The Oxley Update - Term 1 Week 2B

Looking Ahead:

Thursday 7 May: Mother's Day Breakfast

Thursday 14 May: Foundation Night

Start of 2026 Staff Professional Learning

Prior to the start of the school year, our College Services and Teaching Staff were busy preparing for the year ahead. In addition to this, it was also a time for important professional learning. Below are three features of our start of year program in 2026.

1. Child Protection Training

Annual Child Protection training is mandatory for all staff in NSW schools. This year, our training was delivered by Independent Schools NSW, whose specialist Child Protection and Safeguarding team supports schools in meeting their legislative responsibilities and maintaining robust systems that keep children safe. Their expertise in areas such as identifying and responding to indicators of abuse or neglect, understanding reportable conduct and mandatory reporting, and embedding child safe standards, strengthens our collective capacity to uphold the highest standards of care. This training is essential in ensuring that all staff understand their obligations, can act promptly and appropriately when concerns arise, and contribute to a culture where student safety and wellbeing remain at the forefront of our practice. Our Child Protection Policy is publicly available on the College website: Policies | Oxley College

2. HBDI Workshop: Understanding Thinking Preferences

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening staff collaboration and professional practice, we also undertook an HBDI (Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument) workshop delivered by Independent Schools NSW. The HBDI is a well-established thinking preferences tool that profiles how individuals engage in analytical, practical, relational and imaginative thinking, offering insights into how we process information and approach problem solving. By helping staff understand their own and others’ preferred thinking preferences, the HBDI framework supports more effective communication, stronger teamwork and greater cognitive diversity across the school - factors closely linked to improved collaboration, creativity and decision making within educational settings.

3.  The Primary Numeracy Project

At our Professional Learning Day prior to the start of this term, our Junior School teaching team commenced their engagement with the Independent Schools NSW Primary Numeracy Project, a year-long professional learning initiative designed to strengthen evidence-based numeracy teaching across Kindergarten to Year 6. This work provides our teachers with high quality, targeted support, including school-based workshops, online learning modules and ongoing consultancy from ISNSW numeracy specialists - each element aimed at building teacher capacity and improving classroom practice. The project’s structured approach, combined with the use of expert guidance and numeracy screening tools administered across the year, ensures we can better monitor student progress and refine teaching at the point of need. Ultimately, this professional learning supports our commitment to delivering explicit, systematic instruction that enhances numeracy outcomes for all our students.

Oxley success at the CAT (Combine Area Theatre) Awards

Over the weekend, the CAT Awards were held in Queanbeyan in the ACT and I am pleased to share that Oxley received eight nominations for our 2025 production of Treasure Island, winning two major awards: Best Production of a School or Youth Play and Best Director of a School or Youth Play for Mr Phil Cunich. The adjudicators treated our Senior and Junior performances as one combined production - making the award of Best Production a wonderful tribute to the many students across both Junior and Senior Schools who took part. With winners selected from 95 shows visited by the judges throughout 2025, this achievement reflects the outstanding creativity, commitment and collaboration of our students and staff, of whom we are immensely proud.

P&F Year Rep Breakfast

This morning, I had the pleasure of hosting our P&F Year Rep Breakfast—a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the vital role our P&F plays in strengthening the fabric of our school community. The P&F is an essential partner in our work, fostering meaningful connections between families, supporting school initiatives, and modelling the spirit of service that enriches the experiences of our students. Parent and carer involvement - whether through volunteering, organising events, or simply being present - helps create a warm, inclusive and thriving community where every family feels welcome and supported. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy and commitment our Year Reps and volunteers give so generously, and we look forward to working together throughout the year to continue building a strong, connected community for our students.

Kind regards

Mark Case
Acting Head of College

From 2026, we’ve taken this a step further by expanding this cover to 24/7 Student Accident Insurance for every student.

This means your child is now covered not only during the school day, but also at home, on weekends and while participating in other activities that may or may not be school related but are reflective of the full and active life of an Oxley student, both in and out of the classroom.

The policy helps with certain out-of-pocket (non-Medicare) medical expenses following an accident, including medical and dental treatment. While it cannot cover Medicare costs or gaps (as this is not permitted under Australian law), it provides valuable additional support alongside your existing health cover.

If a claim is ever required, the College will guide families through the process to make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

We’re pleased to be able to offer this enhanced level of care and protection for all Oxley students.

For full policy details and claims information, please refer to the Student personal accident 24 7 Gold PDF.

If you have any questions, please contact our Business Manager, Em Cassin, at businessmanager@oxley.nsw.edu.au

Junior School Playground Update

Towards the end of last year, the Junior School playground equipment sustained damage when a tree limb unexpectedly fell.

Since then, the College has been working through the necessary insurance assessment process, including inspections by our insurers and builders to determine the scope of works required. While we understand it can be disappointing to see the area looking less than its usual best, this is all part of the process that must occur before repairs can begin.

We are also working closely with our existing landscapers and builders wherever possible, as they know our campus well, to ensure that the repairs are cohesive with the rest of the school environment and are completed to a high standard. This does take a little longer than a quick fix, but it allows us to restore the space properly and safely for our students.

Insurance claims can be a slow process, and while we share the community’s eagerness to see the playground fully restored, please be assured that progress is being made behind the scenes.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these steps. We look forward to welcoming students back into a refreshed and safe play space as soon as possible.

Kind regards

Em Cassin
Business Manager

At Oxley, we believe this moment calls for something deeper: structured, intentional opportunities for students to pause, reflect, question and learn how to think well. This is the purpose of Cornerstone - our four-year ethics and critical thinking program for Years 7–10. Cornerstone gives students a protected space each week to practise the skills that sit beneath all healthy public conversation: reason‑giving, listening, weighing evidence, forming arguments, identifying bias and disagreeing with kindness and clarity.

What Cornerstone Offers

Cornerstone is deliberately developmental. Each year level builds new layers of intellectual maturity:

Year 7 focuses on identity, worldviews and the foundations of good thinking.

Year 8 explores justice, fairness, rules, creativity, community and big social questions.

Year 9 asks what it means to live a meaningful and flourishing life, drawing on psychology, world religions and media literacy.

Year 10 introduces ethical theories, moral dilemmas, social psychology and the hidden biases that shape human behaviour.

The goal is not to tell students what to think, but to help them learn how to think - slowly, generously carefully and with an awareness of complexity. Cornerstone also helps students recognise when a question requires more than a quick reaction. In many ways, it is an antidote to the speed and certainty of online culture. In this classroom, thinking takes time and conversation is a shared craft.

A Glimpse Into the Year Ahead: Guiding Questions

Rather than listing topics or units, it’s often the questions that best communicate what we explore. Here are some of the discussion starters students will encounter in each year group:

Year 7 - Who am I, and how do I see the world?

What is my worldview and what has shaped it?

Why do different people interpret the same situation differently?

What makes a reason strong or weak?

Why do people behave badly and how do we judge actions fairly?

Year 8 - How should societies organise themselves?

What is the purpose of school?

What counts as justice?

What would life be like without rules?

Why do people believe in God - or not?

Do wealthy nations have obligations to help others?

Year 9 - What is a good life?

Is happiness the same as living well?

How do religions understand flourishing?

Does money make us happier?

What does social media do to our sense of self?

What responsibilities do citizens have in a democracy?

Year 10 — How do we make ethical decisions?

Are moral truths universal or cultural?

Should morality focus on consequences, intentions, or character?

Why do ordinary people obey harmful orders?

How does language influence prejudice?

What cognitive biases affect my thinking?

How should we respond ethically to new technologies like AI?

These questions don’t just shape class discussions; they often follow students home. Many families tell us that Cornerstone topics become dinner‑table conversations - a sign that young people are thinking more deeply and feeling confident enough to articulate their views.

This is what some of our students are saying about Cornerstone:

‘What I like most about Cornerstone is that it asks questions that don’t have easy answers and encourages us to think more deeply about everyday issues. It has also made me more aware of my own worldview and how my experiences shape the way I see the world, while helping me understand why others may see the same issue differently." Beatrix, Year 8

"I love that the course covers, not only a wide range of interesting philosophy, but allows you to encounter so many different topics. Whether it be the long discussions with your peers about moral dilemmas, class debates, and deeper thinking about ethical questions, the course is not only interesting, but lots of fun." Ben, Year 10

"Cornerstone has pushed me to think more critically and connect ideas across subjects in a way I hadn’t before. I find it incredibly valuable because it teaches you how to think, not just what to think. It creates space for discussion and makes you feel like you voice truly matters in making a difference." Daphne, Year 10

"Taking part in a Cornerstone lesson makes you feel comfortable to speak your opinions and join in on debates or arguments with others, without feeling nervous about other people judging you for sharing your thoughts." Annabel, Year 8

Invitation to Families

As we begin the year, I encourage you to ask your children:

What question did you discuss in Cornerstone this week?

Did anyone say something that made you think differently?

What do you find hardest: speaking your opinion or listening to someone else’s?

Your curiosity not only strengthens their learning - it models exactly what Cornerstone is trying to teach: that ideas matter, that good thinking takes time and that thoughtful conversation is a gift we offer one another.

Kind regards
Dr Jeremy Hall
Head of Philosophy and Ethics

This long standing Oxley tradition is a wonderful opportunity to meet new families and reconnect with familiar faces. Year Group Parent Representatives will be in attendance and look forward to meeting parents and carers from their year groups.

We hope you can join us for an enjoyable evening.  Please register your attendance through the link below:

https://www.trybooking.com/DIFPQ

Every AI breakthrough brings a wave of uncertainty. When ChatGPT accomplishes in seconds what once took hours, it's natural to wonder about your own role and value. You're not alone - millions of professionals are experiencing this shift, and our brains are responding to technological change with the same stress responses we evolved for physical threats.

In this transformative keynote, neuroscientist and Neuro futurist Joel Pearson reveals why AI disruption hits us so hard psychologically and, more importantly, how to transform that anxiety into your competitive advantage. Drawing from ground-breaking neuroscience research, Joel exposes why our brains interpret technological change as an existential threat - and provides science-backed strategies to rewire your response from fear to flourishing.

Thursday 19 February, 6.30pm

https://www.trybooking.com/DHSSC

If you have any time available and would like to help out for a few hours as a one-off or on an ongoing basis, please contact Andrea in the Canteen via oxleycanteen@oxley.nsw.edu.au. A Working With Children Check is needed and can be obtained free of charge as a volunteer.

We look forward to seeing you!

We have high expectations at Oxley, in terms of academic rigour, participation in sport, service-learning, camps and relating to students’ uniform and presentation. We have these expectations with a support and care for the whole child.

According to our MMG data parents value these high expectations, right up to the point where they disagree with us about one aspect or another. I ask you to trust us to do our job. It is what we have been doing for many years, and we have experience in helping young people to develop the character needed for later life.

If young people have all their barriers and boundaries removed through their teenage years, they will not be ready for life as an adult. We, as staff at Oxley working in partnership with parents need to work together to allow our young people to develop resilience through their time at school ready for their future.

We will have a more detailed summary of our Year 12 2025 HSC results following our Academic Excellence Assembly next week, but as a snapshot, two key metrics that I am particularly pleased with are:

Value Added Score: 96%

Last year I wrote about a range of initiative that we had put in place to try to increase our value-added score from approximately 70% over the past 5 years. Now whilst none of these changes would have had the impact that quickly, the change in culture and encouraging students to work proactively with each other and their teachers, rather than competing has a huge impact. This graph shows student overall Year 10 score on the horizontal axis against their average scaled mark per unit on the vertical axis. If a student lies between the two diagonal lines, they are progressing as expected with age. This graph shows that 96% of our students met or exceeded expectations.

We hope that with increased academic rigour, backward mapping in certain faculty areas to develop the skills for Year 11 & 12 and high expectations on academic prep and classwork, that we can maintain and improve this metric over the coming years.

ATARs

27% of our students scored an ATAR over 90. This is excellent for our students as they get the marks they need to take their next steps into tertiary study. Many of our students earned early entry and this is the outcome of strong academic performance in Year 11 combined with their involvement in a wide range of co-curricular and service activities. This holistic education is valued by university enrolments teams and students that make the most of their time at Oxley are well placed to receive early entry offers as well as for GAP placements due to their strong character, work ethic and skillset.

CANVAS continues as the learning management system for our students, and we are in the process of streamlining Year 7-10 pages to make them easier for parents to navigate. Whilst it is not designed as a means for communication to parents, there is plenty of useful information that parents can see once they sign up as an observer.

The Oxley App & Oxley Connect continue to be key places to find information.  The pictures below show what information can be found on the Oxley App and Oxley Connect:

Traffic Management

A few reminders about the traffic management system at Oxley.

Students with the ELDEST sibling in Year 7 or 8 are to be picked up at the Junior School Turning Circle between 3.25 and 3.45pm. Those with the ELDEST sibling in Years 9 -12 should be picked up in the Senior School Pick-up area. Realistically, arriving before 3.30pm may result in you having to do a second lap to re-join the queue if you child has not yet made it from their class or locker.

To facilitate the efficient & safe pick up, please use the NAME cards provided. They should be affixed (a bulldog clip does a good job) to the passenger sun visor. The name card can then be flipped down as you enter the turning circle or drop zone to allow staff to call out student names sooner. If you have not received yours or have misplaced ones previously issues, please contact our Senior School Administrator at Helen.McGowan@oxley.nsw.edu.au and she will make new card for you.

Right to Disconnect

A final word to remind parents that our staff have a right to disconnect and as such you should not expect a response outside college hours. Our policy states that you will receive a reply to emails within two working days.

We appreciate your understanding and support in respecting our staff’s boundaries, which helps ensure their wellbeing and effectiveness in teaching and supporting our students. By adhering to these guidelines, we foster a positive and respectful college community where communication remains timely and productive within the appropriate hours.

I look forward to seeing parents on the sidelines at sport, college events, student parent teacher nights and, in the first instance Welcome Drinks on Thursday 12 February.

Kind regards

Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School

Year 7 Orientation Camp

Students should come to school as usual on Thursday morning, wearing casual clothes. The bus will depart for camp at 12.30pm on Thursday 5 February and return to school at approximately 2.45pm on Friday 6 February.

Duke of Edinburgh – Upcoming Hikes

Bronze Qualifying Hikes:

Saturday–Sunday, 21–22 March (Heathcote & Royal National Parks)
Saturday–Sunday, 28–29 March (Heathcote & Royal National Parks)

Lord of the Flies - Rehearsal Schedule

Parents can access the latest rehearsal schedule for Lord of the Flies using the following link:  2026 Final Rehearsal Schedule Lord of the Flies

2026 Academic Programs

Year 7

Students have been allocated their chosen language - French or Latin. They will study either Geography or History in Semester One and then rotate to the other subject in Semester Two. Additionally, one lesson per fortnight is dedicated to Learning to Learn, a program designed to build strong foundations in academic organisation and study habits.

Year 8

Students will continue with their core subjects from Year 7, excluding a language option. They will study either Geography or History in Semester One and rotate to the other subject in Semester Two. They will also participate in a mini elective, rotating each semester, based on their preferences. While most students received their first or second choice, some may have received their third due to class size limitations. Please encourage your child to approach these opportunities with an open mind. Mini electives are scheduled as double lessons each Wednesday and run alongside our Service-Learning Program. One period per fortnight is also timetabled for Study Skills, which equips students with essential strategies for effective learning, academic resilience and organisational habits to and maximise success in their senior years at Oxley College.

Year 9

Students have been allocated two major electives (200 hours) and one minor elective (100 hours), in addition to their core subjects. Any changes must be requested before the end of Week 3 by emailing the Head of Academic Operations, Ms Dene Patterson, outlining the reason for the change. Adjustments are subject to timetable constraints and class sizes and cannot be made after this deadline. These electives span Years 9 and 10 and contribute to the Record of School Achievement (RoSA), with grades awarded across Stage 5 subjects.

Year 10

Year 10 students will continue with their elective choices and core subjects from Year 9. They will continue with the Study Skills course, which is timetabled one period per fortnight, aiming to bridge the academic gap between Year 10 and Year 11 by equipping students with effective study strategies, academic resilience and a strong culture of learning to maximise success in their senior years at Oxley College.

 Year 11

Students will complete their Preliminary HSC courses in Terms One, Two and Three. One period per fortnight is timetabled for LIFE. This lesson rotates through targeted futures and career information and consultations with the Student Futures Advisor, Ms Liane Bull, targeted study strategies with the Study Skills Co-ordinator, Ms Philipa Peters, and physical activity lessons. Any changes to students selected academic program must be submitted before the start of Week 3 using the Change of Subject Form. Please discuss any changes with your child and confirm your acknowledgment of this change by signing the form.

Year 11 students will be provided with a NESA number early in Term One and will be asked to create an account with Student Online. Students should have finalised all subject changes and they will be required to electronically sign their NESA Confirmation of Entry via Students Online, ensuring that their personal details (including mobile number) and enrolled subjects are correct.

Year 12

Students should have finalised all subject changes and familiarised themselves with the Year 12 Assessment Schedule. They will be issued with instructions to electronically sign their NESA Confirmation of Entry via Students Online, ensuring that their personal details (including mobile number) and enrolled subjects are correct.

Eligible Year 12 students again have the opportunity to apply for a Flexible Timetable. This initiative supports independent learning and personal responsibility by allowing students to sign in late or leave early when they do not have scheduled classes at the beginning or end of the day, provided they meet key criteria including strong academic effort, attendance, behaviour and approval from their Head of House and Parents. Students must follow usual sign-in/out procedures. The privilege is reviewed regularly and may be revoked if guidelines are not met. For more details, please refer to the application form or contact Ms Dene Patterson, Head of Academic Operations.

2025 Flexible Timetable Request

Access to the Junior School Playground

For everyone's safety, parents are reminded that if you are walking to the Junior School playground to collect or drop off your child, please do not walk through the Junior School Turning Circle.  To access the Junior School during drop off and pick up times, please go around the Gateway Building and follow the path to the Junior School.

Beginning of Year Information Form

As mentioned at this week’s Parent/Carer Information Evenings, parents and carers are invited to complete a short Beginning of Year Information Form, which provides an opportunity to share helpful information about your child with their class teacher. The insights you choose to share can support teachers in understanding your child’s strengths, interests and needs as they begin the year. Please be assured that this information will be shared by the Junior School Leadership Team with your child’s class teacher only. 2026 - Beginning of Year Student Information from Parents/Carers  – Fill out form

Pre-K and Kindergarten Class photos

Pre-K and Kindergarten class photos will be taken on Tuesday 2 June, along with Pre-K and Kindergarten with siblings from other grades. Pre-K students who do not normally attend on a Tuesday are welcome to join the class photo and then return home with their parents or carers. The timing of these photos will be communicated closer to the date.

Junior School Instrumental Program

The Junior School Instrumental Program has started for 2026. This is a cornerstone curriculum program for Oxley College in which all students from Years 2 - 6 learn an instrument as part of their curriculum music education. Instrument hire and class tuition are all included in the Oxley School Fees. There are no additional charges for these classes.

Year 2 / 3 - All students learn a string instrument - Violin, Viola, ‘Cello or Double Bass. New students to the school in 2026, will be learning the Violin.

Year 4 - All students learn a string instrument. A small number of students are picking up trumpet this year with Mr Lindsay. New students to the school in 2026 will be learning either trumpet OR ‘cello.

Classes for Years 2, 3 and 4 take place every Tuesday. Students must bring their instruments to school every Tuesday.

Year 5/6 - Students learn a selection from chanter (leading to bagpipes), pipes and drums percussion, strings, brass, saxophone, clarinet, or flute. Classes for Year 5 and 6 take place every Friday. Students must bring their instruments to school every Friday.

NAPLAN Parent Information Session

Mrs Alison Rasheed, Director of Teaching and Learning P-6 will be conducting a NAPLAN Information Session on Wednesday 25 February at 9am in classroom 5R, Gateway-06. Parents and Carers are invited to register their interest in attending here - NAPLAN Information Session – Fill out form

K-2 Read with Me Program

We warmly invite parents and carers to volunteer for our K-2 ‘Read with Me’ program, designed to support students through individual reading sessions. Volunteers are paired with a child from a different year level to their own child, creating a calm and focused reading experience. A small, regular time commitment can make a powerful difference to a child’s confidence, fluency and enjoyment of reading. If you are able to help, we would love to hear from you. K-2 'Read With Me' Program – Fill out form.  Please note that a Working With Children Check (WWCC) will be needed to help out in this program.  Working With Children Checks are free for volunteers.

Scholastic Book Club

Scholastic Book Club catalogues will come home with your child this week. Orders are due by Thursday 2 April. For every order made, Scholastic gives our school a small credit to put towards purchasing books for classrooms. Orders can be made here https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/Login.aspx

Oxley’s Online Safety Hub

Online Safety Hub - Oxley College – please follow this link for up to date, relevant information regarding students operating safely online.

Junior School Assembly 

Junior School assemblies take place on Tuesday mornings at 9.00am in the Peter Craig Centre (PCC). These will begin in Week 4 (Tuesday 17 February) and families are welcome to attend. At this assembly we celebrate student awards as well as share musical performances and student achievements in sport and other activities.

Junior School Co-Curricular Clubs

Our Junior School Co-curricular clubs will commence in Week 3 of Term 1.   Bookings will be open from 9.00am Thursday 5 February through to Monday 9 February at 9.00am via the link below:

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/7dhrt

Once a booking has been made a payment link will be sent for those clubs requiring payment.   Please note that the Year 5 and 6 Elevate Study Club Sessions do not incur a fee.

Tuesday Clubs

K-2 Mini Makers with Ms Sheils ($110 per term)

Mini makers is an exciting new club designed to spark creativity and problem-solving. Students will explore architectural design by imagining and creating their own buildings, such as shops, houses and parks, bringing their ideas to life through drawing, LEGO construction and hands-on cardboard creations. They’ll take part in fun challenges, like tallest-tower competitions, and experiment with playful engineering through simple Rube Goldberg machines. Mini Makers will be a space where every student can invent, design and build

Year 3 and 4 - Drama and Theatre Sports with Miss Gaffney ($110 per term)

Our Drama & Theatresports Club is a fun, high-energy space where students play acting games, create characters and work together to put on mini performances. It’s all about confidence, creativity and having a go!

Year 5 & 6 Elevate Study Club Session 1 with Mrs Hunt (No charge)

Stage 3 students are invited to spend 60 minutes of focused time in the library to engage with homework tasks or assignments. Students must come prepared with work.

Thursday Clubs

Year 1 & 2 Orienteering - teacher tbc ($110 per term)

Learn to Orienteer is an introductory program, with a focus on developing key beginner orienteering skills. Sessions will involve fun learning activities, combined with short orienteering courses to support development of map reading and navigational skills, as well as a fun physical activity. Orienteering is an exciting and challenging outdoor sport that exercises mind and body - have fun, while being active!

Year 5 & 6 Robotics & Coding with Mr Shepphard ($110 per term)

Robotics & Coding Club gives students the chance to explore technology in a hands-on, creative and fun way. Students work together to build robots, solve challenges and learn real coding skills while developing teamwork and problem-solving.

Year 5 & 6 Elevate Study Club Session 2 with Ms Aitkins (No charge)

Stage 3 students are invited to spend 60 minutes of focused time in the 5A classroom to engage with homework tasks or assignments. Students must come prepared with work.

Introducing Round Square Heroes of Discovery K-4

We are excited to announce that our Junior School will be exploring the Round Square Heroes of Discovery. This program is designed to build character in our students and identify and celebrate when they are being used within each and every day.

Week 3 we will launch:Compassionate Carlos – A hero who always shows kindness and empathy, reminding us that caring for others is a powerful strength.

How will we explore this at school?

Morning Lines: Teachers and students will introduce the concept and share examples of discovery in action.

Class Discussions: Students will reflect on character strengths and how it connects to their learning.

Weekly Draw – Teachers will hand out tickets when they see a character strength in action. Each Monday 3 tickets will be drawn out and students will receive a certificate, key ring and ice block.

Hero Search – We will also hide a Hero in the playground with clues to the location.

Stage 3 Focus: Instead of focusing on a specific hero, Stage 3 will dive deeper into the character strength - what it looks like, why it matters, and how we can practice it every day.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to build an understanding of strengths and relate to everyday situations.  We look forward to seeing how these conversations spark new ideas and inspire our students to become heroes of discovery themselves!

Sports Draw - Saturday 28 March 2026

ISA Sport Reminders – Arrival and Departure Times

A reminder for students and parents/carers to refer to the listed arrival time for Saturday home fixtures.

Students playing the first games of the day are expected to arrive 45 minutes prior to assist with setting up fields and courts.

For all other games, students should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to allow for an effective warm-up.

Students playing the last game of the day are expected to assist with pack-up before leaving.

Student arrival times for all home games are listed in the fixture details in Clipboard (students) and within the Co-curricular Calendar in the Oxley App (parents/carers).

Expression of interest for coaches, referees, and officials

Oxley College is seeking enthusiastic and committed coaches, referees and officials to support our Winter Sport program. Paid opportunities are available across Tennis, Rugby, Netball, Football and Hockey, working with students in a well-supported school sport environment. These roles suit individuals who are passionate about sport, enjoy working with young people, and value teamwork and positive sporting culture. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au for further information.

Oxley Swimming Program (Update!)

We are excited to announce that we are now offering Wednesday afternoon Swim Training in the lead up to the Oxley College and ISA Swimming Carnivals. Training will take place from 4.00pm – 5.00pm at Bowral Swimming Pool. Students will need to make their own way to and from the pool.

We have enlisted the help of Mitch Falvey, an experienced and highly regarded swimming coach with a strong background in developing and coaching high-level swimmers, including those competing at Commonwealth and Olympic levels. Mitch brings a professional and supportive approach to training and will focus on improving technique, fitness, and race readiness in the lead-up to the carnivals.

Please note – This program is not a ‘learn to swim’ program and will be squad style training for experienced swimmers, likely to be selected in the ISA Swim Team. 

The dates for Swim Training and Carnivals are below:

Wednesday Feb 4th - Swim Training

Wednesday Feb 11th – Swim Training

Wednesday Feb 18th – Swim Training

Wednesday Feb 25th – Oxley College Swimming Carnival (no Swim Training)

Wednesday March 4th – Swim Training

Friday March 6th – Frensham Invitational Carnival (TBC)

Wednesday March 11th – Swim Training (Compulsory attendance for ISA Swimming Team for relay practice and team BBQ after the session)

ISA Swimming Carnival Tuesday March 17th

ISA and CIS Representative Opportunities

Oxley College students are eligible for ISA selection in a range of pathway sports—sports for which the ISA does not run a Saturday competition. These pathway sports include AFL, Baseball, Diving, Golf, Boys’ Hockey, Rugby League, Sailing, Boys’ Softball, Triathlon, Volleyball and Water Polo.

If you would like your child to be considered for nomination in any of these sports, please email sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au with a brief outline of their achievements and representative history.

Please note that final decisions regarding nominations are made by the Head of Sport.

Junior Boys and Girls Touch Football & Cricket – Players Wanted!

Some of our Junior Boys’ and Girls’ Touch Football teams are seeking additional players for the second half of the ISA Summer Season. New Year 7 students, as well as students in Years 8 and 9 who are interested are most welcome. No experience necessary!

We are also looking for 1 or 2 more players to join the 2nd XI Cricket team for the remainder of the season. Some experience is required, open to all ages.

Joining a Summer Sport team is a great way to start the year, enjoy the remaining warm weather, develop new skills and make new friends

Please contact sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au to register your interest.

Oxley College Running Opportunities

Oxley College is taking over Parkrun again on Saturday 14 March in Week 7, so we are hoping many students & parents will run and get involved. We will also need some people to fill volunteer roles on the day. Contact Mr Bevan for details or to volunteer. The Highlands Running Festival organised by Race Hub Australia is on starting at Bray Fields in Week 8. There are 2, 5 & 10km runs and a Half Marathon. See their website for more details. Highlands Running Festival | NSW Family Fun Run

Our Senior School Cross Country Carnival is in Week 10 and as a key part of our wellbeing framework is ‘Stay Fit’, Oxley College Run Club is on every Tuesday and Thursday for students in Year 7 - 12. Leaving at 7.30am from the in front of the PCC, students should arrive by 7.25am ready to stretch to help them prepare for these running events.

If you have any questions about Cross Country or running, see Mr Bevan or one of the Cross Country Captains: Archie Cosgriff & Mollie Kettle.

Kind regards

Josh Hurkett
Head of Senior School Sport

Important Reminder: Years 3–6 Junior School Swimming Carnival – Action Required

For your child/children to attend the Junior School Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 10 February at Bowral Pool, two steps must be completed:

Step 1: Submit permission via the Oxley App
Step 2: Complete your child’s swimming ability information by clicking the link below:
2026 Junior School Swimming Carnival Permission.

Both steps are required. Students will not be permitted to enter the pool unless both permission and swimming ability information have been submitted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Sports Department sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Coming Soon: Junior School Winter Sports (K–6)

The Junior School Winter Sports Booklet, including details of the sport selection process, will be released in the Oxley Update next week (Week 3). It will outline the range of sports available to K–6 students for the Winter Sports season (Terms 2 and 3), along with registration information. Parents and carers will be able to register their child once the booklet is published.

Years 3–6 Running Training – Registrations Now Open

To support preparation for the Junior School Cross Country Carnival in Week 6, running training sessions are available for students in Years 3–6. Sessions focus on building fitness and improving running technique.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents will be notified if their child’s registration is successful.

Please note: Following the Cross Country Carnival in Week 6, ongoing participation in this program will be for students who qualify for the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival.

Register your child here: Running Training 2026 – Fill out form

Running Training Details

Day & Time: Wednesday mornings, 7:45–8:30 am

Dates: Term 1, Week 4 (Wednesday 18 February) to Term 1, Week 6 (Wednesday 4 March). Students who qualify for the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival will continue training until Wednesday 25 March (Week 9).

Eligible Students: Years 3–6

Staff: Mr Winkler and Mrs Leddet

Location: Founders Field and PCC.

Kind regards

Fran Dorczak
Head of Junior School Sport

Follow the link below to find out what's planned for the Equestrian Team in 2026:

Welcome Back to Oxley Equestrian 2026

Ensembles Starting in Week 3

Details for Jazz Ensemble B, Flute Choir, ’Cello Ensemble, and Double Bass Ensemble (including day, and time) are still being finalised and will be confirmed shortly.

All ensembles start at 7.45am and finish at 8.45am

Music Tuition

Oxley College offers access to a variety of talented music professionals who provide music tuition on site before, during and after school hours in the Performing Arts Centre.

Options for tuition include:

Brass (French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba)

Guitar

Musicianship/Theory

Percussion (Drum Kit, Orchestral Percussion)

Piano (Classical, Jazz, Popular)

Pipes and Drum

Strings (Violin, Viola, ‘Cello, Double Bass)

Voice

Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone)

Music Tutors independently invoice their respective students. The manner, frequency and fee rate are at the discretion of each Music Tutor.

Provided as a guide only: the recommended minimum private tuition rate as determined by the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW for 2025 is $110.00 per hour, exclusive of GST.

To apply for private music lessons, please complete the Individual Music Tuition - Enrolment Form.

Literacy Highlights
This week our shared storybook was Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae. The children thoroughly enjoyed Gerald’s journey and the important message about believing in yourself and celebrating our unique talents. Our focus vocabulary included munching, clumsy, and miracle, and we explored what these words mean through discussion and play.

During PreLit, we played a fun game of “I Spy” where we practised breaking words into syllables (word parts). You might like to try this at home by clapping and counting the syllables in your child’s name or in family members’ names!

We also introduced the letter m, learning its name and sound. The children enjoyed identifying pictures and objects that begin with the /m/ sound. A simple game of “I Spy” at home, looking for items that start with m, is a wonderful way to reinforce this learning in a playful way.

Numeracy Focus
In Numeracy, we have been working on matching, reading, writing and ordering numbers from 1–10. The children are building confidence in recognising numbers and understanding their sequence. Practising number recognition in everyday contexts — such as spotting numbers on houses, in books, or while counting toys — is a great way to support this learning at home.

Buddies
This week we continued our special Buddy sessions with our Year 3 friends. Spending time each week with older buddies is a valuable part of our Pre-K program. These sessions help our children build confidence, develop social skills, and feel connected within the wider school community.

Our Year 3 buddies act as positive role models, supporting our Pre-K students with activities. These relationships foster a sense of belonging, encourage communication skills, and help our youngest learners feel safe and supported at school. We look forward to continuing to strengthen these wonderful cross-age friendships throughout the year.

Parent Information Session
There will be a Pre-K Information Session held on Tuesday 10 March at 4.00pm-4.30pm in the Pre-K classroom. This session will be an opportunity to gain valuable information about the year ahead.

Parents’ Welcome Drinks - Thursday 12th February, 6pm-8pm

This is a great social night for both new and returning parents and we look forward to seeing you at the Pavilion.  Book via: https://www.trybooking.com/DIFPQ

Hungry Ox

The Ox is back this Saturday ready to feed our hungry sports people. The Ox is fuelled by parent and carer volunteers. If you have time for a shift, we’d love to see you. Please sign up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA5AF2AABFDC61-62242588-oxley/158502438#/

P&F Special General Meeting and First Meeting of 2026

All of the Oxley Community are welcome at the P&F Meeting on Tuesday 17 February. We will conduct a (quick) SGM - where we will vote on some minor changes to the constitution. Following that, we will have our first meeting of the year, where we will outline some of the exciting plans we have for this year.

Kind regards

Amelia Goff
P&F President

📍 Murraural 4K Playspace, East Bowral

(next to the David Wood Playing Fields)

🗓 Sunday 22nd February

⏰ 9:30am – 11:30am

🧢 What to bring:

•⁠  ⁠Bikes or scooters

•⁠  ⁠Hats

💙💛🤍 Siblings Welcome

More details to come 😊

There are bbq’s at the site so I’m thinking of bringing some sausages and loaves of bread and doing a little sausage sizzle too.