蜜桃影像

At 蜜桃影像, we strive for personal excellence in all areas of our lives. Lent gives us the opportunity to reflect, refocus, refresh, and recommit our lives to goodness and the pursuit of our potential.

In an article I read recently, it spoke of an author who was trying to learn what distinguished good architects from the mediocre ones. It was not the fact that good architects did things right the first time, it was their willingness to revise, rework, and redo. This is what determines excellence in almost any field, whether architecture or acting, music or cooking, literature or athletics. In general, people are not born excellent; they become excellent largely through their willingness to work hard at what they do. A goal kicker only improves by practicing long hours day after day, a swimmer only improves after long hours morning and evening in the pool. It is the same in regard to mathematics and physics, reading and spelling: revise, rework, redo.

Melannie Svoboda SND in the article 鈥楻ummaging for God,鈥� says in a way we are all architects - architects of ourselves. Jesus referred to himself as a building when he said to the religious leaders, 鈥�Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up鈥� (John 2:19). We are all fashioning ourselves into a temple from the materials life sets before us. How hard are we willing to work at this fashioning? Are we prepared to revise, rework, redo? Are we eager to settle for nothing less than the best? Jesus encourages revisions. His call is nothing less than the call to revise our behaviour, to rework our attitude, to redo our priorities. (adapted from 鈥楻ummaging for God鈥�).

Most of us are familiar with the Indian proverb 鈥�it takes a village to raise a child鈥�. 蜜桃影像 is such a village and I encourage parents to continue to be involved and stay connected to their child鈥檚 learning. It was most wonderful to have all our Year 7 parents at the 鈥楳eet Your Tutor Group鈥� event on Wednesday evening, 21st February. Adrienne Alton-Lee in her work the 鈥楤est Evidence Synthesis鈥� has identified that parent engagement in school is the second largest contributor to improved student outcomes. Parents of teenagers can help by attending sports, drama, music events, and parent-teacher meetings. Parents can help by asking how things went today (a grunt in reply is often typical and OK). Parents can help by ensuring that during the week there are still those opportunities for the family to have a meal together. Parents can help by having homework done on the kitchen table or at least under some supervision. Parents can help by having down-time from the mobile phone, WhatsApp or Snapchat. Parents can help by ensuring students are now well settled into routines. Parents can help by creating space for Year 12s, who have their mid-year exams in a few weeks. Parents can help by encouraging Year 7 and 8 to practice the basics and drills taught each day. And, everyone needs time and space to read.

Lent reminds us it is time to reflect, revise, rework, and redo.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

In the words of Pope Francis for this Lenten season:

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
Fast from drudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words; be silent and listen.

Oakhill has a proud tradition of volunteer initiatives, including immersion trips overseas. The 2024 Lasallians Without Boarders information evening will be held on Thursday 29th February at 6.00pm in the Miguel Lecture Theatre. If you are interested in going to either India or Fiji, you need to attend this presentation with at least one parent.

Further details will be provided on the night.

Mr Murray Fisher
Dean of Year 7

As part of our Lentern program, on Friday 1st March, Oakhill is hosting the Colours for Caritas day. Students are able to wear their favourite sporting jersey over their summer uniform and make a gold coin donation in Tutor Time.

We thank you for your support.

Oakhill is hoping to have new Altar Server vestments made. We are seeking a dressmaker or someone with sewing experience to make them. The Mission Team will happily provide the patterns and materials required. If anyone is interested in helping please email Jaimee Bocasan jbocasan@oakhill.nsw.edu.au.

Ms Jaimee Bocasan
Prayer & Liturgy Co-ordinator

The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year Podcast with Fr Mike Schmitz are two podcasts that were created by the Catholic Formation organisation, 鈥淎scension鈥�. These resources could be very helpful and beneficial to anyone wishing to read the Bible and/or Catechism. Each episode consists of a reading of either the Bible or Catechism, a prayer and a reflection. You can download the Ascension App from the Apple store or Google Play.

The College is pleased to announce that Rohrig have been awarded the contract to build the Commons which will be located next to the Adrian Building. The Commons is a three-storey building which will accommodate Student Services and the offices associated with Curriculum and with Pastoral Care. There will also be bridges that link the Commons to the second and third floors of the Adrian building under a glass-roofed atrium and fernery. The Commons will have a cantilever overhanging the Oakhill Drive providing an all-weather terrace, which will seat over 350 for assemblies and presentations.

Work will begin in the next few weeks and will be finished Term 1 2025.

This project will complete Phase Three of the Master Plan and the connectivity of teaching and learning around the central precinct.

In the meantime the College has been continuing discussions with Hills Shire Council and RMS in regard to improving access and parking at the main entrance to the College. This is an ongoing process.

蜜桃影像 accepts and encourages enrolments for students for future years from birth. Applications for enrolment for boys Year 7 2026, and girls, Year 11 2025, are now open. Expressions of Interest (EOI) can be completed here:  Once your EOI has been completed, an email will be sent outlining the details of how to complete the College Application Form. Each child, including siblings require their own EOI.

The College Open Day is on Sunday 3rd March from 10.00am-2.00pm. You can register for Open Day here: 

Please share with any family or friends who may be interested.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

To assist parents and guardians planning, the College has provided a schedule of proposed Service and Cultural Tours for 2024 鈥� 2027. These tours are dependent on a number of factors such as demand, staffing, price and local/global factors which may prevent a tour that particular year.

Please click here to review the proposed schedule: 

For the safety of our students and staff parents are reminded that if you are driving your son/daughter to school, you are asked to drop your child at the 鈥楰iss and Drop鈥� either:

• Out the front of Benildus Hall
• Out the front of the DE Building
• Foley Place gate entrance, near the ovals

There is no through traffic permitted on the College campus. Parents are not to drop students along the driveway or at the top of the hill near the Liesse building.

Parents are also asked not to park on the College grounds between 7:30am and 8:45am on any weekday. 

Your support in this matter is very much appreciated.

Ms Deborah Gillis
Deputy Principal

A reminder that the first instalment for 2024 College fees (one third of your annual fees) was due on Thursday 15th February 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.

The College turned pink over the weekend, as we hosted the annual Pink Stumps Day. Starting on Friday with the Year 11 Girls Touch Tournament and into Saturday with a line up of activities, including a car wash, sports games, cake stall and raffles on offer.

Pink Stumps Day isn鈥檛 just about fun and games; its about awareness, and making a difference. A Breast Care nurse costs $380,000 over three years. Last year 56 Australians were diagnosed with breast cancer every day, highlighting the urgency of our cause. 蜜桃影像 has already surpassed our fundraising goal, with over $6,500 raised so far. You can still join us in supporting this cause by donating online at
or participating in our raffle, with tickets only $10 each. More details and conditions via: .

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Pink Stumps Day at Oakhill a triumph. Your support is invaluable and makes a real difference.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Careers Breakfast - Hospitality, Tourism and Events

This event is for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

Wednesday 10th April 2024
7:00am to 8:35am
Centenary Sport Centre Foyer

Cost: $12.00 for light breakfast.

Please book via Trybooking 

Guests will include Oakhill alumni working in the field, industry representatives and representatives from Universities, TAFEs and Private Colleges offering tertiary study options.

Mrs Marisa Quattrocchi
Careers Advisor

Oakhill is pleased to advise that the College building contractor and Solid Ground, who maintain our grounds and gardens, have confirmed that the mulch used at 蜜桃影像 has not been sourced or supplied by any contractor identified on the list of contractors of concern, supplied to us by the Government.

The 2024 Assessment Handbooks have been published and are now available for viewing on both the and the platforms. To facilitate efficient planning for the academic year, students are encouraged to input pertinent assessment dates directly into their College Outlook calendars. Additionally, they may opt to print out course outlines specific to their chosen subjects to aid in their organisational efforts.

蜜桃影像's Year 7 students have delved into the world of Science. In an exciting science experiment, students measured how water temperature changes using bunsen burners. With safety as a top priority, they explored the phenomenon that occurs when different substances are subjected to heat. This hands-on experience ignited their curiosity and passion for scientific discovery.

Ms Grace Flaihan
Teacher

What a pleasure it was to welcome our Year 7 parents/guardians to the College on Wednesday 21st February to meet their son's dedicated Deans and Tutor Teachers. The Pastoral Care at Oakhill is unique, providing students with a consistent Tutor Group for four years, fostering connections and friendships within their peer group. 

This event was a wonderful occasion for parents to step into their son's learning environment, connect with fellow parents, and discover the vast opportunities Oakhill offers. The evening was complemented by a light supper and refreshments, enjoyed under a beautiful sky with the Innovation Hub, Canteen and Precinct gardens topping off the wonderful ambience.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Oakhill invited a representative from Hillsbus Planning to the College on Tuesday 13th February to assess our bus services.

The College wishes to advise that there are services which have been added that come from other schools to assist with easing crowded buses. However, these services will not arrive immediately at the end of the school day and we ask students to be patient. There have also been some later public route services added so parents and students can be confident that there are later bus alternatives should students miss their first bus. Please see the link 

The College will continue to work with Hillsbus Planning to reassess our bus services throughout the year.

It is crucial that all students have an Opal card and tap on and off every day to assist with the bus company鈥檚 collection of data so that more buses can be added to popular routes for students.

Ms Deborah Gillis
Deputy Principal

A friendly reminder, parents are asked not to drop items such as sports gear, books, laptops etc. to the College so it can be delivered to students during the day. Allowing students to manage without items builds resilience and often helps students to remember and be more responsible for themselves. Thank you for your assistance.

Introducing Year 8s 'Monday Motivation Club'! This awesome new initiative kicked off last week, 12th February with a 30-minute workout session, starting at 7:15am. The aim is to energise students with physical activity, not only enhancing their bodies but also nurturing their mental and emotional well-being, all while building strong social connections. Plus, there's no need for any fitness or skill level! Students choose from a variety of bodyweight exercises, ranging from easy to challenging, with support from senior students of our 1st sports teams.

The inaugural session was a huge success with a fantastic turnout of 35 students, all eager to take on the challenge and reap the rewards. We hope to see more Year 8 on Monday mornings!

Ms Lillian Marokakis
Assistant Dean Year 8

During Pastoral Period this week, Year 10 were fortunate to hear from Jed McDonald-Singh (Class of 2023 College Captain and Dux) on the 2024 theme of courage. Jed, who is a familiar face to the cohort, generously shared his time and brought his relatable and engaging approach. The boys were captivated by his entire presentation. It was a valuable opportunity for the Year 10 boys to glean insights from Jed's experiences and reflect on their own journey.

It is Bus Safety Week from Monday 19th 鈥� Sunday 25th February. Bus Safety Week aims to raise awareness among all road users on how to stay safe on and around buses, helping to reduce injuries and fatalities. 

Please click here to learn about how to Be Bus Aware:  

The Walsh Library is open at 8:00am every morning before school. It closes at 5:00pm Monday-Thursday and 4:00pm on Fridays.

Students can borrow three books for up to three weeks and can renew and reserve titles through the Library catalogue.

The Library offers a Study Boost program after school from 3:30pm - 4:30pm for help with homework.

Mondays - Book recommendations
Tuesdays - HSIE and English
Wednesdays - Math Homework help

More information can be found on the 

Library staff are here to help the whole College community. 

Mrs Tania Moriarty 鈥� Academic Head of Library, Monday-Friday
Ms Joyce Ng 鈥� Teacher Librarian, Monday-Friday
Mrs Alison Peacock 鈥� Library Assistant, Monday, Wednesday-Friday
Miss Tiana Visjnic 鈥� Library Assistant, Tuesday-Friday

Last week was Library Lover鈥檚 Week, to coincide with Valentine鈥檚 Day students were asked to solve some 鈥楤ento Box鈥� puzzles in order to win a prize. Well done to the 127 students who took part and the 27 students who walked away with a prize. Congratulations also to the staff who dropped in to the Library to collect their reward.

Keep up the reading in preparation for the next library competition. 

Ms Tania Moriarty
Academic Head of Library

Over the last few weeks Year 7 have been visiting the Library for some orientation lessons.

After hearing from Library staff, students were given a tour of the Library and introduced to the different Library spaces.

Students enjoyed a Goosechase scavenger hunt which asked them to complete over 20 missions around the Library. Students worked in teams to snap evidence of different areas and books in the Library. Well done to the teams who worked well together and welcome to the Library Year 7.

Battle of the Bands is coming soon! Save the date, Friday 15th March. Tickets go on sale on Friday 8th March.

In the December school holidays, as part of William Austin鈥檚 (Year 12) Duke of Edinburgh Award, Will went and worked in different hospitals and pre schools in Nepal for two weeks. While overseas, he shadowed doctors and provided basic medical care to the local Villagers, rotated through different medical departments, gaining an insight into a developing country鈥檚 medical practices. Will and his colleagues were exposed to poor hygiene practices and confronting injuries, however, they made a difference by teaching hygiene practices and truly gaining empathy for people living in third world countries. 

Will's goals of meeting new people, collaborating in an unfamiliar environment and to challenge himself were met, and he is grateful for this experience.

Mr Jack Racjyzk
Assistant Dean of Year 7 / Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator

The Oakhill Swimming Carnival was a great success. Please see below recounts from some of our House Captains.

Overflowing with happiness and passionate engagement, the Oakhill Swimming Carnival was a exciting celebration of College pride. Cheering echoed around the pool deck as students encouraged their classmates with support and boundless energy. Every race and splash was motivated by the contagious passion that echoed through the pool as the lively House war cries erupted. Every student, added to the electrifying environment and helped to create moments of unity and camaraderie that truly show the spirit of Oakhill.

Thomas Alloggia, Mitchell Holmes
Miguel Captians

We would firstly like to express our gratitude and appreciation to all students in Mutien House for their dedication, participation and school spirit. We had the pleasure of seeing all of Mutien get involved in the Swimming Carnival during races, novelty games, and our favourite, the war cries. The fact that all of the Mutien Year groups from 7-12, placed within the Top 3 for all of their carnivals shows the sheer level of commitment and House spirit that this House holds, and us as Mutien Captains and Mr Domars our Dean are beyond proud of this achievement. We hope that this spirit and success can continue for the rest of the year! Go Mutien!

Kieran McMurich and Adam Tomka 
Mutien House Captains

This weekend marks the culmination of the home and away games for ISA sports, setting the stage for the upcoming Semi-Finals. 蜜桃影像 is poised for success, with numerous teams advancing to the knockout stage of the competition. As the action unfolds, we extend our best wishes to all players and coaches gearing up for the weekend battles.

Pink Stumps Day

Last weekend saw Oakhill Sport turn pink for Pink Stumps Day. It was fabulous to see so many sports teams and spectators supporting the event, wearing pink and getting behind this important cause. 蜜桃影像 has raised over $6,000 so far. Raffle tickets are still on sale for only $10 each. More details and conditions via: .

Swimming

Over the past two Tuesdays, 蜜桃影像 hosted six exhilarating swimming carnivals. The quest for the 2024 House Champion title ignited at the Championship Carnival, where our top swimmers vied for Age Championships and coveted spots in the Swim Team. Subsequent Year Group Carnivals showcased the indomitable Oakhill House spirit. Following intense competition spanning two days and six individual carnivals, Mutien House emerged triumphant, clinching the Champion House title for the second consecutive year. Heartfelt congratulations to House Dean, Mr Domars, and the Mutien House Captains for their stellar performance across all carnivals.

House Points 2024 Swimming:
Mutien    - 1,171 points
La Salle   -  1,074 points
Miguel    -  1,009 points
Solomon -    946 points
Turon      -    901 points
Benildus  -    859 points

The Swimming Age Champions will be unveiled at the next College Assembly on Friday 8th March and published in the next issue of our Newsletter.

A select swim squad proudly represented Oakhill at the Barker Invitational Carnival on Wednesday 14th February. It proved to be an outstanding opportunity for our team, with the boys' squad clinching the Champion School title for the second consecutive year. Looking ahead, Oakhill is set to host our Invitation Carnival against Barker College and St Aloysius on Wednesday 28th February. This event serves as the final preparation before the climax of our swim season, the ISA Swimming Carnival Grand Finals on Wednesday 13th March.

Lastly, a resounding congratulations to Oakhill Swim Captains, Emily Ward and Nicholas Suvajac. Their exemplary representation of the College embodies excellence, and we eagerly anticipate the possibility of seeing them hoist the ISA Swimming Shield in the weeks to come.

Girls Pink Stumps Competition

Last Friday saw a huge turnout of Year 11 girls at the annual Pink Stumps Touch Football competition. The afternoon consisted of some friendly competition, making new friends, supporting a cause close to our hearts, and a delicious BBQ.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to the following students that have been selected in an ISA or CIS representative team recently.

ISA 1st V Basketball:
- Ethan Quimpo
- John Papidimatos
- Harrison Valdezate

ISA 1st Girls Basketball
- Chloe Gannon

ISA 2nd V Basketball
- Riley Brooker
- Alexander Lawson
- Christian Paino
- Ezekiel Sta Maria

ISA U16s Basketball
- Riley Hayhow

CIS Opens Baseball

- Joshua Nati
- Bailey Parcel
- Edward Noy
- Cameron Howay
- Liam Worne
- Toby Elvy (Shadow)

Special mention to the boys who participated in the recent Touch Football State Cup in Wagga over the weekend. The U16 boys were undefeated and should be proud of their performance. Congratulations, Levi Ellis, Tobias Comito, Cobi Canning, Hunter Jones, Callum Spooner, Logan Bubb, James Fitzhenry, Ben Lynch and Lucas Bielby.

Congratulations to Cam Howay and Liam Worne (Year 10) who were recently selected in the U16 National Baseball squad and Josh Nati and Edward Noy who made the Opens National Baseball squad. The squads will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, USA later in the year to compete in an international tournament. In January, they represented the U16 NSW, competing in the Australian Youth Championship (AYC). Their team won and were awarded National Champions. The Australian squad was then selected as a result of the boy鈥檚 performance at this tournament.

Winter Sport Registration Closing Soon.

Registration for Winter Sports will be closing on Monday 26th February. If not already registered, please do so soon to avoid your son or daughter missing out.



Results Link

Please Click Here for Sport Results

Sports Lunch

Save the date for Oakhill's Annual Sports Lunch  - Friday 21st June. It's a hugely popular event for all parents, family and friends of 蜜桃影像.

Mr Anthony Toro
Head of Sport

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE for the 2024 Welcome Event. We will take you 鈥楤ack to the 80s' on Saturday 23rd March from 6.00pm. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed, best look-alike and more!

The Welcome Event is a great way to meet other parents and make connections, growing our community bond. Please book early as this event sells out quickly!



Enjoy a complimentary drink and canapes before the trivia, games, live band and dancing begins.

Sponsors are an essential part of our events. The P&F is dedicated to ensuring your support is properly acknowledged and provides maximum value and exposure to you.

In addition to our 2024 fundraising goal (to purchase audio visual and equipment for the new Commons and Atrium), your support will enable the P&F to donate some of the proceeds from this event to one of our chosen charities, The LaSalle College, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Please take the time to review our sponsorship packages and find one that suits you. All sponsorship contributions are tax deductible and we welcome all support.

We thank you in advance, we look forward to working with you to make this a successful and memorable event.

Congratulations to Jordan Thompson (Class of 2012) and Max Purcell (Knox Grammar) who beat Ricky Hijikata (The Kings School) in the final of the Dallas Open ATP250 Doubles (6-4, 2-6, 10-8).

In this month's Australian Women's Weekly, a feature article is one of our alumni Kurt Herzog (Class of 2010). Kurt who is a very talented swimmer himself, has gone on to make a huge difference to a small remote community. He has been working to keep pools open in remote communities. We featured Kurt in our recent Oakhill Drive and you can read that article here: 

You can read the AWW article here: 

Please find below the upcoming Uniform Shop roster.