the oakhill drive - oakhill college · recommendation of brother steve, and we are pleased with his...

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r Jonathan Byrne was appointed Deputy Principal of Oakhill

College in fourth term, 2010 and this year served the College

as Acting Principal. Jonathan’s dedication and commitment to

our College over the last 6 years has been extraordinary. He oversaw

two BOSTES inspections and ensured that our College not only met

compliance but received strong affirmation from the accreditation team

in both of these processes.

Jonathan is a personable and creative leader who successfully

initiated many changes. There was not an aspect of the College that

did not come under his scrutiny and review. He has led the teaching

and learning environment with the promotion of student centred

learning and staff professional development. He took a pivotal role in

the welfare of staff and students and always demonstrated genuine

concern and compassion for their well-being. (continued over)

volume 35 | november 2016

The Oakhill Drive

THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au1

This year the Board of Directors led one of the most important

processes for a governing board, the recruitment of a new Principal

to commence at oakhill College in 2017. We are acutely conscious

that oakhill College is one of the few schools in Australia to have

an almost unbroken history of Brother Principals. In consultation

with the Brother visitor, Brother David Hawke FSC, it was our great

pleasure to appoint Brother Steve Hogan FSC. Brother Steve has

led a number of significant De la Salle schools, including his last

placement as Principal of laSalle College in Hong Kong. He brings

great experience and vision to oakhill. As we close this College

year we should pause to reflect on the generosity of spirit that has

been shown to us by these men of God, and give thanks for the

opportunities that they have made possible, starting with St John

Baptist de la Salle himself. Parents, staff and friends of the College

were notified of this change in leadership by Chris mcNicol, Chair,

oakhill College Board of Directors in the letter that follows.

t is with great pleasure that I advise you that today (19 July 2016)

Brother Visitor (Provincial), Brother David Hawke FSC, came to Oakhill

College to announce his decision to appoint Brother Steve Hogan

FSC as the next Principal of Oakhill College, commencing in 2017.

The Board of Directors worked very closely with Brother Steve over an

extended period to ensure he was the right candidate for Oakhill College.

We are unanimously agreed that Brother Steve will continue the Founder’s

vision of a human and Christian education for the young, especially the

poor, according to the Ministry entrusted to us by the Church.

The Board of Directors offered Brother David our unreserved

recommendation of Brother Steve, and we are pleased with his

appointment to Oakhill College as Principal in 2017.

With our congratulations to Brother Steve comes our thanks

to Mr Jonathan Byrne for his excellent service to Oakhill College

as Acting Principal. Jonathan will continue to serve you and lead

you with his characteristic hallmark of excellence until the school

year closes. At that time he will take up his own Principalship at St

Augustine’s College, Brookvale.

As the year progresses we will keep you informed of the

transition arrangements between Mr Byrne and Brother Steve. The

appointment of a Principal is one of the biggest events in a College’s

life, and we commend to you Brother Steve as an excellent steward

of the Oakhill College traditions and aspirations.

Chris McNicol - Chair, Oakhill College Board of Directors

I

m

2THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au

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Having grown up in the Hills District and now a dedicated real estate agent in the area, David Choy is honoured to be involved in the Oakhill College community through sponsorship and events.

A constant focus on customer service, excellence and complete satisfaction is the driving force behind David Choy and his team in assisting people with their move.

David is vastly accomplished in his field as one of the leading agents for the McGrath group and has been selling in the Hills District for 19 years.

David and his team pride themselves on their hard work, honesty, integrity and results and are the most reliable choice to handle the negotiation of your greatest asset.

David Choy will donate $500 to Oakhill College for every property listed and sold with McGrath Castle Hill by a parent or friend of the College. Don’t forget to mention this when discussing your listing with David Choy or one of his staff.

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He played a major role in

the Human Resources area

and brought to the College

knowledge and authority on

matters of technology.

Jonathan had a visible

and active presence at all

school events including

his support at numerous

sporting fixtures. He

would travel the country

side to visit students

on Camps, Retreats and

Outward Bound. If he was

not attending a College

overseas tour himself he was always at the airport wishing our

travellers farewell. Frequently he encouraged the College Student

Leaders to attend Mass with him at our local parishes. This of

course was followed by a visit to Macca’s! My favourite, however,

was watching Jonathan stand at the lectern at College Assemblies

and wait for silence to ensure that these events did not commence

without that sense of occasion. To the majority of students

however, he will perhaps be best remembered for greeting them at

the bottom of the drive every morning and afternoon.

Jonathan leaves behind many legacies which have undoubtedly

made our College better. On behalf of our Oakhill College community, I

thank him for “touching hearts” and wish him well in the next step of

his journey.

Mr Robert Munday - Assistant Principal – Pastoral CareMr Jonathan Byrne


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his talents to bear in

shaping the role and

the provision of service

learning opportunities.

As a graduate of Oakhill

College, a teacher

of excellence, and

a devoted Catholic,

Andrew has introduced

systems to recognise

achievement,

pathways to

participate in service

and built relationships

and partnership with

local community and

the wider Lasallian

community. He has

taken an idea and

transformed the

leadership and vision

of how our mission

as a Catholic Lasallian school is given life through action. There is clear

evidence every day that we are a Catholic school run in the Lasallian

tradition.

Were it not for the leadership and devotion of men like Tim and

Andrew, Oakhill College would not be where it is today. Their departure

does mark as proof that our Lasallian values: the love of life-long

learning, and striving to fulfil our potential are evident. On behalf of

the Oakhill College community, we warmly register our gratitude for

their devotion to Oakhill College, and for enhancing our place in the

community. We wish them well for the next step in their journeys.

Mr Jonathan Byrne – Acting Principal

his year has marked some striking successes, so it was with

great regret that we learned we are losing a number of senior

staff. Their ability to secure positions leading in other institutions

is a testament to the continuation of Oakhill College as a breeding

ground for educational leadership.

Assistant Principal

Curriculum, Mr Tim

Hildebrandt, has led

the College through

significant changes

to the educational

landscape and will

leave a rich legacy

of excellence in

learning. A creative and

innovative leader he

has championed the

renewal of teaching

and learning and is

responsible for many of

the recent innovations

in curriculum delivery

and improvements in

reflective practice to

improve teaching. Mr

Hildebrandt joined the

College nine years ago

as the Director of Studies. Over the years as an accomplished musician

he has performed in many musicals, Mass and liturgical events and

supported HSC students. He moves onto a Principalship and the Board,

on behalf of the College community, congratulates him and wishes him

success in this new opportunity.

Our Assistant Principal Mission, Mr Andrew Millar, was the first

member of staff to hold this role. In this role he brought a number of

T

Mr Tim Hildebrandt

Mr Andrew Millar


chemistry at Oakhill and Sydney University to help make emergency

situations safe.

Richard and Peter were able to share their expertise with our

Year 9 students and then stay for the fair to display and discuss the

equipment used in their field.

Michael Choeng - Class of 2002

Michael studied Electrical Engineering at UNSW.

After graduating, he entered the IT graduate

program at Woolworths working at the Norwest

Head Office and this is where he first started

in Cyber Security. After 7 years working at

Woolworths Michael then moved on to where he

is currently working.

Currently, Michael is working as a Senior Cyber Security

consultant at Ernst and Young (EY). EY normally known as an

accounting firm has also an Advisory Consulting firm in which Cyber

Security falls under.

During his talk with Year 9 students, Michael talked about what

Cyber Security is. What career options are there in Cyber Security and

recent cyber Security news.

We did have many other offers to help, which we are grateful for.

It is because of people like Richard and Michael giving their time to

share that we can foster and inspire the next generation of scientists.

We look forward to hearing from many more of the Oakhill

community to help build on this fantastic event in the years to come.

n Tuesday the 26th July Oakhill College held its annual Science

Fair. This has grown from humble beginnings in 2011 when

we had a show and the display of projects to include guest

speakers for students throughout a week of science activities.

During the week, students had guest speakers from the various

Science professions come and chat with them and give them a taste

of Science in the real world.

Each year we put out a call to students and parents past to help

us. This year we were privileged to have two ex students come back

and speak to the students about their path since school.

Richard Neville - Class of 1983

Richard studied Physics & Chemistry in the HSC. He picked up his

enthusiasm for chemistry from Year 11 Chemistry teacher, Lou Bialy.

Richard then completed a B. Sc (Hons I) Sydney University with

majors in Chemistry and Biology. During the Honours year, Richard

undertook Organic Chemistry research and achieved First Class

Honours.

This was followed by a Graduate Diploma in Education. Richard

then taught high school science for several years before becoming a

firefighter.

Within Fire & Rescue NSW, Richard has been a hazardous

materials (hazmat) specialist firefighter since 2004, attending large

fires and chemical spills. FRNSW is the ‘combat’ agency in NSW for

dealing with hazardous materials. Hazmat incidents include such

things as: the chemical waste from illegal drug laboratories, transport

accidents involving dangerous goods, fires and storms involving

asbestos, large fires where water run off may cause pollution, spills at

industrial facilities and terrorist incidents involving chemical, biological

or radiological material.

Coincidentally one of Fire & Rescue NSW’s other hazmat

specialists is Station Officer Peter Church, also from Oakhill College’s

Class of 1983.

Richard has had the rank of ‘Senior Firefighter’ and since 2011,

been a ‘hazmat advisor’ in FRNSW’s ‘Hazmat Advisory Response

Team’. This involves training other hazmat specialist firefighters, and

providing technical expertise at complex fires and hazmat incidents.

This often involves using tests and scientific instruments to identify

unknown chemicals, and applying the knowledge gained studying

o


n Wednesday 31st August, the good citizens of Oakhill

College gathered for a day of solidarity.

Mr Merv McCormack launched MAD2016 on the

first day of Term 3. At the launch he gave real life stories from

Papua New Guinea and Albans Academy in Pakistan where the

Lasallian Foundation will direct our sponsorship funds to improve

playgrounds and provide clean drinking water. $80,000 was our

hefty goal set by the College leaders in our 80th Year as a school.

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, resplendent in his

Bond-esque dinner suit. Balloons and disco music met the walkers

at Benildus Hall as they completed each lap, 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 goes to the MAD Organising Committee and all

the Oakhill staff and students for the success of the day.

While $80,000 was our goal our actual total raised for the

Lasallian Foundation was $62,000. A mighty effort!

oAnyone who is able to help the Lasallian Foundation is

encouraged to contact www.lasallianfoundation.org

Live Jesus in our hearts!

Mr. Chris Goodman - Coordinator of Solidarity


hirty-two exquisite young Oakhill women escorted by

their partners were presented to Br Peter McIntosh,

FSC Principal (ret) on the occasion of the 2016 College

Debutante Ball.

Embracing the formality of the Ball those attending, some

300 family and friends, were witness to a time honoured tradition

where young women celebrate femininity and the ‘new’ place that

women hold in our modern world.

The debutantes and their respective squires who took part in

the official proceedings spent four weeks leading up to the event

learning how to ballroom dance. Our sincere thanks are extended

to Matthew Aker of Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Castle Hill who

tutored and coached the group. Readers are assured that there

was not a dry eye in the decadent ballroom of The Epping Club

as the Debutantes and their partners swirled around the dance

floor.

As each debutante was presented a brief script was read

by the Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms Zoe Tidemann, Year 7 Dean.

The script developed by the Debutantes themselves spoke to

aspirations of the future and also contained messages of thanks

and appreciation to parents and families for unconditional love

and support.

The gowns selected most definitely were a reflection of the

debutante personalities. Layers of tulle in princess ball gowns

through to form fitting couture designs, all had a place at the ball.

Of particular note is one of the young women who chose to wear

her mother’s wedding gown, the only alteration needed was a slight

hem adjustment.

As it has been for hundreds of years across many countries

and societies the evening was a true celebration of women. In

this, the fortieth year of young women attending Oakhill College,

the evening definitely had a very special feeling to it.

It is impossible to choose a highlight other than to say each

moment was as perfect as the debutantes themselves were. The

young men graced with the honour of escorting the debutantes

should not be underestimated. They led to perfection on the

dance floor and kept nerves calm as the event drew nearer.

A personal note of thanks to the debutantes and their partners

2016 Debutantes

T

from their Matron of Honor, Mrs Melissa Carson, their Guest Speaker, Ms

Dannielle Miller and me – you are all exceptional and we are so proud of you.

In reflection the memories will last a life time but I give this small

note to the young men and women of the 2016 Debutante group; Lord

Byron wrote….”Be thou the rainbow in the storms of life. The evening

beam that smiles the clouds away, and tints tomorrow with prophetic

ray.” Each of you have a magnificent life ahead, go forth and live Jesus in

your hearts forever.

Mrs Lee-Anne Green, Executive Assistant to the Principal

2017 ReuNIoNS

The following dates have been set for Reunions in 2017:

SATuRDAY 18 mARCH – ClASS of 1977

SATuRDAY 6 mAY – ClASS of 1987

SATuRDAY 24 JuNe – ClASS of 1967

SATuRDAY 19 AuGuST – ClASSeS of 1950’s

SATuRDAY 9 SePTemBeR – ClASS of 1997

SATuRDAY 4 NovemBeR – ClASS of 2007

mark the date in your Calendar NoW! Formal invitations to the Reunions will be sent approximately six weeks prior to the event. We look forward to welcoming you All back to the College.

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he first Oakhill Inaugural Alumni Golf Day was held at Riverside

Oaks Golf Club on the 22nd April on a perfect sunny day with

more than thirty players. There was some great golf played and

some great score cards entered with the winners, David Gremmo,

Ben Cochrane, Malcolm Grech and David Johnston. David Johnston

also taking a nearest the pin and the longest drive award as well.

After the golf we all went back to the club for lunch, a few beers and

the presentation and prizes. It was a day of reunions from several

decades with players ranging from 1972 to 2011. All of the players

committing to coming back again next year and bringing more school

mates with them, a positive sign that the day was a success and will

only grow in size each year.

Paul Brown

T

The winners and the rest

The winners celebrate


s Performing Arts Coordinator at Oakhill College over a period

stretching back 40 years, Mrs Di Herron has directed countless

productions of an outstanding calibre and helped nurture the

careers of some of Australia’s most talented actors.

In so doing, Ms Herron has established a remarkable tradition at

the Sydney school which sees large numbers of Year 12 students take

drama as an HSC elective every year.

Many of the senior students work on stage productions for six

years, starting in Years 7 and 8 where drama is a compulsory subject.

The College recently made history, staging the first amateur

production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Starlight Express” to

packed theatres over six performances.

It was a particularly ambitious venture given all the cast members

had to perform their parts entirely on roller-skates.

“I remember when I first broke the news to the senior students

that I had chosen Starlight Express as our next production”, Mrs

Herron says with a chuckle.

“They told me they had no idea how to roller-skate and couldn’t

possibly manage it”.

“But after I encouraged them to learn over the Christmas holidays,

they quickly picked up the new skill and it all went remarkably well”,

Mrs Herron adds.

Oakhill College has a particularly strong tradition in musicals,

including a memorable production of Cats in 2012 and Miss Saigon in

2014.

Mrs Herron believes the coeducational senior classes at Oakhill

have helped a great deal in allowing for a greater range of productions

than would be possible at a single sex school.

But in a College with an all-boys junior school, Di Herron’s down

to earth teaching style has helped make drama an appealing subject

choice with captains of the College rugby team frequently taking a

lead role in major musicals.

The College’s rich tradition in the performing arts has also helped

foster many professional careers, with Oakhill alumni including talented

stage and film actors such as Steve Le Marquand and Luke Joslin.

The talented comedian David Collins from the Umbilical Brothers

also made his stage debut at Oakhill.

“It’s certainly been really rewarding as a teacher seeing some

of the alumni go on to careers in the performing arts”, Mrs Herron

explained.

AMrs Di Herron


“But what I find equally rewarding is when I go to the theatre

myself and have former students come up to me in the foyer and tell

me how the school helped foster a love of the theatre in them that’s

stayed with them for life”.

Mrs Herron believes the strong Lasallian heritage of Oakhill College

is a key factor behind its success in the performing arts.

“Through our major productions, the senior students act as

big brothers and sisters to the juniors and there is a real sense of

community where everyone is working together to make sure the

musical or the play succeeds”, she explained.

“As a director, I do set the bar very high for our students, but I

always come away inspired by the dedication they show in not only

reaching their potential, but going well beyond what I could have

imagined for them”.

“And I believe ultimately that is what we are called to do as

educators; to ensure that we set consistently high expectations and

then put our faith in our students to reach their full potential”.

Michael Kenny - Lasallian Mission Council


aving been invited to write about my own experience of girls

at Oakhill during my time as Principal (1998-2006), I offer the

following very personal recollections. For me, similarly with

what I hope about the experiences of all at Oakhill, it’s the fun times

which are the most memorable.

Firstly, some history. When I first arrived at Oakhill as a student

in 1960, the Oakhill student population was definitely boys only, with

the College “dominated” by us boarders – or at least that’s how we

boarders saw it. Girls? As opponents at debating, occasionally and

fleetingly on weekends “out”, and at one very memorable inter-

school dance!

Fast-forward to the mid-1970’s when my youngest brother Gerard

was among one of the final boarding classes at Oakhill. At that time

there was a strong need for senior Catholic secondary schooling

for girls in the Hills District – Gilroy and Marian Colleges were not

even a distant dream; the demand from families was there; with the

impending departure of boarders, the College was about to have

the space; and the Principal of the time, Br Peter McIntosh, was

innovative and forward-looking – and no doubt had no choice but to

listen to the parents of boys who also wanted their daughters to be

able to attend Oakhill. With the first class of Year 11 girls in 1976 a new

page in the history of the College began.

Fast-forward again to September 1998 and my first official day

as Principal, uncertain as to how I would be received by students

as successor to the “legend” Brother Ambrose – truly a legend after

almost eight years as Principal and more than twenty-five years as

coach of the First XV Rugby, and not just because some graduating

Year 12 students had recently painted the words “Ambrose – Legend”

on several of the College’s internal roadways!

My uncertainty was dissipated by the voice of a Year 12 girl on

the steps of the back entrance to the Liesse Building as I crossed

the yard: “Hi! You must be Brother Chris, the new Principal. Welcome

to Oakhill. I’ve heard such good things about you. My name is ….” -

and a very pleasant, welcoming, encouraging conversation ensued.

(While I withhold the girl’s name out of respect for her privacy, a clue

to her identity is that she was a College leader in 1998, her younger

sister Kathryn was College Captain in 1999 and her brother Brendan

was College Captain in 2002!

This one chance encounter made all the difference to me on my

first day as Principal at Oakhill, and my belief is that the presence

and involvement of girls as senior students at Oakhill have made a

huge, positive difference to the whole College community over the

past forty years, giving new life to it. My hope is that being students

at Oakhill has also made a similarly positive difference for the girls,

one that has been life-giving and even life-changing.

When I came to Oakhill as Principal, I had one very simple agenda

for all students, based on my own experience as a student and on

the different (and not uniformly so positive as mine) experiences of

... and what a difference they have made!

Br Chris Gorringe

H

my three brothers, John, Joe and Gerard, who had also attended the

College as boarders: above all I wanted being a student at Oakhill

to be an enjoyable, positive, happy experience for them, in terms of

both personal well-being and achievement, combining a sense of

self-worth with a sense of the worth of others. This meant beginning

with an emphasis on an inclusive welcome being given especially to

the new Year 7 cohort of 240 plus boys each year and to the Year 11

cohort of 100 plus girls.

It was my view that the girls in particular (and their parents)

were making a huge “leap of faith” by enrolling at the College for the

critical last two years of their secondary education, and that the best

way to respond to that leap of faith was to ensure that the College

nurtured them with special care.

That special care - which may not have been seen that way by

the girls – began with the Principal, most often accompanied by the

College counsellor, having a personal interview with each applicant

during Year 10. Feedback over the years suggested that the girls

were very nervous prior to the interview – and even more nervous

afterwards! This was especially the case with those girls whose

most recent report (usually from Year 9) was somewhat less than

flattering! But they enrolled, they settled in, they achieved, they made

the College their own.

In the process of enrolment, persistence helped: I still recall very

well the exemplary efforts of a set of twins to persuade me that,

despite my reservations as to the likelihood of them succeeding

at Oakhill, they really should be accepted, including approaching

me over a number of Saturdays at rugby games. They succeeded!

There was, on the other hand, a misguided belief - truly a myth – that

girls whose school records demonstrated outstanding netball or

basketball skill were fast-tracked for enrolment, regardless of any

other considerations! (The netball bar had been set very high, of


team, led initially by Kate O’Leary and then by Kerri Hamer. They all

did their jobs so well that my life as Principal was relatively easy.

The achievements of girls at Oakhill in my time and for

generations past (and no doubt future) have been many, and the

manner in which they so quickly “grew into” Oakhill and its Lasallian

culture was nothing short of amazing. My prayer for them always

was that they would succeed in whatever ways they could – and

they certainly did: in academic performance, in leadership, in service,

in style (spectacularly at the annual Deb Ball), in the performing

arts (especially in the biennial Musicals under the direction of the

one-and-only remarkable Di Herron), in technology, in sport. By fully

immersing themselves in the culture of the College, they transformed

that culture to an extent well beyond the numerical proportion of

girls to boys – a total of approximately 240 girls in a school of 1600+

students.

I conclude this brief reminiscence with a sporting quote, as

had become expected of me when I addressed the Oakhill student

community. Along with the rest of Australia I was captivated at this

time last year by the victory of Michelle Payne on Prince of Penzance

in the Melbourne Cup; and likewise with so many others I applauded

her spontaneous victory speech when she proclaimed that female

jockeys worked just as hard as male jockeys and could do just as

well as their male counterparts, and, more generally, that “women

can do anything and we can beat the world.”

In so many ways Oakhill girls are, have been and will continue to

be testament to the truth of Michelle’s words. As we celebrate 40 years

of female students at Oakhill, I say, “Bring on the next forty years!”

Br Chris Gorringe - Principal 1998-2006

course, by Australian goal-shooter Catherine Cox, Class of 1994).

In relation to myths, Brother Alf Zoanetti in his role as Assistant

Principal had formed an incorrect but strongly held belief that, as

a result of my accidental involvement with the girls’ basketball and

netball teams - primarily as bus-driver, but also eventually as coach

– I had become too indulgent to the girls generally. There was only

one occasion – and that was in my last year – when I may have

given him grounds to think he was right. (He did not know about the

times when some girls confidently texted me from class – the use of

mobile phones was banned at the time! – to come and “save” them

from a lesson in which they had become less than interested.)

As Saturday bus-driver, initially for tennis and then for basketball

and netball, it had become my practice invariably to call into Maccas

on the way back to the College, to the extent that it had become a

traditional ritual for the girls. One week-day morning, when I was

unavailable, the Sportsmaster had driven the Firsts netball team to

rep trials, but, despite their earnest pleas and appeals to precedent

set by me, he had refused to call into Maccas on the return-trip,

quite rightly wanting to get them back in time for lesson-periods 4

and 5. On their arrival back at the College I exchanged a series of

good-humoured texts with them when they refused to get off the

bus until someone took them to Maccas! I would have done if I had

not been caught up in meetings, but arranged for their coach (Mrs

Olivia Edwards) to take them. When Br Alf found out, he – as the

saying goes – went right off! He did not appreciate the value of my

rewarding initiative and persistence! For me, and the girls, it was just

good fun.

On a serious note, the primary reason why I could be generally

“chilled” and relaxed with students, both boys and girls, was that I

had the support of a superb pastoral care team of staff, led by Br

Alf and Mr Bob Munday, supported by the House Deans and Year

Coordinators, and backed up by a highly professional counselling


ReST IN PeACe

Paul Radman – Class of 2006 – Passed away on 27th January, 2016

Peter Carr – Class of 1965 – Passed away on 17th March, 2016

Robert Jennings – Class of 1960 – Passed away on 13th April, 2016

Timothy Snell – Class of 1974 – Passed away on 3rd May, 2016

Herbert Glennon – Class of 1962 - Passed away on 14th May, 2016

Robert Robson, Dr. – Class of 1982 – Passed away 5th July, 2016

Hugh Deakin, Dr. – Class of 1940 – Passed away on 10th July, 2016

Doctor Robert mark Robson (RIP)

Robert started at Oakhill College in Year 5 in 1974.

In 1982 Robert was elected College Captain.

He went to the University of New South Wales gaining first class

honours in Geology.

In 1991 Robert decided to further his education by studying for a

PHd in Geology.

After gaining his Doctorate he lectured in Geology at the

University of New England.

After leaving University life Robert worked in the private and

government sector.

Robert was married to Lyn and leaves two children Kimberley and

Callum.

Robert never let the cancer dictate who he was, nor what he

could achieve, Robert has been an inspiration to the many people he

has worked with and met.

Unfortunately he lost his battle with the brain tumour and died on

the 5th July 2016.

Robert was the brother of Peter, Class of 1975 and Gail, Class of

1978.

Submitted by Peter Robson - Robert’s father

Directors: Rocco & Sofia Polistina

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enrolling Now for Year 7 2018 & 2019

raduates of Oakhill College know what a difference the

right school can make. Wearing the ‘maroon and gold’

is a privilege and many alumni recall their school days

with great affection. Oakhill College’s rich tradition of offering a

comprehensive education, informed by Lasallian values has helped

thousands of students to pursue rewarding and purposeful lives

after graduation.

Each year around 360 new students join the College either

in Year 7 or Year 11. The College is committed to providing these

students with the best start to their Oakhill College journey and that

extends to the way in which the College enrols students.

Families increasingly want to make a decision earlier regarding

their choice of secondary school. They want the additional peace of

mind in knowing their child’s enrolment at Oakhill College is secure.

Oakhill College has traditionally enrolled boys for Year 7 one year

prior to commencement, when they are in Year 6. The College Board

has decided to move the enrolment process forward and enrol boys

wishing to enter Year 7 when they are in Year 5, approximately 21

months prior to commencement at the College.

This change will give families increased certainty regarding their

son’s secondary school education as a place for their son will be

secured while they are still in Year 5.

During 2017, the College will enrol students for Year 7 2018 and

2019 and girls applying for Year 11 2018. The key dates are:

Boys applying for Year 7 2018

• Applications close on Friday 17 March, 2017

• Interviews to be conducted on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29

March, 2017

Boys applying for Year 7 2019

• Applications close Friday 18 August, 2017

• Interviews to be conducted on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13

September, 2017

GGirls applying for Year 11

The enrolment process for girls wishing to enter Year 11 is unchanged,

and is already in alignment with other independent girls’ schools

who accept girls into their senior years.

• Applications close on Friday 12 May, 2017

• Interviews to be conducted on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May,

2017

The College will contact the families of all students who have

applied for places in 2018 or 2019 to help ensure they are aware of

the change in process for enrolling boys into Year 7.

Visit Oakhill College

Oakhill College is providing more opportunities to families to visit

the College and explore what makes Oakhill College such a vibrant

community. The College will hold an Open Day on Thursday 2 March

2017 from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.

There will be student led tours of the College, displays and

performances and opportunities to chat with senior members of

staff. The College’s new Principal Br Steve Hogan will also give an

address.

Keep an eye on our website and local papers for more details

early next year.

College Tours

The College will also continue to run its very popular tours during

2017. Tour dates are:

• Thursday 18 May

• Thursday 10 August

• Thursday 16 November

All tours commence at 9.30am

Bookings are essential for tours. Bookings can be made online

at www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au via the Trybookings link. For more details

please contact Mrs Nicole Beamish, College Registrar on 9899 2288

or email [email protected]


High Tea marked the celebration of forty years of women at

Oakhill College.

On Sunday 1st May 154 women came together to celebrate

the vibrancy and rich diversity of Oakhill College with a High Tea in

the Centenary Sports Centre Foyer. The afternoon was one filled with

friendship, laughter and memories. What was most striking, was the

diversity of the women attending. It was lovely to see women from all

the various eras of the College. From current Year 11 and 12 students

with their mothers, to current staff and alumni, through to women from

the first class in 1976 and mothers from the Oakhill Mother’s Club back

in the 1980s and 1990s. Each woman present had their own unique

connection to the College, but all with the same understanding; Oakhill

is truly a special place; which thrives on inclusive community, concern

for the poor and respect for all.

Br Peter McIntosh, the Principal who initiated the introduction of

girls to Oakhill in 1976, spoke of the wonderful gifts and talents that

women, throughout the forty years, have brought to the College. He

spoke of the important dimension women bring, not only in regards to

academics but, also in their contribution and enhancement of the rich

Lasallian culture.

A very special thank you must be extended to the following

people: Mr Jonathan Byrne, Acting Principal for his strong support of

the event and to Mrs Lee-Anne Green for her vision and organisation

of the event. To Mrs Maryanne Maree, Mrs Claire Sandercock and Mrs

Carmel Christie who worked behind the scenes to make certain that the

afternoon was such a success.

Thank you also, to Mrs Heather Muirhead for organising the display of

the past and present girls’ uniforms and to those who assisted in making

the day so special; Mrs Jane Hagerty, Mrs Leanne Archer and Mrs Deanna

Wilton.

Sunday was a very real and practical demonstration of how Oakhill

women, past and present, continue to celebrate their connection to a

place which is so much more than just a school.

Mrs Deborah Gillis, Senior Student Co-ordinator

A

MYSTERY PHOTOCan you identify the people in this photo?

A prize will be awarded to the person who is the first to correctly name them.

Send entries to Mrs Maryanne Maree, Acting Community Relations Officer, at the College or email: [email protected]

We didn’t have a winner for the last competition – Volume 34.

(NB: College staff are ineligible to enter this competition)

Mrs Carmel Christie with Brother Peter McIntosh


ordan Thompson started at Oakhill College in 2007. He was so

good when he arrived, that the rules for tennis at Oakhill College

needed to be changed so that a Year 7 boy could play in the 1st

Tennis Team. Over the next 4 years Jordan went on to never lose a

tennis match in the ISA competition.

In 2008 Oakhill College was invited to participate for the first time

in the Australian School Teams Tennis Challenge which was being held

in Wagga (this competition is for the best tennis schools in Australia).

Over the next 3 years Jordan continued with his outstanding

performances. He only ever lost 1 match 6-3 6-4 and that was to a

boy named Luke Saville, who was to gain the Number 1 Junior ranking

in the world. (Over these 3 years Oakhill finished 9th, 2nd and 3rd).

During Jordan¹s time at Oakhill College he was a valued member of

the Oakhill Tennis team who became State Champions. He was also a

member of the Australian Junior Davis Cup Team, The Pizzey Cup Team

and the combined ISA Representative Team and was awarded Oakhill

College Sportsman of the Year in 2010. Jordan was always dedicated

to tennis at Oakhill College and his ability always stood out. However,

he was also always well grounded and respectful to his team mates

and staff, and built up fantastic friendships with his Oakhill team

mates, which continue even to this day.

Jordan’s tennis career continues to go from strength to strength.

This year Jordan participated in all 4 of the Major Tennis Tournaments

(The Australian Open, The French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open)

and has just won two Challenger tournaments in a row, with his

ranking expected to go up to 85 in the world. It has been a pleasure

to have known Jordan. We all at Oakhill College continue to watch his

continued success on the world stage.

Steve Fogarty

J

ImPoRTANT AlumNI INFoRmATIoN

Communication between the College and generations of families, past and present is important to the oakhill College community. You can update you current details by visiting the College website www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/oAK-Alumni-Data-update-Form_v1SeCuRe.pdf

Alternatively, please complete the enclosed form (please photocopy for multiple family members) and return to: oakhill College, locked Bag 9001, CASTle HIll, NSW 1765 or scan and email to [email protected]

Contributions to the oakhill Drive publication are more than welcome. Please let us know what has been happening in your life since you last “walked down the Drive”. email your article (100-150 words) and photo to [email protected]

If you wish to advertise in the Oakhill Drive please email your interest to [email protected]

Jordan Thompson (Photo: Clive Brunskill - Getty Images)


Frank Hicks - Class of 1977

After almost graduating from Oakhill

in 1976 (I would have been the class

of ‘77), I moved to California with

my family and completed high school

there. I then went to university

in the U.S. and ended up with a

graduate degree in public policy,

with stints of work and internships

(with UNICEF in Sri Lanka, and the

Ford Foundation in Nigeria), and

travel in between, before working

for the Ford Foundation - first in New

York covering Asia and then in

Nigeria - for 7 years.

In 1989, I married, Meg Bowman (we first met as undergraduates)

and in 1993 our first daughter, Rebecca, was born before we relocated

to the Philippines, where I managed a regional development and

environmental conservation program for a few years. Then it

was back to West Africa where Meg and I co-managed an NGO’s

(TechnoServe’s) program in Ghana for 4 years, during which daughter

number two, Eliza, was born in 1998.

Since 1999 we’ve been based in Costa Rica, where I’ve worked

for a number of international organisations, and I’m now a consultant

focusing on rural development, environmental and climate change

issues. We’re also now officially empty nesters, with Eliza taking

a gap year before going to uni in the U.S., not too far away from

Rebecca who is working in New York City after graduating from uni

last year. I’m planning to visit Australia more in the coming years, and

hope to reconnect in person with some of the old classmates.

Ewan Dennis Smither – Class of 2003

After graduating from Oakhill College (2003) I pursued my interest in

Agriculture by studying a bachelor of systems agriculture at UWS

Hawkesbury. There I learnt a holistic view about agriculture in Australia.

My initial intentions of attending university were to become an agriculture

teacher, however, I became familiar with old motto “the more you know,

the more you know you don’t

know.” So instead of completing

my studies to become a teacher

I endeavoured to continue my

education in agriculture by

becoming a Jackeroo. Learning

from the ground up has truly

given me an experience to

remember and made me even

more passionate about the

industry.

Over the next three years I

went from a Jackeroo through

to Assistant Manager in mixed-

farming operations which

allowed me to become familiar

with different farming regions

across NSW. In 2009 I married the love of my life Yana and plans were

made to head back to Sydney to start our family. I took on a progressive

role with Pace Farm and spent 3 years learning the intricate nature of

the poultry industry, managing multiple farms in the Hawkesbury region.

In this time we had our first of 3 boys and I found out what it takes to

be a father. It was then that I decided to put all my eggs in one basket

and give up my career in managing agricultural enterprises, completed

a Masters in Teaching and put my expertise to the test by heading back

to the classroom. I’ve been fortunate to have had great experiences

in teaching so far and when a position at Oakhill became available

I was more than willing to return to the place which kick started my

agricultural career and give back to a community which gave so much in

transforming me into the man I have become. This year I was appointed

Academic Head of Agriculture This has allowed me to integrate my

knowledge and experiences with the curriculum to deliver a truly industry

relevant experience. It is definitely a different school looking from this side

of the fence but I am enjoying working with past teachers and mentors.

I look forward to leading the agricultural department at Oakhill to help

students find what they are passionate about and guide them to achieve

their dreams.

Frank Hicks

Ewan Dennis Smither


Joseph and Dominic Maait

Daniel Mezger - Class of 2010

Since leaving Oakhill I studied at the University of Technology Sydney

where I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and

Diploma in Engineering Practice with First Class Honours. As part of

the coursework, students were required to obtain an internship which

enabled them to receive first-hand experience during their studies. I

was fortunate to

receive an internship in

my second year at UTS

and have continued

working through to

the end of my studies,

now currently working

full time as a Project

Engineer for a private

civil construction

engineering company.

This opportunity has

enabled me to work

on a vast range of

projects including the

Sydney Metro Norwest

train line, Royal

North Shore Hospital

redevelopment and

the construction of

aircraft pavements at

Sydney Airport. I am

currently working on a

residential subdivision

for 128 homes on the

central coast.

Dominic Maait - Class of 1991

Following Graduation in 1991 Dominic found employment as a law clerk

with a busy city firm and studied law whilst working full time. He is

now a partner of TurksLegal. He and his wife Amal have lived locally

for 15 years and are the proud parents of three children. Their eldest

son Joseph is now a Year 7 Student following in the footsteps of a

long list of family members who have passed through the College.

“My very best friends in life are people that I met at Oakhill and we

are very proud to have Joseph entering Oakhill. The place has changed

in so many ways but has the same community feel that we all enjoyed.

If anything can make you feel old, it’s watching your own son walk up

the same drive that we walked as students all those years ago.”

Daniel Mezger

GIvING To oAKHIll ColleGe

Financial support is essential to the continued success of oakhill College. We encourage all members of the oakhill College community to support the Building Fund through annual gifts and contributions via the voluntary Building Fund. All gifts to the oakhill College Building Fund are tax-deductible.

By working together we can all make a difference here at the College in providing the best possible facilities and resources for teaching and learning; for both today’s students and the next generation.

You can make a tax-deductible gift to the oakhill College Building Fund by visiting www.schooleasypay.com.au/oakhill/

When making your donation please enter your Record ID as your year of graduation or the year of your youngest child’s graduation. If you are a current parent please use your BPAY number as your Record ID.

You will automatically be sent a receipt in acknowledgement of your generous donation at the end of the current financial year. For more information, please contact mrs elke Forrest, Bursar and operations manager by phone 9634 0801 or email [email protected]

This is an opportunity to live out our Lasallian tradition “Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve”.


the Newtown Rugby League legend and policeman who used his

influence to get John into football matches for free in the 1960s!

However, the most touching part of the afternoon was an

address by Stephen Hunyor, an address which demonstrates the

Lasallian spirit in practice. Relevant to this recount is that another

personality at this reunion was Jim Duncan, a quiet smallish man

with a twinkle in his eye. In his 80s now, Jim is an ex-De La Salle

Brother. He entered the Order in 1946, taught Technical Drawing at

Oakhill in the 1950s but later left the Order and returned to civilian

life in the 1960s. Having left school to study Medicine, Stephen

and his brother Alex met Jim by chance in the city in the early

1960s. The Hunyor boys, sons of migrant parents of humble means,

mentioned the difficulties of studying Medicine and holding down

part-time jobs to pay their way through the course. This motivated

Jim, a single man on a modest wage in those days, to contact the

Hunyor parents with an offer to supplement their Commonwealth

Scholarships, as the day to day cost of living - even in a humble

abode - could not go on for 6 years. Since then, Jim, who does

not have his own family, has attended Hunyor family functions for

over 50 years. This is a wonderful example of mutual brotherliness

between an ex-De La Salle Brother and ex-students of the College.

Needless to say, both Hunyor lads went on to excellent careers in

Medicine, Stephen as a Professor specialising in Cardiology and

Alex in Ophthalmology.

Compiled by Damian Asprey with input from Stephen Hunyor and

John Gorringe.

or the past five years or so a small group of ex-Oakhill

students has gathered on a Saturday in August at the Ryde-

Eastwood Leagues Club. Again, this year, on August 20, about

15 ex-students, along with their wives, gathered again. On behalf of

the College, three current Oakhill staff, Mrs Maryanne Maree, Acting

Community Relations Officer, Mrs Heather Muirhead, College Archivist,

and Mr Damian Asprey, Director of Professional Learning, also attended.

This group, organized by Denis Castrission and Pat Donoghue,

has a very distinct character different in some ways to other groups

of ex-students. Firstly, they arrange their own reunions independently

of the College. Secondly, they are students from a cross-section of

years from about 1955-58. Thirdly, many of them are from the bush.

And finally, they are all blokes! These characteristics point to the

nature of the College in the 1950s: it was primarily a boarding school,

it was boys-only, the College was part of a farm, many students were

from the country and the student population was small, reaching a

hundred students in about 1953. This was the first “generation” of

Oakhill students who were able to complete the Leaving Certificate,

now known as the HSC, by joining the Trainee Brothers for their last

three years of secondary training. This occurred in the beautiful

College building (now the De La Salle Building) with the use of its

advanced Science Labs, Art School and Technical Training facilities.

And these guys and their wives have the ability to hold an

interesting conversation. There were many anecdotes about Oakhill

culture in the 1950s as well as stories about their broader lives in

the 60 years since leaving the College. John Gorringe, for instance,

entertained the men with his experiences meeting Bumper Farrell,

F


he Oakhill College class of 1986 held our 30 year Reunion on

Saturday May 7th, in two parts. Firstly an afternoon tea and

tour of the College, and then a function at Castle Hill RSL in the

evening. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, and share our

life’s adventures with one another once again. The Class of ‘86 was

always a very happy and harmonius group of people. We had some

humble high achievers in our midst, and we were privileged to be the

Senior Class in the Golden Jubilee 50 year celebrations at Oakhill.

Special mention to Mr Damian Asprey and Mrs Heather Muirhead

for taking time out of their weekend to conduct the school tour

during the afternoon - for many their first time back at Oakhill in 30

years, and to Br Raymond Khan and Mrs Maryanne Maree for their

behind the scenes work to make the events happen.

It was especially wonderful to see Br Quentin at the afternoon

tea and catch up with him. His memory and mind are still sharp

after all these years!

A great night was had at the RSL, for so many of us it was the place

to be on a Sunday night back in the 1980’s, and so a fantastic evening

was had by all. Reminiscing over the fun times of our youth, sharing

tales of our families, children and life adventures now, and our hopes

and dreams for the future. It was lovely to see partners attend, it’s not

always easy to go to a reunion when it’s not your crew but hats off to

everyone for making it such a fun filled evening of non stop laughter.

A special thankyou to all those who travelled a great distance

and/or cancelled previous plans to be there on the night. We have a

Facebook page that enabled those who were overseas or unable to

attend to hopefully share the warmth and friendly spirit of our night

in pictures. And of course to plan our 35 year celebrations in 2021 !! It

may seem a long way off but time flies when you’re having fun kids!

On a personal note, I can say without hesitation the 8 years I spent

at Oakhill were just filled with everything a student could ask for: great

facilities, great teachers and always a happy, friendly atmosphere.

It was and remains a wonderful school with a proud history and the

Class of ‘86 will always have memories to treasure forever...

Luke Johnson

T

Class of 1976 Reunion on a School Tour

Class of 1986 Reunion


Class of 1996 Reunion Cocktail Party

he 20 year reunion for the class of 96 was quite simply, a

brilliant day....tour of the college and afternoon tea followed

by a great night out. The College had the same bones we all

remembered but a great number of changes that looked to have

improved the life of those that attend the College today.

It may have been 20 years since talking to some of my

classmates, but it felt like it was only yesterday.

People always said we had the best year and whilst I may

be biased, I also think that was proved throughout the course of

events that was our formal reunion.

With about 70 of the class in attendance plus some of the staff,

there was constant conversation and laughter, memories came

flooding back and emotions flowed as we strolled down memory lane.

Reconnecting may be the right word, however it was like

nothing was any different than it was all those years ago. I was, as

were others, NERVITED (nervous + excited) about the reunion who

would I recognise? Who would remember me? For the most part,

it only took a few glances, names clicked and all was good, the

nervousness faded and the excitement prevailed.

On behalf of the class, a big thank you to the staff and teachers for

their efforts with arrangements, especially to those who came along!

On a personal note, thanks to all my classmates, there on the night

and via social media, it was my honour to have a title in our final year at

the College and one I will always treasure given how special you all are.

Looking forward to reliving many more embarrassing moments

in the near future as the reunion is sure to be an ongoing event!

Steven Collorafi

T

Class of 1996 Reunion afternoon with Staff


en years have passed since Fergie’s London Bridge was

released, Twitter was launched, and the 2006 class finished

high school. We are officially feeling old!

Last Saturday the graduating class of 2006 were welcomed back

to the College for a trip down memory lane and a refresher of our 2006

year book, followed by afternoon tea led by Mr Damian Asprey, Mrs

Heather Muirhead and Mrs Maryanne Maree.

This great afternoon was followed by a cocktail evening at the

recently re-vamped Castle Hill RSL, known to the bulk of the students as

the “Arie”. There were 80 of us who joined together with Brother Alf for a

night of reminiscing and catching up with long lost friends. There were

many laughs and some tears as the year 12 video was played, with the

night then progressing to the dance floor as the Class of 2006 in 2016!

We are lucky to be part of such an incredible community and are

already looking forward to 2026!

Lisa Noble

T

Class of 2006 Reunion on a School Tour

L-R: Guest, Lisa Noble, Sarah Wilkes, Br Alf Zoanetti and Adrian Magno

L-R: Justin Walsh, Br Alf Zoanetti, Mitchell McKeown, Chris Musgrave, Ben Cividin and Tim Edwards

Class of 2006 Cocktail Party


Oakhill College Alumni Golf DayRiverside Oaks Golf ClubFriday 28th April 2017

Ambrose style tournament18 hole – Registration 8.00am Tee Off – 9.00amLunch provided

Book at: www.trybooking.com/237359

Enquiries: Paul Brown: 0419 994 584 email: [email protected]

Nick Creagh email: [email protected]

David Creagh: 0419 238 421 email: [email protected]

Gerard Woods email: [email protected]

Oakhill College email: [email protected]

ALL Former Students and Friends of the College are most Welcome

Oakhill College – Celebrating 80 Years of Lasallian Education — 2016

BOOk NOWGolf (including cart) and Lunch - $145Lunch only - $35

Sponsorship packages - $200

the oakhill drive - oakhill college · recommendation of brother steve, and we are pleased with his...

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