On Saturday, 24th May, a group of our dedicated Secondary students took to the streets around OCS to support the Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal. It was inspiring to witness their commitment to serving others, following the example of Jesus’ sacrificial love in such a practical and meaningful way.

Armed with collection bags and lanyards, our students went door-to-door, raising over $500 to support the Salvation Army’s vital work with vulnerable individuals and families in our wider community. Their efforts not only reflect the values we strive to instill at OCS but also highlights our students making a tangible difference to others.

This initiative is part of our ongoing partnership with the Salvation Army, and we are proud to stand alongside them in their mission to bring hope and help to those in need. A special thank you to all the students who participated and to the families who supported them.

Let’s continue to encourage and celebrate these moments of humble service that shape character and strengthen our community.

Congratulations to our Prep and Primary students for raising $355.40 during last week’s Crazy Hair Day. The event was well supported and provided an opportunity for students to contribute to a meaningful cause.

Each term, our school focuses on an area of community service. This term’s focus is the Cancer Council, with an emphasis on raising awareness and funds for cancer research.

We commend our students for their enthusiastic participation and thank families for their generous contributions. The funds raised will support the ongoing work of the Cancer Council in improving outcomes for those affected by cancer.

Can you believe it is only three weeks until our students hit the stage at Orange Civic Theatre for our “Peter Pan” performances? Have you bought your tickets yet?

“Peter Pan” will showcase 52 of our students both on stage and in the Orchestra. Our talented cast are busy polishing their singing, dancing, and acting skills. Our impressive Orchestra will feature a combination of students, staff, and parents along with some musicians from our local community.

Tickets for our three shows Friday 20 June 6.30pm and Saturday 21 June 11.00am & 6.30pm are available from our school website – link below.

Yadra! Our leadership and Fiji Mission teams ran a fabulous Fiji FRY-day fundraiser on Friday. Thanks to everyone who was so enthusiastic in support of the Fiji team. Keep an eye out for the next fun Fiji Friday instalment.

The Mission team training last Friday involved “telling the better story’. Tim Goldsmith graciously donated his time to assist the team think through good ways to tell our testimony of Jesus’ work in our lives. The Team heads to Rakiraki in early July. Please keep them in your prayers.

Careers – Work Experience and Early Entry:

There is a lot happening in the Careers space as well. Year 10 are continuing to plan for Work Experience in Week 6 of Term 3 and many Year 12 students are already submitting early entry applications to universities in their chosen field. Applications will soon open in early June for accommodation options as well. It is good to apply early for these as they tend to fill quickly.

Trade Readiness Program:

Some Year 9 & 10 students will have opportunity to participate in a Trade Readiness Program in conjunction with Orange TAFE and Regional Education and Industry Partnership. This is in late June. Students who have expressed interest should have received emailed forms and should return those by Wednesday June 3. If you require further information, please contact me.

CWA Public Speaking:

I am also pleased to report that OCS had two of our eight students who competed in the CWA Public Speaking event go through to the next round. This is always a very tough competition. It is not easy, and I thank all the students and their parents. Congratulations to all the students who participated and especially to Natalia and Abbie. All the best for the ‘Inter-Group” Stage.

Students who represented OCS at CWA were

• Year 3 – Caleb S
• Year 4 – Grace W
• Year 5 – Jacob P
• Year 6 – Natalia P
• Year 7 – Molly P & Abi H
• Year 11 – Amy P
• Year 12 – Julia V

In a business world driven by finances and budgets, it’s easy to focus solely on numbers. This is a necessary aspect of any organisation, including schools, but as a Christian school our calling is to reflect Christ in all we do. Philippians chapter 2 (one of my favourite passages – do have a read!) reminds us that true leadership begins with humility, and humility begins with Jesus. His example shapes how we lead at OCS—among all our staff and, we pray, in the lives of our students.

I’m excited to share a recent project that will benefit the bottom line: since the start of this term our school has gone green! Thanks to a generous Commonwealth grant, we’ve adorned our classroom roofs with 208 solar panels (100kW), plus batteries. With the expertise of the team at Orange Electrical & Solahart, around 50% of our school’s power this term has come directly from the heavens.

Following the opening of our new K-Block classrooms at the start of the year, we’re now also enjoying recent landscaping work, including a new grassed area and pathways.

I want to thank each and every one of you that showed up on Saturday morning with work gloves donned for our working bee, from 8:30. We made great headway on the musical sets, creating a senior space, mucking in a “Truck Town” and generally sprucing up the campus. It was incredible to see parent partnership in action and we are ever grateful for the level of skill that exists in our parent community. Thank you!