Volume Four, Friday 18th March 2022

International Women’s Day was Tuesday 8th March. Governed by a values-based education, it is our intent to form young men and women confident and articulate but also aware of their responsibility to include and respect each other in all we think, do and say.

On Friday 18th March, the College hosted a 'Show Your Colours' day to focus on the flood victims of NSW and Queensland and the Ukrainian refugees. Funds raised will support the Red Cross Flood Appeal, and the Lasallian ‘LaSalle for Ukraine’ Appeal to help fund programs for Ukrainian refugee children in Lasallian schools in Poland, Austria, Serbia, Hungary and Romania. The Superior General of the De La Salle Brother’s in Rome quoted Pope Francis’s words as war wreaks havoc in Ukraine:

'Lent is a favourable time to seek out – and not to avoid – those in need; to reach out – and not to ignore – those who need a sympathetic ear and a good word; to visit – and not to abandon – those who are lonely. Let us put into practice our call to do good to all, and take time to love the poor and needy, those abandoned and rejected, those discriminated against and marginalized.'

Congratulations to all students involved in the rich co-curricular life of the College this term. Congratulations to our Swimming Team and our Basketball Teams for winning the ISA Swimming Championship and the ISA Basketball School Champion for 2022.

On this note, Winston Churchill says: 'Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.'

With only three weeks of this term remaining, I would like to thank parents who have been busy helping their sons and daughters with their transition to Oakhill College, their learning, and the many events they are involved in and are reported on here in this Newsletter. Research indicates if you are connected to your adolescent’s school life then these students perform better.

This stage of a busy term can take its toll on patience, wellbeing, and resilience and requires some grit. We have been working with the staff and students this past week on wellbeing, resilience, and grit. One thing that helps is to slow down, even for just a moment quiet, to gain a sense of calm; a sense of mindfulness; a sense of God’s presence. I encourage all parents, even though it is so busy, to take a moment when most anxious to have a cup of tea or sit on the porch or listen to soothing music, to take a breath 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

Since voluntary RAHt testing, Oakhill College has maintained consistently low numbers of reported positive COVID cases. Staff and student case numbers are monitored daily, and we will notify families immediately if the need arises for any restrictions or changes that need to be put in place. In maintaining our risk management, as for our Ash Wednesday liturgies, next week’s whole-school Assembly will be postponed. At this stage, masks remain optional, and we support staff and students who wear one. The College will continue to ensure layered COVID-smart measures are in place, maximizing natural ventilation, continued good hand hygiene practices, and cleaning protocols.

Thank you for your support and it is such support that has maintained our low numbers to this point. The College reminds you all to keep your child at home if they have any symptoms and if positive isolate for 7 days and notify us via the Oakhill College absentee line on 9634 0856 and register the positive result with NSW Health.
 
Once again thank you to families for their continued support in keeping our community safe and well.

Yesterday was the feast of St Patrick. I went to school with an Irish accent but quickly lost it.

It was sad in Australia that there was a time when we did not accept even the Irish. Growing up in 1950s Melbourne there were still job advertisements that said ‘Irish need not apply.’ Luigi who sat next to me used to cop terrible abuse about smelling of garlic.

Multi-cultural Australia has emerged. Like all things human, it still has a way to go. With our theme of INCLUSION this year may Oakhill be a place that embraces all cultures as showing different aspects of the God we worship.

We have been watching the flood and Ukraine crises unfold with heavy hearts over the past weeks, and on Friday 18th March, Oakhill acted in solidarity.

Oakhill College's overwhelming generosity and support for our 'Show Your Colours' day is greatly appreciated. We have raised $7,431.00. We have a lot to be proud of. The two charities that we are supporting - St Vincent de Paul Flood Relief and the La Salle for Ukrainians Appeal will now receive $3,715.50 each. Oakhill has once again made a difference.

For more information on these charities: https://www.vinnies.org.au/.../Fin.../NSW/Disaster_Recovery/
https://www.lasalleigbm.org/.../la-salle-for-ukrainians...

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

At our Ash Wednesday Liturgy the Mission team put forward to both students and staff to record any acts of kindness they see within their day.

Acts of Kindness slips have been available outside the Chapel and at Student Services for anyone to record.

We have collected quite a few so far…

“Enforcing Equality”
“Finding a lost student around the yard and becoming friends”
“My teacher made me feel better”
“Being nice to everyone around me”
“Students offered to pick up rubbish that wasn’t theirs”
“Gave an umbrella to a girl struggling in the rain”
“Being a true friend”
“I made cookies for everyone at lunch”
“Including everyone that is in need of assistance”

In the next few weeks, we look forward to seeing some more records of our community being inclusive and kind. 

Mrs Roxanne Leopardi
Youth Ministry Co-ordinator

Staff challenged the Year 12 to a handball contest at lunchtime ..... happily, the staff were victorious and go one up in the best of five challenge for 2022. Mr Organ was Most Valuable Player and named 'Best on Handball Court' today and won a limited-edition Oakhill Handball for his fine performance.

More challenges will happen next Term in the lead-up to Mission Action Day.

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

Thank you to parents who have already made a booking for an appointment with their son / daughter’s Tutor Teacher for Friday 25th March. Please note that because of the large number of parents attending, the current building construction activity, and the recent rain (limiting grass areas as a carparking option), there will be very limited onsite parking.

To access the limited carparking available onsite parents will need to enter via the main College front gates. All other gates to access the College by vehicle will be closed.
 
Alternative car parking is available on Old Castle Hill Road (immediately opposite the main gates to the College) and on First Farm Drive (see map here). The Oakhill College bus will be circulating around Old Castle Hill Road and First Farm Drive throughout the day from 8.30am. If you would like a lift to Oakhill, please wave the driver down and he will bring you to the College. Please see the map attached. There are also many neighbouring streets available for parking behind the College, and our Foley Gate (back) entrance will have the pedestrian access open.

 Thank you for your support and understanding and we look forward to seeing you on the day.

Mr Bob Munday
Deputy Principal

At the recent International Women's Day breakfast organised by Soroptimist International The Hills, two Oakhill students, Seronique Taylor (Year 12) and James Stewart (Year 11) were asked to present on the theme #breakthebias.

Seronique (College Vice Captain) reflected on the opportunities open to all students at Oakhill, irrespective of gender and about the College’s climate of acceptance and respect: “As humans, we paint the pictures, we write the literature, we choreograph the dance and weave the tapestry. We add to the social media platforms that bombard our lives and shape our bias. We make the decisions.“ James (Youth Advocate for the Women’s Community Shelters) spoke of the Year 10 Walk the Talk program at the College and his first-hand experience of how programs such as these are helping to #breakthebias. He reflected: “The concept of breaking the bias is, in a way, all about respect. When we break the biases in our society, we create an inclusive society, one that celebrates all differences and has equality and fairness for all.”

Ms Jacqui McLachlan, President said that we needn’t be quite so worried about the future if the future is in the hands of young people such as Seronique and James.

Seronique's Reflection:

On Friday 11th March, James and I were presented the opportunity to represent Oakhill College at the Soroptimist International Women's Day Breakfast, hosted at Rydges Baulkham Hills.
 
Throughout the morning, guest speaker Dr Peter Gangemi, the Hills Shire Mayor and former Oakhill student (Class of 2003) promoted the services within the Hills community that provide aid and empower women. Additionally, participants were spoken to by the inspiring Lucy Brogden from the Australian Mental Health Commission. She provided statistics on the wellbeing of women across the Nation and how we as a country can improve adversity. 

Both Oakhill students detailed the success of Oakhill College in playing our part to break down the prejudice within our society. We are true role models in the community doing our part and taking responsibility for gender equality. Evidently the Walk the Talk program and the respect upheld by students plays part in #BreakingtheBias. 

We look forward to meeting again with the Soroptimist International Women again in the future. 

Seronique Taylor, College Vice Captain

Oakhill is proud to announce that Ms Rose Garofano, Assistant Principal Curriculum, has been awarded Hills Shire Council's Hills Woman of the Year. Rose is a very deserved recipient of this award. Her contributions to charities such as Relay for Life, her support of The Sanctuary - The Hills Women's Shelter, and her energy, commitment, and enthusiasm as a teacher and mentor have positively impacted the lives of so many young people in our community. Rose's award came about from several Oakhill College alumni who nominated her, demonstrating her positive and powerful influence.

Rose, who is on long service leave, was surprised and thrilled to receive this award from Dr Peter Gangemi, Mayor of Hills Shire Council and Class of 2003, and was especially pleased to have her mum - her role model, by her side. 

Ms Garofano was in excellent company, with other admirable award recipients:

• Business Woman of the Year - Professor Nicole Brooke
• Community Woman of the Year - Beena Rizal
• Young Woman of the Year - Sophie Hirst
• Senior Woman of the Year - Carol Harding

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Oakhill is well known for its strong sense of community, and our Open Day was another display of our zealous spirit. We shrugged off the weather and opened our doors to show prospective families how much more Oakhill College offers than a quality education. 

Applications for boys in Year 5 (Year 7, 2024) closed on Friday 11th March. Applications for girls currently in Year 10 (Year 11, 2023) close on Friday 1st April. Our Girls Enrolment evening is on Monday 28th March at 7.00pm. Please register for this event here: https://oc-au-nsw-340.app.digi...

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Oakhill is proud of our students. We have many students who achieve not only academically, but by attaining the Oakhill Graduate's attributes, they can go on to further study, apprenticeships, and coveted roles after they 'walk down the drive'. Our Class of 2021 Achievers are: Lara Hogan, Alejandro Astudillo, Conor Duggan and Thomas McKenzie in this newsletter.

Over the past few weeks, staff and students have been collaborating on ways to raise awareness and #breakthebias against inequality and stereotypes.

The energy and enthusiasm for IWD is to be commended. Some of these initiatives included our community signing our IWD banner, striking the #breakthebias pose, making lapel ribbons, writing pledges, starting conversations, students interviewing key members at Oakhill, and wearing purple, culminating in today's activities. Students watched our IWD video (link below), a tribute to some amazing women at Oakhill who shared their experiences, then in groups discussed how to #breakthebias individually and collectively. Our video features Ms Wickert Academic Head of PDHPE and Captain of the Rugby World Cup Wallaroos team; Ms Brittany Wells (Class of 2017), Contract Administrator at FDC (master plan builders); Helen Leeds Year 11 student, a double black belt in karate and Rugby 7s player; Lauren Peacock Year 12 student and Rugby 7s Captain; Cassie Joye Year 12 student and Oakhill Altar Server; and Maddy Ragell and Tess Johnston Year 12 students and La Salle House Captains.

The mature and intelligent conversations, demonstrate our commitment to helping forge a more inclusive world.

IWD video: https://youtu.be/seaC1w3QgWA

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Much excitement this week as we presented the Class of 2022 with their Oakhill College Year 12 Jerseys.

From the initial gathering of ideas during lockdown last year came three suggested designs which were presented to the cohort to make their decision. Watching the Year 12s walk up the driveway in their new jerseys this week highlighted the great choice they have made.

Over the past three years, our Year 12 students have added a small piece of embroidery to the collar of their jersey. In 2019, the Southern Cross was added in memory of friend and classmate Nathan Gremmo. The 2020 jersey featured a small maroon boomerang to respect our Indigenous connections. In 2021, our Year 12 student jerseys acknowledged the strong links to our founder and community with the Lasallian Star. For the 2022 jersey, we have chosen an anchor – the universal symbol of hope. Perhaps it will also remind our Class of 2022, in the years to come, that Oakhill will always be a ‘safe harbour’ for them in a sometimes, uncertain world.

A very big ‘thank you’ to Steve and the team at Fisher Matthews Sports for once again undertaking the daunting task of delivering over 330 individualised jerseys to our Oakhill Year 12 students. 

A reminder to all that Wednesday is our designated ‘jersey day’ each week and students are only to wear their jerseys on this day. Later in the year, students are invited to wear their jerseys on ‘special’ days such as Show Your Colours and Jersey Day. They are also invited to wear them during major examination periods, such as the upcoming Half-Yearly Examinations and the Trial and HSC exams.

Wear them well Year 12!

PS. the advice is to wash in cold water and add a little salt to the first few washes to help prevent possible colour runs. We have never had this issue with the Canterbury jerseys, so hopefully, all will be well.

Mrs Donna Findlay
Head of Senior School

The 2021 Oakhill College Yearbook has arrived. The eldest student in Years 8-12 will receive a copy week commencing Monday 21st March and the Class of 2021 will have them posted directly to their home.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Our Innovation Hub and Hilltop Precinct have seen significant changes over the past week, now that the weather has dried up. On our Hilltop Precinct, levels are being finalised and concrete slabs and steps are being laid.

Our mass timber Innovation Hub lower ground floor ceiling is almost complete. The Strongfloor Timber Concrete Composite system is being used and supported by Hasslacher Norica Timber's Glulam, XLam’s CLT and Peikko Group Corporation’s Delta Beam highlighting Strongfloor’s versatility.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Administrator Co-ordinator

Are you able to volunteer on a Thursday from 1.00pm to 5.00pm in the Uniform Shop? If you are able to commit to once a month or a term, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Mrs Carmel Christie at cchristie@oakhill.nsw.edu.au if you are able to help.

Year 12 and Year 11 Accelerated students half yearly exam block runs during Weeks 10 - 11. The examination timetable is here and it is also available on Oaklife.

Mrs Jacqueline Genovese
Director of Student Learning

March 14th is a very important day in the calendar for the Oakhill 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.            

This year, to celebrate Pi Day, all Tutor Groups participated in a Kahoot which featured ‘Interesting Facts about Pi’. The winner from each Tutor Group received the highly sought after ‘Award of Excellence.’

Students were given the opportunity to purchase Krispy Kreme donuts during recess, with all profits being donated to the Breakfast Club in Papua New Guinea. As you can imagine, all 60 dozen, sold out very quickly. We are very proud to announce that we raised $880. This is an amazing amount of money which will now have a huge impact on the lives of so many young people. We are so grateful for the generosity of the Oakhill community.

Since Pi (π) is commonly rounded to 3.14, the Maths Department felt that it was only fitting to finish the day at 3.14pm rather than the normal finishing time of 3.15pm. This was, of course, a very popular decision. In addition, the ‘Pi’ song was played over the loud speaker as students exited the College grounds. It was great to hear so many positive comments about the day.

After a very successful inaugural Pi Day, we are looking forward to making 2023 even better!

Ms Deborah Stokes
Assistant Head of Mathematics

This is a reminder that during Term 1 Week 9, students in Years 7 and 9 will be undertaking an online practice NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) test.

The purpose of this practice test is a ‘practice run’ for students, it is not an assessment of student ability but will allow schools to:

• become familiar with the NAPLAN online test format and processes
• check they have the technical capacity, rooms and devices to administer NAPLAN Online
• provide students in NAPLAN Years 7 and 9 with the opportunity to experience the online test question types and format by completing a practice NAPLAN online test.

NAPLAN is not a test that children can prepare for in the same way they might prepare for an end of term test. NAPLAN tests skills that develop and improve over time. These are skills that should be continuously developed throughout the year and not just in the lead-up to NAPLAN.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN testing please go to Parent/Carer NAPLAN Support.

Alternatively, you can email Ms Jacqueline Genovese, Director of Student Learning.

Further information will be shared with parents and students regarding NAPLAN Online 2022 which is held in Term 2, Week 3.

Ms Jacqueline Genovese
Director of Student Learning

As the Year 12 and Year 11 Accelerated students embark on their preparations for half yearly exams shortly, Ms Morris one of the College Counsellors gave a presentation to them on Managing Study Stress and Exam Anxiety. Our students were given practical advice and numerous tips on stress, how to handle it, timetabling study, managing exam anxiety and much more. 

We wish them all the best over the coming weeks.

Ms Jacqueline Genovese
Director of Student Learning

On Tuesday 15th March, the Year 9 Food Technology classes and our teachers Ms Wilson, Ms Salem, Ms Singh and Mr McLeod went on an excursion. We are currently studying “Food in Australia” and how many cultures influence the way we eat. After recess, in the Miguel Lecture Theatre, Mrs Isaacs acknowledged the custodians of the land and introduced herself. She then began to talk about Indigenous Australians and the ways they hunt and gather their food. She told us lots of information about totems such as when you are born you are given a totem which could be things such as fire, stars, echidnas, or kangaroos. You get your totem from your mum's side of the family and must know everything about it and are not allowed to eat it if it is an animal. She then told us about hunting techniques used by the Aboriginal people such as how to catch ducks. The men would run up and scare them downstream and then the women would catch them. She then showed us multiple different plants and told us about how they would use them. Some were used as medicine while others were used as spices. She then handed around an emu egg and told us how they would gather the eggs. The men would make a mating sound for the emus so that they would leave their guard and the fastest person would run in and steal the eggs. At 12.00pm we caught the bus to St Leonards.

We arrived at Osaka Teppanyaki in St. Leonards just in time for lunch. We were greeted by the three chefs and then they got straight to work showing off their skills. First, they threw raw eggs at the students to try and catch in a bowl. Only a few students missed their egg and were covered in raw egg! They later used these eggs to mix into the fried rice. They cooked beef with soy sauce and teriyaki chicken, and they cooked the eggs that we all had caught earlier. They then threw little pieces of fried egg at us to catch in our mouths. Few people succeeded. The show was then over, and they poured salt onto the cooktop which said thank you. All the students were then given ice cream and we were on our way back to school.

Overall, we had a great time on our excursion, learning a lot about the Aboriginal culture and teppanyaki experience.

Lukas Kohlhagen and Jacob Donnelly, Year 9

Our cultural immersion day started with a wonderful presentation by renowned artist Jamie Eastwood. All Year 8 students learned the ways in which an artist connects to their world through visual storytelling. Always inspiring, Jamie engaged the students in discussing his art projects, commissions, and practice. 

The day continued with an artmaking workshop whereby students created their own yarn animal using found materials and other fibres. It was an important day for the students as they deepened their understanding of indigenous art and the importance of visual storytelling. 

On behalf of the Visual Arts faculty, I would also like to thank Ms Karen Isaacs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Co-ordinator, Mr Chris Watters and Ms Gabriela Papallo, Youth Ministers for their involvement and support throughout the day.

Mrs Marie Hogan
Academic Head of Visual Arts

On Thursday 10th March, the Advanced English students were given the opportunity to enhance their understanding of Module A through a live theatrical performance.

Year 12 English Advanced students headed to the Seymour Centre to see 'Looking for Richard'. The extensive symposium offered us a chance to dive deeper into Shakespeare’s elusive Richard III, offering scene-by-scene breakdowns paired with academic analysis. Witnessing Shakespeare’s language in live performance allowed us to visualise key scenes and characters, enhancing our understanding of this challenging play. 

The textual conversations between Shakespeare’s  Richard III and Al Pacino's 'Looking for Richard' were analysed, offering a rich insight into both the Elizabethan context and Shakespeare’s masterful creation. Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and developed a greater appreciation for the two works. 

Damien Ryan’s expert commentary was specifically geared towards our curriculum. By extracting the key ingredients needed to enhance our writing, the symposium vastly developed our knowledge and critical thinking skills. 

The fusion of performance and interactive seminar broke down the barriers of understanding we encountered in the classroom. The experience left us with an arsenal of key information; undoubtedly easing our minds heading into exams and providing us with the confidence needed to successfully tackle this module.

Stella Feltham and Seronique Taylor, Year 12

Feedback is one of the top ten influences on student achievement. To be successful, students need to understand their current level of performance and what it is they need to do explicitly to bridge the gap between current understanding and desired level of performance. But how do our students respond to feedback? Do they only look at the mark and ignore the comments in the margin? Do they screw up the paper and throw it in the bin? Or do they find and fix their errors or ask for a conversation with the teacher to learn more about what they need to do to improve?

How students respond and what they do with the feedback influences the extent to which they learn from it. Students are encouraged to redraft their work and resubmit to their teacher in order to make effective use of the feedback. Redrafting won’t change the formal assessment mark, but it will help students to move forward in their learning, which is the ultimate aim! If you hear your child developing a negative mindset to the feedback, encourage them to reframe it by asking them to talk through what the next steps are. You might ask them to reflect on how they approached the task, their organisational skills, revision strategies and how they can learn and grow through the experience.

In 2022, the quality and regularity of meaningful feedback is a key strategic focus in Teaching and Learning.

Here is an example of how Drama teachers Mr Warren Flanagan and Ms Lisa Carloss are setting up opportunities for feedback and feedforward.

“FEEDBACK was effectively used in our Year 11 and 9 Elective Drama classes when students in the Senior class performed their Group performances. Students from both elective classes were given the opportunity to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each performance. During this process, the learning was twofold in the sense that the students giving the feedback were also educated in the rewards and challenges of implementing the elements of drama within a performance. This dynamic class created a potent environment for helping students identify HOW one works efficiently and performs effectively.

The most compelling aspect of the class was the identification from the Year 12 students as to what they would do with the feedback. For example, their understanding (verbally and physically) of exactly what they would do differently next time in order to improve the quality of their individual and collective performance. This workshop was an inspiring display of the powerful rewards of peer-critiquing, teacher feedback and positive-reinforcement, all combined with STUDENT REFLECTION. Students were also given written feedback about the group’s performance including strategies for improvement. 

Mrs Melissa McMahon
Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum

The script is theatre’s ultimate tool. However, it can often be difficult to unpack a playwright’s meaning, let alone stage the play without the right tools. Today, Australian actor Laurence Coy engaged Year 12 Drama students in a rigorous and insightful workshop for our Australian Theatre topic -  “The actor’s job is to deliver the play the way it is intended by the playwright.” 

A deep dive into the context of Australian culture in the 60’s and 70’s brought the world of the plays (Norm and Ahmed, and The Removalists) to life. In observing, discussing, and experimenting with key moments in these pieces, we saw how character motivation, tension, and dramatic irony drive these confronting and seminal works. We further gained a profound understanding of how these plays address toxic masculinity, abuse of power, homophobia, racism, and Australia’s sexual politics at the time.

Inspired by Laurence’s expertise, we feel ready to bring our expanded knowledge of these important works to the HSC. 

Jack Talty, Music Captain

As an actor on stage, Laurence has worked for all the State Theatre Companies, Bell Shakespeare, Darlinghurst Theatre Co, Hayes Theatre Co., Perth, Adelaide and Sydney Festivals, and many commercial and independent producers. Some of his favourite productions have been 'The Cripple of Inishmaan', 'The Night Alive', 'Shining City', 'Girl from the North Country' at the Theatre Royal and more.

His feature film credits include: 'Ladies in Black', 'San Andreas', 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader', 'Fool's Gold', 'The Three Stooges' and 'Doing Time for Patsy Cline'. On television his credits include 'Mr Inbetween', 'Black Comedy', 'Devil's Dust', 'Wild Boys', 'Rake', 'Crownies' and 'Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo'.

He co-wrote and directed two series of 'Tough Nuts - Australia's Hardest Criminals' for Foxtel and 'The Kangaroo Gang' for the BBC.

Laurence is a graduate in Theatre Studies from UNSW; in Acting from WAAPA; in Directing from NIDA; and in Screenwriting from UTS.

As they embark on their own artmaking journey, an important day for the senior art students is to get inspired by emerging and established artists. Viewing ArtExpress 2021 and Matisse: Life and Spirit at the Art Gallery of New South Wales provided the students a rich experience of how the world can shape an artist’s response and practice.

The students then explored additional exhibitions and artworks at the Museum of Contemporary Art, starting with Primavera 2021: Young Australian Artists. The excursion has provided students with wider exposure and range of artists as they themselves strive for excellence in their own artmaking and critical and historical studies this year.

Mrs Marie Hogan
Academic Head of Visual Arts

Our Library has been a buzz of activity after school with students working independently, with a study buddy or a study group. This week, a group of Physics students worked through questions, asking questions of each other, and working out solutions on the whiteboard. A great way to learn.

The PJ Walsh Library is open until 5.00pm for all students.

With the upcoming Year 12 Half Yearly exams check out the webpage Study boost for seniors for study tips.

The following days provide specialised support to students from a staff member and senior students. Check out the webpages that are available 24/7 with study supporting resources:

Monday - Reading boost
Tuesday - Assessment boost
Wednesday - Maths boost
Thursday - Writing boost

Working as an Individual:

• Work on time management and plan out your revision and assessments
• Make a dedicated time each week to work on a major work
• Use the Syllabus to make study notes
• Check your study notes against a study guide
• Draft and redraft you assessment
• Engage with marking criterias against your assessment draft
• Send a teacher an email of a draft assessment for feedback on a draft
• Review past HSC papers
• Review NESA exam workbooks
• Complete textbook chapter revision questions
• Use the Library for additional material for gaps in your learning
• Use the Library for additional material to provide evidence for your answers – statistics, quotes
• Use the Library to view CSSA Trial papers to practice
• Predict questions by switching verbs and write a response under timed exam conditions

Ideas with a Partner

Parents of Year 12 students may wish to point out these suggestions for study ideas for working individually, with a partner or with a group:

• Make a mind map of extended response planning
• Make palm cards of key words and their definitions on the other side
• Peer mark a draft assessment
• Work through NESA multiple choice questions
• Practice an oral presentation with a peer and ask for feedback

Advantages of Working with a Study Group

• It gives you a chance to ask questions about things you don’t understand rather than having to stop work as you don’t know how to go any further.
• It can save you time when a number of minds join together to try and understand a difficult concept rather than struggling with it yourself.
• Other people have different methods of approaching a problem, which you can learn from.
• You can pick up tips on study skills and techniques and strategies and learn from what other people do.
• You will strengthen your teamwork skills, which will be valuable for later life.
• By meeting together after school and working for an hour or so in a library many students find that they complete much more work than if they had gone straight home.
• Explaining something to someone else is also a great way to ensure that you fully understand the topic.
• Brainstorming in a group at the start of an assignment ignites lots of ideas due to the interaction and piggybacking of ideas that occurs. Students can fast track the initial development of their ideas then go their separate ways to develop them.
• Encouraging and motivating each other is an added benefit from meeting in a group. Students can set work targets together of what each of them will try and achieve when they get home
• To avoid problems that may arise from working with a study group
• Try and select students who have similar goals to you and will be willing to share and do the work.
• Don’t make the group too large (the bigger the group the more side-tracked discussions and distractions).
• At the first meeting discuss the group’s expectations and perhaps any guidelines that you feel should be in place.
• Have an action plan for each meeting: what do you want to achieve in the allocated time?
• Perhaps have a different student each meeting whose job it is to keep the group on track and work through the action list of what you want to achieve.
• Be sure you do independent work yourself before coming to the group so that you have something to contribute.
• Only use a study group for appropriate types of work, if it is the sort of work you’d be better off doing quietly yourself then don’t do this in a group situation.
• If things are not going the way you’d like them to in the group, try and raise your concerns with the group otherwise you may need to tell the group you need to go and do the work by yourself

Best wishes Year 12 for your upcoming exams

Mrs Lynn Revai
Academic Head of Library

This term, Oakhill has been participating in the CSDA Public Speaking competition with a record number of schools (87) participating in Round 1. There were also over 120 students participating in Years 7-10, and over 200 students in Seniors competing to make it into the Grand Finals. We would like to congratulate all participants at Oakhill College who competed. We were fortunate enough to have two Round 1 competitors convincingly progress to the Zone Finals and the Grand Final. This was a huge test for our students, who were now competing against the strongest speakers across the state.

Our students were highly dedicated to this endeavour by engaging with the recursive nature of the writing process and taking on board the feedback provided by our coaches. The topics ranged from:

• ‘That was then, this is now’
• ‘We have seen better days’
• ‘Small things’
• 'It’s time we call it for what it is’ 
• ‘First in - best dressed’ 

The competition's Grand Final took place last Friday 11th March, and our College was represented by Logan Penfold (Year 10) and Chloe Brennan (Year 12). Both students presented impeccable speeches and Logan was fortunate enough to be placed fourth overall.

I would like to thank the following students for their involvement in the CSDA Public Speaking competition and representing Oakhill’s rhetorical skills. Aarush Sapre and Roshan Mishra (Year 7), Raamis Khan and Michael Rizk (Year 7 - competing in Year 8), Jacob Tamaro (Year 9), Marcus Valjak and Logan Penfold (Year 10), John-Paul Edge-Bennett (Year 11) and Chloe Brennan (Year 12).

Thank you to Ms Clark and Mrs Jones for assisting with supervision on the public speaking evenings and for their outstanding coaching of our teams.

Thank you also to Mr Jesse Garofano (Class of 2019) for his coaching and support of all students involved in the Public Speaking competition.

Tryouts for Debating will start next week Wednesday 23rd March at lunchtime in SO102. This will be a great opportunity for any students who are interested in speaking and contributing to the College’s extra-curricular activities in debating. 

Mr Alex Vlismas
Public Speaking and Debating Co-ordinator

The Agriculture Show Team and the Year 11 Primary Industries students have hit the ground running and preparations are well under way for this year’s shows. We have secured some excellent Angus steers and a gorgeous Galloway steer that we have been preparing for the Pure-Bred Steer Competition. With only two weeks until the Castle Hill Youth Expo and just under four weeks until the Royal Easter Show, our students will be working hard to ensure they are competition ready.

Mrs Stellina Trestrail
Co-ordinator of Agriculture

Debating Tryouts Start
Wednesday 23rd of March
During Lunch Time in SO102

Complete the Expression of Interest Form

And Join the Google Classroom with code u7mpina for More Information.

Expression of Interest Form is also on Oaklife Homepage

• You Must be on Time!
• No-shows Will Not be Trialled.
• Team Changes Cannot be Made.

Mr Alex Vlismas
Public Speaking and Debating Co-ordinator

Dear Oakhill students, staff and parents,

We would like to introduce ourselves, Maddy Ragell and Tess Johnston, your La Salle House Captains for 2022. We are thrilled to be leading La Salle with pride, and are committed to serving, empowering, supporting and encouraging our fellow La Salle students. We aim to create an environment that fosters an unwavering sense of House identity and spirit, where La Salle serves as an inclusive and passionate community for all students.

A little more information about ourselves:

A little bit about Maddy:
My name is Maddy, and I attended Tangara School for Girls before coming to Oakhill. My favourite subject is Legal Studies, and I currently play netball for the College and love going for walks with my dog. The best advice I can offer my La Salle peers is to get completely involved in every aspect of your schooling, from trying hard in your academics to involving yourself in sport, drama, music, art and community service, even if it entails moving out of your comfort zone. Tess and I are always proud of you and always here to give you a hand.

A little bit about Tess:
My name is Tess, and prior to Oakhill, I attended Loreto Normanhurst. My favourite subjects are English and Community and Family studies. I also play netball for the College, which is where I initially met Maddy. I’m so excited for the year ahead and I hope that each and every student in La Salle, new or old, gets involved in everything that Oakhilll has to offer.
 
The Dean of our House is Mr David Ellwood, whose office is located on the first floor of the De La Salle building. He is always available for a quick chat and a ‘cuppa’. Mr Elwood is passionate about our house and works hard to build La Salle House spirit by encouraging us to do our best. He’s our number one advocate and always strives to lead by example.

A little history about La Salle. La Salle House is named after the founder of the De La Salle Brothers, St John Baptist de La Salle, who was a French school teacher and formed the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He was born in 1651, died in 1719, and his feast day is the 15th of May.

We would also like to take the chance to congratulate and shout out to Teana Hodgers from Year 12 who was appointed Swimming Captain for the Oakhill Swim Team 2022. She competed in the ISA competition, and is progressing further at CIS level. We are so proud of Teana and the rest of the La Salle students who participated in our recent swimming carnivals!

On behalf of La Salle, we are exceptionally proud to see how hard you all are working, keep it up.

We have started off the year with a bang!

Sincerely, your La Salle House Captains
Maddy Ragell and Tess Johnston

With the Swimming Carnival points now added to the tallies, the House Cup is shaping up to be a close race in 2022.

Congratulations to our leading point scorers from each House:

• Logan Penfold – Lasalle (Year 10)
• Lucas Karam – Solomon (Year 9)
• Dean Guy – Mutien (Year 9)
• Kristian Magdic – Turon (Year 9)
• Jude O’Donnell – Benildus (Year 8)
• Jacob Matta -  Miguel (Year 11)

Do you know all the ways you can contribute points towards your house total?

Mrs Donna Findlay
Head of Senior School

Congratulations to all Summer sport teams on a short but successful and enjoyable season. Well done to some of our 1sts and A teams that were ISA Champions for 2022.

• 1st V Boys basketball - Premiers
• 17A basketball - Premiers
• 15A basketball - Premiers
• 14A basketball - Premiers
• Champion School 2022 ISA Basketball - Oakhill College

  

• Boys 1sts Touch Football - Premiers
• Junior boys Touch football - Division 1 - Joint premiers (Oakhill 2 and Oakhill 3)
• Cricket U15 - Premiers
• Cricket 14 Gold - Premiers

Winter sport training and trials have now started and we are looking forward to a full and successful season. 

Mr Andrew Wisemantel
Head of Sport 

Last Friday saw the second instalment of the Petitto Cup, between the current 1st XI Boys Football Team and the Old Boys who have represented Oakhill in recent years. This cup is named after Jonathon Petitto, Class of 2010, who has coached, often two teams at Oakhill for 14 years and has led the 1st XI to three ISA Championships. 

The Old Boys showed their experience winning 5-3 in an excellent showcase of the talented Football players of Oakhill College. 

Mr Jack Morrison
Football Convenor

As a parent and a teacher at Oakhill College, I sometimes have to muffle my cheering on the sideline when my daughter is on the playing field. The Touch Football senior girls played a double header on Saturday 12th March, to make up for missed games and I sat quietly and contained on the sideline. The girls’ have had little training or match time as a consequence of the torrential rain the last few weeks but their spirits were not dampened. Their super coach, Daniel Simonian, gave encouragement and support constantly from the sidelines as the girls battled through two gruelling games of touch.  

The first game was against Barker and they were formidable opponents who exhibited the skills of an experienced team. As Oakhill started to find their confidence with a try from Ronnie (Veronica Dodd) the game was over. We were uncertain of the next team Oakhill would be playing and then we noticed a group of girls on Damien Oval in black uniforms. We watched in fascination (while wincing) as they limbered up with sprint training, ball skills and handstands. Is that a new touch skill? They jogged onto the field in military style fashion, while our girls recovered on the sideline, sorted injuries, attended to a crying CAFS baby, and slugged back water while listening to their faithful coach in readiness for game two, against SKEGGS Redlands. 

The girls rallied and gave their best, supporting each other, while battling fatigue and exhaustion. Kayla Gioiello scored a try after an epic run to the try line. Few of the plays went Oakhill’s way and SKEGGS were just too good for our girls, yet there was a sense of camaraderie in defeat. As the girls shook hands with their opponent, I noticed how gracefully they accepted their loss. They never challenged decisions or showed frustration. They were honest in every play and left the field proud with a winning streak in sportsmanship.  

Finally, I kept silent for a total of five minutes before cheering for all the girls. We were all very proud of our Oakhill touch footy girls and even managed to take a photo after the game. Sorry girls!

Go easy on the girls, I suspect their exhaustion will linger. 

Ms Louise Johnston
Assistant Academic Head of Learning Support

Congratulations to Connor Bourke Year 10, Dominic Fedele Year 12 and Saverio Fedele Year 9 who were recently ball-kids for the Davis Cup held in Sydney, Australia v Hungary. 

All three boys were also ball-kids for the ATP Cup and Sydney Classic in January, drawing an amazing array of world-class tennis players. 

The Oakhill College P&F Committee is excited to welcome parents to our Trivia Night on Saturday 19th March at 6.00pm for a 6.45pm start. This is another successful sold-out event, so unfortunately no tickets will be available to purchase on the night. 

An email has been sent to all ticket holders, however, a few items to note:

• Parking is available on College grounds
• Check in is at the Benildus Hall entrance
• BYO drinks, snacks, cups etc there will be no food for sale
• Please bring gold coins, notes etc to take part in fundraising games. Eftpos will be available for raffle tickets
• This is a COVID safe event, so please stay home if you are unwell or experiencing any COVID like symptoms
• You may dress up in our 'farm' theme. Best dressed prizes will be awarded.

We have a fun filled evening planned with trivia, music, games, fundraising and the opportunity to meet new people.

Oakhill College P&F Association

Are you able to volunteer on a Thursday from 1.00pm to 5.00pm in the Uniform Shop? If you are able to commit to once a month or a term, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Mrs Carmel Christie at cchristie@oakhill.nsw.edu.au if you are able to help.