From the Headmaster
Beyond the Bricks: Investing in the People who make OAGS Home
Beyond the Bricks: Investing in the People who make OAGS Home
Dear OAGS Families and Friends,
I want to express my sincere thanks for the incredible spirit of community that has defined the start of our 2026 school year. A standout highlight was our recent Junior and Senior School Swimming Carnivals. We were blessed with fantastic weather and a high level of student participation, but what truly made the events successful was the generous support of our parent volunteers and staff. Your willingness to "spur one another on" by assisting with various roles allowed our students to revel in the challenge and joy of competition. This partnership between home and school is a vital part of what makes OAGS a vibrant community where every child is known, valued, and challenged.
As you walk through our campus, the physical progress is clear. The Junior School modular buildings have been a timely and welcome addition to our learning environments, and we watch with anticipation as the Trinity building nears its Term 4 completion, set grandly above the Trinity Oval. However, while these facilities provide the necessary spaces for our expanding curriculum, we remain mindful that a school is ultimately defined by its people. At OAGS, our staff and senior students are the "culture carriers" who bring our School to life, nurturing wisdom and growing compassion in every interaction.
Securing our future leadership In line with a professionally grounded and thriving staff culture, we are committed to investing in high-quality leadership to ensure our school continues to flourish. To this end, we have officially engaged Hutton Consulting Australia (HCA) to lead the search for our next Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School. This is a defining cultural moment for OAGS. We are seeking practising Christians whose leadership is grounded in scripture, service, and relational integrity, ensuring that our executive team remains cohesive and focused on our academic growth and school mission.
As we look for the right individuals to join our team, we are guided by the model of leadership found in Mark 10:45:
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support as we continue to seek the truth and pursue excellence together in 2026.
With gratitude,
Louis Stringer
Headmaster
Engagement & Wellbeing
Meet Our New Staff
Meet Our New Staff
We are pleased to share some exciting updates regarding our staffing for the year. As our school continues to grow and respond to the needs of our students, we have welcomed new staff members who bring a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to our community.
We are confident that each of these staff members will make a valuable contribution to our school and support the continued success and wellbeing of our students. Please join us in warmly welcoming them to our community.
I am delighted to introduce our new team members:
Merryn Clarksmith – Interim Head of Senior School
We are fortunate to have Merryn join us from the Anglican Schools Corporation where she currently serves as Director of Education and Mission. She has previously held leadership positions in two Corporation schools: Head of Senior School at Rouse Hill Anglican College and Deputy Principal at St Luke’s Grammar School. Most recently before returning to the Corporation, she was the Principal of The Anglican School Googong, a rapidly growing newer school near the border of the ACT, where she focused on building a strong staff team and learning culture.
In her interim role, Merryn will oversee the daily operations of the Senior School, support students and staff, and ensure continuity of our strategic priorities throughout this transition period.
Merryn attends the evening service at Christ Church Gladesville and enjoys the AFL, tennis, live theatre and gardening.
Mrs Angela Wood - Textile Teacher
Angela has recently moved to Orange from Canberra. She is a specialist Textiles teacher and has been teaching since 2019, following a 20-year career as a graphic designer. Outside of work, she loves camping, four-wheel driving, exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, and being involved in her church community. She also has a passion for classic Japanese and European cars and is excited to be bringing Textiles to OAGS.
Mr Brendan Baker - Science Teacher
Brendan joins us from Penrith Christian School. He has a Bachelor of Science (Zoology) and a Masters of Research specialising in Chemical Ecology.
Miss Erica Baldry - Prep Teacher
We are delighted to welcome Erica to the Prep Team. She brings rich K–6 experience from leading independent schools, a background that began in fashion design before shifting to teaching, she enjoys gardening, sewing, cooking, and travelling.
Daniel Wilton - School Chaplain
Daniel has most recently served as a Pastor at Crossroads Christian Church. With a Bachelor of Divinity from Moore Theological College and a background in Politics and International Relations, he will support student wellbeing as our School Chaplain, offering pastoral care and mentoring.
Kathy Culbert – Learning Support Officer
Kathy has moved from Tenterfield to join us as a Learning Support Officer, she will be providing in-class and small-group support and work closely with teachers to personalise learning and build student confidence. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology)
Heidi Woods - Learning Support Officer
Heidi has recently moved back to Orange after spending time in America. She is a published children’s author with over thirty years of experience in childcare, education, and community leadership. Her professional journey also includes serving as a Senior Pastor, owning a local cafe, and providing specialised academic tutoring and disability support.
Ben Woodside – IT
Ben joins our IT team to support our digital learning environment, device management, and classroom technologies. He will assist staff, students, and families with systems, platforms, and cyber-safe practices.
Robert Chapman – Learning Support Officer/ Secondary Teacher
A new but familiar face, Rob has been assisting in learning support since last year and has now taken a position with us in Secondary School.
Pastoral Care
Prep
A Wonderful Start to Learning in Prep Cockatoos, Prep Budgies and Prep Bowerbirds
A Wonderful Start to Learning in Prep Cockatoos, Prep Budgies and Prep Bowerbirds
The first few weeks of learning at OAGS Prep School have been filled with excitement, curiosity and many positive beginnings as our students settle into school life.
We have introduced our PreLit literacy program, which focuses on the four pillars of early literacy and reading development. Through engaging and hands-on experiences, students are building foundational skills that support phonological awareness, oral language, early decoding and comprehension. These early literacy skills are essential in preparing children for confident reading and writing as they progress through their schooling.
Alongside our literacy learning, we have been spending time learning, practising and implementing our five classroom agreements. These agreements support positive behaviour, respectful relationships and a strong sense of belonging within our Prep community. Students have also been learning school expectations and daily routines, helping them to develop independence, confidence and a clear understanding of what it means to be a learner at OAGS.
Throughout these first weeks, our learning has been grounded in the school values of service, truth and excellence. Students are being encouraged to serve others through kindness and cooperation, to act with honesty and integrity, and to strive for excellence in their learning and behaviour each day.
It has been a joy to see students growing in confidence, forming friendships and engaging so positively in their learning. We are very proud of the way they have embraced their first weeks of Prep and look forward to an exciting term ahead.
Mr Bornen
Classroom Teacher/ Prep Co-ordinator
Kindergarten
A Flying Start for Kindy Kingfishers and Corellas!
A Flying Start for Kindy Kingfishers and Corellas!
It has been an absolute joy getting to know our Kindergarten students. Our Kingfishers and Corellas have truly hit the ground running, filling our classrooms with energy, curiosity and plenty of smiles.
In English, we have been exploring the world of sentences, rhyming words and syllables through our InitiaLit program. Using explicit teaching, we are building strong foundations in early literacy, guiding students step-by-step as they develop their phonemic awareness, vocabulary and understanding of how sentences work. A highlight of each day continues to be settling in together to enjoy rich and engaging stories.
Our little “Mathemagicians” have been discovering that Maths is everywhere! Students have been highly engaged in our daily Maths Review and have been working hard to sort objects by their attributes as well as creating two- and three-part patterns.
In our UR Strong lessons, we have also been learning how to be “Friendship Ninjas”! Students are discovering what makes a good friend and exploring how they can be kind, respectful and supportive classmates. We are practising the skills that help us build strong friendships and create a positive, caring classroom community.
When we asked what they have loved most about Kindergarten so far, the answers were full of excitement and enthusiasm!
"My favourite part about Kindy is making new friends and learning lots of new things." - Charlize
"I love celebrating my birthday with the class." - Oliver
"The best thing is learning about syllables." - Maeve
"I like playing on the playground with my friends." - Toby
We are incredibly proud of the wonderful start our Kindy stars have made and look forward to seeing all the amazing things they will achieve this year.
Mrs Pearson, Mrs Simpson and Mrs Cloete
Primary School
Pursuing Excellence
Pursuing Excellence
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been speaking with students about our identity in being part of Orange Anglican Grammar School. Our core values of Truth, Excellence, and Service should underpin all of our decision making and be what directs us as a school and as learners each day.
Last week, we focused particularly on the value of Excellence . I spoke to students about how Excellence isn't about being "the best", nor is it about achieving unattainable perfection. Instead, it is about consistently striving to be the best version of ourselves, in all that we do. It’s a commitment to put forth our utmost effort, not for external validation, but as a way to be in the best position to serve those around us.
I spoke about three ingredients in Excellence - Heart, Perseverance and Improvement. To pursue excellence, we need to care about and value what we are doing, draw upon strategies to keep going when things get tricky and seek to continually improve in what we are doing.
In Colossians 3:23-24, it says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This verse reminds us that every task, whether it's solving a complex maths problem, tidying our classroom, participating in a sports event, or even simply being kind to a friend, can be transformed into an act of worship. When we approach our work with diligence and a desire to do our best, we are honouring the gifts and talents God has given us.
This year, it is my encouragement for all of us (students, staff and parents), to commit to pursuing excellence, not for our own glory and praise, but as a way of honouring God and being best equipped to serve others in our School and community.
I look forward to witnessing the many ways in which our students will embody Truth, Excellence, and Service throughout the year.
Miss Alice Glyde
Head of Junior School
Secondary School
Science @ OAGS- Mrs Nealon
Science @ OAGS- Mrs Nealon
The Year 7 labs have been a hive of activity this term. Our newest scientists have officially moved past "guesswork" and into the world of precision measurement, proving that in science, every millimetre and milligram counts. Students have been rotating through hands-on stations to master the fundamental pillars of scientific data. Here is what they’ve been tackling: Mass and Length, volume and temperature, time, pH and density.
Science @ OAGS- Mr Job
Science @ OAGS- Mr Job
Biology in year 11 have started their year with an introduction to microscopy and drawing detailed biological diagrams. The class continues to build mastery in conducting safe and valid experimentation, and appropriately recording, discussing and evaluating the science they engaged in.
Faith at OAGS
CAPA
CAPA 2026: A Strong and Vibrant Start
CAPA 2026: A Strong and Vibrant Start
The year is off to a very positive start with lots of interest in the many co-curricular offerings from the CAPA Academy. Thank you to all parents and carers for completing enrolments for music through the official enrolment form on the school website. Most of the Music and Dance groups are already up and running, some others, such as Drama groups will be starting soon.
The Little Songbirds
The Little Songbirds
Our early Junior School choir is about to take flight! A space where students in Years 1-3 can spread their wings and discover their singing voices while having a blast! Each week, we’ll flock together to sing wonderful songs and play fun, interactive singing games.
If you are interested (and in Years 1 - 3), please come and join the chorus!
Starting from Week 5, fly on over to the nest (the music room) on Wednesday’s, first break.
It will be a real mid-week tweet!
Miss Veronica Li
Sport
Swimming Carnivals NEW COPY
Swimming Carnivals NEW COPY
To accommodate the wonderful growth of our school, we successfully hosted separate Senior and Junior carnivals for the first time. The result? More races, less crowding, and a better experience for everyone. We couldn't have asked for better weather. The sun was shining on the Orange Aquatic Centre, making for a perfect day in and out of the water.
Senior carnival set the pace with a few new records being set this year. The Year 12 Novelty Race, watching our senior cohort trade their dignity for a splash of chaos! Inflatables was the highlight of the carnival.
The Junior carnival was a celebration of courage and fun. Seeing the pool deck filled exclusively with Primary students gave them a chance to shine in the spotlight. The "have a go" attitude was infectious.
A massive thank you to the staff and parents who volunteered their time over two big days.
Cheerleading
Cheerleading
Cheerleading has started up as an optional Senior School weekly sport, and 24 very enthusiastic, capable, bubbly Stage 5 students have been jumping, rolling, spinning and catching each other. This sport is NOT for the faint of heart.
ACE
Year 7 Ag Tech-Mrs Nealon
Year 7 Ag Tech-Mrs Nealon
Of course, the highlight of the week was "Chicken Hugging 101." But beyond the cuddles, our students took on the serious role of Livestock Guardians. The class performed comprehensive welfare checks on our resident flock, learning that healthy feathers and clear eyes are the hallmarks of a happy bird. No one was left out of the rotation—not even our resident rooster, who received his check-up with surprising grace.
By integrating companion planting (nature’s own pest control) and regenerative practices, we aren't just teaching kids how to grow food; we’re teaching them how to be stewards of the earth. They are learning that a garden isn't a collection of separate parts, but a single, breathing community where the chickens, the fish, and the tomatoes all rely on one another.
Stage 5 Agriculture
Stage 5 Agriculture
Stage 5 has really achieved big things in a very small time. Both Year 9 and Year 10 have actively been bottling our first honey harvest for 2026 and have learnt valuable lessons about market preparation and product presentation. This beautiful product will be available for purchase very soon by the OAGS community, and you can find out how to buy our honey by reading the newsletter and keeping up with our Facebook page.
Stage 6 Agriculture
Stage 6 Agriculture
Once again, Year 11 Agriculture have been engaged in the off site Farm Case Study unit. This year we are privileged to have the well-known local property Kangaroobie, home to Gilmandyke Angus stud as our host farm. The class will visit the farm every two weeks, developing a comprehensive understanding of the interlinked systems on the farm. A huge thanks to OAGS parent and Kangaroobie General Manager Wade Peatman for his generosity in hosting our school.
The Year 12 class are currently undertaking Sustainable Agriculture studies, looking at the role of soils, microbes and plant communities and the link between these and long-term sustainability. As part of this, we are nearly at the end of our plant density trial, measuring the impact of planting density on sunflower production.
Canberra Royal Show
Canberra Royal Show
Next week, Mrs Eyb and long-term OAGs community member Captain Terry Nye - yes you read that correctly- Mr Nye is back to help out on our excursion - head off to the Canberra Royal Show for the week. This year marks the inaugural show for our fledgling White Suffolk stud, and we are also competing in a range of cattle and meat judging events. Again, our social media page is the best way to keep up with all our OAGS ACE academy updates.
Community News
University of Newcastle Parents and Carers Information Evening - Orange
University of Newcastle Parents and Carers Information Evening - Orange
Hear from University of Newcastle Staff and Current Students
Learn about key entry pathways, including the Early Entry Program, Schools Recommendation Scheme, and Year 12 Subject Spotlight.
Explore our campus locations, accommodation options, scholarships, and student support services.
Gain insights into university life and the student experience.
Q&A Session
Ask questions and receive personalised answers to help you and your child feel confident about their next steps.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday 17th March
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: Orange Ex-Services Club
While the session is designed for parents and carers, students are very welcome to join as well. If you are interested, please register here .
Scouts NSW
Scouts NSW
Western Premier League
Western Premier League
OAGS Classifieds
Teen Drama
Teen Drama
Public Speaking Course
Public Speaking Course
Orange Symphony Orchestra
Orange Symphony Orchestra
Kid's Club
Kid's Club
