The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 2B

Dear Parents and Carers

I am writing to inform you that Molly Simpson, our Academic Master, concluded her time at the College on Wednesday 23 July 2025.

Over the last two years, the College has been reviewing the structure and focus of the Academic Master role. It is the College’s intention for this position to be held by a person who has formal teacher qualifications and registered with NESA. After careful consideration and discussion Molly has accepted a redundancy.

Throughout her time at the College, Molly has been an outstanding practitioner and trusted advisor, particularly in her unwavering support of our Year 12 students. Her depth of knowledge, guidance and calm leadership have significantly shaped the academic experience of countless graduates.

On behalf of the entire College community, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Molly for her dedication, professionalism and many contributions to the life of the College. We wish her every success and fulfilment in her future endeavours.

As we transition to a new team in this space at Oxley, I want to assure our Year 12 families that we have spent time ensuring sustained care and guidance for our students as they progress through the coming months.  The Senior Study, Study Club and Intensive Study Camp will see Heads of Departments, Year 12 teachers and members of the Senior Leadership Team, including Mr Bevan, Ms McGuinness and Ms Whiteley, assisting and supporting Year 12 students. Students should reach out to their Year 12 teachers for feedback on essays and practice papers.

Mrs Liane Bull, our Student Futures Advisor, will be able to assist students with their UAC logins and University Applications. Liane will also relocate to the Study Centre to be available for any student questions.

We thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Scott Bedingfield
Head of College

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.

Year 12 Trial Examinations and Term 3 Update

Important information regarding the upcoming Trial Exams, as well as details for the remainder of Term 3 for Year 12 can be found on the Year 12 Connect page via the link below.

https://www.oxley.nsw.edu.au/oxley-connect/senior-school-information/year-12-information

Senior Production Information 2026

The Drama Department are excited to announce there will be two plays performed in the Senior School in Term 1 of 2026.

Although the renovation of Hoskins Hall means we are without our usual performance space, we have made plans to ensure our talented students do not miss out on an opportunity to develop their theatrical skills.

Mr Cunich will direct Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead which will be performed in the Orchestra Room and will have opportunities for approximately 20 students currently in Years 9-11 for cast and crew.

Mrs Pascoe will direct Nigel Williams’ Lord of the Flies which will be performed on Elvo Lawn and will have opportunities for approximately 30 students currently in Years 7-9 for cast and crew. Mrs Pascoe’s production will have equal opportunities from the cast for either gender and a male and female lead.

Students currently in Year 9 may audition for both productions, however they will only be able to accept one role.

We encourage all students to express their interest and audition for parts or put themselves forward for production roles (e.g. Stage Manager, Creative Director, Tech Manager, Stage Crew).

Students currently in Year 10-11 can put themselves forward to be considered for the role of Assistant Director for either production.

Unfortunately, not all students who audition or wish to take part can be offered a role.

Audition information will be distributed mid Term 3.

Auditions will take place in Week 9 of Term 3.

Roles will be offered in Week 10 of Term 3.

Rehearsals for leads will commence after OLE! Week in Term 4 and for all cast and crew towards the end of Term 4.

Rehearsal schedules will be published with audition information.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Pascoe or Mr Cunich.

Year 8 & 9 Student / Parent / Teacher Interviews (via Teams)

There will online Student Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 8 & 9 on Monday 11 August, with an invitation for parents to book appointments being sent this week.

Year 11 2026 Subject Selection Consults

Year 11 Subject Selection Consultation meetings are being held on 7 & 8 August. Each Year 10 student will meet with their Head of House and a member of the Senior Leadership Team to discuss their selections. Parents are invited to join these meeting via an online Teams meeting. Invites are currently being sent.

Year 6 Bradman Museum Excursion - Wednesday 6 August

Year 6 students will be visiting Bradman Museum on Wednesday 6 August to support their Term 3 Unit of Inquiry - Legends and Legacies.  All the information for this excursion can be found on the Events tile on the Oxley App.

Year 5/6 and 8 'Future Council' Screening - Friday 8 August

Year 5, 6 and 8 students will be attending a session of the environmental documentary to the Empire Cinema in Bowral to watch an environmental film titled Future Council.  All the information for this excursion can be found on the Events tile on the Oxley App.

Year 6 Market Day - BBQ Meal Deal and Mufti Day Fundraiser Friday 15 August

It is a tradition that Year 6 raise money and purchase a gift to give to the Junior School as they finish their primary school years.

As part of their fundraising efforts, Year 6 will host a BBQ lunch on Friday 15 August (Term 3 Week 4). At lunchtime, all students K-6 will be provided with a sausage sandwich, bag of popcorn, and an apple or paradise punch popper. Halal, plant based, and gluten free sausages, as well as gluten free bread will be available for those with dietary requirements.

The cost of the lunch (including donation for wearing plain clothes) is $8.00, and orders can be made now through Flexischools under Weekly Specials. After selecting your child’s name, click on Friday 15 August to place your order. We encourage you to sign up for this special ASAP so our Year 6 students can start budgeting for the event. If you having difficulty placing your order or have any questions, please email oxleycanteen@oxley.nsw.edu.au

Year 6 students will also be selling some products (such as bracelets, etc) and they will be running some fun games on the day. Posters advertising these products and games will be displayed around the school. Students, K-5 are encouraged to bring up to $5 in coins (50c, $1 or $2 coins) to purchase something small or to participate in the games. All proceeds of these sales will go towards purchasing the gift to the Junior School.

Year 6 very much appreciates your support with regards to this exciting event.

Junior School House Poetry Competition

Please see the letter below for the Junior School House Poetry Competition.  This competition is for all students in K-6 and will commence in Week 1.

House Poetry Competition 2025 PDF

Book Week 2025

Children’s Book Week 2025 is just around the corner, running in Week 5 of this term. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the CBCA’s much-loved celebration of stories, and the theme is “Book an Adventure”.

The theme invites children to journey through stories that spark curiosity, wonder and imagination.

As part of the festivities, we’ll be holding our Book Week Parade on Thursday 21 August and students are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite literary adventurer or character.

We look forward to a joyful week of storytelling, discovery and creativity!

To pre-order on of Sara's books and have the opportunity to have it signed by her when she visits Oxley, please follow the link below:

For further information, please see the flyer below:

Sara Acton Visit to Oxley

Sports Draw 15 November 2025.xlsx

Now is a great time to start thinking about whether your child will be committing to a Summer Sport, and which sport they may choose (Cricket, Basketball, Touch Football, Softball). A reminder that completing at least 1 ISA Sport per year is a requirement in the Senior School; however, many students choose to commit to both seasons as it is a fantastic way to keep fit, meet new friends and gain new experiences.

Senior School students will make their selections via the Clipboard app on their laptops during Mentor Group in Week 4. Sport trials will take place during Weeks 6, 7 and 8 and may include Saturday sessions.

New ISA Website

The ISA has a new and improved website, which makes it much easier to find information about ISA sports including fixtures and competition tables for the current season, representative information and important calendar dates. You will also find more general information about the history, purpose and future of the association.

Senior School Summer Sport Coaches

We are looking to fill coaching positions across all sports. We are particularly interested in hearing from any Basketball coaches who are interested in joining our coaching team!

Please contact brooke.devlin@oxley.nsw.edu.au if you or someone you know may be interested.

Cricket Umpire required

A fantastic opportunity has opened up for a local cricket umpire who would be interested in officiating our senior teams during the summer season. This is a paid position with a Saturday commitment over 10 weeks during Term 4 and Term 1. This position would suit someone with previous senior umpiring experience (grade or shires equivalent) and the relevant qualifications.

Please contact joshua.hurkett@oxley.nsw.edu.au if you or someone you know may be interested.

All About the Bass Day!

A reminder to all ‘Cello and Double Bass students about the All About the Bass Day held at Oxley College this coming Sunday 3rd August. All information is on the Oxley App. Please contact Ms Zink with any questions.

String Ensembles

A reminder that all String Ensembles (Chin, Sharp and Fin) now run on Tuesday mornings. Junior Orchestra runs on Friday morning.

IPSHA Music Festival

All Junior School Students involved in Chin and Sharp Strings have been invited to attend the IPSHA Primary Schools Music Event. This amazing opportunity will see our students perform at the Sydney Town Hall. Please see information on the Oxley App under excursions.

Tickets for parents must be pre-purchased here:

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.

Nepal Pre-Trip Meeting

There will be 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.

Nepalese Tourist Visa

Before leaving Australia, you will need a 15-day Nepalese Tourist Visa. To apply, you must have a valid passport with at least six months' validity from your entry date into Nepal.

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.

Health & Vaccinations

Before departure, you should visit your GP to ensure you have the recommended vaccinations for Nepal. Based on our experience, you should be immunised against:

Hepatitis A

Typhoid

Meningitis

Polio

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

Thank you for a sparkling night!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Mums’ Disco – what a night! From the glitter to the grooves, the energy was electric. We’re so grateful to all who brought their dancing shoes and made it such a fun and fabulous evening.

Hungry Ox - Saturday 2 August

Call out for BBQ volunteers  this Saturday please pop your name down following the link below . This will be your last chance to volunteer this season, sign up quickly to not miss out .

Tickets for the Family Golf Day are now on sale!

The day will have organised golf events and other non-golf activities to keep the family entertained:

Golf events:

9am: 9-hole ambrose tournament (bring your own clubs)

10:30am and 12pm: 1-hour clinics (beginner friendly). A great way to get an introduction to golf or hone your skills. All clubs and equipment provided.

1:30pm: A putting showdown. Test your skills in a knockout competition.

The following activities will run in parallel:

Mini soccer fields set up on the tennis courts

Live music from Oxley College student Joss Walsh (IG @joss.walsh)

Indoor movie viewing

Casual games like bucket golf, giant chess, and others

There will be a BBQ for a quick sausage, as well as a full range of drinks and bistro food from the Dormie House lunch menu.

Tickets are available for the following events:

9:00am: 9 hole team tournament (groups of 4, sign up alone or with friends).
10:30am and 12pm: 1-hour clinics including the driving range, chipping, and putting green.
1:30pm: Putting competition.

Non-participants are welcome to attend and enjoy the atmosphere. 

The clinics are for everybody including children (minimum suggested age is 8). Parents should help supervise younger children.

The 9-hole tournament will be an "ambrose" format where everybody in each group takes a shot and uses the best result for the next shot. If you hit a bad shot it doesn't matter! You can sign up as a team or meet some new people. This event is preferably for people who own clubs and have played golf before. If you are relatively new to golf, please consider booking one of the clinics instead. 

There will be a BBQ and bistro food available. 

There will be additional activities for kids such as soccer and movies. Supervision required.

Please reach out to rhys.hj@gmail.com with any questions, and if your or your business would like to donate a prize for the raffle or on-course competitions, please email us at oxleypandf@gmail.com.  Every contribution helps to make the day extra special and supports our school community.

Book early, as spaces are limited! We can't wait to see you out there!

Pre-Literacy Highlights

This week in PreLit, we practised blending printed words, segmenting words with three sounds, and explored the new letter sound /h/.

Our Shared Reading book was Ernie Dances to the Didgeridoo by Alison Lester, where we also learned new vocabulary: flood, monsoon, harvest, and humid.

Book Week is a special celebration that encourages a love of stories and highlights the joy of reading from an early age. It reminds children that books open doors to imagination, learning, and endless adventures. Our Pre-K children were so excited to join the Junior School parade, proudly showing off their Book Week costumes and sharing in the fun.

Pals & Pioneers Program

Pre-K deeply values our intergenerational program, Pals & Pioneers. This week we welcomed residents from Anthem Care for their very first visit. The program’s goal is to build meaningful connections with people in our community through weekly interactive activities. These shared experiences foster respect, empathy, and social awareness, while also enriching the children’s emotional development. Working alongside aged care residents helps our Pre-K children build communication skills, patience, and an appreciation for different life stories, while the residents enjoy the joy and energy of young children — creating a truly rewarding exchange for both generations.