The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 7A

Dear Parents/Carers

Thank you to the many families who have provided their feedback on our plans for student devices over the past two weeks; your comments, questions and concerns have  been invaluable in helping us refine the transition to a new model and to better understand the broad range of views and circumstances of our families’ approaches to the digital world.

At Oxley we are committed to futureproofing our Student Device Policy, as a part of our 2025-2027 College Strategy.

This means that:

By 2028 we will be an Apple school – all student and staff devices will be iPads or MacBooks

By 2028 all iPads/MacBooks used at school will be school-managed 

We will commence the roll-out of the new model with Year 5 2026, who will have school-managed iPads

Our current BYOD program has given students flexibility, but it has also created challenges. Teachers often spend valuable lesson time bringing students back on task who are distracted by games and websites that have nothing to do with their learning. We are also working towards a more secure whole school IT environment, safeguarding confidential data and ensuring that our robust security systems cannot be bypassed. Families have also told us that whilst our mobile phone policy is clear, it is not consistent with our existing BYOD model. We are committed to changing this.

By moving to a school-managed Apple device model, we can:

Enhance learning – every student and teacher will use the same reliable tools, making digital collaboration and creativity in the classroom seamless.

Keep classrooms focused – teachers can guide learning without being interrupted by technical issues and the challenges of ensuring students are on task.

Support wellbeing – age-appropriate web filtering will keep students safe online, while parents can choose what level of filtering is applied at home.

At Oxley, we are also committed to working in partnership with parents/carers. Many parents have expressed strong support for the proposed changes. However, we acknowledge the legitimate concerns raised by parents regarding the school's control over devices purchased by families, the financial burden, privacy issues, how the school will manage existing BYOD devices and how the proposed model promotes equity. Whilst I have not been able to respond individually to all submissions, we have taken all of this feedback seriously and are currently reviewing our plans to address these concerns more thoroughly.

To do this, we will not be in a position to present to parents next week as originally intended. I will provide an update for the revised model as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Thank you again to all the parents and carers who have contributed towards this process.

Kind regards

Mark Case
Deputy Head of College

Working With Children Checks – Caring Beyond Compliance

At Oxley, the safety and wellbeing of our students will always be our highest priority. One of the key ways we protect our young people is through the Working With Children Check (WWCC) system via the Office of the Children’s Guardian. This is not just a formality – it’s a legal requirement in NSW, and an important safeguard that ensures adults working with or around children have been properly screened.

While the legislation sets out the minimum standard, at Oxley we believe in going a step further. We want our families to know that we don’t just “tick the box” – we build on these requirements to create a culture of care and vigilance. Every decision we make is grounded in the question: what keeps our students safe, supported and thriving?

This means that sometimes, in addition to staff, we may also ask parents, carers and volunteers to complete or update a WWCC before joining in certain activities at the College. Whether it’s helping at an event, stepping into a casual support role, or volunteering with co-curricular programs, we want to ensure that all adults on campus are part of the same circle of trust and responsibility.

We also extend this approach to external tradespeople. Before commencing work on campus, they too are required to complete an induction and provide a valid WWCC. Once cleared, they are issued with a distinctive armband that must be worn at all times while on site. This visible identifier reassures our students, staff, and families that every adult working at Oxley has been properly checked and is operating within our safeguards.

Our Peripatetic Music Staff

Equally, our peripatetic staff – those visiting specialists who provide lessons or co-curricular instruction – are bound by the same child protection standards. They must hold current WWCCs, complete our induction, and follow all College policies and procedures designed to keep students safe. Whether a teacher is here every day or just a few hours a week, our expectations are the same: the care of our students always comes first.

During the last few months, we have been working with our Peripatetic staff to ensure that all aspects of their legal and contracted obligations are in place and finalised. This has been done in consultation with the tutors and whilst it has been a change to our previous process brought about by the new contractor laws it has now been fully implemented.  With any change there can be bumps along the way, however we are committed to continuing our strong relationship with the Peripatetic staff who work to provide the most excellent instructional service to our students.

We know these measures may feel like an extra step, but we are confident our community will understand that it comes from a place of genuine care. Together, by meeting not only the letter of the law but also its spirit, we are creating the safest possible environment for every child at Oxley.

Thank you for partnering with us in this important work – it truly takes a village, and we are so proud of ours.

Kind regards

Em Cassin
Business Manager

Last month, the State of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Roblox: the Louisiana Attorney General stating that Roblox has “perpetuated an environment where sexual predators thrive, unite, hunt and victimise kids,” accusing the company of prioritising profits over child safety. This follows several legal cases in which adults have impersonated children on Roblox with terrible consequences.1

Why is Roblox riskier than other platforms?

Whilst all online platforms carry some level of risk, Roblox poses unique and more serious dangers:

Massive user-generated content: Unlike curated games on consoles or platforms like Minecraft, Roblox allows anyone to create and publish games. This has led to the emergence of “condo games”, which simulate adult scenarios that are totally inappropriate for children.

Weak age verification: Children can easily bypass age restrictions by entering a false birthdate. This opens the door to inappropriate content and interactions with adults posing as children.

Unregulated social features: Roblox’s chat and messaging systems can  be and are  exploited by predators. Despite filters and moderation, bad actors find ways to move conversations off-platform to apps like Discord or Snapchat.

False sense of safety: The platform’s blocky avatars and child-friendly branding can mislead parents into thinking it is safe. In reality, Roblox is underregulated and lacks the oversight applied to larger social media platforms.

In addition to the risks listed above, Roblox features an in-game economy where players purchase items using ‘Robux’: a virtual currency bought with real money that are often requested by children for upgrades. Robux are used to purchase in-game items, avatar upgrades, game passes and special abilities, as well as being the main way players customise and enhance their experience. Unfortunately, like any online platform where real or virtual money is used, predators may try to misuse Robux in-game to groom, scam, or exploit children.

What are the warning signs parents/carers & students should watch for?

Anyone offering Robux for free or as a reward for chatting

Strangers sending friend requests or asking to move conversations to Discord Snapchat, etc

Pressure to keep secrets about Robux gifts or trades

Games or groups that advertise unlimited/free Robux

What can parents/carers do?

We encourage families to take proactive steps:

Engage with your child’s digital life: Ask questions and maintain open communication.

Use parental controls: Roblox offers tools to restrict chat, limit game access and monitor activity. Parents can also control spending through Roblox gift cards.

Delay access: Consider holding off on allowing younger children to use Roblox until they are developmentally ready.

Report suspicious users directly in Roblox: The platform has moderation teams that act on grooming and fraud.

Stay informed: the Oxley Cyber Safety Hub  (accessible via the website) is an indepth platform with gaming and social media platform reviews, as well as parent guides to online safety. The hub is powered by ySafe, Australia’s leading cyber safety education provider, who visit Oxley every year to deliver presentations to parents and students from Year 5 upwards. There are also online safety advice sections for parents/carers via the websites for Kids Helpline and the e-Safety Commissioner.

1 CNN Website - https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/15/us/louisiana-roblox-lawsuit-child-protection-hnk (accessed 2/9/25)

Kind regards

Mark Case
Deputy Head of College

Chris Moerkerken
IT Manager

Year 11, 2025 - Purchasing Text Books for Year 12, 2026

Parents of students starting Year 12 in Term 4, 2025 are advised that they can now purchase text books from Box of Books.  Orders need to be completed as soon as possible so please see the flyer on the Year 11 Oxley Connect page here: Year 11 Parent / Carer Information | Oxley College

Jersey Day

On Friday 5 September, Senior School students are invited to wear mufti and their favourite sporting jersey to school. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness and spark important family conversations about organ and tissue donation. Jersey Day was inspired by the incredible gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to seven people when he became an organ donor at just 13 years old.

Lord of the Flies Auditions

If you are in Years 7-9 and love Drama, the theatre, performing and acting, I would love to see you at the auditions of the Senior Production of Lord of the Flies which will be performed in Term 1, during March 2026. If you are currently in Year 10-11 you can express your interest in a leadership position on the production.

Not sure about performing on stage, but interested in the world of theatre? It is possible a behind-the-scenes or production role may be right for you.

To register your interest in auditioning or applying for a role, understand the commitment involved  and receive relevant materials – please access and complete this Google Form.

Interested applicants will be sent a scene to learn dependent on the role that is of interest and will also need to engage in some drama games and improv activities on the day. Audition materials will be sent by end of Week 7.

Auditions will take place on Wednesday of Week 9 in Hoskins Hall. Cast will be announced by end of Term 3.

Positions on the cast and crew are limited to 25 students from Years 7-9.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask Mrs Pascoe or Arkie Francis for further information.

Stay tuned for an audition workshop, to take place a lunchtime of Week 8 to guide auditions (hosted by some of our Year 12 Drama students).

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be closed in Week 8 - Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 September.  Online orders will still be processed on these days.  A reminder to senior students attending ISA Athletics to please organise your singlet as soon as possible.

Year 12 PDHPE Excursion

The Year 12 PDHPE excursion to PhysXrehab will depart at 6.45am on Tuesday 9 September and return at approximately 5pm. Please wear full PE sports uniform.

Year 7 Geography Excursion

The Year 7 Geography excursion to Mount Keira departs at 7.45am on Tuesday 9 September and returns at 3.30pm. Full sports uniform should be worn including long pants due to the possible presence of parasites in the bush environment.

Co-curricular Club Update

Parents are reminded that there will be no Tech Club this Thursday 4 September. Creative Club and Drama Club will run as normal on this day.  All Co-Curricular Clubs will continue in Week 8 and Week 9, however there will be no Co-Curricular Clubs in the last week of Term 3 (week 10).

Year 3 Incursion - Monday 8 September

On this day, Year 3 students will take part in a town planning incursion with guest speakers from Wingecarribee Shire Council.  Students will learn how communities are designed and managed, explore the role of local government and have the opportunity to ask questions about how their own town is planned for the future.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be closed in Week 8 - Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 September.  Online orders will still be processed on these days.

Year 6 Cake Stall - Friday 12 September

Our P&F and Year 6 parents will be hosting a Cake Stall on Friday 12 September from 2.30pm. Parents are invited to drop baked goods off to the Junior School Office on the morning of Friday 12 September.  Students are asked to bring a gold coin on the day.  Please ensure all containers are labelled if the are to be returned.

Student-Led Open Classrooms - Monday 15 September

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Student-Led Open Classroom evening on Monday 15 September (Week 9). These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for your child to take pride in their learning by guiding you through their classroom, sharing their work and discussing the goals they’ve been working towards.

During an allocated half-hour session, either 3.45pm-4.15pm or 4.15pm-4.45pm, your child will take the lead in showcasing their achievements and progress. They will walk you through the work they’ve been doing in class, both on display in the rooms, and in their books and on their devices. Classroom teachers will be present to help facilitate the sessions. Ms Noonan, our Visual Arts teacher, will be based in the K-4 part of the Junior School for these sessions, and Miss Dorczak, Head of Junior School Sport, will be based in the Gateway Building, and both are available to answer any questions you may have.

Please note that this is not a time for individual parent-teacher conferences. If you would like to discuss your child’s progress in more detail, class teachers are happy to arrange a separate meeting at a mutually convenient time.

Parents and carers will receive an email invite to schedule a time shortly.

We look forward to seeing you at this special event and celebrating your child’s hard work and accomplishments.

Junior School Colour Run - Wednesday 17 September

The SRC will be hosting a Colour Run on Wednesday 17 September.   Students should wear an old white top and bring sunglasses, ski googles or swimming googles, and 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.

Sports Draw 15 November 2025.xlsx

Summer Sports Trial Schedule

The schedule for Summer Sports trials can be accessed via this link: Senior School Summer Sports | Oxley College. This is a live document and will be updated if changes occur or additional sessions are required.

Individual student schedules are now available on Clipboard (students) and via the Co-curricular tab on the Oxley app (parents/carers). Any cancellations or changes will also be communicated through these platforms.

We understand that students may have other commitments in the coming weeks; however, it is essential they attend as many trial sessions as possible to ensure accurate team placement. In some circumstances, trials will not be required; students will be placed in a team based on their age or gender.

A reminder that Oxley 1st teams are the premier teams for each sport. While open to all age groups, students should only trial if they believe they have the appropriate skill level to be considered.

ISA Winter Sport 2025 - Grand Final Review

3rds Hockey - The 3rds suffered a tough loss to Central Coast, who were clearly the strongest team all season. Despite the result, it was a fantastic season with plenty of positives, especially for a side featuring many students in their first year of hockey. Thank you to Ms Stace for her coaching efforts.

2nds Hockey - The 2nds were unlucky in their match against Barker. After a slow start and going down by two goals, they showed great resilience, improving as the game went on. They pulled one back late in the second half and dominated the closing stages but were unlucky not to score the equaliser. Thank you to Mr Rix (EXT) for his dedication and guidance this season.

1sts Hockey - The 1sts faced a daunting task against Chevalier, who fielded nine ISA players and several state representatives. The girls rose to the challenge, producing their best performance of the season and giving everything until the final whistle, eventually going down 5–2. Thank you to Mrs Wolstencroft for another excellent season.

ISA Hockey Champions! - After the final, it was announced that Chevalier and Oxley were named joint champion schools for the ISA Hockey season in 2025, with results across all three divisions considered. A fantastic and well-deserved achievement.

15A’s Boys Football - The 15A’s capped off an undefeated season by winning the grand final 5–0. Having lost consecutive grand finals in the 13’s and 14’s, this result was fitting reward for their persistence and dominance. Special thanks to Mr Emmett (EXT), who has guided this team over several years and once again this season.

2nds Boys Football - The 2nds were cruelly denied in the final minutes by an unfortunate handball that gifted the opposition a penalty. While the result was disappointing, the team can be proud of their turnaround—going undefeated from Round 5 onwards to reach the final. Thank you to Mr Smith (EXT) for his excellent coaching and leadership throughout the season.

Junior B’s Netball - The Junior B’s played a close contest against Barker, eventually claiming a 29–25 win. This victory capped off an outstanding season in which they went undefeated from start to finish! Special thanks to Ms Zupp (EXT) for her coaching this year.

Junior D Netball - What a season for the Junior D’s! After just one loss all year, they qualified directly for the grand final and rose to the occasion, winning 28–13 in a dominant display. Congratulations to Mr Brett and to Ms Magill (EXT) for her valuable support throughout the season.

13’s Rugby - It is difficult to describe the heartbreak the 13’s experienced in their grand final. Having gone undefeated all season, they led for most of the game but were beaten in the final seconds. While the result was devastating, the team can be proud of their progress and will no doubt grow from the experience—that’s what sport is all about. Huge thanks to Mr Guilly (EXT), Mr Clothier (EXT) and Mr Simpson for their excellent coaching and guidance this season.

15’s Rugby - The 15’s can hold their heads high after a season of consistent growth and effort. They claimed some straightforward wins but also showed real grit against tougher opposition, none more so than their victory over St Pius 15A’s (the eventual champions) earlier in the season. Although St Pius proved too strong in the grand final, the boys fought bravely to the final whistle. Thank you to Mr Jones, Mr Francis (EXT), and Mr Carter (EXT) for their coaching and support this year. 

Best of luck to our teams beginning their Finals Series

As the Winter season draws to a close, we are excited to see our U12 Gold and Blue Football teams and our U12 Netball team begin their finals series tonight and this Saturday.

These teams have shown great determination and teamwork throughout the season, and we are very proud of all they have achieved so far.

If you’d like to cheer them on, please check this week’s Sports Draw for game times and locations.

IPSHA Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to the 46 Junior School students who represented Oxley at the IPSHA Athletics Carnival in Sydney last week. Our students gave a fantastic effort, competing with determination and pride, with several earning ribbons across various track and field events.

Summer Sport Update

Thank you for your patience as we finalise summer sports teams and registrations for the upcoming season.

Trials will be held for the teams listed below where selections are required (either to form one team or to create two even teams).

If your child’s team/age group is not listed, trials are not required, and training will begin in the coming weeks in preparation for the start of the summer season in Term 4.

Parents who have registered their child for a summer sport will receive team, training, and competition details from the Sports Department this week.

If your child is registered for a team listed below but cannot attend trials, please contact the Sports Department sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Upcoming Trials

Please see the trial details below for students registered in these sports. The Sports Department will also be in touch with parents to confirm further information for these teams.

Basketball

U14 Boys Basketball (Year 5 & 6)

Trials will be held to select one team to compete in the Moss Vale Basketball competition.

Date:  Thursday 4 & Friday 5 September (Week 7)

Time:  1:06–1:46 pm (lunchtime)

Location:  PCC, Oxley

Uniform:  Students should bring joggers to change into on Thursday.

U10 Mixed Basketball (Year 2 & 3)

Trials will be held to form two even teams for this age group.

Date:  Wednesday 10 September (Week 8)

Time:  3:30–4:30 pm

Location:  Kettle Courts, Oxley

Cricket

U12 Cricket (Year 4–5 Boys and Year 4–6 Girls)

Trials will be held to form two even teams for this age group

Date: Wednesday 10 September (Week 8)

Time: 3:30-5:00pm

Location: Oxley cricket nets

Cricket – Players Needed for Our U12 Teams

We are still looking for a few more players to join our U12 Cricket team this season.

Training:  Wednesdays at Oxley, 3.30–5.00pm

Games:  Saturday mornings at venues around the region

Our U12 team is a mixed side with both boys and girls already registered. We welcome:

Girls in Years 4–6

Boys in Years 4–5

We are very fortunate to have excellent cricket coaches, and students of all experience levels are encouraged to register — even if they are new to the sport.

If you would like to register your child, please contact the Sports Department sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

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 Development Program – Training: Wednesdays, 3.30–4.30 pm

U14 Girls Basketball Team – Training: Wednesdays, 3.30–4.30 pm / Games: Friday evenings

U10 Mixed Basketball Team – Training: Wednesdays, 3.30–4.30 pm / Games: Monday evenings

If you or someone you know is interested, please contact our Coaching Coordinator, Brooke Devlin brooke.devlin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Read about what's coming up for the Equestrian Team, and find out about the Term 4 Training Day on the Equestrian Team page on Oxley Connect:

https://www.oxley.nsw.edu.au/oxley-connect/senior-school/equestrian-team

Reminder: IPSHA NSW 2025 Performing Arts Festival

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

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

Permission: Parents and carers are also reminded to check the Oxley App to provide permission for students to attend a movie as part of the excursion.

Music that Moves - Friday 5 September, Bowral Memorial Hall

Join us for Music That Moves, an inspiring collaboration between dancers from A&L Académie de Danse and musicians from the Highlands Music Collective — including some of our talented Oxley tutors. The program features Bach’s Baroque dances reimagined through contemporary movement, the world premiere of John Corley’s Soliloquy for clarinet and piano, plus works by Ross Edwards, Shostakovich and Oscar Navarro.

Complimentary pre-concert drinks and nibbles will be served in the foyer from 5:45 pm.

Golf Day

Our inaugural P&F Golf Day held on Sunday was a wonderful success , bringing together over 80 competitors of all ages for a day of fun, friendship and healthy competition. A glorious sunny afternoon was topped off with lawn games for the littlies and fabulous live music by Joss W .

 A huge thank you to our hardworking committee , generous sponsors, volunteers and Moss Vale Golf Course for hosting us to perfectly - we couldn’t have done it without you.

Trivia Night

Our final whole school event for the year will be the Trivia Night to be help on Saturday 8 November  Keep an eye out for info soon.

Year 12 Parent Drinks

Our last ‘First Friday’ drinks for 2025 will be held at The Imperial this Friday from 6.30 pm .

Year 9 End of Term 3 Drinks

Please join us in celebrating the end of Term 3, on the balcony of the Royal Hotel.  Thursday 18 September, from 6.00pm.  Please see flyer here for all the details.

Year 7 Catch Up

We hope all Year 7 parents/carers can join us at the next catch up on Sunday 21 September.  Please RSVP to Savi on  0405 662 397 by 12 September.

The Community Cooking School will be running junior and senior classes during the next school holidays.  To find out more information, please see the following link: Kid-Friendly Classes - The Community Cooking School