The Vine Newsletter

Mrs Felicity Grima - Principal

We look forward to meeting families who are considering joining our community in 2024 at the following Discovery Tours and Information Sessions:

 Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’

 Please pray for:
Those families on the College community experiencing hardship and stress.
Year 11 students as they adjust to the extra demands of senior schooling,
and Pre K and Kindy students adjusting to the demands of formal schooling.
The upcoming Music Tour to the Central West

 Praise God for:
Our weekly Chapel services.
The way our older students look out for our younger students.
Opportunities such as the Cranmer Charity Day to work together to support others.

What makes a community?

When starting in a new school community, new staff only have one opportunity to look on and experience a school with ‘fresh eyes’. The first 6 weeks of term has enabled me to experience and observe the Penrith Anglican College community in a way that long term community members struggle to do. During this time, I have been struck by the warmth and inclusiveness of The College.

On day 2 of students returning, I was caught off guard when two Year 9 students approached me to organise a series of welcome tours for new students. Their enthusiasm to make sure that new students could navigate the school campus and their eagerness to welcome them into an unfamiliar environment gave me a glimpse into the type of community Penrith Anglican College offers students, families and staff.

A strong sense of pride was displayed at the school swimming carnival where students obviously identify strongly with their house. Heads of House work hard in this space to create an environment in which students can find a sense of purpose and belonging. Houses also offer opportunities for leadership, and at the swimming carnival it was pleasing to see student leaders encouraging and supporting younger students throughout the day.

I look forward to my continued involvement in the Penrith Anglican College community with all that it has to offer. I would encourage us all not to take this for granted. Communities are strongest when the members actively look for ways to strengthen it. Just like the Year 9 girls mentioned above, looking for opportunities to add positively to the vibrancy and depth of a community benefits us all.

In 2023, what impact are you going to have on the type of community we have here at The College? With Covid restrictions behind us, there is an increasing number of opportunities to be involved. Whether it is by volunteering to run new student tours, trying out for a sports team, playing an instrument in a band or encouraging another student at the school, I would urge students and families to add to The Penrith Anglican College community by trying something new this year.

Warm regards
Mr Anthony Kelshaw
Director of Students 7-9

College lockers are now available for annual hire to students in Year 7 to 12.
It is not compulsory for students to hire a locker, however the option is available should you wish to do so.
Lockers are hired on a ‘first come, first served basis and are for individual hire, no sharing.

PAC Locks will be given to every student who hires a locker, you no longer need to provide your own lock. These locks will need to be returned at the end of the year.

If you would like to hire a locker in 2023 please follow the steps below.

1. Click the link: https://www.trybooking.com/TXHG to access the TryBooking Locker Hire portal
2. Follow the prompts on the TryBooking portal and make your payment online.
3. Students will then receive an email, with details on where to collect their lock and have a locker allocated to them. Once students receive their padlock and locker number they may begin using their locker, securing it with the lock.

Please Note: If you have a medical condition that would require the allocation of a locker at a particular height/location, please ensure you chose the ‘medical condition’ option on the TryBooking hire page and provide the required details.

Should you have any questions please contact the College office on 4736 8100.

Terms & Conditions of Penrith Anglican College Locker Hire;

• Lockers are available for hire to students in years 7 – 12 only. Locker hire is not compulsory
• Annual Locker hire fee is $40 (Yrs 7-11) & $30 (Yr 12)
• Lockers are NOT to be shared or swapped
• At the end of each term lockers must be emptied and contents removed for cleaning
• Perishable items must not be left in lockers i.e.: No Food or Drink items in lockers
• Lockers must not be damaged/written on/or marked in any way
• Lockers must not have any items attached to them inside or outside
• Lockers must not be accessed by students between periods or other out of bounds times.
• The Deputy Principal (Secondary) reserves the right to cancel any student’s locker hire at any time with hire fee forfeited.
• Locks provided will need to be handed back to Mrs Nott at a date allocated in the last week of the Term 4. Students will be emailed times they can return their locks.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Kathryn Nott via email [email protected]

This year in the middle of each term a Primary grade will host a treat day to raise money for our sponsor children. Year 5 had the first turn and we decided to host a Zooper Dooper Day.

Unfortunately it was raining at recess when we planned to sell them. Our teachers thought it was best to take the Zooper Doopers to each of the classrooms. It was so much fun and we raised $436.95.

Due to the fact that we have so many Zooper Doopers left over, we will be selling them on other days throughout the rest of this term. These days will be a grade at a time and the dates will be advised soon. Stay tuned!

It was a great opportunity to serve the poor and connect with others. It was also an opportunity to be who God wants us to be. We can’t wait to help more and do it again sometime!  

We want to thank everyone who supported our fundraiser and enjoyed their treats.

Aaliyah Scicluna & Emma Seaman
Year 5 Students

Mr Leighton Corr - Deputy Principal (Secondary)

During Week 6 I had the pleasure of meeting with Year 11 students to brief them on their role as being mentors for our new year 7 students. All of our Year 11 students engage in this program and build relationships with those newer students to the College. One day, these young students will get the same opportunity to invest in someone else.

As we brainstormed together about what being a good mentor might look like, one of the excellent suggestions that came up was ‘role models’. Time didn’t permit us to delve further into this well known phrase in school circles, but I am glad it was mentioned.

Student would all have heard this before and would probably all know someone that comes to mind, but my challenge for the rest of this term will be revolved around the idea of what sort of role model are you becoming? How is your character and your decisions being perceived by others?

If our students can have a mindset that considers how they are being perceived and focus on the idea of leading themselves well, they will naturally become better role models.

At Penrith Anglican College we are keen to develop learners but also people of strong character. I believe being a good role model to others will assist in this goal.

Mr Leighton Corr
Deputy Principal (Secondary)

All Secondary students attend Chapel every Wednesday. It is an opportunity for students to hear God's perspective and explore biblical themes, especially as it relates to our everyday life. After some initial fun and games, Secondary Chapel on Wednesday 1 March was based on John 10:1-21 where Jesus describes himself as “The Good Shepherd”. Just like sheep, people are followers. We tend follow all sorts of things in this crazy world. Jesus was pointing out that there are many influences that can lead us not only astray, but into danger. A good shepherd is willing to lay down his life for the sheep, but if the shepherd dies, the sheep have no protection. However, the good news is that Jesus not only willingly laid down his life, but had authority to take it up again for the sake of his sheep. Jesus said that his sheep follow him because they know his voice and will not follow a stranger’s voice. When you know Jesus, you recognize his voice. When you pick up his Word, you know that what you are reading is true and relevant. My invitation is to those who find this voice confusing, irrelevant or nonsense to take a moment to read His Word with an open mind while asking the Good Shepherd to reveal himself to you.

Mr Stephen Matthews
Head of Science

Cranmer House Charity Day on Friday 3 March was a wonderful opportunity for our students to enjoy some food and fun Carnival games as they support children in need through donating to the Congo Aid charity organisation. Some of the games and activities on the day included the Push Up Challenge against Mr Casey, Balloon Pop lucky dip, the extremely popular Sponge Throw, and more! Thank you to Cranmer students and Mentor Group teachers for setting up and running the activities and cooking the sausages, and Head of House - Cranmer, Mr David Andison, for coordinating the events on the day.

This Term, students in Years 11 and 12 have been participating in several electives which are divided into Action, Personal development, Service and Sport.

The Personal Development elective for the Term is the chance to gain Bronze Medallion qualification which is done in partnership with Nepean Aquatic Centre.

Bushwalking and Bootcamp are the Action electives offered for the Term. These electives, together with Tennis, the Sport elective, give students opportunities to be active and have some fun.

As part of Service, students are participating in the Landcare Project ‘Creating Canopies’ where they plant trees and maintain the site. They are working on the Bush Tucker Classrooms and Concreting for the College, as well as assisting in Primary classrooms and tidying up different areas of the College.

Participation in the Tabitha program help students to serve the community, stay fit and gain skill and qualifications.

Mr Anil Thomas
Mathematics Teacher and Tabitha Coordinator

Control design technologies are rapidly expanding into every aspect of our lives. You are Living in an ear where there are gizmos and gadgets that can do all sorts of things to help you with organisation and entertainment. These electronic devices have been programmed to function the way they do with code.

Last year, our current Year 10 Design and Technology elective students commenced work to produce a motor-powered maze that uses inputs and a motor to navigate a ball through the maze. Using skills in material and control technologies, students designed, manufactured and developed a code for a motor-powered maze that is suitable for a specific target market.

As part of the Design Brief, the motor-powered maze must also use an Arduino for the microcontroller to control a motor-controller (output) with a joystick (input). The design must allow the user to navigate a 5mm steel ball through a rotating maze and be powered by a 9V battery.

The students have now completed their projects and it's fantastic to see their designs now on display in the foyer of the Technologies department.

Singapore - National Museum - Japanese Movie Poster

The Year 10 WWII Incursion, on Friday 24 February, introduced students to our Australians at War unit. The production was a heartfelt and poignant performance that gave students a deep insight into the ugly truths behind the war. The play is performed by a theatre-in-schools professional who brings the script and stories into vivid focus with deep emotion, great humour and the terrific songs of WW. It was an unforgettable and notable experience that many could connect with and relate to. It sent out a message that one would never forget: “In war, whichever side may call itself victor, there are no winners. But all are losers.” — Neville Chamberlain.’

Reflective quotes from our students after the production:

‘He made it very interesting and engaging making me want to learn more about the war.’

‘I think it was a good introduction [to Australian at War] because it was a fun way to introduce us to WWII.”

“…it gave us a brief overview for all of the events that took place, and he introduced the topic in a fun, humorous and inclusive way.”

Mr Al McCallum
Head of HSIE

HSC Encore is a prestigious event that showcases outstanding performances by students who have excelled in Music, Dance, Drama, and other performing art subjects in the Higher School Certificate. The event brings together the most talented students from across the state to perform in a professionally produced concert, providing them with a unique opportunity to show case their skills and creativity in front of a live audience. We had the privilege to go and watch the musical arts performances live in the Sydney Opera House on an excursion with Mr Thurlow and Mrs Samuels.

The event celebrates the hard work and dedication of the students performing, as well as the exceptional teaching and support that they have received from their schools. It allowed us to see past performers that did well within their HSC and for us to take into consideration our own elective choices and how we could improve them. These performances inspired us to improve on our skills and appreciate the talents of past Year 12 students and I highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to see the show.

Makaylah Carroll
Year 12 Student

Our ensemble program is growing, and we are considering starting a new concert band at the College on Tuesday afternoon. This Concert Band is aimed at students in years 6 through to 8 that have missed out on a band. The link with academic success and music is irrefutable, and I pray your child will join our wonderful Performing Arts Ensemble Program. Feel free encourage other Year 6, 7 and 8 parents to participate in this new initiative. More details and sign up information can be found at the link below.

https://forms.gle/TvnEvbFpRMGwjFZ97

Families will be informed if the program goes ahead in Week 11 of this term. Please contact the Music Department if you have further questions about the program.

Mr Nick Lane
Head of Performing Arts

Congratulations to all our swimmers who attended the NASSA Swimming Carnival on 28 February. Our swim team competed extremely well throughout the night with our Junior Girls relay team finishing in First place and the girls were very close to breaking the NASSA record and our Senior Boys relay team finishing in Third place. The carnival started off strongly with our Best of the Best relay team consisting of Mia Egglestone, Harper Egglestone, Grace Nicholls and Rueben Bleasdale finishing in Second place. Penrith Anglican College came Third overall which is a fantastic result.

Well done to our NASSA Primary Swimming team: Paul Andrawis, Reuben Bleasdale, Laura Broad, Sarah Broad, Hannah Crawley, Layla Davidson, Harper Egglestone, Mia Egglestone, Alexander Godwin, Jack Greentree, Harrison Hall, Oliver Hall, Aaleyah Hassan, Levi Holden, Khye Hunter, Ava Hutton, Spencer Hutton, Jayden Karele, Joshua Kest, Lucy McKeown, Edward Morris, Owen Morris, Charlotte Nicholls, Grace Nicholls, Brody Ralphs, Caleb Ritchie, Max Rolles, Matilda Ross, Rocco Stillisano, Milly Sturt, Scarlett Sturt, Chloe Vella, Havana Williams and Jacob Williams.

Thank you to Mr Chris Hall, Miss Emma West, Mrs Lynette Karp and Mrs Felicity Grima for their help with the Primary NASSA Swimming carnival.

Congratulations to CRANMER HOUSE, who are the 2023 PAC Swimming Carnival Champions! In 2nd place was Latimer, 3rd place Ridley, and 4th place Ryle.

Congratulations also to our Age Champions on Runners-up, listed below. Awards will be presented in our Week 7 Assembly.

Special mention to Jade O’Connor (Year 12) who broke FIVE (!) records, and to Lily Smith (Year 7) who broke ONE record – congratulations to you both on these achievements.

2023 Age Champions & Runners-up:

On Thursday 23 February, Year 10 student Samuel Stoneham and Year 8 student Ethan Thomas took part in the NSW All Schools Triathlon Individual Events meet at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.  Both boys, being relatively new to triathlon, competed and finished well.  Although they did not make it onto the next stage, they individually took strides to finish strongly and gain personal bests. 

Indoor Rock Climbing is one of Secondary School's sport options on Tuesdays. Students are trained in appropriate safety procedures by gymnasium staff at Penrith Climbing Centre. Mr Cox gives advice about how to develop skills and challenge the students.

Each term the students are encouraged to improve through an informal house-based points system and an end of term individual competition.

On Wednesday 22 February our Boys CIS Cup Football team travelled to the leafy North Shore to front up against Redlands. The boys put in a stella effort and did the College proud, despite losing 5-1. This score was definitely not indicative of the game, but being a knockout comp, this was the end of the road for the boys.

Mr Ben Andison
PDHPE Teacher & Head of House – Ridley

The latest version of our Community Business Directory is available for download.

The Community Business Directory acts as a link for business and families to support each other.  This initiative was created by the Parents & Friends Association for businesses of Penrith Anglican College families rather than a general advertising site to assist our College Community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Each business in the Directory has a direct link with a College family.

Please note, the Parents & Friends Association, Penrith Anglican College and their staff will not be liable for any interactions or transactions that occur between any parties connected through this P&F Initiative. The Parents & Friends Association has not vetted the information, products or offerings provided by these businesses. 

We will continue to update this document and post a link to the updated version on the website and the College App.  If you would like your business to participate in the Community Business Directory, please fill out the form via this link. There is no cost involved.

We are excited to be able to support our College families in this way, and hope you find this Directory helpful.