Year 3

This term, the Year 3 classes have been diving into fascinating topics in both History and Science, combining hands-on learning with creative research projects.

Building Aboriginal Shelters – History:
As part of their history lessons, the students have been learning about traditional Aboriginal shelters and how they were used by Indigenous Australians. These structures, known as "gunyahs" were vital for survival and closely tied to the natural environment. Students explored the different types of shelters used by various Indigenous groups based on their climate and available materials.

To bring this learning to life, the classes had the exciting opportunity to build their own models of Aboriginal shelters. Using materials such as sticks, leaves, and bark, they recreated shelters that reflect the strong connection between Indigenous people and the land. This hands-on project deepened their understanding of how Aboriginal communities lived sustainably, and the students gained a greater appreciation for Australia’s rich Indigenous history.

Researching Australian Animals – Science:
In Science, students have been focusing on Australian animals and their environment, with each student selecting one animal to research. From koalas to kangaroos, echidnas to quokkas, students have been investigating the habitats, diets, and unique adaptations of their chosen animal.

They’ve been working on research reports, using online resources to gather facts. The project encourages curiosity, with students discovering how these animals are perfectly suited to their environments.

The Year 3 classes have been fully engaged in these immersive projects, learning not just facts, but also the importance of understanding and respecting both nature and Indigenous culture.

Anita Venter

Year 3 - Teacher

Having student leaders who lead by example is invaluable. Secondary school is a time of social and mental development, and when students see their peers stepping into leadership with integrity, it sets a powerful example. Strong student leaders demonstrate that leadership is not just about titles but about responsibility, initiative, and a commitment to making positive contributions.

These leaders inspire their fellow students to set high standards for themselves and to act with integrity. One of the important ways that student leaders set the culture within the school is through their dedication to upholding the school’s values of truth, excellence and service. When our leaders live this out they reinforce the school’s core values, helping to build a strong, values-driven community.

Truth: Student leaders are often faced with decisions that test their honesty and integrity. By consistently acting truthfully, they set an example for their peers to be honest and transparent in their actions. This fosters an environment of trust and respect within the school.

Excellence: Student leaders are expected to maintain high standards in their academics, behaviour, and extracurricular activities. By striving for excellence, they encourage others to do the same, promoting a culture where every student is motivated to reach their full potential.

Service: Leadership in secondary school is not just about personal achievement—it’s about giving back. Student leaders who prioritise service, create opportunities for their peers to engage in community service and school improvement. By promoting a spirit of service, they teach their peers the importance of contributing to the greater good.

Student leadership is essential in shaping a vibrant, values-driven school culture. By acting as role models and upholding the values of truth, excellence, and service, student leaders not only grow personally but also inspire their peers and contribute to the overall success of the school. Through their leadership, they help build a school community where every student is encouraged to uphold the truth, strive for excellence, and serve others.

As a school I hope that our incoming secondary leadership team in 2025 will continue their predecessor's great tradition of upholding these values and it is with great pleasure that I share the Secondary Leadership team for 2025.

In a similar vein to the Eisteddfod, many of our music students have recently taken A.M.E.B. Music Exams at various levels on a range of instruments. I would like to congratulate all those who have strived for and reached their goals.

Some I am aware of are Natasha Grade 2 -  A, Thomas Grade 4 - A, Amelia Grade 4 - C and Nate Grade 5 - B+

Following from the last newsletter I am pleased to be able to acknowledge some of the individuals who entered various sections of the Eisteddfod, earning awards in various categories, both instrumental and vocal. A number of OAGS pianists took out sections or were runners up. Some singers also had excellent results. It just goes to show what an incredible group of musicians of all kinds that we have in the school.

Some, but not all include Hugh - Highly Commended, Natasha - First and Nate - First in two sections.

At the end of week 8, a group of students represented OAGs in another Rocky Trails Mountain Bike event down in Canberra.
With the very difficult decision to ride mountain bikes rather than go to school, Langdon, Angus, Tom, Jacob, Lachlan, Cameron and Dexter had a great day riding on Mt Stromlo in the ACT.

With 3 great tracks for the team to race for the day, their fastest time on all 3 was recorded for an overall time. Almost 70 students from all age groups competed on the day. A great job was done from the team in representing OAGs against strong local competition!

In the intermediate section, Dexter smashed his best for the year only 11 seconds behind 3rd position! While Tom finished within the top ⅓ of a large junior age group finishing 14th overall.  A unanimous vote has shown that the Shimano Tech Trail was the favourite of the day with the right amount of features, flow and technical sections!

Big thanks to the team and a very big thanks again to our parents for helping our students be engaged in representing OAGs in MTB!

Mr James Esson

MTB Coach/Secondary Chaplain

OAGS was part of the inaugural WAS Primary Interschool competition, competing against KWS and MAGS. It was an incredible day with 75 of our students from Year 3 to Year 11 involved in everything from playing to coaching and even officiating matches!

Our primary players showcased awesome sportsmanship, while our secondary students stepped up with fantastic leadership and dedication to developing sport at OAGS. This is exactly why we love being part of a P-12 school!

Though we didn’t claim overall bragging rights, we proudly took second place. A special shout out to our basketball team, who dominated their section with some amazing performances!

A huge thank you to our amazing sports team – Mr Purvis, Miss Harrison, Mr Herbert, Mrs Downie, and Mrs Hough– your involvement made the day even more special!  And a big thanks to Mrs Jewell, Mr Miller, and Mr Doyle for all your behind-the-scenes work in making the day run smoothly!

Everyone can't wait for next year's competition!

Last week, we had 30 students represent OAGS and WAS at the AICES Athletics championship. It was an amazing day of student’s giving their all, doing what they love.  One student in particular, Adelaide Pittis managed to break the Girls 14 yrs  200m record!

Keegan Willis was reserve age champion for 18 yrs boys and Tomika Kelly was reserve age champion for 18 yrs girls

10 students gained a place in the AICES team to compete again at the CIS Athletics Championship on the 24th of September. 15 individual events and a relay team! Congratulations to Milla, Nate, Keegan, Adelaide, Laila, Tomika, William, Lucy, Matilda and Dru on this awesome achievement!

Thank you to our wonderful staff Miss Botta and Mr Van and parents who attended the day.

We are excited to announce the introduction of the sport of Rugby Union in the Primary School through the Central West Junior Rugby Union Competition in 2025. Central West Juniors provide competition in the Walla age groups of 6, 8 and 10 years, which is non tackling in nature (grab and hold), thus presenting an opportunity for players to learn the  game in a less than physical environment, promoting teamwork and skills development. Teams within the Central West Juniors are co-ed (boys and girls) up to U14 age group, providing equal opportunity for boys and girls to develop into the game, enhancing friendships and team spirit that the school endeavours to promote.

The Walla competition plays on Sunday mornings and includes teams from towns such as Orange, Millthorpe, Bathurst, Blayney, Cowra, Parkes, Forbes, Wellington, Dubbo and Mudgee. It is proposed that the school will eventually field teams in the U12 to U18 competition in future years, who play on Saturdays.

We have dedicated and committed members of staff who will be undertaking the coaching of your child(ren), all who have considerable experience as players, coaches and match officials. These include, Peter Reid, Timothy Herbert, Alistair Miller, Armand Van Den Merwe and other staff as required. We require a minimum of 20 players per age group to be registered by the end of February 2025. Training will commence in Term 1 and continue on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during the duration of the season. If numbers permit, multiple teams in each age category may be entered.

While we understand that your child may already play for an external town team, the introduction of Rugby Union within our school is an excellent opportunity to foster school spirit and camaraderie among our student body. Playing for the school will still allow your child who has aspirations of higher Central West representation to do so.

A letter shall be given to all primary aged students to take home in Term 4, which we ask to be returned, so we may gauge interest, prior to an information night being organised.  However, for your convenience, there is an electronic link attached here that you can access to complete your child(rens) interest. Further information regarding this endeavour may be gained from Peter Reid .

The Olympic Change Maker program celebrates students who are demonstrating the Olympic spirit through leadership and driving positive change in their communities.

In 2024, Marley Ash and Milla Jurd from OAGS were honoured for their positive impact on the school's sports program.

On Monday, 9th September, Marley attended the 2024 Australian Olympic Change-Maker National Forum at Barangaroo. It was an incredible day and an amazing opportunity! The forum was informative, inspiring, and insightful. Marley embraced the experience and the honour of representing both himself and the school.

What an amazing experience Marley!

Cricket

Recently Holly Reed attended the U15 National Championship where she was a member of the NSW team. NSW girls came away with the Bronze Medal at the end of the championship.

Holly played a part in each of the 6 games, with 34 from 28 balls, in the first T20 match.

Congratulations Holly on such an amazing achievement.

PCYC is hosting a qualifying round at the Orange club late October and are open for registration.

We’re joining together to support the Schools Blood Drive starting from 1 August.  Together our school community can make a real impact and save even more lives!  Every drop counts.  Can we count you in?  Join our OAGS – Lifeblood Team by visiting https://app.donateblood.com.au/Qs2v