From The Principal
The Joy of Reading
The Joy of Reading
This week we celebrated Book Week. Whilst some parents may be relieved that a costume character parade happens only once a year, it is an important occasion nevertheless. It reminds us, young and old, of the importance of books and reading. I am glad that teachers and older students have embraced the fun.
Historically speaking, reading is a relatively new phenomenon and it is only in the last 130 years or so that the idea of universal literacy amongst the population has become an expectation. Prior to the early 20th Century, reading was mainly to understand the Bible, (which is a good reason to do so). Today national education systems are judged on their ability for children to become literate and huge money is spent on testing literacy growth. The expectation is that everyone should read.
Reading is an important aspect of daily life and involves people learning instructions, recipes, news items, emails, directories, menus, signs, sms on phones, social media, letters and all sorts of various forms of print and symbols. The printed word allows us to get things done, to communicate ideas and empowers us in many ways.
Reading for entertainment is also wonderful, allowing for imagination of the mind, the suspense of belief, creation of new and exciting worlds and the stimulation of interesting and exciting ideas. Whilst not new, the Harry Potter phenomenon quite a few years back illustrated the power of reading in that a whole generation has been shaped and impacted by the invention and unique world created by J.K Rowling, subsequently transformed into celluloid. It is much more than Hogwarts and many of us can name the books that shaped our thinking, challenged and entertained us. Fantasy, romance, adventure, and realistic fiction all have their advocates.
Reading is a vital focus to being educated and is closely related to understanding ideas, thinking, learning information and seeing things differently. It is also an important social activity for a community for it enriches large groups of people as they encounter big ideas in the literature that belongs to many.
Literature can be viewed as a ‘school thing’ and as they get older, some students disengage and read little, or only when coerced. However, across our school we aim to encourage everyone to develop a ‘passion’ for reading. So many lessons about language are learned through an activity which also enriches our lives and gives joy and pleasure. One of my favourite things is to visit Infants classes and read to them. Young and not so young children enjoy parent-time with a bedtime story.
I believe that every student (whatever the age) should carry a good book daily (easy to get from our very good libraries and our Thrive Centre) and undertake some reading when and where possible. Just 20 minutes each night in any sort of book can develop fluency, increase vocabulary, model the power of language, create images and enrich the mind in a stimulating and engaging manner. If a student has no given homework, I believe that they should use that time to read. It is the best way to improve fluency, comprehension and enjoyment. Our school is committed to literacy growth and I am keen to stress this is an important focus.
Many of us adults can talk about the ‘great’ books that shaped our lives and can think of a treasured tale that is like an old friend. It is my hope that OAGS can nurture an environment in which reading is not just a dreary task but one which enriches and enhances our lives. I am keen to continue this conversation with the students and staff and welcome the input of parents. The bottom line is that the best way to improve our reading is to read and so the more of it we can do, the better for all.
"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one."George R.R. Martin
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."Joseph Addison / Richard Steele
"Books are a uniquely portable magic." Stephen King
"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader."Margaret Fuller
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
Mr David Smith
Interim Principal
Senior School
The Final Weeks
The Final Weeks
With the intense pressure of the HSC Trials officially behind them, our Year 12 students are finally catching their breath and savoring their final remaining weeks of school life. It is a bittersweet time filled with mixed emotions—relief, nostalgia, and a growing sense of excitement for the future.
To mark this special milestone and ease into their final stretch, the cohort recently gathered in the library for a heartfelt trip down memory lane.
Storytime in the Library
In a lovely throwback to their early schooling days, the students swapped their heavy textbooks and exam past-papers for a classic childhood storybook. Sitting together not as stressed exam candidates, but as the tight-knit peer group they have become over the years, they listened intently to a reading of a beloved old favorite (complete with nostalgic illustrations of cows jumping into "lovely mud"!).
The room was filled with smiles, laughter, and a collective sense of comfort as they took a moment to reflect on how far they have come since their very first days in uniform.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
While the final HSC examinations are just around the corner, these last few weeks are equally about celebrating the journey and making lasting school memories. We encourage all of our Year 12s to truly soak up these final moments with their peers and teachers.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead
Year 9 Textiles Investigation
Year 9 Textiles Investigation
Our Year 9 Textiles students recently took their learning outside the classroom on a Textiles Investigation Excursion around Orange, giving them the opportunity to investigate textiles, fibres, garment construction and the fashion industry in a real-world environment.
Students visited a range of retailers and textile businesses, including RB Sellars, Cotton On, Stormriders, Jumbled, Salvos, Kmart, Big W, Lorna Jane, Sportsgirl, Ghanda and Kathmandu. Throughout the day, students investigated differences between textile products, looking closely at fibre content, fabric quality, construction, design, price, branding, and ethical and sustainable practices.
A highlight of the excursion was our visit to RB Sellars, where the manager spoke passionately to students about the different cotton and wool fibres used in their products, their commitment to Australian-grown fibres, and new developments in fibre-spinning techniques. Students gained an insight into the journey of a fibre from its origins through to a finished textile product.
At Stormriders, the manager shared her journey into the fashion industry and her plans to continue her studies at fashion school in Sydney next year, giving students an insight into career pathways within fashion.
Our visit to Cotton On provided another perspective, with the manager discussing ethically sourced cotton from overseas and the company's charity and community programs.
At Jumbled, the manager explained how the business selects and purchases clothing for different seasons and considers the quality and suitability of the products they stock, giving students an insight into the retail and buying side of the fashion industry.
Students also visited the Salvos Op Shop, where they explored the role of second-hand clothing and considered how extending the life of garments can contribute to more sustainable consumption.
Across the excursion, students compared similar garments and textile products, considering fabric composition, weight and feel, stitching, seams, hems, finishes, quality, price and overall value. They were encouraged to think critically about why garments cost different amounts and whether price necessarily reflects quality.
The excursion provided students with an authentic opportunity to see the many different careers and pathways within the textiles industry from fibre production and textile manufacturing through to design, fashion, retail, buying and sustainable practices.
Most importantly, students were able to see that Textiles is so much more than sewing. It is an industry that connects science, technology, design, business, fashion, sustainability and real-world consumer choices. Hearing directly from industry professionals made these connections meaningful and gave students a valuable insight into the possibilities available to them beyond the classroom.
Mrs Angela Wood
Textiles
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care Reminders
Pastoral Care Reminders
As we start the home stretch of Term 3, when calendars are full, assessments are looming and everyone is starting the count down, we have a couple of friendly reminders to help finish the term well.
Collecting Students During the School Day
If you need to collect your child early, parents and carers are asked to report to Student Services, where staff will arrange for your child to be called from class.
If a student becomes unwell during the school day, they should present to their teacher or Student Services first. Staff will assess the situation and contact a parent or carer on the student's behalf if they need to be collected.
We ask that students do not organise their own pick up by contacting parents or carers directly without first presenting to Student Services. This ensures the School is aware of students’ whereabouts, can provide appropriate support and can accurately record departures.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and consistent process for all students.
Phones and Social Media
Social media and messaging are an important part of how we connect, but they can also contribute to friendship issues, misunderstandings and conflict that carry over into the school day.
We encourage students to think carefully before posting, sharing, commenting or participating in group chats. A useful rule is: if you wouldn't say it face-to-face, don't post or send it online.
Students should not photograph or film others without their permission, nor should they record or post content during the school day or while in School uniform. We have seen an increase in students creating and sharing videos at School, and remind students that it is not permitted.
During the school day, students are reminded to follow the School's expectations regarding mobile phones and technology, and importantly to seek support from a staff member rather than using their device to manage a difficult situation themselves.
Families can help by regularly talking with their children about respectful online behaviour, privacy and the importance of taking a break from social media when interactions become negative.
Looking for more information?
The eSafety Commissioner provides excellent practical advice and resources for families and young people on social media, online safety, cyberbullying, privacy and managing negative online experiences.
eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Parents and Carers Resources: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
As the term gets busier, we are incredibly proud of the way our students are continuing to learn, grow and look out for each other. We look forward to finishing Term 3 strongly together.
Jocelyn Kimmins and Armand Van Der Merwe
Leaders of Pastoral Care
Faith at OAGS
Senior CRU
Senior CRU
Our Senior CRU student group continues to meet every Thursday, offering a welcoming space for Christian and curious alike to meet to connect together and hear more from the Bible. This term, we’ve had the privilege of hearing from several of our Year 12 students before they graduate, and teachers, as they share their own journey with Jesus. Their honesty, wisdom and reflections on navigating life and faith have sparked fantastic conversations and encouraged everyone in the room. Any Secondary students are welcome to bring their lunch and drop in - we’d love to see you there!
Dan Wilton
Chaplain
Sport
Netball - Senior Schools Cup
Netball - Senior Schools Cup
On Tuesday this week, 40 students from the Senior School spent the morning at PCYC in Orange for Round 1 of the Netball NSW Schools Cup.
Even though it was very wet and cold outside, everyone managed to heat up the inside courts available to us.
From those 40 students, we had two boys teams and two girls teams competing against strong competition from Scots All Saints College, Orange Christian School, St Matthews Catholic School and Kinross.
Even though our teams had spent the last couple of weeks training together at school, for some the results just didn't go their way.
The Year 7/8 Boys played hard and showed still & determination, playing against three Year 9/10 teams, unfortunately could not get a win.
The Year 7/8 Girls had 2 wins from 5 games coming in fourth for their division.
The Year 9/10 Boys had an up & down morning, starting and finishing with a win but after some close games in the middle couldn't get the wins they were after.
The Year 9/10 Girls started strong with 3 wins in a row but unfortunately due to an injury and sickness the girls were unable to keep the winning streak going. The girls finished 3rd in their division and missed out on going through to Round 2, on a goal difference of just 1% below 2nd place.
Congratulations to all of our teams on a fun, supportive, energy filled day.
A special thank to Mykayla H, Isla S and Lucy J for coming along and umpiring our teams.
Mrs Emma Davis
Netball MIC
CAPA
Orange Anglican Grammar School Shines at the 2026 HICES Music Festival
Orange Anglican Grammar School Shines at the 2026 HICES Music Festival
The power of music and collaboration was on full display at the 2026 HICES Music Festival, culminating in an unforgettable showcase at the iconic Sydney Town Hall. Bringing together 500 students and staff from 34 schools across the state, the event was a grand celebration of young artistic talent, dedication, and community spirit.
From Sunday 16 August to Wednesday 19 August, our musicians immersed themselves in rigorous rehearsal schedules, tutorials, and collaborative workshops. Working alongside expert conductors, they prepared a challenging repertoire spanning concert bands, string ensembles, and vocal groups. The four-day intensive music camp at The Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Tops, culminated in an unforgettable series of grand showcase performances in Sydney.
Representing Orange Anglican Grammar School, 24 exceptional students took to the stage, performing with extraordinary skill, discipline, and pride. Their hard work throughout the intensive camp shone through every note, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and standing out among a talented cohort of peers.
Our staff members also played pivotal roles in the festival’s success. Mr. Annett took to the podium to conduct the Concert Band, delivering a brilliant, seamless performance that energised the crowd of over 1000. Mrs. Reed provided superb support in wellbeing and leading the student MCs throughout the camp and performance, ensuring our students were confident, well-prepared, and cared for every step of the way.
We are immensely proud of our 24 student representatives and dedicated staff for making the 2026 HICES Music Festival a resounding success and representing Orange Anglican Grammar School with such distinction.
Mr Jonathan Clipsham
Music
