at Mount View Oval. Bowling first, their opponents posted a competitive total of 170 from 37 overs. Unfortunately, they fell 27 runs short in a spirited run chase. All players can be proud of their achievements across the season and can take pride in the fact that they have left Oakhill Cricket in a strong position to succeed in the coming years. Credit to their coach, Mr Ransome-Haberley (Class of 2022), who ensured that the boys were well prepared; there is no doubt that their fitness was the envy of other teams in the competition.

Rugby Draw Update

Please note that the draw published on the College calendars and in the College Diary has changed. Further communication about this will occur  next week.

Fixtures vs Barker - Saturday 5th April

Rugby, Football, Netball and Tennis season will begin with a fixture against Barker College on Saturday 5th April. This fixture is not listed in the College calendar.

Pink Cup

Oakhill's annual Pink Cup took place in celebration of International Women's Day. This is a high energy tradition and a great way for the students to connect and enjoy some friendly competition.

The Oakhill College Sports Lunch is fast approaching. Save the date! 

Tickets on sale in April 2025.

Presentation Nights

Presentation nights are upcoming for summer sports. Students are reminded that attendance is compulsory. They are to wear full College summer uniform at the event.

Mr Murray Fisher
Head of Sport

The 2025 Oakhill Sports Lunch is fast approaching. Save the Date!

Congratulations to Ava Bizzanelli (Year 12) who had been announced the Senior Winner of the 2025 Golden Gig. This competition is a young talent search that was held during the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Ava says it’s her first time at the festival and she was so excited when she was named the winner. “It was very surprising for me. The other contestants were absolutely phenomenal!”

You can listen to Ava's own song creation here: 

Want to save money while making a difference? With an Entertainment Membership, you will unlock amazing rewards with proceeds going towards Oakhill's fundraising.

To purchase an Entertainment Membership please click here - https://subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/21434p0

Gala Day preparations are in full swing. Being part of Gala Day is also a great way to meet new parents at the College and make friends, all whilst having fun. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

Please contact Carina on 0414 412 422 or Nicole 0409 182 605 if you can assist in any way.

Ms Carina Morales
P&F President

Tickets are almost sold out for Oakhill's Welcome to 2025 Event on Saturday 5th April. Secure yours before it's too late!

To purchase tickets please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/1359044

A big thank you to those who have donated prizes! There is still time to get involved - sponsorships and donations are welcome: https://www.jotform.com/form/250480729794872

The raffle is now live! To purchase tickets please visit Welcome Event Raffle Link Tickets are only $5.00 each.

First prize: A $1,500 credit towards the winner's nominated Oakhill College school fee account. 

The winner does not need to be present at the draw to win.

Ms Carina Morales
P&F President

Calling the Class of 1985. Take a step back in time to celebrate your 40-year reunion. Your cohort will be catching up on Saturday 23rd August at The Treehouse, North Sydney. Please visit the following link for details https://www.trybooking.com/CZGIN

If other year groups are interested in organising a reunion this year, please get in touch via alumni@oakhill.nsw.edu.au. The College will help you through the straightforward process.

Mrs Lisa Foulstone
Marketing Officer

Please find below the upcoming Uniform Shop roster. 

Ms Suzanne Hoskins
Uniform Shop Manager

H2H Physiotherapy works closely with several Oakhill sports teams. H2H have offered Oakhill students a discounted rate for their services. Please see below for further information.