The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 5A

Upcoming Dates:

Friday 12 September / Saturday 13 September: HSC Visual Arts Showcase

Wednesday 17 September: HSC Design & Technology Showcase

Friday 19 September: Year 12 Graduation

Hoskins Hall Project – Laying the Foundations for Success

While you may not see construction activity on Hoskins Hall just yet, rest assured that a great deal is happening behind the scenes. Our Board and Building Committee and key members of Executive staff have been hard at work in design meetings, reviewing plans, exploring options, and making sure every detail is carefully considered before work begins.

Recent assessments have raised the possibility that the roof may need to be replaced – something that we will take into consideration. These decisions are part of the important groundwork that will set the project up for long-term success.

We are excited about the future of Hoskins Hall and look forward to updating you as plans progress from the drawing board to reality. Thank you for your continued support as we take the time to get it right.

New Harwyn Modular Classrooms – Learning with a View

This term, our new Harwyn modular classrooms have been in full use, providing bright, modern, and comfortable learning spaces for our students. These thoughtfully designed rooms are already making a positive impact on teaching and learning, and we’re looking forward to seeing them framed by fresh landscaping in the coming weeks.

While all students benefit from these fantastic new spaces, we have to say that Year 4 may have scored the prime real estate - with sweeping views over the ELVO lawn, the majestic pin oak tree, and our beautiful ELVO building. It’s the sort of view that could almost tempt you to daydream… but of course, they’re far too focused on their work!

Kind regards

Em Cassin
Business Manager

Thank you to all parents/carers who have provided feedback or asked questions about the upcoming changes over the past few weeks. We are developing a document I will share with you in next week’s Update, which I hope will address many of the questions and concerns about the changes, prior to the Parent/Carer Information Evening we are holding on Wednesday 10 September.

Kind regards

Mark Case
Deputy Head of College

Bookings are essential and are open now.

Items can be dropped off at reception between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday.  No items will be accepted unless they have the “uniform exchange label” clearly visible and fixed to the outside of the bag containing the items for the exchange. Students and parents will be awarded a ‘credit’ for each item they contribute to the exchange and will be given preference to view and select items on the day of the event. No items will be accepted after 4pm Tuesday 9th September.

We already have 43 pairs of boys shorts and other items which were donated for the Term 1 exchange.  I suspect they were not taken as parents were unsure how much their child would grow before the end of Term 3!  While we are accepting winter uniform, our preference is for summer uniform so we do not need to store items which are not taken.  You will have the opportunity to exchange winter uniforms at the end of Term 1 2026.

Information, and the Uniform Exchange label can be found here: Parent Resources | Oxley College

Kind regards

Ruth Shedden
Head of Social Sciences

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed a few key events last week. I continue to be inspired by the Centre for Ethics speeches. My approach is often not knowing what to expect and being thoroughly entertained and given plenty to think about. David Hunt was no exception.

The HSC Drama night was outstanding. The Individual, Group Performances & Film were as amazing as they were varied and, for my first time, I got to hear a script performed, which can only be described as absolutely fabulous! Well done to all the Drama students who will now finesse their performances before the HSC assessment. I am also looking forward to the HSC Music Showcase in Week 7, The VA Exhibition in Week 8 & the DT Exhibition in Week 9.

I had a great time watching 3 Semi-finals on the weekend – well done to the 3 Hockey teams and all the other teams through to the Grand Finals this weekend.

Planning is well underway for OLE week trips which are a key part in students’ character development. The camps build up in a structured way from Year 7 to Outback for Year 11 and they allow students to show gratitude, find meaning, be authentic and build connections like nothing else offered at Oxley. That is why it is one of the pre-requisites for House Colours Applications which students can apply for from the end of Year 9.

I continue to urge students to think about what they can do over the next few weeks to move forward in their journey. In the classroom, students in Year 7-10 should look to act on areas for improvement as highlighted in their report. They should challenge themselves to be the best they can be every day, in and out of the classroom.

Kind regards

Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School

Year 11 Outback Information

A reminder that there will be a second Year 11 Outback Parent Information Session on Monday 25 August at 5.00pm in the Orchestra Room.  This is an extra session for those who could not make it to the previous one.  Students do not need to attend this session.

Please make sure your child's medical and dietary needs are up to date on the Parent Portal.  All known dietary requirements will be catered for on Outback. To update medical information about your child please use the Parent Portal (a shortcut can be found on Oxley Connect→Parent Resouces→Edumate).

The packing list can be found on the Year 11 Oxley Connect page (link below). Please review this with your Year 11 Outbacker. There are plenty of small self-inflating sleeping mats at BCF Mittagong and Kathmandu also has a good special for us in their stores this weekend.

Year 11 Parent / Carer Information | Oxley College

Kathmandu Offer for Outback and other trips

If you have any concerns regarding Outback please email meaghan.stanton@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

HSC Showcases

HSC Music Showcase: Tuesday 2 Sept

HSC Visual Arts Exhibition: Friday 12 September and Saturday 13 Sept

HSC DT Exhibition: Wednesday 17 September

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD – Community Service opportunities

Bowral Classic - If you are a least 15 years old in October, you may be interested in volunteering at the Bowral Classic cycle race (see https://cyclingclassics.com.au/bowral/ ) on Sunday, 19 October. There is an opportunity for about 12 students to help on different sections of the course. Please email if you’d like to get involved or have any questions to Volunteers@cyclingclassics.com.au

Bowral Little Athletics - is seeking volunteers on Friday nights at Eridge Park, Burradoo from 10 October 2025 to 13 March 2026 (excluding the holiday). This may involve setting up from 3.30pm (1hr),  assisting with tiny tots (4/5 year olds) from 4.15pm (1.5hr), 6-8 year old age groups from 4.30pm (1.5hrs) and 9 - 12 year old age groups from 5.15pm. If you are interested, please contact me timothy.dibdin@oxley.nsw.edu.au and I will pass this on to the organiser.

SHYAC  – is doing a steampunk themed production of Oliver Twist and needs about 60 headpieces and 120 other embellishments for the show. If you are creative you may be interested in volunteering over a day or a couple of days on the weekends to make these pieces of costumes. Craft and glueing skills are required. If you would like to help, please contact Ms Shu ShuXin.behr@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Year 10 Geography excursion

The postponed Year 10 Geography excursion has been rescheduled for Monday 25 August.  Permissions will be carried over from the original date but if your circumstances have changed, please update permissions on the Oxley app.  All other details including the departure time of 7.30am remain unchanged.

Year 11 Students 2025, Subject Changes

As  they approach the end of their Preliminary studies, students may wish to consider additional one-unit subjects for their HSC, in addition to their current courses or by changing from a two-unit subject to a one-unit subject (if units allow). If you are interested in any of the following courses, please have conversations with the relevant teachers, complete an Application to Change Subject Form and return it to Ms Patterson when it is signed. This needs to be finalised before the end of Week 8, Term 3.  Further information about Extension subjects can be found here: Year 11 Parent / Carer Information | Oxley College

Nepal Trip – Reminder Visa Applications

A quick reminder for those who have not yet completed the visa application for the Nepal Trip. Please apply online via the link below:

Nepal Tourist Visa Application

The application manual is below for your reference. For assistance, contact Ms Tighe at bridget.tighe@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Diplomatic_Mission_Application_Module_Manual.pdf

Book Week Parade - Thursday 21 August, PCC

The Book Week Parade will be held from 9.00am Thursday 21 August 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 with parents in attendance and be taken home at the completion of the Parade and Book Fair.

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.

School Disco - Friday 22 August, Hoskins Hall

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

Stage 2/3 - Years 3-6 from 5pm to 6.00pm.

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.

Poetry Recitation Competition Winners and Finalists

The year level winners and Stage 3 finalists for our annual Poetry Recitation Competition were decided last week, following an impressive round of performances from all participants. The standard this year has been exceptionally high, with students demonstrating strong expression, confidence and interpretation of their chosen poems. We look forward to our Orators’ Assembly on 26 August, where the Stage 3 House winners will showcase their recitations once more, and the year level winners will also perform for the Junior School audience. An overall winner from Stage 3 will be decided at this event. Please feel free to come along and hear our performers.

Kindergarten: Archie Perkins

Year 1: Claire Winkler

Year 2: Isla Dunstan

Year 3: Juliet Nissen

Year 4: Leigh Ramos Hernandez

Stage 3 Dobell: Frankie Russell

Stage 3 Durack: Valentine Meyerson

Stage 3 Florey: Annabel Horne

Stage 3 Mawson: Clara Hardwick Jones

Stage 3 Monash: Amelia Gaunt

Stage 3 Oodgeroo: Veryan Black

Year 5 Homework Update

We have increased the Year 5 homework load and expectations for the remainder of the year, to prepare students for the expectations of Year 6.  Novel study questions and spelling homework will be given to students each Monday to be completed by the following Monday.   If anyone has difficulty with the new expectations, could parents please speak to Mrs Apostolatos or Mr Rothwell.

Junior School Colour Run - Wednesday 17 September

The SRC are hosting an Oxley College Junior School Colour Run on Wednesday 17 September.  Students may wear mufti on this day - please wear an old white top for the colour run. We would also like you to bring sunglasses, ski googles or swimming googles. Students should also bring a towel.

Please bring a $3 donation on the day. All money raised will go towards purchasing items for families in need (Pop In).   We look forward to a fun and messy afternoon.

Sara Action Author Visit - Pre-Order Books by 31 August

Sara Acton Student orders Flyer After visit 2

Sports Draw 30 August.xlsx

ISA Winter Season review and Semi-Final success

Oxley College enjoyed a strong Winter Sport season in 2025, with 369 students (71% of the Senior School) representing the College across 29 teams in Rugby, Football, Netball, Hockey and Tennis. Guided by 36 dedicated coaches, including both Oxley staff and external specialists, our teams played with spirit and determination, achieving plenty of success along the way.

Seventeen Oxley teams progressed to the semi-finals, with two earning direct qualification to finals. An impressive nine teams have now qualified for the ISA Grand Finals this Saturday. Congratulations and well done to the students and coaches of all our Winter teams. Best of luck to everyone playing this Saturday!

ISA Winter Grand Finals – Student expectations

All students participating in the Grand Finals this Saturday are expected to travel to the game, with their team, on the bus. Students may leave with their parent or guardian after their game, provided the coach has been notified.

Students playing at venues where other Oxley teams are playing are expected to either arrive early or stay after their game to support these students.

All students should be wearing full PE/Sport Uniform, including appropriate footwear (not uggs/slides etc) Students are not permitted to wear any ‘non-Oxley’ items of clothing.

1sts Hockey team members should travel to and from the game in full school uniform.

There will be a short ceremony at the completion of each game, which students are expected to attend. Certificates will be collected and handed out during assembly in the coming weeks.

Summer Sport Selections & Sport Trials

Thank you to all the students who completed their summer sports selections last week. It is great to see that again we have a huge number of students participating and many choosing a summer sport after also playing in winter. We are currently finalising the team structure of each of our summer sports and will begin trials from Week 6 onwards. 

The trial schedule and any updates or changes to sessions will be visible for parents via the school app (in the co-curricular tab) and on Clipboard for students.

Tip – When viewing the schedule through Clipboard or the app, you can click on each session for more details. Additional information may include; student or parent notes, relevant documents, pick up locations and more. 

The updated Summer Sport Information booklet can be found here: Senior School Sport Information - Summer 2025/26

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.

A reminder to Junior School students representing Oxley in Athletics at IPSHA next week, please make sure you have your singlet organised from the Uniform Shop.

The Shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am-4pm. Online ordering is also available.

Summer Sports Selections Update

Thank you for the strong response to our Summer Sports selections! The Sports Department will confirm team lists and details in the coming weeks. Training for all teams will begin towards the end of this term (dates and times to be advised).

Players Still Needed
We are seeking additional registrations for the following teams. At present, numbers are too low for these teams to proceed. If your child would like to register, please contact the Sports Department as soon as possible at sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

U10 Girls Basketball – Training Wednesdays | Games Monday afternoons

U12 Girls Basketball – Training Wednesdays | Games Wednesday evenings

U14 Girls Basketball – Training Wednesdays | Games Friday afternoons

U12 Cricket (Second Team) – We have strong interest in cricket this season and enough players for one full U12 team. With a few more registrations, we’ll be able to form a second team (open to boys in Years 4–5 and girls in Years 4–6).

Please note: Junior School will not be entering a Softball team this season due to insufficient registrations. Students who nominated for Softball are encouraged to consider joining Cricket or Basketball instead.

Junior School Basketball Team Selection

Thank you to all students who have registered for the competitive basketball teams. Depending on registration numbers, trials will be held this term to select one boys’ team and one girls’ team in designated age groups for the Moss Vale competition. Trial dates are being finalised, and the Sports Department will notify parents of students registered in the U12 Boys and U14 Boys competitions soon.

Oxley Basketball Development Program

Students who are not selected for the Moss Vale basketball competition are encouraged to join our Basketball Development Program on Wednesday afternoons. The program focuses on building skills, teamwork, and game awareness through fun, game-based play in a supportive environment.

Final Training and Game Schedule – Winter Sports 2025

Congratulations to all our Winter Sports teams as they head into the final rounds of the season in Football, Hockey, and Netball.

Please take the time to read the information below, which outlines the final training sessions and game details for all Winter Sports.  Please note that some teams may progress to finals in the coming weeks, depending on results. Those teams should continue training until notified otherwise by the Sports Department.

New Gym Times for Year 6 Students

The Year 6 Gym Sessions have a new start and finish time to assist with a smoother transition for the students after the end of day bell. Please note that these sessions now run from 3:15pm – 4:15pm each week. Please ensure your child is picked up from the Junior School turning circle promptly at 4:15pm.

Oxley College Junior String Ensembles are excited to be performing at the IPSHA NSW 2025 Performing Arts Festival at Sydney Town Hall on Monday 8 September 2025.

Student payment ($85): https://payit.nelnet.net/form/4wNTB0Va

Concert & tickets ($30 per ticket): The festival concert will commence at 6.45pm at Sydney Town Hall. Tickets for parents and carers can be purchased here: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-ipsha-nsw-performing-arts-festival?accesscode=OXLEY2025

Thank you to our wonderful main event sponsors: Campbell Jones Property and Greenoaks Agriculture

We have also had some wonderful prizes donated by the following businesses:

Stretch Lab Bowral

Moss Vale Pro Shop and Dormie House

Lucy Loneragan Design

Victoria Waters Design

Sewline Products

Come and participate in the events for your chance to win.

Golf events:

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

10:30am and 12pm: 1-hour clinics (beginner and child 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:

Live music from Oxley's own Joss Walsh (IG @joss.walsh)

Casual games like bucket golf, giant chess, and others

Mini soccer fields set up on the tennis courts

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

If you don't want to swing a golf club, just come down and enjoy the vibes.

Please reach out to rhys.hj@gmail.com with any questions.

Get in now, 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.