At Orange Anglican Grammar School, we believe that every day of learning matters. Whether a student is in Kindergarten learning to read for the first time, or in Year 12 preparing for life beyond school, consistent attendance plays a vital role in their academic, social, and emotional growth.

Regular attendance builds a strong foundation for success. Each day at school provides valuable opportunities for learning, developing friendships, participating in activities, and building confidence. When students miss school—even occasionally—they can fall behind academically and feel disconnected from their peers.

Here in New South Wales, the Education Act 1990 requires that children of compulsory school age attend school every day unless they are sick or have a valid reason. As a school, we are required to follow up on absences and work closely with families to support every student’s attendance and wellbeing.

We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable. If your child is unwell, please keep them at home to rest and recover and reduce the risk of spreading illnesses to your child’s peers and teachers. Remember to provide a reason for your child’s absence on Edumate.

Did You Know?

How Parents Can Help

Families can make a big difference to school attendance by:

Working Together

We are committed to creating a school environment where every student feels safe, supported, and excited to learn. When parents, students and staff work together, we can ensure that all students have the best chance to thrive—one school day at a time. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s attendance, or if you need support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to walk alongside you.

Last week, our Prep students embarked on an exciting learning adventure to the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst. This highly anticipated excursion was a wonderful opportunity to bring our classroom learning to life and deepen our understanding of dinosaurs, fossils, and the Earth's natural history.

As we arrived at the museum, the students’ excitement was palpable. They were immediately drawn in by the impressive displays, including the highlight of the collection – a life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. For many of our students, this was the first time they had seen such a large and realistic dinosaur up close. There were lots of wide eyes and excited whispers as we stepped back in time to the prehistoric world.

Throughout our guided visit, students explored a wide variety of fossils and minerals. They learnt about the different types of fossils, how they are formed, and what they can tell us about the creatures that once roamed the Earth. The mineral displays sparkled with vibrant colours, and students were fascinated to discover how these natural treasures are formed beneath the Earth’s surface.

One of the most engaging parts of the day was the live volcano experiment. Students watched in amazement as a model volcano erupted before their eyes! This hands-on science demonstration helped them understand how volcanoes work and how they can dramatically change the landscape. It connected beautifully with our discussions in class about Earth’s natural features and processes.

After all that learning, it was time for a well-earned break. We headed to the Bathurst Dinosaur Park where students enjoyed a picnic lunch surrounded by giant dinosaur sculptures. The park provided the perfect setting for some outdoor play, reflection, and conversation about everything we had seen and learnt. It was a joy to see our students playing together, sharing their favourite moments, and imagining what it would have been like to live among the dinosaurs.

This excursion was not only fun but deeply enriching. It reinforced key learning from our science and inquiry units and sparked a sense of awe and wonder that we hope will stay with our students for a long time. Days like this highlight the value of experiential learning and the joy that comes from exploring the world beyond the classroom walls.

A big thank you to our incredible staff and parent volunteers who supported the day. Your help ensured the excursion ran smoothly and safely, and we are so grateful for your involvement. We look forward to many more learning adventures ahead!

Mr James Bornen

Prep Coordinator

This year, primary teachers have been working on refining Mathematics instruction to enhance student achievement through the use of high-impact, evidence-based teaching practices. A central focus of our work has been retrieval practice through the implementation of our Daily Reviews, which is helping our students build fluency, confidence, and long-term mastery of key mathematical concepts.

What is retrieval practice?
Retrieval practice involves drawing knowledge from memory rather than simply re-reading or re-hearing information. When students actively recall what they have learned by answering a question, solving a problem, or explaining an idea, they strengthen the neural connections that store this knowledge, making it easier to access in the future. Each time students engage in retrieval practice, they are improving both their memory and understanding.

Retrieval Practice in Primary @ OAGS

At OAGS, retrieval practice happens every day through our Daily Reviews, which tend to happen at the beginning of Mathematics lessons. This is not the part of the lesson where new content is introduced or extended. Instead, it is a time dedicated to consolidating prior learning. Students revisit important concepts and skills such as number facts, place value, strategies for operations, and previously taught problem-solving methods, so these become part of their long-term memory.

Our approach to Daily Reviews is informed by ‘Rosenshine’s Principles of Effective Instruction,’ which emphasise the importance of beginning lessons with a review of prior learning. This helps reduce cognitive overload, ensures that knowledge stays fresh, and allows students to make connections between what they already know and what they are about to learn.

Why is this important?
Mathematics builds layer upon layer, with each new concept relying on prior understanding. If students are regularly retrieving and practising what they have learned, they are more likely to remember and apply this knowledge in new and challenging contexts. Daily Reviews help ensure that important concepts don’t fade away, creating a strong foundation on which new learning can be built.

By embedding retrieval practice through our Daily Reviews, we are not just preparing students for success in today’s lesson, we are helping them develop the skills and confidence they need for future learning. Our participation in the Primary Numeracy Project reflects our ongoing commitment to using proven strategies that support every student to thrive in Mathematics.

Alice Glyde

Director of Primary

As a school, we recognise the importance of clear and purposeful communication with parents and families regarding academic progress. As we approach the end of the term, our teaching staff are diligently preparing end-of-semester reports, which aim to provide a comprehensive overview of each student’s learning journey.

For parents of students in Years 7 to 11, we encourage you to take the time to read through your child’s report—both independently and together with your child. These reports contain detailed insights into their academic performance, effort, and engagement across subjects. We hope they prompt meaningful reflection and dialogue, helping to affirm successes while also identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.

Should the report raise any questions or areas of concern, we warmly invite you to discuss these further. To facilitate these conversations, parent–teacher interviews have been scheduled for Week 2 of next term. In the Secondary School, these will take place on Wednesday 30 July and Thursday 31 July.

Parents of Year 12 students will recall that, due to the early commencement of their HSC studies in Term 4 last year, the Semester 1 reports have already been distributed. As normal, a final school report will be issued at the conclusion of Term 3, following the Trial HSC Examinations. In the interim, you will also receive a Year 12 Academic Update, which will include results from the Half Yearly Examinations, as well as teachers’ evaluations of your child’s work ethic and academic focus this term. Given the pivotal nature of the upcoming Trial Examinations, we trust this information will be valuable in supporting your ongoing conversations at home, as we continue to partner together in pursuit of a strong finish to their school journey.

Mr Tim Brown

Director of Secondary

It is with a mix of deep gratitude and a touch of sadness that I write my final newsletter article as the Coordinator of the Agricultural Centre of Excellence.

Looking back over the past five years — and wow, how quickly they’ve flown by — I’m truly amazed by the wide range of activities we’ve undertaken through the ACE. While our livestock exhibition teams have often enjoyed a high profile — growing from very limited experience to winning state championships and scholarships — it’s the smaller projects, the day-to-day hands-on learning, that really highlight the diversity and richness of our students’ experiences.

I thought it might be fun to reflect on some of the amazing things we’ve accomplished together as a team:

And of course, there were the OAGS Interschools Equestrian Events — what an effort from cadets, students, and parents alike. Challenging, rewarding, and so much fun.

It’s amazing how much the little things matter. I’ve been truly touched by the kind messages I’ve received this week — thank you all. I can’t wait to see the journey our students and families continue on, and I look forward to watching these incredible young people step out into the world and make a real difference.

Mrs Sarah Eyb

Outgoing Leader, Agricultural Centre of Excellence