On Tuesday 16 September, our Years 8, 9 and 10 students took part in the Reality Now Program, delivered by Life Ed - the organisation many parents will know for its much-loved Healthy Harold program.

Reality Now is a student-centred alcohol and drug education initiative designed for secondary schools. The aim is to help young people stay safe by closing the gap between perception and reality when it comes to substances like alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, vaping and illicit drugs. Through real stories, interactive activities and open discussions, students are encouraged to reflect critically on their choices and develop strategies to keep themselves and others safe.

The Reality Now program covers:

During this incursion, Year 8 students explored the social consequences of smoking and vaping, reflecting on how these behaviours can affect relationships with family, friends and their school community.

Our Year 9 students considered their personal goals and aspirations, examining how smoking and vaping could impact their ability to achieve long-term plans, while building self-awareness and stronger decision-making skills.

The Year 10 cohort took ownership of their learning by generating questions, discussing governmental reforms, and proposing school-specific changes that could contribute to a healthier school environment.

The Reality Now Program doesn’t just provide facts  - it encourages students to think, question and act responsibly. By dispelling myths and grounding choices in truth, it helps build resilience, good judgement and a safer future for our young people.

We know conversations around drug and alcohol use can be tricky, but they’re important. If parents would like more information, facts, or guidance on how to talk to your child about vaping and related issues, Life Ed has a helpful parent resource hub at https://lifeed.org.au/vaping-resource-hub .

At OAGS, we are committed to offering programs like Reality Now that support student wellbeing and character growth, reinforcing our school values of truth, service and excellence.

Jessica Willis

Director of Engagement

This week our Prep students took part in a very special community art lesson with the support of our Year 2 art buddies. The project began with each child drawing their home onto a piece of mesh. With the help of their Year 2 art buddy, they then carefully wove bright beads over the mesh to bring their homes to life. The activity encouraged creativity, fine motor skills, and collaboration between older and younger students.

At OAGS, we believe that community is at the heart of learning. Activities like this remind students that they are part of something bigger than themselves, their family, their class, their school, and the wider Orange community. By representing their homes and weaving them together, students visually expressed the idea that we are all connected and supported by one another.

Research highlights the importance of art in early learning. Studies show that art activities help young children develop problem-solving skills, strengthen memory, enhance communication, and build confidence. Art also supports social and emotional learning by giving children the chance to express themselves and work collaboratively with others. This aligns beautifully with our vision to nurture not only academic growth but also creativity and wellbeing in our students.

This experience also reflected our school values of Service, Truth, and Excellence. Year 2 students demonstrated Service by generously giving their time and encouragement to help younger peers. Through the creative process, students expressed their own ideas with Truth , representing their homes and communities with honesty and pride. Finally, the careful bead weaving showed Excellence , as every child worked diligently to create something meaningful and beautiful.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Mrs Ruby Hunt, who generously gave up her time to come into the classroom and assist with this activity. Her presence and encouragement added so much value to the experience for both Prep and Year 2 students.

Together, we are weaving not just beads, but connections, creativity, and community.

This week our Prep students took part in a special visit to the Past, Present and Future Museum set up in our very own playground. The experience gave student the chance to explore how life has changed over time and to imagine what it might look like in the years ahead.

Students were fascinated as they learnt about the old days, seeing a variety of artefacts that showed how people once lived, worked, and played. They especially enjoyed looking at and trying out some of the traditional games children used to play, which helped them understand the fun and creativity of earlier generations.

The museum also invited students to reflect on the present, recognising the tools, toys, and everyday items that they use today. Finally, they had the opportunity to imagine the future, thinking about what life, play, and technology might look like for generations to come.

This hands-on experience encouraged curiosity, discussion, and appreciation for history, while also sparking imagination about the future. It was a wonderful way to build connections between the past and the world our students live in today.

Mr James Bornen

Prep Coordinator

As Term 3 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all the exciting learning opportunities and experiences our primary students have enjoyed. This term has provided many opportunities for our students, including Book Week, eisteddfods, gala days, Jump Rope for Heart, exciting incursions and excursions, winter sport and fantastic lessons in the classroom. Here are the highlights from some of our primary students…

As we head into the holiday break, I wish all students and families a chance to rest and recharge, whether by curling up with a good book, going on an adventure, getting creative, or simply enjoying time with loved ones. Thank you to our teachers, students and families for making Term 3 such a wonderful success. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 4!

Alice Glyde

Director of Primary

This week we farewell our Year 12 students – the largest graduating cohort in our school’s history. We are immensely proud of the way they have finished their schooling, showing resilience, commitment, and unity that has left a lasting impact on our community. As they prepare for their final HSC examinations, we extend our warmest wishes, confident that they will face this next stage with maturity and determination.

Leaving school marks a significant turning point in life. At such times, it is natural to seek guidance and direction for the journey ahead. Proverbs 2:1–6 reminds us that true wisdom comes from God:

If you accept my words

and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom

and applying your heart to understanding

indeed, if you call out for insight

and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver

and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom;

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

This timeless advice encourages us to chase after wisdom as you would search for hidden treasure, trusting that God gives understanding to those who look to Him.

To our Year 12s, we encourage you to carry this truth with you. As you step forward into new opportunities, challenges, and possibilities, know that God’s wisdom in his word the Bible is there to guide you. You go with our prayers and with great hope for all that lies ahead.