黑料社区

In this week鈥檚 Newsletter, I would like to draw attention to two recent significant celebrations. One being International Women鈥檚 Day; the other, the Feast of Saint Joseph on Friday 19th March, the Patron Saint of Lasallian schools.

International Women鈥檚 Day was Monday 8th March and 黑料社区 celebrated International Women鈥檚 Day #ChooseToChallenge on Thursday 11th March. The Superior General of the De La Salle Brother鈥檚 writes:

鈥淲e would like to specifically note the contribution of Lasallian women who now compose over half of the total personnel involved in the Lasallian Mission. Their presence, undoubtedly, will help construct a community-centred society; help to re-examine ways of thinking; help to situate the entire Lasallian world a bit differently; and help to organize social, political, economic and religious life in a way that can be more intuitive and relational鈥�.

In our uniqueness here at 黑料社区, and governed by a values-based education, it is our intent to form young men and women confident and articulate but also aware of their responsibilities for respect. This year our theme is: Think 鈥� Give 鈥� Get RESPECT, at all times, in all situations.

Pope Francis has named 2021 the Year of St Joseph. St Joseph is the patron of Lasallian schools. Pope Francis says St Joseph, a man who was 鈥榯ender, open to the demands of faith, obedient, creatively courageous and humble鈥�, is a model for all of us. St Joseph lived RESPECT and it is this man whom God entrusted His only Son.

As we conclude this term, I would like to thank parents who have been busy helping their sons and daughters with their transition to 黑料社区, their learning, and the many events they are involved in and are reported on here in this Newsletter. Research indicates if you are connected to your adolescent鈥檚 school life then these students perform better. These many events have included the Senior Play, Battle of the Bands, Greatest Hits Cabaret, and the Junior Musical rehearsals and Open Day. They include ISA Summer Sport including Basketball, Cricket, Touch Football, Rugby 7s and the ISA Swimming Championship.

Congratulations to all students involved in the rich co-curricular life of the College this term. Congratulations to our girl's swimmers who won the Senior Girls Championship at the ISA Competitions and the boys who won the ISA Boys鈥� Basketball Championship.

On this note, Winston Churchill says: 鈥淪uccess is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Never, never, ever, give up鈥�.

Next week starting Sunday 28th March is Holy Week in the Christian calendar. The Easter Season that follows is a message all about HOPE. I will leave you with the following prayer, St Patrick鈥檚 Breastplate, written by St Patrick in 433AD, and hope that it brings you the same comfort and strength, and the hopefulness of Easter, as it does for me.

Take a breath, take time, and take comfort in these words.
I arise today through
God's strength to pilot me, God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to see before me,
God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me, God's host to secure me 鈥�
Christ, be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit,
Christ where I arise, Christ in the heart of those who think of me,
Christ in the mouth of  those who speak of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

Do not let anxiety creep into my life like an uninvited guest.
Release my grip on the helm and trust in the providence of God.
Acceptance of God being in charge brings freedom.
Where clinging to things ends God begins to be.
The collapse of illusions of self-sufficency leaves the heart open to God.

We are saddened to advise that Mrs Lyn Murphy, mother of Mitchell (Class of 2019) and long-serving Maths Teacher at OLMC has passed away last week after suffering a long illness.

We continue to keep Mitchell, her husband Daniel, and the family in our prayers.

Eternal rest grant to Mrs Lyn Murphy.
May all the perpetual lights of the heaven鈥檚 shine upon her.
May her soul and all the souls of the departed,
Rest in His loving peace.
Amen.

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黑料社区 has been working with Hillsbus and have secured an additional government bus, route 2666 which is operating express to Castle Hill Station from 黑料社区. We encourage students to use this service to Castle Hill and transfer to other routes or the Metro. This service started on Monday 15th March.

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.

Also, all students are reminded of the NSW Government COVID-19 regulation that masks must be worn on all public transport.

Ms Deborah Gillis
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

At our Assembly today we acknowledged a number of students who have achieved Level 2 Awards and Lasallian Youth Leader Gold Awards. The College Level System recognises students who have taken the opportunities to excel across a wide range of activities ranging from academic to drama, music, sport and community service.

Congratulations to the following Year 8 students for Level 2 Awards:

Henry Abood, Joshua Foo, Arnav Ghimire and Julius Pearce.

The following Year 12 students are on track to be recognised on our Provincial's Level 1 Board as they have achieved their Level 2 Principal鈥檚 Award:

The following Year 12 students have excelled in demonstrating Faith, Service and Community and received both a Gold Lasallian Youth Leader Badge and a Level 2 Principal鈥檚 Award:

At our College Assembly on Friday 19th March we continued our 2021 theme of Respect. Vice Captains Elizabeth Kitcher and James Houseman spoke to students about each letter in this powerful word which creates meaning and installs actions:

"R" relationships we have for each other
"E" esteem and honour we have for someone or something
"S" safe College environment
"P" parents, peers, friends and family
"E" engaged and challenged to be respectful
"C" consideration and understanding for individuals and groups in our society
"T" to be in a supported and safe environment.

They addressed the College outlining how respect is not a one time action, that it is something we do every day and relies on each and every one of us to do our part. They encouraged our community to strive to continue to Think, Give, Get Respect inside and outside of the College. 

To solidify the students message the Year 9 and 12 leaders have collaborated to make an inspirational video on how respect affects everyone and benefits the community.

You may watch our video here:

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing and Community Liaison Officer

Each year 黑料社区 holds a Sports Lunch for parents, friends and alumni to join us to celebrate sport and raise some funds for the continued improvement of the College's sporting facilities.

Our Guest Speakers will be announced shortly and tickets will go on sale in April, in the interim we ask you to Save the Date for this popular event and stay tuned for more information.

2020 saw the return of a renewed 黑料社区 Student Representative Council (SRC). The 黑料社区 SRC exists to represent students and address the interests and concerns of 黑料社区鈥檚 student body while providing opportunities for all students to develop leadership skills. The 黑料社区 SRC is a formal group of students who represent them, providing a voice for their concerns and needs. Through the SRC, students are able to successfully relay their requests in the yards and classes back to their peers. This communication is essential within our College giving students a voice, advocating for what they find important thereby enhancing our learning environment. The SRC listens to students' ideas and recommends initiatives to the College Leadership Team and assists in implementing them to make the school a happy and healthy learning environment. A candidate of the SRC is a model for the 黑料社区 graduate, someone who aspires to greatness, thinks, gives and gets respect through abiding and encouraging the five College core principles. They present themselves in a respectful manner and are capable of representing the needs of their cohort, ensuring that every individual within the College community can feel valued.

Students from Years 8 to 12 were invited to apply and today we proudly presented to the College the 2021 黑料社区 Student Representative Council:

Year 8
Ryan Day
Joseph Dominguez
Arnav Ghimire
Ashane Jayapragash
Jacob Tamaro
Harrison Valenzisi
Joshua Vaz

Year 9
Nicholas Fischer
Matthew Geoghegan
James O鈥橞rien
Nicholas Odendaal
Aaron Rodrigues
Marcus Valjak

Year 10
Jacob Matta
Jed McDonald-Singh
Beau Summers

Year 11
Daniel Gonzalez
Mikeeli Lake
Liam Milton-White
Oliver Miskovich
Seronique Taylor

Year 12
Fahed Tleyji
Maggie Gibbeson
Olivia Humm
Stephanie Mawad
Charlotte McDonald-Singh
Ella McKinnon

Fahed Tleyji
SRC Captain

What a term it has been! 

Benildus has certainly been keeping busy and, as the term nears its end, this has been seen in our efforts in the Swimming Carnival, International Women鈥檚 Day and Caritas donations. 

Many students from Benildus have stepped up to the challenges of the term, exceeding expectations with their contributions and service. A great example of this is Georgia Simic (Year 12) who has managed to represent Benildus in the Swimming Carnival, in service initiatives, and the Battle of the Bands, raking in valuable points towards the House Cup. Benildus is very proud to have Georgia on the team.

Marco Fogolin and Thomas Lovell
Benildus House Captains

On Sunday 7th March, 黑料社区 welcomed record numbers of prospective families to the College to meet our staff and students and see for themselves that 黑料社区 offers much more than just a quality education.

And once again we were thrilled to have over 1,200 students volunteering their time in some capacity on the day. The feedback from our visitors was a resounding compliment with parents wanting their child to be as confident and articulate as our students. We also welcomed a large number of 黑料社区 alumni who were on the BBQ, gelato stand, sports fields and Performing Arts continually mentoring and encouraging younger students.

It was a wonderful community day with the renowned 黑料社区 hospitality and spirit on display.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing and Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Every day, 黑料社区 celebrates the achievements of women. Centred around our IWD 2021 event, the College has been involved in several initiatives. Led by our IWD Committee and with staff and students' assistance, we produced a video that highlighted why we feel it's important to choose to challenge. In Tutor Time, this video was shown to students and then further discussed. We allowed students to write an individual pledge about what they choose to challenge, and sign their name to our pledge banner. From this we received a considerable number of pledges and support and placed the pledges around our CSC foyer. Our students also created purple ribbon pins which we wear with pride for IWD and accepted donations for Share the Dignity and San Miguel charities.

黑料社区's #IWD2021 event included Guest Speakers: Rawah Arja and Elisabeth Goh who are well placed to speak about choosing to challenge stereotypes and gender bias. They spoke honestly to the audience about the importance of using your voice to call out bad behaviour and stand up when something is not right, to find healthy relationships with people based on your values. One of the many anecdotes they shared included not self-discounting, but to remain positive and true, to follow your passion and invest in yourself allowing you to flourish and find your purpose.

Their experiences resonated with the audience as they spoke candidly of dealing with bias and discrimination around their capabilities and place in society, not only outside of their household but sometimes from within. To seek out mentors and supporters who understand there is no pressure to fit a certain mould. Their heartfelt stories reminded us to value sisterhood and authenticity and not to be influenced by social media.

As so many of our female students are on the cusp of leaving the safe environment at 黑料社区 to enter the 'real world', it is timely to remember that it is not the size of the challenge that we are judged, but how we react and stand up that counts.

A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. So, let's all #choosetochallenge.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing and Community Liaison Officer

A reminder that the 1st instalment for 2021 College 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 you have not already or contact the Accounts Receivable Office on 9899 2288 if there are any matters relating to your statement that you need to discuss.

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

鈥淩ehearsal for Murder鈥� was performed throughout the first week of March by Year 12 Drama students and what an amazing experience it was for both performers and audiences alike. As our final production at 黑料社区 for many of us, involvement in the Senior play will be a memory we cherish forever. Being able to work on this over the past two terms, and finally being able to showcase our skills learned in the classroom, has us well prepared for our upcoming performance majors for the HSC. All of us came together as an ensemble and used our creativity and communication skills to ensure we produced the best production possible. All four nights were sold out, delighting audiences as we had the pleasure of sharing this quirky thriller.  

Liam Bowden
Drama Captain

Two Year 11 students have been presented awards for their studies in this accelerated program, which they completed during Semester 2 of Year 10. Congratulations to the following two girls for their diligence and achievement in this program:

1st Lauren Malysiak
2nd Hannah Cook.

Our Accelerated Studies of Religion 2 Unit course commenced in August last year for invited students in Year 10. The class is a combination of our Year 10 boys, and girls who are joining 黑料社区 officially in Year 11, 2021.

This course is accelerated, meaning that students complete the Preliminary course using a combination of face-to-face teaching and independent learning, in a condensed time period. These students are now completing the HSC Studies of Religion 2 Unit course while they are in Year 11 and will do the HSC examination in October 2021.

Mrs Marianne Castor
Academic Head of Religious Education

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

On Monday 8th March the staff of the College were involved in a Staff Development Day. The day was led by Dr Judith Locke, a clinical psychologist and former teacher who presented an informative four-hour session about student well-being. Dr Judith focussed on practical and proven strategies to use with students and families to ensure that children become confident, capable and resilient. She spoke about modern parenting trends and impacts and then how best to assist students to develop self-regulation, social skills, respect and responsibility. Dr Judith has written two books, The Bonsai Child and The Bonsai Student.

Ms Deborah Gillis
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Year 7 have had at least two lessons in the Library. They are welcome to come in during break time. They should know their way around.

Try this quick Library quiz to see how much they have learnt:

• Can you show me the Library website? u.au
• How do you look up a book? Use the Library catalogue on our webpage
• How do you know where the book is on a shelf? Use the map location tool on the library catalogue
• When is the Library open? 8am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 4pm on a Friday
• How many printers are there in the library? Two
• How do you access an eBook or audiobook? The Library webpage
• What clubs are run by the Library? 鈥� Coding, Virtual Reality, Green screen and Writers Clubs
• What is the Library Code of conduct? Can you play games on your laptop in the Library? No
• What are you reading for 'Just Read' time on Wednesdays?

The CSDA Public Speaking Competition has been running during Term 1. The competition is designed for students to enhance their confidence in presenting their informed ideas in an informative, persuasive and entertaining manner to a public audience. Speeches range from four minutes for juniors to eight minutes for seniors.  There are approximately 70 schools that participate in the Catholic Schools Secondary competition across the Sydney, Parramatta, Wollongong and Broken Bay Archdiocese. Approximately 700 students compete in the competition each year, and the Zone Final sees this pool whittled down to approximately 200.

Today we acknowledged the students who made it into the Zone Finals and competed last Friday. Despite the challenges of presenting over Zoom, all students delivered outstanding speeches, with interesting content and an engaging manner. We are very proud of the efforts of these six students and the staff who coached them.

Buddy-Ray Saliba and Raamis Khan (Year 7); Jacob Tamaro (Year 8); Marcus Valjak (Year 9); Timothy Grehan (Year 10) and Chloe Brennan (Year 11).

Ms Rose Garofano
Assistant Principal Curriculum

Benildus Hall once again came alive on Wednesday Night for our 21st Annual Battle of the Bands competition.

The line-up for the evening featured six finalists:

• Triple Spin 鈥� Marcus Burford, Curtis Rothwell, Harrison Mair and Jack Talty
• Book Club 鈥� Madhav Dinesh, Fintan Riordan, Lachlan Barron, Aaron Ferreira and Georgia Simic
• Borderline 鈥� Thomas Vella, Alex Nielsen, Natarsha Stornelli and Xavier McConaghie
• Valhalla 鈥� Liam Maher, Elia Chaiban, Thomas Vella and Logan Nicholson
• Guilty Conscience 鈥� Gabriella Papallo, Brendan Dias, Jamie Marshall, Oliver Minty and Mathew Clements
• Live Aids 鈥� Thomas Vella, Joshua Clarke, Oliver Drazenovic, Brendan Dias and Jett Peters
• And in a College first, we featured our first ever Junior Band 鈥� Jinxed Magic 鈥� Joshua Vaz, Christian Attard, Gerry Hanckel and Thomas Ankus

Taking out the title for this year (and for the second year in a row which is an outstanding effort!) was Valhalla.

In second place we had Live Aids (who also took out the People鈥檚 Choice Award) closely followed by Guilty Conscience.

It was a fantastic night showcasing some great rock and roll covers as well as some exceptional original tunes. Not to mention the theatrics and the costumes!

The audience had a blast, all of the bands should be extremely proud of their efforts. Live music is BACK!

Mrs Rebecca Madigan
Administration Assistant, Performing Arts

The ISA summer sport season concluded last weekend with 黑料社区 teams playing in Basketball and Touch Football Grand Finals. While our 1st XI and 2nd XI Cricket teams did not make the finals in the shortened ISA Term 1 season, our U14 Cricket team are still flying the 黑料社区 flag in their final on Sunday. The Touch Football girls were excellent all year but lost the final to a classy Oxley College.

The Basketball finals were held at Penrith Basketball Stadium last week and 黑料社区 had 30 teams playing for ISA Premierships. The 1st V boys were the highlight game of the day and although the 黑料社区 side defeated St Augustine鈥檚 in round 1 this season, we were unable to stay with our opposition in the final and had to settle for runners-up in the Division 1 competition. We did have plenty of success and came away with 14 titles. The 13A, 14A and 15A all won their finals early in the day and this meant that 黑料社区 were crowned Champion ISA Basketball school for 2021. Well done to all players and coaches.

At the ISA Swimming Championships at Homebush last week, 黑料社区 came 2nd overall in the Championship and made some new ISA Carnival records. Congratulations to our Senior Girls Swim Team who won the ISA Division 1 Championship. New ISA Championship records were set for the 18-19 age girl category by: Elizabeth Kitcher - 100m Freestyle and Grace Michell - 50m Butterfly. Veronica Fuccencco, Naomi Wong, Elizabeth Kitcher and Grace Michell - Freestyle Relay and Medley Relay. Our boys鈥� teams also did very well coming 2nd in the ISA Championship, Junior Boys came 3rd, Intermediate Boys came 2nd and our Senior Boys came 2nd.

黑料社区 1sts Girls Rugby 7s team won the NSW Rugby Schoolgirls Senior Division 2 Competition at Barker defeating St Scholastica with our 2nds team coming in 4th overall. Great effort girls.

Presentation Evenings

Basketball 鈥� Tuesday 30th March in the CSC:

• U13, U14 and U15 at 5.00pm
• U17 and Opens at 7.00pm

Cricket 鈥� Wednesday 31st March in Miguel Lecture Theatre 鈥� 7.00pm

Swimming 鈥� Thursday 6th May at 7.00pm (Term 2, Week 3)

Spectators and Protocols for Winter Sport

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

Any student that is attending sport (home or away) must be in College uniform, playing uniform or sport uniform.

黑料社区 Sports Lunch

Save the Date for this year鈥檚 Sports Lunch 鈥� Friday 4th June.  Tickets on sale in April via Trybooking. Spread the word around, organise a table and don鈥檛 miss out.

Congratulations to our Swimming Age Champions for 2021:

12 years 鈥� Cohan Sommer
13 years 鈥� William Hopkins
14 years 鈥� Nicholas Pretorius
15 years 鈥� Matthew Ashcroft
16 years boys 鈥� Liam Sankey
16 years girls 鈥� Olivia Howse
17 years boys - Jye McLachlan
17 years girls 鈥� Veronica Fuccenecco
Open Girls - Elizabeth Kitcher and Grace Michell
Open Boys 鈥� Jake Marsden

Champion House - La Salle

Thank you for the GREAT response to our Welcome Event, tickets have now sold out.

This is a Covid safe event and we have emailed all attendees this week regarding important event information. If you didn't receive this email or have any questions, please contact Carina Morales on 0414 412 422 or pandf@oakhill.nsw.edu.au.

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.

黑料社区 P&F Committee

*BONUS eGift Card Offer

You will have the option to choose either a BONUS Woolworths Store eGift Card or a JB Hi-Fi eGift Card in the denomination assigned to the Membership product purchased. You must redeem your choice of BONUS eGift Card within 60 days from the date of purchase from the Entertainment portal. Your BONUS eGift Card will be sent by email within 30 days after choosing your BONUS eGift Card in the Entertainment portal. The link to the portal to choose your BONUS eGift Card will expire on the 14 June 2021.

Choose a BONUS $10 Woolworths Store eGift Card or $10 JB Hi-Fi eGift Card when a Single City Membership product is purchased or choose a $20 Woolworths Store eGift Card or $20 JB Hi-Fi eGift Card when a Multi City or Multi Plus Membership product is purchased between 12:00am Tuesday 16 February 2021 and 11:59pm Monday 15th April 2021 AEST. One eGift Card per product purchased. Offer excludes Entertainment merchant waitstaff offers and Corporate Partner offers.

Woolworths Store eGift Card Terms: View Gift Card FAQs here - . Your BONUS Woolworths Store eGift Card does not expire. Lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced. If you request a refund on your Entertainment Membership within 30 days of your purchase and it is after receiving your eGift Card, the amount of the eGift Card will be deducted from the original value of your Membership purchased.

BONUS JB Hi-Fi eGift Cards Terms. View JB Hi-Fi eGift Card FAQs here - . JB Hi-Fi eGift Cards do not expire. Lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced. If you request a refund on your Entertainment Membership within 30 days of your purchase and it is after receiving your eGift Card, the amount of the eGift Card will be deducted from the original value of your Membership purchased.

*All member offers are subject to terms and conditions. Check individual offers on the Entertainment Membership App or for more information. For all dining offers, it is optional for participating businesses to accept your Entertainment Memberships on all official Australian and New Zealand public holidays, Mother鈥檚 Day, Father鈥檚 Day and Valentine鈥檚 Day. © 2021 Entertainment Publications of Australia Pty Ltd.

黑料社区 is working on the next 黑料社区 Drive and we appreciate our ex-students contribution. Please let us know what has been happening in your life since you last 鈥榳alked down the drive鈥�. Please email your article of approx. 150-200 words, along with photos, to drive@oakhill.nsw.edu.au by Monday 5th April.

Our ex-student database is continuing to grow. Please ensure your details are up to date by completing our Alumni Update Form at:
/alumni-update/

黑料社区 has strong connections throughout our community. We would greatly appreciate it if you could pass this information onto any other alumni contacts that you are in touch with. 

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing and Communications Coordinator

An update on Andy Richards continuing career success. On Sunday 7th March, Andy won The Riversdale Cup in Melbourne with a three-shot victory! 

This is Australia鈥檚 second oldest amateur 72-hole tournament which has been played since 1896. This event is one of the most highly regarded in the Australian Amateur Golf Calendar and this win entitles Andy to play in The British Amateur Championship in Scotland in June. 

His next tournament is the NSW Open on Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th March at Concord Golf Club and we wish him luck.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing and Community Liaison Co-ordinator