From Br Steve Hogan fsc
Greetings,
It is hard to believe the end of the 2022 school year is upon us.
Today, Friday 2nd December we farewelled Year 10 with a Year 10 Graduation Mass and Award Ceremony. The liturgy and events were remarkable and Year 10s a credit to themselves and their families in their presentation, decorum, and respect. At the ceremony, we celebrated many who crossed the stage for consistent effort and application throughout the year. These are very significant Awards. We also celebrate those who placed in a subject.
At the Year 10 Awards Ceremony, I retold an experience I had several years ago with the President of New York University, Mr John Sexton, who had recruited Principals to help him identify talented young men and women for the inaugural intake of students for the New York University campus in Doha, Qatar. At one point Mr Sexton commented, “here in this room before me is amazing talent, a context where I am sizzling with excitement about future possibilities.” It is the same here at Oakhill College, a context sizzling with the potential of evolving talent before our very eyes. It is humbling, and I am honoured. I went on to encourage the Year 10s to continue to set high goals and achieve their best. Why, because any less is inhibiting God’s creativity. Not being who you ought to be, who you can be, limits the potential of the future; limits what the world can become.
Remember Master Shifu, “if you only do what you think you can do, you will never know what you can do and who you can be.”
Remember “limitations are self-imposed.”
Therefore, we at Oakhill College encourage all students to walk this journey, to be bold and brave, with a spirit naught for danger, and caring with a heart to conquer all.
John Wooden a renowned US Basketball Coach says:
“Success is the peace of mind attained through self-satisfaction in knowing you have made every effort to be and do the best you can.”
We do not expect perfection at Oakhill College, but we do expect students to do the right thing; to do justice to their skills, abilities, and talents in all aspects of life.
As this is the last Newsletter for 2022, I wish to thank parents for choosing Oakhill College and giving us the privilege of walking with you and sharing with you in the formation of your sons and daughters. I would also like to recognise the incredible talent and achievement of our students both in the more recognisable fields of academics, music, dance, drama, and sports, but also in the fields of speech and debating, service and mission, velour, and virtue, all of which will be chronicled in the 2022 College Yearbook to be issued at the start of 2023. The Oakhill Graduate of 2022 has successfully made the journey to become more grounded and future ready, articulate and confident, polite and respectful, ready to take on the challenges of 2023 whether it be in the next grade, the workforce, or further study.
In recognising the fine achievements of our students, I am particularly conscious of, and give recognition to, the dedication of all staff and their hard work and commitment to their students. I would like to thank the College Senior Leadership Team, Mr Munday (Deputy Principal), Ms Gillis (Assistant Principal Pastoral Care), Mrs McMahon (Assistant Principal Curriculum), and Mrs Forrest (Business Manager), the Academic and Pastoral Heads, Deans, Co-ordinators and teachers. I acknowledge especially too the leadership of Mr Goodman, Director of Mission, who continues to inspire and grow the College’s awareness and response to our call to service – an act of hope. I acknowledge Mr Wisemantel, our Head of Sports in his role in promoting participation, sportsmanship, the attainment of excellence, and above all, enjoyment in sport at Oakhill College (approximately 90% of students voluntarily participated in some form of College sport this year). I acknowledge the hard work of our administrative staff and our grounds and maintenance staff who work tirelessly to ensure the College is maintained to the highest standards. I would like to thank Mrs Russo, Head of Communication and Marketing for the tireless updating and reporting on all we do at Oakhill College through many mediums. I would also like to thank Mr Puleo, Chairperson, and the Board for their support and guidance of the College bringing to fruition our Master Plan through the delivery of the new precinct and Innovation Hub.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers including the Canteen and Uniform Shop volunteers; the Parents and Friends Committee; all our sports committees; those who attend drop-off and pick-up for sports practice, drama, music, debating and Show Team. This list goes on – to all, thank you.
To all Oakhill students of 2022, thank you for your hard work, mental toughness, discipline, and determination to succeed at whatever the task, whatever the pain, and to accept both success and failure that are always part of one’s journey. This year is a chronicle, a testament to both your attitude and your achievements as men and women of justice, tenderness, and humility, striving for excellence in all you do, and being the best self that you can be. Make room for Jesus in the inn this summer - be good, be kind, be just in all you do, think, and say.
May the good Lord bless you all.
Wishing you a happy and Holy Christmas and restful summer.
"Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it to be beyond mortal power.
On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity." (Marcus Aurelius)
Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal
