蜜桃影像

For many of our students the next two weeks mark a significant transition. Year 11 students will complete their Preliminary HSC year and will move into Year 12 next term as the seniors in the College: role models setting the standard and tone for the College as well as moving into the business end of their 12 years of schooling, the HSC. Year 12 on the other hand are graduating, ending their 12 years of schooling, a status they can never return to, marking an important rite of passage. A rite of passage is a ritual that celebrates change: change for the individual and a means for the rest of the community to recognise that change. The College will conduct a series of events to mark this passage and provide the appropriate opportunities for the College community - family and friends - to celebrate and recognise this change. A passage from a student under the care and responsibility of the institution, to a young adult, now more fully independent 鈥� the Oakhill Graduate.

I am very proud of our Year 12 2024 as they grasped the challenge of our theme this year, 鈥楢im for the Stars鈥�. They set themselves goals which in turn set the tone and focus for their younger peers. John Wooden a renowned US College Basketball coach shares the following with his teams as they prepare to play the best they can play which I believe is helpful for all students all the time but particularly our Year 11 and Year 12 as they approach exams and transitions in life.

• Don鈥檛 obsess over comparing yourself to others.
• Never focus on being better than someone else.
• Always learn from others and never cease to be the best YOU that you can be.
• Don鈥檛 worry about what you can鈥檛 control.
  

If you get engrossed and concerned about what you cannot control, it will negatively affect what you do about the things you can control.

Success is being the best YOU that you can be.

To all students, set high goals as limitation is self-imposed: in trying you will learn to know what you are capable of; work hard for there are no short cuts; and enjoy when success comes knowing that it was hard earnt, making success sweeter.

I would like to wish all families a peaceful and relaxing holiday break. The two-week holiday is an ideal opportunity for students to recharge their batteries, reflect on what they have achieved so far and start planning for Term 4. Schools are extremely busy places and Term 3 has been exceptional. Amidst busyness we have continued to emphasize the importance of students accepting responsibility for their own learning. In over 50 years associated with education I can confirm that busyness is not a distractor but an impetus for success. Busy students are focused and organised and develop adrenalin and endorphins that help maintain one鈥檚 mental health and a capacity for resilience, and the success that resilience brings.

We are blessed to have wonderful busy students and wonderful families at 蜜桃影像, and I wish you all God鈥檚 blessings and a restful holiday as there is more to do next term.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

Shared laughter creates a bond of friendship. When people laugh together, they cease to be young and old, master and pupil, worker and driver. They have become a single group of human beings enjoying their existence.
W. Grant Lee.

Oakhill is a happy place 鈥� may that happiness often spill over into laughter.

We pray for the senior Indigenous elder of Western Sydney and Bigambul man who passed away at age 102 on Saturday 31st August. This well-renowned elder started the Indigenous Program at 蜜桃影像, he was also an advocate and supportive figure behind Oakhill's Yarn Circle. 

In the same year he turned 100, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the Indigenous community in Western Sydney. He was the inspiration behind founding the Aboriginal owned and self governed place of learning in Mount Druitt - Murray Toola Damana.

He was a poet and published his book of poems "Through Old Eyes" in 2022. His poetry lives on at Oakhill through the English program.

Please keep his family, friends and the Indigenous community in your thoughts and prayers.

We also pray for Ms Katie Kovacevic (staff member) and her family. Katie's grandfather recently passed away, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you to our generous and caring Lasallian community for supporting all of the Mission@Oakhill events in the last few weeks. As a College, we truly have 鈥榃alked As One鈥� in faith and service. There have been many and varied activities taking place at the College including: 

• Jersey Day, continuing the College connection to Nathan Gremmo, his family and the importance of organ and tissue donation.
• Father's Day Mass, which saw the College Chapel swell to capacity in honour of our fathers, granddads and male role models.
• Bingo Night. Our Year 11 Lasallians Without Borders students held a highly successful fundraising evening. More than six hundred guests suffered through a barrage of bad 鈥榙ad jokes鈥� but did enjoy ticking off bingo numbers in support of communities in Fiji and India.
• Our Mission Action Day had year groups run through a series of challenges based around water, food, shelter and play. All these activities were designed to capture village life and replicate the day in the life of people overseas.

 The Mission Action Day challenges included:

• Hydro Hustle, a bucket brigade race highlighting the need for communities to carry water 鈥� 26% of the world lack safe drinking water.
•  Rice Rush, a relay race involving students running 5kg bags of rice up and down Damien Oval 鈥� around the world over 280 million people face acute food insecurity.
• Habitat Heroes, had tutor groups challenged to build a shelter out of tarpaulins, rope tent pegs and poles 鈥� in 2023 114 million people have been displaced by war and violence and on any given night more than one hundred thousand Australian are forced to sleep rough.
• Our Village Active Arena had students鈥� playing games with friends using upcycled sporting equipment and resources made from discarded plastics and rubbish 鈥� children gain resilience, build friendship and learn through outdoor play.
  

As a community that looks for opportunities to give, 蜜桃影像 is taking the resources we used on Mission Action Day and paying them forward. Over 100 kilograms of rice will be donated to our friends at Baabayn the Aboriginal Coop in Emerton for their food bank. We will also be donating over 2500 square metres of shelter, 200 metres of rope, 100 tent pegs and 500 storage buckets to the local SES.

Our online Mission Action Day raffle supporting the Lasallian Foundation was drawn on Friday 13th October. Congratulations to all the winners. The Mission@Oakhill team will be in contact soon to arrange delivery of your prizes. 

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

The College ICT Department would like to notify all parents and students that due to scheduled maintenance of the College's PaperCut online payment gateway, the College will not be processing PaperCut online payments for the remainder of this term. For PaperCut print credit or student ID card replacements, please pay with cash via the ICT Services Help Desk.

Mr Aaron Hickey
Acting Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Please note, the Uniform Shop will be closed on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th October as previously advertised.

In replacement of these dates the Uniform Shop will now be open as follows:

• Tuesday 8th October, 9.00am 鈥� 3.00pm
• Monday 14th October,  9.00am 鈥� 3.00pm

Flexischools orders can be placed at any time.

Ms Suzanne Haskins
Uniform Shop Manager

A reminder that the third and final instalment for 2024 College fees (one third of your annual fees) was due on Thursday 15th August unless you pay in instalments via School Easy Pay. Fee statements were issued prior to the beginning of term.

Could you please organise payment if not already made or contact the Accounts Receivable Office on 9899 2288 if there are any matters relating to your statement that you need to discuss.

Ms Lisa Camilleri
Accounts Receivable Officer

I would like to acknowledge the 鈥楬idden Heroes鈥� of 蜜桃影像, the students that volunteer to be readers and writers for our students with disability. Throughout the year the College engages a group of student volunteers to act as readers and writers in assessments and examinations for students with a diagnosed learning disability who experience a functional impact in the classroom.

Our 鈥楬idden Heroes鈥� work quietly and diligently in the background all year round to support our students, often in high stress environments. At times, they come before school and after school to assist with senior examinations.

Students are rewarded with service hours, but the greatest gift is the development of personal growth and insight. Student volunteers express a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for providing this type of service.

The College deeply appreciates the service these volunteers give to our students with disability. We would like to congratulate our 鈥楬idden Heros鈥� for their commitment and effort, they are true Lasallians. They are already living the College motto of 鈥淓nter to Learn, Leave to Serve鈥�

Thank you 鈥楬idden Heroes鈥�, we are so proud of you and the College is blessed to have such wonderful volunteers.

Ms Louise Johnston
Academic Head of Learning Support

蜜桃影像 is excited to announce it will be running a Science Tour to New Zealand in 2025.  This tour will be open to students in Year 10 and 11 in December 2025. 

Save the date! The tour will run from 13th - 21st December 2025. 

Further information to be provided at a future date. 

Mr Jeremy Powell鈥嬧�嬧�嬧��
Science Teacher

Please note, there has been some slight changes to the Term dates for 2025. Please find the finalised dates below: 

Term 1
Friday 31st January - Year 7 and 11, Term 1 commences
Monday 3rd February - Year 8, 9, 10 and 12, Term 1 commences
Friday 11th April - Term 1 concludes

Term 2
Monday 28th April 鈥� Term 2 commences
Friday 27th June 鈥� Term 2 concludes

Term 3
Monday 21st July 鈥� Term 3 commences
Friday 26th September 鈥� Term 3 concludes

Term 4
Monday 13th October 鈥� Term 4 commences
Thursday 4th December 鈥� Year 10 Term 4 concludes
Tuesday 9th December - Years 7 ,8, 9 and 11 students Term 4 concludes

Ms Deborah Gillis
Acting Deputy Principal

鈥淏onjour tout le monde/Ciao a tutti,

As the Olympics and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 draw to a close, we are reminded of the athletic excellence, strength in diversity and a global event that unites people of all cultures and backgrounds. The Olympic and Paralympic Games remind us that beyond competition, there is a spirit of mutual understanding, respect, and shared culture.

For foreign language students, this international stage offers a unique opportunity to connect their language learning with real-world events, as well as to explore diverse cultures in French and Italian. Oakhill's students can tap into the Games as a dynamic resource for practical learning, which broadens their worldview and participates in the global dialogue that these Games inspire.

Merci beaucoup/Grazie mille,
Monsieur Kim/Signore Kim鈥�

Mr Ian Kim
Teacher

On Monday 26th August, Oakhill's Year 11 Advanced English students participated in an incursion with Bell Shakespeare. The students found the incursion very informative and enjoyable as reflected by Year 11 student Jessica Waters below:

On Monday, Year 11 English Advanced students welcomed performance artists from Bell Shakespeare to our College to talk with us about Othello and provide some helpful analysis and techniques that we can use in our upcoming Preliminary exam. We students found ourselves immersed in their creative story-telling performances and were exceptionally grateful for new ideas and different perspectives they explored, allowing us to see some characters through various lenses. I was certainly enlightened through my discovery that soliloquies state the absolute truth that the character believes, opening new pathways on how to view malicious characters such as Iago in Othello. Bell Shakespeare also provided perspectives and comparisons of feminism and social values of the Elizabethan period that Shakespeare explored throughout Othello, a topic that I have found to be interesting given the views of women in social hierarchy in his time. The difference between the ideal woman (Desdemona) and the woman that breaks the stereotype of women (Emilia) really reveals how challenging Shakespeare is toward the typical view of women in the 16th century. Overall, this was an opportunity that allowed my critical mind to expand on my views and deepen my understanding of the play Othello, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Ms Jillian Butler
Assistant Academic Head of English

Tickets are on sale for the upcoming Year 9 Drama performances of 鈥淭he Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.鈥�

Performances will be in the Adrian Theatre on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th September at 7.00pm.

Don't miss out! Tickets are available through Trybooking:

Do you have exams this semester? Follow these steps to help you achieve your personal academic best:

1. Find out what you need to learn: 
Ask your teacher if you will be tested on the whole year鈥檚 work or just the second half of the year. You may like to work through the PREPARING FOR EXAM BLOCKS unit to help you put together a study plan.

2. Make your study notes:
Work through the SUMMARISING unit to learn how to make brain-friendly study notes. On the THINGS TO PRINT page you will find a very useful Study Notes Checklist. You want to get your study notes finished as quickly as possible.

3. Learn your study notes: 
Make sure you remember what you study by using the techniques in the ACTIVE STUDYING unit. Studying isn鈥檛 just about reading鈥攊t鈥檚 about remembering. If you are interested in exploring learning preferences, you can find more in this unit on this topic.

4. Practise the skills of the subject:
Do as many different questions, revision sheets, chapter reviews, sample essays or past examination papers as you can. There are suggestions on how to make sure the practise you do is effective in the ACTIVE STUDYING unit.

5. Review your test-taking techniques: 
This ensures you make the most of the time in the exam. Don鈥檛 let nerves trip you up! You can learn more about what to do the night before, the morning of the exam, how to approach multiple choice questions and essays in exams and much more in the TEST-TAKING unit. And remember, don鈥檛 leave your study until the last minute 鈥� get yourself organised well in advance.

Bonus Tip:
When you get your exam paper back make the most of it by using the strategies in the AFTER TESTS AND EXAMS unit.

Oakhill's login details are:

Username: foroakhillonly
Password: 41results

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

The 2024 蜜桃影像 Theatresports Competition expanded this year, with many more students participating in the fun-filled event. Twelve teams registered, ranging from students across Years 7 to 12. The Miguel Lecture Theatre was filled with supporters; parents, teachers, and students cheered on their teams, taking on improvised scenarios that made the audience laugh. Theatresports coaches Philip Joseph and James Ransome-Haberley (both Class of 2022) hosted the event, with members of the Senior Theatresports team, Logan Penfold, Kieran McMurrich and Matthew Walker-Rolls (all Year 12) judging the performances. The teams competed in selected games within one-and two-minute rounds, and then the top five teams advanced to the three-minute rounds.

Team 'Tu Tu Ley Leys' came third receiving the bronze medals, while team 'Insert name here' secured second place and silver medals. Team 'Tara and the Bishops' emerged as the ultimate champions of Oakhill 2024 Theatresports, earning first place, gold medals, and the championship trophy. Congratulations to the talented team members Bernadette Laird, Adrian Puglisi, Hamish Zlotkowski, Tara Bishop, and their training assistant Fletcher Edwards. Their exceptional improvisation skills were both astonishing and inspiring. The highlight of their performance was the tremendously entertaining Shakespeare Game. A big well done to Team 'Tara and the Bishops'!

Thomas Macey, Kobe Gwynne, Callan Buchanan, Max Thomason, and Alexander Borovnjak were presented with 'Most Valuable Player' trophies for their exceptional performance in the competition.

The event received the invaluable assistance of special guests Oakhill alumni Chris Wadih (Class of 2017) and Edward Joseph (Class of 2020), who captured moments through photographs and contributed to the scoring. Additionally, the teachers Mr Flanagan, Mr Turbott, and Mr Thoroughgood surprised everyone with a one-minute game performance.

We extend our immense gratitude to Mr Mark Domars for providing musical accompaniment, Ms Rebecca Madigan for her exceptional administrative management, and Br Steve Hogan for his contribution to the awards ceremony. A special commendation goes to the Drama Faculty for organising the successful event and integrating Theatresports into the Year 7 curriculum.

Mr Warren Flanagan
Academic Head of Drama

Market Day is back and Day 1 was Friday 13th September! 

As part of their Year 9 Commerce studies, students were tasked with bringing a business to life, and they did so by running several successful lunchtime food stalls for the College. The boys demonstrated exceptional effort, applying their knowledge of business planning, marketing, budgeting, and customer service. From developing their concepts to planning, preparing, cooking, and serving their impressive dishes, they brought their food stalls to life with creativity and fun. The BC Oval was packed with eager staff and students sampling delicacies from all over the world. Well done boys!

We eagerly anticipate Day 2 on Friday 20th September at lunchtime.

Mrs Lisa Foulstone
Marketing Officer

The Archibald Portrait Prize has attracted a good deal of controversy and several court cases. When education mirrors the art world and the role of artists, it is reasonable to expect mixed opinions when Oakhill announced the winners of Teachibald 2024. Students across several classes were quite vocal about the absence of Gianni Castellan's (Year 8) portrait of 'Ms Marokakis'. Possibly for Gianni, The People's Choice Award holds greater significance.

Gianni selected Ms Marokakis as his sitter because he believes her childhood memories were not dissimilar to his. Gianni successfully captured her image and likeness, including the lavender and cheetah dots to reveal her favourite flower and animal.

Gianni was inspired by the realistic drawings of Chuck Close. He used hatching, in preference to smudging, and now recognises the importance of a dominate light source when creating volume on a 2D surface.

Congratulations to Gianni!

Ms Cecilia Weinert鈥嬧�嬧�嬧��
Visual Arts Teacher

Year 9 Drama students had a thrilling opportunity to explore the world of physical theatre with Swoop Physical Theatre. The workshop provided them with a unique chance to learn acrobatic techniques and balance skills that will enhance their storytelling abilities.

As they prepare for their upcoming comedy production of Sherlock Holmes, these newfound skills will undoubtedly add an engaging and hilarious element to their performances.

A special thanks goes out to Mr Flanagan, Mr Thoroughgood, and Mr Turbott for organising and supervising this enriching workshop. The students are eager to apply their new skills to their production and create a memorable performance for the audience.

Join us in congratulating Kayla The and Alix Depalo, who have received nominations for their Major Study Performances for possible inclusion in CALLBACK. This prestigious annual HSC showcase in February 2025 at the Seymour Centre showcases the most exceptional HSC Dance works.

Kayla was nominated for Composition, Core Performance and Major Study Performance, and Alix was nominated for Major Study Performance.

Being nominated for a HSC Showcase is an incredible achievement and the College is proud of Kayla and Alix for their dedication and hard work.

* A Callback nomination does not indicate a particular mark allocation.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

The TAS and Visual Arts HSC Showcases, held last week attracted a large crowd to the College. This annual event provides an opportunity for our Year 12 students to proudly present their Major Works, which they had been diligently working on over the past year.

Students displayed their exceptional creativity, skill, and dedication across a wide range of disciplines, including woodwork, IT multimedia, design and technology and visual arts. Attendees had the chance to view these impressive works, ask questions, and engage in discussions with the students about their inspiration, techniques, and challenges faced during the creative process.

Congratulations to all our students for their efforts and to the TAS and Visual Arts departments for guiding and supporting them.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

This week at the College we are asking the question R U OK? 

In recognition of this important day students were greeted on Thursday morning by a team of RU OK? ambassadors from the Student Representative Council (SRC). These ambassadors checked in with students and handed out yellow ribbons and lollies. Tutor time on Thursday was devoted to RU 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 蜜桃影像 Counselling team, a teacher, parent or other trusted adult, their family doctor and organisations such as Kids Helpline, Headspace and Reach Out.

I鈥檇 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

ReachOut Parents provides factsheets, stories, practical tips and tools covering a range of topics, issues and experiences that are relevant to teenagers aged 12鈥�18. There鈥檚 also an online community forum where parents can talk to other parents about their experiences and work through concerns in a safe, anonymous environment. Connect with ReachOut Parents at

Beyond Blue provides information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia. You can reach Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or at

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

Ms Helen Morris
Head of Counselling

Congratulations to all players who were recognised at the Winter Sports Presentation Evenings. The turnout at all four presentations was exceptional. We extend our gratitude to all students who participated in winter sports this season and offer our congratulations to all our award winners.

Registrations for the summer sport season have now closed, and most team grading has begun. The summer sports season will commence next term, with regular training starting in Week 1 of Term 4. Coaches and convenors will be in touch with registered families to provide specific details related to your sport.

For any sport-specific inquiries, please contact the relevant convenor:

Basketball: 
Mr David Walsh, Convenor: DWalsh@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Lisa Burke, Assistant Convenor: LBurke@oakhill.nsw.edu.au

Touch Football:
Ms Shannyn Bissett, Convenor: touchfootball@oakhill.nsw.edu.au

Girls Sport:
Mr Cameron Middlemass, Convenor: CMiddlemass@oakhill.nsw.edu.au

General Sport Enquiries:
Ms Katie Thornely, Sports Administration: kthornely@oakhill.nsw.edu.au

Important Dates

Training Commencement Dates:
Most training sessions will begin in Week 1 of Term 4. However, some teams have already started training as advised by their coach.

ISA Summer Season 2024/2025 (Note: Junior cricket has a different schedule)

19th October: 1st Boys and Girls Basketball - No game on Saturday, 14th October.

22nd October: Basketball Coaches & Managers Evening (6pm)

26th October: ISA Round 1 commences for all sports

30th October: Summer Sports Firsts Prayer Service and Dinner

2nd November: ISA Round 2

9th November: ISA Round 3

16th November: ISA Round 4

23rd November: ISA Round 5

30th November: ISA Round 6

Staff v Students Netball Game

Congratulations to the students for their victory in the Staff vs. Students Netball game! This win levels the series at 1-1, with the staff having won the football match, the first of three games. Stay tuned for the decisive match, which will be held in the coming weeks.

Student Achievements

Julian Rodriguez - Football
Julian Rodriguez has been honoured for his outstanding performance this season by being selected for the Australian Schools Football Team. Julian will tour England and Ireland in January 2025, competing against teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and attending several Premier League games. This selection is a well-deserved recognition of Julian鈥檚 hard work and commitment. Congratulations, Julian on this outstanding achievement!

William O鈥橣arrell - Rugby Refereeing
Congratulations to William O鈥橣arrell, who has been selected as the 6th Official for the Bledisloe Cup Test Match on Saturday 21st September. This is a remarkable opportunity for Will and a testament to his dedication to Rugby refereeing this year.

Mr Anthony Toro
Acting Head of Sport

The College would like to acknowledge Jackson Race (Year 7) who participated in numerous 鈥榞iving back鈥� activities as part of the Kids Giving Back Program during the July school holidays.

Jackson was part of an extraordinary group of young people who provided over 6,800 meals, snack packs, and care packages, and wrote heartfelt messages to support 15 charities across Sydney. We celebrate Jackson's compassion and commitment to making a difference.  

The College is pleased to share that the 蜜桃影像 Parents & Friends (P&F) Association has successfully completed the 鈥淯pgrade the Lighting Facilities鈥� project, made possible through a $30,000 grant from the Community Partnership Building Program.

The project included the replacement of external footings, posts, and light fixtures leading to and within the event and performance areas of the College and the pedestrian Oakhill Drive. This upgrade has greatly improved night visibility and safety for everyone attending events on campus.

The College covered the remaining costs of the project, ensuring that our community spaces are now fully equipped with modern, efficient lighting. We extend our thanks to the P&F Association in bringing this project to life.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Congratulations to Hamish Goonan (Class of 2023) who has been awarded a United States Scholarship to study at Iona University in New York. Hamish, Br Steve Hogan and Oakhill's Careers Advisor Mrs Marisa Quattrocchi recently attended an afternoon tea at the US Consulate, Ms Christine Elder's residence to farewell Hamish and the other young Australians heading off to start their US College journey. 

Please find below the upcoming Uniform Shop roster:

Reminder, the Uniform Shop will be closed on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th October. The Uniform Shop will now be open as follows:

Tuesday 8th October, 9.00am 鈥� 3.00pm
Monday 14th October, 9.00am 鈥� 3.00pm

Ms Suzanne Haskins
Uniform Shop Manager