Principal’s Address
Welcome to Term 3
Christian Education National (CEN) State Conference (20-23 Jul)
Held every 3 years, the CEN State conference brings together staff from CEN Schools from NSW and the ACT for professional learning, mutual encouragement and connection. It was wonderful to attend this conference as a whole OCS staff team (Prep, Admin, Teaching, Support staff) to strengthen our positive team culture and be encouraged in the shared mission of Christian education. The conference highlighted key themes of developing authentic Christian community and purposeful teaching and learning that equips our students to know and serve God faithfully in His world.
In the busyness of school life, it was wonderful to pause, reflect and spend some time with colleagues whether in worship together through song, discussing key insights from speakers, sharing breakfast or going for a walk in the park. These simple moments of fellowship, conversation and encouragement build collegiality and common purpose here at OCS.
Uniform update
I would like to thank our school community for your patience, understanding and support as we navigate the closure of our current uniform supplier and transition to a new supplier.
If your child is unable to purchase a required uniform item, please visit our Clothing Pool, as we may have the item available on hand. Where a replacement item is not currently available, families are encouraged to purchase a plain item that closely matches the existing uniform (without logos or branding) and continue using this until the new uniform range becomes available in 2027.
We are hopeful that some summer uniform items may become available before then, although this is yet to be confirmed. Current uniform mock-ups are on display in both the Foyer and the Hub and we encourage families to have a look.
There is a great deal of excitement surrounding the new uniform, particularly the blazer featuring our new school logo, which students will be able to wear from the beginning of next year. We look forward to sharing further updates as they become available.
Parent connections
Just a reminder to our parents/carers to set aside time in Week 3 (11 and 13 August) for our upcoming Parent-Teacher interviews. This is an important opportunity for families and teachers to connect, discuss learning matters and set new goals. We look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s educational journey.
Staffing updates
We welcome the following new staff:
- Jasmine Gregory – Academic Support Officer (Mon-Fri).
- Belle Korhonen- Cocurricular, Events and Sports Administrator (Tues- Fri)
We will be sadly farewelling the following staff:
- Mark Woodley (Wednesday 16 September). Mark will be relocating with his family.
- Paul Mirrington will be retiring at the end of the year.
We will miss both Mark and Paul greatly and will farewell them appropriately in due course.
Please pray for our staff, as they settle in, and say farewells! Please pray that they continue to serve the Lord in all that they do, trusting in Jesus and committing their plans to Him.
Deputy Principal’s Report
Digital Wellbeing
Technology plays an important role in our daily lives, providing opportunities for learning, communication, and creativity. However, healthy digital habits are essential for the wellbeing of children and young people (as well as adults!). Research consistently highlights the benefits of regular time away from screens, including improved sleep, stronger relationships, increased physical activity, and better mental health.
As parents and teachers, we can support young people by establishing clear and age-appropriate boundaries around device use. This may include device-free family times, keeping phones out of bedrooms at night, setting limits on social media use, and encouraging participation in sporting, creative, and community activities. These boundaries help children develop self-regulation and maintain a healthy balance between their online and physical worlds.
To support our school’s focus on digital wellbeing, we will be holding a Device-Free Day on Wednesday of Week 4 (for Kindergarten to year 10). This initiative encourages students to pause, reconnect with those around them, and experience the benefits of a day with fewer digital distractions. We look forward to seeing how this benefits our students and staff on this day without devices.
Acting Head of Secondary
Term 3 has begun with great energy across the Secondary School as students continue to grow academically, spiritually and personally through the many opportunities school life provides.
A new initiative this term has been our weekly OCS Way sessions. Each Monday morning, students gather in their Stage groups to begin the week by exploring a shared focus that encourages them to reflect on their faith, character and approach to learning. Our first two themes, Be Ready and Be Learning, have prompted students to consider what it means to approach each day with purpose, responsibility and a desire to keep growing. It has been an encouraging way to intentionally begin each week together as a Secondary community.
This week, our Dance students represented Orange Christian School at the Orange Eisteddfod, demonstrating commitment, courage and excellence in their performances. We also look forward to supporting our Music students as they take to the stage in the coming weeks. We are grateful for the dedication of our students and staff who invest many hours in preparing for these opportunities to develop and share their God-given gifts.
Please keep our Year 12 students in your prayers as they prepare for a significant season in their HSC journey. HSC Trial Examinations commence on Monday 17 August, while students studying Design and Technology, Visual Arts and Music 1 will also complete and submit their major projects, works and performances throughout the term. We pray that all of our Year 12 students would approach this season with confidence, perseverance and peace as they finish their courses and celebrate the culmination of many months of hard work.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to nurture young people who are growing in wisdom, character and their relationship with Christ.
Head of Primary
Term 3 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting season in Primary School. Students are already engaging in a wide range of learning opportunities, sporting events and creative pursuits. Over the coming weeks, we look forward to gymnastics, athletics, debating, swimming lessons, camps, the Book Parade and Picnic, and performances in the Eisteddfod. These experiences are an important part of school life, providing opportunities for students to learn, grow and contribute through a variety of settings and experiences. Beyond developing skills and knowledge, they also help shape character. Students are encouraged to persevere through challenges, use their abilities responsibly, and seek opportunities to serve others with humility. Thank you to our families for your ongoing support as we look forward to all that students will experience throughout the remainder of the term.
Performing Arts – Dance Eisteddfod
Congratulations to all the Dance students who attended the Orange Eisteddfod this week. The dancers performed with confidence and enthusiasm, representing their school on and off the stage with pride.
Thank you to the parents for the time and attention spent preparing your child’s hair and makeup and for the support on the day.
Next term we will begin preparing a new dance for performances in Term 4.
CSSA Far West Zone Athletics
Well done to all of our athletes who represented the school at the CSSA Far West Zone Athletics Carnival this week. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the day while demonstrating excellent sportsmanship, encouraging one another, and giving their best in every event.
A big thank you to all the parents who came along to support our athletes throughout the day. Your encouragement and assistance are greatly appreciated.
A special congratulations to Jacob Price and Thomas Gately, who both broke the 1500m record in their respective age groups. An extra congratulations to Jacob, who was also named the 12 Years Boys Age Champion – an outstanding achievement!
