Letter from the Principal
Term 4 Celebrations
In the past few weeks, the school has undertaken several meaningful celebrations and activities. We recently celebrated the Year 12 Graduation, Year 10 Graduation, and I recently returned from the Rite of Passage camp for students moving into Stage 6. In all these settings, the atmosphere was warm, friendly and full of joy. I particularly enjoyed seeing families and students coming together in celebration of these significant milestones. A big thank you to Mel Collins and her team for putting on such wonderful activities including tributes, speeches, food, games, and entertainment.
Association Meeting
The School held an Association Meeting recently (14 Nov) where the Board Chair outlined his plans to progress with a review of the Board’s Constitution. I presented my reflections over the year, including highlights, challenges and things to look forward to for next year. Chris Cameron (Business Manager) presented the Budget for 2025 and provided updates to the carpark and K block development. I thank the Association members (and guests) for their support and prayers. I ask the whole school community to uphold the school in prayer, as we aim to complete crucial building developments by the end of the year, and for health, strength and safety for our dedicated staff and students.
Deputy’s Report
Integrity
At Orange Christian School, integrity is a way of life that we seek to enact each and every day. Integrity is often referred to as doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and upholding the truth in all our actions and words. It is a pillar of our community.
Jesus consistently modelled integrity through His actions and teachings. One notable instance is found in John 8, where Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders brought her before Jesus, seeking to trap Him into either breaking the Law or contradicting His message of compassion. Instead of falling into their trap, Jesus responded with wisdom and integrity, saying, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). This powerful statement not only upheld the truth but also demonstrated compassion and justice, reflecting the perfect balance of integrity.
At Orange Christian School, we encourage our students to follow this kind of example of integrity in their daily lives. Whether it’s being honest in their schoolwork, treating others with respect, standing up for what is right, or picking up rubbish from the playground, we believe that integrity is essential to developing character and building a strong, faithful community. By fostering an environment where integrity is valued and practiced, we aim to nurture students of good character.
On a different note, the end of term and year are fast approaching. A reminder that the Thanksgiving services are both during the day on Thursday 12th December (Primary 9:30am and Secondary 12:30pm), put the date into your diary. These will be a wonderful way to finish the year together and give thanks to God for the year that has been.
From the Head of Primary
Last week’s Kindergarten Orientation was a great success, with lots of happy, excited children exploring their new classrooms. We are thrilled to welcome both our Prep families, moving up to ‘big school’ in 2025, and many new families joining our community next year.
As the weather warms up, please remember that the OCS school hat is a compulsory part of the uniform. Girls should wear navy socks, and boys should wear grey socks with the summer uniform—no black socks, please. White socks are for the sport uniform only. We understand there may be times when your child may not be in full uniform. For one-off occasions, please send a note to the class teacher. For any extended uniform exceptions, please reach out to me for approval. Thank you for helping us maintain our high uniform standards.
From the Head of Secondary
We had a wonderful time celebrating with Year 12 at their Graduation. For them, it was a significant occasion that brought together a close of many years of hard work, the building of relationships and hopefully a sense of achievement. I’m sure you will all agree from the photos that the students looked fantastic. May God bless each of you in your future endeavours.
Well done to Stage 4 and 5 students on completing your exams. As you receive your results, if they are not as high as you hoped, remember to keep a growth mindset. If you can’t do something…..yet – don’t give up – there is great reward in overcoming challenges.
From the Director of Student Development
Our final camps of the year are nearly upon us!
Rite of Passage is always a significant occasion as Year 10 and 11 become Year 11 and 12. The retreat is an opportunity to take some time and space to think about how we will approach the next year and to get to know those who are embarking on the HSC journey. This year’s theme is on “making an impact in small things” from Jesus’ words in Mark.
Stage 4 embark on Waves camp next week. We are trying a new site at Camp Kedron in Ingleside, but the excursion promises to be action packed with lots of fantastic activities, including kayaking and Manly surf school, as well as great opportunities to get to know each other and Jesus better.
I want to offer special thanks to all our parents who have (or will) assist us with camps this year. We value your involvement and participation to make our outdoor ed programs a success. Thank you for graciously giving up your time. We appreciate it.
Musical Wrap-Up
A heartfelt thank you to our entire school and community for making our production of The Little Mermaid Jr. such an incredible success! This show highlighted the amazing, God-given talents of our students, who brought the story to life with joy, energy, and dedication. Through teamwork and passion, we created lasting memories and strengthened the unity within our primary school community. From parents and staff to volunteers and audience members, your support made all the difference. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you!
– Rachel Drummond, Director
Remembrance Day Assembly
Lest We Forget
On Monday the 11th November, the whole school gathered in the quad at around 10:50am to participate in a short assembly to honour and remember the moment that the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare on the 11th of November, 1918 at 11am.
With between 9 and 13 million dead and almost one third of those with no grave, this day is set aside to commemorate the great sacrifice made for the sake of peace. It reminds us of the One that gave the greatest sacrifice for the peace of all mankind once and for all – Jesus Christ.
The service was skillfully lead by the incoming 2025 Year 12 school captains, where a minute’s silence was observed by the student body and staff alike when the clock struck 11am, followed by a meaningful poem read by our Primary school captains.