The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 8B

For a regional school of our size, Oxley has well and truly punched above its weight, fielding an extraordinary number of teams, achieving success at the highest levels and doing so with the trademark Oxley spirit and determination that makes our community proud. I congratulate every player, coach, and supporter for making this season such a success.

As I reflect on these achievements, I am reminded that schools like Oxley play an important role not just in education, but in the wider community. A recent national report from Independent Schools Australia, prepared by the AEC Group, highlights the extraordinary economic and social value of Independent schools across the country.

In 2023–24 alone, Independent schools:

Contributed $45.69 billion to GDP-a figure comparable to the entire Gold Coast.

Supported 264,000 jobs and generated $29.5 billion in household income.

Saved governments and taxpayers $12.5 billion, with each Independent school student saving around $13,100 per year.

In New South Wales, the sector’s contribution was equally significant, generating $14.9 billion in economic activity and supporting nearly 77,000 jobs, while saving taxpayers $4.92 billion.

Here in the Southern Highlands, schools like Oxley are not only centres of learning but also vital contributors to our local economy. We employ a wide range of staff - from educators and support personnel to maintenance and administrative professionals - and we engage local businesses through partnerships, procurement and events. Families choosing Oxley are investing in more than education; they are also helping sustain jobs, drive regional development and ease pressure on public infrastructure.

We are proud to be part of a sector that delivers such wide-reaching benefits, not only nurturing young people but also strengthening the communities we call home.

Kind regards

Scott Bedingfield
Head of College

A Note from Tanya and Ella

Oxley College Parent Request to Administer Medication

Oxley Pipe Band At Tulip Time - Sunday 14 September

The Oxley College Pipe Band is delighted to be playing once again at Tulip Time, one of the Southern Highlands’ most celebrated community events. We warmly invite you to come along and see our performance in Corbett Gardens at 2.30pm on Sunday 14 September.

2025 Highlands Wellbeing Forum 'Brave Conversations'

Following the success of Dr Kristy Goodwin’s presentations in 2024, the 2025 Highlands Wellbeing Forum, ‘Brave Conversations’, will be held on October 27 at Bowral Memorial Hall with the support of Highlands Youth Co-Lab. We are eager for our community to drive the direction of this year’s forum and invite you to share one word to describe the topic of a ‘Brave Conversation’ you’d like to have with a young person in your life. Please follow this link to share your thoughts and sign up for updates about this event

A Note From Nurse Tanya and Nurse Ella

A Note from Tanya and Ella 

Oxley College Parent Request to Administer Medication

Sustainable Futures Group - Uniform Exchange

The Uniform Exchange will take place on Thursday 11 September in the Pavilion.  For those wanting to browse items, please enter via the doors closest to the PCC.  3.30-4pm is only for those who have donated items.  4pm-5.30pm is for everyone.

From Surviving To Thriving: a Conversation Of Hope & Courage

Win a Wallabies Or Sydney Swans Jersey

Important Information for Year 12 Parents

Year 12 parents/carers are asked to carefully read the information found via the link below for information on the Week 9 Roadmap to Graduation and the Year 12 Study Intensive Week (Week 10).

HSC Intensive Study Week Information

Year 12 Week 9 Roadmap

My Mind Check 

Thank you to everyone who responded to the permissions for My Mind check by the deadline last Friday. As a result of the parent permission given, we have followed up with relevant students only to see if they give consent to take part as well.  Over the final weeks of Term 3 we will be doing the online check-ins with any students in Y7-11 for whom both parent and student consent has been given. We are looking forward to launching this initiative as another way to support the mental health of the young people in the College.

Colour Run - Wednesday 17 September

The Year 12 Student Leaders are organising a Colour Run for the SS which will take place on Wednesday 17 September during period 5. We ask students to wear a white shirt to school that day and recommend that they team it with old jeans, tracksuit pants or shorts. We also recommend they bring an old jumper to put on to travel home so they don't transfer the coloured powder. We also advise wearing sun glasses, swim or ski googles, safety glasses to help protect their eyes. There is no cost to take part - fundraising has already been done in the form of a cake sale.

Nepal Fundraising BBQ

A barbecue will be held on Thursday 11 September and Thursday 25 September, to raise money for the Nepalese schools that Oxley students are visiting in the upcoming holiday.
Students are asked to support this worthy cause ($6 for Snag and Drink $4 for just the Snag).

Year 8 Medieval Feast

Year 8 History students will take part in the Medieval Feast this Friday.  Students will meet in Rooms DLS-02 and DLS-03 for roll marking and then change into their costumes ready to present their interviews from 9.00am onwards.  Students should bring their provisions for a Medieval picnic.

Year 7 & 8 OLE! Week Information Sessions

Next week during Mentor Time, Southbound leaders will meet with Years 7 and 8 students to discuss their upcoming OLE camps. The sessions will provide an overview of the program, including camp location, planned activities, food requirements, gear outline, and medical information.  A presentation with further details will also be shared with parents and carers next week.

Audition Workshops

The countdown is on for auditions for 2026 productions: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Lord Of The Flies.

Do you want to audition for the plays but don’t know what an audition entails? Or are you feeling nervous to do your first ever audition? Or simply want some extra help preparing for your audition.

Next Wednesday there will be an audition workshop, run by the Year 12 Drama class to help make you more comfortable in your audition process.

Helping you workshop scenes, project your voice and give you confidence so you can do your best audition possible.

When? Week 8 Wednesday Lunch time commencing at 1:45

Where? In Hoskins Hall

If you have any questions please contact Arkie Francis- arkie.francis@oxley.nsw.edu.au

AVISTA Stem Challenge

The AVISTA Challenge sees students work in teams of 3-5 to tackle critical problems faced by the Australian Defence Industry. As part of this challenge, you will work through a STEM engineering design process to explore cutting-edge technologies, think creatively, and develop practical solutions as they while build key skills in collaboration, problem-solving, systems thinking, and communication. Training will run weekly for you to work through the design process in your groups, with final submissions due on 7th November, and finalists can win their share of $10,000!

Email Ms Hitchcock (ahitchcock@oxley.nsw.edu.au) to register your interest, and come along to the first session on Thursday 11th September at lunch time in BRI-05 to form your team.

My Mind Check Information & Consent Required

Year 5 & 6 parents and carers are asked to read the information found below (and also on the Year 5 and Year 6 Connect Pages) to find out more about My Mind Check - voluntary mental health and wellbeing check-ins with students.  Student and Parent/Carer consent is required to participate - consent forms can be found in the information below:

My Mind Check Consent: Junior School

My Mind Check Information for Parents

My Mind Check Information for Students

Year 5 Excursion - Thursday 11 September

Year 5 students will be attending an excursion to Wild Planet at the Australian Museum on Thursday. This exciting learning experience will allow students to come face to face with animals from all over the world. Students are advised to bring a small backpack with recess, lunch and a water bottle packed.

Please be at school by 9.00am for departure. Students will return to school in time for normal pick-up.  Students are to be in full school uniform with their school hat and a light rain jacket.

Year 6 Cake Stall - Friday 12 September

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 they are to be returned.

Student Led Open Classrooms - Monday 15 September

Parents and Carers will have received an email invitation to participate in our upcoming Student-Led Open Classrooms on Monday 15 September.  K-6 Parents and Carers will be notified shortly of their allocated half-hour session either 3.45pm-4.15pm or 4.15pm-4.45pm.

Our Pre-K parents are invited to visit their classroom on Monday 15 September any time between 3.30pm and 4.30pm, booking are not required

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.

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

OLE! Student Information Sessions

On Tuesday Southbound leaders will meet Kindergarten to Year 6 students in their classrooms during class time to discuss their upcoming OLE! events.  The sessions will provide an overview of events planned.  Information will be sent to parents in the coming weeks.

Waste Free Wednesdays

The Junior School Future Council has launched “Waste Free Wednesday”.  The aim is for all lunchboxes to be free from unrecyclable wrappings each Wednesday.  Thank you for your support.

Colour Run - Wednesday 17 September

Students are asked to wear an old white top, bring sunglasses, ski goggles or swimming goggles and a towel.  There is a $3 donation per student requested for local charity Pop In.  If you do not wish for your son or daughter to participate, please contact the Junior School office or email anabel.williams@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

Sports Draw 15 November 2025.xlsx

Mr Hurkett - Weeks 9 & 10

Mr Hurkett will be on parental leave from Monday 15th September and will return after the holidays on Monday 13th October.

Please continue sending all logistical enquiries, absence notifications or any other general business to sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au

For matters of a more serious nature, or anything relating to student wellbeing or conduct, please contact Mr Gauchat (Head of Co-Curricular P-12).

Summer Sport Trials 2025-26

Summer sport trials continue this week with the aim to announce all teams by Friday 12 September. 

Please encourage students to continue checking Clipboard(Parents can also access this information via the Co-Curricular tab in the Oxley App) for any changes or additional sessions.

The full schedule for all sessions is accessible here: Senior School Summer Sport Trial Calendar 2025-26.xlsx

ISA Athletics Training - Saturday 13 September

The final ISA Athletics training session will take place on Saturday 13 September from 9.00am – 12.00pm. There will be a BBQ lunch provided. Attendance at this event is compulsory for ISA Athletics team members. Shortly, team members will receive a schedule of the day's events and training sessions. Students are only required to attend the sessions for events in which they are competing at the ISA Athletics Carnival.

Of particular importance is the relay team practice which will take place from 9.00am. All relay team members must attend this session. 

Celebrating our Winter Season

This season, 229 Junior School students (72% of the school) proudly represented Oxley across 16 Football, Netball and Hockey teams, and also took part in the K–1 Sports Development Program, all supported by 25 dedicated coaches. Throughout the season, our teams played with spirit, resilience and determination, achieving plenty of success along the way. Three teams progressed to the finals series, with two now competing in this Saturday’s Grand Final and Preliminary Final. In addition, our U8 Netball team capped off an excellent season by finishing equal first on their ladder.

To celebrate the Winter season, students involved in the following sports are invited to collect a frozen juice cup from the Sports Office at lunchtime on Wednesday 17 September (Week 9):

Football (U7–U12)

Netball (U8, U11, U12)

Hockey

K–1 Sports Development Program (Football – Term 2; Netball/Hockey – Term 3)

A reminder will also be shared with parents and class teachers.

Congratulations & Best of Luck - Winter Sports Finals

Congratulations to our Junior School teams who have qualified for the finals in the local U12 Football and Netball competitions.

U12 Blue Football – Grand Final, Saturday 13 September

U12 Netball – Preliminary Final, Saturday 13 September

We would love to see the Oxley community out supporting our teams this weekend. Please check this week’s Sports Draw for game times and locations.

Upcoming Summer Sports Trials

A reminder for parents who have registered their children for summer sports: full details have been emailed directly to registered families.

U10 Mixed Basketball

Date: Wednesday 10 September (Week 8)

Time: 3:30–4:30pm

Location: PCC

U12 Cricket(rescheduled due to weather)

Date: Wednesday 17 September (Week 9)

Time: 3:30–5:00pm (note: training extended to 5:00pm this season)

Location: Oxley Cricket Nets, Founders Field

Summer Sports Training Starts Week 9

Training for the following teams will begin next week, with games starting in Term 4. Full details have been emailed directly to registered families.

Basketball

U10 Mixed Basketball

U12 Boys & Girls

U14 Boys & Girls

Please note: the Basketball Development Program will begin in Term 4

Cricket

U10 Cricket

Basketball Jersey Reminder

Parents with children playing in the Moss Vale Basketball competition: please contact the Sports Department sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au with your child’s singlet number (if they’ve played before) so we can avoid duplicate numbers this season.

Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong

Cost : $5

Ages : 0-14

Please note: This is a CASH ONLY and alcohol-free event.

 All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.

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