Turon

At the start of 2021, Ms Hemmings our House Dean challenged us to continue the 2020 legacy. Could the Turon Titans go back-to-back and win the House Cup?

Adam Bainy

Sophie Cook The year started with all Year 12 Turon girls meeting the new Year 11 girls and assisting with orientation. On the first day of school, Year 12 Turon boys welcomed the Year 7s in Tutor Groups. Our mission was to ensure unity, a connection and we wanted to instil passion in Turon.

“With so much uncertainty lingering from 2020, there was much relief to share in the Swimming Carnival.”

Although this meant no war cries, the simplicity of sitting and cheering each other on, reminded us how important the House spirit is at Oakhill and how much we missed it. Although we did not win, every member of Turon jumped in the pool and attempted at least one race.This year Mr Fisher, Year 8 Dean, included the senior students in mentoring the Year 8 boys. We coached and refereed their soccer, basketball, cricket, and dodgeball lunchtime competitions. Most importantly, we saw the passion that has been ignited. You have been exemplary in your enthusiasm and dedication to participate for the Turon Titans: we thank you. We would also like to mention Nathan Colaco (Year 8), who accumulated the most House points. We thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm.

In Term 2, we participated in the Athletics Carnival. War cries were back on, and we enjoyed the day. Although we did not win, special mention to the Year 11 Turon girls who demonstrated unbelievable House spirit. What was evident was Turon is a House that will always show up. We want to make a special mention to U16 Age Champion Jaiden Selvan for his talent, passion and support of Turon.

On the final day of Term 2, Ms Hemmings held a House meeting and stood before us in her Turon shirt, and reminded us that we are “somebody”. We were “somebody” before coming to Oakhill and that we will be a better “somebody” when we leave. She echoed the words that we are powerful, strong, and deserve the education given by Oakhill. She looked us in the eye and told us we had things to do, people to impress and places to go! What resonates with us now is that that would be the last time we would gather as a House in 2021. The Class of 2021 had been affected like no other. We lost many activities, lived with the unknown around the HSC and Trials and had overseas tours and events cancelled. However, what we do know is that we are stronger than we realised. We are powerful, and although we lived with so much fear and uncertainty, we were certain to rise above this; and as the Class of 2021 walked down the drive and graduated, we knew we could face anything in life.

Finally to Ms Hemmings. You are the definition of enthusiasm and passion. You wear your Turon shirt and hat with so much pride, and you make us believe that we can achieve the impossible. But what we are most thankful for is that you see us. During lockdown you checked on every one of us, sending each member a video message and constant emails and reaching out, ensuring we had the support network that we needed.

Although we didn’t achieve the goal to create a dynasty and become back-to-back champions, we do believe that Turon will stand above the rest in the next few years. What we know for sure is everyone remembers the TITANS.

Adam Bainy and Sophie Cook

Turon House Captains