The Oxley Update - Term 3, Week 9A

On Friday, Year 12 will gather for the last time as students of Oxley. As they look ahead to the HSC and the opportunities that lie beyond school, I am reminded of a comedy routine called Five Minute University by Father Guido Sarducci. The premise is simple. He suggests that a university education could be condensed into a few minutes because, five years after graduation, most people remember only a small fraction of what they studied. Economics becomes “supply and demand”. A foreign language becomes a greeting and a reply. Like many good jokes, however, it contains a grain of truth.

When former Oxley students return to visit, I am always struck by how rarely they talk about assessment marks; they talk about people. They remember the teacher who took an interest in them when they were struggling. They remember an OLE Week camp, a trip to Bathurst or the Blue Mountains, Year 9 Rites of Passage or a school production. They remember friendships formed in classrooms, on playing fields and in the spaces in between. They remember moments when they were encouraged, challenged or trusted with responsibility for the first time.

It is a useful reminder that some of the most important outcomes of an education are not always the easiest to measure.

Schools rightly celebrate achievement. Examination results, performances, sporting success and academic awards all matter. They reflect commitment, growth and the pursuit of excellence.

Yet the lessons that shape us most deeply are often learned elsewhere. A student discovers they can cope with disappointment after missing out on a team they desperately hoped to make. Another learns they are capable of more than they imagined when they step onto a stage. A student leading a service initiative discovers that leadership is often less about being in charge and more about helping others succeed. At the time, these moments can seem ordinary. Looking back, however, they often prove significant. They shape how young people see themselves and what they believe they can become.

Over recent weeks, I have written about challenge, belonging and the importance of being known. These ideas are closely connected. Young people are far more likely to take on difficult things when they know there are people around them who believe in them. They are more likely to persevere through setbacks when they feel supported by a community that notices them and cares about their progress.

This is one reason schools are such special places. Education is about more than transferring knowledge from one generation to the next. Academic learning will always be central, but so too is helping young people develop the character, confidence and judgement that will serve them long after they leave school.

Much of this happens gradually and quietly. It develops through everyday interactions: conversations with teachers, shared experiences with friends, opportunities to contribute, mistakes that become learning experiences and challenges that initially seem larger than they are. Like roots growing beneath the surface, this growth is not always visible in the moment. Yet it often provides the foundation on which future success is built.

As Year 12 come to the end of their time as Oxley students, my hope is that they leave not only with strong knowledge and skills, but also with confidence in their ability to face challenges, gratitude for the people who have supported them and an understanding that their lives can make a positive difference to others.

Years from now, they may not remember every formula, date or quotation they learned for the HSC. Most of us do not remember such things. What endures are the friendships, the teachers who believed in us, the moments of challenge and achievement, and the experiences that helped shape our character. Perhaps that is the real curriculum of a school. Schools certainly help young people prepare for life. Just as importantly, they help shape the lives they will go on to lead.

Mr Mark Case
Headmaster

At this week’s Senior School Assembly, Year 12 students received tabs for their achievement and involvement in co-curricular activities and, I spoke about the balance between striving to do well and remembering why the work matters in the first place. Recognition is a good thing. A strong result, a kind word from a teacher, a team selection, a leadership opportunity or a moment of public acknowledgement can all encourage students and affirm the effort they have put in. At the same time, I encouraged students to be careful about letting applause, marks or comparison become the only measure of success.

The message I wanted them to hear was that progress matters more than perfection. So much of the growth we hope for in young people happens quietly: starting the work when it would be easier to avoid it, asking for help, accepting feedback, trying again after disappointment, or doing the right thing when no one is watching. These small choices may not always be noticed in the moment, but over time they shape habits, character and confidence.

With Year 12 preparing to leave us shortly, this felt like a timely message for all students in the Senior School. Results and recognition can be encouraging and useful, but they do not define who a young person is or who they are becoming. My challenge to all students was simple: make one decision today that your future self will thank you for. Done often enough, those small, purposeful decisions build something far more lasting than applause.

Mr Tristan Bevan
Deputy Head, Head of Senior School

As we look ahead to the final term of the school year, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how much our students have grown academically, socially, and emotionally. While the end of the year brings excitement with special events, celebrations, and the anticipation of the holidays, it is also an important time for learning.

The final term is when students consolidate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the year. Every lesson builds on previous learning, helping children strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for the year ahead. Consistent attendance, positive routines, and a focus on learning remain just as important now as they were at the beginning of the year.

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children finish the year successfully. Maintaining regular bedtime routines, encouraging daily reading, talking about what your child is learning, and ensuring they arrive at school ready to learn all contribute to a positive and productive term. Celebrating effort, persistence, and personal growth also helps children recognise that learning is a journey rather than a destination.

For our Year 6 students, the final term also marks an exciting transition to the next stage of their education. Change can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and we encourage families to talk positively about new opportunities while acknowledging any questions or concerns their children may have. Building confidence and independence now will help make future transitions smoother.

As a school community, we are committed to making the final term engaging, meaningful, and memorable. While there will be many opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our students, our focus remains on ensuring every child continues to learn, grow, and achieve their personal best until the very last day of the school year.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support during Term 3. Together, we can help our students finish the year with confidence, pride, and a strong foundation for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Heidi Shvetsoff
Head of Junior School

Ready for Summer? Online Uniform Shopping Made Easy

With the warmer weather arriving and the change of season underway, now is the perfect time to check that your child’s summer uniform still fits and that you have everything needed for the months ahead.

To make uniform shopping as convenient as possible, we encourage parents and carers to place orders through the Oxley College Online Uniform Shop. Online ordering allows families to browse and purchase uniform items at a time that suits them, while helping our Uniform Shop team prepare orders efficiently and reduce waiting times during busy periods.

Before placing your order, it may be helpful to check:

Summer uniform items still fit comfortably

Sports uniforms and shoes are ready for the new season

Frequently misplaced items, such as socks, hats and accessories, are topped up

The Uniform Shop is an important part of our College community, helping our students feel comfortable, confident and proud to represent Oxley. Our team is always happy to assist families with sizing, uniform requirements and any questions you may have.

We encourage families to order early, particularly during seasonal changeovers when demand is higher. Thank you for supporting our Uniform Shop and helping ensure all students are ready for the warmer months ahead.

Hoskins Hall Nears Completion

It has been a real privilege to be involved in the evolution of Hoskins Hall and to watch it take shape over recent months. As we approach completion, the renewed Hall is already beginning to show how it will support the everyday rhythm of College life.

This project represents a significant investment in College life, and it is exciting to see the renewed space almost ready for students, staff and families to enjoy. Hoskins Hall will continue to be an important gathering place for our community, supporting performances, assemblies, celebrations and events for many years to come.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our families for your patience and understanding while these works have affected the Senior School drop-off and pick-up area. Your cooperation throughout this period has been greatly appreciated.

Further details will be shared shortly, and we look forward to celebrating this project with our community and welcoming families into the renewed Hoskins Hall.

As we approach OLE, Rites of Passage, Outback and a number of other trips and experiences across the College, it is worth reflecting on why these opportunities are such an important part of an Oxley education.

OLE is deliberately different from a normal school week. Whether students are camping, hiking, travelling interstate or overseas, completing service, or trying something completely new, these programs provide opportunities for growth that cannot always be replicated in the classroom.

An important part of this is challenge. Students may be tired, the weather may not cooperate, they may have to carry their gear further than they would like, spend time with people outside their usual friendship group. That is part of the value of the experience.

With these opportunities also comes responsibility. The College Code of Conduct continues to apply whenever students are participating in an Oxley program. Expectations around behaviour, respect, language, relationships, following instructions and looking after others remain important throughout OLE, camps and trips. Students are representing Oxley in the wider community and, for some, interstate or overseas.

We have also reminded students of the commitment made by the staff who accompany these programs. Staff spend significant time away from their own families and take on considerable responsibility for the students in their care. Kindness, cooperation and a simple thank you go a long way. The same respect should be extended to instructors, guides, drivers, hosts and the communities our students visit.

Parents also play an important role in setting students up for a positive experience. We encourage families to talk positively about the opportunities ahead, reinforce College expectations and encourage students to approach challenges with an open mind. While it can be tempting to solve every concern or remove every discomfort, part of the value of OLE is allowing young people to work through manageable challenges themselves. Encouraging them to meet new people, contribute to the group and have a go can make a significant difference. Of course, if you have concerns that you wish to raise prior to departure please reach out to your child’s Head of House in the Senior School and classroom teacher in the Junior School.

Not every moment will be easy or go exactly to plan. Quite often, those moments become the stories students remember long after they leave school.

Our message to students, and one we hope families will reinforce at home, is simple: look after each other, be kind to the people supporting you, make good decisions, step outside your comfort zone and have fun.

These experiences are a special part of life at Oxley. We want every student to make the most of them.

Mr Christophe Gauchat
Head of Co-curricular P-12

What inspired you to pursue teaching, and what do you find most rewarding about working in education?

In a previous role, I found myself in a training position and really enjoyed working with people to upskill and build confidence. I eventually came to the realisation that I had lived most of what Design and Technology teaches and knew that was the place for me. The most rewarding part of working in education is being part of something bigger than yourself and seeing that growth happen in front of you.

Tell us a bit about your journey - what led you to teach at Oxley?

My Journey to Oxley was a quick one. When I moved to the Highlands I stumbled upon Oxley on a Sunday drive and was immediately impressed by the grounds. When I eventually moved into education I knew exactly where I wanted to work

What do you hope students remember most about their time in your classroom?

I hope they look back and remember feeling confident enough to back their own ideas and being surprised by what they are capable of making.

When you're not at school, what are some things you love doing or exploring?

 I live on a farm but grew up on the coast, so most of my time off is spent chasing a bit of both. On the farm, it's usually new experiences with the kids and I've always got a project going. Otherwise, we're off on a day trip, usually with good food somewhere in the mix.

What's your favourite thing about the Southern Highlands?

 The weather, the space, and general sense of community.

Across both courses, students have spent the year designing, developing and refining substantial projects for their HSC, from timber furniture and fine craftsmanship to innovative design solutions across a range of materials and technologies. Each student has applied and extended their skills in design thinking, technical processes and problem-solving throughout the journey.

Behind every finished project lies an equally impressive body of work: an 80-page folio documenting the full design and development process, from initial concepts and research through to production planning, testing and evaluation.

The commitment shown by these students has been outstanding. Balancing the practical demands of the workshop with the rigour of sustained documentation, they have developed genuine industry level skills and a deep understanding of the design process.

We warmly invite you to come along, see their finished projects, and celebrate what these students have accomplished.

Celebrate the creativity and artistic achievements of our students as they share their work with the Oxley and wider Southern Highlands community.

Opening Evening
Thursday 24 September | From 6.00pm
Exhibition Viewing
Friday 25 September | 10.00am – 3.00pm
We look forward to welcoming you.

To assist with managing parking and access to Burradoo Park Farm we kindly request that you book a complimentary ticket.

https://www.trybooking.com/DPZQG

Year 12 Study Intensive - Week 10

We are looking forward to welcoming our Year 12 graduates to campus in Week 10 for the Study Intensive.

This is a compulsory program designed to help students build exam stamina in the lead-up to their HSC. Students will work in exam-style seating in the main room, replicating the conditions they will experience on the day, and will have dedicated access to teachers for subject seminars and targeted support.

Students will also be asked to register for wellbeing sessions offered throughout the week. As places in some sessions are limited, we encourage students to register early to secure their preferred sessions.

Morning tea will be provided daily by the Year 12 parents, and the P &F are pleased to offer students lunch on Friday. On other days, lunch may be ordered from the canteen or brought from home.

As the Study Intensive is a dedicated study program rather than a standard school day, students are not required to wear school uniform. Full details are available in the attached schedule.

The Year 12 Study Centre over the holidays 

The Study Centre (Elvo) will be open over the upcoming holidays, with the exception of the public holiday. It will be run by Ms McGuinness and Ms Pascoe, with operating hours from 9am to 4pm.

The focus for the week is independent study and exam practice. With many class teachers away on OLE, this is an excellent opportunity for students to concentrate on sitting practice exams and consolidating their revision.

We wish our Year 12 students all the best as they prepare for this important stage.

NSW School Vaccination Program Catch Up Visit

As part of the NSW School Based Vaccination Program, a team of specially trained registered nurses will be revisiting the College on Monday 21 September to vaccinate students in Years 7 and 10 who were away or missed out earlier this year.

The South Western Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit are required to gain consent from parents/carers to vaccinate students.  Please do not complete the consent if you do not want your child vaccinated.

How to provide consent for your child’s school vaccinations:

1.           To complete online consent, visit https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school_vaccination.

2.           Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to the instructions on this website to create one: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/myservicensw-account/how-to-create-an-account.

3.           Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW, if needed.

4.           Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child. You will need to:

                a.           enter your child’s personal details

                b.           provide the Medicare card details for you and your child

                c.            read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement

                d.           give separate consent for each recommended vaccine.

Vaccinations will only be provided at school if consent has been received.

Students being vaccinated are to wear their sports uniform.

How to Withdraw Consent:

Where consent has been given online, a parent/carer can log-in online and follow the prompts to withdraw consent.  The parent/carer can also choose to provide the College with written notification of the withdrawal of consent.

More Information:

For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination.

If your child missed out and you would like your child to participate in the program, please complete the online consent form by no later than Wednesday 16 September 2026.

Extended Leave Before/After Upcoming School Holidays

Requests for leave for three days or more (or any period of leave that abuts school holidays) are made through the extended leave form on the College website Oxley-College-Extended-Leave-Request.pdf.  Would you please complete this form and return it to me so that it can be approved by either the Director of Students (Senior School) or Deputy Head of Junior School?  Thank you.

SENIOR SCHOOL SPORT

It’s been fantastic to see our summer sports get back out on the courts and fields. Seeing the energy and enthusiasm at the 1st team trials last week was great and bodes well for Oxley this season. We are now into our second week of trials, and I hope to see the same level of energy on display! At the end of this week, we will have concluded our trials, and we will release our team lists and the training schedule for Week 10. Please see the ISA Summer Sports Trial Schedule for further details.

For those involved in Summer Sport, it is worth making a note in your diaries that the ISA Summer Competition starts back very quickly for all sports next term. Round 1 fixtures for all our Basketball teams are on Saturday, 17th October. Round 1 fixtures for all our Touch Football team are on Saturday, 24th October.

On Saturday, we held a training morning at school for our athletes that will be competing at the ISA Athletics Carnival which is being held at Sydney Olympic Park this week. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we had a fantastic turn out from our team to take good advantage of the quality coaching staff that supported the morning. The students used this opportunity to get to know one another a little better, refine their techniques and practice for their events. Good luck to all of our team on doing their best to represent themselves and Oxley proudly!

Miss Tamsyn Kelson
Acting Head of Senior School Sport

Gym hours

Monday – Lunch & after school

Tuesday – Mornings

Wednesday – Lunch & after school

Thursday – Lunch & after school

Friday – Closed

(mornings = 7.30-8.30am, lunch = 1.40-2.20pm, after school = 3.30-5.30pm)

Final Week of Junior School Co-Curricular Clubs

This week is the final week of our Term 3 Co-Curricular Clubs; please note that there are no Co-Curricular Clubs in the final week of term.

Our Term 4 Co-Curricular offerings will be communicated to parents and carers in Week 1 of Term 4.

Week 2 – OLE Week; bookings for Co-Curricular Clubs open

Week 3 – Co-Curricular Clubs commence through to Week 8 of Term 4

Junior Orchestra – Junior School Assembly

The Junior Orchestra will be performing on Junior School Assembly in Week 10 (Tuesday 22 September, 9.00am in the PCC).

Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend and enjoy a performance from our talented young musicians as they share their music with the Junior School community.

Pop In Pantry Fundraiser

Year 3 is proud to support Pop In, helping provide essential food and pantry items to families in our local community.

Any non-perishable pantry items are gratefully accepted.  
Donations can be sent to the Year 3 classrooms or dropped at the Junior School Office.
Every contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference.

Year 3 ‘The Great Navigators’ Showcase

Year 3 parents and carers are warmly invited to join us for The Great Navigators Showcase on Tuesday 22 September.

Come and see the wonderful learning our students have completed throughout our unit and hear them share their knowledge about the explorers, journeys and discoveries that shaped our world. If you have a little time, please drop in and celebrate their learning with us.

Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026
Time: 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Location: Year 3 classrooms

Year 6 Legends and Legacies Showcase

Parents and carers are warmly invited to join us for the Year 6 Legends and Legacies Showcase on Wednesday 23 September.

As part of their Unit of Inquiry, Year 6 students have chosen a legend to explore, researching their lives and achievements before creating a series of engaging presentations to share with the Oxley community.

We look forward to welcoming families to celebrate the students’ hard work, curiosity and creativity.

Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026  
Time: Drop in any time between 2.00 pm and 3.15 pm
Location: PCC

Cancer Council BBQ Fundraiser and Hot Wheels Buddy Time

On Friday 25 September, we will be holding a BBQ fundraiser at lunchtime to support the Cancer Council.

Students are invited to make a gold coin donation and enjoy a free sausage for lunch, with all proceeds going towards this important cause. This fundraiser is especially meaningful to our College community as the Lawford-Smith family will be participating in the Cancer Council Rally.

Students are also encouraged to bring along their Hot Wheels cars to enjoy with their buddy during Nugia Canbe Time, sharing some fun and building friendships across year levels.

Date: Friday 25 September 2026
Time: Junior School Lunchtime
 

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Junior School Sports News

Double Grand Final Champions – A Fantastic Finish to the Football Season!

What a fantastic way to finish an outstanding season of Junior School football, with both our U12 Blue Boys and U12 Blue Girls crowned HSA Grand Final Champions on Saturday!

The U12 Blue Boys secured a thrilling 3–2 victory over Mittagong in an incredibly exciting and hard-fought match, while the U12 Blue Girls produced a fantastic performance to claim a 4–2 win over Mittagong in their Grand Final.

Both teams demonstrated fantastic determination, teamwork and Oxley spirit throughout their matches and should be incredibly proud of their achievements.

Congratulations to all of our players on a wonderful season, and a huge thank you to our coaches, staff and families for their support throughout the year. A special thank you also to everyone who came along on Saturday to support our teams from the sidelines.

A fantastic achievement and a wonderful way to finish the season. Congratulations, Oxley!

Summer Sport Training – Commences Next Wednesday!

A reminder that Junior School Summer Sport training commences next Wednesday 23 September (Week 10) for all competitive basketball and cricket teams.

All families have received information from the Sports Department specific to their child’s sport and age group. Please refer to this communication for relevant season information and requirements.

Training Schedule

All teams will train next Wednesday from 3:30–4:30pm, with no staggered finish times for summer sport.

Training will resume in Term 4 on Wednesday 14 October (Week 1). Please note there will be no training in Week 2 due to OLE Week.

Summer competitions are expected to commence in Week 1 of Term 4.

Parents will shortly be able to view their child’s training schedule via the Co-Curricular tab of the Oxley App. Basketball teams will rotate between the PCC and Kettle Courts throughout the season, with locations listed in the app. Any cancellations or changes will also be communicated through the app, so please ensure notifications are enabled.

Collection After Training

Training concludes at 4:30pm, and students should be collected promptly. Coaches will escort students to the Gateway Building, where they can be collected on foot or via the Junior School Turning Circle.

For Turning Circle collection, please clearly display your family name on the front left visor/dashboard and remain in your vehicle. If collecting on foot, please use the path behind the Gateway Building rather than entering the Turning Circle.

Absences

If your child is unable to attend training or a fixture, please notify the Sports Department at sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

We look forward to a great summer season!

Basketball Singlet Numbers – Final Reminder

Thank you to families who have already provided their child’s basketball singlet number, and to those who have recently purchased a new singlet.

If you have not yet provided a singlet number or still need to purchase one, please ensure this is completed by the end of this week so we can finalise numbers across all teams and avoid duplicates.

New singlets can be purchased from the Oxley Shop. Please email singlet numbers to sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible.

Basketball & Cricket Registrations – Reminder

A reminder to all basketball, cricket and K–1 Cricket Blasters families to please complete their child’s competition/program registration as soon as possible, following the instructions recently sent by the Sports Department.

Please complete registrations before the end of this week so all players can be confirmed with the relevant associations.

If you are unsure of the registration process or experience any difficulties, please contact the Sports Department at sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au for assistance.

Thank you to those families who have already completed their registration.

Term 3 Sport Key Dates

Wednesday 23 September (Week 10) – Final K–1 Sports Development Program session (Netball/Hockey)

Wednesday 23 September (Week 10) – Summer Sport training commences for Basketball and Cricket teams

Ngununggula is offering a range of Spring School Holiday Workshops in the upcoming holidays.  To explore what they have on offer, visit the link below:

Ngununggula What's On

To help you get ready, Moss Vale Rural Fire Brigade will be at Gubbins Mitre 10 Moss Vale on Saturday 19 September and at Moss Vale Showground Markets on Sunday 20 September. Volunteers from your local brigade will be there to provide practical advice and free resources to help you and your family prepare before the fire season begins.

For more information, visit the Rural Fire Service's website at rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare or contact Mittagong Fire Control Centre on 02 4868 5500.

For all details, please follow this link: PartyOn 26

The series includes:

Thursday 22nd October 9:30am – 11:30am - Quick Fix – simple repairs and everyday sewing techniques

Saturday 24th October 9:30am – 11:30am - Make It Last – practical ways to extend the life of clothing and textiles

Thursday 26th November 9:30am – 11:30am - Tattered to Treasure – creative ways to repair and refresh worn or damaged items

Saturday 28th November 9:30am – 11:30am - Visible Mending – decorative stitching and techniques that turn repairs into a feature

Each workshop is $15 per person, per class, and participants are welcome to bring along their own clothing or textile items to work on during the session, making the workshops practical and relevant to what they already have at home.

Bookings are currently open and places are limited.

More information and bookings can be found here:
https://www.trybooking.com/DORXB

For more interesting workshops coming up you can also visit Waste Education Workshops | Wingecarribee Shire Council