Volume Two, Friday 28th February 2025

On Wednesday 5th March, Christian Churches celebrate Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Lent is a time of self-renewal through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving, atonement, and self-denial. A time to revise, rework, and redo our attitudes and priorities so that at Easter we can celebrate a renewed commitment to deeds and actions for the coming year.

The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is called Shrove or Pancake Tuesday. The word shrove is a form of the English word shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of Confession and doing penance. Thus, Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the custom for Christians to be ‘shriven’ before the start of Lent.

In the Anglican tradition from the 16th century, and later in the British colonies, the custom of Pancake Tuesday developed as a form of fasting and penance before Lent and as a means to clear the pantry of the last of any rich foods that could not be kept for the 40 days of Lent. In the cultures of Portugal, Spain and Italy the custom evolved somewhat differently into what is called ‘Fat Tuesday’ or Mardi Gra’ or Carnival from the Medieval Latin word carnelevamen, meaning ‘the putting away of flesh’. Although as you can see the two events, Pancake Tuesday and Mardi Gra are different they have the same origin and meaning.

Lenten Reflection: Seeing in a Deeper Way

I would like to share a reflection from Fr Ron Rolheiser, OMI, an Oblate Father from San Antonio Monastery, Texas. I share it with you as Lent is a time of reflection and self-renewal through prayer, penance and almsgiving - a time to revise, rework and redo our attitudes and priorities for the year ahead.

One of the many kinds of healings Jesus performs in the Gospel is the healing of people who are blind. He’s giving them more than just physical sight; he’s opening their eyes so that they can see more deeply making the necessary changes in their lives. How can the grace and teachings of Jesus help us to see in a deeper way this lent? Here are some suggestions:

1. By shifting our eyes from seeing through familiarity to seeing through wonder
   G.K. Chesterton once affirmed that familiarity is the greatest of all illusions and that the secret to life is to learn to look at things familiar until they look unfamiliar again. We open our eyes to depth when we open ourselves to the wonder and awe of the beauty and goodness and kindness around us.
2. By shifting our eyes from seeing through jealousy to seeing through admiration
   Our perception becomes distorted whenever we move from the happy state of admiration to the unhappy state of envy and jealousy. Our eyesight is clear when we look for and delight in goodness and kindness.
3. By shifting our eyes from seeing through bitterness to seeing through eyes softened by grief, compassion and mercy
   The root of bitterness is woundedness from hurtfulness and the way out of bitterness is grieving, compassion, mercy and kindness. Tears, goodness and kindness clear our eyesight because they soften a heart hardened by woundedness.
4. By shifting our eyes from seeing through anger to seeing through forgiveness.
   Nothing taints our eyesight as much as anger. It’s the most debilitating of all cataracts. And nothing cleanses our vision as much as forgiveness. Nobody holding a grudge sees straight.
5. By shifting our eyes from seeing through longing and hunger to seeing through gratitude
   Longing and hunger distort our vision. Gratitude restores it. It enables insight. The most grateful person you know has the best eyesight of all the people you know.

Fr Ron Rolheiser, OMI

On Friday 21st February, the College celebrated the Feast of St Miguel (Miguel House). Saint Miguel Febres Cordero was born Francisco Luis Febres-Cordero y Muñoz on the 7th November 1854 and died on the 9th February 1910. Miguel studied hard, became a great teacher and Brother and was Ecuador’s first canonised saint. At 15 years old Miguel was already teaching religion and Spanish in the Brothers school in Quito. By 20 Miguel was well known in the Spanish world for producing textbooks. He was seconded to Belgium in 1905 to translate texts from French to Spanish including work for governments and universities. Miguel died from pneumonia on 9th February 1910. In 1937 his remains were returned to Quito the capital of Ecuador where he was still revered very much. Pope John Paul II canonised Miguel a saint in 1984.

On Friday 28th February the College celebrated the Feast of St Mutien (Mutien House). Br Mutien was born in Le Bon Viller, Belgium in 1841 and died in Malonne Namur, Belgium in 1917 under the protection of Australian soldiers in the First World War. Br Mutien is the only Lasallian saint who met an Australian. Br Mutien was both a simple and a holy man. He struggled in his first years as a teacher but after some time and guidance became a most effective music teacher and Boarding Master, teaching for some 58 years in the one school, St Berthuin College, Maloone. Br Mutien was known for his faith and families would come to him from all over France and Belgium for advice and instruction in the faith. Br Mutien is known for his simplicity and goodness in all he did and said. As the saying goes, it is the simple things that matter most, being good, being kind, being just in all you think, do and say.

This coming week is a busy week in the College calendar, and I encourage you to drop in and stay connected to your child’s learning by attending some of these events. There is much academic research that indicates that such connectivity has a significant positive impact on your son or daughters learning. Sunday 2nd March is Open Day from 10:00am - 2:00pm – spread the word and/or come along and learn more about what Oakhill College has to offer and is achieving. Bring a friend and help celebrate with us among prospective parents. Saturday 8th March is Summer Sport Semi-Finals. You are most welcome. And, on Monday 10th March is Parent/Guardian-Student Tutor meetings. This is a great opportunity to meet your Tutor Teacher. Your son/daughter has some goals and targets to share in these conversations.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.  
Nelson Mandela

May this be a theme for us this Lent.

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

After spending eleven months at our Lasallian school Luurnpa Catholic School in Balgo community (Wirrimanu land, Jaru country), I’ve found coming back to Western Sydney to be something of a reverse culture shock. The systematic ways of our metropolitan lives is vastly different to what Wirrimanu locals call “Balgo way”. The connection to land and culture is so strong, and the loving embrace of a small community where everyone knows everyone is comforting and warm.

Coming back to a close-knit community like Oakhill has given me that balance between system, routine, and community and family. Even more so, working with our Coordinator of Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islanders, Ms Karen Isaacs, and her inviting me out to Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation at Emerton, has only reinforced that feeling of home. Cassie Ebsworth from Baabayn, welcomed me with open arms and a good laugh. To learn from the Elders at Baabayn and see their visions for the future come to life is an opportunity I will not soon be abandoning. To see the work of Oakhill students standing strong in support of the futures of these remarkable women and their families is so incredibly significant. Lasallian spirit was strong out in Balgo, but to see it just as strong in such a vastly different place, is wonderful.

Miss Charlotte Newey (Class of 2023)
Youth Minister

Parking is limited within the College. If you are attending Mass on Friday mornings please park in bus bay carparks 28-38 or in the designated visitor parking spots. We hope this allows our community to park easily when attending Mass.

As part of the College Lentern program, Oakhill will be hosting the Colours for Caritas day on Friday 7th March. Students are encouraged to wear their favourite team jersey over their summer uniform and make a gold coin donation in Tutor Time.

Thank you for your support.

Ms Roxanne Leopardi
Coordinator of Lasallian Formation

LIFTED Leaders gathers Year 12 secondary students at the start of each year for input and inspiration from Bishop Vincent, CSPD Leadership, Catholic Youth Parramatta.

LIFTED Leaders connects young people from across the Diocese, with similar leadership responsibilities and provides an opportunity for formation and group sharing of their team goals and strategies for their respective school. The College's Mission Captains, Nathan Colaco and Andre Dabit were honoured to attend this year.

Mrs Roxanne Leopardi
Co-ordinator of Lasallian Mission

The College Open Day will be held on Sunday 2nd March from 10.00am-2.00pm. Bookings for Br Steve Hogan's Principal's Address followed by a student led College Tour are now open. Please register here and pass on to other families who may be interested in attending: https://www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au...

Following Open Day, Oakhill's enrolment process commences for boys entering in Year 7, 2027 and girls for Year 11, 2026.

All applicants require their own Expression of Interest and Enrolment Application including siblings. Expression of Interest forms can be found here: https://oc-au-nsw-340.app.digi...

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

The Australian Government Department of Education would like to notify you that they have requested for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information.

Under the Australian Education Regulations 2023, Oakhill College is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the College:

• Names and residential addresses of the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
• Student residential address (excluding student names)
• Whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)

What do you need to do?
You are not required to do anything. Oakhill College is responsible for providing the department with the requested details; however, you can contact Oakhill College to update your family’s details.

For further information please visit 2025 Address collection notice for parents

Ms Renee Chong
Administration Manager

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

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

There is already a substantial amount of lost property in Student Services. If your child is missing items please ask them to go to Student Services to collect their items. 

All items are unnamed. We ask that all College uniform items are clearly marked with student names so that Student Services can ensure their return to the owner. 

Boys
Blazer 10
Trousers 15
School Shirt 15
Jumpers 15
PE House Polo 6
Sports Shorts 5
Sport Jersey 4
Swimmers 7

Girls
Blazer 1
Jumper 8

Other Items
Raincoat 3
Tracksuit Top 5
Tracksuit Btm 2
Brand new NIKE 2

The Battle of the Bands for 2025 is on!

Bands are in rehearsals and the tickets are on sale for the Battle of the Bands on Thursday 13th March.

Students in Years 9-12 interested in a career with the NSW Police Department, and are invited to attend the following Careers Presentation:

Event: NSW Police Recruitment Presentation
Date: Wednesday 12th March
Time: Lunchtime, 1:30pm to 2:10pm
Location: Carmody Lecture Theatre

Mrs Marisa Quattrocchi
Careers Advisor

Year 9 Elective Visual Arts were the focus for Artist of the Month in February. Students have explored the theme of heroes, experimenting with a range of mediums including drawing and printmaking.

We would like to congratulate the Artist of the Month for February, Jacob Gibson. Jacob has created an outstanding drawing, conveying his hero Black Panther. Jacob works diligently in class, going above and beyond expectations and displaying great technical skill and refinement in his artmaking practice. We look forward to seeing his artistic practice develop throughout the year.

Mrs Marie Hogan
Academic Head of Visual Arts

On Friday 14th February, Year 12 Dance students had the opportunity to attend the 2024 HSC Dance Callback Show. The HSC Dance Callback show is a prestigious showcase featuring exemplary works from the 2024 HSC Dance examinations.

The event celebrated outstanding performances in Core Performance, Core Composition, and Major Study, providing an inspiring experience for all who attended. Watching the exceptional talent of the HSC dancers motivated our students as they prepare for their own performances and assessments.

In addition to watching the showcase, a Q&A session with past HSC Dance students provided invaluable advice for our students as they shared insights and advice on how to succeed in the practical components of the course. With performance exams coming up, this session provided our students with a clearer understanding of what to expect and how to best prepare.

The students had a fantastic time, gaining valuable knowledge and feeling inspired by the talent and dedication on display. They left the event eager to apply what they had learned and push their own creative boundaries in the year ahead!

Miss Katherine Daher
Dance Teacher

This week, our Year 11 and 12 Drama students had the privilege of witnessing Alex Buzo’s Norm & Ahmed come to life on stage in the Adrian Theatre. Brought to us by esteemed actors Laurence Coy and Rajan Velu, this powerful performance allowed students to experience Australian drama in its raw and compelling form.

The live theatrical performance captivated students, offering an authentic portrayal of the social and political tensions embedded within Buzo’s text. Following the performance, students engaged in a Q&A session with the actors, gaining valuable insight into the challenges and intricacies of playing Norm and Ahmed. This discussion provided an invaluable perspective on the thematic and historical significance of the play, particularly in its portrayal of Australian identity and cultural tensions.

As part of their studies, Year 12 Drama students compared Norm & Ahmed with David Williamson’s The Removalists, examining how both plays reflect Australia’s social landscape at the time of their writing. Through this didactic learning experience, students deepened their understanding of Australian theatre and its role in challenging societal norms.

With Year 12 preparing for their upcoming Half-Yearly Examinations, this performance and discussion have provided a strong foundation for their written responses. Meanwhile, Year 11 students will explore Norm & Ahmed in Term 4, further enriching their study of Australian drama.

This engaging and thought-provoking experience has reinforced the significance of live theatre in education, offering students a deeper appreciation for performance, storytelling, and the enduring power of Australian drama.

Mr Warren Flanagan
Academic Head of Drama

On Thursday 20th February, four students and two staff were invited to attend Government House for the Ideas@theHouse session on Biodiversity. We travelled to Martin Place, then had a short walk to Government House. In the events room at Government House, Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, presented Dr Sarah Britton, Director of the One Health Unit at the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control. Dr Britton gave a presentation titled “Where Worlds Collide: Exploring the wild/domestic animal-human interface in One Health”, speaking on how diseases can cross the animal-human barrier.Listening to this presentation was an absolutely eye-opening experience. As biology students, it piqued our interests and enabled us to gain a deeper understanding and a fresh perspective on the crossover of viruses and diseases between humans and animals. The speech's content was extremely informative and beneficial to our final topics in Biology, Modules 7 and 8, on infectious and non-infectious diseases.

After the presentation, Br Pat McCarthy introduced us to Her Excellency and we were fortunate to have a photo with her. After being provided with beverages and hors d'oeuvres, we were given a tour of Government House and had the opportunity to marvel at the grounds before leaving and returning to Martin Place station to return to Hills Showground.

This experience was one of a lifetime and we are extremely fortunate to have been invited to Government House.

Matthew Marshall, Sahasra Puttaparthi Tirumala, Joshua Nati and Liam Van Der Zanden, Year 12

As part of their Agriculture unit ‘Paddock to Plate’ Year 8 have been busily preparing garden beds for planting. The students have done an exceptional job cleaning up the garden beds and surrounding areas. They will be planting lettuce, bok choy and beetroot in the hope to use them in a future assessment task creating a healthy hamburger at home.

Mr Scott McLeod
Academic Head of TAS

International Pi Day will be celebrated at the College on Friday 14th March. Krispy Kreme doughnuts will be on sale in the Year 7 Yard, Year 11 Yard and Rugby Canteen on the day. Cash only. 

All proceeds will go towards the PNG Breakfast Club.

Ms Deborah Stokes
Assistant Academic Head of Mathematics

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

Two rounds of the ISA have passed since our last newsletter and it has been action aplenty. 

The First V Boys and Girls Basketball have experienced mixed results, but are well placed to build on their standings heading into the Finals. They could both learn a lot from watching the highly successful 13 Green Basketball team, who continually displays a high level of skill and physicality that few teams can match. The 14As Basketball are also setting a standard which is elite; well coached and tenacious on both sides of the ball, the boys dismantled St Augustine’s College 69-42 in a challenging road trip. 

On the field, the First Boys Touch Football continued their winning streak; they play a professional brand of touch which allows for counter-attacking play. It is evident that they are determined to make amends for their loss in the Final last season. The First Girls Touch Football have also demonstrated improvement. Their Tuesday afternoon fixture against Redlands College was an enjoyable spectacle and they should be proud of their efforts. 

On the pitch the First and Seconds Cricket team both sit in 2nd Place on the competition ladder with one game to play. Not even a second road trip to the Central Coast could limit the execution of the 2nd XI as they bowled out their opponents for just 44 runs. At home on Damien Oval, the First XI have successfully defended two totals in consecutive weeks, bowling with discipline and taking some impressive catches. In junior cricket, the U15 Gold team will be flying the flag in the HKHDCA Finals on Sunday 2nd March. Their consistency has paid dividends as they finished third at the end of the season. Special mention to the U13’s Cricket who upset the 2nd-placed team last weekend, bowling them out for 86 runs and winning by 7-wickets.

Pink Stumps Day

Oakhill was covered in pink on Saturday 15th February as we celebrated Pink Stumps Day. The event was launched a day earlier with the Oakhill staff wearing pink and the Girls Basketball facing off against Barker College; the atmosphere in the CSC was electric. Saturday also delivered its share of highlights across cricket, basketball and touch football. The day concluded with the First XI capturing a spirited 6-run victory over St Pius X College. Over $5,000 was raised and it was another great example of the Lasallian tradition which is a cornerstone of our College community. Thank you to all those who dominated, participated, made cupcakes and supported the event. We will be back again, bigger and better than ever in 2026. You can still donate online by clicking here.

ISA Selection

Basketball

The ISA Basketball trials were held on Monday 17th February. Oakhill sent a strong group of players to trial. Congratulations to the following players who were successful:

Opens Boys Basketball

1st V
- Samuel Baker
- Gary Roberts
- Alexander Lawson
- Christian Paino
- Jackson Carlos

2nd V
- Ryan Sloane

Shadows
- Samuel Akle
- Nicholas Power

U16 Boys Basketball
- Jack West
- Leo Robertson

Opens Girls Basketball
- Jacinta Sebastian
- Hannah King
- Addison Prakash
- Makayla D’Morias
- Abbey Houseman

Shadows
- Mollie Faehrmann
- Shanay Saliba

Tennis

Oakhill has a strong and proud history of tennis. Each year, our programme is the envy of other schools across the state and even the country. Nine players were selected to attend the ISA trials with five players successful in being selected. Congratulations to Shaurya Phogat, Shannon Aneksomphan, David Mitchell, Maximilian Dabrowski and Ritviyah Uppal.

ISA Cricket

As reported last week, Oakhill had three players selected in the ISA Cricket team. Lucas Medford, Harrison Valenzisi and Ashane Jayapragash were part of the first-ever team to defeat GPS. After being dismissed for the modest total of 141, they rallied to have their more-fancied opponents all out for 99. It was a narrow 2-wicket loss to CAS on Sunday but the boys can be proud of what they have achieved so far and are well positioned to succeed at the CIS Cricket trials.

CIS Selection

Baseball

Not even a weather enforced postponement of the CIS Baseball trials could halt the Oakhill boys from showcasing their talents. Sending a strong team of seven to the event, five boys were successful in making the CIS team. Congratulations to Jack Hanretty, Liam Worne, Cameron Howay, Mitchell Howay and Cohen Ryan who will feature at the Baseball Carnival in coming weeks.

Softball

Isobel Lambert was successful at the CIS Softball trials. Showcasing her skills as a short stop/3rd base. Isobel demonstrated why she has been able to compete at much higher levels both in Australia and overseas. Congratulations Isobel! We wish you the best of luck at the next level.

House Swimming Carnival

The Oakhill House Swimming Carnival concluded on Tuesday 25th February after two exciting weeks of action in the pool. Representing their house, students displayed plenty of passion; the war cries are often a highlight and envokes plenty of rivalry between each of the houses. This carried over into the races and novelty events but as always, typical Oakhill sportsmanship was always present. Final placings are as follows:

1st - La Salle
2nd - Mutien
3rd - Miguel
4th - Benildus
5th - Turon
6th - Solomon

Open Maroon Basketball

This team has faced the challenge this season coming up against most other schools 1st V. Still, it has not hampered their desire to continue to improve. The unity within their team is contagious. Led by expert coach Mrs Chapman, they are well prepared and have a gameplan to highlight their strengths. That is exactly what happened in Round 9 of the ISA, as they hosted St Augustine’s College. In a tense contest, the players demonstrated grit in overcoming several deficits. Cliniching a crucial 3-pointer with time running out, they were able to defend the lead with some rigid defence and prevail 38-37 for their second win of the season. This team is a true example of determination which underpins Oakhill Sport. Well done to all involved.

The Sports Lunch is on again, save the date - Friday 20th June.

Tickets on sale in April.

Winter Sport Update

Winter Sports registrations have now closed for the 2025 season. Convenors for each sport will be reaching out via email to notify parents of the important dates to commence our season. There will be a meeting held for all registered winter sports participants on Tuesday 4th March during the Pastoral Period.

Mr Murray Fisher
Head of Sport

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 NOW ON SALE for the 2025 Welcome Event.

We are thrilled to invite all parents and guardians to the Oakhill College P&F Welcome Event as we take you back through the decades on Saturday 5th April from 6.00pm. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed, best look-alike and more!

This event sells out quickly and is a fantastic opportunity to meet new parents or reconnect with old friends. We promise you a night of laughter, fun and live music!

Click here for Tickets

Sponsors are an essential part of our events, and we thank you in advance for your support. The P&F is dedicated to ensuring your support is properly acknowledged and provides maximum value and exposure to you. All sponsorship contributions are tax deductible and welcome all support.

In addition to our 2025 fundraising goal, your support will enable the P&F to donate some of the proceeds from this event to one of our chosen charities, The LaSalle College, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Click here for sponsorship packages.

Ms Carina Morales
President of the P&F

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Uniform Shop will not be open on Saturday 1st March. It will be open on Saturday 8th March from 9.00am-12.00pm.

The Uniform Shop will be open from 8.00am-4.00pm on Tutor Day (Monday 10th March).

Ms Suzanne Haskins​​​​
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.