For the past two terms, students from year 5 and 6 have been decoding ancient writing systems, and cracking mysterious codes. Under the guidance of the world’s best history teacher, Mr St Julian, this pack of students have been able to grow in their knowledge of history and decoding.

In Term 3, we delved into paleography, and looked at logograms (Hanzi, and Chinese), Syllabaries, (Japanese, and  Cherokee), Abjads ( Hebrew, and Arabic) and lots of alphabets in different languages, like Greek, Roman, Cyrillic, Armenian, and Georgian. We also learnt to decipher languages like Hieroglyphs, Linear B and Cuneiform. What an exciting and interesting term that was!

In Term 4, we started cracking secret messages that were used in 1586 with Queen Elizabeth the first, and Arthur Babington, as well as The Zimmerman Telegram, and the Caesar Cipher. We used music notes and their letters to write secret words and messages, that only use the first 7 letters of the alphabet.

In conclusion, with Mr St Julian, we have been able to grow in our knowledge of decoding and deciphering codes and making our own codes. What a great semester this has been, learning, writing, and decoding with Mr St Julian. We would love to do LEAP again next year.

By Finn B, Luke P and Tim N (Stage 3 LEAP students)

This semester in LEAP, we have been looking at languages, de-coding and assassination. By the way, if anyone is Serbian, please cover your ears. Last week we were looking at the Zimmerman Telegram, where it all starts with World War I.

Serbia, which was a very small country, wanted more land from Austria-Hungary so Serbia killed their heir to the throne, Arch-Duke FRANZ FERDINAND, which practically started World War I.

Austria-Hungary needed allies, so they asked Germany for help, which led to Serbia asking Russia for help. Germany and Austria-Hungary were losing so they needed more allies, so they sent a spy to talk code language to Mexico because they were afraid that America was going to join Serbia. So if Mexico joins Austria-Hungary it's going to distract America from joining Serbia.

Now this leads us to the Zimmerman Telegram which is how Austria-Hungary communicated with Mexico. Remember the code? The Zimmerman Telegram is the code that the two countries used to communicate to each other.

While I’m describing all this, Germany had a conversation with Afghanistan to join them but the UK invaded, who were allies with Serbia. Wilhelm Wassmuss was a German with the code book on how to de-code these secret messages.

But when the UK invaded he left his code book with them. This was bad for Germany because now the UK could read their secret messages.

They told America about the secret messages and they weren't happy so they joined the war on the UK side and that was bad for Germany because they were finally defeated on 11 November 1918.

By Ed B, Freddie J, Veronica L, Samaira A, Sophia M, Abe S and Henry A (Stage 3 LEAP students)

Year 4 has had a very hands-on term exploring light, heat and energy. Early in the term, we had a visit from our resident Physics teacher, Mr Player and created light mazes, using mirrors and laser pointers to see how light travels and changes direction. We also charged up a balloon with static electricity and made it repel objects, the kind of magic that only science can pull off. This last week, following the recent wild storm and loss of power, we built solar ovens and made s’mores, learning how materials absorb and trap heat.

We also had a visit from Questacon’s Science Circus, who ran two shows for the primary school in one day, one on potential and kinetic energy, and one on sound. We learned how energy transfers between two balls of different sizes and can send the smaller ball flying. A few students even brought in a collection of different balls to test this at lunch time.

A highlight has been hearing students talk about the experiments they’ve tried at home. It has been so exciting to see their excitement and curiosity shine through.

To build on their interest, here are a few experiments you can try at home this summer:

Balloon Hovercraft: Tape a balloon to a pop-top lid on a CD. Inflate, release and observe how escaping air reduces friction.

Rock Candy Crystals: Heat sugar and water on the stove to make a thick syrup (with an adult). Pour into a jar, hang a string or skewer inside, and watch sugar crystals slowly grow over several days as the solution cools and evaporates.

Static Electricity Butterflies: Cut a paper butterfly, tape its body to a surface and rub a balloon on hair to make the wings lift.

Mrs Allie Downie on behalf of Year 4 teachers

In Week 6, our Year 5 students travelled to Vision Valley for a memorable week of fun, adventure and personal growth. Over the course of the camp, students embraced a wide range of activities designed to challenge their skills, build resilience and strengthen friendships.

Students bravely tackled the high ropes courses, including Donkey Kong, Crate Stack, Vertical Playpen, Abseiling and the always, popular Sugar Glider. They also participated in archery, orienteering, a bushwalk and damper cook, team challenges, mountain biking and constructing their own bushcraft boats. Each group; the Yellow Wallabies, Green Echidnas and Red Snakes, worked together with enthusiasm, teamwork and plenty of laughter.

Evenings were just as enjoyable, with fun group games, a lively trivia night (with the teachers taking out the win!) and a classic campfire complete with toasted marshmallows and s’mores.

The students had a fantastic week away and returned with many stories, achievements and newfound confidence. A big thank you goes to the dedicated Mrs Holding, Mrs Willis and Mr Clipsham who attended and supported the students throughout the camp.

Miss Collins and Mrs Sinclair

Year 5 Teachers

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

It has been said that eating is a necessity but cooking is an art. In these last two weeks, the Stage 5 Food Technology class proved just that! They completed a practical unit by meticulously preparing and presenting a three-course meal, showcasing their skills in Food services and Catering. They spared extra time in week 4 and 5 planning for a healthy and balanced meal. The students' hard work culminated in a beautiful experience where they served meals to their peers and teachers. The teamwork, service, food safety and aesthetic presentation was admirable. We are privileged at OAGS to have such creative and dedicated students who understand nutrition and its importance!

From the Food technology team, we applaud all our students who have been so enthusiastic every other week to produce safe and hygienic meals in the food lab. It is even more exciting when students share that they have replicated the same recipes at home and we look forward to vibrant healthier young adults across our nation.

Caroline Mutegi,

Food Technology Teacher

Not only has term 4 flown by in a haze of chaos, but once again, we prepare ourselves for Christmas and the end of the year. The whole of 2025 has flown by!

As we look back on the school year of 2025, we are thankful that each school week we have had the opportunity to journey with the students of OAGs in our Christian Studies classes, Chapels, Compassion day and daily interactions around the grounds.

We hope that as all enter the amazing celebration of Christmas, that you are able to understand and know the deep joy that is Jesus’ birth. May the meaning of Christmas go beyond the gifts, lunches and family time that can test the most patient parent. May you and your family know the deep and lasting joy that we celebrate in Jesus’ birth.

From the Chaplaincy team (Mel, Tab and James) we pray that you would have a blessed and joy filled Christmas.

Earlier this term, our Junior Drama Club (JDC) students took to the stage at the CAPA OnStage Showcase with their energetic and humorous performance of Melissa McHiney McNormous McWhale. This short play was the culmination of a full year of developing collaborative and performance skills, and it was wonderful to see the students bring everything they have learned together in their final performance for 2024.

Throughout the year, JDC members have worked on teamwork, confidence-building, vocal and physical expression, and the fundamentals of stagecraft. Their performance demonstrated just how far they have come, with the entire group showing commitment, enthusiasm, and a clear love for the craft of drama. The showcase offered them a fantastic opportunity to perform for a live audience and to celebrate a year of growth and creativity.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our outgoing Year 8 students, who have been integral members of the club. In particular, a heartfelt thank you to our junior leaders— Hannah W, Caitlin B, and Rubie M —for their guidance, positivity, and leadership throughout the year. Their contributions have helped shape the supportive and collaborative environment that defines Junior Drama Club.

Congratulations to all JDC members on a fantastic year of creativity, teamwork, and performance!

Mrs Kat Schuil
Secondary Teacher - Drama

During Week 7, Year 8 students transformed our campus into an exciting outdoor gallery, bringing creativity and surprise to all corners of the school. Inspired by guerrilla artists, they filled the playground with colourful installations designed to intrigue and delight.

Junior school students have loved the interactive artworks, including a challenging chalk maze, a mysterious green sheep that relocates daily, and cleverly transformed everyday objects. The project demonstrates how street artists reimagine ordinary spaces.

Year 8 have delved into understanding the relationship between artist and audience, using humour, beauty, and current trends to engage their peers. The overwhelmingly positive response from the school community has been wonderful to witness, with students receiving numerous compliments on their ability to capture attention and spark joy.

Year 8 should be incredibly proud of their efforts. They've successfully brought art out of the classroom and into our daily lives, proving that creativity can transform any space into something special.

Gemma Clipsham - Visual Arts Teacher

Last Thursday we hosted a visit from the music students of Leppington Anglican College. This was a fun afternoon of bands and choirs from two schools working collaboratively together to rehearse and perform.

Leppington’s Central West Tour saw them travel to Dubbo for a couple of concerts before heading our way. On Friday they gave a concert in town before departing for home.

A workshop was held in the afternoon with students combining for choir, concert band and stage band. After a lavish afternoon tea Leppington gave a short concert in which a couple of the combined items from the workshop were included.

It was a great afternoon of music making and as one of the Leppington staff said, “schools often come together to compete, rarely do they come together to create”.

Mr Noel Annett - Leader of CAPA

Over the past weekend our final Bunning BBQ for 2025 took place with an excellent turn out and good weather for a final event in this sense. While always a busy function, the camaraderie and support from parents shown, demonstrates a deep commitment to hosting these public gatherings, not just in support of the units, but also in support of the community. The money raised by the Bunning BBQ’s allows the unit to invest in much needed equipment (such as the catering trailers). It is very gratifying that we receive the support of the community the way we do when hosting these types of activities. We thank Bunnings for their ongoing support of the unit and trust we shall continue to be presented with these opportunities by them in 2026.

There are only two parade nights remaining in what has been a very full year. On Saturday, 13 December, we will conduct our final ceremonial parade for the year, followed that evening by the Dining In Night.

This year’s ceremonial parade will be reviewed by Colonel James Cameron (NSW Brigade Commander), and we are pleased to be hosting both him and Mrs Cameron at our parade and at the Dining In Night. We are also honoured to host Rev. Stringer (OAGS Headmaster), Mr Andrew Gee (Federal Member for Calare), Mr Philip Donato (State Member for Orange), Mr Tony Mileto (Orange Mayor), and CAPT (AAC) Barry Carr and Mrs Carr, with CAPT Carr representing 25 BN. We are also delighted to advise that the much-loved MAJOR (Retired) Terry Nye will be attending, and we look forward to the opportunity to reconnect with him.

Our cadets have been working diligently on their drill and ceremonial preparations for this occasion, and we warmly welcome all members of the community to attend. This year, we also farewell our Year 12 cadets—William C, Oliver M, and Riley H. We extend our sincere thanks to these students for their sterling service and dedication to the unit.

Parade details:

Final Ceremonial Parade - Orange Anglican Grammar School

Dining In Night - Orange Ex-Service Club