Volume Seventeen, Friday 12th November 2021

Greetings,

At Chapel this morning (Friday 12th November) Br Patrick gave a wonderful reflection on gratitude - the attitude of gratitude.

An attitude of gratitude makes sure the tide of disappointment and negativity goes out and the tide of love rushes in. Everything we do should be the result of our gratitude – gratitude for what God has done for us; gratitude for the opportunities we have; gratitude for our families and friends; gratitude for living in a city now hopefully free of further lockdowns and life more normal than most. The list is endless.

Gratitude is the elixir of life. It picks us up when we are down. It maintains that we approach life in a positive fashion and do not let the everyday challenges or darkness take hold of us.

May we grow this attitude of gratitude.

Throughout this Newsletter you will read of many examples of compassion and understanding and service our Oakhill College students have engaged, even during lockdown. Growing an attitude of gratitude through practical action.

An attitude of gratitude is the elixir of life.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

Frank Skinner, a British entertainer, had an interesting reflection on the nature of prayer:

When I pray it is the only conversation I have where I utterly drop my guard about every doubt, fear, idiocy and imperfection. If people don’t pray I don’t know where they find that, where the unwrapping of themselves is expressed.

We pray for Mrs Rebecca Hughes, (Oakhill College staff member) and her family on the passing of her mother, Mrs Betty Borg, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday 10th November.

Eternal rest grant to Mrs Borg, O Lord.
May she and all the souls of the departed,
Rest in God’s loving peace.
May the celestial lights shine upon forever.
Amen.

Mission@Oakhill are pleased to announce the Oakhill College handball are on sale for only $5.00. 

All proceeds from these balls go to buying food for The  Breakfast Club in Papua New Guinea. Please see your House Dean to purchase your handball.

Mrs Roxanne Leopardi
Youth Ministry Co-ordinator

Once again Oakhill's annual Christmas Hamper Appeal is underway. Every year Oakhill creates a bit of Christmas cheer for our partners St Bernadette's Parish, St Vincent de Paul Society, San Miguel Family Crisis Centre, Yourtown, Baabayn and CommunityXChange Indigenous Pre School.

We are asking students to bring in to their Tutor Group a food hamper item and a gold coin to buy presents for families in need by Friday 3rd December.

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

Christmas is fast approaching and as we start planning the holiday season and buying gifts for loved ones, it's important to think about those doing it tough. Whether you put together a bag full of life's essentials or sponsor a bag to be packed on your behalf, your contribution could change a life this Christmas.

We are supporting Share the Dignity - a women's charity in Australia, that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. They distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support. When someone is doing it tough, the last thing on their mind should be dealing with their period.

We are asking Oakhill to bring in a bag filled with essential items or donate below. Students can drop off items to Reception which will be dropped off to Bunnings (the collection point) on Friday 19th November. 

Donate here: https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/get.../sponsor-a-bag-21

Ms Rose Garofano
Assistant Principal Curriculum

Oakhill College is a community that truly cares. This was no more evident than the efforts that came from the One Foot Forward campaign for the Black Dog Institute. The program developed by our Youth Ministers Matt Murrie (Class of 2016) and Chris Watters (Class of 2019) challenged our school to come together to raise awareness of mental health and give our students and staff an outlet to reach out in times of trouble.

During the month of October, we saw 318 participants literally put their foot forward to walk, run or ride 12,606 kilometres. This was a great kickstart for people to get out and about from lockdown while promoting the importance of exercise to mood and health.

Sponsored by the wider College community, over $21,000 was raised for life-changing research into treatment and prevention of mental illness, as well as vital support services.

Some of the highlights were the staff challenging each other to go that little bit further and the connection of our Year 11 Lasallian Youth Leaders working as ambassadors of junior Tutor Groups.

Everyone is to be congratulated, but especially the students and staff highlighted below.

At a debrief of the project during Tutor time on Tuesday, the important message was that even though the month of October was over, it is vital that the program needs to continue. Keep looking out for your mates and use the resources around you.

Keep walking - keep talking - ONE FOOT FORWARD.

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

Through Oakhill's ongoing work with women and children's shelters and victims of violence, the Women’s Community Shelters (education initiative empowering students to support local women and children in need) recently reached out, asking for a nomination for a Youth Advocate; a student who is willing, passionate, hardworking and who has volunteered their time this year consistently raising awareness and funds for The Sanctuary, our local women’s shelter. 

James Stewart (Year 10) was nominated and then selected as one of two Youth Advocates. He will represent Oakhill College in a role I know he will not only excel at but be truly honoured and empowered to have:

The Walk the Talk program that is run at Oakhill College is truly an amazing organisation. What they do for women and children in need of a safe place to live is, without doubt, a very important cause and being able to help in this cause as a student at Oakhill College is an absolute privilege. I also have had the honour of being a Women’s Community Shelters Youth Advocate. I am so proud to be representing such an important cause.  

James Stewart, Year 10

The Women's Community Shelters has also appointed Ms Sarrah Le Marquand (Class of 1990) as their Ambassador. Congratulations Sarrah.

You can read more about the Women's Community Shelter here:

Mrs Roxanne Leopardi
Youth Ministry Co-ordinator

Photos for Special Interest Groups, some Winter Sports photos and any student who didn't have their photo taken earlier in the year, will be taken on Monday 15th November. All students have been emailed the full schedule. Remaining photographs will be taken on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd December, this is primarily for Year 11 and 12 students.

Students are reminded to wear full College winter uniform on the day including blazer, ties, and stockings for girls. All grooming guidelines must be adhered to or students will be unable to participate in the photo.

These photographs will be included in the 2021 Oakhill College Yearbook and will be available for purchase online shortly thereafter.

Mr Bob Munday
Vice Principal

If you have turned 16, and have not yet done so 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, please complete the form below which requires your name, date of birth and the school year for 2021. 

Concession Card Request

Once issued, concession cards will be valid until March 2022. Students in Year 12, particularly those intending to go on to further study in 2022, 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 that some venues and providers will accept.

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

Mrs Donna Findlay
Head of Senior School

Whilst remote learning had many challenges, our Year 9 leaders challenged the Year 9 cohort to become involved in the fundraiser STEPtember. This required participants to get out and away from their computer screens to achieve 10,000 steps every day of September. 

The money raised goes towards improving cerebral palsy awareness and funding for special equipment to aid those living with the condition. Over the month, we raised $2,998.36 and stepped just over 3,700,000 steps together. A special mention to Isaac Beacroft who topped the leader board with his steps and James O’Brien who raised $811 individually. 

Well done to everyone involved.

 Travis Love, Year 9

Despite the rain this past week, our Master Plan continues to forge ahead and we are pleased to report on the safe delivery of a significant amount of timber for our Innovation Hub.

The manufacturing and process of the mass timber, all 389.18m3, began in Austria, Croatia and Amsterdam where it was heat-treated and packed into containers and shipped to the Port of Trieste in Italy. Once loaded into containers the ship sailed through the Suez Canal to the Port of Singapore before landing in Port Botany, where the containers are currently being fumigated and sent to VIRIDI's factory in Campbelltown for sorting and packing. VIRIDI are the supplier of the CLT and glulam timber used to construct the Innovation Hub.

The 13 containers received thus far are made up of CLT billets for the Strongfloor flooring system and timber to be used for the ceiling, beams, rafters and walls, with five more containers due to be delivered at the end of November.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

A reminder to any Year 12 student who hasn't joined the Oakhill College Alumni Association to please do so via the link below. By joining this Association you will be kept up to date with College activities, initiatives, reunions and alumni news. Please join the association using a different email address to your Oakhill College email, as all Oakhill email addresses will be discontinued in early 2022.

By joining the Oakhill College Alumni Association with your independent email address, this means we will also be able to remain in contact with you via email during the HSC results period in late January for any notifications, assistance and/or support.

https://www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au/alumni-change-of-details-form

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Any current family who is aware their child will be leaving the College at the end of 2021 and has not already notified the College Registrar via email, could you please do so by Monday 15th November at the latest by email: registrar@oakhill.nsw.edu.au.  

All families are required to give the College a Term’s notice in writing. If sufficient notice is not given, the Enrolment Deposit will be forfeited as a fee in lieu of notice. Correct information is needed as we are finalising class lists for 2022.

Mrs Nicole Beamish
College Registrar

On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, Oakhill paused to remember the men and women, past and present who have served our nation in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Their sacrifices underpin the peace and freedoms we enjoy today. We always remember Oakhill College alumni, Trooper Jason Brown (Class of 1999) who lost his life in Afghanistan.

This year, our Remembrance Day event was live-streamed into classrooms across the College and was led by our Mission Team, College Captains Patrick, Mikeeli, Seronique, Ryan and Chloe, Gerry our flag bearer, and Darien who played a stirring rendition of the last post.

Lest we forget.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Oakhill is following NSW Health advice and the Public Health Orders and to that end, we remind families that we are unable to have any parents or caregivers on campus, except for essential services, well being, pick up and drop off and graduation events. We thank you for remaining in your car during this time.

Masks are still mandatory inside classrooms and on public transport.

If sick or with flu symptoms, stay at home and get tested for COVID-19 and remain at home until symptom-free and or return a negative COVID-19 test (please notify the College following the normal absence procedure).

A friendly reminder that Year 7, 2022 (current Year 6 students) Allwell testing will be on Saturday 11th December. Further information will be emailed to families shortly.

To keep up to date with news and stories from the College simply like and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages.

This notice would be helpful particularly to Duke of Edinburgh participants. Kathmandu is kindly offering staff and students an exclusive shopping program between Thursday 2nd December and Sunday 12th December.

Simply print and take into either the Central Park, Pitt Street, Kent Street, Rouse Hill, Castle Hill, Castle Towers, Hornsby or Macquarie stores the attached flyer to receive this discount. The discounts can range between 40% to 60% off Kathmandu branded gear.

Gear Up Event Oakhill College

Miss Alyssa Nursdorfer
Duke of Edinburgh Leader

There are many advantages apart from deeper learning and improved results to making the most of class time. By completing more work in class you will have less to do at home, your teacher will be pleased with your application and so will your parents when they read your report, and of course, you will learn more! And if you don’t use class time efficiently? Well, you will have to do more work at home, you will find you don’t always understand the work, your teachers will have to be continually disciplining you and you may even make it harder for other people in your class to learn. It’s a no-brainer!

What does working effectively in class mean?

• Sit next to someone who will help you stay on task rather than someone who distracts you.
• Ask questions whenever you are unsure, unclear or do not understand something.
• Be polite and respectful of your teacher and your classmates at all times.
• Come prepared for the lesson with all the books, technology and equipment you will need.
• Contribute your thoughts and ideas at the appropriate times.
• If you find yourself daydreaming, ask yourself questions about what is going on or take notes about what is being discussed so you regain your focus.
• Try at all times to stay on task and be engaged in the work you are doing.
• Learn more this year about how to work effectively at home and at school by working through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. 

Our school’s access details are: 

Username:        foroakhillonly
Password:         41results (the 1 is a number)

Ms Rose Garofano
Assistant Principal Curriculum

The HSC finally commenced on Tuesday 9th November with all students completing the first of the English Papers.

Everything went smoothly. The Presiding Officer had nearly 40 Supervisors, 20 examination rooms, three examination papers and 360 students to co-ordinate following normal HSC procedures on top of the prescribed COVID procedures.

Every student had plenty of time to relax at their designated exam desk before the examination commenced. The mystery of the HSC experience was broken and students continued for the rest of the week feeling more at ease about the processes involved.

Week One saw these others exams completed: English Paper 2, Music 1 and 2, Economics, Software Design & Development and lastly Modern History. 

Thank you to all students who complied with all the expectations and processes to help make the HSC examinations as COVID safe as possible for everyone. Exams continue until Friday 3rd December.

A gentle final reminder that students should know their NESA number.

Ms Rose Garofano
Assistant Principal Curriculum

Year 7 Sport students were excited to welcome two key NSW Waratahs players - Archer Holz and Charlie Gamble, to Oakhill virtually this week.

It was great these players took time out to answer the boy's questions and talk to them about hard work, commitment, resilience and being a team player and not just on the rugby field.

I enjoyed the Waratah's zoom session as it was beneficial for our year, as it motivated us to work hard and achieve our goals, in both sport and daily life outside of Oakhill. Both players talked about how they are passionate and believe playing rugby isn't just a job, it's about becoming closer with your teammates and working together to become better versions of yourselves. Listening to the players has inspired me to achieve set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Patrick Withford, Year 7

Mr Anthony Toro
Assistant Head of Sport

Our Year 12, 2022 students have been busy over the past week trying on jerseys to determine the best fit. Now it’s time to place their orders.

Jerseys need to be ordered via trybooking by 5.00pm on Sunday 14th November. We must meet this deadline if we wish to have our jerseys to wear in reasonable time next year.

https://www.trybooking.com/BVBUO

Students should see Mrs Findlay if they have any questions about their jersey order.

Mrs Donna Findlay
Head of Senior School

Social media helps young people connect with friends and express themselves. It can also be a place for people to share mental health challenges they may be facing. In some cases, young people may see friends or influencers sharing images, videos or messages of self-harm or promoting unhealthy eating habits. 

When young people are exposed to troubling content online, they need to know they can go to their parents for open, non-judgmental discussions about what they are seeing. Being prepared for parenting discussions about online issues can help you provide calm, helpful advice.

You may not have all the answers, but you can help them learn what to do if they see something distressing online and get access to the right support. Start with online safety basics which includes links to support services.

eSafety’s free parent webinars are also a great way to help your children navigate the online world. Parents can register now for eSafety's parent guide to digital technologies and mental health.

The dates are:

• Tuesday 9th November - 7.30 to 8.30 pm
• Thursday 18th November - 12.30 to 1.30 pm

The webinar will explore:

• dealing with harmful online content
• using games, apps and social media to support mental wellbeing
• the pros and cons of online mental health platforms
• helping young people support their friends online.

The internet is an integral part of the digital lives of Aussie teens. Parents can help young people have safer experiences online by staying up to date with the latest research and advice. Visit eSafety.gov.au for more advice, resources and support.

Mr Peter Morrissey
Infrastructure Technical Lead

We look forward to having our first set of trials this Saturday morning with our Year 7 basketball players in action from 8.00am in the CSC. With the current COVID advice and Public Health Orders unfortunately we cannot have spectators at any of our trials. We ask that parents drop off students at the start of their trials and return to pick them up at the finish time. We thank you for your understanding in keeping everyone safe and following the protocols in place.

Registration for Summer Sport – All Players must Re-register. 

Please register via Trybooking to confirm that you will play in the ISA summer competition.  Registration fees have been reduced to $75.

• With the exception of the U13 Cricket team, who play in the community competition, the College can only register current Oakhill students in the ISA competition as the season runs across Terms 4, 2021 and Term 1, 2022. Unfortunately, boys currently in Year 6 and girls currently in Year 10 are unable to be registered.
• Students cannot play more than one sport during the summer season.

Registrations will close Saturday 13th November at 8.00am.

• Basketball - https://www.trybooking.com/BVEAV
• Touch Football - https://www.trybooking.com/BVEAY
• Senior Cricket (ISA – 1st XI and 2nd XI) - https://www.trybooking.com/BVEAR

Grading, Trials and Training Days – Summer Sport Term 4 (no spectators at any trials please)

Saturday 13th November

• Year 7 Basketball in the CSC (8.00am – 10.00am)

Tuesday 16th and Tuesday 23rd November

• Girls’ Basketball and Touch Football – 3.30pm (CSC and BC Oval)

Saturday 20th and Saturday 27th November

• Year 7 Basketball – CSC - 8.00am-9.30am
• Year 8 Basketball – CSC - 11.30am-1.00pm
• Year 9 Basketball – CSC – 1.00pm-2.30pm
• Year 10 and 11 Basketball – CSC – 10.00am-11.30pm
• Year 7 and 8 Touch Football – BC Oval 8.00am-9.30am
• Year 9, 10 and 11 Touch Football (boys) – BC Oval - 10.00am-11.30am

Monday 15th - Friday 19th November Cricket Training

• U13 – Monday 15th November
• U14 – Friday 19th November
• U15 – Wednesday 17th November
• U16 – Wednesday 17th November

A reminder: All winter sports trophies are ready to be collected from outside the Sportsmasters Office. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd XV trophies will be distributed when your team photo is being taken.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to the Oakhill team that competed at the Nitro Athletics meet last weekend at Sydney Olympic Park. The team included Rhys Webster, Josh Cetinic, Darcy Feltham, Xavier Saffy, Hasani Bloomfield and Flynn Farrell (all Year 8). The boys finished third in the school’s division.

Mr Andrew Wisemantel
Head of Sport

Congratulations to Mr Harry Schweikert, Mr Grant Brennan and Mr Nick O'Brien (all Class of 2020) who have been awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Participant Certificates.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is made up of four sections: Physical Recreation, Skill, Service and Adventurous Journey which test students beyond their boundaries and allow them to experience something new. They are all very grateful for the support they received from Oakhill and particularly Miss Nusdorfer who guided them through this process beginning when they were in Year 9.

Harry, Grant and Nick all pursued different sporting, skill and volunteer work opportunities, and you can read their full story in the upcoming Oakhill Drive.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Class of 1995 reunion has been postponed and will be held on Saturday 12th February from 4.00pm. All the other details remain the same. An email has been sent to all Class of 1995 who are on our database with the RSVP link.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, please be reminded that there is no canteen available for students for Term Four.

For Term Four, 2021 the College Uniform Shop will only be available for online orders through Flexischools. We remain closed for face to face orders until further notice. 

Orders placed will be available for students to collect and sign for at Student Services with the three-day turnaround.

Mrs Carmel Christie
Administration Manager