Stories and highlights

Public Speaking Winner!

Congratulations to our Year 12 student, Jonathan Mergl, for being named the Lugarno Lions Youth of the Year – Public Speaking Winner!

This outstanding achievement reflects Jonathan’s confidence and his ability to engage the audience with a clear, compelling message and a genuine connection to the topic—qualities that set an excellent public speaker apart. We are incredibly proud!

NSW Training Awards — Nomination Announcement!

The NSW Training Awards celebrate excellence in vocational education and training, recognising outstanding learners, trainers and organisations across the state.

We are thrilled to announce that Zahra Malas has been nominated for NSW School-Based Trainee of the Year! This recognition reflects her exceptional dedication and performance in her Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation School-Based Traineeship with Leisure Employment Australia.

We are proud to share that Sihan Krystal Lin has been nominated for possible inclusion in Encore, the NESA showcase of exemplary HSC Music Projects.

Krystal has been nominated for her Music 2 Core Composition, titled Toccata and Fughetto. She composed a virtuosic solo piece for piano, creating a fusion of contemporary art music and Baroque techniques, demonstrating her sophisticated understanding of both styles. This nomination recognises the countless hours of drafting, experimenting and writing Krystal invested in her composition.

ENCORE Selection Announcement!

We are incredibly proud to announce that Jakob Permann has been selected for ENCORE, the NESA showcase celebrating exemplary HSC Music projects.

Jakob was recognised for his outstanding Musicology Viva Voce works. His first project presented a sophisticated analysis of the development of contemporary electronic music, with a focus on the influence of Trap styles. His second project explored the use of synthesizers in the music of Pink

Our student leaders proudly attended the Oatley RSL and Penshurst RSL Remembrance Day services, participating as flag bearers and laying wreaths to honour those who served in the armed forces.

Remembrance Day, observed on 11 November each year, marks the anniversary of the end of World War I and is a time for Australians to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by men and women in all conflicts, past and present.

We are thrilled to announce that Joel Kane has been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE for the HSC Drama Individual Project – Video, “Not Adam and Evan.”

In this painstakingly animated short film, Joel explores themes of acceptance and discrimination faced by young people as they navigate identity and romance. As scriptwriter, animator, director, sound editor and voice actor, Joel invested countless hours to produce this exceptional work.

Having a student nominated for an HSC Showcase is an incredible achievement — congratulations Joel on this outstanding recognition!

We are delighted to announce that Amelia Tucker has been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE for her HSC Drama Individual Project – Scriptwriting, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Spite.”

Amelia has crafted a rollicking suburban farce in which two neighbouring Australian families battle it out over their annual Christmas decorations. This nomination is a testament to Amelia’s creativity, hard work and commitment to refining her craft as a writer.

Having a student nominated for an HSC Showcase is an outstanding achievement — congratulations Amelia on this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations to Lenevieve Marfa!

Lenevieve's Visual Arts body of work, Aspects of Life, has been nominated for consideration in ARTEXPRESS 2025 in the Graphic Design category.

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of exemplary HSC Visual Arts bodies of work, displayed at galleries across NSW throughout 2026. Being nominated for an HSC Showcase is an incredible achievement and a testament to her creativity, dedication and artistic talent.

Our student leaders proudly attended the Oatley RSL and Penshurst RSL Remembrance Day services, participating as flag bearers and laying wreaths to honour those who served in the armed forces.

Remembrance Day, observed on 11 November each year, marks the anniversary of the end of World War I and is a time for Australians to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by men and women in all conflicts, past and present.

Through their involvement, our students demonstrated respect, gratitude and a strong connection to our community’s history, ensuring the legacy of service and sacrifice is never forgotten.

Happy World Teachers’ Day to our incredible team!

I feel truly grateful to work alongside such a wonderful group of people who go above and beyond every single day for our students and for each other. Your dedication, care and professionalism make our school an exceptional place to learn and grow.

Thank you for everything you do — today we celebrate you!

Anna Girginis

Principal

Huge Congratulations to James Welstead!

We are thrilled to share that James has been officially nominated for ENCORE for his outstanding HSC Music performance.

This nomination recognises James’ remarkable musicianship, technical skill and the passion he brings to every performance. His hard work, creativity and dedication to his craft have truly shone through.

Well done James — this is an incredible achievement and we are so proud!

Congratulations!!!

We are excited to share that James Boneham has been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE for his powerful Individual Performance of "Here Lies Henry".

This nomination is a remarkable recognition of James' talent, dedication and creativity in HSC Drama.

Well done, James — we are so proud of you!

Congratulations!

We are proud to announce that our students Ben Jensen, Sonja Aebersold, James Boneham and Joel Kane have been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE for their group performance, "Selling it with a Song".

Being considered for this prestigious HSC Drama showcase is an incredible achievement and a testament to their creativity, collaboration and talent.

Well done, we are so proud of you!

R U OK? Day – A conversation could change a life.

Today reminds us of the power of checking in. Asking “Are you OK?” and really listening can make a world of difference.

Take the time to reach out to a friend, colleague, or loved one – not just today, but any day. A small conversation can open the door to support and hope.

VET Excellence Awards 2025

Last week at NSW Parliament, the VET Excellence Awards, run by Youth Partnerships, recognised the very best in Vocational Education and Training.

We are proud to celebrate our very own Rachel Wu, who was honoured for her outstanding achievement in VET Hospitality Food and Beverage.

Rachel has demonstrated remarkable skill, passion, and dedication across her two work placements – a true testament to her commitment and talent. Congratulations, Rachel!

Exciting News!

We are proud to announce that Maddison PYE has been nominated for possible inclusion in CALLBACK.

CALLBACK is the annual showcase of exemplary HSC Dance performances, celebrating the creativity, skill and dedication of outstanding students across NSW.

Being considered for an HSC Showcase is an incredible achievement, recognising talent at the highest level.

Congratulations to Maddison on this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations to our new Student Leaders!

We are proud to announce that 16 students have been inducted into the Year 12 (2026) Student Representative Council (SRC).

These students have shown commitment, leadership, and a strong dedication to representing their peers and school community.

We look forward to the incredible contributions they will make throughout the year as they lead with passion, teamwork and school spirit.

Please join us in congratulating our newest SRC members!

Our 2026 SRC Presidents have been announced!

Representing the voice of the student body, our SRC Presidents will lead initiatives, build connections, and continue strengthening our school community.

Congratulations to our new SRC Presidents for 2026 – Maria Frances VARNAVA and Mya WONG.

We can’t wait to see the positive impact you’ll make!

Introducing our 2026 Vice-Captains!

These incredible students will stand alongside our Captains to support, encourage, and lead with pride. Their dedication and leadership qualities make them the perfect fit for this important role.

Congratulations to our Jonathan MERGL and Kayla ARASYID.

We can’t wait to see the positive impact you’ll make!

Congratulations to our 2026 School Captains!

We are so proud to announce our new leaders who will represent and inspire our school community in the year ahead. Their commitment, enthusiasm and vision for 2026 will no doubt leave a lasting legacy.

Join us in congratulating Abbie CLAY and Avinash BAJPE.

We can’t wait to see the positive impact you’ll make!

Our Boys Oztag team has proudly earned the opportunity to compete in a prestigious two-day competition at Tuggerah Lakes to determine the NSW School Champions of Secondary Schools.

This exciting event includes an overnight stay, giving the team the chance to showcase their skills, teamwork, and school spirit against the best schools across the state.

CAPA Showcase 2025

What an incredible night celebrating the talent, creativity, and dedication of our HSC Drama, Dance, and Music students! From moving performances to show-stopping numbers, the stage came alive with passion and artistry.

Our students have shown that the future of the creative arts is truly exceptional — and it’s shining brightly.

Congratulations to all involved for a night to remember!

During NAIDOC Week, we celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a time to recognise the strength and pride of First Nations communities and deepen our collective understanding.

A range of inclusive and meaningful activities were organised:

-Trivia

-Bead Bracelet Making

-Mufti Day

-Novelty Events

This week was a great week to come together to learn, reflect, and celebrate the oldest living cultures on Earth.

Year 12 Higher Education Expo – What a Success!

A huge thank you to all the universities, TAFEs, and training providers who attended our Higher Education Expo this week. The event was a fantastic success, with outstanding engagement from our Year 12 students, who asked insightful questions and represented our school with pride.

We also received excellent feedback from exhibitors, who praised the enthusiasm, curiosity and respectful behaviour of our students.

It was a valuable opportunity for students to explore future pathways and make informed decisions about life after school. Well done, Year 12!

We are thrilled to share that the GRC Combined Concert Band and GRC Stage Band participated in the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival, achieving fantastic results!

This long-standing festival features talented ensembles from across the country, judged by some of Australia's top ensemble directors and international guest judges.

In the Secondary School Open Big Band event, our GRC Stage Band was awarded GOLD! The students delivered an outstanding performance, with special recognition for our feature soloists: Cody Jones, Charlee Marshall, Jamie Welstead, and Sami Masri. Audience feedback was overwhelming, with many saying we didn’t sound like a 'school band' at all! It was fantastic to be recognised as the ‘best’ amongst a range of public/private/independent/catholic schools.

In the Intermediate Secondary School Concert Band event, the GRC Combined Concert Band earned a SILVER award! Their cohesion and musicality shone through, highlighted by solo performances from James Boneham and Lauren Ahyong. This band, featuring many of our newest and youngest musicians, has worked diligently to master challenging repertoire.

A huge thank you to Mrs. Angela Pryce, Mr. Tim Payne and Ms. Brooke Walmsley, who dedicated their Sunday to support our talented students and play in the ensembles. Your commitment makes all the difference!

Congratulations to Rose, Katelyn and Prashida from our Green Class who have been selected to perform in the D'Arts Ensemble for the item "Real in Rio" at this year’s School Spectacular!

The NSW School Spectacular is one of the largest performing arts events in the world, showcasing the incredible talent of students from public schools across the state. We're thrilled that our students will be part of this unforgettable experience!

NSW Volleyball Schools’ Cup

An amazing day at Olympic Park for our volleyball teams!

Senior Boys – CHAMPIONS

What a performance! The boys took out the title with grit, skill and teamwork.

NSW Volleyball Schools’ Cup

Senior Girls – Semi-Finalists

Incredible effort from a team full of heart.

Well done to all players and staff.

We are proud to share some fantastic news about one of our talented students, Tahlia Coutlon, who continues to excel outside of school through her commitment to rhythmic and aesthetic group gymnastics.

Last month, Tahlia competed in the Marival Cup, an international gymnastics competition held in Sydney, achieving remarkable results:

- 1st Overall in her individual Rhythmic Gymnastics division

- 1st in Ball and Ribbon

- 2nd in Hoop and Clubs

In addition to her individual success, Tahlia’s Aesthetic Group Gymnastics team placed 1st overall and has been selected to represent Australia at the 13th Hong Kong Grand Trophy Championships in October.

Well done, Tahlia – we’ll be cheering you on!

Winner Announcement – Young Writer’s Award 2025

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Lillian King has been recognised in the 2025 Young Writer’s Award! This prestigious competition celebrates the imagination, creativity, and writing talent of young people – and Lillian’s work has truly shone.

As a winner, Lillian will receive:

A certificate of achievement

An exclusive invitation to a writing masterclass with award-winning Australian author and judge, Will Kostakis

A loot bag bursting with bookish goodies and snacks!

Congratulations, Lillian!

Multicultural Week Finale – Mufti Day Celebration!

What a way to finish an incredible week! Today’s Multicultural Mufti Day was a vibrant celebration of identity, pride, and unity. Students came dressed in stunning cultural attire, proudly representing their heritage and the cultures that shape our school community.

The food trucks were a hit and the performances were absolutely show-stopping! From traditional dances to modern cultural showcases, our students lit up the stage with talent and heart.

The week has been a true celebration of the rich diversity that makes our school community so special. From the trivia challenge and bake sale to student DJ sets, bingo, cultural dress, food trucks and unforgettable performances — the atmosphere across the school has been nothing short of amazing. The student engagement, the colour, the energy — just brilliant!

A massive thank you to every student, staff member and family who made Multicultural Week 2025 such a powerful, joyful, and meaningful celebration. A huge thank you to Mr. Gerrard and Ms. Flavell for their outstanding organisation, dedication and commitment in bringing the week to life.

This is Oatley at its best — diverse, united and full of pride. I am so proud of what we stand for as a community.

Anna Girginis

Principal

What a Star!

Charlee Marshall absolutely dazzled the crowd with her powerful performance of "Feeling Good" at the Big Band Blast.

This photo, captured by award-winning jazz vocalist Jacki Cooper, showcases Charlee in her element. Jacki regularly performs alongside John Morrison in their Sydney jazz band and his big band, Swing City.

And they’re off!

Students from across the college are heading to Bathurst for the next three days to take part in the Big Band Blast – a celebration of music, talent, and teamwork!

A particularly emotional send-off for our 7 amazing Year 12 students, as this marks their final Big Band Blast before graduation. Thank you for the energy, passion and dedication you've brought to the band over the years – you'll be missed!

Wishing all our performers an unforgettable few days full of rhythm, memories, and musical magic.

Thank you to Ms Pryce, Head Teacher CAPA for all her organisation and commitment to the Band program.

Huge congratulations to Claudia, who has been selected for the NSW Senior Music Camp run by the Arts Unit!

This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with talented young musicians from across the state and further develop her musical skills. We’re so proud of you, Claudia!

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting the Department of Education Secretary Roadshow – a huge success and a wonderful opportunity to showcase our vibrant campus and exceptional students.

We were honoured to welcome The Hon Prue Car MP, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Secretary Murat Dizdar, Deputy Secretary Deb Summerhayes, Executive Director Jan Green, Director Joanna French, and over 170 principals from across New South Wales.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff and incredible students who represented our school community with pride, professionalism, and warmth.

2025 TAFE NSW Excellence Awards!

We are excited to announce to our school community that Taylor has been named a Regional Finalist in the 2025 TAFE NSW Excellence Awards!

as been recognised in the Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills Student of the Year category — a fantastic achievement that reflects her dedication and hard work.

We are so proud of Taylor and look forward to the virtual awards event where the overall winners will be revealed!

Our Year 11 and 12 Drama students recently had an energetic and dynamic morning with the incredible Danielle from SWOOP! Physical Theatre. Over two action-packed hours, students explored acrobatic and movement techniques that challenged them to see the stage in a whole new light.

From team lifts to gravity-defying balances, it was inspiring to see students cheering each other on, pushing their limits, and celebrating every success with high fives and plenty of laughter!

A huge thank you to Danielle for an unforgettable workshop!

Year 10 KLA Information Day

We were excited to welcome students from our middle schools to explore the wide range of subjects on offer for Years 11 and 12!

Today was one of many transition events planned for the year, giving students the opportunity to:

- Explore their senior subject options

- Engage with our passionate staff

- Ask questions

It was a fantastic day of curiosity, connection, and inspiration!

ANZAC Assembly 2025

Today, our school came together in solemn reflection to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of Australian and New Zealand soldiers—past and present.

As part of our commemorative assembly, we recited The Ode and listened to "The Fallen" by Laurence Binyon:

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them."

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful MCs and presenters who led the ceremony with dignity and care. Your words reminded us of the importance of remembering those who gave so much for the freedom we enjoy today.

ANZAC Day 2025

Lest we forget.

Our SRC Executive proudly represented the school community at this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations. They attended the Oatley RSL Sub-Branch Dawn Service, as well as the services at Penshurst and Mortdale RSL Sub-Branches, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who have served.

We are honoured to be part of these meaningful ceremonies and to continue remembering those who gave so much for our freedom.

Alumni Spotlight – Rebecca Hart

We are incredibly proud of our ex-student, Rebecca Hart, a talented French/Australian mezzo-soprano now based in London, UK.

What a wonderful honour it was for Rebecca to sing La Marseillaise at the England–France Women’s Six Nations match! Her powerful performance showcased not only her incredible vocal talent but also her deep cultural pride.

Bravo, Rebecca — your school community is cheering you on from across the globe!

Open Boys Volleyball Victory!

Our Open Boys Volleyball team has progressed to the Sydney East Quarter Finals after an incredible 2–1 win over Rose Bay Secondary College!

After dropping the first set and fending off match points in the second, the boys dug deep and came back stronger than ever to seal the win in the third set. A huge effort and a well-deserved victory!

We are celebrating commitment and consistency!

This term, we proudly recognised over 180 students — that’s 25% of our entire school — for achieving 100% attendance!

To thank them for showing up every day ready to learn, we brought in an ice cream truck as a sweet reward.

Well done to all our dedicated students – your effort doesn’t go unnoticed!

We’re incredibly proud of Lilieta Qoro who has been selected to represent the Sydney East team in Rugby Union!

Wishing you all the best as you take on this next exciting challenge – your school community is cheering you on all the way!

Congratulations to our Head Teacher VET, Rebecca Jamieson.

Rebecca was honoured at the Youth Partnership Awards Night as the winner of the Department of Education category in the Education Partner Award!

Rebecca’s dedication to vocational education and her commitment to empowering young people through real-world learning opportunities have made a profound impact. Her leadership, passion, and tireless support for students and the school community are truly inspiring.

Well done, Rebecca – this recognition is so well deserved!

An Epic Battle on the Court!

Two teams, perfectly matched—you would have thought it was a grand final! Oatley vs. Tempe in a thrilling round one showdown.

Tempe took the first set, Oatley fought back to claim the second, and the third set was a nail-biter, going point for point! In the end, Tempe secured the win, but our Oatley girls played with incredible talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

A fantastic effort—be proud, girls!

Exciting News!

A huge congratulations to Maya, who has officially received her OnSTAGE certificate from the NESA Showcase of Merit, marking a phenomenal achievement in HSC Drama!

Maya Cerkic was selected to exhibit her Director’s Folio – Death of a Salesman in OnSTAGE, a prestigious showcase that celebrates the top HSC Drama performances and projects across NSW. Out of all the entries, only three Director’s Folios were selected from across the state, and we are incredibly proud to be the only public school to receive this honour!

To be nominated for a HSC Major Work is an incredible honour, but to be officially selected is truly outstanding. This recognition is a testament to Maya’s hard work, dedication, and creativity. We couldn’t be prouder of her success!