The Oxley Update - Term 3 Preview

Looking Ahead:

Thursday 2 April: Grandparents' Day, Last day of Term 1

Tuesday 21 April: Students return for Term 2 (winter uniform)

Thursday 7 May: Mother's Day Breakfast

Thursday 14 May: Foundation Night

Whether your recipe is fancy or fuss-free, passed down through generations or newly created, we’d love you to share it with us.

Everyone is welcome to contribute, no matter your skill level in the kitchen. That said, we know we’re lucky to have some incredibly talented, passionate, and even professional cooks in our midst, and we can’t wait to feature your creations alongside those of fellow food lovers.

We invite every Oxley family to submit one cherished recipe. Our goal is for each family to be represented in this unique celebration of food and community. If we receive multiple versions of a popular dish, we may contact you via email to request an alternative. All contributing family names will be proudly included in the cookbook.

In the recipe description, please share the story behind your dish: Is it inspired by a cookbook or food writer? Or is it a treasured family original? Every recipe has a story, we’d love to hear yours.

Please submit your recipe by Friday 29 August 2025.

Optional: Feel free to upload a photo (or a few!) to go alongside your recipe. If you have any questions, contact Justine at Justine.smith@oxley.nsw.edu.au

Let’s come together to create something truly special, a delicious and lasting tribute to the Oxley community.

ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies.

ICAS evaluates student performance against other competition entrants across the state and nation. The data reveals student strengths and weaknesses and can help you recognise and support your child's academic journey.

Learn more about ICAS here (icasassessments.com/products-icas/).

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please go to the Parent Portal to register for your chosen subjects.

Log in using the PPS code

Shop link: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

PPS code: JTZ079

Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm.

This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments in Years 7 - 10:

This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments in Years 3 - 6:

If you have any queries, please email anna.hitchcock@oxley.nsw.edu.au (Years 7 – 10) or alison.rasheed@oxley.nsw.edu.au (Years 3 – 6).

•    Students will be issued with a subject selection form by the end of Week 1 with the final subject lines from which to make their selections.
•    The lines have been generated by what the significant majority of students nominated in their initial preferences.
•    Any questions about the process, should be directed to Ms McGuinness or Ms Patterson.
•    Students are to submit their final subject selections to the Ms Patterson, Director of Operations by Friday 1st August.
•    Students and parents will meet with their Head of House and a member of the Senior Leadership Team to confirm final subject choices on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th August. Meeting invitations with an allocated time

Please find the link to the Subject Selection Handbook here

Please register for the Oxley ELEVATE Parent Information Session here

Oxley ELEVATE

As part of our strategic commitment to “reimagine learning” we are excited to introduce Oxley ELEVATE, our innovative new program for Year 5 and 6 students designed to provide an exceptional learning experience that supports them as they begin to prepare for Senior School.

Oxley ELEVATE aims to offer a seamless and engaging pathway for our Stage 3 students, creating a bridge that fosters confidence, independence, and enthusiasm for the future. Working across the Stage allows teachers to differentiate and tailor their teaching to support, enrich and extend students while starting to offer them highly supported opportunities to experience learning opportunities in Senior School learning spaces.

For students commencing their learning journey at Oxley in Year 5 for Oxley ELEVATE it also eases parents' minds knowing that their child has secured a place in the Oxley Senior School. As such we will offer an option of a third Year 5 and/or 6 class from 2026 – subject to demand.

Through this program we aim to challenge and inspire our Stage 3 students by offering enrichment opportunities across a wider range of Key Learning Areas. Through our partnership with the Senior School, students will engage in specialised lessons in secondary school subjects such as Science, Technology, Music and The Arts. These sessions are taught by expert Senior School teachers and take place in well-equipped Senior School classrooms, giving students access to resources and experiences that deepen their learning, foster independence, creativity, and critical thinking.

Stage-Based Classes for Tailored Learning and Enrichment

This approach involves Stage based teaching in some Key Learning Areas and allows for highly effective differentiation across all subject areas within the NSW curriculum, ensuring that each student receives the appropriate level of challenge, support and enrichment. Whether a student is excelling or needs additional help, our experienced educators will tailor the learning experience to meet their individual needs, setting them up for success in Senior School and as lifelong learners.

Exposure to Senior School facilities allows students to experience what it’s like to move between different classrooms and work with specialist teachers, as they would in Senior School, while still in the supportive environment of the Junior School. It’s an exciting, hands-on experience that not only sparks curiosity but also gives students the confidence they need as they ease into Senior School life.

Smooth Transition with Ongoing Support   
The program is thoughtfully designed to help students feel supported and confident as they begin to explore the next stage of their learning journey. It offers a gentle, gradual introduction to Senior School-style experiences, while ensuring students remain fully connected to the Junior School—learning within their familiar classroom environment and guided by their own class teacher as they explore Senior School subject experiences. Teachers and support staff work closely with students, providing continuous guidance and encouragement, ensuring they have the tools they need to manage the academic and social aspects of their transition to SeniorSchool. The transition isn’t just academic; it’s about developing confidence and independence, creating a well-rounded foundation for future success.

Benefits of Oxley ELEVATE

Oxley ELEVATE will offer unique learning opportunities for our students, giving them a taste of Senior School life, with access to specialist classrooms and facilities that enrich their learning experience. The blend of Year 5 and Year 6 students will allow for differentiation in teaching which will ensure that every student is challenged at their level and supported when necessary. This will provide opportunities for our team to meet students where they are at and take them to the next level.

The Oxley ELEVATE program will ensure students are not just academically prepared for Senior School but are also socially and emotionally ready for the next stage of the educational journey.

 For enrolment opportunities

If you know anyone who might be interested in this program, please share the news. If you have younger siblings who were planning to join Oxley in Year 7 but are now considering starting earlier in Year 5 or 6 through Oxley ELEVATE, I encourage you to reach out to our College Registrar, Alex Stone, for more information.

Tuesday Clubs- 3.30pm-4.30pm

Art Club

Drama Club

PCYC Multisports K-2

Thursday Clubs- 3.30pm-4.30pm

Creative Club K-2

STEM Club Yrs 3-4

Tech Club Yrs 5-6

Students will be assigned to their requested Club on a first in first served basis.

We ask Parents and Carers to ensure payment is made at the time of booking.

Snow Mountains Trip: 

The final instalment of $300 is due by Monday 21 July.  Payment can be made via the following link: https://payit.nelnet.net/form/Vgig69Aq

Thailand Trip:

The final instalment for the Thailand Trip of$1,700  is due by Monday 21 July. Payment can be made via the following link: https://payit.nelnet.net/form/UNLGhqap

Nepal Trip:

The final instalment for the Nepal Trip of $2,882.50 is due on the Monday 21 July. Payment can be made via the following link:  https://payit.nelnet.net/form/CgRm4Sk4

Nepal Pre-Trip Meeting

We will be holding an information evening for students and parents on Monday 4 August at 5.30pm. Please note the updated location: Orchestra Room.

During this session, representatives from World Horizons will present the final trip details, distribute travel documents, review required gear, and address any remaining questions.

To obtain your visa, visit this website and select Embassy of Nepal, Canberra, complete the details, and then you’ll need the following information for the next section.

Visa Option: 15 Days

Purpose of Visa: Tourism

Address in Nepal: Shambaling Hotel, Kathmandu

Contact Number in Nepal: This is optional, so leave it blank.

Once you've completed the application, you’ll have a confirmation slip that will look like the image below. Note that I have applied for a 30-day visa. You will only need 15 days at A$60.

Download and print this form and then send it, by Registered or Express Post, along with the following documents to the Embassy of Nepal in Canberra:

Embassy of Nepal, Canberra
22 Kareelah Vista, O’Malley ACT 2606

You will need to include:

Your confirmation slip

Your passport (valid for at least six months from your entry date into Nepal) - YES YOU NEED TO SEND YOUR PASSPORT.

A self-addressed express post or registered post envelope for returning your passport

A money order for A$60, payable to the Embassy of Nepal, Canberra (personal cheques, cash, and credit cards are NOT accepted)

Alternatively, if you’re not comfortable with mailing your passport, you may prefer to submit your application in person at the Nepalese Embassy in Canberra. If so, we suggest you call ahead to arrange a date and time. 02 6286 8006. You can submit and pick up in the same day.

Hepatitis A

Typhoid

Meningitis

Polio

Additionally, ensure your tetanus shots are up to date and consider a dental check-up before travel.

Don't miss out - this is the final chance for your child to be part of Oxley's unforgettable Europe trip!  We are partnering with WorldStrides, an internationally accredited student travel company, to deliver this extraordinary opportunity for Oxley students. The draft itinerary is currently under development and may evolve as we finalise a school partnership in either France or Germany.

Details

Departure Date: Friday 9 January 2026

Return Date: Friday 23 January 2026 (tbc depending on flight schedule)

Cost:  $9900 (inclusive of tour, most meals, transfers and travel insurance) Note: this price does not include visas, vaccinations, tips or any further additional expenses.

Destinations: 14-day journey through the UK, France, and Germany, departing Friday 9 January 2026.

Historical Focus: Visits to World War I & II sites including Fromelles, Villers-Bretonneux, Somme, Dachau, and the Berlin Wall.

Cultural Highlights: Includes the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, British Museum, West End theatre, and Seine River cruise.

Educational Enrichment: Guided tours in London, Paris, Munich, and Berlin, plus scavenger hunts and museum visits.

Round Square Connection: A visit to a partner school in France or Germany as part of the Round Square global network.

Travel & Comfort: Eurostar train, internal flights, and upgraded accommodation throughout, with all major meals included.

Please note that your child’s spot on the trip will only be confirmed once the deposit is paid, if required.   Some important points to keep in mind:

School fees must be up to date for your child to participate in a trip.

All payments, including deposits, are non-refundable.

Due to high demand, if instalments are not paid on time, your child’s place may be forfeited, and we will be unable to issue a refund.

Payment Schedule:

Deposit: $800 (due now)

Second Instalment: $4550 (due Friday 12 September)

Final Payment: $4550 (due Friday 7 November)

** There is a limit of 40 students for this trip. In order to make this trip viable, a minimum of 30 students is required. Costs may rise if this minimum number is not achieved**

Once your place on the trip is confirmed, please give permission through App or Portal. Once you have given permission online, all the Trip information such as this letter will move from the To Do Tab to the Events Tab on the App.

Discover Europe: A Transformative Journey for Years 9–12 – Oxley College

If you have any questions, please contact Christophe Gauchat, Head of Co-Curricular P-12.

Sports Draw 15 November 2025.xlsx

Click below for the Senior School Athletics Carnival Information and Program, and to order your sausage sizzle

2025 Junior School Athletics Carnival Program

Members of the Oxley Equestrian Team are invited to participate in a training day run with Mel Parbery at Parbery Performance Horses. This is a fabulous opportunity for students to develop their dressage skills with experienced coach and rider Mel Parbery. You can choose to complete a shared (2 riders per group, 1 hour session) or a private session (40-minute sessions). Please indicate on your registration if there is a certain dressage test or area/skill your child would like to work on in their session.

Groupings with be ability based and formed using the information provided in the below registration link. You will then receive information regarding direct payment to Parbery Performance Horses and two waivers to complete.

Please register here – Dressage Training Day Registration Link (Please note responses will close Sunday 20 July to provide sufficient time for groupings and administration to be completed)

Details

Date: Sunday 10 August

Time: Dependent on Booking, Students are welcome to stay and watch each other and enjoy a picnic (BYO).

Venue: Parbery Performance Horses - 336 Kareela Road, Penrose NSW 2579 Australia

Mode of Transport: Riders and their horses are to be transported to/from the venue by a parent/carer who is expected to stay on site.

Uniform and Equipment requirements: Oxley Sports Top and Jacket, Jodhpurs/Jeans, Leather riding boots and an EA Approved Helmet.

Please ensure your child’s EA membership is up to date for insurance purposes.

Accompanying staff:  Georgie Ridehalgh

Cost: $60 + GST (Shared Session), $90 + GST (Private Session) - (Payment directly to Parbery Performance Horses)

Please bring a picnic for your child/ren and yourself to enjoy together with the team at this scenic location.

Should you require assistance please contact georgie.ridehalgh@oxley.nsw.edu.au. Please ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. This can be amended through the Oxley Portal, not the App.

 Yours sincerely,

Georgie Ridehalgh
Equestrian Coordinator & Junior School Teacher

Time to get your groove on….

You’re invited to the inaugural P&F Mums’ Disco — a night of sequins, sneakers and serious fun.

Saturday 26th July 

6–10pm in the PCC

Bubbles on arrival

Grazing tables

Cash bar and non-stop tunes.

Tickets $35 — dust off your dancing shoes and grab your friends for a night to remember .

https://www.trybooking.com/DCOUI

Book here for From Surviving to Thriving: A Conversation of Hope & Courage

Read all about what's happening at the Ngunungulla Midwinter event at the link below: