From the Headmaster
The Trinity Building is Coming!
The Trinity Building is Coming!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are delighted to share more details about the Trinity Building, a landmark development at Orange Anglican Grammar School. As construction progresses, we look forward to the incredible benefits this new facility will bring to our students, staff, and wider school community.
A Transformative Space for Learning
The Trinity Building will feature eight modern classrooms, purposefully designed to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. These permanent, high-quality spaces will reinforce our commitment to long-term infrastructure investment as the school continues to grow.
Key Features and Benefits
- Eight New Classrooms – Well-equipped learning areas
- Large Meeting & Gathering Spaces - The eight classrooms are able to open up into two large classrooms or meeting spaces.
- Connected Learning Spaces – The building will act as a central link between our Primary and Secondary Schools , enhancing our K–12 learning journey.
- Enhanced Co-Curricular Support – The development includes site works and landscaping that will improve the functionality of our sporting fields, encouraging greater participation in outdoor activities.
- Accessibility and Inclusion – The building will be fully accessible for students with disabilities, providing improved facilities such as lift access and close proximity to shared school spaces, including the School Oval and Hangar (COLA).
A Period of Construction, Followed by a Bright Future
As with any major project, the next few months will bring a busy and sometimes noisy construction phase. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this exciting period of progress. If all goes to plan (and Orange’s weather cooperates!), we expect to welcome students into the Trinity Building towards the end of Term 1 next year.
Building projects create a sense of excitement for students as the physical building works commence. To encourage student connection with the project we will have a viewing platform near our music tuition room where students can see progress across the construction phase.
With the excitement of the project we acknowledge that there will also be periods of unavoidable construction work noise during the school day. Whilst we work with Zauner to minimise these instances, we appreciate the school community accommodating these times to see the project completed.
In the coming weeks, relocation of temporary demountable amenities facilities and demolition of the existing amenities block near the primary classrooms will see times of intermittent noise. If you have queries or concerns regarding the construction phase please contact either myself or the Business Manager, Cate Lawrence via [email protected] .edu.au
This development marks a significant milestone in our school’s journey, strengthening our ability to provide exceptional learning environments while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
We look forward to keeping you updated as construction progresses. Thank you for your continued support as we build for the future!
Warm regards,
Rev’d Louis Stringer
Headmaster
Engagement & Wellbeing
"Supporting Student Success: Practical Ways to Keep Your Child Engaged in Learning"
"Supporting Student Success: Practical Ways to Keep Your Child Engaged in Learning"
Keeping students engaged and motivated in their learning journey can sometimes be challenging. As parents, you play a vital role in fostering a positive attitude towards education and life-long learning. You are your child’s first teacher and their ultimate role model. Here are some practical ways to support and inspire your child, whether they are in early primary years or secondary school.
- Create a Positive Learning Environment - A dedicated, quiet space for learning, study and homework helps children and teenagers focus and minimises distractions. Ensure the area is well-lit, comfortable, and stocked with necessary supplies. Try to remove mobile phones and other digital devices if they cause a significant distraction.
- Encourage a Growth Mindset - Teach your child that intelligence and ability grow with effort. Praise perseverance and improvement rather than just results, reinforcing the idea that challenges are opportunities to learn and mistakes are proof of learning.
- Foster a Love of Learning - Make learning enjoyable by connecting it to play and real-life experiences. Engage in discussions, visit museums, read together, and explore their interests beyond the classroom.
- Set Realistic Goals - Help your child or teenager set achievable short-term goals for their learning. Break these into manageable steps to build confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Promote a Healthy Routine - A well-balanced routine that includes proper sleep, nutrition, and physical activity contributes to better concentration and motivation. Avoid over-committing to after school activities or part time work that may reduce energy levels and interfere with homework completion and study opportunities. Some part-time work or enjoyable activities are a necessary part of a healthy routine, however this should be monitored carefully.
- Stay Involved and Communicate - Regularly check in on your child's progress and challenges. Show interest in their schoolwork and maintain open communication with teachers to address any concerns. Ask open-ended questions for teenagers to avoid one-syllable responses.
- Encourage Independence and Responsibility - Help older students develop time management and organisational skills. Encourage them to take ownership of their learning and make use of resources like study groups and online tools. These skills do not always develop naturally and many students need support to build positive habits.
- Recognise and Celebrate Achievements - Celebrate milestones, both big and small. Encouraging words and recognition for effort can boost confidence and motivation.
By providing encouragement and the right support, you can help your child—whether young or older—develop the motivation and resilience needed to thrive academically and beyond. Every step forward is a step towards success!
Jessica Willis
Director of Engagement
Primary School
School Camp: Building Independence, Resilience, and Connection
Year 4 Camp: An Unforgettable Adventure at Galston Gorge
A Colourful Start to 2025 in Year 5 Art
Secondary School
Stage 4 Science Balloon Car Challenge
Stage 4 Science Balloon Car Challenge
Year 7 and 8 have been putting their engineering and physics skills to the test in the Balloon Car Challenge! Using principles of Newton’s Third Law, students designed and built cars powered by the force of escaping air.
Mrs. Nealon’s class took the competition seriously, with some impressive designs on display. In the Year 8 division, the title went to the ‘Green Machine,’ which raced ahead with speed and efficiency. Well done to all participants for their creativity and problem-solving!
In Mr Job’s class, students created impressive designs with either exceptional visual elements or excellent performance.
Getting to know Mr Shiva Chetty
Getting to know Mr Shiva Chetty
At the start of this year we welcomed Mr Chetty into the school English department. Shiva joins the OAGS community. Mr Chetty comes with a big heart and a passion for seeing students excited about their learning, particularly English. I took a few moments out of Mr Chetty’s day, to hear how he is settling in and get to know him better.
How long have you been teaching English?
I have been teaching English for 2 years. I am new to the teaching game but enjoying my new profession. Prior to training as a Secondary English teacher I spent 10 years as a member of the Australian Army with multiple tours in the Middle East where I worked with some of the elite military units from around the world including the Navy Seals and Delta Rangers.
What do you love about teaching English?
I love the stories. Breaking them down, looking for the themes and other hidden messages within a text. Learning about the author and their context through their words. There's always something new to discover, and I love sharing that sense of curiosity and exploration with my students.
What has impressed you in your first few weeks at Orange Anglican Grammar?
The students have been amazing and so welcoming. They have been eager to learn and find their purpose inside and outside the classroom. I've been particularly impressed by their curiosity and willingness to tackle new ideas. The supportive and positive school culture has made settling in so much easier, and I’m really looking forward to building strong connections with both students and staff.
What are you most looking forward to in Semester 1?
I'm really looking forward to getting to know my students better and diving into some fantastic texts together. I can't wait to see those ‘lightbulb moments’ when a story or concept really clicks. I'm also excited to bring some fresh ideas to the classroom and hopefully create an environment where students feel engaged, challenged, and inspired.
Thanks Mr Chetty for your time. It is great to have you at OAGS and I’m confident that the school will really benefit from the passion, knowledge, drive and dedication you bring to the study of English.
Mr Tim Brown
Director of Secondary
CAPA
Music
Music
Music lessons and Music Ensembles have all begun rehearsing for a busy year ahead. There are limited places available on some instruments for tuition at school as well as some spots in the Beginner Band and Beginner Strings programmes.
The newly launched Senior Vocal Ensemble is full of enthusiastic singers from across all year groups (as well as some keen singers amongst the staff). Under the direction of Mr Clipsham they are learning vocal techniques and some great choral repertoire. There is room for more members, why not come and join in for an hour of great singing to start your day on Tuesdays. 8:00 - 9:00 am in the music classroom.
Friday jazz also got underway with a great first rehearsal last Friday. Many of the group have never tried improvising before and despite being a bit daunting, everyone had a go. They played their first chart ‘Vamoose Your Caboose’, learning jazz articulations and phrasing. This group is led by Mr Annett & Mr Clipsham on Fridays after school in C11. While this group gets going the Wind Ensemble & Brass Ensemble have been temporarily suspended. These groups will re-emerge later in the year.
Senior and Junior Strings have had a couple of meetings now, our ever growing strings programme under Angela D’Ellia is aiming for big things in 2025. The Senior Rock Band have started pumping out some new material and a few new rockers have joined them. Concert bands in Secondary and Primary have started learning some new music with both groups welcoming new members.
Senior Band has its first engagement in a few weeks time when they play in the inaugural Central West Band Festival which will be held in Robertson Park on Saturday, March 15. If you’re in town on Saturday morning why not come along and see the group when they play, 11:50 - 12:20. We will be one of many from around the region and beyond including groups from Newcastle, Bathurst, Dubbo & Parkes.
In the Music Classroom
Students in the Year 11 & Year 12 Music 1 classes were treated to a visit from Mark Bain, resident musician with the Orange Regional Conservatorium last week. Mark is a trumpeter with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and someone who specialises in Peak Performance with a vast amount of experience in performance anxiety psychology and working through the pressure of performance to deliver the best version on the day. All of our senior students performed for Mark and then discussed just what it takes to perform in the best possible way when under pressure. It was a valuable experience for all.
Drama
Drama
Our Year 12 Drama students recently joined forces with their counterparts from Orange High School for an enriching excursion to Sydney to enhance their preparation for upcoming HSC group performances.
The students participated in a specialised group devising workshop hosted by the prestigious Belvoir Theatre, where they explored a broad range of theatrical techniques. These hands-on activities helped students discover innovative ways to communicate their artistic intentions through collaborative performance.
The excursion also included attending OnSTAGE at the Seymour Centre, a showcase featuring exemplary performances from the 2024 HSC Drama cohort. This valuable opportunity allowed our current students to witness high-quality work, helping them better understand assessment criteria and the importance of clear storytelling regardless of theatrical style.
What was particularly impressive was seeing students from both schools working together so productively. They shared ideas, offered constructive feedback, and built genuine connections through their shared passion for drama. This collaborative environment allowed students to test their creative boundaries while developing essential teamwork skills that will serve them well in their HSC performances and beyond.
Meanwhile, our Junior Drama Club (JDC) has gotten off to a fantastic start this year with the largest group of students we've seen yet. Over 30 students from Years 7, 8, and 9 are coming together weekly to learn more about drama and performance. These enthusiastic gatherings feature a range of games and theatre sports activities, with recent sessions being led by our talented Year 8 students who are developing their leadership skills while encouraging and guiding younger participants.
It's incredibly encouraging to see such growing interest in drama and the creative arts across all year levels. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by these students is inspiring, and we can't wait to see what the year ahead brings as the group begins workshopping their first performance. This surge of participation promises a bright future for our drama program and ensures a strong pipeline of talent for years to come.
Mrs Katherine Schuil
Secondary Drama Teacher
Dance
Dance
OAGS Dance has officially commenced for the year, and we are thrilled to see an incredible turnout! With over 180 students participating across various levels, the energy and enthusiasm are already setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.
This year, we are fortunate to have seven dedicated student teachers stepping into leadership roles, and sharing their passion and expertise with their peers. Additionally, we welcome two talented external teachers from local dance schools, who bring invaluable industry experience to our program.
Company auditions are currently in full swing, as dancers put their best foot forward for a chance to be part of our elite performance groups. We can’t wait to see the talent that emerges and look forward to an inspiring year of growth and achievement.
Looking ahead, our dancers will be showcasing their hard work at the upcoming Dubbo, Orange, and Bathurst Eisteddfods. These competitions provide a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain performance experience, build confidence, and proudly represent our school.
With such a strong start to the year, we are excited to see our dancers shine both in the studio and on stage. Stay tuned for updates on performances, achievements, and all things dance! Any questions about the OAGS Dance program please reach out to Miss Harrison: [email protected]
Miss Harrison
OAGS Dance
ACE
Year 7 Agriculture Technology
Year 7 Agriculture Technology
Our Year 7 Agriculture students are eagerly awaiting a sunny day to give our chickens a much-anticipated bubble bath! In the meantime, they’ve been keeping our feathered friends happy with plenty of fresh green treats and, of course, lots of chicken cuddles. It’s all part of learning about animal care in a hands-on and engaging way! Term 1 Week 5
Livestock Exhibition Teams
Training for the livestock exhibition teams has started with cattle meeting after school Monday until 4:30pm and all teams (poultry, sheep, alpacas) meeting Thursday big break. Remember, you have to have already signed up and come to try outs to be on the team, and our first event - The Blayney Show junior judging workshop is coming up soon.
The cattle team are very excited with the arrival of their new custom made tack box. Painted in the school colours, this piece of gear was designed by Year 11 Flynn Baker and the fundraising to buy it came about selling breakfast at the school Interschool Equestrian last July. It has already made a huge difference in keeping all our gear neat and tidy and looks terrific.
Senior Ag Tour
The Year 11 case are studying Cargo Road Wines as the Farm Case study this year and host James Sweetaple this week took the students through the process of grape harvest and wine making. Students were able to look at the wine laboratory where grape samples were pressed and assayed for specific density, pH and sugar content. Did you know that every unit of sugar (Baume) in grape juice, the process of fermentation converts it to a percentage of alcohol? Last week the sauvignon blanc was at 10 percent so a few more warm days and the sugar levels will increase enough to harvest. Students were able to taste the fresh juice of multiple varieties and we have a few keen noses in the class able to detect scents ranging from fresh grass to rosewater. While we were at the winery, we were able to watch a neighbouring winery processing their grapes into a finished product.
Honey and Fig Harvest
Our honey and fig harvest is well underway and we have a number of jars of fresh honey, fig jam and fig chutney coming up for sale soon. Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming after school market stall.
Sport
NSW All Schools Triathlon
NSW All Schools Triathlon
Wednesday 26th February saw 7 OAGS triathletes take the course at the NSW All Schools Triathlon Championships. The Penrith Regatta Centre was a buzz of excitement as athletes from all over NSW arrived early for the day. It was a hot day out, but that didn’t stop our triathletes from pushing themselves. The day started out with our seniors; Isla S and Ethan P who raced well in the longest race of the day. Our intermediate boys faced some tough competition, but prepared Josh B, Tate S and Liam P for the team event. To finish the individual events Matt R and Liam P were in sync as they came out of the water together in the junior boys race.
Thursday, 27th February, had two OAGS teams racing in the Intermediate relay event. Josh, Tate, and Liam backed up from the individual event to race as a team, demonstrating great teamwork and endurance throughout the race.
In the Intermediate girls' relay; Poppy , Millie and Amelia performed well, showcasing their determination and resilience against tough competition. Their effort and camaraderie were evident as they powered through each leg of the race.
All athletes raced with determination and true OAGS spirit. We are so proud of their efforts. Thank you to the parents who took the time to take athletes to Penrith to race. We are looking forward to what the future of triathlon looks like for OAGS athletes.
Miss Harrison
Triathlon Coordinator
Community News
OAGS Classifieds
ASPIRE ASHC - Join The Team
ASPIRE ASHC - Join The Team
Kid's Club
Kid's Club
