The Vine Newsletter

As the year comes to an end, I would like to take the time to congratulate some of our long-standing staff members who have reached significant milestones of service within the College this year.

10 Years

Michelle Cochran

Mrs Cochran has served the College over the 10 years as the Secondary Sport Assistant and most recently as Canteen Manager – responsible for keeping the College fed! Mrs Cochrane is a hardworking, consistent, and reliable member of our team who always demonstrates a strong, positive work ethic. She is always ready to do what is required and keeps the canteen going no matter the circumstance. Her positive, ‘can-do’ attitude is infectious and makes her a joy to work with. In addition to being a good manager of her staff, Mrs Cochran also assists with and serves at camps, holiday study camps, the 345 Cadet Squadron associated with the College and many other events. Michelle Cochran, we are grateful for your cookies and muffins and your dedication, and we thank you for your service.

David Thurlow

Mr Thurlow is a dedicated and talented educator who excels as both the Head of Latimer House and a Music Teacher. He is a skilled and creative musician who moves effortlessly between teaching Kindergarten through to Year 12, often in consecutive periods. As Head of House, Mr Thurlow’s meticulous organization is invaluable, as evidenced by his perfectly scheduled charity day organization. He has also created systems and documents for records that are greatly appreciated by his team. Mr Thurlow is fair and firm, prioritizing the restoration of relationships and equipping students with the necessary skills to do so. Above all, he cares deeply about his students' well-being and success. Thank you, Mr Thurlow, for your dedicated service over the past decade.

Shalom Lovin

Mrs Shalom Lovin is a treasured Primary educator who consistently demonstrates love and care for all her students. She cultivates a supportive and fair learning environment, ensuring that every child feels empowered to learn and succeed. Her commitment to creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences is evident in her lesson designs, which consistently captivate her students' imaginations.

Beyond her exceptional teaching skills, Mrs Lovin brings joy and laughter to the classroom with her great sense of humour, fostering a positive and enjoyable atmosphere for both students and staff. Her warm and loving nature endears her to her students, who clearly adore her. Thank you for your 10 years of faithful service.

Mary-Lyn Kroon

Mrs Kroon’s 10 year achievement reflects not only time but also an unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our youngest learners. Each day, Mrs Kroon helped create a nurturing environment where curiosity, kindness, and creativity can thrive. The patience, care, and love Mrs Kroon shows have left an indelible mark on countless children, shaping their early years in the most meaningful ways. She is always ready to share a friendly smile and a kind word to encourage others.

Mrs Kroon’s passion, resilience, and the vital role you play in our school community. Thank you for your 10 years of dedicated service.

15 Years

Katie Dunn

Mrs Dunn is an exceptional art teacher whose outstanding commitment and passion for the arts inspire her students daily. Her creativity knows no bounds, as she constantly introduces innovative techniques and projects that captivate and challenge her students. Mrs Dunn's patience is remarkable, allowing her to guide each student through their unique artistic journey with care and understanding. Her dedication to her craft and her students' growth is evident in every lesson.

Mrs Dunn has also served as a Cranmer House mentor where she has also shown deep care and concern for students, guiding them with compassion and wisdom through the challenges of secondary school. Throughout her 15 years of service, Mrs Dunn has continually lived out her Christian faith modelling what it looks like to be a faithful follower of Jesus. Thank you, Mrs Dunn, for your dedicated service.

Phil McMurray

Mr McMurray, affectionately known as Mr Mac, is a dedicated and compassionate educator who has served the College for 15 years as both a Primary and Secondary teacher. He has also held the role of Stage Co-ordinator, Director of Teaching and Learning, and Director of Christian Mission and Ministry. He is a strong advocate for learning, student well-being and personal growth, providing compassionate support and guidance to help students thrive.

Mr McMurray is also a valued colleague who actively collaborates with fellow teachers on initiatives that benefit the entire community. He is a mentor to new teachers and those have been in the profession longer, generously sharing his expertise and encouragement. Mr McMurray understands the importance of building strong relationships and actively participates in College events, connecting with families and the wider community. Our entire community knows, without a shadow of a doubt, that Mr Mac loves the gospel and is passionate about sharing his love of Jesus with the community. Mr McMurray, thank you for your service.

Ryan Optland

Mr Ryan Optland is a highly valued member of our Property team who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile. He is always willing to help, and his dedication extends beyond regular hours, often volunteering his time to support the College.

Beyond his core responsibilities, Ryan contributes to a positive and enjoyable atmosphere within the College. He is known for his cheerful demeanour and for bringing joy and laughter to the community, and the occasional chocolate treat. Ryan's commitment to maintaining the College's grounds ensures a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment for all. We are especially appreciative of his snake-catching skills and his persuasive techniques with kangaroos who attempt to share the playground with our students. Thank you for your 15 years of faithful service.

20 Years

Natalie Munce

Miss Natalie Munce, affectionately known as Miss Nat, is a dedicated and compassionate member of the College community who consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and staff. She operates the clinic efficiently and effectively, always ensuring that tasks are completed to the highest standard. Her positive attitude and great sense of humour create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

Beyond her clinical duties, Miss Nat is a true team player who actively fosters a strong sense of community. She organises care packages for staff in need, initiates fundraising efforts for Compassion children, and consistently demonstrates her commitment to the College's values. Miss Nat's infectious enthusiasm and love of fun, as demonstrated through her dress-up days and her commitment to the role as a ‘bringer of Christmas cheer’, makes her a beloved and valued member of the College community. Thank you, Miss Nat, for your 20 years of faithful service.

We are excited to launch an original song, 'Sing His Praise’. It was written by students under the direction of Mr Nick Craig, the College’s drum tutor. Students applied to join a songwriting group in Term 3 with the purpose of creating a gospel focussed song for our end of year presentation day.

The song was performed and recorded by students with the help of Mr Lane and Mr Nauta. Our Senior Choir sang sections of the song and was involved in the filming day.

Well done to the Songwriter’s Archer Fell., Anotida Tirivazvo, Ella Johnson and Oliver Johnson.

Artwork was created by Year 9 student Jasmin Espey.

The end-of-year presentation services were heartfelt celebrations of the achievements and unwavering commitment of the students throughout the year. These services provided a time to reflect on their hard work, growth, and dedication, as well as the values they uphold, particularly the love of Christ. The events highlighted not only academic and personal accomplishments but also the spirit of compassion, faith, and community. These services marked a beautiful conclusion to a year filled with growth, camaraderie, and spiritual enrichment. We would like to wish you all a restful, safe and blessed Christmas with family and friends as you celebrate the gift of Jesus.

Please pray for:

Safety for staff, students and our community over the holiday period.
For people who are feeling the loss of loved ones at this time.
That the wonder of the Christmas message will be heard and believed.

Praise God for:

His provision of staff who love Jesus and want to serve him at PAC.
The generosity of those who raised funds, food and resources for charities.
New families who are continuing to choose PAC for their children.

Mrs Melinda Richardson - Deputy Principal (Primary)

It was evident at our Presentation Events, that 2024 has been a year filled with growth, learning, and moments of joy that remind us how special this community is. The video montages played at both events showcased many wonderful moments that, at times, can seem fleeting—here one minute, then gone; yet we know these are memory makers for our students.

The end of the school year is bittersweet for educators. Our staff are invested in learning about the uniqueness and potential of every child, and they do this through the relationships built across the school year. Psalm 139:14 reminds us: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Each child in our school has been crafted with care and purpose, and we have seen these gifts shine in so many ways—through their kindness, creativity, and perseverance. I know for our teachers it is hard to say goodbye to their 2024 class, but we also look forward with anticipation to what 2025 will bring.

At Penrith Anglican College, we are committed to nurturing a community grounded in compassion, integrity, perseverance, courage, and humility. These values have been evident in our students' lives as they have shown kindness to others, pursued their learning with determination, and approached challenges with grace and courage. It has been an honour to listen to the numerous LAVA (Learning & Values Awards) this year at our fortnightly assembly, highlighting particularly the continued character development of our students. We are immensely proud of their achievements this year.

Last week, I reflected on the great partnership we have had with our parents community too. We know that the partnership between parents and teachers is a cornerstone of a student's success. When parents and teachers work together, they create a supportive and consistent environment that fosters a child’s academic, emotional, and social development. Teachers bring their expertise in education, guiding students in the classroom, while parents provide insights and reinforcement at home, helping to solidify learning and build confidence. This collaboration ensures that children feel supported from all sides, empowering them to reach their full potential. Thank you for all your support this year.

As we look ahead to the holiday season, we encourage our students to carry these truths and values in their hearts: that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and that their character and actions can make a positive difference in the world. We pray too that you all remember the true meaning of the Christmas season. God had a plan through Jesus, and we know He has a plan for each and every one of us.

'The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.' Numbers 6: 24-26

Operation Art is a state-wide visual arts exhibition for students from Kindergarten to Year 10 and is an initiative of NSW Department of Education and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. It encourages students to create artworks for children in hospitals. The exhibition focuses on creating a positive environment to aid young patients' healing and recovery process. Selected artworks will tour regional galleries throughout NSW and some of these artworks will become part of the permanent gallery at The Children’s Hospital.

Earlier this year Isabella from Kindergarten submitted an artwork entry to Operation Art. Her artwork was selected for a Participation Award and will be on exhibit at a NSW Gallery in 2025.

Congratulations Isabella!

The Year 6 students held a successful cake stall in Week 5 of Term 4, with all proceeds going to Compassion. The event featured an impressive selection of treats, including cupcakes, brownies, and slices. Excited students and staff flocked to the Primary Assembly Area, with the delicious goods selling out quickly. Year 6 were able to raise $1202.90. The Year 6 team expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to this heartwarming cause.

In an exciting end of year student vs. staff touch football game, both teams brought their A-game, with fast-paced action and plenty of energy on display. The students fought hard, showing great enthusiasm, but the staff's experience and teamwork ultimately led them to victory. The final score was 7-3 in favour of the staff. It was a fun and friendly competition that left everyone smiling, well done to all involved!

What a wonderful adventure Library Life has been this year!

It’s always a privilege to serve our College community and promote the joy of reading to our students within our Library spaces and classes.

The year has been an event filled one, from National Simultaneous Storytime, Scholastic Book Fair, Primary Book Parade, Premiers Reading Challenge, Ravenous Readers awards to our amazing author visit with Sami Bayly, the library has enjoyed connecting with our College community. We appreciate you supporting the value of reading and research.

At this very special time of year we wish you all a blessed, happy and restful Christmas break.

A huge thank you from the Library team.

Recently, our Year 10 students took on the exciting challenge of Australian Business Week, diving into the world of entrepreneurship by running their own simulated sports businesses!

Students showcased their creativity and teamwork by developing product prototypes, designing trade stalls, producing video advertisements, crafting detailed business reports and delivering professional business presentations.

We were thrilled to welcome back alumni Ben & Marcus, founders of the sports jersey business VRTX, who shared valuable insights into building their brand. Abbey, founder of Flat Out Nutrition, joined us virtually to inspire our students with her journey in personalised nutrition coaching.

The week was an incredible opportunity for students to gain practical business experience and explore their potential as future innovators and leaders.

In Week 7, students in Year 9 had a break from traditional classes and participated in a week of learning based on Projects. Many HSC subjects now have Projects as a central aspect of the learning that students undertake. This includes Major Works in subjects such as Visual Arts or Design and Technology, or Depth Studies in the various Science disciplines. As HSC syllabuses are revised, we know that most subjects will end up with some type of project that students will need to complete.

There are many skills that students need to develop if they are going create successful projects. They need to be able to set clear goals, develop plans, reflect on their progress, and adapt their plans. Many of these skills directly align to the College Learning Culture, and the development of these skills was the underlying goal of Project Week.

All students were involved in two projects. They selected an individual project within a subject area of their choice. Each project enabled students to develop their skills within their chosen area. The feedback from the students was that they enjoyed having the ability to choose a topic that was of interest to them. Here is a list of the projects that were available.

• French Fashion
• NRL 18^th Team
• Road Safety
• Sustainability
• Creative Writing
• Visual Arts
• Performing Arts – Music or Dance
• Engineering – Race and Chase Design Project

The students also worked in groups to solve a problem relevant to College life. Specifically, our students constructed advice that they presented to Year 6 on How to help Year 7 students be Safe and Happy on the Internet. As part of the Group Project students engaged with the now passed legislation that will see social media banned for students under the age of sixteen. It was fascinating to hear the advice that our Year 9 students provided to Year 6.

I would like to thank all the teachers involved in this week. Special thanks to the students who enthusiastically participated in the inaugural Project Week.

Mr David Collins,
Director of Teaching and Learning (7-12).

A wonderful exhibition presented by all year 7 and 8 Visual Arts students closes this week. Congratulations to our talented students who have demonstrated perseverance, commitment and dedication in developing technical skills and creative ideas.

Year 7 presented carefully rendered still life drawings with a living insect to build their skills in understanding tonal form. They also created insightful, colourful self-portraits that showed to demonstrate understanding of contrasting colour schemes inspired by the Fauvist artists.

Year 8 explored the theme of Endangered to create a Lino printing series and a ceramic vessel inspired by a threatened species. Students also explored the world of graphic design creating colourful digital illustrations using Adobe Illustrator in a unit call Art Entrepreneur. Students placed their digital illustrations into a range of design prototypes creating products that could be commercial produced.

Special thanks for all who have visited B Block Gallery this year and seen the wonderful creations and talents of our students. We look forward to seeing you back in the gallery space in 2025.

In Week 5, we were excited to welcome students who will be starting Year 7 at the College in 2025. As part of their orientation, they joined us in Chapel, where we continued our "A Pathway of Hope" series.

For some, this was their first time at the College and in Chapel, so they were paired with another member of their house to participate in a scavenger hunt. They raced to find parts of a Bible verse hidden around the Lighthouse Theatre and put them together in the correct order. The verse was "I will be their God, and they will be my people" from Jeremiah 31:33.

Miss Kenny reflected on God's character and spoke from Jeremiah 31. In this passage, Jeremiah pointed forward to a new covenant in which God would write His law on hearts. This new covenant brings transformation, replacing hearts of stone with hearts of hope.

To help us all consider what this hope looks and feels like, Miss Kenny was accompanied by Mrs Gorman, Mr Kelshaw, and Mr Thurlow. Each staff member shared personal stories of how God has worked in their lives and the hope they have in Jesus. Together, they encouraged students to consider the wonderful hope we have in Him.

Ryle House Charity Day was a big success! We had chosen Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation as our charity to support, and we had ended up raising $4,621.50 to go towards the Westmead’s children’s hospital.

Ryle students ran carnival like games at lunch in both primary and secondary school for everyone to get involved. We had lots of enthusiasm with the sponge throw and lolly guessing competitions. There were 2 RFS Fire trucks that came to visit and were a big hit, and they let the kids explore the trucks and ask any questions.

As well as our normal sausage sizzle and drinks, we introduced selling ice-creams as well which was perfect for the hot weather on the day.

By Ciara Kent (Year 11)

If you would like to see more about TheirCare's Summer Holiday Program, please follow the link https://theircare.fullybookedccms.com.au/family/login.

Key Assets Australia is a Foster Care Agency with offices in Botany, Blacktown, and Wallsend. If you would like to learn more about foster care and how you can be involved, follow the Link for more details.

Lower Mountains Anglican Church warmly welcomes you to join their Christmas events.
Please see below for details.

Emu Plains Anglican Church warmly invites you to join their Annual Christmas Eve Christmas Carrols.

Carols start at 6:30pm
Emu Plains Anglican Church: 26 Short St, Emu Plains
epac.org.au 

We want all children and young people who attend Penrith Anglican College to feel and be safe. We are committed to providing a child safe and child friendly environment, where children and young people are safe and feel safe and are able to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

We have a zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to doing what we can to keep students safe from harm.

The College regards its child safety responsibilities with the utmost importance and is committed to providing the resources required to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and maintaining a child safe culture. Each member of the College community has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role that they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of students is at the forefront of all that they do and every decision that they make.

Child Safe Policy: Download

If you have any questions or concerns with regards to a Child Safety matter, please email Felicity Grima, Principal via [email protected].

Please see the attached image for the extended trading hours for the Uniform Shop.