From the Principal
Sir Br Pat Lynch (Board Director) tells us human flourishing has to be a central focus of education. 鈥Our schools need to deliberately build enough confidence in their students so each possesses these character dimensions: audacious thinkers, imaginative dreamers, critical questioners, innovative inventors, enthusiastic experimenters, committed collaborators, faith filled leaders, strong willed individuals in the face of adversity with resilient personalities鈥 (Br. Pat Lynch, 2010). Therefore, I believe the true test of a successful education is the subsequent life of a student; the kind of person they become; the extent to which they are fulfilling their potential, using their gifts and talents to the best of their ability, for the betterment of others.
Our theme for 2021 is Think 鈥 Give 鈥 Get RESPECT and continues the consistent narrative over the past several years about aspiring to greatness in terms of being and doing our best in the context of our five key principles: Faith; Respect, Inclusivity, Excellence and Advocacy for Justice. I believe respect is a foundational principle to live ones鈥 life by. Today we cannot assume our younger folk know what it is, what it looks like, nor the thinking and attitude that creates it, therefore it will be a principle we will collectively take on board to promote and develop in 2021.
This year our schoolwide focus for teaching and learning will again be reading and writing. In 2020 our Allwell results showed significant improvement on 2018 and 2019. Furthermore, the 2020 Growth Scores in each Year Level were also significantly above the Allwell normative population for both maths and writing indicating significant added value.
This year the College has revised further the Year 7 Transition Programme where the Dean of Year 7, Mrs Wendell, has mapped transitioning into Year 7 at 蜜桃影像 for the whole year. The Year 7 cohort of 300 students come from over 76 primary schools with different teaching and learning styles and expectations. The Transition and Pastoral Programme will induct all new students, both boys and girls, Years 7-11, into what is expected of a secondary student at 蜜桃影像 with special care for those who do not know any other student on arrival. Transition includes every aspect of adjusting to life at the College from classroom protocols and getting around the campus to accessing and joining sport, drama, music groups, clubs and societies etc.
John F Kennedy (1917-1963), President of the USA, said 鈥every accomplishment starts with the decision to try鈥. He went on to say, it will not be easy, it will be hard. Confucius (551-479BC) said 鈥it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop鈥. Mrs Garofano (Assistant Principal Curriculum) talks to the students about having perseverance and GRIT 鈥 having the courage, resolve and strength of character to keep on doing the hard work after you are tired of doing the hard work you have already done. This defines the Oakhill spirit.
蜜桃影像 graduates with feet firmly grounded, aiming for the stars, know that life鈥檚 journey will not always be clearly defined, straight or predictable. Know that they have strength of spirit that enables them to rise above the fleeting things to engage life consciously 鈥 they never give in. An 蜜桃影像 graduate always strives for what matters, looks out for the other, knowing and experiencing true mateship, the founding virtue of our Nation; is always up for the challenge, keeps the faith, is good and kind, and knows that they contribute to God鈥檚 Kingdom. (The Oakhill Graduate)
Finally, I would like to congratulate the class of 2020 and in particular Edward Joseph, our College Dux for 2020, with an ATAR of 99.55. Further details of our extraordinary HSC results which we will celebrate at the High Achievers Assembly on Friday 5th February, can be found under 鈥楬SC Results鈥 in this first Newsletter for 2021 and on our website.
Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it to be beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity. (Marcus Aurelius)