黑料社区

At 黑料社区, we strive for personal excellence in all areas of our lives, to be the best we can, accepting, respecting, and empowering others to grow to be the best they can. This ethos is predicated on the College鈥檚 five Lasallian principles: see, think, and do things with the eyes of faith; be accepting and inclusive; respect all; pursue excellence, not mediocrity; be service-oriented and advocate for justice. 

黑料社区 has a long tradition of pastoral care forming good young men and women, the 鈥樅诹仙缜� Graduate鈥� - grounded; connected; compassionate; service focused; other centered; hard-working and aspirational; equipped not only with the appropriate knowledge, competencies and skills but also with the passion to achieve and the values, attitude and ethic to make the world a better place.

Pope Francis in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti (Fraternity and Social Responsibility) wrote in 2020, 鈥淚t is my desire that, in this our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration to fraternity… No one can face life in isolation… We need a community that supports and helps us鈥�.

Rabi Sacks wrote, again in 2020, 鈥淭o begin to make a difference, all we need to do is to change ourselves. To act morally. To be concerned with the welfare of others. To be someone people trust. To give. To volunteer. To listen. To smile. To be sensitive, generous, caring.

This aligns with our theme this year, Think 鈥� Give 鈥� Get 鈥� RESPECT, which is the central focus around which we continue to deliver teaching and learning and pastoral programs, our conversations, our team and spirit building, our culture. 

Lent is a great opportunity to reflect, refocus, refresh, and recommit our lives to goodness. Are we prepared to revise, rework, redo? Are we eager to settle for nothing less than the best? Jesus encourages revisions. His call is nothing less than the call to revise our behaviour, to rework our attitude, to redo our priorities. (Adapted from De La Salle Auckland from 鈥楻ummaging for God鈥� by Melannie Svoboda, SND).

黑料社区 is a community that Pope Francis talks about teaching and preparing young men and women to be men and women for each other.

Pope Francis has written a new book; Let us Dream 鈥� the Path to a Better Future.

One extract on the ecological crisis is worth recounting.

If someone who loves you gives you a beautiful and valuable gift, how do you handle it? To treat it with contempt is to treat the giver with contempt. If you value it, you admire it, look after it; you respect it and are grateful. The damage to our planet stems from the loss of this awareness of gratitude. We have grown used to owning, but too little for thanking.

It is wonderful to see so many attendees at our Friday morning Mass at 8.00am. The good vibes flow through our Chapel allowing our students to have a refreshed and positive mindset to the day. Thank you to our inspirational priests who share their words of wisdom. The student's feedback has been very positive.

We look forward to seeing you.

Mrs Laurainne Marshall
Co-ordinator of Prayer & Liturgy

You may book here: 

黑料社区 is having a Staff Development Day on Monday 8th March and consequently the Uniform Shop will be closed on this day. The Uniform Shop will be open Saturday 6th March. Orders may still be made via Flexischools.

Sunday 7th March is our Open Day from 10.00am-2.00pm. This highly sought after event is already booked out. Thank you in advance to all the students who have volunteered to help out on the day - you are our greatest ambassadors. Don't forget to polish your shoes and if you are a Tour Guide to wear your blazer.

For any families who missed out, our virtual tour is on the website or you may book in for our next College Tour on Thursday 6th May.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing and Community Liaison Co-ordinator

We hope you can join us for our International Women's Day event on Thursday 11th March. 

In our support of International Women's Day and #ChooseToChallenge, 黑料社区 has chosen to support two organisations  and . Both organisations work with vulnerable parents and their children. We are asking our families to make a donation to help someone less fortunate such as deodorant, sanitary items, hair care etc. Students can bring donations and leave them at Student Services or at the De La Salle roundabout each morning.

We look forward to you joining us to hear from our inspirational panellists who will share personal stories and reflections as we collectively #ChooseToChallenge a better future for women

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing and Community Liaison Co-ordinator

黑料社区 Sport hosted Pink Stumps Day on Saturday 27th February. This is the sixth year 黑料社区 has hosted this event, which raises funds for the McGrath Foundation; in particular, funding Breast Care Nurses. Players in Basketball, Touch Football and Cricket came together to support the cause, wearing pink and donating money. 

Our target this year is $3,000. Over $2,300 has been raised with online donations, Saturday's cupcake stalls and donations, pink batting grip sales aiming to push the total beyond our target. We are continuing to sell cupcakes over the coming weeks at lunchtime too. The College is truly grateful for the spirit demonstrated on the day and the time given by the volunteers to assist. You can still donate by clicking this link: 

Mr Murray Fisher
Cricket Convenor

Registrations are now open for 黑料社区's winter sports:

• Netball
• Rugby
• Football
• Hockey
• Tennis

Please register through Trybooking:  Registrations close Monday 8th March.

A reminder that the 1st instalment for 2021 fees (one third of your annual fees) was due on Monday 15th February unless you pay in instalments via School Easy Pay. Fee statements were issued prior to the beginning of term.

Could you please organise payment if not already made or contact the Accounts Receivable Office on 9899 2288 if there are any matters relating to your statement that you need to discuss.

A friendly reminder to parents, as there are changes to suburb names and boundaries in the Hills District, if you have had a "change of address", can you please update your details via the Parent Portal.

If you are always putting off your assessments, here are four reasons why you should start working on your assessment immediately:

1. GET YOUR BRAIN THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
   Even if your assignment is not due for weeks, start thinking about it immediately. At the very least, ensure you review and understand the requirements the day you get your assignment. Even if you are not thinking about it directly, your subconscious will be hard at work.
   One way to do this is to brainstorm ideas or to underline and define keywords/phrases in the assessment notification. 
   
2. FIND LIBRARY AND ONLINE RESOURCES:
   Although the College or local Library may not be your main source of reference, you should drop in soon after receiving the assignment. Your teacher will probably have alerted our Librarians to the assignment, and reference books etc, may well be displayed. These will disappear quickly if the whole class has the same assignment. Reference books can sometimes be a useful general overview for an assignment and they help clarify a direction as you begin to immerse yourself into the assignment topic. Your librarian can also guide you to online journals or databases that may be useful. 
   
3. STARTING EARLY MEANS MORE TIME TO EXPLORE AND ASK FOR HELP IF NEEDED: 
   If you do some initial research on the assignment, you could find yourself needing more direction in your next research. For example: Perhaps there isn鈥檛 enough information, or perhaps you find you don鈥檛 understand important concepts, or perhaps you need to speak to your teacher to get further clarity. If you find this out early, you will still have plenty of time to plan, research, write and present your assignment. Imagine if you didn鈥檛 start your assignment for a week or so, and then discovered you needed more guidance. You could easily run out of time. Starting early also gives you a long time to think through and develop your ideas. 
   
4. CREATE A SAFETY NET:
   Starting your assignment immediately will give you a safety net in case you get sick or something unexpected happens. Assignments are usually given over a period of time because they require more time; students must plan a strategy or schedule to ensure they are completed. You should always have a schedule that allows for the unexpected.

So get started today!

Learn more this year about how to improve your results and be more efficient and effective with your schoolwork by working through the units on  - 黑料社区鈥檚 access details are: 

Username:        foroakhillonly
Password:         41results (the 1 is a number)

Ms Rose Garofano
Assistant Principal Curriculum

In the 鈥榃elcome to 2021鈥� Newsletter the Junior Class Structures at 黑料社区 were outlined. Many parents have been interested to learn more about what is expected in Stage 4 Enrichment classes. 

The philosophy underpinning our enrichment stream classes is one of encouraging maximum engagement with curricular and co-curricular programs offered at our school. In terms of curriculum, the minimum expectation is that students will apply themselves diligently to their learning.  This means that they need to demonstrate timely completion of tasks set in all of their subjects and they are expected to engage positively with their learning, conducting themselves at all times in a respectful and cooperative manner in class.   

The introduction of Enrichment classes at 黑料社区 also aligns with the State Initiative to target students early so they can consider alternative educational pathways such as subject acceleration or choosing to study Extension courses in Stage 6 (Year 11 and Year 12)**, both of which are offered to students of 黑料社区.

In Years 7-10 core subjects e.g. English, Maths and Science are split into two lines on the timetable. For English, Math and Science there are three Bands on each line. The first Band is an Enrichment class (Class 1 and 7) followed by an Advanced band, then a Standard band. The students within the bands are reviewed each year, based on data such as formal assessment performance, informal assessment performance, NAPLAN and Allwell.

Class numbers 1 and 7 in Year 7/8 English, Maths and Science are the Enrichment classes in 2021. 

How will Teaching and Learning be different in Enrichment Classes?

Teachers will differentiate the teaching and learning for the needs of high ability students. 

This can be achieved in a variety of ways, including:

• Selecting more challenging texts or resources for students
• Increasing the pace of learning
• Increasing the depth or breadth that concepts or ideas are explored in
• Focusing on the complexity of concepts or skills
• A more independent or student-led style of learning.

It should be noted that at times it may be the case that differentiated teaching and learning is not appropriate. This would be especially true when students are learning the more complex concepts or skills which curriculum demands. These decisions will be made by the teacher based on the needs of students in the class.

Some of these teaching and learning opportunities may also be available to students in Advanced bands, depending on the needs of the class. 

How will Students be Assessed in Enrichment classes?

Students in all bands - Enrichment, Advanced and Standard - will undertake the same formal assessment tasks as the whole cohort. 

It is important to note that students in the Advanced and Standard bands are not precluded from achieving top-marks in formal assessments.

Class-based assignments and projects will be adjusted to meet the needs of the Enrichment class. Students in Enrichment classes may complete independent research projects or enter competitions as a part of their class-based assignments. Appropriate class-based assignments will be determined by the teacher using their knowledge and understanding of the class.

What other opportunities will be available to students in the Enrichment Program?

There are many extra-curricular activities available to students in the Enrichment program, including da Vinci Decathlon, Tournament of the Minds, Ethics Olympiads, Science Challenges and the Sydney Writers鈥� Festival. Due to the limited nature of these opportunities, they are by invitation. Students should check their emails regularly as this will be the primary form of contact. 

If you have any questions, please direct your enquiries to the Co-ordinator of Staff and Student Development, Mrs Edwina West via email: ewest@oakhill.nsw.edu.au 

** Disclaimer: Students in Enrichment classes are not automatically guaranteed access to subject acceleration or special elective courses.

Mrs Edwina West
Co-ordinator of Staff and Student Development

On Friday 26th February, Year 8 Visual Arts students were involved in a cultural immersion day. It was a day that started off acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, followed by a presentation by renowned artist Jamie Eastwood (Mugudun). The students asked a range of pertinent questions, developing a deeper understanding of the artist and his practice. Following the presentation, students participated in a hands-on workshop, creating sculptural animals using a weaving technique with a range of found and natural materials. Ms Karen Isaacs and Mr Jack Steward played an important role throughout the day, inspiring and encouraging the students as they created their own work.

A highly successful and important day for the students as they learnt to appreciate the indigenous culture, journey stories and power of visual language. 

Some of the feedback from the students:

鈥淭he incursion was great because it was an immersive art-making experience.鈥�

Max Fischer

鈥淚t was a good experience because we learnt something new, and how to make animals in sculptural form using yarn and other materials鈥�

Muhammad Abdullah

鈥�The incursion was good because we learned about aboriginal culture, and the visiting artist Jamie Eastwood鈥檚 work was detailed and time intensive. It was quite amazing.鈥�

Lucas Archer

Mrs Marie Hogan
Academic Head Visual Arts

Some upcoming dates for Year 7 and 9 parents:

NAPLAN Practice Tests 2021
Year 9 Monday 22 March P1-2
Year 7 Monday 22 March P3-4 (for students not attending camp in the first half of the week)
Year 7 Friday 26 March  P3-4 (for students not attending camp in the second half of the week)

NAPLAN 2021
Year 9 and 7
Tuesday 4 May
Wednesday 5 May
Thursday 6 May

NAPLAN Catch 鈥� Up 
Year 9 and Year 7 Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 May

Minimum Standards
Year 10 (and Year 11 students who have not passed the tests in Y10 2020) 鈥� Tuesday 30 March and Wednesday 30 March. 

All testing will be conducted in the DE Examination Centre. Students will need a fully charged laptop for the tests.

Details of the days will be communicated to students in the following weeks.

Mrs Rose Garofano
Assistant Principal Curriculum

If you are not already using Edrolo, you could be missing out.

Edrolo is a curriculum-focused resource with video lessons, exam practice and more. Students have 24/7 access to experienced teachers on any device. Students can use Edrolo to reinforce their understanding, get ready for exams, come to class more prepared, or even catch up if away from school.

Stage 6 students:
A reminder to activate your Edrolo account ASAP at to access the premium Stage 6 study tool. Then visit for quick tips on getting started. 

Parents, find out more by clicking  

Ms Rose Garofano
Assistant Principal Curriculum

As you would no doubt be aware, the NSW Government has made it mandatory for anyone travelling on public transport to wear a mask. 

黑料社区 has been contacted by an inspector from the CDC bus company who has asked that we reinforce to all students travelling on buses that mask-wearing is mandatory. 

Please ensure that your child has a mask at all times and is encouraged to wear it when travelling to and from the College on transport, or fines will apply. 黑料社区 has been giving students masks at the bus stop, but from Monday 8th February all students need to supply their own mask.

Thank you for your support,

Ms Deborah Gillis 
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Hillsbus has advised the College of a change to a number of services commencing Monday 15th March:

• New - Route 2666 will operate express to Castle Hill Metro Station. We encourage students to use this service to Castle Hill and transfer to other routes or the Metro.
• 2052 will commence five minutes later.
• Route 2571 and 2590 will have a minor path change near Rouse Hill Station.
• Route 3552 is removed from the advice sheet as no student uses the service.
• Route 3173 will no longer operate via the Castlewood area in Castle Hill. Affected students should catch Route 660 at 07:32 to Castle Hill Station instead.

Please click the link for further information: 

The College reminds all students that they must have a valid Opal card to travel on school buses and must tap on and off morning and afternoon, as this is how the government determines bus routes.

The Library is now using SORA to access ebooks and audiobooks. Click on ebooks from the Library website to access the SORA collection or download the app on your phone or laptop, search for 黑料社区 and sign in with your regular 黑料社区 login details. 

We have a library of over 2,000 titles for students to access at any time day or night. 

Inspired by educator and student feedback, SORA was created to make reading exciting, remove distractions and to promote a focus on learning.

• Easy to use, one tap to get inside a book
• The largest catalogue of ebooks and audiobooks…
• Exportable notes, highlights for collaborative learning
• Personalized with book recommendations and learning tools like dyslexic font, enlarged text, Read-Alongs and audiobooks
• Badges and achievements to engage students
• Same experience on all devices
• Direct support for readers provided by OverDrive
• And lots more...

Visit the and click on ebooks to start using SORA today.

Please visit our Library staff if you have any questions or have trouble borrowing titles. 

黑料社区's Battle of the Bands is on again. Wednesday 17th March at 7.00pm in the Benildus Hall. Tickets on sale Monday 8th March at w.

黑料社区 is proud to announce our Greatest Hits Night on Friday 19th March in the Benildus Hall. Tickets go on sale on Monday 8th March via: .

The Visual Arts Department regularly celebrates the achievement of our students. We have some exceptional young artists at 黑料社区, who excel in many of the different expressive forms we explore. The month of February was dedicated to our Year 9 Elective Visual Arts students, who are creating a series of work which depicts their interpretation of what a hero means to them. 

Max Procter was selected as our Artist of the Month with an amazing artwork exploring a firefighter and how they are seen as heroes in the lives of many Australians after the bushfires of 2020. Max is an exceptional young artist, who has a sophisticated drawing style, he is always willing to experiment and challenge himself by exploring new mediums and techniques. Congratulations Max, a fantastic achievement for a talented Visual Arts student. 

Ms Nadina Hazon
Visual Arts Teacher

Oakfest is on again. Time to start filming.

Mrs Rachael Manning
Visual Art Teacher

It has been a massive first couple of weeks back at school in all aspects of College life, we both hope everybody is settling into the new school year well. Summer sport made a big return this term, with various fixtures across cricket, touch football, boys鈥� and girls鈥� basketball with many teams enjoying great success with outstanding results across all sports. 

Congratulations to the boys 黑料社区 Swim Team on their victory at the Barker Invitational Carnival last Friday. The girls came close against Barker, placing second.

This week we had our own invitational Swim Carnival where we hosted Barker, St Aloysius and a Western Sydney Aquatics team. The boys maintained their fine performances winning the Junior Boys Shield and the Overall Champion School Shield. The girls got their revenge against Barker after a close loss last week. Led by Elizabeth Kitcher, the girls won the Senior Girls Shield. The 黑料社区 Swim Captains, Jye McLachlan and Elizabeth Kitcher, look forward to leading the team in our Grand Final next Wednesday at the ISA Swimming Carnival. Sydney Olympic Pool is allowing two spectators per athlete.

Team of the week

1st Girls Basketball came away with a great win against Blue Mountains on the weekend.

Pick of the Yard

1sts Boys Basketball team playing St Pius away at Oxford Falls. A victory on Saturday will secure a sport in the grand final next weekend.

Spectators and Protocols for Saturday 6th March

黑料社区 sports venues are allowing one parent/guardian spectator per player. All spectators, staff and coaches need to sign in via Service NSW QR code.

Winter Sport registration closes this weekend 鈥� Don鈥檛 miss out

Registration for all Winter Sports is now open through Trybooking on the 黑料社区 website and closes on Monday 8th March:

• Rugby -
• Football (Soccer) boys and girls -
• Netball -
• Hockey (girls only) -
• Tennis -

黑料社区 Sports Lunch

Save the Date for this year鈥檚 Sports Lunch 鈥� Friday 4th June

Thank you for the GREAT response to our Welcome Event, we have no tickets available for the event.

The P&F appreciates the ongoing support from our College community and apologises to those who may have missed out. 

There are many more events to come this year so stay tuned for more information.