Letter from the Principal
Having a heart of gratitude and thank you for 2025!
I want to take this opportunity to thank our school community for your prayers, support, and involvement throughout 2025. As I reflect on the year, there is so much to be thankful for. There have been countless events and highlights, far too many to mention, and we know these activities don’t just happen. Behind the scenes, there is an incredible amount of work, and I want to acknowledge the dedication of our amazing staff, supported by our parents. We have a wonderful school community, and we never take that for granted. Your prayers and encouragement, even when we don’t always get everything right, help us deliver quality, God-honouring education.
At our Thanksgiving Assembly, we were reminded by our guest speaker, Pastor Pete Kinsella (Pastor, OCS Parent and Alumni), that we should have a heart of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us. Through the account in Luke 17:11-19, where ten people were healed and only one returned to thank Jesus, we see Jesus asking, “where are the other nine?” Jesus has done so much more than just physical healing, he has saved us from our sins and for this we should be thankful. We love partnering with our local churches and deeply appreciate the encouragement they bring to our school community.
Staffing Updates
Rebecca Geddes: Academic Support Officer and STAR. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Linguistics and worked with Macquarie Dictionary as Assistant to the Editor. Rebecca also holds a Diploma of Theology (SMBC) and has been involved in various SU camp ministries in the Central West. Rebecca is keen to be involved in our AUSLAN language program and build on our literacy support programs.
Stacey Yaroslavceff: Academic Support Officer (Part time). Stacey is well known to us as a parent and is currently studying a Cert IV in Education Support. Stacey has volunteered in various capacities in kid’s ministry and is keen to make a positive difference in academic support. Stacey has a heart to work alongside our students, building rapport and assisting their learning journey.
Dan Wilton: Chaplain (Part time). Dan is coming from Canberra, where he was a Pastor of Crossroads Christian Church. Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) and a Bachelor of Divinity (Moore Theological College). Dan is relocating to Orange with his young family and is keen to work in a school setting. Dan is warm hearted and is pastorally minded. Dan is a good mix of youthfulness and experience in working with our school community.
Internal changes
Kim Reilly: Deputy Principal Executive Assistant. Kim is moving from Academic Support Officer to this important position, where she will blend her experience from the Front Office and add her warm pastoral care, and extensive administration skills. Kim is keen to warmly welcome all members of our school community and assist in the overall well-functioning of the school’s operations.
As we approach Christmas, please pray for our staff, for strength and peace as we wrap up the year well and prepare to be refreshed for the new year. I pray that each member of our school community finds time to pause, reflect, and be thankful amidst the busyness and gift-giving, and to appreciate the greatest gift of all: Jesus, our Messiah, who was born on Christmas Day. May you have a joyful, refreshing, and safe Christmas break. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!
God bless,
Yooie
From the Head of Primary
We shared two very special celebrations in the final week of the year. The first was our Year 6 Celebration Evening, recognising our Year 6 students as they reached the end of their Primary School journey. A particularly special moment was reflecting on photos of our students throughout their years at OCS, seeing just how much they have grown since Kindergarten.
The second was our Primary School Thanksgiving Celebration, a poignant and meaningful culmination of the Primary School year. A highlight was the K–6 Choir’s beautiful performance of ‘Be Strong and Courageous’. Sincere thanks are extended to Mrs Colgan and Mrs Denham for all their work in bringing this item together.
Semester 2 reports have now been emailed to families. Please contact the front office if you did not receive your child’s report.
This term has been a very busy one for our Primary students, and they are to be congratulated for their effort and commitment. On behalf of the Primary School team, I wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas break as we enjoy a time of rest and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Primary Thanksgiving Service
Photos by David Brodie
From the Head of Secondary
As we wrap up the 2025 academic year and my time here at Orange Christian School, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you and farewell. It has been a privilege to witness our students grow, mature, and shine in their God-given gifts. To the dedicated staff team here at OCS, including our incredible teachers and hardworking administration staff, thank you for your tireless efforts in creating opportunities for learning and supporting our community in countless ways.
May God bless each of you richly this Christmas season and into the year ahead.
Secondary Thanksgiving Service
Photos by David Brodie
Message from Jann Osborn
Farewell OCS from Mrs Osborn!
As I farewell the Orange Christian School community, I do so with deep gratitude for the privilege it has been to serve here. While I am resigning from my role, this feels like the close of a significant and meaningful chapter for me, and I am thankful for all that has been shared along the way.
My connection with OCS began in 1995, when as parents, my husband and I made the decision to enrol our children because we discovered that a Christian school has distinctives that set it apart. It is more than a private or church-based school; it is a community where faith shapes learning, relationships and care. With Christ at the centre, students are known, valued and nurtured not only academically, but spiritually and emotionally as well.
One of my favourite Scriptures, and a verse I have taken as my life motto, is: “Children are a gift from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). This truth has guided my approach to my role within the school setting. Every child is created in God’s image and is of immeasurable worth. It has been my sincere desire to walk alongside students as they grow, discover their gifts, and develop toward the potential God has placed within them. Partnering with parents and staff in this shared calling has been a genuine joy and privilege.
An added blessing of my employment of 26 years has been seeing second-generation students walk through the school gates, a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness across families and seasons, which has truly brought me great joy.
So I leave with heartfelt thanks and every blessing for the future of this school community.
Yours in His service,
Jann
Message from the Director of Prep
What an amazing year it has been in Prep, and we made sure to celebrate in style! The children enjoyed a picnic lunch under the shade of the trees in our playground, sharing pizza, poppers, and popsicles with their friends. This experience happened on Tuesday and Thursday, to ensure all the Prep children across the week experienced this. The celebration continued with a very special visit from Nathan Blacklock, who shared his culture and impressed the children with the sound of the didgeridoo. Nathan explained the traditional methods of making a didgeridoo and how they are crafted today. The children were fascinated by the process and loved listening to the deep tones of this instrument. When the children heard that Nathan Blacklock was an Australian former professional ruby league footballer who played for the Roosters and the St George Dragons, they had many questions regarding his style of playing the sport. It was truly a memorable day—full of joy, learning, and cultural appreciation. As we wrap up a wonderful year in Prep, we give thanks for the joy, growth, and community we’ve shared. This Christmas may the light of Christ fill your hearts with peace, hope, and love
