As part of the Primary Numeracy Project, parents and caregivers of OAGS Primary School students are invited to a one-hour parent workshop with Henrietta Miller, our consultant from the Association of Independent Schools. This practical session will introduce you to the multiplicative and additive strategies taught at school from Kindergarten - Year 6. It will show you how you can help your child at home to develop strong number sense and broaden your understanding of what it takes to become a strong mathematician. Websites and resources that can be used at home will also be shared.

Following the workshop, parents and caregivers will be invited to visit their child’s classroom and participate in a short maths activity.

Date: Thursday, 15th May 2025

Time: 8.30 - 9.30am

Venue: The Media Centre, followed by classroom visits

We kindly ask that you register your attendance via the RSVP form by Monday, 12th May.

This term, Year 4 students have been exploring how heat affects different materials. Both classes had the opportunity to work alongside one another, sharing ideas and testing their thinking through hands-on investigations. We explored which substances melt fastest, compared runny and thick liquids to investigate viscosity, and made rocky road to see how ingredients combine when warmed.

Most recently, students took on the ice cube challenge. Working in teams, they designed and built containers to slow down melting, using what they had learned about materials, heat and insulation.

Science has been creative, practical and full of thoughtful questions. We are looking forward to what next term brings.

After the outstanding success of The Amazing Adventures of Superstan in 2023, the OAGS Primary School is thrilled to announce its next spectacular production: When I Grow Up by Elisa Polimeni-Das.

This year’s show will take place at the Orange Civic Theatre on Thursday, 3rd July, with students performing in both a matinee and evening show. Mark the date in your calendars now – it’s going to be a performance to remember!

Directed by Mr Kyle Palmer, When I Grow Up follows the journey of 12-year-old Ashley, who is unsure of what she wants to be when she grows up. As the story unfolds, Ashley dives into a whirlwind of different occupations, each with hilarious mishaps and unexpected surprises. It’s a heartwarming and comical exploration of ambition, imagination, and the adventure of self-discovery.

Every student from Prep to Year 6 will take part, with each year group learning a unique song and dance during their music lessons with Miss Li or Mr Clipsham. Lead roles were opened to students in Years 4 to 6, and after an exciting round of auditions last week, the cast has been selected.

Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on your emails for further details about the show and how you may be able to volunteer and support this exciting event.

Mr Kyle Palmer

Primary School Musical Director/Producer

This term, Year 6 students have been immersed in the world of Colin Thiele’s Storm Boy, a timeless Australian novel that explores the beauty of the natural world, the bonds of friendship, and the challenges of growing up. Through close reading and discussion, students have unpacked how authors craft engaging narratives using descriptive settings, compelling characters, and thoughtfully developed action.

Students were captivated by the wild, windswept setting of South Australia’s Coorong and analysed how Thiele’s use of figurative language, such as ‘the sea thundered and hissed like an angry snake’, helped paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. They explored the emotional depth of the characters, particularly the strong bond between Storm Boy and Mr Percival, and considered how key events shaped their development over time.

Throughout the term, students identified common narrative conventions, including orientation, complication, climax and resolution. They noticed recurring patterns in structure and language, and used these insights to plan and write their own creative sequels to Storm Boy. Many imagined what life might look like for Storm Boy as a teenager or adult, with some stories set in the modern day and others continuing in the timeless landscape of the Coorong.

This rich unit also supported growth in reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, handwriting, and fluency. Students encountered and applied new words such as ‘solitude’, ‘reluctant’, and ‘tussock’, while using grammar knowledge and personification, such as ‘Storm Boy stood still, his heart pounding as the first drops of rain danced on the sand.’

Through oral reading, shared discussion and thoughtful reflection, Year 6 students have not only engaged deeply with the text, but also connected it to their own lived experiences, whether through memories of the beach, caring for animals, or navigating change.

It has been a term of literary adventure and creative growth!

Paul Lipscomb

Year 6 Teacher

We were also excited to launch our CRU primary groups for years 3-6 this term. These groups are held at second break and are a fun and engaging way to discover more about Jesus and what it means to follow him, through student and staff led games, singing and activities.

Tabatha Reed

Primary Chaplain.

Our talented Stage 2 dancers have been working hard with their wonderful teachers, Miss Madi and Miss Grace, to learn and perfect their dance item.

The students have embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, learning some very creative and energetic moves. Their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to improvement have been truly impressive.

The team is now looking forward to showcasing their routine at the upcoming School Eisteddfod in Orange later this year.

Great work, girls – we can’t wait to see you shine on stage!

Year 7 have spent Term 1 learning to draw what they see, not what they think they see. This has culminated in a beautiful collection of portraits completed by our talented cohort. Over a number of weeks students have sketched, measured, shaded and evaluated their drawings, well done on an impressive collection of works.

Seen here with their before and after comparison.

On Wednesday 26th March, both the OAGS Open Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball teams travelled to Sydney to compete in the AICES Schools Cup. It was a fantastic day of competition, with both teams showing determination, skill, and school spirit.

The Open Girls team faced some tough competition throughout the day. Despite not progressing to the finals, the girls played with heart and pride, representing OAGS with great sportsmanship and enthusiasm.

The Open Boys team performed strongly in their pool, finishing in 3rd place and progressing to the playoffs. In their first finals match, the boys secured a solid win against Arden. They then faced Northholm in a tightly contested game, narrowly missing out on victory after a crucial final basket in the closing seconds.

Both teams are to be congratulated on their efforts and the way they represented the school. A big thank you to Mr Job for his support and assistance on the day.

Mrs Erin Purvis

Master in Charge - Basketball

OAGS hosted the Central West HICES Netball trials on Friday of Week 10. Schools from across the Central West region gathered at OAGS, with talented young netballers competing for coveted positions on the Central West HICES netball team.

The Primary representative team played very well throughout the trials, showcasing impressive skills and teamwork on the court.

We are proud to announce that two of our Year 6 students, Stacey and Sadie, demonstrated exceptional skill and were selected to represent the Central West. These talented athletes will advance to the next level of trials, to be held in Sydney early in Term 2.

Congratulations to Stacey and Sadie on this outstanding achievement. The entire OAGS community wishes you the best of luck as you continue on this exciting netball journey.