Letter from the Principal
Rejoice!
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
At our recent staff meeting, I shared a memory verse, that I hope was an encouragement and something for our staff to reflect on over the weekend and into the term break. I commend this passage to you, our school community, to also commit this passage to heart. I find as we read scripture it prompts us to draw near to God and adopt a posture of thankfulness which is the heart of this passage. There is a desire for us to be in close relationship with God, to “pray continually” and this is a wonderful privilege.
Our staff have been working hard at finishing the term well and I commend the upcoming school reports (Years K -10) to you. I pray that the information provided will be insightful and provide encouraging information about your child’s academic progress. I draw your attention specifically to academic effort and your child’s engagement in class. Please take the suggestions on board as good feedback.
I also take this opportunity to thank Mrs Melinda Willis who will be going on maternity leave and welcome back (next term) Mrs Sabrina McKern (from maternity leave).
Coming Up at OCS
Term 3!
First Day of Prep – 22nd July
First Day of Term 3 K-12 – 29th July
Far West Zone CSSA Basketball – 29th July
Far West CSSA Zone Athletics Carnival – 30th July
Bathurst Careers Expo at CSU – 31st July
Newcastle Permanent Maths Comp – 2nd Aug
CSSA Primary Girls + Mixed State Netball Gala Day – 8th Aug
Primary Boys CSSA Top 8 Soccer Gala Day – 8th Aug
Semester 2 Parent Teacher Interviews – 13th + 15th Aug
Primary Inter-School Debating at KWS – 15th Aug
Parent Forum (topic TBC) – 20th Aug
OCS Book Parade – 23rd Aug
CSSA Primary State Athletics – 23rd Aug
Junior Read-Aloud Picnic – 23rd Aug
HSC Trials Begin – 26th Aug
CSSA State Secondary Athletics – 29th Aug
Father’s Day Breakfast – 30th Aug
STAR – Mon-Thurs from 3:15-5:00pm
Active Kids Club – Mon-Fri from 3:15-5:00pm
Primary Assembly – Friday Week A 9:30am
Secondary Assembly – Friday Week A 10:50am
Deputy’s Report
Well done in Term 2!
As we conclude this school term, I am delighted to reflect on the remarkable achievements and events that have defined these past months. Our students have demonstrated commendable dedication and growth, both academically and personally.
The recent distribution of Semester 1 reports highlights the significant academic progress our students have made. Through a combination of rigorous assessments and continuous feedback, we have seen students striving for and achieving their personal best. It is particularly heartening to see students not only meeting but exceeding their academic goals, showcasing their resilience and commitment to learning. I encourage all parents to read through the Semester 1 report with their child and discuss points for improvement and celebration.
Term 2 was enriched with various excursions that provided hands-on learning experiences, complementing classroom instruction. These outings have been instrumental in broadening our students’ horizons and fostering a deeper understanding of their subjects.
House Day on Monday this week was another highlight, bringing the school community together in a celebration of teamwork, spirit, and camaraderie. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed were inspiring and reinforced the importance of cooperation and healthy competition.
In closing, I want to commend our students for their hard work and dedication this term. Their academic growth and pursuit of personal bests are a testament to their efforts and the supportive environment cultivated by our staff and community. We look forward to continuing this journey of excellence in the coming term.
From the Head of Primary
As we conclude the first semester, school reports have been emailed home this week. These reports reflect your child’s effort, growth, achievements and areas for future development. We encourage you to review these reports with your child, celebrating their successes and discussing goals for the upcoming semester. Please contact the school if you did not receive your child’s report.
This term has been a very busy one for our Primary students and they are to be congratulated for their efforts. I hope that each of you has an enjoyable, safe and restful holiday break.
From the Head of Secondary
Wow, and just like that we are halfway through the year! Well done on a term full of many personal academic and extra-curricular achievements. As you receive your school reports, please review them carefully. If you have any feedback, questions, or concerns, please let us know, as we value your input and are here to partner with you. Enjoy a restful break and come back recharged, ready for an exciting Term 3. Thank you for your hard work and dedication this term. Have a wonderful holiday break!
Spotto!
You’re Awesome and I Noticed!
It’s been an amazing term of Spottos. From helping others out, taking initiative, stepping outside their comfort zone or being a great friend wherever possible, there have been a tremendous number of nominations.
Congratulations to Henry Metcalfe, Malachi Howarth, James St Julian, Charlie Miller, Aelish Perez, Laura Paton, Megan Huntly and Ebony Cooke for your contributions this term!
From the Director of Student Development
Term 3 is a big one!
Term 3 will be a huge one in the Student Development space. We have camps coming up for Stages 2 and 3 and Year 9 and Year 10 work experience in Week 6 of Term 3. Stage 4 will head to Waves in Term 4 when the water warms up!
Stage 2 head to Ridgecrest, with Stage 3 going to CCC camp at Mt Victoria. Year 9 will stay on Cockatoo Island for Urban Experience.
Work experience is a hugely significant time for our Year 10 students. We are very grateful to the many businesses and organisations who take students for work experience. This helps our students know where they will head for post school opportunities such as trades and university.
We have some Stage 5 students doing an AgTech experience through Orange TAFE and the AgResearch Institute in the opening weeks of the term.
For Stage 6 students Term 3 is also a noteworthy time of study for trials and finalising major works. Many will be looking to options for university with visits from the providers or open days.
Please pray for all the events, students, teachers and parents who attend, for safety and times of growth and especially for our senior students in preparation for their exams.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, stay tuned for a potential pie day fund raiser, coming your way soon; who doesn’t love a pie?!?
The Little Mermaid Jr Cast List
Congratulations to all of our lead actors and their understudies!
| Lead | Understudy | ||
| Ariel | Avery Honeysett | Elizabeth Armstrong | |
| Prince Eric | Johnathan White | Simeon Herbert | |
| Sebastian | Archie Nelson | Andrew Denham | |
| Flounder | Molly Barr | Esther White | |
| King Triton | Veerohith Donthi-Reddy | Jacob Price | |
| Ursula | Lucinda Denham | Fiyin Adelokun | |
| Eels | Flotsam | Isla Craig | Eva Reid |
| Jetsam | Fiona Fung | ||
| Scuttle | Isaac Johnston | Emily Perrett | |
| Grimsby | Simeon Herbert | Jireh Bornen | |
| Pilot | Andrew Denham | Spencer Brennan | |
| Seahorse | Jacob Price | Lilah Hiller | |
| Mersisters | Aquata | Frances Buckingham-Jones | Amelia Layton |
| Andrina | Grace Perrett | ||
| Arista | Elizabeth Armstrong | ||
| Atina | Fiyin Adelokun | ||
| Adella | Lydia White | ||
| Allana | Esther White | ||
| Chef Louis | Andrew Denham | Spencer Brennan | |
| Carlotta | Molly Pyle | Maya Reid | |
| Lead Gulls | Isobel Francis Dimity Buckerfield Emily Perrett | ||
| Lead Chefs | Spencer Brennan Jireh Bornen Jack Eagle Finlay Godfry Marni Honeysett Eva Reid Louie Sims Emma White | ||
TAP Tips
Tips for Greatness from our Talented Athlete Program (TAP) Students
“My tip is when injured do RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)” – Elijah
Sport Spot
The end of Semester 1 is a good reminder that sport has timeframes we all must adhere too. Having discussions with your child about the importance of time management and handing notes back in by the due date, ensures they do not miss out on sporting opportunities they have worked hard to achieve. Time management is a skill that carries through our lifetime beyond sport. You might think that some people are just naturally good at managing their time. But that’s not true. The Bible tells us that time management can be taught.
Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should”.
Paul tells us to have an objective and to manage our lives in a way that helps us achieve that goal. He urges us to be purpose driven. The starting point to a life of purpose, Paul says, is to “look carefully” at your life.
