From Br Steve Hogan fsc
Sir Br Pat Lynch (Board Director) tells us human flourishing has to be the central focus of education. 鈥淪chools 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 (Sir Br Pat Lynch fsc OBE).
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 2023 is 鈥楽trive for Excellence鈥 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.
What does excellence mean? Excellence means to be consistent in good character, attitude, quality and standards. Being a person of excellence is a continuous process. There is a difference between being a perfectionist and being a person of excellence. A perfectionist is one who wants to get it right all the time which is very impossible while a person of excellence is self-aware and humble enough to identify mistakes, and desires and makes conscious efforts to correct them which is achievable.
Some of the qualities of a person of excellence include:
- A person of excellence adds value to themself and to others
- A person of excellence doesn鈥檛 tolerate or encourage mediocrity or hypocrisy
- A person of excellence works to earn respect and merit
- A person of excellence seeks to always make a difference in people鈥檚 lives
- A person of excellence is consistent in good behaviour, manners and attitude towards people and responsibilities
- A person of excellence stands out everywhere they go: not necessarily trying to fit in with the crowd
- A person of excellence is a positive influencer and a sensitive, compassionate, empathetic individual
- A person of excellence lifts others because they know that they rise when others rise
- A person of excellence is resilient
President Theodore Roosevelt鈥檚 speech 鈥楾he Man in the Arena鈥, given at the Sorbonne in Paris, in April 1910, suggests: 鈥淚t is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or whether the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again.鈥
Today we cannot assume our younger folk know what it is 鈥榯o strive for excellence鈥, what it looks like, nor the thinking and attitude that creates it. Therefore it will be a principle we will collectively promote and develop in 2022 like Master Shifu guiding Panda Bear; like a mother and father guiding their children to become the people they aspire to be whilst maintaining the values and virtues we all respect as part of civics and civility and of faith and family.
This year our schoolwide focus for teaching and learning will again be reading, writing and critical thinking. In 2022 our Allwell results showed continued improvement in reading and writing now with average scores above 鈥榮imilar schools鈥 and significantly above state schools. However, the rate of improvement in 2022 slowed for spelling and grammar, which will be an additional focus for 2023.
This year the College has revised further the Year 7 Transition Programme where the Dean of Year 7, Mr Williams has mapped transitioning into Year 7 at 蜜桃影像 for the whole year. The 2023 Year 7 cohort of 350 students come from over 70 primary schools with different teaching and learning styles and expectations. The Transition Program for Year 7 and the 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 鈥渆very 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 鈥渋t does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop鈥. 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 a 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 2022 and in particular Liam Milton-White, our College Dux for 2022, with an ATAR of 99.8. 蜜桃影像 has had the best results since the present HSC started in 2000. The College had a record of approximately 50% of grades Band 5 and 6 with over 80% Band 4-6, with more Distinguished Achievers and All Rounders, and more Place in Course Awards than any other year. 蜜桃影像 provides for all students in their desired pathways with over 240 students completing VET (Vocational Education Courses). Further details of our extraordinary HSC results which we will celebrate at the High Achievers Assembly on Friday 3rd February, can be found under 鈥楬SC Results鈥 in this first Newsletter for 2023 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).
Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal