The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 4B

We are letting families know about the changes now, in order to provide as much planning time as possible.

We believe that the key decisions we have made are in the best interest of students’ wellbeing and learning, align with the College’s Mission and meet the complex and evolving challenges of technology.

Recent government legislation to place obligations on social media platforms to prevent children under 16 from having social media accounts (which comes into effect at the end of this year) reflects widespread community and evidence-based concerns around the impact of such platforms on the health and development of young people. In this context, school-managed devices will support our mission to ‘care for the whole child’.

There is more detail we will need to work through over the coming term, but our intention is to be as transparent as possible about the direction in which we are moving and why.

What are the key changes?

 - Devices will be Apple – either iPad or MacBook (see below)

 - In 2026, Oxley will begin a transition away from the BYOD model to a parent/carer owned  school-managed standardised device model.

 - Parents/carers will need to purchase from a specific third party provider at educational prices.

 - All student devices at school will be fully managed, blocking social media and restricted websites at all times, including out of school hours. The extent of these controls for older students is under review.   -

 -The policy will commence in Year 5 each year, starting in 2026. 

Why change from a BYOD model to standardised devices that are fully school managed?

Many Australian schools are embracing a shift away from the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) — a trend also gaining momentum in the US and UK. Whilst BYOD offers flexibility, standardised hardware and school-managed devices provide a more consistent, secure, efficient and equitable learning environment:

Seamless Collaborative Learning: With students and teachers using standardised hardware, collaboration in the classroom becomes so much easier. This consistency allows teachers to focus on teaching rather than troubleshooting, while students can engage in group work, share files and participate in interactive activities without delays or frustration. The result is a smoother, more inclusive learning environment where technology supports, rather than hinders, collaboration.

Consistent Device Performance: With school-managed devices, every student uses technology that is fully compatible with our learning platforms and equipped with the necessary functionality for academic tasks. This ensures smooth performance and a reliable digital learning experience for all.

Promoting Equity: By providing devices directly to students, we remove financial barriers that can affect access to quality technology. Every student benefits from the same high-performing tools, supporting equal opportunities for learning and achievement.

Streamlined Technical Support:Our IT team can offer faster, more effective support when working with a standard set of devices. Troubleshooting becomes simpler and maintenance is more efficient - minimising disruptions to learning.

Enhanced Safety and Focus:School-managed devices allow for comprehensive control over installed apps and internet access, reducing distractions such as gaming and social media. Teachers can better monitor student activity, creating a safer and more focused classroom environment.

Alignment with Our Mobile Device Policy:Our decision to ban smartphones below Year 9 (2025) and Year 10 (2026) is reinforced by having fully school-managed devices, which prevent access to social media and gaming platforms. This helps protect students from digital pressures and supports healthier online habits.

Supporting Online Safety Legislation:School-managed devices help us comply with Part 4(A) of the Online Safety Act (2021), which requires social media platforms to prevent children under 16 from having accounts by the end of 2025. By controlling device access, we contribute to a safer digital space for students.

Why go with Apple?

 1. Consistency and Reliability 

Apple devices offer a uniform operating system (iOS/macOS) for both iPads and MacBooks, which simplifies app deployment, updates and troubleshooting.

They are known for long-term reliability, with fewer performance issues over time compared to many PC models.

Battery life of the new iPad and MacBook models is far superior to many PCs. Students should not need to charge devices during the school day, which is currently the case for many in the Senior School.

The longevity of Apple devices means that families with students below Year 5 will likely only need to purchase two devices for their child’s entire educational journey at Oxley – an iPad and a MacBook.

Apple software is purpose-built for Apple hardware, creating a tightly integrated ecosystem. This closed system inherently enhances both security and performance.

 2. Seamless Ecosystem 

Apple’s ecosystem allows for smooth integration between devices (e.g., iPads, MacBooks, Apple TVs), making it easier for students and teachers to share content, collaborate and transition between tasks.

3. Strong Device Management

With Apple School Manager and Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools, schools can:

Remotely configure devices.

Install or restrict apps.

Enforce security settings.

Monitor usage and screen time.

This ensures a safe, focused and age-appropriate digital environment.

 4. Superior Accessibility Features 

Apple leads in accessibility, offering built-in tools for students with diverse learning needs:

VoiceOver, Speak Screen, Dictation

Guided Access for focus and safety

Customisable display and interaction settings

 5. Creativity and Engagement 

iPads with the Crayon pen enhance students’ creativity within drawing applications and enable students to hand-write their notes if they prefer. Hand written notes can automatically be converted to text if required.

iPads and MacBooks support creative learning through apps like iMovie and GarageBand, and Swift Playgrounds for coding.

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), runs within the Apple ecosystem and will continue to be supported.

 6. Security and Privacy 

Apple devices are designed with privacy in mind, minimising data collection and offering robust protection against malware and unauthorised access.

Regular updates and built-in security features reduce risks compared to many PC platforms.

What are the benefits of a Fully School-Managed Device Model?

Consistency in Learning: All students will use devices that meet the same technical and educational standards, ensuring equal access to tools and resources.

Improved Educational Outcomes: Teachers can plan lessons with confidence, knowing that all students have access to the same apps, platforms, and capabilities. Research shows that consistent access to digital tools enhances engagement, collaboration, and academic performance.

Enhanced Cyber Safety: School-managed devices will include robust filtering, monitoring, and security features to protect students online at all times and promote responsible digital citizenship.

Reduced Distractions: With school control over app installations and usage settings, we can better support focused learning.

Streamlined Support: Our IT team will be able to provide timely and effective support, reducing downtime and frustration for students and staff.

Wellbeing and Balance: By managing screen time and access to non-educational content, we can better support students’ mental health and wellbeing.

What is the timeline for this change for each cohort?

Hardware 

We will complete the transition of all student and staff devices being Apple and meeting the above specifications by the start of 2028. 

From the start of 2026, any new devices should be Apple and meet the minimum specifications detailed below. Devices purchased after the start of Term 1 2026 should be done so via the purchasing portal that will be launched in the coming weeks.

Hardware rollout by Year Group

What does ‘College Recommended’ mean?

These are devices that will excel in the school environment. They are capable of running all the required software whilst providing value for money.

The MacBook Air 13 is the current base model, however contains the same processor as the MacBook Pro. The primary difference between the Air and the Pro is active cooling. The Pro has fans that are enabled when the device heats up, while the air slows the machine down.

The recommended iPad is at a great price point for a device, and with the supplied Rugged Case (OtterBox Achiever) turns the tablet into a 2-in-1 style portable laptop with touchscreen, keyboard, touchpad and headphone socket.

What are the costs and options for purchasing devices?

We would like to give parents/carers choice about which Apple device is most suitable for their circumstances. We are currently liaising with several potential providers to secure the best possible deal, including insurance and repair/replacement options. We will be in touch in the next few weeks once this has been finalised.

Will there be finance or payment options available through the chosen provider?

All providers we have engaged with are unable to provide personal finance for these devices. For each transaction that is processed via options like AfterPay and Zip, they charge the merchant a fee of anywhere from 4.5 – 5.5% of the total value of the sale, and this would be passed on to you. This negates any benefits of the educational pricing provided.

How will devices be configured/managed?

All student devices at school will be fully managed, blocking social media and restricted websites at all times, including out of school hours. We may review these controls for older students in the future.

All Apple devices will be factory reset, added into Apple School Manager and will have year appropriate JAMF security and software profiles applied to them. Approved software will either be automatically installed or will be available for self-service installation, depending on year/class requirements. All user laptop accounts will be a non-privileged account tied to their school Microsoft SSO login. Devices will have end-point firewall and malware detection via Microsoft Defender, and will have Linewize Connect to protect students online, either at school, hot-spotting or while at home. Additional information about this functionality will be provided at a later date.

If parents/carers purchase the device, shouldn’t they have control over its use outside of school – e.g. software and internet use?

The device is an educational tool. If parent/carers wish their child to install/use non-supported software, such as gaming platforms, a different device will need to be used at home for this.

 
What about the management of student laptops from 2026 for those that have not yet transitioned to the new model?

A process will be established to configure these laptops so they are fully managed by the school. More information will be provided about this at a later date.

Will Junior School students be able to keep their device at school overnight?

Yes. Initially, students in Year 5 students must leave their iPad at school: we will have charging stations for iPads so that they are safe and secure. We are considering a ‘device licence’ (much like a ‘pen licence’), which will enable students to take them home (how this works is yet to be decided).

Are students disadvantaged by having an iPad rather than a laptop, when it comes to NAPLAN?

No. The new iPad 10s come with a high quality, integrated keyboard and stylus. Students will learn to type just as they can on a laptop. The Otterbox ruggedised case supplied with the College Recommended iPad goes a long way to turning the device into a laptop.

My child already has an iPad / MacBook. Can they use this from next year?

Yes. There will be a minimal specification requirement for iPads and MacBooks, which includes the processor (A16 or M3+) an integrated keyboard, touchpad and stylus. Students will be able to bring their device to the IT Team to have it formatted, added into the management system and configured. Details about how this will occur and what to do about existing data and applications will be shared in due course.

My child has a Windows device. What is the plan for these?

We are still finalising the plans for Windows devices, however as with current MacBooks we intend to fully manage these devices as well.

What happens if my child’s device requires repair?

The device provider will fully manage the end-to-end repair process for all covered devices. This includes coordinating the collection of devices from the College by their internal logistics team and transporting them to their Authorised Apple Service Centre in Smeaton Grange

All repairs will be completed using genuine Apple parts by certified technicians. Once repairs are finalised, the supplier will arrange for the prompt return and delivery of the devices back to Oxley, ensuring minimal disruption and complete transparency throughout the process.

If you purchased AppleCare+ with your new device your device will be covered for accidental damage. The supplier chosen is a Certified Apple Repair agent. They will repair your device and ship it back to Oxley College. Each incident is subject to a service fee for MacBooks of $149 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $429 for other damage and iPads to a service fee of $65

If you did not purchase AppleCare+ our chosen provider is still able to repair your device, however prices will be substantially higher. They will review your device and contact you regarding the quote to repair.

In the meantime your child will be provided with a base model iPad (Year 5-12) or MacBook (Year 11 and 12). Details around bringing a loan device home are still being determined. 

What about staff devices?

Staff will also be transitioning to Apple-only devices, providing consistency of platforms for teachers and students by 2028.

What is the timeline for current BYOD laptops to become fully school managed?

We will begin this transition at the end of Term 4 2025 and complete this by the start of 2027.

  * * * * * 

We recognise that this change may prompt additional questions. In particular, we are mindful of the financial implications for families, especially those who have recently invested in non-Apple laptops. To support a smooth transition, we will implement a phased approach for students currently using non-Apple devices. Additionally, we are providing a choice of models within the Apple range to accommodate varying needs and personal preferences. Further details regarding pricing, insurance options, and purchase arrangements will be provided shortly.

What happens next?

Further information about the vendor and costs will be provided within the next 3 weeks.

We will be speaking with students about the changes as soon as possible and will provide opportunities for them to ask questions.

Technology@Oxley Parent/Carer Information Evening: Wednesday 10 September 5.30pm-6.15pm: We will demonstrate the parent/carer ordering portal at this event and provide more details about the  transition process, as well as an opportunity to ask questions.

In the meantime, we welcome your feedback, including any questions you may have, which you can submit here

Kind regards

Mark Case
Deputy Head of College

Bookings are essential and are open now.

 Join Mrs Shona Apostolatos (Year 5 teacher) and Mr Jason Smith (Stage 3 Coordinator) for a hands-on morning caring for our local environment with the Mullyang Bushcare Group at Guula Ngurra National Park, Canyonleigh.

📅 When: Saturday 16 August 2025

🚌 Meet: Oxley turning circle near Hoskins Hall – depart 8:30am

⏰ Return: Approx. 12:45pm

👥 Volunteers needed: 15 - 20 students (Years 4 – 12)

💡 Why come? This is a chance to live out our Oxley values – showing courage by stepping into new challenges, practising kindness through caring for our environment, and being part of the solution in protecting wildlife and restoring Country. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the Round Square IDEALS in action – Service, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, and Leadership – all while working together, learning from others, and making a real difference.

This Saturday we will be finishing the gardening/weeding work around the Community Hub area and help with setting-up the Greenhouse to start the propagation program.

Sign up today – spots will fill quickly!

Email shona.apostolatos@oxley.nsw.edu.au OR let Student Services know if you’re interested by tomorrow (Thursday).

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.

If you or someone you know may be interested, please visit the Employment page on our website for the position description and application details.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact employment@oxley.nsw.edu.au

Year 12 Support

Now that Year 12 are in the second week of HSC Trial Examinations I have enjoyed touching base with my class as they see me for assistance. I know this has been the case for several Year 12 teachers, Heads of Department and Heads of House who have been in the Study Centre guiding Year 12. This has been led by Ms Whiteley who along with Ms McGuinness & Ms Patterson have ensured that there is regular support for the Year 12 cohort at this time. This support will continue throughout the key time after the HSC Trial period to ensure students benefit from the positive moderation of their Internal HSC Assessment marks gained by performing better in the HSC Examinations.

I have spoken to many students about placing the HSC Trial Examinations in perspective. While they are the sternest test yet, no mark gained is set in stone until moderated by the HSC Examinations. Whilst the HSC Trial Examinations are particularly challenging due to 4 weeks of HSC Examinations being compressed into 2 weeks, once completed, students should have set themselves excellent study routines that will set them in good stead for the remaining 12 weeks until the end of the HSC. It has been pleasing to often see students arriving early at 7.30am and they continue to use Study Club well.

After their Graduation celebrations in Week 9, Year 12 can look forward to the Intensive Study Camp in Week 10. This will run from 8.30am to 4.00pm each day with some optional extra sessions in the afternoon for those who wish to continue to study or to complete 3-hour practice examination papers. Each day will consist of a mixture of independent study, seminars from Year 12 subject teachers, examination practice and a wellbeing or active session prior to lunch to keep brains active. There will also be the option for students to book in to a workspace to work collaboratively. The Intensive Study Camp will consolidate a study pattern that can be repeated by students for the final weeks of HSC preparation. The Study Centre will continue to be open between 8.30am and 4.00pm through the holidays and the remainder of the HSC Examination period.

Kind regards

Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School

HSC Drama Showcase - Friday 15 August

We hope you can join us for the HSC Drama Showcase on Friday 15 August at 7.00pm in Hoskins Hall.  Please be advised that some of the material of the monologues and group projects is only recommended viewing for students in Years 10 and above with adult supervision, as the pieces explore themes best suited to mature audiences.  If you have any questions about the content, please do not hesitate to contact the Drama department for further information.

Years 8 & 9 Online Student Parent Teacher Interviews

We are aware there were issues for several families using our Edval online interview system on Monday. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you did miss an interview and would like to have a meeting with a teacher please contact the Senior School Administrator Helen.mcgowan@oxley.nsw.edu.au and she will co-ordinate with your requested teacher to arrange the meeting.

Year 7 Online Student Parent Teacher Interviews - 18 August

Year 7 SPTI will be held online via Teams on Monday 18 August. Schedules with links to join the meetings will be sent on Friday afternoon. If you have not received an invitation to attend, please contact Reception. Unfortunately, Ms Zink and Ms Cathryn Taylor are unable to attend due to previous commitments. If you would like to arrange a time to meet with either of them, please email the Senior School Administrator on Helen.McGowan@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Signing Students In & Out

A reminder that if a student arrives late to school or needs to leave early, a note should be sent via email (studentservices@oxley.nsw.edu.au), through the Oxley app or by phone.  Students are still required to sign in (if late) or sign out (if leaving early) at Student Services.  The note is parental permission for them to do so.  Parents may also wish to sign their child(ren) in or out.

HICES Music Camp - Sunday 17 August - Wednesday 20 August

Students going to the HICES Music camp need to make their own way too Stanwell Tops this Sunday for 5pm, and be picked up from the Sydney Town Hall after the conclusion of the concert on Wednesday 20 August.

Year 10 Geography Excursion to Warilla Beach - Monday 18 August

Students are required to be at school ready for a 7.30am departure. Students should be dressed in Oxley PE uniform, with a clipboard, pen, pencil & eraser, and all drinks and food required for the duration of the day. Students will return at 3.15pm.

Year 10 History Incursion - Monday 18 August

On Monday, Year 10 History will welcome Dr Ari Lander, a genocide historian who has worked closely with the Sydney Jewish Museum over the years as well as survivors of conflicts such as the Rwandan Genocide, to present an interactive seminar on the Holocaust. The Year 10s are currently looking at the causes and course of the Holocaust and Dr Lander will aim to put people into the picture through the exploration of a wide range of evidence. The presentation will be invaluable to the students, hopefully instilling in them a sense of empathy and understanding for the men, women and children that experienced this dark period of human history.

Brent Sanders Visits Oxley - Monday 18 August (Workshops for Year 9, 11, 12)

Brent Sanders is a former police officer who presents to schools, universities and workplaces and will be making his annual visit to Oxley. He talks to the students around a range of issues including peer pressure, decision making, taking responsibility for self and actions, understanding choices and importance of respect and self discipline. His workshops also include discussions around consent and the law. Each workshop is tailored to be age appropriate and is in conjunction with PDHPE syllabus. The students are given time at the end of each presentation to ask questions and every year we find a line up of students who are interested in asking more questions. We encourage you to use these workshops as conversation starters with your young people next week as they cover some interesting and pertinent content.

Year 10 U-Turn the Wheel Excursion - Tuesday 19 August

Students will attend a one day course on road safety awareness at the Mittagong RSL. Students should be in full school uniform. Morning tea and lunch are provided by the venue. No bags are to be brought with students.

School Disco, Friday 22 August – Jungle Theme

The disco will be held in Hoskins Hall from 7.00pm-9.00pm. Tickets are $10 (cash and card accepted at the door).  Senior Students can purchase drinks, lolly bags & sausage sandwiches at the disco.

Year 12 Graduation - Friday 19 September

A reminder to Year 12 parents and carers to register for the Graduation Assembly and Graduation Dinner on Friday 19 September.  All the details can be found on the Graduation Invitation on the Year 12 Connect Page - link below.

Year 12 Information | Oxley College

OLE! Week Information 

OLE! Week Camp information for Years 7 & 8 will be sent out shortly to individual year groups.  Oxley is once again partnering with Southbound Adventures to run OLE! Week camps.  Our apologies to Year 8 families who received information from Southbound earlier than planned, further information will be sent out soon.

Audition Information for Senior Production 2026

Students have been notified via Daily Notices that if they will be in Years 10-12 next year they can now receive audition information for Mr Cunich’s production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Students have been asked to visit Mr Cunich in the staff room this week for audition details.  Auditions will take place in Week 9 of Term 3, so there is plenty of time to prepare but Mr Cunich will be leaving the College temporarily to mark HSC Drama from Week 5-8.  If students are interested in auditioning for this production, they should ensure they see Mr Cunich for the relevant details this week. Information about Mrs Pascoe’s production of Lord of the Flies for students in Year 8-10 next year will be published shortly. Please be advised that there will be a fee of $125 per student for acting and leadership roles in both of these productions.

Kathmandu discount for students needing equipment ahead of Year 7-11 trips

Kathmandu Narellan, Macarthur, Wollongong and Shellharbour stores have offered Oxley College staff and students a one-off discount of up to 50% on products needed for upcoming school trips (such as Year 11 Outback etc). The offer is valid for the next 3 weekends (14-17 August, 21-24 August and 28-31 August) and requires you to present the document found in the link below. Please note that there is no obligation for parents to shop at Kathmandu, the College is purely passing on the offer in case parents are interested.  Kathmandu Offer for Outback and other trips.

We are excited to launch our new Elevate program for Years 5 and 6, beginning in 2026. A recording of the recent Parent Information Session will be shared in next week’s edition of the Oxley Update. As part of developing this program, we would value input from our Senior School parents. If your child is currently in Years 7–9 and previously attended Oxley Junior School, we invite you to complete a brief survey. The key question is: How well do you feel your child was prepared for Senior School? Your honest feedback will help shape the program, and the survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete.

I entered teaching not realising that not all children like to read. As an avid lifelong reader myself, I was intrigued by why this might be and have been quite passionate in the ‘teacher’s quest’ to inspire a love of reading. How can we instil a love of reading in our children and in particular, our reluctant readers.

Reading is a fundamental skill our children require for the rest of their life and the foundations are set while they are still babies. It is so important to read to your baby, toddler, child regularly. Laying in bed with a book or snuggling with a child on your lap whilst reading to them, provides a sense of nurturing and down time that children connect with. This feeling stays with a child as they grow and develop, and they find that settling down to read a book, refreshes and calms them.

To encourage independent reading with a reluctant reader, try to find an area of interest or passion and select an easy-to-read level. If the reluctant reader is able to simply read without struggling with difficult words, this will encourage their self-belief and support comprehension. As a child’s confidence improves, they will naturally begin to attempt more difficult words as they broaden their reading exposure.

Chapter books may not be your child’s preference. Comics, fishing, truck/car, skiing or mountain bike magazines are great options. You can still engage in discussion about what has been read and viewing magazine images that come with text, supports comprehension development. Scanning through a digital platform offers a variety of text and visual images that develop a child’s visual literacy skills.

In the classroom we begin to develop a child’s ‘reading stamina’ from Kindergarten. We start with short periods of independent reading or picture book browsing and extend this time frame as a child moves through each grade. By the end of Year 3 we are aiming to extend silent independent reading time to 20-30 minutes, and further by Year 6. During this time a child is not talking, not moving around the room, not disturbing others but they are sitting in a chosen space, totally immersed in reading and feeling a sense of calm and quiet.

To model aspects of reading, teachers also read to their class. K-2 students are read picture books daily and Years 3-6 are read a novel. This has always been one of my favourite bonding times with a class. As a teacher we select a book to support an area of study we are doing to enable discussion about events in the book. It is also a book that we actually enjoy ourselves and one of my favourites to read is ‘Dragon Keeper’. Children are so captured by the suspense, sense of empathy, hardship and mystery within this book, that it is very hard to put down and they ask for more!  It’s wonderful to see teachers sitting outside, reading to their class and the children relaxing and listening.

So please remember how important it is to support the quiet moments for reading and allow your child their choice of read. Don’t push them too hard as they develop their confidence in reading and love of books. Book week is just around the corner…help your child to celebrate their favourite read!

Kind regards

Heidi Shvetsoff
Head of Junior School

FINAL REMINDER - BBQ Meal Deal and Mufti Day for K-6 students - Friday 15 August

Orders for this Friday’s BBQ Meal Deal are made through Flexischools. The cost of the lunch (including donation for wearing plain clothes) is $8.00. Students will receive a sausage sandwich, fruit juice popper and a bag of popcorn.

After selecting your child’s name, click on Friday 15 August and under Weekly Specials and select the “Friday Sausage Sizzle Meal Deal” option to place your order. We encourage you to sign up for this special ASAP. We have ordered enough for everyone, so we hope you get behind the initiative. 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 are being displayed around the school. Students, K-6 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.

Please note, Pre-K are not part of the Year 6 Market Day this Friday and that they are required to wear full Pre-K uniform on this day.

Junior School Disco - Friday 22 August

The Junior School Disco is on Friday 22 August in Hoskins Hall for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Please note, this event is not open to our Pre-K students.

Stage 1 - K-2 from 4.00pm to 5.00pm

Stage 2/3 - Years 3-6 from 5.00pm to 6.30pm.

Cost - $5 per student (cash or card at the door).

The theme this year is The Jungle, however with the Book Week Parade (Dress Up) the day before students may just wish to come in casual clothes.

Book Week Parade and Book Fair

Children’s Book Week 2025 is 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”.  As part of the festivities, we’ll be holding our Book Week Parade on Thursday 21 August from 9.00am in the PCC. Students are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite literary adventurer or character.  Our Pre-K students are welcome to dress up and to join the Parade. Students who do not attend Pre-K on a Thursday are welcome to join.

The Bowral Bookshop will join us for a book fair at the completion of the parade with a variety of books available for purchase in the PCC.

Sports Draw 15 November 2025.xlsx

ISA Summer Sport Selections – Now open!

Sport selections for the ISA Summer season in 2025-26 are now open via Clipboard. Students can make their selection via the Activity Selection tab on their Clipboard homepage. All students must complete this process, whether they are playing a sport or not. Selections will close at 5 pm on Friday, 15th August.

The updated Summer Sport Information booklet can be found here: Senior School Summer Sports | Oxley College

Senior School Summer Sport Trials

Summer Sport trials are set to take place from Week 6 onwards and may take place on  Saturday 30 August if required.

Once sport selections have been finalised, students will be able to see their trial schedule via Clipboard. Schedules will be visible for parents via the Oxley App under the ‘Co-Curricular’ app.

It is our hope that Summer Sport teams are finalised and teams can begin training by Week 10.

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.

IMPORTANT: FINAL REMINDER – Summer Sports Selection - Selections must be made by Friday 15 August

Registrations for the Junior School 2025/2026 Summer Sports season are now open and will close on Friday 15 August. Parents and carers are encouraged to review the Summer Sports Booklet before making a selection. The booklet outlines the available options and key details for the season, which runs across Term 4, 2025, and Term 1, 2026.

Please discuss with your child whether they wish to participate and which sport – Cricket, Basketball, or Softball – best suits them. Playing Summer Sport for Oxley is a great way to stay active, build friendships, and enjoy new experiences.

Upcoming Mini Roos Football Gala Days
Mini Roos Football Gala Days are coming up for students currently playing in the U7s–U11s age groups. Parents will receive further details from the Sports Department shortly.

Saturday 16 August: U7s–U11s

Saturday 23 August: Girls U11s

Junior School Summer Sport Coaches & Team Managers – Volunteers Needed
We are seeking coaches and team managers to support our Junior School teams for the upcoming Summer Sports season. Positions are available for:

Basketball

Cricket

Softball

Running Training

If you or someone you know is interested, please contact brooke.devlin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

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.