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1
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
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 17 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.
If you’re thinking about selling and would like an appraisal on the worth of your property, please call David.
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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.
If you’re thinking about selling and would like an appraisal on the worth of your property, please call David.
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
3THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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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
4THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
5THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
6THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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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7THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
8THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
9THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
“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
10THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
11THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
12THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
13THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
14THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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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15THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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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 registrar@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
16THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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: drive@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
17THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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 drive@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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 drive@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
If you wish to advertise in the Oakhill Drive please email your interest to drive@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
Jordan Thompson (Photo: Clive Brunskill - Getty Images)
18THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
19THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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 eforrest@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
This is an opportunity to live out our Lasallian tradition “Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve”.
20THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
21THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
22THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
23THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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
24THe oAKHIll DRIve – volume 35 | November 2016 | www.oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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: busybrownies@hotmail.com
Nick Creagh email: nickcreagh@yahoo.com.au
David Creagh: 0419 238 421 email: dcreagh60@gmail.com
Gerard Woods email: gw.helmwoods@bigpond.com
Oakhill College email: drive@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
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