Introducing the new Acting Head of College
1. Hello Mark, so, what brought you to Oxley, and what has kept you inspired here all these years?
As a truly independent, proudly non-denominational, authentically co-educational P-12 school that values care for the whole child alongside high expectations, Oxley is quite unique in New South Wales. I believe there are very few schools like it.
The school has developed the distinctive big ideas and ethics course, ‘Cornerstone’, in Years 7-10. I was excited to grow it further as a teacher specialising in Philosophy and Ethics.
In 2018, an Executive role opened at Oxley, and the chance to relocate my young family to the Highlands and join this community was too good to pass up.
What inspires me most are the students, their warmth, curiosity, confidence, authenticity, and optimism.
2. How would you describe Oxley’s culture in your own words?
Oxley is a kind, respectful, welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant place, which is what makes me so proud to be a part of.
3. When it comes to leadership, what’s your style, and how do you hope it will shape the Oxley community?
My leadership style is best characterised as adaptive.
It’s not about having all the answers, but articulating a vision in order to mobilise others to take on difficult challenges.
Rather than focusing on technical solutions, I believe the work of leadership is about addressing values and beliefs, and the behaviours that they reflect.
I believe that we cannot face the significant global challenges we face with the old industrial ‘top down’ leadership model; leadership needs to be collaborative, it needs to empower and inspire others.
4. Were there any experiences, memories, or mentors at Oxley that shaped the way you lead today?
One of the skills I like to teach students is to interrogate the assumptions that lie behind questions!
In this case, what shapes me is not specific moments or people, but a mindset of being open to learning every day, from every interaction and experience. For me, that is what our College value of ‘Seek Wisdom’ means.
Life at Oxley
5. Oxley is known for its tight-knit community. What does that feel like day-to-day?
Oxley is a warm and welcoming place; visitors to the College frequently comment on the friendliness of our students and staff.
We are more than a school, we are a community.
We welcome families, not just students, to life at Oxley – from volunteering opportunities, P&F Events like Trivia Night and Year Group Gatherings to cheering on Saturday Sport – there’s a wide range of opportunities to get involved in Oxley College Community life.
6. Can you share a story or moment that truly captures the heart of Oxley?
Our annual Year 12 Graduation is, I believe, the best evidence of the quality of education at Oxley.
As a parent, I often look at our Year 12s and think how wonderful it would be if my own child turned out like that. It is something many new parents say each year as well.
7. How do you help students, staff, and families feel connected and supported in their journey here?
By providing so many opportunities!
Whether it’s our extensive co-curricular program for students in sport, performing arts, or spoken word, our Outdoor Education program, Service Learning activities in the local community, and trips both within the state and overseas, or our P&F social events, Saturday sports bbqs, and cake stalls, there are so many ways to be part of this wonderful community.
Looking ahead
8. Are there any particular projects or initiatives that you’re especially passionate about bringing to life?
We are one year into our 2025-2027 Strategy, and having delivered on some outstanding new learning spaces this year, we have more to come next year with the redevelopment of our school hall into a high-quality performance space.
Our Oxley College Centre for Ethics also goes from strength to strength – we have another very exciting program of public lectures coming in 2026 (watch this space!).
We are also launching our new School Managed Device program next year, which will transform the learning experiences for students in the coming years.
9. If you could leave the Oxley community with one key message about your vision for the school, what would it be?
To be a school where every child is known, challenged, and inspired – to think beyond a syllabus, to dare to embrace new experiences, and to dream of how they might shape the world beyond school.
Wow, thanks for chatting with us, Mark!
Oxley College really is a place where students are encouraged to think, explore, and grow, and where the community around them plays a big part in that journey.
To learn more about this incredible school, sign up for the Term 4 Open Morning on the 28th of November.
Take a student-led tour, meet the College Leadership Team, and learn about what’s coming next for the school.
Or you can reach out to the school by visiting their website here to learn more.