Week 8B / 9A
The Oxley Update - Term 4 Week 7A
Key Dates for the Week Ahead
Whole School News
Speech Night Next Tuesday
U16 Social Media Delay - Information for Families
Oxley Shop Update
Senior School News
From the Head of Senior School
This is why we mandate all our students’ attending camps, playing at least a season of sport and taking part in service learning alongside their academic studies. At this time of year, I like to issue a reminder to keep HSC Rankings in perspective when they are published over the break
HSC Perspectives
One of the most interesting pieces of feedback we received from the MMG survey last year was related to parents’ expectations of HSC results, where 49% of parents said their expectations were not met, compared with only 7% who said their expectations were exceeded.
This data included parents from Kindergarten to Year 12. There is much to unpack here. I would, however, urge any of these parents who voted contributing to the red bar, to have an open mind. Unfortunately, the SMH rankings released each year only paint a small part of the picture and do not take into account the challenge level of the subject, only the proportion of students who achieves a Band 6.
If you are interested, take a look at this research that questions not only the ranking system, but also the structure of the HSC itself.
Our graduate attributes: students who are - independent critical thinkers, creative and curious problem solvers, confident, socially aware communicators, purposeful collaborators and challenge ready, combined with them achieving an ATAR to allow them to get into their preferred course is our goal. We want each student to achieve their best and I am excited to see how our cohort goes this year.
Of course, the groundwork for this success in Year 12 starts much earlier. The habits and attitudes formed in Junior School then the development over Years 7-10, as students narrow down their subject choices all play a part in their success. Study Skills in Year 7-10 was a new initiative this year and the impacts of that will not be seen for a few years.
Come Thursday 18 December, our 2025 Year 12 will get their results. Whilst there will undoubtedly be excitement, pride and for some disappointment within individuals among the cohort, I am very proud of the young people they have become over the time at Oxley. When they look back at their time, their favourite or proudest moments may not be their ATAR or mark in a particular subject, but the time they spent with their cohort on Outback or in Nepal, their performance in Mamma Mia, Chicago or another dramatic or musical performance. A speech delivered or a debate won, a resilient sporting team overcoming adversity or the confidence they gained knowing their teachers had their back.
Ultimately, it is the journey and the growth our students experience at Oxley that truly defines their success, leaving them well-prepared to make a meaningful impact wherever life takes them.
Kind regards
Tristan Bevan
Head of Senior School
Year 10 French Incursion - Friday 28 November
Students should bring in a plastic container with lid to take home some of their Yule Log, which students will be decorating in class.
Paul Dillon
Paul Dillon is making his annual visit to Oxley College on Monday 1 December. He will be running workshops for students in Year 9, 10 and 12.
Paul Dillon has been working in the area of alcohol and drug education for almost 30 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) he has been contracted by many organisations to provide updates on current drug trends, as well as advice on alcohol and other drug issues. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure they have access to quality information and best practice drug and alcohol education.
Academic Assessment Testing
At Oxley College, our goal is to help every student grow. To support this, we use Academic Assessment Testing alongside NAPLAN and our own assessments. These tests provide valuable insights that help us track progress, tailor teaching, and offer personalised support. Learn more about how we use this data to strengthen learning and wellbeing across the school by reading the full article here.
Booklists for 2026
Booklists and Stationery Lists for 2026 are now available on the College website: Texts and Stationery | Oxley College. Instructions for how to order from Box of Books are also available. Please order by Sunday 7 December 2025.
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!
Alumni Visit - Dr Bethany Grice
Oxley alumna Dr Bethany Grice (2019) is returning on Friday 28 November to speak to students in Years 10-12 about a career in Medicine. Bethany has recently graduated from UNSW, she is looking forward to speaking to students who are interested in Medicine or learning about what it is like to study at University. Interested students should go to the Library at lunchtime on Friday.
Senior School Sport
Senior School Sport Update
Oxley Twenty20 Cricket – Thursday 4 December
The Oxley College 1sts Cricket team will be hosting a Twenty20 Cricket fixture against Moss Vale tomorrow (Thursday 4 December) on Founders Field. We invite you to come along and support the team and enjoy what is sure to be a fun and exciting end to the year. There will be a Sausage Sizzle, cold drinks and ice creams available. See you there!
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.
On Reflection
This Week in Pre-K
Pre-Literacy Highlights
This week in PreLit, the children focused on building their oral language skills through blending and segmenting sounds. They were introduced to the letter sound /w/ and participated in End Sound Snap, practising their ability to listen for and identify final sounds such as /s/, /t/, /m/ and /p/. These activities strengthen early phonemic awareness, helping children develop the foundational skills needed for confident early reading and spelling.
Mathematics Exploration
In Mathematics, the children explored the concept of length. Together, they brainstormed vocabulary such as long, shortest and tall, and applied this understanding by ordering a variety of objects according to their length. These hands-on tasks support their mathematical thinking, comparison skills and ability to use descriptive language with increasing accuracy.
Pre-K Engagement Inside and Outside
Throughout the week, the Pre-K children enjoyed engaging in a rich variety of indoor and outdoor play experiences. Indoor play encouraged creativity, problem-solving and fine motor development through activities such as construction, drawing, role-play and small-world play. These experiences help children practise turn-taking, communication and persistence in a calm, focused environment.
Outdoor play provided opportunities for physical growth, social interaction and imaginative exploration. Activities such as climbing, jumping, digging and group games helped strengthen their gross motor skills, balance and coordination. Outdoor environments also foster teamwork, confidence, resilience and a sense of curiosity as children investigate nature, negotiate shared spaces and participate in active play.
Together, these inside and outside experiences support the children’s holistic development, allowing them to learn through movement, creativity, exploration and play.
From the Community
Cricket - Sydney Thunder Holiday Events
2026 MMJ Wollongong Aquathon - 26 January 2026
2025 Kids On Show Exhibition
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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