The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 9A

The Class of 2025 has grown into independent critical thinkers, creative and curious problem solvers, confident communicators and purposeful collaborators. Their journey at Oxley has been marked by courage, compassion and a spirit of unity. Whether through service in Nepal, teamwork on the Outback expedition or shining brightly on the sporting field and stage, these students have shown that learning at Oxley is about much more than just numbers on a page.

They have shaped Oxley’s spirit, leaving a legacy of identity and pride through their leadership and example. The House mascots, the united K-12 House system, and the culture of togetherness across the student body are all testaments to their impact. As they step into the world, they carry with them not only knowledge, but wisdom, resilience and heart.

HSC Drama: OnSTAGE Nominations

We are delighted to announce that several of our Drama students have been nominated for possible inclusion in the prestigious OnSTAGE HSC Drama Showcase—a testament to their talent and dedication. This is an incredible achievement.

Group Performance Nomination: “The Great Australian Nightmare”

Banjo Campbell

Ava Ritchie

Alec Simpson

Individual Performance Nominations:

Elke a Campo – “The Next Mrs Jacob Anderson”

Banjo Campbell – “The Gentleman”

Arkie Francis – “HIM”

Eve Murray – “Susie”

Ava Ritchie – “Pearl Avalon”

Being nominated for OnSTAGE is a significant honour, reflecting the creativity, commitment and excellence of our students and their teachers. We congratulate them and look forward to seeing which performances will be selected for the final showcase at the Seymour Centre in February 2026.

Looking Forward

As we gather this Friday, we celebrate not just results, but the journey. The Class of 2025 are ready not just for exams or further study, but for life’s next big questions - equipped with resilience, wisdom and heart.

Many of our students have already received early offers to university, a testament to their hard work and determination. We look forward to sharing with our community the stories of their HSC achievements and the successes that await them beyond graduation.

Kind regards

Scott Bedingfield
Head of College

There has been a great deal of uncertainty in the broader Australian community over recent months about how these laws will be enforced, and what this means for children who have social media accounts. The Australian Government has provided a Fact Sheet about the changes.

But first – some history. The current minimum age for social media accounts is 13. This was based on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act 1998 (COPPA) in the United States. COPPA prohibits companies from collecting personal data from children under 13 without parental consent. As a result, most major online platforms set 13 as the minimum age to comply with this regulation. 1998 was, of course, before the invention of smartphones and before Facebook, YouTube, Twitter (now X), Instagram, TikTok, SnapChat and Reddit existed. Social media in 1998, to the extent that it existed at all, was about messaging, chat rooms and personal webpages. The COPPA legislation had its origin in data privacy and the age of 13 was chosen for regulatory convenience (and also to enable young teenagers to access confidential medical advice without having to tell their parents) – not because it was deemed 13-year-olds were developmentally ready to handle social media. Put simply, the minimum age of 13 for social media accounts is arbitrary.

Below are some FAQs for parents/carers about the upcoming amendments to the Australian Government’s Online Safety Act (2021) regarding social media accounts and children under the age of 16:

1. What happens if my child still has a social media account after 10 December 2025?

Social media platforms will be required to deactivate existing accounts held by children under 16. If a child manages to keep or create an account after the ban, the responsibility lies with the platform—not the child or parent. There will be no penalties for children or families.

2. Will my child be punished for using social media after the ban?

No. The law does not impose fines or legal consequences on children or their parents. Enforcement is directed at platforms, which must take reasonable steps to prevent underage users from accessing their services.

3. What platforms are affected by the ban?

The ban applies to major platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and YouTube (limited access without login). Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger Kids are not affected.

4. Can my child still watch YouTube videos?

Yes. Children can still view most YouTube content without logging in, but they won’t be able to leave comments, upload videos, or access age-restricted content. YouTube Kids remains available and is exempt from the ban.

5. What if my child tries to bypass the ban?

Platforms are expected to implement layered age-verification systems to prevent workarounds. Whilst some children may attempt to use false information, platforms must demonstrate they have taken steps to detect and prevent this. Again, no penalties apply to children or parents.

6. How will social media platforms verify age?

Platforms will use a mix of technologies, such as AI-based age estimation, behavioural analysis and the optional use of Government-issued ID (this cannot be the sole method of verification).

7. What can I do now to prepare?

Talk to your child about the upcoming changes. If necessary, begin phasing out social media use and explore other activities to replace social media. Model appropriate smartphone/social media use at home and consider setting boundaries for all members of the household around smartphone use.

Following community feedback, we are refining our planned Student Device Program to commence rollout in 2026 and will communicate this shortly. The new program will be consistent with these legislative changes in supporting the safety, wellbeing and learning of students in the digital space.

Further information:

Social Media Minimum Age – Fact sheet

Social media age restrictions | eSafety Commissioner

How will the federal government's under-16s social media ban work? Here's what we know - ABC News

The social media ban is coming, whether families like it or not: 5 ways to prepare kids and teens [The Conversation]

The e-Safety Commissioner is providing free online webinars for parents on this and many other related topics in the coming weeks – please click here for more information and to register.

For those fortunate enough to work daily in this grand old building we are witness to the amazing transformation and journey of our Year 12 students. When they first arrive in the study centre located on the top floor of ELVO, they are excitedly nervous, as they find their space, get acquainted with the view from the balcony (breathtaking) and begin the realisation that they are in their final year of school.

ELVO then becomes their dedicated safe space, where they meet, study, and prepare. It has hosted the quiet hum of revision, the whispered encouragements of peers, joyous laughter and sometimes the tears of frustration in the countless hours of preparation that lead into the HSC. Now, as the “lasts” approach, the energy is shifting.  It is the place where months of learning and effort are drawn together into their final stride. There is something special about the rhythm of watching the cohort build upon the legacy of the one before, inheriting not just a study space but a piece of Oxley’s living history.

ELVO’s story is woven through Oxley’s history, and every year, our Year 12 students add another chapter.

Year 12 students; as you settle in for your final weeks and Year 11 prepare to step into your shoes, my hope is that each of you feels both the strength of your heritage here, the focus of the present and the excitement of your future. We will miss you Year 12, each one of you and your amazing energy. We cannot wait to see you step into your future.

Warm regards

Em Cassin
Business Manager

Wednesday 24 September 2025, 6.30 pm, PCC

These questions lie at the heart of the final event in this year’s Centre for Ethics series — a powerful evening of conversation and reflection featuring two extraordinary individuals: Ernest Friedlander OAM and Abang Anade Othow.

 Ernie, a child survivor of the Holocaust, and Abang, a refugee of the Sudanese Civil War, have each endured profound hardship. Yet both have chosen to transform their experiences into a force for good - Ernie through his anti-racism work with Moving Forward Together, and Abang through her emotional wellbeing initiative Buckets of Hope.

 In conversation with Dr Jonathan Ari Lander, a long-time friend of Oxley, they will share their stories of survival, resilience, and the enduring human capacity for compassion.

 This is more than an event — it’s a living history lesson, a call to empathy, and a celebration of hope in uncertain times. We warmly invite students, families, and the wider community to join us for what promises to be a deeply moving and unforgettable evening.

Dr Jeremy Hall
Head of Philosophy and Ethics

Year 12 have been partaking in their usual light-hearted antics whilst still taking on important feedback from their teachers during class and finalising their formal study. They will return on Monday for the Intensive Study Week, but that will be as Alumni with a different feel.

I spoke at assembly yesterday about grit. What is, how we develop it, and I highlighted where it will be needed over the rest of the year. The preparation & sitting of the HSC Examinations for Year 12. Outback and either stepping up to Leadership or managing disappointment for Year 11. Service-Learning trips, Rites of Passage & OLE week for Year 7-10, who shortly after will be preparing for their Yearly Examinations.

I’d like to thank the student leaders for all their work this year, much of which goes un-noticed but also the tone that they have set within the College. They have done a great job and on Friday we will also announce the winner of the Helmut Schaefer Award for Leadership. This goes to a student who is not in a formal leadership position, but who has stepped up and demonstrated excellent leadership across a range of academic & co-curricular activities. It was a pleasure to have such a challenge to select the winner of this award as there are so many students who have made a positive impact in this cohort.

Friday sees the Graduation Assembly & Dinner and I look forward to hearing from the College Captains and the Parent & Staff Member speaking at those occasions along with catching up with and saying farewell to several Oxley families that I have known for many years.

Kind regards

Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead Auditions

Auditions will take place in Hoskins Hall on Thursday and Friday afternoon this week after school.

Highlands Mini Bands Competition 

On Sunday 21 September a mini Pipe Band will be competing in the Highlands Mini Band Competition. Players competing should please meet at the Moss Vale Showgrounds at 10.30am in full winter pipe uniform.

Year 12 Intensive Study Week

Year 12 Parents/Carers are asked to carefully read the information found via the link below for information on the Year 12 Study Intensive Week.

HSC Intensive Study Week Information

ITT Cabinet Exhibition

The first Oxley Stage 6 woodwork cohort has been working exceptionally hard this year to set the standard for future year groups. This year the 28 Year 11 students produced a stool with steam bent legs and a shaped seat during Term 1. In Terms 2 and 3, students created a small cabinet project using advanced joinery and traditional Japanese decorative techniques. Their beautiful work will be on display on Wednesday 24 September from 4.00 - 6.00pm in the PCC, preceding the Centre for Ethics event.

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 6 Legends and Legacies Showcase – Wednesday 24 September

Over the past four weeks, our Year 6 students have been busy researching and preparing presentations on notable Australians as part of our Legends and Legacies unit.

We warmly invite parents and friends to join us for this special event.

When: Wednesday 24 September

Time: Drop in any time between 2:00 – 3:15 pm

Where: Classrooms CTW-06 and CTW-07 (formerly Rooms 29/30)

Year 6 look forward to sharing their learning with you.

Kindergarten Excursion Wednesday 24 September

Kindergarten students will participate in an excursion to the Mussett Holdings Regenerative Farm. By engaging in this excursion, students will have the opportunity to connect knowledge from our Science unit, Farm to Family, with real-world examples and practical observations.  Students should wear sports uniform and hat and bring recess and lunch and a water bottle.

Sports Draw 6 December 2025.xlsx

Celebrating Our Coaches and Community – A Fantastic Winter Sports Season

What a fantastic winter season it has been! With the season now wrapped up, I’d like to acknowledge the many opportunities our Junior School students have had to grow their skills, strengthen friendships, and enjoy the experience of representing Oxley. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support they receive week after week. A huge thank you goes to our 25 incredible coaches, who have given their time, energy, and enthusiasm throughout the season. Their dedication has made such a difference—helping our players not only improve their sporting ability but also grow in confidence, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Week after week, they have guided, encouraged, and inspired our students, creating an environment where every child feels supported and valued. We are extremely fortunate to have such a committed group, and we simply couldn’t do it without them.

Finally, a very special thank you to all of our parents and carers. Your encouragement, organisation, and commitment to getting the students to trainings and games, and your support from the sidelines each weekend, have been invaluable. Thank you for cheering them on, rain or shine, and for playing such an important role in making this season a success.

U12 Finals Highlights

It was an exciting weekend of finals for our U12 teams!

U12 Netball – Congratulations to our U12 Netball team, coached by Helen McGowan, who reached the Preliminary Final on Saturday. The team has shown outstanding improvement this season and should be proud of their effort, narrowly missing the Grand Final in a very close 18–16 game.

U12 Blue Football – Well done to our U12 Blue Football team, coached by Carlos Rahme and Luke Kean, who won the HSA Grand Final in a thrilling penalty shootout against Exeter. The team displayed outstanding teamwork and composure under pressure. A special mention to Sebastian Rahme, who made crucial saves and was named Player of the Match.

Training Schedule – Week 10, Term 3

The following teams will train in the last week of term:

Basketball Teams (U10–U14 boys’ and girls’ teams)

Cricket Teams (U10 and U12 teams)

Please note: the K–1 Sports Development Program (Netball/Hockey) concludes this week and will not train in Week 10.  Parents will receive training information and competition start dates for Term 4 in the coming week.

Reminder for Basketball Families: Jersey Numbers

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.

Pre-Literacy Highlights

This week in PreLit, the children practiced blending words from print and enjoyed playing Beginning Sound Snap with the letters /c/, /h/, /b/, and /e/. They also worked on orally blending three-sound words.
To extend our focus on the letter sound /b/, the children created colourful butterfly artworks.
Our Shared Reading story was ‘When We Go Camping’ by Sally Sutton, with new vocabulary words including scrub, slurp, sip, and shriek.
Inspired by the story, we set up our own classroom campsite—pitching a tent and pretending to toast marshmallows around a campfire.

Maths Investigations

In Maths, the children practiced counting forwards to 30 by ones, starting from 0, and counting backwards from 20 to 0 using the counting frame.
Our main focus this week was on understanding and using ordinal numbers.

Pals & Pioneers Program

Pre-K continues to treasure our intergenerational program, Pals & Pioneers. This week we welcomed visitors from Bowral House and Anthem Care. Together, we played Beanbag Toss and sang songs. Ian from Anthem Care led us in a lively version of ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It.’

Open Classroom

This week, Pre-K participated in the Student-Led Open Classroom Session. Parents were invited into the classroom, where the children proudly shared their work and guided their families through their learning experiences.

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