Volume Thirteen, Friday 22nd September 2023

This week has been a test for us as a school community with the passing of the most distinguished and highly respected Andrew Wisemantel while on holiday in France, and the accident involving two of our Year 12 boys. After much worry and prayer that afternoon, I am pleased to be able to inform you that the young man injured in the accident was up in bed talking that evening when I visited him in hospital and he attended Graduation with his class today, Friday 22nd September. A test of faith, and hope in miracles. We could not be more blessed.

I am also most pleased to tell you how special your sons and daughters are. On receiving the sudden news of Mr Wisemantel passing early Tuesday morning, the College gathered those students needing support, but it was not long before the students saw quickly how staff needed support too having lost a dear colleague. Students, young and old, entering class, in the yard or passing on the footpath could be heard, saying how are you Miss, take care Sir, and all students that I came across asked if I was OK. Our Sports Captains, Ryan Edwards and Caitlyn Bacon, under their own initiative gathered on the oval at lunch time staff, students and some alumni and ex staff who were present and conducted an amazing service in memory of Mr Wisemantel.

It is times like this when, most inadquate, something simple can be enough to keep one going and to give the strength to press forward with what needs to be done. Matthew 5:13-14, salt and light, helped me through that sadness. For Andrew was salt to us all, making all manner of things good in so many ways. He was the light that shone the way of how to be good, kind and just – the hallmark of the Oakhill graduate. This is his legacy.

I also stumbled across a favourite of mine, 'You Raise Me Up'. I share the words here and invite you to take some time with them or listen to your favourite version by Josh Groban, Westlife or BYU.

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until You come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.

You raise me up to more than I can be.
Source: Musixmatch

You are an amazing community of communities; staff, students, parents, alumni and friends of Oakhill College. Empathy and compassion, stepping up and helping out; carrying an extra load for a peer, colleague or friend this week was second to none. Rest now these holidays and sit a while in His presence for we are truly blessed.

Br Steve Hogan
Principal

A thought for our mums.....

What an English bishop thinks the mother of the Prodigal son would have said:

While the father and son were out in the backyard arguing, the mother came out. She said to both of them, (now there is a school somewhere where mothers go to learn this line because they all have it) "Now I have had just about enough. You’re both acting like children and I’m tired of it". Then she said to her husband, "you always favoured our younger son and you know it. Our older son works hard day in and day out and you take him for granted. As a matter of fact you take me for granted as well. I hardly ever hear you say thank you except to the hired hands. It is about time you started noticing your own family for a change".

The mother then said to her older son. "And you, you always like to be the martyr. You act as if you are the only one who ever has to go the extra mile, or ever had to do things that go unnoticed. Well, let me tell you something. I’ve had to do it and so has everybody else. So it is about time you learned that sometimes you just have to swallow hard and do what needs to be done, and to realise that sometimes life is just not fair. And it would be nice if you could say thank you more often yourself".

Then the mother went inside and came back with the younger son by the ear. "And you, you are acting like a spoiled little prince. You are in there celebrating with your friends, and you never even thought to ask about how your brother was or go and thank him for doing all the work while you were gone. You think the whole world revolves around you. It is about time you realised it doesn’t".

And finally she said to all three of them. "I have had enough of this bickering, the three of you shake hands and work out your differences some other time. We have company in there. You get in that house and start acting like a family. And you start treating each other the way a family treats each other. If you can’t do that there a lots of places you can go and get a job feeding the pigs".

Br Pat McCarthy fsc
College Chaplain

We pray for our beloved staff member and friend Mr Andrew Wisemantel (Class of 1991) who passed away peacefully on Monday morning (French time). We pray for his wife Jacqui (Class of 1990), his daughters Lara and Chelsea and all his loved ones. Andrew wasn't just a colleague; he was a cherished member of our Oakhill family. His warmth, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Oakhill and its students made him a treasured part of our community. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Let Us Remember That We Are In The Holy Presence of God

Lord, at the moment nothing seems to be able to help the loss we feel.
Our hearts are broken and our spirit mourns.
All we know is that Your grace is sufficient.
This day, this hour
Moment by moment
We choose to lean on You,
For when we are at our weakest Your strength is strongest.
We pour out my grief to You in our darkness
When all suffering is extinguished and our love has conquered all
We shall walk together in the light again.

St John Baptist De La Salle – Pray For us
Live Jesus in Our Hearts - Forever

Oakhill wishes the students and staff going on the Fiji and India Service Tours on Saturday 23rd September a memorable and enlightening experience. 

Thank you to our Oakhill community for the generous donations the students will be taking with them to give to those in need in Fiji and India.

Exciting news, the Oakhill College Canteen, which is the next phase of our Master Plan, is now open! To learn more about it, please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/mpnewsletterseptember2023

On Thursday 14th September, Oakhill marked R U OK? Day. Students were greeted on Thursday morning by a team of R U OK? Ambassadors from the SRC who checked in with students and handed out lollys. Tutor Time last Thursday was devoted to R U OK? activities aimed at helping students have meaningful conversations and learn how to spot the signs that a friend may be struggling. Students were also reminded of the many people and places they can go to for support including the Oakhill College Counselling team, a teacher, parent or other trusted adult, their family doctor and organisations such as Kids Helpline, Headspace and Reach Out.

I’d like to take the opportunity to provide information about further support options that may be of interest to parents and carers:

Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in NSW. You can reach Parent Line by calling 1300 1300 52 or at www.parentline.org.au

ReachOut Parents provides factsheets, stories, practical tips and tools covering a range of topics, issues and experiences that are relevant to teenagers aged 12–18. There is also an online community forum where parents can talk to other parents about their experiences and work through concerns in a safe, anonymous environment. To connect with ReachOut Parents visit www.parents.au.reachout.com

Kids Helpline is a 24-hour telephone service that is available for young people (aged between five and 25) who need advice, counselling or just someone to talk to, no problem is too big or too small. You can reach the Kids Helpline by calling 1800 55 1800.

For more information about R U OK? Day and for tips about how to have an R U OK? conversation, please visit the R U OK? website at https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Ms Helen Morris
College Counsellor

We are thrilled to share that Year 12 have taken their final 'walk down the drive' as students, marking the culmination of their high school journey. It has been a week filled with cherished 'lasts' and heartfelt farewells. 

This week, students enthusiastically participated in several activities including House goodbyes and challenges, a memorable farewell BBQ, and a guard of honour which symbolises the respect and admiration we hold for the Class of 2023. The Final College Assembly was a poignant occasion, providing an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Year 12 cohort. Their dedication, resilience, and accomplishments were honoured by Mr Phil Organ and our Vice Captains, setting the stage for an emotional farewell.

The pinnacle of this week's festivities was the Graduation Ceremony, a truly special event celebrated with family and friends. Br Steve Hogan spoke about the resilience, hardwork and experiences that have made them the sought after Oakhill graduate. 

As we farewell Year 12, we are filled with pride in their achievements and optimism for their future. We wish them success, happiness, and fulfillment in all their endeavors. While they may have walked down the drive for the last time as students, they will forever remain a part of our extended Oakhill family.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Oakhill College has partnered with the Sustainable School Shop to provide families with access to second-hand textbooks, uniforms, calculators, musical instruments, sports gear and more.

The Sustainable School Shop has preloaded items specific to Oakhill College on their site. This makes it very easy to list your items for sale and to buy items.

Second-hand uniform items for sale: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/stocktake/oakhill-college

Second-hand textbooks for sale: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/booklist/oakhill-college

Login or register here: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

Please remember that all students are to return to the College on Tuesday 10th October in their full summer uniform in Term 4. Please ensure items of clothing are labelled with your child’s name.

All students are also to return to the College with an appropriate haircut as outlined on page 14 of the College Diary.

Any student who does not comply to the uniform regulations of the College will receive consequences.

Ms Deborah Gillis
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

The VET (Vocational Education and Training) Awards honour students who have shown exemplary performance during their vocational training placements.

These awards also commend the incredible host employers for nurturing young talents and contributing immensely to the community. Oakhill College would like to acknowledge the teachers and mentors who put forward their students for nomination.

Congratulations to Year 12 students Harry Voorma (Construction) and Ally Sherriff (Sports Coaching) who were awarded 2023 VET Awards.

A special mention to our other 2023 Finalists: Jaemin Shim (Hospitality) and Andreas Juarez-Mendoza (Entertainment).

If you would like to view the live event please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Ms Heidi McKay
Academic Head of VET Pathways

Term 3 for Drama was brimming with captivating performances. It started with the highly anticipated first annual Oakhill College Theatresports competition, where five junior groups vied for the championship trophy. The event was graced by Oakhill graduates as judges and expertly hosted by Phil Joseph and James Ransome-Haberly (both Class of 2022), leading to a night filled with mirth and unexpected moments. Even the Drama staff, including Mr Flanagan, Mr Thoroughgood, and Mr Turbott, added to the entertainment with their impressive team entry, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.

The Year 12 Drama students have truly outdone themselves during the HSC Drama exams, delivering exceptional performances both individually and as a group. Their Major Project submissions were nothing short of outstanding, featuring excellent script work and a wonderful program design. Overall, it was a resounding success and a testament to the students' hard work and dedication.

The Year 8 students demonstrated their magnificent talents during their special event, known as the Year 8 Showcase Night. The dynamic duo of Mr Turbott and Mr Thoroughgood skillfully presented the show. The performance featured a diverse range of talents, including monologues, short plays, Theatresports, short films and music.

Year 10 put on a marvellous Greek Theatre assessment, showcasing their talents through stunning adaptations of Sophocles' Antigone. The audience was treated to a diverse range of renditions, spanning from Vikings to 90’s sitcoms. The students' performance level was truly exceptional, and they were honoured with the presence of Ms Jackson and Mr Russell in the audience.

The Physical Theatre assessment for Year 9 Drama was a sight to behold. The students showcased an impressive display of their physical theatre expertise by weaving a compelling narrative through movement and dramatic elements. Their command over body movements was evident as they used it to communicate a wide range of emotions, making the performance all the more meaningful. It was indeed a remarkable display of the skills they have developed throughout the unit, and all groups performed exceptionally well.

In their Theatresports assessment, Year 7 students exhibited their adeptness and comprehension of Theatresports techniques. They were also tasked with showcasing their skills by responding to an unexpected stimulus. Each class demonstrated their prowess in tackling impromptu scenarios, highlighting the proficiency they acquired throughout this unit of study.

The Year 11 Drama class is currently in rehearsal for the Senior Play, Clue, which brings to life a cast of uncanny characters embroiled in a mysterious predicament and attempting to solve a murder. The production opens on 1st November and features four incredible shows. Don't miss out - be sure to book your seats as soon as tickets are released after the school holidays.

Mr Warren Flanagan
Academic Head of Drama

On Wednesday 13th September, two teams from Oakhill participated in the Write a Book in a Day (WABIAD) initiative.

WABIAD is run by The Kids’ Cancer Project where, as the name suggests, school teams write a book in one day. Team members raise donations for the Project and get to create a wonderful, entertaining, and uplifting book for kids undergoing cancer treatment.

The Oakhill College teams had a great day coming up with story ideas, illustrations, writing a book chapter each and generally having fun whilst learning how to work in a team.

Both teams did extremely well and I’m sure the stories they produced will be much appreciated by their intended audience.

Students have until Friday of Week 1 Term 4 to complete their portfolios and submit them for an invitation to our special morning tea. It isn't too late to get reading and complete some challenges over the holidays.

The Greater Sydney School Cattle Competition is a steer growth and development project conducted in partnership with participating high schools. The program aims to provide students with a hands-on opportunity to delve deeper into animal production, offering them a unique learning experience. Through a project-style activity, students' responsibilities grow over the life of the project, ultimately leading to their sole responsibility for presenting their steer on competition day. The steer is then judged on the hook in a carcase competition.

The culmination of the competition is the awards presentation ceremony, where the winners of each category and the overall school winner are revealed. The following results highlight the achievements of Oakhill's Show Team:

- 3rd place Led Steer
- 5th place Steer Weight Gain
- 4th place Junior Paraders
- 3rd place Senior Paraders
- 2nd place Beef Appraisal Team
- 4th place Junior Judging Team
- 6th place All Age Team Judging
- 3rd place Junior Judging Team
- 6th place Senior Judging Team
- 2nd place Steer Carcase
- Champion Senior Parader (Alex Compton)

Individual Student Achievements:

-1st place Senior Parader - Alex Compton
- 3rd place Junior Parader - Luca Compton
- 2nd place Junior Beef Judging - Andrew Boys
- 6th place Junior Beef Judging - Oscar Widdup

These excellent results collectively earned Oakhill College an impressive overall 2nd place in the competition.

Ms Stellina Trestrail
Coordinator of Agriculture

The P&F have reconciled and finalised the Gala Day financials. In total, Oakhill College's Gala Day raised a remarkable $101,401.80, resulting in a profit of $70,246.68. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in making Gala Day a resounding success.

As part of our commitment to giving back, the P&F is delighted to share that we have made a generous donation of $7,025.00 to the Breakfast Club PNG this week. This contribution will undoubtedly make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we aim to support.

Thank you once again to all who contributed to the success of Gala Day, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to make a positive impact in our community.

Ms Carina Morales
P&F Treasurer

On Friday 8th September the Oakhill College P&F held their annual Golf Day at Lynwood Golf and Country Club in Pitt Town. After weeks of no rain, the sky opened and down came the rain, just as the players were about to hit off. All 69 players made up of parents, alumni and friends of the College seemed to enjoy their game of golf, a bit of friendly competition, lots of laughter and plenty of Oakhill spirit.

By the end of the round, the rain had passed and there was not a cloud in the sky as the players enjoyed their delicious BBQ lunch. The winning team of the 2023 Oakhill Golf Day were The Hornets, consisting of Mark Canning, Mark Jones, Mark Fitzhenry, and David Bubb.

The Oakhill College P&F would like to thank all those who attended along with our sponsors and supporters of the College. Without the support of our community, days like Golf Day wouldn’t be as successful as they are.

We would especially like to thank our Major Sponsor for the day, West Pennant Hills Sports Club, and our three hole sponsors, World of Tiles, Roadwork Solutions, and Core Broking. We would also like to thank Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Oatlands Golf Club, The Epping Club, Meredith Dairy, Sundowner Brewing, Sydney Seafood School, Mint Fresh IGA, CompNow, and Hair Phd for donating prizes for the golf and raffle.

Mr Luke Scarsbrook
Golf Day Co-Ordinator

The Annual General Meeting of the Oakhill College Parents & Friends Association Incorporated will be held on Wednesday 1st November 2023 following the General Meeting commencing at 7.00pm in the College Library. 

As per Oakhill’s Constitution, the following positions will be declared vacant:

• 4 Office Bearers, (President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary); and
• 3 Ordinary Committee Members.

These positions along with the College Principal make up the Oakhill Parents and Friends Incorporated Association Committee. We invite nominations for the seven (7) positions.

In order to nominate for a position on the Oakhill College P&F Committee, you need to be a current member, and your nomination must be endorsed by two current members of the association, not including yourself.

Please complete and submit your nomination form below by 3.30 pm on Wednesday 25th October.

AGM Nomination Form 

Below is a link to the role summary descriptions for the above positions: 

Executive Committee Role Summary Information.pdf 

Please email our secretary at pandf@oakhill.nsw.edu.au for a copy of the Constitution or to answer any queries regarding the above. 

In addition, there are four (4) Co-ordinator roles. Co-ordinator roles do not need to be nominated and will be accepted at the AGM or filled later. These roles are supported by members and volunteers who form a team with the Co-ordinator.

- Golf Day Co-ordinator 
- Entertainment Book Co-ordinator
- Grants Co-ordinator
- Gala Day Co-ordinator

Mrs Margaret Campbell
P&F Secretary

Oakhill College supports The Entertainment App as part of our fundraising.

If you would like to subscribe please click here: https://subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/21434p0

The Uniform Shop is scheduled to open in the second week of the school holidays, on Thursday 5th October from 9am - 3pm. Please note, due to a major College database upgrade, we will be unable to process any eftpos or cash sales on that day. Therefore, Thursday 5th October will be for Flexischools order pickups only. Please ensure that you have submitted your Flexischools order online prior to this day. The Uniform Shop staff and volunteers will have these orders ready for collection on Thursday 5th October.

The next Uniform Shop opening day after the holidays will be Thursday 12th October (1.30pm - 5.00pm), Week 1 of Term 4. This day will be business as usual utilising the new software. Please be patient while our staff are on “training wheels” with the new software.

To avoid potential long waiting times, please ensure you submit any Flexischools orders with plenty of time for collection before the end of Term 3. This will eliminate any last minute panic and ensures that your child is ready for Term 4 in full summer uniform.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Ms Suzanne Haskins
Uniform Shop Manager

Xavier Tuinauvai (Year 10) has been selected to join the AFL 2023 National World Team Squad. This program aims to provide a platform for participants to improve their football and leadership skills through physical training and personal development activities. Congratulations Xavier!

Congratulations to Archie Brisot (Year 10) who has been selected in the U16 Rugby League squad for FIRLA (Federazione Italiana Rugby League Australia).

Congratulations to Addison del Rosario (Year 7) who won gold at the Australian Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Melbourne on Sunday 27th August.

The University of Western Sydney and the University of Sydney are offering HSC study workshops for Year 12 students these holidays. Please see below for further information.

University of Western Sydney: Free HSC Study Sessions | Western Sydney University

University of Sydney: 20230828_September_2023_HSC_Timetable.pdf (sydney.edu.au)

Oakhill College is a proud supporter of the Lifeline Book Fair, which will be held on Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October from 9.00am - 5.00pm in Benildus Hall. Oakhill will be donating our facilities and staff and students will be volunteering as well.