The Oxley Update - Term 4, Week 4B

These occasions are among the most important in our calendar, when we welcome students from Pre-K and above into the Oxley community. We have planned a distinctly Oxley-style orientation experience, designed to ensure new students and families feel genuinely welcomed and confidently connected from the very beginning of their journey.

It was also wonderful to see our community in action last Saturday at our Supporters’ Day. I had the pleasure of manning the BBQ and speaking with parents, students and alumni who returned to show their support. My sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time and enthusiasm; your involvement strengthens the connection and pride that defines Oxley.

Thank you to all parents and carers who have already completed the MMG survey. It will remain open until Sunday 16 November. MMG Education are leaders in school stakeholder research; with 150 schools in Australia and New Zealand taking part, including many independent schools, the data from the survey enables us to compare our results with benchmarks for similar schools, analyse our performance relative to the previous MMG Education surveys we have conducted, and therefore identify and target areas for improvement. In short, the feedback you provide contributes to making us better.

A reminder for parents of children in Years 6-12 that they may opt-in to the School-Issued (and School Managed) Device Program in 2026. To do so, please complete this Expression of Interest by 4.00pm on Friday 28 November. Parents/carers of children currently in Year 4 who may wish to provide a Parent-Owned (School Managed) Device for Year 5 2026 and Year 6 2027, rather than have the School-Issued Device, will have an opportunity to make this choice.   A Broadcast was sent earlier this week to Year 4 parents advising how to opt-out of the School Managed Devices for Year 5 & 6.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Parents & Friends Association for their generous support in funding the purchase of 25 iPads. These devices align with the specifications of our school-managed device program and which will commence being rolled out from the start of next year. This represents a key outcome in our 2025-2027 Strategy, so it is wonderful to have the P&F actively supporting us and helping to strengthen the learning experience for both our Junior and Senior School students. Thank you!

We’ve also been very mindful of our HSC students completing their final exams nearby. Out of respect for this important time, noisy onsite work has been deliberately paused to provide the best possible environment for our Year 12s. With exams now concluding, you’ll soon notice increased activity onsite again as the project moves into its next stage.

If you’ve walked past the site recently, you’ll have noticed the new Hoskins Hall renders now displayed along the construction fencing. These give a wonderful preview of the finished building - a modern, flexible performance and gathering space that will serve students and the wider Oxley community for many years to come. We’ve also included the renders below for you to view in more detail.

The Hoskins Hall refurbishment remains a key part of our long-term College improvement plan, and we’re excited to see this important space taking shape.

Osborne Road Gate

If you enter the College via Osborne Road, you may have noticed that our new security gate is now operational. This gate has set opening times and includes swipe-card access for staff, ensuring controlled entry throughout the school day.

The introduction of this system is an important step in enhancing safety and security around the College - particularly for our Junior School students, whose learning areas are located closest to that entry point. We appreciate our community’s support as we continue to strengthen both access management and student wellbeing across the College.

Warm regards

Em Cassin
Business Manager

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION: 

5.00-5.45pm 
TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
Clocktower 6&7
Facilitated by Ms Genevieve Whiteley, Director of Students

RSVP here: Navigating the U16 Social Media Delay 

Social media is a big part of how many young people connect, learn and express themselves — but it’s also an area that continues to evolve rapidly. The Australian Government, through the eSafety Commissioner, has recently introduced new social media age restrictions that come into effect from 10 December 2025. These changes mean that most platforms will no longer allow Australians under 16 to create or maintain accounts.

The goal isn’t to punish or limit connection — it’s about giving children a little more time to grow the social, emotional and digital skills they need before stepping into the world of social media. Many parents will know firsthand how fraught this space can be: long screen hours, comparison pressures, exposure to inappropriate or distressing content, and even cyberbullying. The new regulations aim to give families and schools some extra breathing space to help children develop healthy, balanced online habits.

If you’re wondering what this means for your family, the eSafety Commissioner’s page Social Media Age Restrictions and Your Family is an excellent starting point. It explains the changes clearly, offers practical advice for different age groups, and includes conversation starters you can use at home.

The key, as always, is connection. Talk with your child about how they use social media now — what they enjoy, what worries them, and what helps them feel safe. Be open about the changes, explain that they’re designed to protect rather than restrict, and reassure them that there are still many ways to stay connected with friends both online and offline. You might also want to revisit your family’s approach to technology — where devices are used, how long for, and what boundaries feel right for your household.

If you’d like more guidance, the eSafety team is also running a series of free webinars for parents and carers to help unpack the new rules and offer tips on managing this transition.

As a school, we’ll be talking to students over the rest of the term about what this means for them, what actions they can take to preserve any photos they have online before accounts are deleted (or in some case deactivated) and we will continue to support students in building digital literacy and wellbeing skills. This is a great chance for families and schools to work together — helping young people use technology in ways that strengthen, rather than strain, their sense of connection and confidence.

As we plan for 2026, we are interested in hearing from members of our Oxley community who would be willing to share their expertise in the areas of Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Legal Studies and Commerce.  If you would be happy to help our students gain an insight into aspects of law, running a business (SME or global), marketing, finance, operations, human resources, economic policy, financial management, crime, police powers, town planning or regenerative agriculture, please get in touch.

Ruth Shedden
Head of Social Sciences
ruth.shedden@oxley.nsw.edu.au

Any student who travels to school using Picton Buslines should read the following 2026 School Bus Pass Information.

As a tight-knit community with core values of kindness and courage, we aim to exemplify these through Movember, encouraging males to speak up about their health, and to have a safe space to do so. If you would like to contribute to the fundraising effort, please click here to go to our Movember team page.

Punctuality to School

I spoke to the students about punctuality to school yesterday. Students arriving late has an impact on their learning and of others in the class when there is a disruption to the flow at the start of the day.

I gave examples of some of our Year 12 students who, having recently navigated very early starts on Outback, are now managing to arrive in better time for school, whether for Period 1 or Period 0 at 7.42am.

One of our Year 12 Graduate Attributes is to be ‘curious & creative problem solvers’. I challenged students to think about how they can overcome obstacles to ensure their arrival by 8.40am. Does this involve setting the alarm 10 minutes early, assisting siblings to get organised or, perhaps, sending an Outlook invitation to parents as a reminder that it is time to leave. School buses may be an option and if they are late to school this is not recorded against a student's absences.

Please collaborate with us in this area as cars driving through the drop zone after 8.40am, whilst students are crossing to get to their maths classes in Period 1, is a safety hazard that could easily be avoided.

End of an Era for Year 12 2025

As each day passes this week, more and more students are sitting their final HSC Examinations. This means fewer times to see the 2025 cohort. They have navigated the HSC Examination period, which finishes with Physics on Friday, exceptionally well. There have been numerous students working with their Year 12 teachers in the Study Centre in ELVO and I wish them the best of luck as they await their results and move towards their next stage of life whether that it is University, a GAP year or the workforce. As always, I urge them to view their results with perspective. The ATAR will not define them and if they have passion and drive, they can continue to chase their dreams and future goals.

Senior School Orientation Day

I am looking forward to the Senior School Orientation Day on Thursday next week. We will welcome students from Oxley Junior school and numerous other schools on this day as well as students in joining Year 8-11 in 2026. Our new Year 7 students along with our current Year 8 students will undergo academic testing to assist in our class placements and to track progress. At Oxley we are informed by data and this forms one piece, which is independent of the previous experience of each student and gives us a snapshot of where they are placed academically.

Kind regards
Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School

Year 8, 2026 Elective Selections

Year 7 students have been spoken to by Ms Patterson & Ms McGuinness, who have outlined the Year 8 elective selection process. Your child has received the Year 8 Electives Booklet via email yesterday. This booklet outlines the elective options available for Year 8 in 2026. We encourage you to review the information together and discuss which subjects they would most enjoy and benefit from in the coming year. Apart from French the choices are not a pre-requisite for Stage 5 or Stage 6. As long as students meet the deadline, no priority will be given to those who submit their preferences early.

Within the next 24 hours, your child will receive an email containing a unique web code and instructions for submitting their elective preferences through EDVAL. Students are required to nominate two preferred electives and two reserve choices for each semester. Please note: if your child intends to continue studying French in Year 9 (2027), they must select that elective for at least one semester in 2026. Japanese and Latin are not being offered as elective options in Year 8.

While we strive to accommodate as many first and second preferences as possible, electives may not run if there is insufficient student interest. All preferences must be submitted by Monday, 10 November at 5:00 PM.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact Ms Dene Patterson, Head of Academic Operations.

Year 8 Academic Assessments – Thursday 13 November 2025

On Thursday 13 November, from 8:45am to 12:30pm, all Year 8 students will participate in two assessment sessions conducted by Academic Assessment Services. These assessments are designed to evaluate students’ literacy, numeracy and reasoning skills.

Students are asked to proceed promptly to the PCC to ensure the sessions commence on time. They will only require their pencil case, and recess will take place at the usual time.

Academic Assessment Services specialises in the design of high-quality academic assessments in key areas of the curriculum. The data obtained from these assessments will assist us in identifying areas where enrichment or additional support may be required. This information is invaluable in ensuring that we continue to develop and deliver a curriculum that enables every student to achieve their academic potential.

Please note that these assessments do not provide a definitive measure of your child’s abilities. Accordingly, individual results will not be shared directly with parents.

Year 10 French Excursion Monday 10 November

Students are to be dropped off at Franquette Creperie, 329 Bong Bong St in Bowral at 6.00pm and picked up at 7.30pm. Appropriate casual clothing may be worn.

Year 7, Year 10 and Catch Up Vaccinations - Monday 10 November, 2025

Please see the Parent Resources page on Oxley Connect for all the information relating to Visit 3 for Vaccinations. Vaccinations will occur on Monday 10 November.  Paper consent forms are available at Student Services if required.

Year 7 to 10 Yearly Examinations

Year 10 Yearly Examinations

Year 10 Yearly Examinations will take place on Wednesday 19, Thursday 20 and Friday 21 November. The main cohort will be seated in the PCC and provision students in DLS-05 and DLS-07.

Year 10 Yearly Examination Timetable

Student should be familiar with Exam Procedures and Protocols 7 – 10 

Mrs Madden has emailed students who are eligible for provisions and students need to accept or decline these by the end of Week 4.

If your child is unwell on the day of an examination, please email the school as soon as possible. In addition to this, you will require a medical certificate which covers all the days your child is absent.

Year 9 Yearly Examinations

Year 9 Yearly Examinations will take place on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 November. Students studying Accelerated Mathematics will sit their exam with the Year 10 cohort on Friday 21 November in the morning session. The main cohort will be seated in the PCC and provision students in STW-04 and CTW-05.

Year 9 Yearly Examination Timetable

Student should be familiar with Exam Procedures and Protocols 7 – 10

Mrs Madden has emailed students who are eligible for provisions and students need to accept or decline these by the end of Week 4.

If your child is unwell on the day of an examination, please email the school as soon as possible. In addition to this, you will require a medical certificate which covers all the days your child is absent.

Year 8 Yearly Examinations

Year 8 Yearly Examinations will take place on Monday 17 November and Tuesday 18 November. The main cohort will be seated in DLS-02 and DLS-03 and provision students in DLS-05 and DLS-07.

Year 8 Yearly Examination Timetable

Student should be familiar with Exam Procedures and Protocols 7 – 10

Mrs Madden has emailed students who are eligible for provisions and students need to accept or decline these by the end of Week 4.

If your child is unwell on the day of an examination, please email the school as soon as possible. In addition to this, you will require a medical certificate which covers all the days your child is absent.

Year 7 Yearly Examinations

Year 7 Yearly Examinations will take place on Monday 17 November and Tuesday 18 November. The main cohort will be seated in CTW-06 and CTW-07 and provision students in CTW-04 and CTW-05.

Year 7 Yearly Examination Timetable 

Student should be familiar with Exam Procedures and Protocols 7 – 10

Mrs Madden has emailed students who are eligible for provisions and students need to accept or decline these by the end of Week 4.

If your child is unwell on the day of an examination, please email the school as soon as possible. In addition to this, you will require a medical certificate which covers all the days your child is absent.

Senior School Christmas Hamper Appeal

Oxley Senior School is once again proud to partner with Community Links to support their annual Christmas Hamper initiative. We invite families to contribute by donating non-perishable goods and festive items to help bring joy to those in need this holiday season. Donations can be brought to Mentor Group and must be received by Friday 28 November.

A list of suggested items can be found here.  thank you for your generosity and support!

Tupperware for Collection

Thank you to all our families who contributed so generously to the Senior School World Teachers' Day morning tea.  Plastic containers can be collected from outside Student Services.

Remembrance Day Poppies

The Oxley Pipe Band is selling poppies, supplied by the RSL, to wear on Remembrance Day. The funds raised from these sales will be kindly donated to the Pipe Band. Poppies are $5 each and can be purchased from the Junior School Office.

Amazing Me

During week 8, our Year 5 and 6 students will be engaging with a qualified external provider Rowena Thomas from ‘Amazing Me”.   ‘Amazing Me’ specialises in providing primary aged children, parents, and educators with positive and empowering personal health and development information.   Information surrounding the program has been communicated to Parents and Carers via the Oxley App.

Year 5 parents are also invited to join the Parent & Child Online Evening Program on Thursday 13 November.
Please give permission for all three lessons through the Oxley App (mobile phone) or Parent Portal (computer). Students will be unable to participate without the written permission of a parent or carer.

Junior School Orientation / Move Up Day - Wednesday 12 November 

On Wednesday 12 November Junior School K-5 students will spend the morning session as a cohort in the classrooms allocated for 2026.  This will give them the opportunity to experience what their potential classrooms will be like as they move up a grade next year.  They will not find out who their specific teacher is for 2026, as classes and their teachers will be announced towards the end of term.

On this day we will also have new students joining classes for Orientation. This day will be mufti day for all Kindergarten to Year 5 students, and normal classes will resume after recess.  Year 6 students will join in the Senior School Orientation Day on Thursday 13 November.

Head of Senior School Breakfast - Year 5 & 6 Parents

Parents/Carers of students in Year 5 and 6 who would like to find out more about the Senior School are invited to join Tristan Bevan, Head of Senior School for a small group breakfast in the Pavilion. This is an opportunity for parents to ask questions regarding the Senior School in a small, informal setting.  A light breakfast will be provided along with coffee and tea.  Please note this breakfast is designed for parents only and is limited to 16 parents at a time.  Bookings can be made via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/DGLGJ.

Sports Draw Saturday 6 March

2026 – ISA Round 7 

Please note that the first round of ISA Summer Sport in 2026 will take place on Saturday 31 January (students return to school on Friday 30 January). All students involved in ISA Summer Sport are expected to participate in this round despite the short turnaround. Teams will receive further information and reminders early in Term 1.

2026 – Term 1 Sport Training 

All 1st teams (Cricket, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Girls Touch Football and Softball) will train on Thursday 29 January (3.30pm – 5pm).

There will be no other sport training in week 1. All Summer Sport teams will resume training as usual in Week 2, Term 1 (Week beginning Monday 2 February).

Bus Drop-Offs – ISA Away Games

Due to the redevelopment of Hoskins Hall, buses for away fixtures will now depart from the bus stop on Railway Road (next to Founders Field). Students should be dropped off via the main driveway or the Junior School turning circle. For safety reasons, students must not be dropped off directly on Railway Road at any time.

Update – Morning Swim Training 

Unfortunately, due to poor attendance in recent years, we have made the difficult decision to no longer run the morning Swimming Training program for Senior students at Bowral Pool. We are exploring other ways which we can support our swimmers in the lead up to the Oxley and ISA Swimming Carnivals in 2026.

Junior School Cricket Fixture – Oxley vs Edgecliff Preparatory School

This Friday 7 November, a selected Junior School Oxley cricket team will play against Edgecliff Preparatory School as part of their Canberra Cricket Tour. The match will take place at Bray Fields, commencing around 9:15am.

We wish our Junior School Cricket Team the very best of luck as they represent Oxley.   Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend and support the team.

A Strong Start to the Summer Sports Season

Congratulations to our Junior School students on an outstanding start to the summer sports season!
Over the past three weeks, we have seen fantastic results across our cricket and basketball teams. It has been wonderful to see students displaying such strong sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play both on and off the court and field.

A big thank you to our parents and carers for their ongoing support and for being mindful of our coaches’ time on Wednesday afternoons by collecting students promptly after training.

Reminder – Preparing for Summer Sport and PE

As the warmer weather approaches, please ensure your child comes prepared for all PE lessons, Wednesday sports training, and Saturday games with:

Their correct PE/sports uniform
A filled water bottle
Their school hat for sun protection
This supports students in having a safe, healthy, and positive experience during sport and PE.

Basketball Registrations – Action Required

A reminder that several basketball players are yet to complete their registrations. Please ensure your child is registered as soon as possible.
Registration can be completed either through the office at the Moss Vale Basketball Stadium or via the link previously shared by the Sports Department. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Sports Department if you have any questions sport.admin@oxley.nsw.edu.au.

‘Ready, Set, School!’

Our ‘Ready, Set, School!’ Pre-K program is designed to ease the transition for our Pre-K children as they prepare for their exciting journey into formal education. Through engaging activities, interactive play, and hands-on learning experiences, the children develop essential skills such as independence, social interaction, and emotional readiness. The program includes a variety of experiences like school-themed storytelling and role-playing classroom routines, aimed at building confidence and familiarity with the school environment. By fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere, our goal is to ensure that every child feels excited, prepared, and ready to take on the adventure of starting school.

This week the children engaged in Orientation Day where they were given the opportunity to see their new classroom, teachers, and routines before the year begins. The aim of Orientation Day is to reduce first-day nerves, build confidence and allow the children and teachers time to get to know each other a bit better. We hope this will support the children in a smooth transition to Kindergarten in 2026.

Audrey: “I am excited about starting Kindergarten. I look forward to still being able to see my friends and meet my new teacher. I hope I learn all about animals. I might also meet some new friends.”

Josh: “I am excited about starting Kindergarten and I hope I get to play lots of games like Lego. I don’t know what I will learn about, but I do get to play in the big playground and get to do all sorts of things.”

The Highlands community has been eagerly awaiting the return of our quality, curated markets, and we’re thrilled to announce the return under all NEW management!

Highlands Youth Hub is offering Barista Workshops every fortnight from 21 October - 12 December.  Find out more here:  Barista Course Community

The families will have the opportunity to discuss their child, work through a planning tool and learn about the home school partnership. 
Interested families can learn more about the workshop and register here: Positive Partnerships - Registrations

Join us for this community FREE event celebrating 

International Day of People with Disability

December 3 at Lake Alexandra Mittagong

Hosted by Interchange Australia and Proudly Supported by Mittagong RSL

RSVP essential for lunch to events@interchangeau.org otherwise just turn up and enjoy the day!