The Oakhill Drive Volume 32 | July 2015
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The Oakhill Drive volume 32 | july 2015 The Centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign 1915 – 2015 his year, 2015, marks one hundred years since the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. The spirit of ANZAC has come to mean T many things for so many people over these past 100 Years. Next year, 2016, Oakhill College will celebrate 80 Years of Lasallian education in the Hills Region. During the course of our 80 Year history only one of our Alumni has died in the service of our country – Trooper Jason Brown (Class of 1999). In 2013 Jason was made an Alumni of Distinction (posthumously) in memorial of his life. Many hundreds of our Alumni have served or are still serving in our defence forces. As we pay tribute to all those many Australian men and women who have died in conflicts around the world over the past 100 years we would also like to recognise the achievements and on-going commitment to the service of this country by our Alumni. One such person is Colonel Kahlil Fegan. Kahlil Fegan graduated from Oakhill College in 1988 after commencing at the school eight years earlier in Grade 5. He studied for a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Newcastle University prior to graduating from the Royal Military College - Duntroon in 1993, to the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. He has served in a wide variety of roles in Australia, Canada, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. Kahlil is currently serving as the Chief of Staff of the 1st Division/Deployable Joint Forces Headquarters. He is married to Ilona, an Organisational Development Manager and has two daughters, Caitlin and Lauren and a young son Elijah. In 2005 Kahlil was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his command of a specialist Security Detachment in Iraq and in 2013 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his command of a Task Force in Afghanistan. In his address at the 2015 ANZAC DAY Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Kahlil spoke of what makes the Colonel Kahlil Fegan. achievements of our Australian men and women who serve or have served in the Armed Forces so ‘special’ – what sets us apart from all seen stubbornness and unrelenting determination. I have seen duty the rest. Colonel Fegan said: “I have often contemplated what makes us and patriotism; wonderful humor, larrikinism, exuberance and mateship; different. Certainly we have excellent leaders, world class training and and I have seen humility and compassion when it has been needed the equipment. These things are quantifiable, however there is something most by those who are most vulnerable. less definable or measurable; an attitude or indeed what some will call What I have seen I can only describe as a manifestation of a subtle a ‘spirit’ - that I contest is reflected in the eyes of the men and women ‘spirit’ that reflects the collective amalgamation and union of these with whom I have served on operations. traits and qualities in an absolutely and uniquely Australian way. In their eyes, at times, I have seen the horror, hardship and For me it is the same ‘spirit’ that drove our original ANZAC’s out sorrow that is synonymous with conflict. But I have also seen acts of the boats and onto the beaches at Suvla Bay, at this time, on this of commendable courage, endurance and audacity in the face of the morning, 100 years ago.” enemy; I have seen initiative, teamwork, discipline and respect; I have In this edition of the Drive we “salute” them! 1 1 THe oAKHILL DRIVE – volume 32 | July 2015 | www.oakhillcollege.com.au 2015 ReunIonS The following dates have been set for Reunions in 2015: SATuRDAY 15 AuGuST – THe 50’S ReunIon hope that as you read this edition of the SATuRDAY 5 SePTemBeR – ClASS oF 1995 Oakhill Drive, you are inspired as much SATuRDAY 7 NOVEMBeR – ClASS oF 2005 I as I am by the stories of so many of our alumni who have served in the defence forces. mark the date in your Calendar NOW! Formal invitations to the Brother Raymond Khan has gathered together Reunions will be sent approximately six weeks prior to the event. some special articles for this ANZAC tribute. Our only regret is that We look forward to welcoming you ALL back to the College. space did not allow us to use all the pieces we received and we are grateful to everyone who responded to his request. On another note I have to advise that this will be the last edition of the Oakhill Drive under my editorship. I have decided to retire from the full-time workforce and have therefore resigned as College Bursar. YouR Feedback The last eighteen years have seen many changes at the College and I consider myself privileged to have had the opportunity to work John Roddy (Class of 1948) – John writes: “I started in Fourth with the De La Salle Brothers, the staff and indeed the wider College Class in 1945 and left after First Year in 1948. I completed the community. leaving Certificate in 1952 at St Patrick’s Strathfield. our family In particular I am indebted to the very many alumni I have come lived in “The lodge” at the front gate of the property. I used to to know personally. You are a very special group whose success and help out at the dairy – hand milking the cows. Br oliver o’leary community engagement reinforces what the College is all about. was the main farm hand along with Br lawrence. Those were As I go on to next adventure in my life I would like to express a the days! even though I don’t know the people mentioned in wish for happiness and peace in all your families. the oakhill Drive, I still enjoy reading the stories.” Steve Molloy George Roman (Class of 1960) – George sent us a College Bursar donation to help with the postage costs! George writes: “When time permits I reminisce about our school days with fond memories.” John Hollis (Teacher 1984 – 2014) – Thanks so much for publishing the article on Chris’ sailing exploits. I was thrilled to see it there. Chris is coming home soon after two years away. I’ll be sure to show him the article. I’ll have to send you something on melissa (class of 2000) next year. The publication has certainly gone from strength to strength. Interesting to read about Chris Diekman (Class of 1978). We used his text as a sound reference above all others! Br Peter McIntosh (Principal 1976 -1981) and Steve Molloy. HavingHaving grown grown up inup the in Hills the District Hills District and andDavid now and a dedicatedhis team pride real themselvesestate agent nowin athe dedicated area, David real estate Choy agent is honoured in toon betheir involved hard work, in the honesty, Oakhill integrity College thecommunity area, David Choythrough is honoured sponsorship to be and events.and results and are the most reliable involvedA constant in the Oakhillfocus onCollege customer community service, choiceexcellence to handle and completethe negotiation satisfaction of throughis the sponsorshipdriving force and behind events. David Choy yourand hisgreatest team asset.in assisting people with A theirconstant move. focus on customer service, David Choy will donate $500 to Oakhill excellence and complete satisfaction College for every property listed and David is vastly accomplished in his field as one of the leading agents for the is the driving force behind David Choy sold with McGrath Castle Hill by a parent McGrath group and has been selling in the Hills District for 17 years. and his team in assisting people with or friend of the College. Don’t forget to theirDavid move. and his team pride themselves onmention their thishard when work, discussing honesty, your integrity listing and results and are the most reliable choice to handle the negotiation of your David is vastly accomplished in his with David Choy or one of his staff. greatest asset. field as one of the leading agents If you’re thinking about selling and forIf the you’re McGrath thinking group about and sellinghas been and wouldwould like like an an appraisal appraisal on on the the worth worth ofof sellingyour inproperty, the Hills please District call for David. 19 years. your property, please call David. Suite 11, 1 Terminus St, Castle Hill NSW 2154 • w: mcgrath.com.au ph: 9680 5936 • mobile: 0411 196 328 • e: [email protected] 2 THe oAKHILL DRIVE – volume 32 | July 2015 | www.oakhillcollege.com.au over many years the oakhill College community has been renowned for their generosity. 2015 has been no exception. ART In THe HILLs The 44th Art in the Hills was held in March. Once again the Centenary Sports Centre was turned into a wonderful art and craft exhibition. The number of artists exhibiting their works continues to grow each and every year. The amount raised at the Exhibition was close to $27,000. The money raised will go towards the refurbishment of the P J Walsh appreciation for the “overwhelming support provided by our local Library. Thanks to Mrs Terri Unwin (Art in the Hills Co-ordinator) and the community in sponsoring the event.” Thank you to the oakhill and Committee who spent endless hours preparing for the event. Keep your wider Community for enabling us to reach our target of $60,000. The eye out for the date in 2016 – the 45th Art in the Hills! money raised will help to improve the lives of many disadvantaged children and their families.” GALA DAY WOW! What a fantastic day! It was a great day with so much activity and fun, but more importantly it was a brilliant example of all that is great about the Oakhill College community spirit.