From the Principal
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Production
Tickets are selling very fast with some shows almost sold out. Performances are on 14 and 15, 21 and 22 June. Purchase your tickets here https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1201855
We are still looking for Sponsors for the Production. Please see the Sponsorship brochure.
Musical Sponsor - Ample Air
Please support our Silver Sponsor Ample Air.
Colour Run
The P&F Colour Run is coming up on 31 May. Thank you to our generous sponsors.
Entry fee is $20. Students are encouraged to seek sponsorship from family and/or friends. Payments are to be made through Flexischools.
Orchard Hills Land Rezoning
Mrs Felicity Grima - Principal
Dear Families,
You may recall that last December I wrote to you about some testing which is being undertaken in the Orchard Hills area under the direction of the NSW Department of Planning. This was taking place as part of its consideration of a land rezoning proposal which is not related to the College.
Our College was one of several landowners in the area which received this notification about testing for polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS. These types of tests are standard for any proposed development on land adjoining Defence.
I committed to providing you with more information as it came to hand and, as such, I can confirm we received the following advice from the NSW Government yesterday afternoon:
“The testing found minor traces of PFAS contamination present within the Orchard Hills investigation area. The levels detected are below the accepted residential standards, and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has confirmed the precinct planning process can safely proceed.”
The Department’s full advice can be viewed at this link: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plans-for-your-area/priority-growth-areas-and-precincts/orchard-hills.
As you aware from my last letter, there were no plans to test on College grounds, and Penrith Anglican College does not draw water from underground (bore water).
On this basis, if anyone in the College community wants additional information about this matter now or in the future, I suggest they direct inquiries to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). I have re-attached two fact sheets - Onsite Fact Sheet and FAQ Precinct Planning that were provided to the College last December, which include useful links and contacts.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.
Mrs Felicity Grima
Principal
Prayer and Praise
From the Director of Students
TASC Young Leaders Day
On Friday the 3rd of May, the Primary Leadership team travelled to Oran Park Anglican School, to learn more about what it means to be a leader, and how to be a better leader. The program was run by a company called UPP, which stands for Unleashing Personal Potential. We did various activities that helped us work as a team and learn to connect with people we had never met before. One of the best activities was Stepping Stones. We had to work together as a team to make it across the river without the teachers, (Crocodillies) taking our stepping stones. Other favourite activities were Freeze Frame, Around the World and Race to 21 activity. For our last activity we had the opportunity to collaborate and brainstorm a fundraising idea we could bring to our school. During lunch we created and signed a petition to try and convince Mrs Karp to buy us all Maccas on the way back to the College. The petition was unsuccessful! However, we did receive special treats as a Maccas Slushie substitute at our Primary Leadership meeting the following Monday. By the end of the day, we had stepped out of our comfort zone, made new friendships, and learnt how to be a better leader.
Primary Leadership Team
From the Deputy Principal (Primary)
Mrs Melinda Richardson - Deputy Principal (Primary)
We have had a number of community events this past fortnight, and it has been so lovely to welcome you onsite to share in the wonderful things we do here at the College. I love to hear the excited chatter and anticipation that the children share, about their families being able to come to school. We acknowledge in this day and age, that this is often a complex thing to negotiate, with work commitments, but please be assured that you are part of core memory making.
Choir Extravaganza
Our Quaver Crew and Crotchet Crew did us proud in the presentation of their items. It was so lovely to join in together with all performers in Siyahamba, a piece we learned only that afternoon. There is something magical about lights and microphones, and I know that our choristers are blessed to have a wonderful place to perform. Thank you to those who came to support, and even joined in with the audience participation!
Book Parade
This was my first PAC Book Parade, and I was incredibly impressed. I loved how much thought and creativity went into the choice of what students wore. I particularly loved seeing our Pre-K / Year 5, and Kindy / Year 6 buddies in action. I know that our older students just love to be able to care for their buddies. It was great to also see some parents get into the action, and also come in costume - this may be heavily encouraged in 2025!
Sport
There have also been a number of sporting opportunities for our students, to represent our College, and I would like to particularly acknowledge the coordination of Mr Chris Hall for these events, as well as many more to come in the weeks ahead!
Dr Justin Coulson - Carrots and Sticks
This was an excellent presentation for all who attended, as we learned about the history of parenting (don't even think of kissing your child in the late 1800's), and how 'punishments' and 'rewards' impact the way our children learn to behave. We were encouraged to consider how we build intrinsic motivation in our children, so they have the personal drive to make great choices.
Dr Coulson was incredibly engaging, and provided some excellent, personal situations he has faced with his own children. He also gave clear strategies that encourage connection and validation of emotions, that builds positive relationships.
My thanks also to the TheirCare team, for their willingness to provide child minding, which enabled families greater access to attend this event.
Enrolments for 2025
Please ensure that if you have younger siblings for Pre-Kindergarten / Kindergarten next year, that you have lodged your application forms. We are receiving a number of applications, and spaces are filling quickly.
Colour Run 2024
A reminder that this will take place next Friday, 31 May. Families are welcome to attend, and encouraged to also join in the fun after all College students have finished. Primary students are able to leave after they have completed the course. Please head to the Assembly Area to sign students out for the day.
Uniforms
A reminder that students should now be in full winter uniform each day, inclusive of their bomber jacket. Students should also all have a bucket hat for wearing to and from school daily, and when out to play. There are a few students reverting to wearing the cap style hat with their uniform, and teachers will be giving reminders to students. The cap may be worn only with sports uniform.
Please refer to our Uniform Handbook, or your child's diary, for further guidance. Thank you for your support in this matter.
Mrs Melinda Richardson
Deputy Principal (Primary)
BIG Junior
BIG Junior is a lunchtime group for students in Kindy, Year 1 and Year 2 to explore more about the Bible through songs, games and activities. It happens on Tuesdays at second half lunch in Miss Anderson’s classroom.
Sweet Treats for Compassion
Year 4 Students are raising money for Compassion children with a Sweet Treats Stall in Week 5. Treats cost $1-$2.
Library
Book Parade 2024
The College holds its Book Parade to coincide with National Simultaneous Storytime. It is always a highlight on the College calendar. Thank you to all the families who once again excelled themselves in the vibrant and creative costumes. The teachers also looked amazing.
You may spot that Willy Wonka and co. came early. We hope you all have your tickets to the Musical!
Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Its aim is to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes.
Secondary School
Year 10 CEP
During the time I've spent at year 10 CEP, I loved being able to experience time with my friends and to just take the time to relax and reflect. The view walking from Bondi to Coogee was gorgeous and a beautiful sight to see, it was an amazing experience. The day before we went to Bondi, we had an eye opening experience and a heartwarming seminar from the people of Tomorrow Woman. This seminar was truly inspiring to a lot of the girls in my group and mostly ended up in tears. If i could experience this again, I would.
Isabella Saluk-Lucre
Overall, Year 10 CEP was an extremely inspiring and fun time where we got to reflect on our childhood while looking ahead to our future. My favourite part of CEP was the afternoon tea and evening with my parents, where I got to reflect with them about my life and my plans for the future, and exchange letters that we had written for each other. I enjoyed it because I got to appreciate them for the work they have done to raise me and give something back in return
Aryan Patial
Tomorrow Woman was an amazing experience and It was an experience that all of us girls will forever remember. We all got split into different groups as girls and we got to talk about day-to-day struggles girls go through. Let’s just say, there were a lot of tears. Tomorrow Woman definitely helped us girls connect better and build closer bonds with girls we hadn’t had before. To say the least, we all walked into the room in separate groups feeling alone in our day-to-day struggles and then walked out of the room together as one big group supporting each other side by side reminding each other we’re not alone.
Ava Maloney
In week 2 of Term 2, year 10 had the privilege of experiencing two days’ worth of reflection on our CEP. This year’s CEP was very different from any other, as it wasn’t activity based, but instead it was two days full of seminars, reflection and connecting with our peers. On the Thursday, the boys and girls were separated and enjoyed talks from tomorrow man and tomorrow women. Both groups talked about the many struggles and stereotypes of being young men and women in our society and how to overcome the negative outlooks that people have. This time spent, along with Mrs. Wright’s reflection activities, writing letters to our parents, talking to alumni about career options and enjoying a nice walk from Bondi beach to Coogee beach allowed year 10 to be grateful for the people who have shaped us and who we are up until this point. Finally, year 10 was left with the thought of, who do we want to be and how are we going to achieve it? Year 10 CEP was a time filled with many emotions, but overall we all grew closer with one another over these 2 very special days.
Laura Batcheldor
Performing Arts
Choir Extravaganza
We hope you enjoyed the wonderful performances at Penrith Anglican College's recent event, "Choir Extravaganza and Stars of the Future," which took place on May 13th. It was an evening filled with beautiful music and talent.
The Senior Choir, Crotchet Crew, and Quaver Crew delivered captivating performances that showcased their dedication and skill. From classic tunes to modern melodies, there was something for everyone to enjoy. We had a number of wonderful soloists perform at the event.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported Choir Extravaganza and Stars of the Future. We look forward to bringing more musical performances to our community in the future, and praise God for the opportunity to join together as a community to support our students.
Visual Arts Department
Art Camp
Last week, 24 Visual Arts students embarked on our first Art Camp to Bundanon. Students stayed at the former property of Arthur Boyd, a well-known Australian artist who gifted the property to the Australian people in 1993. Bundanon, today, specialises in visual arts, design, and innovative environmental education. Students had opportunities to visit one of Boyd’s art studios, his library, the new Art Museum (with current exhibition Tales of Land & Sea) and stay for two nights in architecturally designed accommodation.
Students engaged in a range of workshops to hone their skills and communicate a range of ideas in intuitive and intentional ways. Art making activities focused on the historical, cultural, and contemporary nature of the unique property and Australian landscape. In between the Bundanon staff workshops, our Penrith Anglican College Visual Arts teachers also ran workshops, exploring Light Painting Photography and Gelli Printing.
Our students have returned with skills, techniques and inspiration with beautiful photographs and artworks which will be exhibited in B Block Gallery from Week 6 this term. Parents and friends are invited to a special afternoon celebration and launch of the exhibition on Thursday 6th June 3:30-5:00pm.
Sports
CASA Secondary Cross Country Championship
75 students represented PAC at the CASA Secondary Cross Country Championship, held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Three students finished with a silver medal – congratulations to Ava Toland, Sam Stoneham, and Ellyse Bayada on their outstanding races!
PAC Secondary came 3rd overall, with 28 students qualifying for AICES next Thursday, including three teams - our 12 years boys and girls, along with our 13 girls.
Many students finished in the top 10 places, qualifying to represent CASA at next week’s AICES Championship, and we look forward to hearing of their success!
Primary results coming in the next edition.
AICES Netball
Congratulations to Erin O’Shannessy and Makayla Robinson (Year 12), who represented PAC and CASA at the AICES Open Netball Championship. CASA faced some tough competition, and finished in 5th place at the event. Erin and Makayla’s representation at this level is a fitting end to their netball career at PAC!
NWSRC Draw
North-West Schools Rugby Competition (NWSRC)
