Oakhill College: Living the Lasallian Mission through Faith, Service, and Community

The Lasallian Mission, ingrained in the vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, inspires a faith-filled, service-oriented, and community-driven approach to education. At Oakhill College in Castle Hill, NSW—one of many Lasallian schools across Australia and the Asia Pacific region—this guiding ethos is evident in the life of the College. From its beginnings in 1936 with just a few boarders and a handful of teachers, Oakhill has grown steadily, responding to the changing needs of young people while remaining firmly anchored in its Lasallian heritage. Recent newsletters highlight the myriad ways in which faith, service, and community are flourishing within the College, reflecting Oakhill’s unwavering commitment to nurturing students who are compassionate, reflective, and ready to take on the challenges of a complex world.

A Heritage of Adaptability and Care

Long before the College’s current students roamed the corridors, the De La Salle Brothers purchased the Castle Hill property in 1933 to establish a Brothers’ Training College. The first school building, opened in 1936 and today known as the De La Salle Building, stands as a reminder of Oakhill’s storied past and has been granted a heritage listing in recognition of its significance. From that modest beginning—20 boarders and 10 day students in three classrooms—Oakhill has continually expanded to serve a broader community, welcoming girls into Years 11 and 12 in 1976 and transitioning away from its original boarding structure by 1974.

Although the College has grown in size and embraced modern facilities and teaching methods, its fundamental purpose has remained the same: to provide students with a holistic, human, and Christian education. That long-standing mission, informed by the Lasallian tradition, entails not just academic instruction but also spiritual development, social responsibility, and a sense of belonging.

Faith: Nurturing Spiritual Growth and Reflection

At Oakhill College, faith-based activities form the bedrock of the school’s identity. The 2025 academic year began with an uplifting Dedication Mass, during which the entire College community gathered to embrace the annual theme—faith-filled. A particularly moving moment saw a representative from each year group, alongside a staff member, making the 2025 Oakhill College Pledge. By voicing their commitment to a year of faith, learning, and service, these individuals symbolised the unity and collective purpose that the Lasallian Mission fosters.

This spirit of faith formation continued through LIFTED Leaders, an inspiring event bringing together Year 12 students from across the Diocese. Oakhill’s Mission Captains joined peers in exploring themes of leadership, spirituality, and community engagement, guided by Bishop Vincent and Catholic Youth Parramatta. The aim was not just to equip student leaders with organisational skills but also to nurture a heart for service, respect, empathy, and brotherhood.

Another landmark in Oakhill’s faith journey was the presence of Br. Peter Bray, the new Brother Visitor for Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea. His visit during the Opening Mass served to reinforce Oakhill’s place within a global Lasallian network, encouraging students and staff alike to see themselves as part of a greater mission: one that transcends geographical boundaries and calls them to support fellow Lasallians around the world.

Service: Giving Back to the Community and Beyond

Service lies at the heart of a Lasallian education, and Oakhill students are encouraged to become catalysts for positive change. Numerous initiatives show how this commitment comes to life, both locally and internationally.

A vivid example is Caritas – Show Your Colours, where students and staff donned their favourite team jerseys, each contributing a gold coin to raise funds for Project Compassion. This simple yet powerful act brought in $2,058.50 to aid disadvantaged communities, demonstrating how collective spirit and small individual contributions can make a significant impact.

Similarly, Pink Stumps Day, traditionally associated with cricket-based fun, took on a charitable dimension at Oakhill, culminating in the sale of raffle tickets that generated more than $5,000 for cancer support initiatives. This lively event, featuring staff and student participation, showcased the College’s ability to blend community camaraderie with philanthropic goals.

In a more hands-on capacity, Year 10 students are currently working on the Walk the Talk programme to raise funds and support The Sanctuary Women’s Shelter. The Christmas Hamper Appeal in December saw an overwhelming response from the school community, demonstrating our collective generosity. Year 11 and 12 students also visit the nearby Retirement Village each week, engaging with residents through music, games, and crafts, and creating meaningful connections. Moreover, the Vinnies Van initiative sees students travelling to Ryde to provide food and drink to people in need, offering both support and companionship. The experience echoes the core Lasallian principle of recognising the dignity of every person and responding with empathy and tangible support.

Looking further afield, the upcoming Year 11 Lasallians Without Borders tours to India and the Philippines underscore Oakhill’s international commitment. Scheduled for the September/October 2025 holidays, these service tours will offer participants the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures, working alongside local Lasallian communities to serve the poor and marginalised. This opportunity encourages students to broaden their worldview, deepen their appreciation for diversity, and live out the Lasallian call to stand in solidarity with those in need—ultimately embodying the spirit of “together and by association” that Saint John Baptist de La Salle championed.

Community: Building Unity through Shared Endeavours

While faith and service undoubtedly shape Oakhill’s identity, the sense of community that arises from these values is just as critical. 

An instance of this was Pi Day, where the Mathematics Department coordinated exciting activities to honour the mathematical constant π on 14th March (3.14). Tutor Groups across the College engaged in a Pi Kahoot quiz, testing their knowledge of this fascinating concept, while Krispy Kreme doughnuts were on sale to raise funds for the Lasallian Breakfast Club in Papua New Guinea. This fusion of learning, fun, and charity epitomises the Oakhill spirit: students not only sharpen their minds but also develop empathy for communities beyond their immediate environment.

Academic excellence and collective pride were highlighted during the High Achievers Assembly, celebrating the Class of 2024’s outstanding HSC results. Former students returning to campus spoke of perseverance, resilience, and the multifaceted nature of success—important lessons for current students. Among the speakers was Oakhill Dux, Olivia Boumelhem, who reflected on the power of pushing oneself forward, even in the face of setbacks. Her words served as an uplifting reminder that a supportive, goal-oriented school community can transform setbacks into growth opportunities.

Beyond these celebrations, the College fosters communal ties through initiatives such as Exploring Careers in Policing, featuring Senior Constable Glenn Clark, who engaged with students to explore law enforcement pathways. The interactive format allowed students to ask questions about entry requirements, day-to-day realities, and the diverse roles within the police force. In the classroom, dynamic learning experiences—like French Grammar and Conversation sessions, where Year 9 students practised speaking skills through role-playing their favourite television shows—help bring students together, reinforcing trust, cooperation, and mutual encouragement.

Finally, a truly enriching example of communal growth can be seen in the experiences shared by students who attended the National Youth Science Forum. Over nine days at the Australian National University, participants immersed themselves in STEM activities, making friends from around the country and connecting with experts in fields such as cybersecurity, agricultural conservation, and advanced scientific research. Whether discussing solar-powered car design or live cross events with world-class laboratories like the CERN Hadron Collider, students discovered the power of collective curiosity and intellectual enthusiasm—qualities that strengthen a school community and inspire others to dream bigger.

 A Flourishing Lasallian Spirit

As these faith-based, service-oriented, and community-driven initiatives demonstrate, the Lasallian Mission remains a vibrant force at Oakhill College. Founded on the belief that education should develop not only the mind but also the heart, the school consistently prioritises spiritual growth, social responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.

Whether gathering for Mass at the start of the year, engaging in charitable events like Show Your Colours or Pink Stumps Day, or championing academic achievements and personal milestones, the Oakhill community shows the enduring relevance and transformative power of Lasallian values. Activities such as the Walk the Talk programme or the planned Lasallians Without Borders tours highlight an outward-looking perspective, reminding students that they belong to a broader, global community.

In cherishing the De La Salle Brothers’ heritage and adapting it to the needs of the modern world, Oakhill College continues to embody its founding promise of providing a human and Christian education to the young. Through faith, service, and community, each new generation of Oakhill students is encouraged to become thoughtful, compassionate individuals—ready to embrace the world’s challenges and opportunities with courage, generosity, and love. As the College looks to the future, it does so ingrained in a proud Lasallian past, convinced that these guiding values will always remain at the heart of its mission.