principal s reflection - oakhill college€¦ · and the enduring challenge is to find time....

OAKHILL eBULLETIN—2nd September 2016 : Oakhill.nsw.edu.au

God’s compassion for you is greater than the troubles you have.” (Med 38.1) The last two weeks have again shown Oakhill’s wonderful

capacity to reflect on our actions, and to effect change. Changes that make us better. On Tuesday night our Major Works Exhibition was opened with an array of writing, film, art in various medium, design work and extra-ordinary metal and timber work. This showcase of student excellence saw students and teachers from schools across greater Sydney visiting as guests to look at the range of work and the level of accomplishment. Tonight we have our Father’s Day Liturgy. It’s good for us to simply take time to reflect in gratitude on the relationship between father and son/daughter – it is one of the most potent relationships we humans experience. Sometimes, it is the most challenging of relationships, as the inevitable tensions arise of a son or daughter stretching their wings. Our relationship with our fathers in the modern context can be challenging because communication between father and their children – the male thing – can be tense, awkward or largely absent. Relatively, few of us males, young or old, are really good at the communication thing, even though my experience is that it is on an improving curve. Our families and schools are generally busy entities and the enduring challenge is to find time. Though, with even a little time, if there is energy and presence it is meaningful.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

3 SEPTEMBER

9.30am-12noon Uniform Shop

Open

Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh

Practice

7pm Lasallians Without Borders

Fundraiser (CSC)

4 SEPTEMBER

Father’s Day

7 SEPTEMBER

Year 7, 2017 Preliminary Tests (DE

Exam Centre)

8 SEPTEMBER

R U OK? Day

5pm Boys’ Football Presentation

Evening (CSC and Foyer)

7.30pm Girls’ Winter Sports

Presentation Evening (CSC and

Foyer)

9 SEPTEMBER

COMMERCE MARKET DAY

3.30pm-4.30pm Lasallians Without

Borders Parent/Student Meeting

(CSC Foyer)

10 SEPTEMBER

Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh

Practice

2pm-4pm Reunion Class of 1996

(CSC Foyer)

Principal’s Reflection

TERM 3 Volume 4 2nd September 2016

This morning I spent 15minutes in the playground with my son and 20 minutes with my little girls as they showed me though their classrooms. For dads who are time poor our challenge is to make the time we have valuable with our presence. We do need to make that time, whether it be around a common interest or passion, or in some other way, where time together is built into the week. It is also about finding a language in which to communicate interest, commitment and love. It is why too, we need occasions such as Fathers’ Day to reflect on, and celebrate this key relationship in the human story. Part of our story is that of Nathan Gremmo, and yesterday Oakhill was part of Jersey Day, now a national awareness campaign for organ donation. Nathan Gremmo was critically injured and became an organ donor; his last and most amazing gift was to save the lives of six people – including five young adults and a baby. Hours before his death he wrote on his Instagram account, “You only live once but if you do it right once is enough”. Wise beyond his years, he definitely was an extraordinary young man. Nathan’s family are still active in our community and yesterday saw a sea of colour as our students dressed in their favourite jersey. The generosity of spirit that exists at Oakhill whether evident in the action of one or that of the many, was also visible on Wednesday with our Mission Action Day. Our senior students and Mission Team invested enormous effort into making a complex day look simple. Staff and students invested in the theme of the day and over the


Events & Information

MISSION ACTION DAY

Last Wednesday, the good citizens of Oakhill gathered for a day of solidarity. Under overcast skies and moderate temperatures 1350 students set out to walk 15km for our brothers and sisters in Pakistan and Papua New Guinea. With ‘80 for 80’ as our catch-cry, some walked, some limped, some ran and one lad even got around in a wheel chair! The superhero theme was well on display with staff and students alike getting into the spirit. Familiar Marvel, DC and Disney characters were represented. Upon arrival to school, students were greeted by Shrek and Donkey, Wonder Woman and ‘Bumble Bee’ and a host of famous caped crusaders. A highlight of the walking course was the opportunity to stroll through our neighbouring Anglicare Village. The residents and our walkers were treated along the way to a wonderful music showcase led by a very suave looking Mr Anthony Timmins, replete in his Bond-esque dinner suit. Balloons and disco music met the walkers at Benildus Hall as they completed each lap,

PRINCIPAL’S REFLECTION...cont.

coming weeks we will see how close we get to the goal of “80 for 80”. Finally, Wednesday next week is the Parents and Friends AGM. The P&F meeting offers an opportunity to hear a little more directly about the comings and goings with in the College, how we are addressing some of the challenges and the inventions that are in place. I encourage parents to attend the night and discuss the priorities of the College. Mr Jonathan Byrne Acting Principal

reinvigorating them for another go around. Once the walking course was completed, students were treated to generous serves of curry and rice. As if that wasn’t enough, after lunch students were treated to a series of fun (and somewhat competitive) ‘It’s a Knockout’ styled challenge events. These activities provided fitting entertainment to end the day. Special thanks to the MAD Organising Committee led by our Coordinator of Solidarity, Mr Chris Goodman, for what was a tremendous spirit day for our College. Now that the walk is over, we move to the next phase, which is the collection of sponsorship money at the Student Services office. Students are asked to submit their sponsorship card and money in an envelope clearly labelled to show student name, House and Homeroom. Students are asked to have all sponsorship money submitted by Friday 16

th September (end Week 9). All

monies raised throughout the year from our various house-based fundraisers will also go towards our MAD total. Early in Term Four we will be in a position to present our total contribution to the Lasallian Foundation. Many thanks to everyone who helped make Wednesday such a terrific day. Live Jesus in our hearts! Mr Andrew Millar Assistant Principal Mission



PARENTS & FRIENDS

Oakhill College is blessed with many individuals stepping up to give their time or talent in a number of areas/events within the College Community. The Oakhill Parents and Friends have a mandate that goes beyond the organisation of key College events. This mandate is largely dictated by what parents and friends ask of us, or share with us. This can include special guest speakers addressing hot topics, or organising evenings which provide an opportunity to have direct interaction with specific areas of the College, e.g. Sports. In recent times our meeting attendances have been very low. We would like to understand how we can turn this around so that we can maintain an active committee within the College. Your input would help us in this understanding. We encourage and welcome your attendance at our Annual General Meeting on September 7th, in the CSC Foyer. I look forward to seeing many parents and listening to your ideas on how we can improve the delivery of our mandate and increase participation. At this meeting we will vote in our executive for the following year, namely President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. Nominations are now open and can be submitted to me at [email protected] . We also welcome parents or guardians who want to join the Committee. Please note that joining the Committee does not require you to participate in the organisation of College events. Regards and God Bless. Chris Moyon President, Oakhill Parents & Friends

Thank you to the local community and the 60 senior Lasallian Youth

Leaders who raised $2700 for the St Vincent de paul

Door Knock Appeal.

This week our College acknowledged JERSEY DAY. One of the highlights of the day was the large number of Dads who also donned a jersey and played touch with their Year 7 sons before school. JERSEY DAY is a simple concept designed to raise awareness of The Organ and Tissue Authority and the DONATE LIFE network. It is hoped that Jersey Day encourages conversation about Organ Donation. JERSEY DAY has been inspired by the story of NATHAN GREMMO an Oakhill Year 8 student who was tragically lost in an accident last year. Nathan’s family chose to give the gift of life to others through organ donation to honour the legacy of Nathan’s generous personality. This campaign is all about raising awareness. Please visit www.donatelife.gov.au for more information about how you can help.

mailto:[email protected]


FRENCH INCURSION—CRÊPES

As part of our unit on food in Year 8 French, we learnt how to cook savoury and sweet crêpes. A French chef conducted the cooking lesson and he gave us professional chef hats and aprons which made us feel like actual chefs. It was a very practical lesson as we first learnt kitchen courtesy. We also learnt safety in the kitchen, including where and how we needed to stand. Then we learnt how to follow French recipe instructions.

To make the crêpes we were divided into two groups. One prepared the mixture while the rest cooked the crêpes. We learnt the perfect time to flip them over and how to know when they were fully cooked. We even learnt how to actually throw them up, flip them in the air and catch them in our crêpe pan properly. Finally it was time for the toppings. For the savoury crêpes we put on ham, cheese and a special French sauce called béchamel sauce. The sweet crêpes were topped with lemon and sugar.


This was a great experience for all of us because we learnt about French culture and some of the language related to French cuisine. We learnt to name some new foods and to understand recipe instructions. The best part was that we got to eat some authentic French food. Miam miam!

Jeremy Farrell, 8.4 French

PARENTING SNAPSHOTS

This video minute features Dan and Liz Carrick, parents of four small children, talking about a simple practical strategy to foster resilience in children. Watch and enjoy, then please copy and share to your friends. https://snapshot.raisedtolove.com/2.html Dr Andy Mullins Director, Drummond Study Centre, Victoria

MIDDLE DURAL PUBLIC SCHOOL

125 Year Anniversary Middle Dural Public School invites all ex students and their families to attend the 125 Year Anniversary on Sunday, 11th September, 2016, 10 am to 3pm. Formalities commence at 12.30 pm. For more information please telephone 02 9651 1761 or email [email protected] or Facebook.com/MDPS The First 125 Years.

THANK YOU TO MOBYDISC FOR

THEIR GENEROUS DONATION OF A

KARAOKE MACHINE FOR MAD

https://snapshot.raisedtolove.com/2.html




Talia Morris and Erin Kavanagh (Year 12 students) have been nominated to represent the College in the Hawkesbury – Hills Student Leadership Programme. This programme sponsored by The Hon Dominic Perrottet MP and local businesses involves students undertaking a service project as an alternative to ‘Schoolies Week’ at the end of the year. Talia and Erin along with students from other local schools will travel to Uluru-Ayers Rock in the Northern Territory to do service work and learn alongside the students and staff at Nyangatjatara College’s campuses in Yulara and Docker River. Over the course of the year Talia and Erin have had the opportunity to have been mentored by some of Australia’s finest leaders. Their most recent programme mentor was Professor, The Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, former Governor of NSW (pictured with Talia and Erin). The College wishes Erin and Talia well in their adventure and acknowledges the initiative and support of The Hon Dominic Perrottet MP and local businesses in sponsoring this programme.

HAWKESBURY—HILLS STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

Laws regarding tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products There appears to be an increasing use and availability of e-cigarettes in our society. The use of these products is illegal by children under the age of 18 years and they are prohibited items for all of our students. All parents and students are informed of the following laws regarding the sale of tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products or e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories to minors.

A person must not sell a tobacco product to a person who is under the age of 18 years.

A person must not sell a non-tobacco smoking product to a person who is under the age of 18 years.

A person must not sell an e-cigarette or e-cigarette accessory to a person who is under the age of 18 years.

TOBACCO AND NON-TOBACCO PRODUCTS

UNIFORM and GROOMING

A reminder that all students must wear their College Blazer to and from school. The College rain jacket must NOT be worn as a replacement to the College Blazer.

All students must maintain well-groomed hair at all times. Extreme styles, undercuts, tracks or lines are not permitted. Dramatic layered effects or levels are not permitted. Boy’s hair must be above the shirt collar and must not hang over the eyes and face.

Boys must be clean shaven at all times.

It is at the discretion of the College as to acceptable uniform and grooming.

CHEWING GUM

Chewing Gum is a contraband item and should not be at school.

BORROWING MONEY

No students should be borrowing money from other students for use at the College canteen. Students must bring their own money and if seen asking others for money will be addressed by staff.

REMINDERS

Christ the King Parish, North Rocks, is holding their

annual HSC Youth Mass at 6pm on Saturday, 24th

September.

This Mass is a celebration to show support and offer prayers for current Year 12 HSC students as they prepare for their examinations.

ANNUAL HSC YOUTH MASS



3rd SEPTEMBER

$12 PER PERSON—TABLES OF 10

BOOKINGS ARE OPEN NOW AND CLOSE MIDNIGHT,

2ND SEPTEMBER.

BYO DRINKS AND NIBBLIES

TO BOOK CLICK ON THE LINK

https://www.trybooking.com/

MHVY

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE,

CLICK ON THE TRYBOOKING TAB

AND FOLLOW THE PROMPTS.

On Thursday 8

th September all students are permitted

to wear modest, neat, casual and preferably yellow clothing with closed footwear to acknowledge R U

OK? Day.

R U OK? Day is organised by The R U OK? Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging all people to regularly and meaningfully ask 'are you ok?' to support those struggling with life.

For more information visit www.ruokday.com.

Wednesday

7th September

7pm, CSC Foyer

https://www.trybooking.com/MHVY

https://www.trybooking.com/MHVY

https://www.ruokday.com/



CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM

During our excursion to the Museum of Contemporary Art last Thursday, we met contemporary artist, Hayden Fowler, who discussed and analysed his work called ‘Dark Ecology’ 2015, which contained the three elements human, technology, and nature, combined with the subject of a futuristic apocalyptic igloo. We then completed a workshop with the artist, recreating one of his artworks on a smaller scale. This involved creating small trees out of branches, scrap timber and paddle pop sticks. The artificial tree was given texture and volume by covering the surface with calico dipped in a mixture of plaster and black oxide. We took a short tour around the museum and looked at the multimedia artworks within ‘New Romance: art and the post-human’. These artworks combined kinetics, video, the everyday and the human, to create challenging and often shocking artworks. Hayden Fowler then asked us to take our artificial trees into the multimedia room. There we created differing lighting effects and considered how Fowler created his video ‘New World Order’ 2013. Overall it was a very good experience in learning about current artists and we were all grateful that Br Tony managed to park the College bus at the Quay! Phillip Banno, 9 PDM 1

STATIONERY COLLECTION

Oakhill College and the other seven Lasallian schools in

Sydney have joined forces to lead a stationery drive for

the Lasallian schools in Papua New Guinea due to the

lack of resources and also because having these items

will assist the teaching and learning environment of the

schools and training facilities in PNG.

Oakhill College students have been asked to provide

NEW OR UNUSED items as follows:

Year 7-Coloured pencils

Year 8-Pencil Cases

Turon-Blue tack

Mutien- Pencil sharpeners

Miguel- Pens

Benildus- Erasers

Solomon- Pencils

La Salle- Notebooks The collection boxes are located in the Deans’ offices.

The Lasallian PNG drive starts on 5/9/16 to 22/9/16.



HSC VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION

On Tuesday 30th August, Year 12 Visual

Arts and Technical and Applied Studies students displayed their major works in the annual exhibition in the Centenary Sports Centre and Benildus Hall. Strong support of student body, parents and friends was shown with over 500 visitors on the night. The calibre of work was high, media and material use was diverse and artworks resolved. Students demonstrated refinement of skills and clever conceptual articulation in the making of their works. An enjoyable evening, filled with affirmations and laughter as well as wonderful music from our buskers. Thank you to all the Visual Arts TAS, IT and Maintenance staff for the tremendous time and effort in putting the showcase together. From here the Visual Arts works are sent away for marking. We wish our students all the best and congratulate them on their efforts.



JERSEY DAY…..YEAR 7

On the morning of Jersey Day, many Year 7 fathers and their sons were joined by the Gremmo family for a games morning, followed by a BBQ breakfast. At the conclusion of the morning, Year 9 students, and Nathan Gremmo's best mates Jack Breene and Bailey Liddicoat, along with Nathan's dad Michael, spoke to the group about the importance of Jersey Day to our community and the importance of raising awareness around organ donation, inspired by the life of Nathan.



Oakhill Rugby Club is holding their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 15th September 7:30pm at the Castle Hill RSL. Objectives of the Rugby Committee

To provide opportunities for students to participate in Rugby as an extracurricular activity.

To support the College in the development of Rugby programs which provide opportunities for students to represent the College.

To enhance the reputation of the College through student and staff participation and achievement in Rugby.

To support the recognition of student achievements through Rugby.

To encourage students to participate fully in the life of the College through Rugby.

To raise funds in support of these objectives.

To provide avenues to support fundraising for the wider school community.

We are seeking new members to join and bring some fresh ideas to the committee. We are planning to continue our excellent Canteen and BBQ operations as well as holding two social events next year and would like to expand the number of committee members in support of these activities. You can join the committee as a general member without the need to assume an office holder position. Please email [email protected] or call 0409 364 973 to confirm your attendance. Oakhill Rugby Committee

School Fees were due on

22nd July.

Payments can be made via the front

office, by the Payments portal on the

top right-hand corner of the Oakhill

homepage, or via the following link.

http://www.schooleasypay.com.au/oakhill/

OAKHILL RUGBY CLUB

TERM 3 ENDS 3.15PM

THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

TERM 4 COMMENCES 8.35AM

TUESDAY 11 OCTOBER

SUMMER UNIFORM IS TO BE

WORN


http://www.schooleasypay.com.au/oakhill/


SPORTS


the 2nds and 5ths as Premiers which, in turn, resulted in Oakhill College being named as Champion ISA Tennis School for 2016. Well done to all our tennis players and special congratulations to the outstanding 1

st V. Steve

Fogarty also deserves a massive pat on the back for his exceptional coaching of the boys and organisation of the tennis program. Waratah Shield runners-up The 1

st XV Rugby side played St Augustine’s in the final

of the Waratah Shield this week. After losing the final game of the ISA competition after leading most of the season, the 1

st XV of 2016 were looking to be only the

second Oakhill side to win the Waratah Shield alongside the 1994 team. Leading at halftime, the Oakhill boys unfortunately fell victim to a few things not going their way and went down in a tight one, 10-13. Students’ achievements Well done to Flynn Angles-Corke (Year 9) for his selection in the NSW All Schools touch football team. Flynn and Oakhill’s Sports Captain, Jacob Harrington, have been recognised this year for their outstanding ability on a touch football field. Jacob goes into camp this weekend to prepare for the Touch Football State of Origin against Queensland. Congratulations to Flynn and Jacob. Presentation nights

Boys’ Soccer – Thursday 8th September at 5pm

CSC.

Girls’ Sport – Thursday 8th September at 7.30pm

in the CSC Foyer. Full winter uniform is to be worn by all players. Basketball Basketball trials are this Saturday in the CSC. Times are;

U13 (mainly Year 7) – 8am-9.30am.

U14 (mainly Year 8) – 9.30am-10.45am.

U15 (mainly Year 9) – 10.45am-12pm. Year 7 (U13) will also have a final trial on Wednesday 7

th September.

Registrations are overdue. Go to Trybooking to register for ISA Basketball. If registrations are closed, please contact Mr Troy McMurrich or Mr Wisemantel at the College.

The winter season closes with all of our students doing a fantastic job in representing the College throughout the ISA season in a sportsmanlike fashion that the school is very proud of. Thanks to all students, staff and ex-students for your involvement this season and to our parents for the support you offer the boys and girls each week. While all of our students excelled as good examples of Oakhill, some of our teams ended at the very top of their competitions as premiers for 2016. Congratulations to our ISA Premiers for 2016:

1sts Netball

4ths Netball

6ths Netball

7ths Netball

1sts Tennis

2nds Tennis

5ths Tennis

2nds Soccer

3rds Soccer

16B Soccer

14D Soccer

3rd XV Rugby

5th XV Rugby

13C Rugby Team of the Winter season There were many teams that excelled in their own way but there were TWO Oakhill teams that were simply exceptional this season. The Girls’ 1sts Netball went through the 2016 ISA Division 1 competition as undefeated Premiers. The final against Barker was close until the final quarter where the Oakhill girls took control. They started to dominate and did not look back. Oakhill dominated the ISA competition so much this season that we put our 2nds into the Division 1 competition alongside our 1sts. The 1sts this year were a classy and complete team and the premiership was well deserved. Well done girls and coaches Ms McCluskey and Kate Scholz on a fantastic season. Our 1sts Tennis team has had a strangle hold on the ISA competition for the last decade and we continued our domination this season. With an impressive win against St Pat’s in the final last week, the Oakhill 1sts have won 9 Division 1 titles in the last 10 years. Captained by Tyrese San Diego, his team consisted of Andrea D’Aprile, Christian Habkouk, Luke DiDio and Corey Kavanagh. The 1sts Tennis team was joined by


Dates and Canteen

Monday

5 September

I Paras, C Brigden, L Fox,

E MacMahon, S Macko, M Sekulic,

S Sirianni, C Trainor, A Geale.

Tuesday

6 September

M Carnevale, C Brown, J Carlos,

S Ranieri, S Smith, L Basso,

D Terracciano, T Yee.

Wednesday

7 September

M Cilento, S Dahlen, A Day,

S Dunkerley, M O’Leary, B Short,

F Tsagaris.

Thursday

8 September

D Attard, C Galluzzo, J Stewart,

R Johnston, C Long, D Chetcuti,

D Bliss.

Friday

9 September

A Bowles, J Alphonse, L Cook,

L Gallagher, K Grace, M Jones,

K King, L De Stradis.

Monday

12 September

K Bonanni, L Barron, I Hunt, J Love,

D Miller, M Neilson, S Daly,

D Watkins.

Tuesday

13 September

S Tsakos, V Abood, K Hargreaves,

C Moujalli, P Mobilia, A Schweikert,

A Tongue (Micallef).

Wednesday

14 September

M Cavallo, T Skuodas, K Gremmo,

KJ Corcoran, K Koutzas, J Lawton,

S Madden, R Simic, F Foote.

Thursday

15 September

T Cowling, K Brennan, A Catanese,

A Papadimatos, N Joseph,

L Watters, F Moc, S Papallo.

Friday

16 September

J Lawrie, M Foster, J Joseph,

L Dolores, C Gracie, M Catania,

D Hemming, C Smolinski.

CANTEEN ROSTER

REMINDER

THE COLLEGE UNIFORM

SHOP IS OPEN

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY,

8.00AM—11.30AM.

3 SEPTEMBER

7pm Lasallians Without Borders Fundraiser (CSC)

4 SEPTEMBER

Father’s Day

7 SEPTEMBER

7.00pm Parents & Friends AGM (CSC Foyer)

8 SEPTEMBER

R U OK? Day

5pm Boys’ Football Presentation Evening (CSC and

Foyer)

7.30pm Girls’ Winter Sports Presentation Evening

(CSC and Foyer)

9 SEPTEMBER

COMMERCE MARKET DAY

3.30pm-4.30pm Lasallians Without Borders Parent/

Student Meeting (CSC Foyer)

10 SEPTEMBER

2pm-4pm Reunion Class of 1996 (CSC Foyer)

12 SEPTEMBER

Year 11 Exams Commence

13 SEPTEMBER

Year 10 Outward Bound Information Night

7.00pm CSC

DATES TO REMEMBER

principal s reflection - oakhill college€¦ · and the enduring challenge is to find time....

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