Week 8B / 9A
The Oxley Update - Term 4, Week 6B
Key Dates for the Week Ahead
College News
From the Acting Head of College
Round Square is an international network of over 280 schools in 50 countries, united by a commitment to character education and experiential learning built around six core IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
Whilst international exchanges and travel are some of the opportunities available to students of Round Square schools, membership is about far more than overseas trips - it is a philosophy and approach that is woven into the daily life of our school, and the other schools across the world. For example, The Round Square Discovery Framework is a means by which we can enrich every student’s learning experience. Through service projects, leadership opportunities, collaborative initiatives and a curriculum infused with global perspectives, Round Square supports the development of resilience, empathy and a sense of purpose; it empowers young people to step out of their comfort zones, engage meaningfully with the world and discover that “there is more in us than we know" (to quote Kurt Hahn, the founder of Round Square). To be clear, we don’t “need” to be a Round Square school to do these things – but as a truly independent, proudly non-denominational school, the network provides a valuable opportunity to connect with schools around the world that share similar values to Oxley.
2025 has been a significant year for our school’s engagement with the Round Square network, marked by new partnerships, transformative service experiences and a deepening commitment to global citizenship.
Junior School: ‘IDEALS’ Awards and ‘The Heroes of Discovery’
This year, our Junior School has successfully developed and embedded the ‘Round Square Awards’, encouraging students to engage with the six IDEALS—Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. Junior School students have shown great initiative in a variety of activities, including interviewing politicians, organising fundraising and awareness raising activities, volunteering at the local radio station, supporting vulnerable members of the community and numerous outdoor adventures and physical challenges. The focus isn’t solely on the task, but on the meaningful outcomes and reflection it inspires.
Earlier this term, senior staff from Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, a Round Square school on NSW North Coast, visited Oxley and spoke to our Junior School Staff about the Round Square Discovery Framework and the ‘Heroes of Discovery’ – a wonderfully visual way of using superheros as role models for youngest students in order to promote character development including empathy, sustainability, courage and perseverance.
Service Learning: Making a Meaningful Impact
Service is at the heart of Round Square and our students have truly embraced this ideal. Year 9 students contributed an impressive 653 voluntary hours, whilst Year 8 students led the way with 4,992 hours of school organised service, including helping out at the Uniting Church kitchen and pantry, Bushcare, the Bradman Museum and Tangara School. In addition to the benefits to our local community, these activities nurture environmental stewardship, teamwork and a sense of responsibility in our students.
Pioneering Exchanges: Building Bridges Across Australia and Beyond
This year saw our first domestic exchange with St Philip’s College, a Round Square school in Alice Springs, offering a Year 8 student a unique opportunity to experience life in the heart of Australia (see photo below). The exchange fostered friendships and broadened horizons, with students from both schools sharing stories, adventures and cultural insights. The program’s success has paved the way for future exchanges, including an international partnership with a Swedish Round Square school, planned for the end of 2026. These exchanges embody the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism and Adventure, preparing our students to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world.
Professional Learning for Staff
Oxley staff have benefited from a vibrant professional learning support network in Australia, with school visits and networking opportunities at six other Round Square schools. These experiences have fostered collaboration, shared best practices and strengthened our commitment to innovative education. Participation in conferences and workshops has empowered our educators to bring fresh perspectives and global insights into the classroom.
Internationalism: Bringing the World to Burradoo
Our commitment to internationalism was further enriched by hosting two visiting groups:
A Dutch teacher spent three months working closely with Year 6, sharing expertise and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
A group of Japanese high school students visited for three weeks, staying with Oxley families and forging lasting friendships.
Some of our Junior School classes have participated in live Zoom meetings with Round Square schools from around the world, on the topics of “What We Eat for Breakfast” and “Where We Live”. Kindergarten and Year 1 have also been involved in a pen pals program with a Round Square school in India.
Leadership Development: Empowering Students
The Senior School Empowerment Group provides an opportunity for students to show initiative and become advocates: they organised a wonderful International Women’s Day Breakfast featuring a panel of Old Oxleyans and leading women in the community, to discuss women’s empowerment and allyship. The also organised a ‘Masked Singer’ event that raised $500 for a local domestic violence charity.
Engaging in Ethics & Critical Thinking
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 took part in three conferences at Round Square School in Sydney, where they engaged in rich ethical discussions and collaborative inquiry. These gatherings brought together students from different schools to explore complex questions, share diverse perspectives and develop skills in reasoning, communication, and problem-solving.
Major Events: Oxford and Perth
This year, our students and staff attended the ‘Big Baraza’ at Oxford University and the Perth Conference, joining peers from around the world in discussions, workshops and cultural exchanges. These events provided invaluable opportunities for personal growth and the celebration of global citizenship. The Perth Conference, themed “Footprints of Unity,” was especially impactful, bringing together young leaders for a week of adventure, learning and friendship.
Reflecting on the extent of these experiences, it is clear that Oxley has much to gain from our involvement with the Round Square network: there is a strong alignment of the Round Square IDEALS with the College’s Values, Vision and Mission of the College. Whether through service, leadership, cultural exchange or global dialogue, it opens up a myriad of opportunities to enrich our community and help to prepare our young people to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Kind regards
Mark Case
Acting Head of College
From the Business Manager
Action Required: Choose Your Device Option for 2026
Whole School News
Speech Night Next Tuesday
Oxley Shop Update
Round Square Opportunities in 2026
Other Sports
The GD Champs
The race format is Enduro. There are 3 trails, 1-2km in length and mostly downhill, but not overly technical, that you can ride as many times as you like in a two hour period, with your best time on each trail counting towards your result.
There are categories for all ages: U9, U11, U13, U15, U17, U19, elite and masters riders, with school-aged riders’ points contributing towards the George Dummer Cup, which Oxley College has won in all 4 previous editions. The event is run by Oxley MTB Coordinator Meaghan Stanton, through our local club Highlands Trails.
Whether you are an experienced rider or thinking about entering your first ever mountain bike event, this event is for you. George was one to give everything a go, so it would be great to have as many Oxley students riding as possible, embracing that philosophy! There will also be novelty events such as a bunny hop and wheelie competition.
For more information and to enter, go to gdchamps.com. Any questions, email meaghan.stanton@oxley.nsw.edu.au.
From the Community
Ngununggula Student Art Prize Award Ceremony
2025 Kids On Show Exhibition
Zephyr Ensemble
International Day of People with Disability
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!
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