Volume Five, Friday 5th April 2024

From Br Steve Hogan fsc

Greetings,

This is the last Newsletter for Term One 2024 and I would like to start by acknowledging the sensational effort of all staff and students this Term. The response to our theme, ‘Aim for the Stars’, has been most impressive and the words of JFK about challenges and things not being easy have been grasped with vigour with staff and students setting and attaining high standards in all things.

We are aiming for every student to have a growth mindset, with attitude and aspiration to do their personal best (PB). We are aiming for 320+ Band 6’s in the HSC, and all Year 7 and Year 9 students attaining their best in their NAPLAN assessments and all Year 10 attaining their literacy and numeracy Minium Standards in their first attempt next term. We are also ensuring that we build on activities that develop confidence and resilience; respect and integrity; civics and citizenship; those things parents hold and cherish and which we share and aim to uphold.

In the holidays, College staff will be travelling with about 80 Year 9 and 10 students to Vietnam on a service-learning tour organised by Mr David Newman. Special thanks to the staff involved. We are most fortunate to have staff committed to ensure students at Oakhill College have cross-border and service-learning opportunities.

Term Two begins on Monday 29th April, and will be a much more settled Term with fewer major school activities and thus the opportunity to set routines and a regular homework/study time each night. I encourage parents to organise study schedules for their sons and daughters and place them on the fridge, ensuring everyone is kept on task and putting in the foundation needed for their PB whatever the subject or activity – striving to achieve one’s potential. Anything less is limiting God’s potential; God’s plan for us, others, and the world to come. There is always material to prepare for, notes to go over, readers to read, and extra sums that can be done. Foundation. Foundation. Foundation.

I have the privilege of receiving letters or emails from the public or visitors to the College commending me on the manners, help, or assistance they have received from an Oakhill College student. This includes the recent Young Lasallians Program at the local Anglican Retirement Village and the Special Olympics Swimming Carnival hosted by Oakhill College.

What is important at Oakhill College is a holistic learning culture, focusing on the development of the whole person, a growth mind-set, and a can-do attitude where young men and women are inspired to aspire to greatness. This is done by focusing on the small things and simple things and doing them well. Values help form attitudes for life. Essential attitudes are being positive and resilient, but also being willing and prepared to put in the hard work required to achieve one’s aspirations. I commend our students for their can-do attitude and values, and for their courtesy and respect for each other and members of the wider community. I also commend Year 12 for knuckling down and working hard to achieve their aspirations and attain their personal best in their recent Half-Yearly exams.

As the Term comes to an end, I would like to thank all parents and friends of Oakhill College for their support of the Parents and Friends Association (P&F) ‘Welcome Event' which made approximately $12,000.00 for Oakhill College. Particular thanks to the Co-ordinator Ms Carina Morales and all those who volunteered their time, attended or purchased a raffle ticket.

In the coming weeks, in the Church’s calendar, we are reminded of those travellers on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). While reflecting on themselves they were unable to see Jesus in their midst, however while focusing on the needs of others, they walked with Jesus. The message of Easter is that we depend on each other to live full human lives. We need to be hopeful, helpful, and kind.

Thank you and God Bless.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

Presentation to Prospective Year 11, 2025 Girls

The College recently held a Girls Information Evening for prospective parents and female students at Oakhill. At this event, Nicky Williams and Ariella Colosimo, both Year 11, shared their feelings and experiences about their transition to Oakhill so far. Please find below a copy of their speech:

Good evening Br Steve, staff, friends, parents and of course our potential future Oakhill Lasallians.

NICKY: I’m Nicky and this is Ariella and we are here to speak to you this evening about our recent transition to Oakhill College. Ariella and I are in our eighth week here and we are absolutely loving it. Tonight, we will discuss with you the endless opportunities we have been presented with so far and why we have transitioned so easily to Oakhill. We are extremely excited to see you all here tonight and are looking forward to extending our welcome to each and everyone of you to our community.

On my first day at Oakhill, I was so nervous as I was moving here on my own, looking for a fresh start as I’m sure many of you are. Being unsure of what it would be like, I was happily surprised with the warm welcome I received from both the Year 12 and new Year 11 girls, the staff and our House Deans and, as I know many of you are probably worrying about, the boys. Being a largely dominated boys school, it can be daunting feeling so small in proportion to the utter size of the College here, but I can assure you that despite this, we were quickly able to feel as if Oakhill was a home away from home.

The incredible grounds and facilities here has especially amazed me, in particular the new Innovation Hub where mainly TAS and Science subjects are held, as well as the canteen which I’m sure many of you, like me, will not be able to resist.

Already, there have been countless mission and service opportunities, where we have been able to put our hands up to give back to our school, community and faith. Some of the recent service opportunities include the Pink Stumps Day car wash and cake stall, Open Day tours and the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday. I was also given the opportunity to present a speech at the College assembly on International Women’s Day where I discussed the importance of inclusion. Additionally, Ariella and I have both volunteered for the Lasallian Without Borders mission trip to Fiji where a group of our peers and us will travel overseas to help our less fortunate Lasallian brothers and sisters.

As well as the abundance of service and mission opportunities, sport at Oakhill has been an incredible experience for me as it was a large reason why I moved here. Recently, trials for winter sports, netball, soccer and hockey have been conducted and the finals for girls rugby 7s, which is open to all Year 11 and 12 girls no matter the skill level, was completed last Monday.

Overall, the including and welcoming experience that Oakhill sport, service and extra-curricular activities offers is an outstanding opportunity that I strongly encourage all of you girls to get involved in, as it gives you a comfortable place to make new friends, get to know yourself better and make a change in the world around you.

ARIELLA: Good Evening, I’m Ariella and like Nicky I was a bundle of nerves when transitioning to Oakhill, feeling both scared yet excited for the change as it’s what I needed. As Nicky already mentioned the sport and mission opportunities at the College are endless, but I’m here to give light on the drama and academic opportunities the school offers. As a first year drama student I was very anxious but additionally exhilarated to join the Performing Arts department and be a part of something new that is extremely established and recognised at the College. Before even considering moving to Oakhill I heard about the amazing work the Performing Arts department put into their students and performances. So, when I was greeted by a group of teachers when first entering the Adrian Building, who introduced themselves and asked me about my subjects, eager to have new drama students, I felt such a warm and welcoming presence which emulates across the College.

This set up my first drama lesson for success as when I entered the theatre I knew I had made the right decision not only in picking drama, but picking a school with a wide range of Performing Arts opportunities. Recently, I completed my first performance for my group project, again a new experience for me, and it was so refreshing getting constructive feedback from multiple teachers, who were interested in our ideas and enhanced our work, incorporating their advice, experiences and knowledge, making the college such an inclusive space. A key aspect of the Performing Arts Department is the College Musical, this year being Mamma Mia. If you're someone who loves performing but hasn’t felt motivated or encouraged to join at their current school, I know exactly how you feel. However, Oakhill never fails to make you feel like your part of a family when participating in something new to you, and I can confidently say that if I hadn’t moved to Oakhill I wouldn’t be expressing my love for the arts, and so I thank Oakhill tremendously for that opportunity.

Additionally, the College provides students with academic prospects that at least for myself and Nicky, weren’t offered to us at our previous schools. A recent academic opening we had was the Secondary School Anzac Ambassador Program for 2024, where a group of history students put together information about the Anzac ethos, personal/family experiences and knowledge on the Gulf War, in hopes to speak at the Castle Hill RSL Club in front of thousands of Australian Army veterans and current day service men and women. This was an eye opening experience, especially when both Nicky and I were asked to participate by our history teacher when only being at the school for a few weeks, showing that Oakhill teachers encourage their students to put themselves out there. The staff at Oakhill have a one on one teaching approach to our education which provides students with the opportunity to reach out to teachers when they need help and always receive feedback to further our learning. Personally, all my teachers have provided me with the tools and help I need to do my best, and especially with exams coming up, the session the college provided with Prue Salter on how to effectively study has helped a lot. Furthermore, our House Deans and Tutor group teachers put in the effort to make us feel supported and settled into the new environment, constantly checking up on our learning and personal goals to help us be the best versions of ourselves.

Collectively, the endless opportunities and smooth transition into such a big school has made Oakhill worth every experience and we hope we have provided you with information or insight you hadn’t known before. I can say on behalf of both of us that moving to Oakhill was the best decision we’ve made and we probably wouldn’t be friends if not for both of us moving and so hopefully we will get to see some of your familiar faces next year as the new Year 11 girls of Oakhill for 2025.

Examinations - Why they are Important and How Parents Can Help

Weeks 6 – 8 often serves as the assessment time for all high school students. Our Year 7, 9 and 12 students have just finished NAPLAN and Year 12 Half Yearly Assessments as well as other exams or assessments during this time. Years 8, 10 and 11 have also had a range of assessments during the past weeks. This assessment time is predictable and examinations serve as significant milestones in a student's academic journey, often stirring a mix of emotions in both students and their parents. While the word "exam" may evoke stress and anxiety, it's crucial for parents to recognise the importance of examinations in their child's development and academic growth. Understanding the role exams play and how to navigate the associated stress can profoundly impact a child's well-being and success.

As parents, it is important that we support our children by reducing social commitments, improving access to nutritional food and allowing our children to sleep for longer.

For our students, the following study techniques may help them prepare for examinations/assessments: creating to-do lists, colour-coding calendars, using flashcards and vocabulary lists, mind-maps, summary notes and practice essays.

Survey any teacher about the purpose of examinations, whether responsible for a tribe of Kindergarten students or a Year 12 cohort on the brink of exit exams, and you will likely hear phrases such as ‘monitoring progress’, ‘facilitating deep learning’ or ‘ensuring students understand content or ideas’. Students, on the other hand, are more likely to respond emotively and articulate feelings ranging from excitement and anticipation to stress, self-deprecation and a sense of being judged.

So why is a fundamental part of learning perceived in such disparate ways? And how can we transform the examination landscape into a more hospitable space in which students feel confident to take educational risks, privileging process over product?

Examinations are supposed to be assessing knowledge and skills: examinations provide an opportunity for educators to assess students' understanding of subject matter and their ability to apply learned concepts. These assessments help identify strengths and areas needing improvement, guiding teachers in tailoring their instruction to meet individual student needs.

They are also preparation for future challenges: exams prepare students for the rigours of higher education and the demands of the professional world. By mastering study skills, time management and critical thinking abilities during examination preparation, students develop essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

They can help with motivation and often see individuals set goals: examinations serve as benchmarks for students to gauge their progress and set academic goals. The anticipation of examinations can motivate students to stay focused, engage in regular study habits, and strive for academic excellence.

There is also the feedback for growth: exam results provide valuable feedback for both students and educators. Positive performance reinforces students' confidence and validates their efforts, while areas needing improvement highlight opportunities for further learning and skill development.

Managing Stress: a little bit of stress in our lives helps us to manage situations when stress is unavoidable.

What can you do as parents?

Open Communication: Encourage open communication with your child about their feelings and concerns regarding examinations. Listen attentively, validate their emotions, and offer support and encouragement. Reassure them that it's normal to feel anxious and that you're there to help them navigate through it.

Promote Healthy Habits: Emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during examination periods. Encourage regular exercise, nutritious meals, adequate sleep, and breaks for relaxation. Physical well-being directly impacts mental clarity and resilience in managing stress.

Teach Stress Management Techniques: Teach your child practical stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help calm their nerves and enhance focus during exam preparation and testing.

Encourage Positive Self-Talk: Help your child cultivate a positive mindset by encouraging them to replace negative self-talk with affirmations and constructive thoughts. Remind them of their past achievements and capabilities, reinforcing their confidence in their abilities to tackle exams effectively.

Maintain Perspective: Encourage your child to maintain a balanced perspective on exams. Remind them that exams are just one aspect of their academic journey and not a measure of their worth or potential. Encourage them to focus on their efforts and growth rather than solely on outcomes.

Examinations play a vital role in assessing academic progress, preparing students for future challenges, and fostering essential skills for success. As parents, understanding the importance of exams and adopting effective strategies to manage stress can empower our children to navigate exam periods with confidence, resilience, and a healthy mindset. By providing support, encouragement, and practical guidance, we can help our children thrive academically and emotionally, both during exam season and beyond.

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

Study Skills - Maximising Your Study Efficiency

Are you tired of spending countless hours on assignments only to realise that much of that time was wasted on unnecessary tasks? It's time to work smarter, not harder, and the key lies in understanding the 80-20 rule.

The 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of results come from just 20% of efforts. How can you apply this principle to your studies? Let's break it down:

Choose the Right Goal: Before diving into any task, it's crucial to identify your goal. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve with this assignment? Focus on the 20% of goals that will yield 80% of the desired results. For instance, if your goal is to write a persuasive essay, identify the key points or arguments that will make the most impact.
Choose the Right Task: Not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks contribute significantly more to your goals than others. Prioritise tasks based on their importance and relevance to your objectives. If research is consuming too much of your time, consider focusing on the essential sources and information that directly support your main arguments.
Choose the Right Action or Strategy: Once you've established your goals and tasks, it's time to determine the most effective actions or strategies to achieve them. Break down your tasks into actionable steps and concentrate on the 20% of actions that will generate 80% of your desired outcomes. For example, if you're studying for an exam, identify the key concepts or topics that are likely to appear and allocate more time to mastering them.

Remember, every task consists of three components: the destination (goal), the route (plan), and the action (steps). By focusing on the critical 20% of each component, you can optimise your study approach for maximum efficiency and results.

In your academic journey, prioritise activities that align with your goals and contribute the most to your success. By adopting the 80-20 mindset, you'll not only save time but also achieve better outcomes with less effort.

So, the next time you embark on a study session or tackle an assignment, think about the 80-20 way of working smarter, not harder. Identify the tasks and actions that truly matter, and focus on these.

You and your parents can learn more about study skills www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

Username: foroakhillonly

Password: 41results

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

The Agriculture Show Team at the Royal Easter Show

The Royal Easter Show is a time-honoured tradition that brings together farmers, breeders, and enthusiasts from all over the country to showcase their hard work and dedication to agriculture.

The week of the Show was not easy one for the Show Team, as they braved early mornings and long days to prepare their steers for competition. Hours were spent washing, grooming, and getting the steers ring-ready, showcasing the team's attention to detail and determination.

Their efforts did not go unnoticed, as the team achieved commendable results across multiple categories. Oliver Lacey showcased his parading skills, earning 5th Place (Highly Commended) in the School Paraders competition. In the Lightweight School Steer category, the team secured an impressive 4th Place with our steer Myona Dream.

The success continued in the carcase awards, with 2nd Place for Lightweight School Carcase. Additionally, their steers Myona Dream and Minto Caramello received accolades, with Myona Dream earning a silver medal and Minto Caramello receiving a Bronze Medal.

The Show Team also made their mark in the Poultry Competition. Our rooster secured a respectable third place, highlighting the team's versatility and expertise in different areas of agriculture. Moreover, the boys showcased their skills in Poultry Showmanship, with Andrew Boys securing 6th Place and Harry Mayhew earning 4th Place.

Adding to their achievements, the team's creativity shone through in the Scarecrow competition. Harry Mayhew, Mr David Walsh, Ms Marie Hogan, and Ms Rachael Manning collaborated to create an amazing scarecrow that earned them 3rd Place.

Overall, the Agriculture Show Team's performance at the Royal Easter Show was nothing short of impressive. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for agriculture were evident in their success across various competitions, showcasing the bright future of the agricultural industry and the talent within the next generation of farmers and breeders.

Ms Stellina Trestrail
Co-ordinator of Agriculture

Around the Grounds

The Winter sport season starts this weekend with many teams playing Barker College in our first official trial fixtures. The opening of the Winter season also sees our teams recognising the Oakhill College Indigenous round. Several of our 1st sides will be wearing their Indigenous jersey during their games with acknowledgement of country taking place.

Parents and players are reminded that fixture times and venues can be found on the College website. This is a live document that will note any cancellations due to inclement weather. It is recommended that this page be book marked and checked regularly on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Click Here for Weekend Sport Fixtures

Results will also be uploaded to the College Website. This is also a live document with results being updated throughout the day.

Click Here for Weekend Sport Results

Student Achievements

Touch Football

Congratulations to the following students for their selection in the ISA Touch Football teams. The players listed below will take part in the NSWCIS Touch Football Championships on Friday 10th May.

Open Boys Touch Football
Logan Bubb
Tom Fitzhenry
James Fitzhenry
Callum Spooner
Darcy Feltham
Liam Bissett
Ryan Charlwood
Josaia Delana
Dane Grosvenor

U15 Boys Touch Football
Levi Ellis
Lucas Bielby
Fynn Grady
Jett Gremmo
Ben Lynch

Open Girls Touch Football
Amelia Hollis

Girls Rugby 7s

Congratulations to Charlotte Gibson and Leilani Taufa who were selected in the ISA Rugby 7s team. The girls will participate in the NSWCIS Championships on Wednesday 22nd May. Wishing both girls the best of luck.

Baseball

Congratulations to the following boys who represented Oakhill and CIS at the NSW All Schools Baseball tournament on 27th March - Josh Nati, Liam Worn and Cameron Howay. All three boys have been instrumental in the success of the CIS team.

NSW Swifts - Season Launch

The following Senior Netball girls were fortunate enough to be invited to the NSW Swifts season launch on Thursday 4th April. This was a fantastic opportunity to meet and mix with Super Netball players. Our College Captain, Phoebe Reynolds was invited on stage to present Super Netball star, Helen Housby with her playing dress. The Swifts players were amazing in their generosity towards our girls. The College is extremely appreciative for the opportunity and would like to thank Briony Akle and all staff at the Swifts. We wish them all a successful season.
Phoebe Reynolds
Annika Benning
Taylor Jamieson
Kaitlyn Nada
Maddie Sekura
Charlotte Hayward

Mr Anthony Toro
Head of Sport

Uniform Shop Roster

Please find below the upcoming Uniform Shop roster.

Date	Volunteer 1	Volunteer 2
Saturday 6th Apri	Catherine Barakat	Mel Mostyn
Thursday 11th April	Billie Roditis	Joanna Pisani
Monday 29th April	Darcy Weber	Gillian Cook

Volume Five, Friday 5th April 2024

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Volume Five, Friday 5th April 2024