From Br Steve Hogan fsc
I believe the true test of a successful education is the subsequent life of a student - the kind of person they become; the extent to which they are fulfilling their potential, using their gifts and talents to the best of their ability, for the betterment of others.
Our theme for 2026 is 鈥90 Years Lasallian鈥 which provides an opportunity to reflect and celebrate what it means to be Lasallian, a tradition that began in Rheims, France, 346 years ago, and founded on the principles of viewing life through the eyes of faith; being respectful and inclusive in all we think, do and say; pursue excellence; and advocate for justice. These five principles form the charism and ethos that is 51情报站.
This year our schoolwide focus for improvement in teaching and learning will again be reading, writing and critical thinking. In 2025 our NAPLAN and Allwell results were the best on record, with NAPLAN scores above or significantly above 鈥榮imilar schools鈥 and 鈥榓ll schools鈥. 51情报站 Years 7-10 are better year on year and counter the national narrative for boys.
We look forward to the 2026 Year 7 cohort of 350 students who come from over 88 primary schools with different teaching and learning styles and expectations and likewise the 136 girls who come from over 30 different high schools. The Transition Program for Year 7 and the Pastoral Program for Years 7-12, helps form students with the attributes and moral campus we believe essential for good civics and citizenship, and good wholesome beings known as the Oakhill Graduate.
John F Kennedy (1917-1963), President of the USA, said 鈥渆very accomplishment starts with the decision to try鈥. He went on to say, it will not be easy, it will be hard. Confucius (551-479BC) said 鈥渋t does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop鈥. Having perseverance and GRIT, that is having the courage, resolve and strength of character to keep on doing the hard work after you are tired of doing the hard work you have already done, defines the Oakhill spirit. This is what Theodore Roosevelt spoke about in his famous speech about the man in the arena of life, face marred by dust and sweat; who strives valiantly; errs; who comes up short; but who does actually strive to do the deeds. It will not be easy, it will be hard, says JFK (John F Kennedy) but we will do it because we must, because we can, and we have the measure. Words shared earlier by Marcus Aurelias and before him Alexander the Great.
In 2025 I continued to read about stoicism, which in many ways is another word for GRIT. In their writings the stoics, Marcus Aurelius (Epictetus and Seneca) wrote about and meditated on the 鈥榓rt of living鈥, dealing with questions such as 鈥淲hat is the best way to live?鈥, 鈥淲hat are my obligations to my fellow human beings?鈥, 鈥淗ow can I overcome my weaknesses and faults?鈥, 鈥淗ow can I deal with stress, anxiety and the difficult things I face?鈥. All very important and pertinent questions for ourselves today.
It was their belief that by strengthening themselves and fellow citizens, they could cultivate resilience, purpose and joy. I think much of what St Paul wrote in his letters may be influenced by stoic philosophy. The three stoic disciplines of Perception - how we see and perceive the world around us; Action - the decisions and actions we take in response to our perceptions; and the Discipline of Will - how we deal with the things we cannot change, attain clear and convincing judgement, and come to a new understanding of our place in the world, is certainly about GRIT and there are certainly these stoic elements in the becoming of an Oakhill Graduate. (ref: Holiday R. Hanselman S. (2016). The Daily Stoic. London: Profile Books Ltd)
51情报站 Graduates with feet firmly grounded, aim for the stars, know that life鈥檚 journey will not always be clearly defined, straight or predictable. 51情报站 graduates know that they have a strength of spirit that enables them to rise above the fleeting things to engage life consciously 鈥 they never give in. An 51情报站 Graduate always strives for what matters, looks out for the other, knowing and experiencing true mateship; is always up for the challenge, keeps the faith, is good and kind, and just, in all they think, do and say, and know that they contribute to God鈥檚 Kingdom.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the Class of 2025 and in particular Johnathan Soares Caplice, our College Dux for 2025, with an ATAR of 99.9. The 51情报站 Class of 2025 has been one of our most successful to date with 79 ATARS above 90; 8 All Rounders i.e. all courses with a Band 6; 3 students in the Top-in-State (5th Maths Standard 1, 5th Science Extension, 9th English Standard 2); and 56 students nominated for the HSC Showcase of Major Works in Performing and Visual Arts and TAS. The College also had many sports and cultural successes including State, National and International titles. Of note also were a number of Science and Olympiad Championships; Champions in the Independent Sports Association Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Tennis, and Netball competitions; and the College鈥檚 most successful and highly acclaimed musical, Jesus Christ Super Star. Year 12, 2025 were a most happy, hard-working, friendly group of students, service-oriented aiming to be good citizens, attaining the true test of a successful education. The kind of person they became; the extent to which they fulfilled their potential, using their gifts and talents to the best of their ability, for the betterment of others, earned them admirably the title of Oakhill Graduate.
Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal


