As children move into adolescence, the partnership between home and school becomes more important than ever. Young people are navigating rapid physical, emotional, and social changes, and while they may appear to have and desire increasing independence, they still rely deeply on the guidance, boundaries, and encouragement of the adults around them. These boundaries and expectations start from when children are young. One of the most effective ways parents/carers can support their child’s learning is by staying actively engaged, asking questions, showing interest in school life, and maintaining ongoing communication with the school. 

Adolescents thrive when the significant adults in their lives work together. When parents ask about classroom learning, assessment, friendships, and challenges, it signals to their child that education matters and that they are supported. This shared interest also helps schools understand each student more fully, allowing us to partner with families in ways that are consistent, caring, and responsive. 

Part of this partnership includes helping parents establish healthy routines at home, especially around sleep, mobile phone use, and curfews. Research continues to show that adolescents perform better, manage emotions more effectively, and remain more engaged at school when they have regular and early bedtimes, sufficient rest, and limits on late night screen use. Similarly, agreed upon technology/mobile phone curfews support young people switch off from being connected online and overstimulated. 

As a school, we are committed to walking alongside families in this journey. By working together, communicating openly, setting shared expectations, and modelling healthy routines, we can ensure that every young person is supported to flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.

Our K–6 students have officially begun their HOPE Groups for the year, diving straight into “get to know you” games and activities within their mixed-age teams. HOPE stands for Honouring Our Peers with Empathy, and students meet once a fortnight, with Year 6 students leading each session. Kindergarten students are placed in the same HOPE group as their Year 6 buddy, building meaningful connections between our youngest and oldest students. HOPE Groups provide a wonderful opportunity for students to grow in leadership, empathy, and a sense of belonging within our school community. 

Our primary students also joined in Clean Up Australia Day, showing that serving and caring for God’s world is a meaningful way to develop a strong sense of stewardship. 

Across the Secondary School, students have been engaged in purposeful learning as they continue to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding across a range of subjects. Our classrooms are places where students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions and apply themselves with diligence as they grow academically. 

An important part of our approach to education is supporting the development of the whole person. While strong learning in the classroom remains central, students also benefit from opportunities beyond the classroom that allow them to develop creativity, teamwork and resilience. Many students are currently involved in activities such as Dance, Music Ensembles and a range of sporting pursuits, which complement their academic learning and contribute to a balanced school experience. 

The STAR program continues to provide structured support for students who benefit from additional guidance with their learning. Through STAR, students are supported in completing assessment tasks, strengthening study habits and developing the organisational skills that help them manage their learning more effectively. 

Students in Years 7 and 9 began NAPLAN testing this week. These assessments provide useful information about student progress in literacy and numeracy. We encourage students to approach the tests calmly and to simply do their best, remembering that NAPLAN is only one snapshot of their learning. 

As we support students in both their learning and personal growth, we are reminded of Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

Year 7 Discover Day

On Tuesday we welcomed a group of prospective students and their parents to Orange Christian School for our Year 7 Discover Day.

The morning began with an information session for parents, where we shared an overview of life in Secondary at OCS and the opportunities available to students as they move into Year 7.

Visiting students then joined our current Year 6 OCS students to experience a day in the life of a Year 7 student. Throughout the day they participated in lessons in Drama, Science, Food Technology and Sport. They also shared morning tea and lunch together, which provided a valuable opportunity to meet one another and experience the rhythm of a typical school day.

Discover Day is always a valuable opportunity for prospective students to see our Secondary school in action, and we are grateful to our staff who helped make the day such a welcoming and positive experience for our visitors.

In senior English this year we have introduced journalling as a simple but powerful practice to help our students grow as writers.

Each Year 11 student has been provided with their own journal; a place for them to begin to reflect, experiment, and take creative risks as writers.

Educational research into reflective writing shows that regular journalling strengthens metacognitive skills, helping students become more thoughtful and independent learners. In English, this matters deeply, because strong writing grows from reflection, experimentation, and ownership of ideas.

Why journalling in Year 11 English?

Senior English asks students to think like writers. Journalling helps bridge that gap by allowing them to:

• develop personal responses to the texts they study
• explore ideas and language without assessment pressure
• reflect on their thinking as it changes and grows
• connect what they read to their own writing choices

Already, our classrooms have been filled with small moments of creativity. Students have been decorating their journal covers, gluing in images of “home,” writing reflective pieces about books that have shaped them throughout childhood, and composing anecdotes inspired by discursive articles read in class. They have enjoyed journalling while sitting outside in the sunshine, or with a cup of tea in hand in a quiet corner of the Hub.

We have been delighted by the enthusiasm our students have shown for the practice of journalling so far. As teachers, it is rewarding to see them embracing a space where ideas can begin in messy, unfinished ways, and where writing becomes not just an assessment outcome, but a recursive way of thinking, reflecting, and creating.

It has been wonderful to see the children settling in so well over the past few weeks. Their confidence is growing each day as they form new friendships and become familiar with Prep’s routine.

This year, we have introduced the OWNA digital sign-in/sign-out app. Thank you to all the families for your patience and support as we implement this new system.

Both rooms have now introduced Show and Tell. The aim of this project is to build the confidence in children as they grow in speaking and listening skills. They will do this as they explain and answer three questions about a topic that they are experts on – themselves!

In week 4, Prep underwent an Assessment and Rating process. The NSW Early Learning Commission is responsible for conducting these mandatory visits, usually every two-three years. Preschools are evaluated against the National Quality Standards to ensure high quality education and care. We were delighted to hear the positive feedback the officer gave regarding the quality and care we provide and we are looking forward to receiving our rating in about four weeks.

This term, our students have proudly represented OCS at both the OCS Swimming Carnival and the Far West Zone Swimming Carnival. Across both events, one theme stood out above all others: the strength and warmth of our parent community.

From early‑morning drop‑offs and cheer squads along the pool deck, to parents volunteering their time, assisting with timekeeping, and offering encouragement to every swimmer. Your support created an uplifting environment that made a genuine difference for our students.

Parent partnership is one of the cornerstones of our school culture. The swimming carnivals showcased this beautifully as families came together to celebrate participation, perseverance, and school spirit. Whether your child was racing, stepping onto the blocks for the first time, or qualifying for the next level of competition, the presence and positivity of parents helped turn each event into a memorable experience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents and carers who attended, volunteered, or supported from afar. Your involvement not only strengthens our sporting programs but also models teamwork and encouragement for our students.

We look forward to continuing this partnership as we move through a busy and exciting year of sport at OCS