As we move through the term, it has been encouraging to see our students engaging with their learning and striving for growth. Over the past few weeks, students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 have completed their NAPLAN assessments. While these tests provide valuable insight into literacy and numeracy development, our focus remains on ongoing improvement rather than just individual scores. We encourage students to reflect on their progress and use these assessments as a tool for further learning.

For students in Stages 4 and 5, the commencement of formal assessment tasks marks an important stage in their academic journey. However, assessment is not limited to tests and assignments. Teachers use a variety of methods—including classwork, homework, discussions, and practical tasks—to gauge student understanding. These informal assessments are just as important in tracking progress and ensuring students are developing the skills they need. Consistent effort in daily work plays a key role in academic success.

As a school grounded in faith, we remind our students that learning is a process that requires perseverance and diligence. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” We encourage all students to embrace challenges, celebrate growth, and continue developing the gifts God has given them.

The K-6 students had a wonderful time with a visit from World of Maths this week. World of Maths is a travelling maths show that provides interactive, hands-on, problem solving activities. Students can experience mathematics related to practical and real-life situations. They will have an opportunity to work collaboratively, think logically, discover number patterns, and apply mathematics to solve a variety of puzzles.

The Year 3 sleepover at school is 27^th March. This event is a very valuable experience for the students and is the first of many camping adventures they will be part of throughout their schooling here at OCS. Year 4 students will be involved in the Friday activities, including the pizza lunch. All the details are on School Stream.

Academic growth is more than just gaining knowledge—it’s about developing critical thinking, perseverance, and a love of learning. It happens through effort, reflection, and a willingness to embrace challenges. I love seeing our staff and students at OCS live this out daily, both in and out of the classroom.

Parent Teacher Interviews will be coming up in Week 9. This is an important opportunity to connect with class teachers and discuss your child’s progress. I look forward to seeing you there. Check Schoolstream for the instructions on how to book in, or the link below. We’re going with a new system this year – it’s very easy to use, but contact the front office if you have any trouble.

Some highlights from our Discover Year 7 Day on Monday 17 March.

Crimson Dickson has recently joined the team in Prep. She is a school-based apprentice, completing Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE while attaining her ATAR. This is a wonderful opportunity the school has provided to one of its students to gain experience and qualifications in an Early Childhood setting while still at school. You may see her every Monday in Prep Green.

The children have been learning about fire safety – how to prevent fires and how to react safely in an emergency. On Tuesday, Fireman Robert arrived at Prep with his fire truck and Fireman Josh will bring his fire truck to Prep next week. This will ensure all the Prep children will develop a positive relationship with fire responders and gain a greater understanding of the role of firefighters.

The children have begun making their Easter Hats as they prepare for the Easter Hat Parade on Wednesday 9^th April at 9.30am. This is one event not to be missed! Please ensure your child is at Prep by 9.00am on that day. If your child does not normally attend Prep on a Wednesday, we encourage you to bring your child along and we will meet you in the hall.

Mathematics can be a polarising subject. While most adults readily acknowledge its usefulness and relevance in the modern world, fewer express a personal interest or passion for learning it. Similarly, students often take one of two positions on mathematics: they either enjoy it and excel, or they struggle and dislike it. Few seem to remain neutral.

As Coordinator of Mathematics (and a Mathematics teacher myself), my desire—along with our dedicated mathematics teachers—is to assist students to grow in their understanding and confidence. At Orange Christian School, we also aim to ensure that students see their progress in mathematics as more than just a measure of academic success or economic utility. From a cultural perspective, strong mathematical ability is often linked to career prospects and financial value. However, within a Christian framework, mastering mathematical concepts and skills should be considered more than just a practical pursuit to a quantified end—it is an act of worship to God.

Ruth Watson, a Mathematics teacher and curriculum coach at Marrara Christian College, NT, explores this idea in The Christian Teachers Journal (Feb. 2025, Vol. 33.1, “Searching for Words to Frame Mathematics Teaching”). She highlights that many respected theistic scholars view mathematics as inherently woven into the fabric of creation by God. Through mathematics, we glimpse the logical yet mysterious nature of our universe—revealing God’s creative power and His invitation for us to explore and try to understand His world that he gifted to us.

But what about the students who say, “That’s all well and good, but I just want to pass my next algebra test!”? To these, and all our students, I offer two words: patience and perseverance. Patience—one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)—is essential when facing challenges, as growth requires time and effort. Perseverance is equally vital, as learning—whether it’s advanced trigonometry or writing a persuasive essay—takes persistence and dedication.

Ultimately, all learning is an opportunity to worship and honour God. As Colossians 1:16 reminds us, everything was created by Him and for Him: “The visible and the invisible … all things have been created through [Jesus] and for [Jesus].” As a school community, let us embrace the pursuit of knowledge with intention, persistence, and humility—seeing mathematics and all learning as a way to glorify God.

Its been a week of continued growth for our school in the sports domain. Our talented swimmers headed away last week to CSSA Primary and achieved some outstanding results, earning some amazing PBs.  Special mention goes to Phoebe Johns in Year 4 who came an impressive 8^th in the 10 years girls 50M freestyle. We can’t wait to see what next year looks like for each of these young swimmers.

We also had Zac Howarth in Year 11 compete in the 2025 All Schools Softball Championships. Working hard at catcher Zac made many vital catches throughout the day and proved an integral part of the CIS team. Although not winning the championships with his team Zac will be stepping up again in 2026 to secure his place back on the CIS team.

A huge shout out to Anthony McFadyen in Year 5 who went to Sydney to trail for the CSSA Primary Boys soccer team. It was an unbelievable experience for Anthony, who was noted to grow throughout the day, taking on key feedback and implementing into his game play. Although he missed out on selection this year, Anthony gets to return in 2026 having had a year to refine the important skills and information gained on the day. Well, done Anthony.

Nest Tuesday the 25^th March we will be praying for our secondary representative swimmers who will be attending their CSSA Swimming Championships at Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. 22 young swim stars from OCS will hit the blocks hoping to make their mark on the pool. We wish the following students well. Please join me in praying for our students and their families as they travel down to Sydney. Best wishes to: Charlotte Layton, Anna Pyle, Molly Pyle, Samuel Bennett, Riley Bennett, Hunter Bennett, Claudia Jones, Zoe Jones, Micah Cooke, Ebony Cooke, Atahlia Edwards, Eliana Edwards, Isaac Edwards, Caleb Reid, Henry Kay, Olivia Zell, Samantha Annetts, Lily Bangert, Ocean Bornen, Annie Skrinnikoff, Jonathon White, Elijah Hutchins. A special shout out to Lily Bangert and Samuel Bennett both in Year 12 who have always represented OCS each year at the CSSA Championships, both Lily and Samuel have been admirable role models for their younger swimming peers. Well, done Samuel and Lily on the longevity of your swimming representation.

On a different sporting journey will be our Triathletes, who next Friday 28^th March will head to the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) to compete in the CSSA Triathlon Championships. Samuel Bennett (Yr 12),and Henry Kay (Yr 7) will both be competing as individuals in their events. Thsi year we have 2 teams competing. Molly Pyle (Yr 7), Anna Pyle (Yr 8), and Charlotte Layton (Yr 9) will be competing in the Junior Girls Teams event, whilst Caleb Reid (Yr 9), Riley Bennett (Yr 10) and George Pulling (Yr 10) will be competing in the Boys Intermediate Teams event. We wish each of these young people all the best for next week and we look forward to bringing you an update on their results in the next newsletter.

As the school sporting season hots up, it is important that parents are accessing the School Sports Facebook Page and Schoolstream to stay abreast of anything and everything sports at OCS. If you need an invite to the Facebook page, then please contact me via email: cbuckerfield@ocs.nsw.edu.au and we will forward the invite to your email.

Dates to put in the diary:

OCS Cross Country: Friday 2^nd May

Zone Soccer Gala Day: Tuesday 6^th May

CSSA Cross Country: Friday 30^th May

CSSA Secondary Netball Gala Day: Tuesday 17^th June

Zone Athletics Carnival: Wednesday 6^th August

CSSA Primary Netball Gala Day: Thursday 7^th August