The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 10B

Year 12, today is your day.

In a few minutes, each of you will walk across this stage, receive your graduation bag containing your graduation certificate, shake hands, and return to your seat.

On one level, they are very ordinary actions.

Walking.

Shaking hands.

Holding a bag.

But, of course, that is not really what is happening here.

Today is important not because of what you will do, but because of what it means.

That is why schools hold graduation ceremonies. That is why families travel long distances to attend them. That is why younger students sit and watch. And that is why teachers and parents sometimes find themselves unexpectedly emotional.

Human beings have always marked important transitions with rituals.

Across cultures and centuries, people have gathered to recognise moments when something significant is changing. Rituals help us do something that modern life does not always encourage us to do.

They help us pause.

Ritual helps us remember what ordinary life makes remarkably easy to forget.

I think that matters because most of life moves very quickly.

We spend years looking forward to the next thing.

The next assessment.

The next holiday.

The next season.

The next year level.

The next opportunity.

And then, before we know it, those moments have passed and become memories.

One of the purposes of a graduation ceremony is to prevent that from happening.

Graduation exists so that this moment is not forgotten.

It exists to help us remember what this chapter of life has meant, and the people who helped write it.

It asks us to stop.

To pay attention.

To recognise that a chapter of life is coming to an end.

On Monday morning, Oxley will look much the same. Students will arrive. Teachers will teach. The Pin Oak Tree will still stand where it has always stood.

Yet something will be different.

You will no longer be students waiting to become graduates.

You will be graduates.

Today is the moment that marks that transition.

It is, in the truest sense of the phrase, a rite of passage.

And so, before we rush towards whatever comes next, I think it is worth pausing to reflect on what has brought you here.

On paper, the Class of 2026 may be remembered as the largest graduating cohort in Oxley's history.

But numbers are rarely the most important thing about a year group.

What I believe people will remember about this cohort is something else.

They will remember your community.

Large groups do not automatically become connected groups. In fact, the opposite is often true. Large groups can easily fragment into smaller circles that move alongside one another rather than together.

Yet this year group has always felt different.

You have built a culture that is inclusive, supportive and genuinely connected. You have celebrated one another's successes, supported one another through challenges and, perhaps most importantly, genuinely enjoyed one another's company.

One of the things I will remember most about this cohort is the way you approached your final year together.

Year 12 can easily become a season of individual ambition. Academic results matter. Future pathways matter. The pressure is real. It would have been understandable if everyone had become narrowly focused on their own goals.

Instead, what stood out was how often you showed up for one another.

You turned up on sidelines to support sporting teams. You filled seats at drama productions. You attended concerts and performances. You celebrated achievements that had nothing to do with your own interests or pursuits.

Perhaps I noticed it because I had seen it before.

When you were in Year 9, I had the privilege of coaching several of you in the U15 rugby team. Before matches, I would often ask you to look around at the teammates standing beside you. Trust them. Play for them. Success would come not from individual brilliance, but from the way you worked for one another.

That team went on to win their grand final and became division champions. But what I remember most is not the result. It is the team ethic that made the result possible.

Looking back now, I realise that same spirit has characterised this cohort far beyond the rugby field. Again and again, I have seen students choosing to be present for one another.

Those moments might seem small, but they say something important about a community. They remind us that success is not measured only by what we achieve ourselves, but also by the way we encourage others to flourish.

I hope that remains one of the defining characteristics of this cohort long after you leave Oxley.

One of the great privileges of working in a school is being able to observe growth over time.

For me, that privilege has been especially meaningful with this cohort.

I have known many of you in different contexts over many years.

Some of you I have taught in Philosophy and Cornerstone classes, where we wrestled with questions about knowledge, ethics, purpose and what it means to live a good life. Some of you I coached on a rugby field. Others I have come to know through leadership opportunities, service projects, trips, assemblies, and countless conversations around the school.

And if there is one lesson I have come to believe more strongly with each passing year, it is this:

The most important outcome of education is not what you know.

It is who you become.

Academic results matter.

Learning matters.

Achievement matters.

But the deeper question is whether your education has helped you become more thoughtful, more resilient, more compassionate, more courageous and more capable of contributing positively to the lives of others.

In other words, whether it has helped you become the kind of person others can trust, rely upon and learn from.

Looking at this cohort today, I believe the answer is yes.

Not because you are perfect.

Not because the journey has always been straightforward.

But because I have seen your capacity to support one another, to persevere through setbacks, to accept responsibility, to lead and to grow.

None of that happens by accident.

And none of it happens alone.

Every one of you has been shaped by people who invested time, care, patience, encouragement and belief in you.

Your parents and families.

Your teachers.

Your mentors.

Your coaches.

Your friends.

The many people whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes.

If you could gather everyone who has contributed to your journey, they would fill far more than the PCC. Some you know well. Others worked quietly behind the scenes. All, in different ways, helped you reach this moment.

Year 12, I would like you to do something simple.

Take a moment and look around.

 It is not so different from what I used to ask some of you to do before rugby matches a few years ago.

 Look at the people sitting beside you.

 Look at your friends.

 Look at your teachers.

 Look at your families.

 Look at the younger students sitting in front of you.

 Because this ceremony is not only a recognition of your achievements.

 It is also a recognition of theirs.

 We are all here because your story has become part of our story.

 And for that reason, gratitude seems the most appropriate response.

 Gratitude for the friendships, opportunities and lessons that have shaped you.

 Gratitude for the challenges that helped you grow.

 Gratitude for the people who walked beside you along the way.

 Earlier, I suggested that ritual helps us remember what ordinary life makes remarkably easy to forget.

 Soon this ceremony will end.

 Photographs will be taken.

 Celebrations will begin.

 Life will speed up again.

 The HSC will arrive.

 New opportunities will emerge.

 New chapters will unfold.

 But before all of that happens, this ritual asks something simple of you.

 Remember.

Remember the friendships that shaped you.

Remember the teachers and families who supported you.

Remember the opportunities you were given.

Remember the community that helped you become who you are.

And remember that while your time as students of Oxley is coming to an end, your place within the Oxley story never will.

Congratulations, Year 12. Thank you for all that you have contributed to this College.

It has been a privilege to know you, to teach and learn alongside many of you, and to have shared part of your journey.

You will be missed.

On Sunday, I had the privilege of attending an author talk by the Southern Highland’s branch of Rural Australian’s for Refugees. I heard firsthand accounts from Vivianne Dawalibi and Bakhit David. Both spoke movingly about their journeys as refugees and the challenges of building new lives in Australia. Their stories were marked by courage, resilience and a deep commitment to contributing positively to the communities that welcomed them.

One phrase shared by Vivianne, who had fled Armenia and later Sudan, particularly stayed with me: “Until you contribute, you cannot truly belong.” It is a powerful reminder that belonging is not simply something we receive; it is something we help create through our actions, our generosity and our willingness to serve others.

At Oxley, we have so much for which to be grateful: the safety and opportunity of our school environment, the freedom to learn, the encouragement of teachers and families, and the friendships and experiences that shape us each day. Listening to Vivianne and Bakhit was a timely reminder not to take these blessings for granted, but to respond with gratitude and with a desire to contribute.

True community is built when we each look beyond ourselves and ask what we can offer. Whether through kindness, service, inclusion or simple acts of encouragement, every student has the chance to strengthen the sense of belonging at Oxley. Gratitude becomes most meaningful when it moves us to action.

Staff News

Over the last week we have had a few Senior School staff announcements. All of these have been announced via broadcast to relevant groups, but I thought I’d summarise them here:

From the start of Term 4 2026:

Director of Students (7-12) - Secondment: Mrs Jodie Wolstencroft

Head of Monash House: Mrs Sarah Gauchat

Head of Mawson House (Acting): Mr David Smith

It is exciting to see colleagues stepping up into these important roles, and I know our students, families and staff will benefit from their care, experience and commitment to the life of the Senior School.

Holidays, OLE week & Trips

I wish all families a restful holiday and all Senior School students heading off on OLE camps, overseas trips or Outback a rewarding and memorable experience. These opportunities are such an important part of school life, offering students the chance to learn beyond the classroom, build independence, strengthen friendships and return with stories that will stay with them for years to come.

Tristan Bevan
Deputy Head, Head of Senior School

As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on another busy and rewarding term at our school.

To our students, thank you for the enthusiasm, curiosity and kindness you have shown throughout the term. Whether you have been learning something new, challenging yourself, supporting a friend or simply giving something your best effort, you should be proud of the progress you have made. Your energy and sense of fun continue to make our school such a wonderful place to be.

To our Junior School staff, thank you for the care, commitment and professionalism you bring to your work each day. Behind every successful learning experience is a great deal of preparation, collaboration and genuine care for our students.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Mrs Alison Rasheed, who will be leaving our school community. Alison has made a valued contribution to our students, staff and families, and we are grateful for the care, enthusiasm and commitment she has shared during her time with us. We wish Alison every happiness and success in the next chapter and thank her sincerely for being part of our school community.

I hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved break over the holidays. Take the opportunity to rest, spend time together and enjoy the simple pleasures of family, friends and being outdoors.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for another exciting term of learning and growth.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Heidi Shvetsoff
Head of Junior School

When asked by my Y12 class earlier in the term how I would survive without them - we all started at the same time in Jan 2021- I said I couldn't possibly and that I would need to leave when they did. And so here we are.

Arriving in the lull between Covid shutdowns, travelling on an empty Hume Highway (where no one ever did check whether I was escaping my LGA legally!) and getting my weekly PCR at Bondi Beach seems both so long ago and strangely so recent. Teaching Year 7 Maths for the first time in a long time, coaching the mighty Junior Bs netball and trying to fathom the Oxley 'Distinctives' are things that stick out in my mind.

I have been lucky enough to have a pretty amazing almost six-year stint at Oxley. I've taken students to Indigenous communities in the Territory, hiked in Nepal, visited communities and temples in Thailand, stayed way too many ROP nights at Central YHA Hostel (knowing my bed was less than a 20-minute walk away!), championed many hours of Mathematics equations, cheered on a varied array of sporting sidelines, driven over 200 000km to work, told the students to 'Sit up' in well over 100 assemblies before attempting words of wisdom that might land with 20% of the student body at any juncture, shared in some of the best and worst moments of the lives of our families, and had the pleasure of working with some of the most amazing colleagues I could ever ask for.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for the part you have played in making my time at Oxley a (mostly) fun, highly memorable, and much appreciated experience. I know that a 'Hi, this is Genevieve Whiteley from Oxley College, is now a good time to chat?' phone call does not elicit the same enthusiasm from the community as from my Mum when she answers my calls, but I am grateful for the support, understanding and respectful interactions that so many of you have shared with me as we work together to help your young people navigate the vagaries of adolescence. Raising teenagers is a team sport, and success takes patience and collaboration.

So, it's time for a new chapter in my life, where I get outside my comfort zone, continue my quest to be curious, not judgemental - a state of being I often commend to your young people - and try to make education accessible to more young people. But I do promise before I go that I will remind the students one final time of the need for gratitude for the world in which they live, and also to make sure they unpack the dishwasher without being asked during the holidays, if only to humour me one last time!

Genevieve Whiteley
Director of Students 7-12

After nearly a decade at Oxley College Junior School, I am finishing at the end of this term to take up a role as Education Consultant: Teaching and Learning (K–6) with Independent Schools NSW. When our family moved to the Southern Highlands ten years ago, Oxley quickly became the heart of our new life here. All three of my sons have attended the College, and I have had the rare privilege of seeing this place both as a teacher and as a parent. This year also marks 30 years since I stood in front of my first class, and I can honestly say that some of the happiest of those years have been spent here.

Much of what I am proudest of has been shared work. Together with our excellent Junior School staff, we have sharpened how we use data to understand each child's learning, built greater consistency in our assessment and reporting, and begun shaping a whole-school Teaching and Learning Framework that will serve Oxley well into the future. This happens because of teachers who are generous with their time, open to new ideas and devoted to their students. I have learnt so much from my colleagues, and I am grateful to Heidi Shvetsoff, Peter Ayling, Mark Case and the leadership team for their trust and support. Above all, I have loved teaching. Being in classrooms across Pre-K to 6 has kept me close to what matters most, which is the children, their questions, their breakthroughs and their laughter.

To our students, thank you for making every day interesting. To our families, thank you for your partnership, your warmth and your trust. The good news is that I am not really going anywhere. I will remain part of the Oxley community as a parent, so you will still see me at pick-up, on the sidelines and in the audience at assemblies. It will be a joy to watch the Junior School continue to flourish from the other side of the classroom door.

Alison Rasheed
Director of Teaching and Learning P-6

What inspired you to pursue teaching, and what do you find most rewarding about working in education?

I have quite a large family and, when I was younger, I loved caring for my younger cousins and siblings. I also have many memories of my Year 5 teacher, Mr Corbin, at St John Bosco Primary. He played the guitar, made learning exciting and always gave us a sense of autonomy over how we presented our learning. Looking back, I think those early experiences gave me an insight into what I would eventually love about teaching. It’s the lightbulb moments when something finally clicks, the laughter and joy they bring to the classroom, and seeing students become excited and confident in their learning.

What I love most about teaching is creating special memories for students, sparking their curiosity and finding ways to make learning fun and meaningful. I enjoy challenging students to think deeply, discovering how far I can extend their thinking and sharing in their excitement when we explore something new. I also value listening to their ideas, opinions and perspectives. Children have an incredible capacity to surprise you and I’m constantly reminded that, although they may be little people, they have big ideas, thoughtful opinions and so much to contribute.

Whether it’s seeing the excitement on a student’s face when something finally clicks, watching them discover a new interest or reflecting at the end of the year on how much they have grown, both academically and personally, these are the moments that make teaching so rewarding.

Tell us a bit about your journey – what led you to teach at Oxley?

In 2012, I began working in Early Childhood Education in the Southern Highlands while raising my family and studying Primary Education. One of the highlights of this time was working at a local community-based preschool, where I developed a strong sense of community and a deeper understanding of child development and play theory. I’ve also have the lovely experience of watching many children I taught in preschool continue their journey at Oxley. In fact, some of those pre-schoolers are now in Year 6, which makes me feel like I’ve been part of the Oxley story for much longer than my time here!

In 2022, I completed my two final professional placements for my degree at Oxley.  I immediately noticed the passionate teachers and the genuine holistic care for every student. When I was offered the opportunity to join the Junior School in 2023, it felt like a natural next step. Since joining Oxley, I’ve been fortunate to teach so many inquisitive minds, work alongside wonderful teachers and experience opportunities well beyond my classroom. From accompanying 40 Senior School students on a trip to Japan to being involved in OLE Camps, leading Monash House in the Junior School (Go Monash!) and continuing my professional learning, my time at Oxley has given me so many opportunities to learn and grow myself.

What do you hope students remember most about their time in your classroom?

I hope my students remember that learning was fun in our classroom! I want them to remember feeling happy, valued and confident, and to look back on their time with a smile.

There might be a silly prop appearing in a lesson, a puppet making an unexpected appearance, a song that was created to help remember a concept or a drama game that gets everyone engaged. Even spelling can turn into a game show, complete with microphones!

But most of all, I hope students remember that my classroom was a safe place to be themselves, ask questions, have a go and make mistakes. I want them to leave my classroom feeling curious about the world and, most importantly, believing that they are capable.

When you’re not at school, what are some things you love doing or exploring?

Outside of school, my favourite thing is spending time with my family. We love making the most of living close to the coast, particularly in the warmer months when weekends often involve a trip to the beach, getting out on the stand-up paddleboards or finding somewhere new to explore.

In winter, we enjoy catching up with family and friends, visiting local restaurants and spending evenings around the fire. I also love travelling and discovering new places.

What’s your favourite thing about the Southern Highlands?

It has to be the sense of community. I spent most of my life in the Southern Highlands, so there is something special about driving around the area and regularly bumping into people I’ve known for years. Many of my family members still live locally, so the Highlands has always felt like home.

Across both courses, students have spent the year designing, developing and refining substantial projects for their HSC, from timber furniture and fine craftsmanship to innovative design solutions across a range of materials and technologies. Each student has applied and extended their skills in design thinking, technical processes and problem-solving throughout the journey.

Behind every finished project lies an equally impressive body of work: an 80-page folio documenting the full design and development process, from initial concepts and research through to production planning, testing and evaluation.

The commitment shown by these students has been outstanding. Balancing the practical demands of the workshop with the rigour of sustained documentation, they have developed genuine industry level skills and a deep understanding of the design process.

We warmly invite you to come along, see their finished projects, and celebrate what these students have accomplished.

Celebrate the creativity and artistic achievements of our students as they share their work with the Oxley and wider Southern Highlands community.

Opening Evening
Thursday 24 September | From 6.00pm
Exhibition Viewing
Friday 25 September | 10.00am – 3.00pm
We look forward to welcoming you.

To assist with managing parking and access to Burradoo Park Farm we kindly request that you book a complimentary ticket.

https://www.trybooking.com/DPZQG

Year 9 Rites of Passage - Student Code of Conduct Form

A final reminder that the Student Code of Conduct for Rites of Passage must be submitted by Friday 25 September.  Students who have not submitted this form may not be allowed to join the trip.

Year 11 Change of Subject

Parents and students are reminded that all subject change requests and Extension course decisions must be finalised and submitted by Friday 25 September.  For all the information, and the Change of Subject Form, please see the Year 11 Connect Page.

Term 4 Uniform

A reminder that students return for Term 4 in summer uniform.  Boys from Year 10 require long navy socks which are available at the Uniform Shop or online.  The Uniform Shop will be open regular hours during the holidays:  Tuesday - Thursday 8.30am - 4.00pm.

Final Outback Reminders

Please fill in the Outback Code of Conduct with your child if you have not already done so. Students will not be allowed to attend outback if this is not completed.

Thursday Week 10 (24/9): bring fully packed Oxley Sports bag, small pillow and daypack to school (also shoes, jacket and watch, but take those items home again to wear on the day). Students have been given an appointment schedule as an announcement on Canvas. Feel free to ask them when their appointment is to ensure they know. A reminder that the packing list is in the Year 11 page on Oxley Connect and the Year 11 Canvas page. Students have also been given a paper copy.

Monday 28th September: be at school by 5:45am for a 6.00am departure. Reminder that students need money to buy their lunch on Day 1, or they can bring their own lunch if they prefer.

Please see the broadcast from 11/9 for a private link to a webpage where photos from the trip will be uploaded each day.

Sunday 11th October: Outback returns around 4:30pm (exact time TBC on the day)

Extended Leave Before/After Upcoming School Holidays

Requests for leave for three days or more (or any period of leave that abuts school holidays) are made through the extended leave form on the College website Oxley-College-Extended-Leave-Request.pdf.  Once this form is completed it is sent to the Director of Students (7-12) or Deputy Head of Junior School (K-6) for approval.

Senior School Sports News

Summer sport is now into its third week, and we will be confirming all teams before the end of term. Due to numbers and team allocations, we are taking a little extra time to ensure we have things right for the season ahead. By the end of this week, we will have concluded our trials and will release team lists. For those who haven’t registered for any summer sport, we would love to have a few more touch football players. Please let Mr Hurkett know ASAP if you are interested.

A reminder to make a note in your diaries that the ISA Summer Competition starts back very quickly for all sports next term. Round 1 fixtures for all our Basketball teams is on Saturday 17 October. Round 1 fixtures for all our Touch Football team is on Saturday 24 October.

We have been excited to welcome Mr Hurkett back to work this week, therefore, it is time for me to head back to Sydney! It has been wonderful to work at Oxley College for this short time and to see the school’s community spirit thriving. The students have been amazing, the staff have all been extremely welcoming and the parents that I’ve met around the grounds have been lovely. Thank you for your support whilst I’ve been here and I wish you all the best for the future.

Miss Tamsyn Kelson
Acting Head of Senior School Sport

Term 4 Co-Curricular Clubs

Our Term 4 Co-Curricular offerings will be communicated to parents and carers in Week 1 of Term 4.

Week 2 – OLE Week; bookings for Co-Curricular Clubs open

Week 3 – Co-Curricular Clubs commence through to Week 8 of Term 4

Term 4 Uniform

A reminder that students return for Term 4 in summer uniform.  The Uniform Shop will be open regular hours during the holidays:  Tuesday - Thursday 8.30am - 4.00pm. A reminder that online purchases can also be made and picked up from the Uniform Shop using the following link: Oxley Shop

Cancer Council BBQ Fundraiser and Hot Wheels Buddy Time

On Friday 25 September, we will be holding a BBQ fundraiser at lunchtime to support the Cancer Council.

Students are invited to make a gold coin donation and enjoy a free sausage for lunch, with all proceeds going towards this important cause. This fundraiser is especially meaningful to our College community as the Lawford-Smith family will be participating in the Cancer Council Rally.

Students are also encouraged to bring along their Hot Wheels cars to enjoy with their buddy during Nugia Canbe Time, sharing some fun and building friendships across year levels.

Date: Friday 25 September 2026
Time: Junior School Lunchtime

Junior School Sports News

Summer Sport – Term 4 Commencement and Key Reminders

Training and Competition Schedule

Summer Sport training for Basketball and Cricket commenced this week and will resume on Wednesday 14 October (Term 4, Week 1).

Basketball and Cricket competitions are expected to commence in Week 1 of Term 4, with fixture details to be confirmed closer to the date.

Please note the following arrangements:

Week 2 (19–25 October): No Summer Sport training or basketball games due to OLE Week. Saturday cricket fixtures are expected to proceed.

Week 3 (Wednesday 28 October): K–1 Cricket Blasters Program commences.

Parents should now be able to view this week’s training details via the Co-Curricular tab of the Oxley App. Training schedules and game fixtures for Term 4 will be published shortly. Any changes or cancellations will also be communicated through the app, so please ensure notifications are enabled.

Basketball Singlet Numbers – Final Reminder

Families who have not yet submitted their child's basketball singlet number or purchased a singlet are asked to do so by Friday 25 September to help us finalise team numbers and avoid duplicates.

New singlets are available from the Oxley Shop. Please email singlet numbers to sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Thank you to families who have already completed this process.

Basketball and Cricket Registrations – Final Reminder

Please complete your child's registration by Friday 25 September to ensure they are registered ahead of the season.

Basketball: Register using the QR code in the recent parent broadcast or in person at Moss Vale Basketball Stadium on the afternoon of your child's first game.

Cricket: Follow the registration instructions previously emailed by the Sports Department.

K–1 Cricket Blasters: Please complete registration promptly using the information previously provided to ensure your child's Cricket Australia Participant Pack (shirt and hat) arrives in time for the program.

For registration assistance, please contact sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Thank you to families who have already registered. We look forward to a fantastic Summer Sport season!

Were you the lucky highest bidder for your child to be Headmaster for the Day?

If so, please make yourself known and email oxleypandf@gmail.com as soon as possible.

We’re also looking for the lucky winner of the Wildwood Hill meat raffle. If that was you, please email oxleypandf@gmail.com so we can arrange your prize.

Many thanks,

Oxley P&F

HSC Lock In

Our HSC Lock In gives students the opportunity to study in the library after hours, with pizza and refreshments provided to help keep them motivated and focused.

HSC Study Space

We’ll also have a dedicated HSC Study Space at the Old Town Hall Building from Tuesday to Friday throughout the school holidays, providing students with a quiet and supportive environment to get their study done.

Extended Hours

From 6 October to 4 November, we’ll be extending our hours at Bowral Library, with extended hours available Monday to Thursday until 8:00pm. This will give students additional flexibility and extra time to study and prepare during the final weeks before their exams.

We’d be grateful if you could share the attached flyers through your usual Year 12 communication channels and help us spread the word to students who may benefit from these additional study opportunities.

Thank you for your support in helping students make the most of these important final weeks of HSC preparation.

For all the information, follow this link: Events — Andrew Rumsey

Ngununggula is offering a range of Spring School Holiday Workshops in the upcoming holidays.  To explore what they have on offer, visit the link below:

Ngununggula What's On