From The Principal
Prepare Your Child for the Road
Prepare Your Child for the Road
Prepare your child for the road, not the road for your child
As parents and teachers in a school we are invested in developing flourishing and wonderful children who become great adults. We want to do everything possible to help and assist them to succeed. However, sometimes there is a delicate balance required to ensure that what we do supports rather than hinders their growth. American parenting columnist Ann Landers once wrote: “It’s not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”
This is a helpful reminder to parents and teachers as students grapple with the onset of childhood and adolescence. An article in The Huffington Post (over ten years ago) resonated with a similar message. Kari Kampakis pointed out that loving a child means doing what is best for them in the long term. She asked herself what sort of adult she was hoping her kids would turn out to be and what should be done to foster this.
Her main point was that what makes a child happy at 10 or 15 is not what makes a happy, healthy and flourishing 25, 30 or 40-year-old. She quoted statistics of parents who had done everything for their children to ensure happy childhoods but found they struggled terribly as adults. Kampakis wrote, “Adults today are too quick to swoop in. We don't want our children to fall, so instead of letting them experience adversity, we clear the path. We remove obstacles and make their life easy. But adversity is a part of life, and only by facing it can our children build life-coping skills they'll need down the road. So while it seems like we're doing them a favour, we're really stunting their growth. We're putting short-term payoffs over long-term wellbeing.”(1)
In encouraging adults not to go overboard or get too involved, the author identified 10 common child raising mistakes, suggesting that well-meaning actions may not always be best for children and adolescents in the future.
Mistake 10: Worshipping our children. Children and young adolescents should be loved but when they become the centre of the universe, they grow to believe it, which doesn’t help later on.
Mistake 9: Believing our children are perfect. Being realistic is important.
Mistake 8: Living vicariously through our children. If we are too invested in their lives, it gets hard to see where they end and we begin. Suddenly it's not about them, it's about us. Their happiness starts getting confused with our happiness.
Mistake 7: Wanting to be our child's BFF. Our children need parents and teachers, not another friend.
Mistake 6: Engaging in competitive parenting. When we try to ‘win at all costs’ we lose sight of character. It may not seem important in childhood or adolescence, but in adulthood it's everything.
Mistake 5: Missing the wonder of childhood. Rushing kids through adolescence deprives them of many wonderful experiences.
Mistake 4: Raising the child we want, not the child we have. Enjoying them for who they are can impact on their life powerfully.
Mistake 3: Forgetting that our actions speak louder than words. If we want kids to be wonderful, we need to model for wonderful, too. Adults and teachers need to be the people we hope they'll become.
Mistake 2: Judging other parents – and their kids. Judgemental adults develop judgemental children.
Mistake 1: Underestimating CHARACTER. We can’t force character on our kids, and at age 10 or 15 it won’t win much credibility! However, as adults it won’t be about how successful they were in year 2, Year 10 or the HSC, but how they treat others and what they think of themselves. There are many ways to love a child, but in our quest to help them to flourish and enjoy their lives, let us stay mindful that sometimes it takes short-term pain to help them to achieve long-term gain. These thoughts are directed as much to teachers as parents and I trust that as we partner together under God that our children will flourish through their school careers and grow to wonderful and flourishing adults beyond their time at OAGS.
"Prepare your child for the road, not the road for your child."
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13: 47
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he (or she) will not depart from it.“ Proverbs 22:6
(1) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karikubiszynkampakis/10commonmistakesparentstodaymakemeincluded_b_4753451.html?ir=Australia
Mr David Smith
Interim Principal
Senior School
Head of Senior School - 2027 Senior Leadership Team
Head of Senior School - 2027 Senior Leadership Team
Honouring our Year 12s: traditions, legacy, and new beginnings
As we draw closer to the end of Term 3, our school community finds itself in an important season of transition. This week, we pause to celebrate, reflect, and say a heartfelt goodbye to our Year 12 students as they prepare to take their final steps of their time at OAGS.
Traditions
Traditions play a vital role in the life of a school. They provide continuity, foster belonging, and allow each graduating class to leave their unique mark on our community. This week was filled with memorable moments of joy and fellowship. On Wednesday, Year 12 took on staff in the traditional Teachers vs. Students volleyball match at first break, followed by a light-hearted final assembly where students were dressed up as their teachers and gave out awards. On Thursday evening, the mood shifted to one of reverence and thanksgiving as we gathered for their formal Valedictory Service at Holy Trinity Church. Reflecting on their journey, our Vice Captain’s Luci and Noah shared deep words of gratitude for their teachers, acknowledging the unwavering care, mentorship, and support throughout the years starting with Prep.
Legacy
As our Year 12s prepare to depart, we are reminded that leadership is defined by what we leave behind. Beyond the memories, laughter, and academic achievements, Year 12 leave a tangible legacy. This year, their cohort gift to the school is a House points board, which will be proudly displayed in the Media Centre. It stands as a lasting reminder of their contribution to our school community and their desire to see every student engaged and connected.
New beginnings
With one chapter closing, another begins. Next Thursday at our Valedictory Assembly, another cherished OAGS tradition, our outgoing leaders will officially hand over the mantle of responsibility, as well as the key to the Senior Study! The newly announced student leadership team will receive their badges from the 2026 team, stepping into their roles with a clear aim to foster unity and build vibrant House spirit across the school.
We congratulate and pray for our incoming student leaders;
Senior Captains
James B & Holly R
Senior Vice Captains
Oscar P & Zara S
Senior Discipleship Captains
Makanaka M & Amelia M
House Captains
Bandhaa
Nick I & Claudia R
Biladurang
Charlotte J & Felix L
Dinawan
Greg F & Abbey W
Gugaa
Milla B & Tim W
ACE Captain
Zoe S
CAPA Captain
Maxwell R
Sport Captain
Poppy K
Throughout all these transitions, our students can anchor themselves in the encouragement of Joshua 1:9:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
This verse serves as both a blessing and a promise. To our graduating Year 12s, step forward with strength and courage, knowing God walks with you into this next season. And to our incoming leaders, step into your roles with confidence, trusting that He will guide your leadership in the year ahead.
Ms Sarah-Jane Alley
Head of Senior School
NSW State Titles – Rotary Science and Engineering Challenge 2026
NSW State Titles – Rotary Science and Engineering Challenge 2026
On Wednesday, 26 August 2026, our team travelled to Newcastle for the NSW State Titles of the Rotary Science and Engineering Challenge, held on Thursday, 27 August. This invitation was earned through our success at the Orange District competition in March, where our team scored an impressive 1,365 points.
A team of 27 students and three staff members travelled to the University of Newcastle campus and the Aquatic and Sports Centre. Although we were just shy of a full 32-student roster, the team arrived in high spirits and ready to test their skills against elite competition.
Our school was one of just 24 selected to contest the State Finals—a major accomplishment in itself. To raise the stakes, the competition convenors assigned task roles randomly on the day by drawing group names out of a hat. While this unexpected twist rendered our prior role allocations moot, our students adapted with grit, took the challenge in stride and thoroughly enjoyed the day.
By the end of the competition, we secured 1,165 points overall. For context, the winning school, Ravenswood, scored 1,395 points, demonstrating that our students well and truly held their own.
Out of the 24 state finalists, we placed 20th. When measured against the 464 schools that entered the challenge across NSW this year, our team placed in the top 5% state-wide. This is an outstanding result, particularly given that this year marked our first district win after six years of dedicated competition.
Special thanks go to all student participants and the Year 9 and 10 students who stepped up to fill out our roster, as well as to Mr David Job and Mrs Angela Woods for their supervision, driving and support. Our participating Year 9 students gained invaluable experience that provides a fantastic foundation to build upon for the 2027 challenge.
Finally, thank you to all our parents and caregivers for your ongoing encouragement and support of our students and permission for them to attend this exciting event and gain invaluable experience.
Warm regards,
Peter Reid Snr
Faculty Coordinator TAS/PDHPE
Secondary Engineering and Technology Teacher
Father's Day Breakfast
Father's Day Breakfast
What a fantastic morning celebrating the incredible dads, grandfathers, and father figures in our OAGS school community! 🍳🧡💙🍳
We had a huge turnout for our Father’s Day Breakfast today. Thank you to everyone who joined us for delicious bacon & egg rolls, hot coffees, and quality time together before the school bell rang.
Check out some of the bright smiles from the morning’s celebration.
Dubbo Young Justice Program
Dubbo Young Justice Program
A small but mighty group of Year 11 Legal Studies students made the trip to Dubbo on Friday of Week 7 to attend the Dubbo Young Justice Program hosted by the Law Society of NSW.
Our first stop was the courthouse, where we met three magistrate judges of the Dubbo Local and District courts. They gave students an insight into their usual day, the pathways they had taken into the legal profession and what ultimately led them to the bench. We then had the opportunity to sit in on an active courtroom and attempt to witness a case in progress, giving students a valuable glimpse of the legal system operating beyond the classroom.
From there, we travelled to Dubbo Zoo to meet a panel of local legal professionals. Lawyers working across the DPP, Legal Aid, civil law and commercial law spoke openly about how they entered the profession, the different pathways available to aspiring lawyers, the rewarding aspects of their work and some of the challenges they face. They also discussed the importance of looking after their wellbeing while working in what can often be a demanding profession.
The afternoon saw a barrister lead students through a sentencing exercise based on a real-world case. Students were able to consider the circumstances of the offence, mitigating factors and the principles that influence sentencing before comparing their thinking with the outcome of the actual case. It was a fantastic way to see many of the concepts we have studied throughout the year applied in practice and gave students an opportunity to get real time feedback from someone in the profession.
Overall, the day provided an insightful glimpse into the many different careers and experiences that make up the legal profession. Perhaps one of the most encouraging messages for our students was that success in law does not require one particular pathway. Instead, our speakers consistently highlighted the importance of wanting to help people, working hard and remaining committed to your goals.
A valuable day of learning, and certainly one that helped bring Year 11 Legal Studies to life.
Jocelyn Kimmins
Year 11 Legal Studies Teacher
Careers - White Card Training
Careers - White Card Training
White Card Training
Our Year 10 students recently completed their General Construction Induction Training (White Card), equipping them with essential workplace health and safety knowledge as they prepare to step out into the workforce for upcoming Work Experience!
From understanding site hazards to mastering personal protective equipment (PPE), these students took their safety training seriously and are officially ready to hit the job site.
A huge congratulations to all our students for completing this important milestone, and a big thank you to the trainers for guiding them through the course! 🛠️📋
We can't wait to see what they accomplish during their placements!
Mr Tim Brown
Careers
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
Pastoral Care
Protective Factors During School Holidays
Protective Factors During School Holidays
School holidays provide a much needed opportunity for young people to rest, reconnect and step away from the demands of school. While adolescents often welcome the freedom that comes with the break, the loss of their usual school routine, regular social contact and structured activities can sometimes be challenging.
Protective factors are the people, routines, relationships and experiences that help young people manage stress, respond to challenges and maintain their wellbeing. During the holidays, a few simple protective factors can make a significant difference.
Connection matters. Encourage your young person to maintain contact with friends, family members and trusted adults; regular opportunities to talk, laugh, share meals or spend time together can help adolescents feel connected and supported.
Keep some routine. Consistent sleep and wake times, regular meals and some predictable activities across the week can provide a helpful sense of stability.
Encourage movement and time outdoors. Physical activity is an important protective factor for both physical and emotional wellbeing. Walking the dog, swimming, playing sports, working outside or simply getting out of the house can help regulate mood, sleep and energy.
Support healthy digital habits. Gaming, social media and streaming are often an enjoyable part of the holidays, but balance remains important. Encourage regular breaks from screens, and make space for face-to-face connection, physical activity and other interests.
Create opportunities for purpose. Adolescents benefit from feeling useful and capable. A casual job, helping around the home, volunteering, practising a skill, caring for animals, cooking a meal or completing a personal project can provide a sense of achievement without turning the holidays into another assessment period.
Make room for genuine downtime. Not every moment needs to be productive. Boredom, rest and unstructured time allow young people to decompress and develop independence. The aim is balance rather than a perfectly scheduled holiday.
Perhaps most importantly, keep communication open. Regular, low stakes conversations can help parents and carers notice when something is changing with your teen. Rather than relying on the familiar “How was your day?”, try questions such as “What was the best part of today?”, “Is there anything coming up that you're worried about?” or simply invite them to join you while driving, walking or making dinner. Teenagers do not always need us to solve the problem; sometimes they simply need to know that someone is available to listen.
As the break approaches, we encourage families to enjoy the slower pace, find opportunities to reconnect and help our young people return next term rested, supported and ready for what comes next - a busy Term 4!
Jocelyn Kimmins and Armand Van Der Merwe
Senior School Leaders of Pastoral Care
Student Collection
Student Collection
Faith at OAGS
The Apostles' Creed
The Apostles' Creed
Senior School Chapel Update
This term in Senior School Chapel, we have been exploring the Apostles’ Creed—looking at the foundational truths of God’s character, person, and work through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, all while asking: “How is this relevant today?” These core truths are vital building blocks of the Christian faith, and connecting them to our daily lives helps us continue to know and trust deeply in our kind God.
Last week, we sat down for an interview-style Chapel conversation with Miss Alley, Mr Esson, and Mr Wilton to explore current events across our world and country. We covered topics including the tragic flash flooding in Nepal, AI, social media, and the Sydney Swans. Engaging with the news around us allows us to be a school that seeks to study the Word and the world side by side.
Celebrating Year 12
As our Year 12s journey through their final week of classes and on-site activities, we are so thankful for how they have added to and built up our school community. We give thanks especially for their leadership and example of faith—particularly those who have led by example in our CRU groups and Chapel times. You have been a shining light in our community, and we are upholding you in prayer as you prepare for your HSC exams. We are so excited for the path God has set ahead for each of you!
Sport
OAGS Claims the Trinity Shield!
OAGS Claims the Trinity Shield!
OAGS Claims the Trinity Shield!
What a day! Orange Anglican Grammar School has officially brought home the Trinity Shield after a thrilling day of competition driven by pure grit, talent, and school spirit.
The morning kicked off on a high note with Netball and Soccer. Our Boys Soccer team set the tempo early, while the Girls Soccer team secured a decisive victory. Over on the netball courts, our girls fought through every quarter to finish with a tough fought win and a loss, while the Boys Netball team delivered one of the day’s highlight reel moments, a thrilling, last second win courtesy of a buzzer-beater from Nick I!
After lunch, the energy shifted to Basketball and Rugby. Both of our Basketball teams absolutely shone on the court, racking up crucial bonus points with their dominant performances. On the Rugby pitch, our boys faced a fierce, well-drilled MAGS squad in a hard-fought contest. Meanwhile, our Girls Rugby team completely dominated their fixture, putting on a clinic with incredible tries including standout plays from some of our newest team members.
This victory was months in the making. Our students have been pouring their hearts into preparation since Term 2, voluntarily giving up countless lunch breaks to run drills and refine their game. A massive thank you goes out to Jeremy Wallace for generously volunteering his time to assist in coaching our Rugby teams, ensuring our players were confident, skilled, and safe on the field.
Congratulations to all our student athletes and supporters who made this day an unforgettable success!
Athletes Shine on the Regional and State Stage
It has been an action packed fortnight for our track and field stars, with students across both the Junior and Secondary schools showcasing exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship across regional and state championship events.
WAS Athletics Carnival — Dubbo
The excitement kicked off in Week 6 when a strong contingent of 75 athletes travelled to Dubbo to represent the school at the WAS Athletics Carnival. Competing against top talent from across the region, our team delivered standout performances across all track and field disciplines, setting the tone for a remarkably successful representative season.
AICES Secondary Athletics Championships — Homebush
Building on that momentum, qualified Senior athletes advanced to the AICES Athletics Championship at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre in Homebush. Facing stiff competition, our students rose to the occasion with breathtaking results.
Special congratulations go to Quinn L, Maddi T, Lucy J, and Milla J, who all earned qualification to the prestigious CIS Secondary Athletics Championship, which takes place during the first week of the upcoming school holidays. In a remarkable individual achievement, Milla J was named the 3rd overall Athlete of the Meet, an extraordinary honour spanning all male and female competitors across the entire carnival!
Finals Fever: Extra-Curricular Teams
It’s been a massive weekend of finals action for our extra-curricular sports teams, with incredible skill and school pride on full display across both soccer and netball.
Straight to the Grand Final!
A huge congratulations to four of our teams who dominated their first-round finals to secure a "golden ticket" straight into the Grand Final, taking place at the start of the upcoming school holidays:
Hurricanes Soccer Team(C-Grade All-Ages) — Powered by a fantastic mix of Year 12 students and parents!
Vertex Rail Soccer Team(U16)
KP Sandford Soccer Team(U14)
Regional Compliance Netball Team(U13)
The Battle Continues This Weekend
The excitement isn't over yet. Four more teams are heading back to the court and field this coming weekend for their next finals clash, with a spot in the Grand Finals right on the line:
Lightning Netball Team(U18)
Giants Netball Team(U15)
Central Caleula Motor Lodge Netball Team(U13)
Vixens Netball Team(U10)
Be sure to get out there and cheer on our teams as they push for a Grand Final berth. Best of luck to all players, coaches, and parents this weekend.
Mrs Dominique Hutchinson
Sports Academy Leader
ACE
Success at The National All Breeds Junior Heifer Show
Success at The National All Breeds Junior Heifer Show
The National All Breeds Junior Heifer Show is probably the toughest junior cattle show on the Australian circuit. Last weekend, three OAGS students represented the school and they really made us proud. A huge congratulations must go to Flynn B in his last ever captain role, collecting not only champion bull with his animal, but taking out the coveted Angus Youth Roundup Scholarship. For a student with no agricultural experience prior the ACE program, this is testament to the success of the program. In the last two years, Flynn has won more than $3000 in awards and scholarships as a result of his involvement in junior beef programs.
Our Year 10 ladies, Jade and Isobel were also among the ribbons in paraders and heifer classes. The future is bright for the OAGS cattle team with these ladies taking over the leads! Photo credit to BA Showcase
Mrs Sarah Eyb
ACE Coordinator
CAPA
Orange Eisteddfod Success 2026
Orange Eisteddfod Success 2026
Success for OAGS musicians at the City of Orange Eisteddfod
It has been another fantastic year of results for OAGS at the Orange Eisteddfod with all of our ensembles and choirs performed magnificently. A list of results appears below, every group we entered was awarded a placing, sometimes we were even competing against ourselves. Results are one thing, but the true value of the experience was seeing everyone give their all to create performances that they can be proud of.
SECTION 562 12 Years & Under Junior Band Group
OAGS Junior Band - 2nd place
SECTION 564 18 Years & Under Senior Band Group
OAGS Senior Concert Band - 2nd place
SECTION 565 18 Years & Under Senior Jazz / Stage Band Group
OAGS Big Band - 2nd place
OAGS Stage Band - Highly Commended
SECTION 570 Open Contemporary Ensemble
OAGS Year 10 Rock Band - 1st place
SECTION 568 Open Band Group
OAGS Senior Concert Band - 3rd place
SECTION 569 Open Jazz / Stage Band Group
OAGS Big Band - 1st place
SECTION 516 Open Primary School Age Strings (6 or more players) Ensemble
OAGS Junior Strings - 2nd place
SECTION 518 Open Secondary School Age Strings (6 or more players)
OAGS Senior Strings - 3rd place
SECTION 404 Open Secondary School Choir
OAGS Senior Vocal Ensemble - 2nd place
SECTION 405 18 Years & Under Senior Vocal Ensemble
OAGS Senior Vocal Ensemble - 1st place
A number of OAGS students competed in individual sections for instrumentalists and singers with some substantial prizes being taken home including Beatrix being awarded the 13 to 18 Years Harry Slogget Memorial Senior Brass Scholarship and Imogen the 18 Years & Under Woodwind Solo. Many of our fine young pianists also competed in various age groups taking home multiple awards.
Pictured are our Junior Concert Band after their 2nd placing and the Junior and Senior Strings following their performances at the Orange Regional Conservatorium.
Noel Annett
Leader of CAPA
Soloist Evening
Soloist Evening
Junior School Soloists Shine Bright
The evening opened with the Junior School showcase, where 18 young musicians stepped up to the microphone and music stands. Performing in front of an enthusiastic audience of family, friends, and peers, these students delivered a collection of truly beautiful pieces.
From delicate vocal melodies to expressive instrumental solos, the sheer talent and potential on display was remarkable. Taking the stage at a young age requires immense courage, and every single performer rose to the occasion with poise and confidence.
Year 8 Brings the Rock and Roll Energy
As the Junior School performance concluded, the atmosphere shifted completely for the Year 8 concert. The night immediately cranked up a gear with a distinctive volume increase—swapping acoustic charm for electric guitars, driving basslines, and full-throttle rock!
The Year 8 students wowed the crowd with a dynamic lineup that featured powerful vocal performances, original student compositions, and tight-knit band sets. The energy in the room was electric as the students took ownership of the stage, demonstrating not just their individual technical skills, but their ability to collaborate and rock out together as cohesive units.
A special word of appreciation goes to Mr Rees OAM, who accompanied many of our students throughout the evening with his trademark flair and finesse, providing invaluable support on stage.
Finally, thank you to all the parents, families, and friends in the audience. Your encouragement, patience during rehearsals, and enthusiastic applause make nights like these possible and give our young musicians the platform to thrive. We can't wait to see where their musical journeys take them next!
Jonathan Clipsham
Junior & Senior Music Teacher
HSC Music Showcase
HSC Music Showcase
On Wednesday evening, our five Year 12 HSC Music 1 candidates treated an audience of supportive family and friends to an outstanding Showcase Evening. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to perform a selection of polished pieces from their final HSC programmes in front of a warm, encouraging audience.
The dedication, discipline, and artistic growth demonstrated by Tom, Imogen, Dean, Jacqui, and Noah throughout their preparation was evident in every performance.
The cohort will present their final performance works to the official HSC external examiners on Monday, September 14. On behalf of the entire school community, we wish them every success as they take the stage for this milestone assessment.
Noel Annett
Year 12 Music Teacher
252 ACU- Cadets
252 ACU Cadets Update
252 ACU Cadets Update
Term 3 RSL Sub-Branch Support
On Saturday 15 August and Tuesday 18 August, elements of 252 ACU attended services conducted by the Orange RSL Sub-Branch. Our cadets delivered a polished presentation and earned commendations from attendees and dignitaries for their exceptional dress, bearing, and service. We remain deeply grateful for the ongoing mutual support between 252 ACU and the Orange RSL Sub-Branch.
Recruiting Information
While we accept recruits throughout the year, our primary intake periods run during Terms 1 through 3 (Weeks 1 to 4). Our current focus is preparing for the Annual Field Exercise (AFX) at Singleton Military Area during the upcoming school holidays.
Eligibility: Open to any student turning 13 this year or older.
Information Sessions: Interested students are welcome to drop in on Monday afternoons to observe unit operations.
What to Bring: Prospective cadets attending to enrol must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian and bring their birth certificate.
How to Register: Complete the online application via the ADF Cadets website. Once received and endorsed, staff will initiate the formal recruitment process.
Bunnings BBQs
On Saturday 8 August, the unit hosted another successful Bunnings BBQ. These events provide an excellent opportunity for cadets to serve both unit and community while raising vital funds for weekend activities and Monday evening meals.
Our next fundraiser takes place on Sunday 25 October at Orange Bunnings. We encourage all available cadets and parents to lend a hand—it is a fantastic way to represent 252 ACU to the community.
