At Orange Christian School, we are thrilled to see the continued growth of a strong, positive culture across our learning community. The introduction of the OCS Way has been embraced wholeheartedly by students from Kindergarten through to Year 12, and it’s making a meaningful impact on teaching and learning at the school. Over the break, staff were able to reflect on the discipline and award data with pleasing results demonstrated.

The OCS Way provides a clear framework for expectations and values, helping students understand what it means to be respectful, responsible, and engaged members of our school community. It’s been so encouraging to see students not only understand the system but thrive within it and be praised for doing so, demonstrating positive behaviours that reflect our Christian foundations and a commitment to excellence.

Merits and Bronze Awards have become a regular celebration, with students across all year levels being recognised for their efforts, attitudes, and contributions. From small acts of kindness to consistent academic application, students are being rewarded in ways that reinforce the values we hold dear.

This culture of encouragement and accountability is building momentum, and we’re excited to see how it continues to shape our school community.

Congratulations to Mr. Michael Cunial and his wife Rowena on the arrival of their baby boy, Levi, during the school holidays. We look forward to meeting little Levi soon and send our prayers and best wishes to the Cunial family as they embrace this special new season together.

This term sees several of our Primary students showcasing their skills in the areas of music, speech, drama, and dance, as they enter Eisteddfod competitions or sit AMEB exams. We wish them all the best and commend their dedication and hard work in preparing for these events.

We’re also excited to celebrate a special milestone—this year, for the very first time, two Primary dance squads will represent our school in the local Eisteddfod. The Year 3 group and the combined Year 4–6 group are part of our Dance Tuition Program and have been working with a professional dance teacher to prepare their performances. We are so proud of their efforts and can’t wait to see them shine on stage.

Welcome to Term 3! We hope you had a refreshing break and are ready for another great term of learning and growth.

Parent Teacher Interviews are coming up in Week 3—we’d love to see you there. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to partner with your child’s teachers and support their learning journey.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Fiji Friday Fundraisers last term. We had a wonderful time in Fiji on Mission over the break. Money raised helped to restore the kindergarten playground at Rakiraki District Primary School, purchased the paint for the House on the Rock Hostels and paid for the supplies to create care packages for the remote area students who live at the hostels, as well as sheets and mattresses. What a blessing!

This term, we will be celebrating 20 years of Prep. As we commemorate  this significant anniversary, we look forward to welcoming current students, past students, staff, families and community members to join in and celebrate everything that makes Prep such a special place! This will take place on Friday 19^th September so please spread the word.

As we flashback to 2015, you will be able to see the unforgettable experiences that brought joy to the children. We are incredibly proud of Prep and we look forward to the future, growing as a strong and supportive school community.

As we return to a new term, the Science teachers have recently begun considering and planning for a new syllabus, which will commence being taught to students in Years 7 to 10 from 2026.

The new NSW Science 7–10 Syllabus encourages students to explore the world through observation, experimentation, and critical thinking. It places a strong focus on Working Scientifically skills (observing, questioning and predicting, planning investigations, conducting investigations, processing data and information, analysing data and information, problem-solving, communicating), helping students become curious, capable, and informed problem-solvers.

Students will engage with real-world issues, including sustainability and emerging technologies, while also learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ rich Cultural and Scientific Knowledges. The revised syllabus also has a renewed emphasis on literacy, requiring that teachers more explicitly guide students in becoming fluent creators of texts and to develop ‘word consciousness’ and precise use of science-specific terminology.

As we prepare to transition to a new syllabus, we remain committed not only to delivering rich and comprehensive scientific education but also to intentionally guiding our students to appreciate their scientific studies within the framework of an almighty and loving Creator. We believe that God’s glory and majesty are powerfully revealed in the intricate design and wonder of the Earth and the universe, and we aim to help students see science as a meaningful way to explore His creation.

Last week, a group of enthusiastic Year 5 and 6 students represented our school at the Todd Woodbridge Cup – a round robin tennis competition for Stage 3 students. We entered two teams (9 students in total), and each team played 6 or 7 games throughout the day. The atmosphere was full of energy and encouragement, and our students had an absolute blast competing and cheering each other on.

We’re proud to share that one of our teams placed 2nd and the other came 5th out of 11 teams overall – a fantastic achievement! A special congratulations also goes to Archie who received a Passion and Good Sportsmanship Award, recognising their positive attitude and love for the game. Well done to all involved!