From the Headmaster
Stewarding the Future: An Update from the Headmaster
Stewarding the Future: An Update from the Headmaster
Executive Recruitment Update
In line with our commitment to professional excellence, we are entering a pivotal phase in our search for the next Head of Senior School and Deputy Headmaster.
Guided by Hutton Consulting Australia, we will formally commence interviews next week. We are seeking "culture carriers", wise leaders of conviction whose professional approach is grounded in scripture, service, and relational integrity. I look forward to keeping you updated as this process nears its conclusion.
A Circle of Prayer
We invite our entire community to join us in prayer during this demanding but exciting week:
- For our Staff: As they prepare for Parent-Teacher Interviews, pray for clarity, wisdom, and cultivating meaningful connections with parents.
- For our Year 11 Students: That their Commencement Service would be a time of genuine celebration and commitment.
- For Year 3: For safety, joy, and a spirit of adventure during one of their first tastes of a school camp.
- For the Interview Panel: For discernment and courage to identify the leaders chosen to steward the future of OAGS.
As we serve our students and one another, we remain anchored by the example of Christ, the foundation of all we do.
"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." Mark 10:45
Thank you for your tireless commitment to our shared mission and for being a community that truly cares.
Warm regards,
Rev’d Louis Stringer
Headmaster
Prep
The Importance of Creative Arts in the Early Years
The Importance of Creative Arts in the Early Years
Creative art plays an important role in the development of young children. In the early years of schooling, art provides students with opportunities to explore, imagine, and express their ideas in meaningful ways. Through drawing, painting, collage, and construction, children are able to communicate thoughts and feelings that they may not yet have the words to explain.
Here at OAGS, we embrace the creative arts as an important part of learning in the early years. We believe that giving students regular opportunities to explore and create helps them develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
Participating in creative arts activities supports many areas of development. It strengthens fine motor skills as children learn to hold pencils, use scissors, and control paintbrushes. Art also encourages problem-solving and decision-making as students choose colours, shapes, and materials to bring their ideas to life. Most importantly, it helps build confidence, as children learn that their ideas are valued and that there are many ways to be creative.
Learning about the forms of art, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage, gives students a variety of ways to express themselves. Each form allows children to experiment with different materials and techniques while discovering what they enjoy and how they can communicate visually.
Students also begin to explore the elements of art, including colour, line, shape, texture, and pattern. These elements are the building blocks of visual art and help children understand how artworks are created. For example, students may learn how lines can show movement, how colours can express feelings, or how patterns can make artwork more interesting. By recognising and using these elements, children develop visual awareness and begin to think more deeply about the artwork they create and see around them.
Creative arts experiences also encourage collaboration, discussion, and reflection. When students share their artwork with others, they learn to describe their ideas, listen to different perspectives, and appreciate the creativity of their peers.
In the early years, creative art is not just about producing a finished piece of work; it is about the process of exploring, experimenting, and discovering. These experiences help children develop imagination, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for creativity and self-expression.
Mr Bornen,
Classroom Teacher/ Prep Coordinator
Kindergarten
And that’s a wrap on Ready, Set… Go!
And that’s a wrap on Ready, Set… Go!
Over the past six weeks, our Kindergarten classrooms have been buzzing with energy, laughter, and a whole lot of learning. We are now wrapping up our Ready Set Go programme and what a wonderful start it has been for our newest learners!
Our afternoons have been filled with play-based learning and as we know, play is powerful. Through these experiences, students have been developing the foundations for a successful start to school. We have watched them build important social skills such as patience, resilience, and turn-taking, while forming new friendships and growing in confidence as communicators.
Alongside this, we have seen fantastic learning progress across many areas. Our students have:
- strengthened their fine motor skills through activities like Play-Doh, bead threading and detailed colouring
-
explored early mathematical concepts such as counting and recognising patterns
- sparked their imaginations through dramatic play in the home corner, caring for “babies,” cooking in the play kitchen, and transforming into characters in the dress-up area
Whether they were engineering 3D creations with magnets and LEGO, solving mazes, or mastering dice games, our Kindergarten students have shown curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning.
Now that our Ready Set Go programme has come to an end, our Kindergarten Kingfishers and Corellas have well and truly spread their wings. The friendships, routines, and confidence built over these first weeks will continue to support our learning as we move into the term ahead. Play will always remain an important part of our classroom and with our young birds now settled in, we are excited to keep building on these strong foundations as their learning continues to grow and soar.
Mrs Pearson
Primary School
Harmony Day 2026: Stronger Together
Harmony Day 2026: Stronger Together
Next week, our school community will be even more orange as we celebrate Harmony Day on Friday, 20th March. While the official date falls on Saturday, 21st March (coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination), we are taking this opportunity to reflect on the beauty of our diverse student body and the strength we find in our differences.
Why Harmony Matters
This year’s theme, "Harmony - Stronger Together," reminds us that a community isn’t a monolith; it’s a mosaic. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural nations in the world. Consider these snapshots of our national identity:
- Nearly half (48.2%) of Australians have a parent born overseas.
- More than 300 distinct cultural, ethnic and ancestral backgrounds are represented in our population.
- In the 2021 census, 5.6 million people reported to speak a language other than English at home.
At OAGS, we see these statistics come to life in our classrooms every day. Our community is enriched by the unique heritages, stories, and traditions that each student and staff member brings to the table.
Celebrating at OAGS
Throughout Week 8, students will engage in themed activities during Pastoral Care and assemblies, designed to foster inclusion and respect.
- What to Wear: On Friday, 20th March, students are encouraged to add a touch of orange to their uniform (think socks, hats, or hair ties). Alternatively, students may wear an item of traditional cultural dress (such as a scarf, hat, jewellery, or belt) that represents their heritage.
- The Symbolism of Orange: Orange is the official colour of Harmony Day. It symbolises social communication, meaningful conversation, and the freedom of ideas.
- Note for Junior School: Please remember that Friday is a sports uniform day; orange accents or cultural items should be worn alongside the sports uniform.
A Call to Character and Kindness
In a world where digital media often amplifies divisive and disrespectful voices, we want to stand as a counter-cultural force. We recognise that while navigating differences can sometimes be challenging, our foundation is built on a higher calling.
As a school, we believe that everyone is made by God in His image, and He has commanded us to love one another as He loved us. There is no place for judging, bullying, or excluding others. As a school, we are committed to working with our students throughout their education to develop their empathy, acceptance and appreciation of others.
How Families Can Help
We encourage you to have discussions at home this week about the significance of this day. You might discuss:
- Building Empathy: Understanding the real-world harm caused by "labelling" or exclusionary behaviour.
- Sharing Heritage: Encouraging your children to take pride in and share their own cultural backgrounds with their peers.
Thank you for partnering with us to make Harmony Week a meaningful and enjoyable experience. When we embrace our differences, we don’t just become more "tolerant," we become stronger.
Alice Glyde
Head of Junior School
Adventure at the Theatre: Stage 2 Unlocks the 'Riddle'
Adventure at the Theatre: Stage 2 Unlocks the 'Riddle'
On Friday, 27th February, our Stage 2 students traded the classroom for the magic of the Orange Civic Theatre. They were treated to a captivating performance of The Riddle of Washpool Gully, brought to life by the world-renowned Dead Puppet Society.
The production was a masterclass in visual storytelling, blending live actors with incredibly detailed puppetry.
The students were particularly fascinated by the technical "wizardry" on display. Some of the highlights included:
- The Puppetry: Many were amazed by how fluidly the puppets moved, their expressions almost human (or creature-like).
- Scale Shifts: A crowd favourite was the use of replica miniatures. Seeing a life-sized object on stage, suddenly mirrored by a tiny version for the puppets.
- Dynamic Staging: The clever use of moving platforms and dramatic lighting effects transformed the stage into a living, breathing landscape.
This excursion was more than just a fun day out; it was a valuable dive into the world of Performing Arts. By experiencing a range of different styles, soundscapes, and lighting techniques, students have been able to:
- Analyse what elements made the story engaging.
- Critique the performance by discussing their personal likes and dislikes.
- Deconstruct the stagecraft, sparking curiosity about the technical side of theatre production.
The Orange Civic Theatre consistently attracts world-class performances tailored for schools, and it is always a privilege to see our students engage so thoughtfully with the arts.
Stage 2 Teachers
Capital Adventures: Year 6 Takes on Canberra!
Capital Adventures: Year 6 Takes on Canberra!
On Monday, March 2nd, 2026, our Year 6 students embarked on an unforgettable four-day journey to Canberra, exploring the heart of Australia’s national capital. The trip was packed with excitement and discovery, with students particularly enjoying the hands-on exhibits at Questacon, the solemn atmosphere of the High Court, and the diverse wildlife at the National Zoo and Aquarium. A standout moment occurred at Parliament House, where the students experienced the energy of a sitting day. They had the unique opportunity to meet Andrew Gee and engage him with a series of thoughtful questions before he was called away to cast a vital vote in the House of Representatives.
Beyond the fun and games, the excursion served as a practical extension of our Civics and Citizenship curriculum. The Australian Government recognises the value of these experiences, providing financial support through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program. To assist families with the costs of the trip, a rebate of $28 per student is paid directly to the school following the completion of the excursion. It was a fantastic week of learning and adventure that our students will surely remember for years to come.
Our itinerary also included several other world-class landmarks that enriched our understanding of Australian identity and history. At the Australian War Memorial, students participated in a moving experience of remembrance, exploring the Hall of Memory and the Roll of Honour to pay their respects to those who have served. We then travelled to the National Museum of Australia, where the "Great Southern Land" and "Landmarks" galleries brought our country's unique environmental and social history to life through fascinating artifacts. A visit to the National Arboretum offered a change of pace, where we marvelled at the "forest of the future" and enjoyed a birds-eye view of Canberra’s design from the pod playground. Finally, we stepped back in time at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House. Walking through the historic chambers, students learned about "People Power" and the evolution of our democratic rights in the very rooms where many of Australia's most significant laws were once debated.
Year 6 Camp Teachers
Secondary School
Beyond the Flock: 7.4 Literacy Redefines Collective Nouns
Beyond the Flock: 7.4 Literacy Redefines Collective Nouns
The traditional dictionary may need a significant update this week after the creative minds of Year 7.4 Literacy took an inventive approach to mastering the nuances of grammar.
What began as a standard lesson on abstract and collective nouns quickly transformed into a high-stakes arena of wit and imagination. While most people are content with a "flock" of birds or a "herd" of cows, 7.4 decided that modern problems require modern vocabulary.
The atmosphere in the room was electric. Working in competitive groups, students were tasked with inventing original collective nouns for scenarios that define the teenage experience in 2026. After a series of heated pitches and a democratic classroom vote, the final decision was made.
A monstrosity of dirty socks.
An ego of Influencers.
A torture of homework.
A trend of Tik Tok dancers.
A Bombay of broken headphones.
A battle bus of gaming consoles.
An Avie of chicken nuggets (because Avie loves her nuggets!)
With literacy skills this sharp, the future of the English language looks bright. Well done 7.4!
Mrs Karen Huntly
Year 11 CAFS Students Visit Our Prep Classroom
Year 11 CAFS Students Visit Our Prep Classroom
As part of their Preliminary Community and Family Studies course, our Year 11 students recently visited Ms Baldry's Prep class to practise designing and conducting interviews — a key research skill in their current unit of work. Our senior students asked our youngest learners thoughtful, age-appropriate questions about what makes them feel happy, safe, and supported at school, with the Prep students proving to be generous and enthusiastic participants. It was a wonderful cross-stage exchange, and we thank our Prep families for allowing their children to take part.
Year 12 HMS: Putting Theory into Practice
Year 12 HMS: Putting Theory into Practice
The Year 12 HMS (Health and Movement Science) class has been busy turning the school grounds into a practical learning space as they investigate various training methods. Moving beyond the textbook, the students recently tackled the gruelling Bronco test to measure aerobic capacity, contrasting the experience with high-intensity anaerobic intervals.
The cohort has also been analysing the mechanics of resistance training, comparing the stability of body weight movements and machine exercises against the functional demands of free weights and plyometrics. To round out their study of physical preparation, they have been mastering the full spectrum of flexibility experimenting with the control of static and dynamic stretching, the power of ballistic movements, and the advanced techniques of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation). This hands-on approach ensures our seniors can critically evaluate how different training programmes trigger physiological adaptations, preparing them perfectly for their upcoming assessments.
Faith at OAGS
Peace in the Whirlwind
Peace in the Whirlwind
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, both within our school gates and in the wider world. In those moments where busyness leads to exhaustion or uncertainty, we can find a deep sense of relief in the promises of the Bible. Psalm 46 reminds us: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” What a comfort it is to know that, no matter the circumstances, we have access to a peace that sustains us.
CRU Update
Our CRU lunchtime groups have kicked off with incredible energy! We’re seeing around 140 students regularly attending between the Primary and Infants groups, and 40 coming each week from Senior School. This term, we are “Investigating Jesus,” exploring his rescue plan through the Gospel of John with plenty of games and activities. It is wonderful to see students inviting their friends along, and we are deeply grateful to the teachers and Senior students who give up their breaks to share the Good News.
Upcoming Dates:
- We warmly invite all families to join us for the OAGS Easter Service, Fair, and Lunch on Thursday, 2nd April . This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the wider school community and celebrate Jesus together.
- One of our local churches (Orange Evangelical Church) is hosting a Holiday Kids program from 13th to the 16th April (9am-3pm daily) and are extending an invitation to any primary aged kids to join in the fun. You can find out more information or register by following the link .
CAPA
OAGS Senior Concert Band
OAGS Senior Concert Band
OAGS Senior Concert Band will perform in the Central West Band Festival (see flyer later in the newsletter) on Saturday March 28 in Robertson Park. Groups from as far away as Canberra will play, including many local and regional community and school groups. This is an all day event, running from mid morning until late afternoon, the OAGS band will be on at 1:10 pm and will play for about 25 minutes. This FREE concert is a great chance to come along, with some lunch, to hear some great band music.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
With only a few weeks of rehearsal left, our 2026 school musical ‘Chitty Chitty Band Bang is beginning to look exciting. Singers sound fantastic, dancers are moving smoothly and lines are mostly learned by the leads.The back stage crew has been selected and costumes and sets are well under way.
Tickets will be available by the end of the term - WATCH THIS SPACE !!
School productions are such a special part of student life — building confidence, teamwork, creativity and lifelong memories. With your sponsorship support, we can ensure this production is an unforgettable experience for our students and our wider community.
If you may be interested in partnering with us through sponsorship, please contact [email protected] for more information
A BIG SHOUT OUT to the local businesses below who have jumped onboard and supported us already
Major sponsors Boral and Collins Booksellers
Sport
Touch Football
Touch Football
On Friday, 27 February, 28 touch footballers headed to Dubbo for the Western Associated Schools (WAS) Touch Football Trials, showcasing impressive skill and sportsmanship throughout the day. Following a series of highly competitive matches, 14 students have been selected to progress to the AICES Championship in Penrith at the end of March. This is a fantastic achievement, and we wish our representative players the best of luck as they prepare to take on the state's best independent school talent!
252 ACU- Cadets
Community News
Senior School Open Day 2026
Senior School Open Day 2026
Do you know a family exploring senior school options for 2027? Our Senior School Open Day is a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to tour our campus, see our classrooms in action and discover what makes our community so special. If you know anyone who may be interested, feel free to share the event details and invite them to attend.
The registration form can be viewed
here
.
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 .
Foster Care
Foster Care
Scouts NSW
Scouts NSW
OAGS Classifieds
Parents & Friends Association
Parents & Friends Association
Orange Symphony Orchestra
Orange Symphony Orchestra
Kid's Club
Kid's Club
Start of Orange
Start of Orange
Please support Liana Speers fundraising goal for Cancer Council NSW:
https://stars.cancercouncil.com.au/fundraisers/liannaspeers
Let's dance for a cancer-free future!