I often get asked what it is like to be at Orange Christian School. This is not an easy question to answer in just a few short words because I suspect that the question is bigger than just wanting to know what we do day by day. I usually answer this question about who we are, and what we are trying to achieve. Why we get up in the morning, and come to work, and face a new day of challenges is because we have a purpose in life that is aligned with God’s purpose. We want to teach, but not just transactional knowledge but life-giving words that are transformational as well. We want our children to know the Gospel, grow in faith and character and belong to a school culture that is safe, caring and other person centredness.

This culture is epitomised best in our school values, especially humility.  Humility is the ‘H’ in our school values (C.H.R.I.S.T). It is often an overlooked virtue in our society because the world mistakes humility as a weakness and isn’t as important as power, wealth, and status. Humility is the opposite.

Our culture, such as humility, is nurtured by our wonderful staff who are not only experienced and dedicated professionals, but also ambassadors for Christ. It is an immense privilege to lead such a wonderful team of people, who care deeply about the school and teach with purpose and passion.

“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Year 6 students, supported by Year 5, are doing a wonderful job leading the Primary students through fortnightly HOPE Groups. They are embracing the responsibility of leading their peers through the important topic of friendship. The students have been discussing how to be a good friend and the importance of cooperating with one another. HOPE Groups meet every second Friday after assembly, with the students allocated to a mixed group of K-6 students. They will continue exploring this topic next term.

The final Primary Assembly for Term 1 will be held on the last day of term, Friday 12^th, led by 6E. All are welcome to attend!

Hope you all had a blessed Easter Weekend, cherishing moments with loved ones and reflecting on the profound sacrifice Jesus made at the cross.

Please uphold our Stage 6 students who are sitting their Compressed Exams early next week. This will be followed by the Stage 6 Retreat in Sydney, where students will delve into three days of immersive field studies related to their HSC subjects.

We would love to see as many students and families as possible at the Orange ANZAC Parade on the 25^th of April in the second week of the holidays. Full winter school uniform. More details to come on Schoolstream.

As we head into the holiday break, on behalf of the Secondary staff I would like to wish you all a wonderful and refreshing holiday break. See you ready for Term 2!

I have recently begun meeting with Year 12 students for “Career Conversations”. It has been very encouraging to discuss plans and options for the future. Many have expressed the desire for service occupations or mission and ministry training, and many have thought through already where they want to go and how to get there.

Another important date for Year 12 students is April 3. This is when the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) opens for student entries. Students can enter up to five preferences across courses and universities. Signing up now means students pay approx. $85; after September this increases to over $200.

We have also had 12 students from Year 10 take advantage of a Trade Readiness Program in conjunction with Orange TAFE. This has been a very positive program run across five Thursdays this term. The students have had a taste of study at TAFE in this case in the construction trades.

In Term 2 Year 12 will visit the FACTS Day at Charles Sturt University and there will be opportunities to hear about university, careers, and accommodation options in various seminars.

Chadwick Boseman, best known for playing “Black Panther” in the Marvel films, said this before he died:

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.

Young people, find your purpose. Purpose is an essential element for you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history – your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill.

When God has something for you, it doesn’t matter who stands against it. If it’s meant for you, God will open the door for you. God says in Jeremiah:

I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Sometimes you need to feel the pain and sting of defeat to activate the real passion and purpose that God predestined inside of you.

The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.

Remember to pray. When you pray for something, God can actually hear you, and He listens – that is powerful!