Letter from the Principal
Jesus Strong and Kind
At the beginning of the term, our staff gathered for a time of devotion, singing “Jesus, Strong and Kind” by CityAlight featuring Colin Buchanan. This beautiful song speaks deeply to our greatest needs and hopes, reminding us that Jesus meets them like no one else can. In moments of loneliness, weakness, or feeling lost, the lyrics call us to “run to Jesus.” They affirm that Jesus is both strong and kind, strong in how He confronts our fears and bore our sin on the cross, and kind in His grace and mercy shown toward us. This was a meaningful way for our staff to begin the term, reflecting on one of our core values: Strength. We were reminded that true strength doesn’t come from within ourselves, but from Jesus.
Prayers for our Year 12s
Our HSC students are commencing their examinations. In the morning of their first examination in English it was a privilege to sit with them and listen to both Adrian Lee (Stage Coordinator and English teacher) and Mel Collins (Head of Secondary) remind the students not to be anxious, per the comforting words in Phil 4:6-7. They were encouraged to be strong and courageous (Josh 1:7-9) in tackling the questions and were given a reminder not to rely on the result to form their identity, which comes from God. Students were prayed for and seemed excited, nervous and calm all at the same time! Please join the staff in praying for our HSC students in particular, their health, focus, and efforts during this period.
Staffing Updates
It is with mixed emotions that I share the news of two valued staff members moving on from our school. Jann Osborn has announced her resignation after more than 25 years of faithful service to OCS. Jann has served in many roles across the school, most notably as a Chaplain. Her presence, prayers, and pastoral care have been a blessing to students, staff, and families alike. Jann will continue with us until the end of the year, and she will be deeply missed. We also farewell Anna Sims, Executive/Deputy Principal PA. Anna has recently completed her degree in Human Resources and has accepted a new role as an Office Manager in industry. We are grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best in this exciting next chapter.
At the same time, I’m pleased to announce two new appointments that will strengthen our wellbeing team:
- Andrew Drummond will be joining us as Wellbeing Coordinator on Monday, 27 October. Andrew brings a wealth of experience in student wellbeing, including two recent years with Veritas House.
- Taylor Lake has been appointed as our School and Wellbeing Nurse, commencing Monday, 20 October. Taylor is a registered nurse with extensive experience in adolescent mental health.
These appointments will help us coordinate care and support for our students more effectively.
Please continue to pray for our school community that we would fix our eyes on Jesus and reflect His love in every classroom, office, and outdoor space. If you know of any suitable candidates for the PA to the Deputy Principal role, please contact the school. A position description will be available soon.
God bless
Coming up at OCS…
Term 4 is a big one!
- NSW PSSA Primary Athletics Championships – 22nd-23rd Oct
- 6 Foot Track Camp – 22-24 Oct
- Prep Orientation – 25th Oct
- Kindergarten Orientation – 3rd + 5th Nov
- Stage 5 Exams – 5th -7th Nov
- Year 10 Celebration – 12th Nov
- Rite of Passage Camp – 13th – 14th Nov
- Year 7 Orientation – 19th Nov
- Year 12 Graduation – 20th Nov
- House Day – 26th Nov
- Raging Waters Excursion – 28th Nov
- Stage 3 Pool Day – 4th Dec
- K-4 Water Fun Day – 4th Dec
- SLT Training Day – 4th Dec
- Year 6 Celebration – 5th Dec
- Prep – Year 6 Thanksgiving Celebration (12:30 – 2pm) – 11th Dec
- Year 7-12 Thanksgiving Celebration (5:30 – 7:30pm) – 11th Dec
- Last Day of Term 4 – 11th Dec
- STAR – Mon-Thurs from 3:15-5:00pm
- Active Kids Club – Mon-Fri from 3:15-5:00pm
- Primary Assembly – Friday Week A 9:15am
- Secondary Assembly – Friday Week A 10:30am
Deputy’s Report
Welcome Back to Term 4!
Welcome back! We hope the recent holiday break provided a refreshing and energising time for all. We have returned in summer uniform for term 4. A reminder of some of our uniform standards including: hair is to be of a natural colour and jewellery is to be only a simple banded ring, not more than 2 studs or sleepers in the lower lobe and no bracelets or necklaces. If you are unfamiliar with the uniform guidelines, please visit the school website: https://www.ocs.nsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Uniform-Guide-2025.pdf
The support of parents and families in maintaining the school uniform standards is vital to ensuring consistency across the school.
This term promises to be rich with opportunities and memorable moments. Our Stage 4 students are preparing for the much-anticipated Six Foot Track experience—a chance for challenge, growth, and connection in the Blue Mountains. We also look ahead to our end-of-year Thanksgiving Services, a time to reflect on the year and give thanks as a community. More details about these events will be shared in due course.
As always, we are deeply grateful for the partnership we share with our families. Working together—school and home—we continue to strive for the best outcomes for every student. Your support, encouragement, and engagement play an essential role in shaping a nurturing and thriving school community.
From the Head of Primary
The Primary Student Leadership Team consists of Year 5 and 6 students who represent their peers across the Primary School. These students play a key role in helping fulfil the School’s vision to raise up effective leaders of Godly character who combine academic achievement with biblical truth to influence society for the glory of God.
Through service, charity, and discipleship, our leaders model the School Values (CHRIST), uphold excellent behaviour, and give voice to their peers. As Jesus taught, “If anyone wants to be first, he or she must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
The selection process for 2026 leaders has begun this term. Students self-nominate with parental support, and the process includes staff and peer input, interviews, and speeches for Captain and Vice-Captain roles. A variety of leadership positions are available for current Year 4 and 5 students, with information sent home and available on the app. Incoming leaders will be announced at the end of term, ready to begin their roles next year.
From the Head of Secondary
Welcome back! I trust you have had a refreshing break. It is hard to believe that it’s Term 4 already. I’m looking forward to seeing what opportunities God has ahead for us this term.
Please uphold all our Year 11 and 12 students who are sitting HSC exams over the coming weeks. May God bring each one of them the peace that transcends all understanding.
Our Stage 4 head off on their 6-Foot Track adventure next week. We trust they will have a fantastic time and pray for safety, growth, and lots of fun as they take on this challenge together.
From the Chaplain
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with the same grace that we have received through Him — a grace that forgives, restores, and gives space for others to grow. Yet showing grace in our relationships is not always easy. Sometimes it means holding back from bitterness when someone has hurt us. Other times it means finding the courage to stand up for ourselves with honesty and kindness.
Grace doesn’t mean being a doormat or pretending that everything is fine. It means responding with both truth and love — seeking peace without losing your voice. In our school community, we want students to learn how to balance standing firm in what is right with extending the same grace that God shows us daily.
And for that to happen, we as adults must model it first — showing grace in how we speak, forgive, and lead.
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12–13
From the Prep Director
It has been wonderful seeing the children return to Prep this term – seeing them reconnect with friends and eager to get into learning. For many, it will be their last term in Prep before heading off to kindergarten.
We’ve been celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025 in a truly special way. Our Prep children have been exploring First Nations culture through storytelling, (reading books by Indigenous authors and learning about connection to Country, family and traditions); art and music (creating beautiful artworks and enjoying music inspired by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists) and exploring Country (learning about the land we live on). These experiences have sparked curiosity, creativity and deep respect for the world around us.
Prep Orientation Day is coming up on Saturday, 25th October.
We’re looking forward to welcoming new families and future Prep children into our school community.
NAIDOC Assembly
Celebrating NAIDOC Week at OCS
This morning, our school community gathered for a special NAIDOC Week assembly — a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and to give thanks for the stories, faith, and heritage that enrich our community.
We are deeply grateful to Mariah Harris for her outstanding work in coordinating the assembly and inviting our guests to share, not only about their culture but also about their Christian faith. The morning was a beautiful reminder of God’s goodness and grace as we came together as one people.
A particular highlight was hearing from the local AECG (Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group) President, who shared openly about her faith. What a blessing it is to have leaders in our community who love and serve God, and who are passionate about seeing reconciliation and faith walk hand in hand.
