Oxford Falls Grammar is an independent co-educational Christian school from Kindergarten to Year 12, nestled in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. We believe in the power of recognising and developing the unique qualities in every student. With our Christ-centred educational framework, we equip your child for lifelong success, helping them become confident in life.
Principal’s Welcome
Thank you for considering Oxford Falls Grammar as a partner in the education and development of your child. The trust families place in a school is both a privilege and a responsibility that is never lost on me.
At Oxford Falls Grammar, we are committed to providing every student with the opportunity to become their personal best — academically, socially, spiritually and personally. While we recognise the importance of excellent facilities, innovative learning environments and robust academic programs, we also understand that children thrive when they feel a genuine sense of belonging, ownership and pride in their school community.
What makes a great school is not only measured by results, but by the character of the young people who graduate from it. One of the greatest affirmations of our school community is the regular feedback we receive from members of the public who contact us simply to commend our students for the way they conduct themselves in the wider community. Their kindness, respect, confidence and integrity are hallmarks of an Oxford Falls Grammar education, and they reflect the values we seek to nurture in every child.
At Oxford Falls Grammar, we believe education is most powerful when schools and families work in partnership. We value the relationships we build with parents and carers and seek to create a community where every family feels known, welcomed and supported.
As a co-educational Christian school, we are strongly anchored in our Christian foundation. Our faith informs the way we care for students, serve our community and encourage young people to live with purpose, compassion and courage. We warmly welcome families from all backgrounds who seek a school community built on strong values, authentic relationships and a commitment to excellence.
Thank you again for considering Oxford Falls Grammar. We would be honoured to walk alongside your family during this important season of your child’s life.
Warm regards,
Mrs Helen Finlay
PRINCIPAL
Click on image to discover more.
Mrs Helen Finlay is an experienced and committed school leader who has held senior leadership roles including Principal, Head of Junior School, and Director of Teaching and Learning K-12. She currently serves as Chair of the South Australian Anglican Heads and as a board member of the Association of Independent Schools South Australia.Mrs Finlay brings strong capability in educational leadership, strategic development, and school improvement, alongside strengths in public speaking, research, management, and team leadership. She is deeply committed to high-quality Christian education and to creating environments in which both students and staff can flourish.
Mrs Finlay holds a Master of Education from the University of New South Wales, a Certificate of Gifted Education, and a Certificate in School Leadership and Management from Harvard University. She is currently completing a Master of Business Administration to further strengthen her leadership practice.
In recognition of her leadership and impact, Mrs Finlay was awarded The Educator’s 2024 Independent Principal of the Year (Primary). Under her leadership, her school also received a national award for Innovation in Curriculum Design and was named one of only three schools in South Australia on the Innovative Schools list.
Mrs Finlay is excited to lead OFG into its next chapter as the OFG Board recently launched its new Vision, Mission, and Strategy.
What Makes Us Different
The Co-educational Advantage
Reflecting the world in which we live, work and play, co-education brings many benefits in preparing our students for our complex and evolving world.
Co-education provides a real-world environment for boys and girls to grow and learn together, relate to each other and on a daily basis live out the basics of respect, co-operation, kindness and equality. Students share leadership and academic opportunities, benefiting from equal involvement in sports, camps and co-curricular pursuits.
Co-education normalises and demystifies gender, reduces stereotypes, promotes appropriate behaviours and perspectives and ultimately prepares our graduates for the real world of university and the workplace into which they move.
Meet Rommi below and hear how OFG builds a co-educational community from the people who know it best, our students.
Christianity in Action
Through active involvement in a caring and dynamic Christian Faith community, genuine individual experiences are accumulated as students see Christianity ‘lived in practice’ by their peers and teachers.
Under the guidance of our School Community Chaplain, Christian Studies Teacher and Youth Chaplains, students develop into self-aware, respectful, and mindful adults. Our contemporary Christian study program teaches students in an engaging, meaningful and relevant way about God and His love for them. We believe each child should feel valuable and loved, with a sense of purpose and identity.
Outreach Program
Our Christian ethos is demonstrated through the OFG Outreach Program. It is a K-12 philanthropic initiative that seeks to raise money for less fortunate children and communities across Australia and Asia. In Year 10 and 11, students have the opportunity to participate in an annual overseas mission trip. OFG fosters a strong culture of generosity. We believe it is important to encourage students to think beyond themselves and to help others around them.
World Class Educators
Quality Teaching Program
Teacher quality is hugely influential on your child’s educational success. OFG’s Quality Teaching Program drives innovative, professional development for every teacher in a collaborative, supportive environment. This is an exciting initiative with a direct impact on positive student engagement and learning.
Dr Sue Marks, the Director of Teaching and Learning has implemented SaLT (Sharing and Learning Teams), the Quality Teaching Program at OFG. SaLT aims to develop a professional learning community where teachers are encouraged to reflect on and develop their teaching knowledge and practice for improved student outcomes.
Discover the inspiration, experience and lives of OFG teachers through our podcast TiC ToT (Teachers in Conversation, Transforming our Thinking). Hear Dr Sue Marks chat with a variety of Senior and Junior school teachers each fortnight via Spotify HERE.
3C’s Model
OFG Senior School teachers encourage students to exercise particular behaviours that enable effective learning and improve their academic achievement. The learning behaviours fall into three domains: Cognition, Collaboration and Commitment
01
In the Cognition domain, behaviours such as questioning assumptions, imagining and critical reflection engage students in the learning process as creators, rather than consumers of ideas.
02
Collaboration instills the importance of working effectively with others, where students demonstrate reliability and empathy with their peers.
03
A Commitment to learning is an important part of the model, representing perseverance, self-belief, focus and effective planning so student learning is not shallow and sporadic.
CAFÉ Model
In the Junior School, our literacy focus was ignited through the CAFÉ model an acronym for Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expanding vocabulary. Differentiated instruction across these four pillars have fostered a love of reading throughout the Junior School and improved independent learning.
RELATIONSHIPS
Encouragement – Leadership – Teamwork – Assertiveness – Empathy – Reliability – Listening – Humility
Encouragement – Leadership – Teamwork – Assertiveness – Empathy – Reliability – Listening – Humility
EMOTIONS AND WILL Effort – Focus – Revision – Perseverance – Self-belief – Planning – Risk-taking – Absorption
MIND Questioning – Reasoning – Analysis – Observation – Independence – Imagination – Connecting – Reflection
Our Vision and Values
For Greatness
Developing confident servant-hearted people of strong character, purpose and attitude.
For Excellence
Empowering our community to aspire, learn and work to achieve their full potential.
.
For Christ
Providing a positive and meaningful experience of Christian faith, hope and life.
Our Vision
To develop in each child their unique qualities, equipping them to enjoy a successful, Christ-centred life.
Our Mission
To provide Christ-centered educational excellence, encompassing the spiritual, physical, emotional and academic development of each student.
Our People
Executive Team
Mrs Juliette Siemsen has been a dedicated and enthusiastic educator for over 25 years. Her career started at Northholm Grammar School in Arcadia as a Senior HSIE Teacher. Mrs Siemsen then worked at Waverley College, St Catherine’s School and the prestigious Kambala Rose Bay, as Head of House and Senior HSIE Teacher. She commenced at Oxford Falls Grammar in 2005 and in 2006 became the Director of Wellbeing Years 7-12. Mrs Siemsen’s educational philosophy focuses on meeting the needs of students in the 21st Century and encouraging student engagement across all levels and contexts. She is passionate about her current role as Head of Senior School where she values a relational model of leadership whilst remaining focused on the core vision, mission and values of Oxford Falls Grammar.
Mrs Amy Corrigan has been a passionate part of the Oxford Falls Grammar community for twenty three years as both a student and teacher. Prior to leading the Junior School, Mrs Corrigan’s interest for creative curriculum propelled her to lead her grade and in an executive role overseeing the K-6 Curriculum. In 2014 she was appointed the Dean of Stage 3, which included the professional and pastoral care of both staff and students. As a leader she holds a strong belief in the importance of rich learning experiences for all students and the vital role of wellbeing in education. Mrs Corrigan brings this experience to her role as Head of Junior School, having led the staff to implement changes in literacy programming and instruction across Kindergarten to Year 6. She is an advocate for differentiated learning and is passionate about the importance of a high quality Junior School education.
Mr Graham Baikie came to Oxford Falls Grammar with extensive professional and leadership experience in the financial services and education sectors. He has demonstrated passion for the role Christian education has in equipping young people with a Christian worldview that underpins educational excellence. Mr Baikie oversees the Support Services functions at the School and is supported by a Management Team comprising the Director of Finance, Director of IT, Director of Human Resources, Registrar, Marketing Manager, Property Manager, and Office Manager.
School Board
Mr Ian Harry Chair of the Board
Mrs Tracey Berry Director
Mr Darren Cox Director
Mr Clyde Daish Director
Mr Paul Macken Director
Mrs Pam O’Flaherty Director
Mr Sam Richards Director
Ps Caley Korocz President’s Delegate
Ps Phil Pringle Emeritus President
Our Heritage
Oxford Falls Grammar was founded in 1984 under the vision of Ps Phil Pringle (Senior Minister, C3 Church Oxford Falls) to build a Christian school intentional in its spiritual direction and offering a contemporary, quality education. Today, Ps Phil Pringle is the President and founding member of the School Board and continues to support the progression and development of OFGS as we provide Christ-centred educational excellence.
Celebrating 40 Years
Employment
At Oxford Falls Grammar, we are committed to providing a progressive, positive, and encouraging work environment for both teaching and non-teaching staff. Our team is dedicated to upholding the School’s ethos: For Greatness, For Excellence, For Christ.
We seek staff who are passionate about education, committed to excellence, and who actively engage students in learning that promotes curiosity, confidence, achievement, and service. With a strong focus on professional development, our dynamic and supportive staff are encouraged to continually grow in their careers.
If you share our commitment to Christian values and are involved in a local church, explore our current career opportunities below. We welcome dedicated individuals who will contribute to the vibrant community at OFG
Join Our Team
Our Policies and Reports
Please click on the below to view our Annual Report.
2023 OFG Annual Report
Please click on the below to view the schools policies.
