The Vine Newsletter

Mrs Felicity Grima - Principal

Term 3 is underway, and it has been wonderful to have the school buzzing with the sound of students actively engaged in learning and enjoying time with their friends. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all new families who have joined the College community during the past week. We look forward to getting to know you and your children and learning together in the years ahead.

Last week, we commissioned our 2025-2026 Student Leaders, and I had the opportunity to speak about a quality of leadership and a character trait that I hope our leaders and indeed our community can develop. I have included part of the speech as an encouragement for our community to pursue kindness in the year ahead.

When we think of leadership, we often picture strength, decisiveness, and ambition. These are important. But the Bible teaches us that we are to ‘clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’ (Colossians 3:12), and in today’s world, more than ever before, true leadership must also be grounded in kindness and care. As Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, Australia’s Governor-General, recently said, “our testing times call for an unstinting focus on kindness, on care and on respect.” She believes that kindness can be “an uplifting force,” capable of transforming workplaces and communities.

Kindness is not weakness. It is a strength. It’s the courage to move from “me” to “we,” to see the bigger picture, and to offer your strength in service of others. Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, famously said during the pandemic, “Be strong. Be kind.” She showed the world, on many occasions that compassion and strength are not opposites - they are partners. Her legacy reminds us that you can be kind but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused.

At Penrith Anglican College, our mission is to “nurture and develop empowered learners with strength of character who know and follow Christ and serve others.” Kindness is integral to that mission. It builds character. It serves others. It strengthens our wellbeing and learning culture.

So, what does kindness look like for our Leaders?

• Kindness is showing up with compassion, understanding that everyone struggles, and doing your best to support them.
• Kindness is authentic and intentional, not expecting anything in return.
• Kindness is powerful and contagious, creating a ripple effect that inspires others to act kindly too.

Research tells us that kindness boosts serotonin, dopamine, and even endorphins - creating what’s known as a “helper’s high.” It reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens relationships. In short, doing good is good for you.

If our leaders are going to lead with kindness, my hope is that our community, staff, students and families, will also seek to follow their lead and seek to be people who act with kindness. Here are some practical ways to get us started:

• Be kind to yourself. Leadership and life in general can be demanding. Meet yourself with compassion, and you’ll naturally extend that to others.
• Practice the basics of good character. As Mr Kelshaw encourages us, use manners – please, sorry and thank-you, turn-taking, including others, and comforting a friend in need - these small acts build a kind environment.
• Show gratitude. A simple “thank you” or word of encouragement can uplift someone’s day.
• Listen to understand. Being truly present with someone is one of the most profound acts of kindness.

As a Christian College, we are guided by the good news of Jesus Christ. Kindness is not just a virtue — it’s a calling, and like other clothing, it is something that we must put on and wear each day.

Let’s be a College where our community is known for their strength of character and infused with kindness.

We’re excited to announce the official opening of our new building on Wednesday 3 September.
We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you!

Please see the attached Term Dates for 2026 for your reference.

Last week, parents of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 would have received their child’s NAPLAN results. While there is often considerable discussion and debate surrounding NAPLAN (and no doubt you’ve seen the usual wave of articles and news reports), the reality is that it provides a point-in-time snapshot of a child’s progress across various literacy and numeracy domains.

NAPLAN is not a complete or holistic reflection of your child’s capabilities and the many strengths they demonstrate beyond these areas. However, it does offer an additional perspective on your child’s development that complements the ongoing assessments conducted in class. This can help both teachers and parents deepen their understanding of a child’s learning progress, strengths, and areas for growth.

If you would like to discuss your child’s NAPLAN results, please reach out to their class teacher (for Years 3 and 5) or email [email protected] (for Years 7 and 9). We can provide further insight into how your child is progressing in school-based assessments and how that aligns with their NAPLAN results.

If you did not receive your child’s NAPLAN results, please first speak to your child (and check their bag!) then contact the school administration team who will be able to print you another copy.

Mrs Melinda Richardson - Head of Primary

Welcome to Term 3!

We hope the school holiday break offered your family a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy some quality time together. We also recognise the juggling act holidays can be, especially in households where both parents work. Thank you for the time, effort, and arrangements you made to ensure your child was well cared for.

A very warm welcome to the new families who have joined our Primary School community this term. We’re so glad to have you with us. We look forward to getting to know you and your children in the weeks ahead.

Earlier this week, Start of Term Letters were emailed to all families from each grade team. These letters outline the key learning areas, special events, and experiences planned for the term. If you haven’t had a chance to read yours yet, we encourage you to take a look. It’s a great way to stay connected to what’s ahead in your child’s learning.

As we return to the routines of school life, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of positive relationships between students, families, and staff. At Penrith Anglican College, we deeply value our partnership with you in your child’s learning journey.

Sometimes, I hear from families who say, “I didn’t want to be that parent,” particularly when concerns have built up over time. Please know: you are never that parent when you reach out early. With 20+ learners in every classroom, teachers may not always see or hear everything that’s happening. That’s why your insights are so important.

If your child says something that makes you wonder or raises a question, we would love to hear from you. A quick note in the diary, a short email, or a call to the office requesting a follow-up are all great ways to stay connected. You are always welcome to arrange a time to speak with your child’s teacher as your perspective helps us support your child more effectively.

We all lead full lives, but we share the same goal: that your child continues to grow, flourish, and thrive this term.

From Tuesday 1 July to Thursday 3 July, our Year 6 students embarked on their highly anticipated camp to Canberra, titled ‘Capital Adventure’. Travelling by bus, students explored many iconic sites in our nation’s capital while deepening their understanding of Australia’s political system and national history. Highlights of the trip included visits to the National Museum of Australia, Museum of Australian Democracy, Australian War Memorial, Questacon and Parliament House.

In addition to these enriching excursions, students took part in a variety of engaging activities such as Christian Discovery, Catapults, Vertical Cluster and fun group games. The camp provided a fantastic opportunity for students to build friendships, develop teamwork skills and step out of their comfort zones in a safe and supportive environment. It was a memorable experience for many, offering a range of opportunities that students will reflect on in different ways as part of their final year in Primary School.

Last week, some of our youngest PAC Community celebrated their first official 100 days of schooling! To celebrate 100 days of kindergarten, students dressed up as if they were 100 years old, adding a fun and imaginative twist to the day. With grey wigs, glasses, cardigans, walking sticks, and even drawn-on wrinkles, the young learners transformed into playful versions of themselves in the future, much to the delight of teachers and families. The creative costumes sparked plenty of laughter and joy, making the milestone truly memorable. Alongside their outfits, students took part in activities that celebrate everything they have learnt so far, reinforcing the idea that they were now “100 days smarter.” It was a heartwarming and entertaining way to mark their growth and build a strong sense of classroom community.

Primary Jump Off Day Results

This year’s Jump Off Day held on June 13th marked the exciting conclusion of our school’s Jump Rope for Heart challenge—a day full of energy, fun and generous spirit. It was the perfect culmination: part celebration, part fundraiser, part showcase of everything our students learned and achieved in skipping during Semester One.

We are thrilled to announce that our campaign surpassed expectations by raising $22082 in total donations for The Heart Foundation! This significant amount positioned us in First Place on the National Leaderboard of Top Schools and the funds will go directly to supporting the Heart Foundation’s initiatives in heart health education and disease prevention.

Jump Off Day was more than just a day of jumping—it was a powerful demonstration of community, fun and impact. Huge congratulations to all our students for their enthusiastic skipping and to every supporter and friend of PAC who contributed to this incredible outcome!

Mrs Sue Munce
JRFH Coordinator

The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book Week turns 80 in 2025 and we are joining in the celebrations from 16-23 August. For 8 decades, CBCA has been dedicated to inspiring young minds on journeys through countless book worlds.

The vital importance of books and the privilege we have to read books from authors of all backgrounds shouldn’t be underestimated. In the library we take the opportunity during Book Week to celebrate our freedom to read as we ‘Book an Adventure’ to anywhere we choose!

During Book Week we are holding our annual Book Fair, on Friday 22 August from 8am. We look forward to your generous support of this event.

On Monday 28 July, students from Stage 3 travelled to Blacktown Sports Complex to compete in the Primary Wanderers Five Cup Final. The event gave students the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills in the exciting fives format of the game.

Both our boys and girls teams played with determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day, taking on tough competition from schools across the region.

A special congratulations goes to our girls team, who finished as runners-up – an outstanding achievement!

On 23 July, Jacob K in Year 4 competed at the NSWPSSA Cross-Country Championships. He delivered an outstanding performance in a tightly contested race. Sitting in second place for most of the event, he showed incredible determination to make a winning move on the final corner, crossing the finish line in first place in a time of 6:57 for his 2km event.

It was an exceptionally tough race, with the top seven boys finishing within just eight seconds of each other. Jacob’s impressive finish has earned him the opportunity to represent NSW at the School Sport Australia Cross-Country Championships in September.

Congratulations Jacob on this fantastic achievement!

On June 18th, eight of our Primary School students proudly represented our College at the Primary Girls CSSA Gymnastics Competition. Competing across various divisions and levels, the girls displayed incredible determination, skill and sportsmanship throughout the day. Their dedication and training were evident in every routine and they upheld our College values with grace and confidence on the competition floor.

We are thrilled to share that several students achieved outstanding results.

Level 3 Division 1 Ottavia S – 3rd

Level 4 Division 1 Mia E – 5th

Level 4 Division 2 Eva W – 3rd

Level 5 Division 1 Frankie L – 2nd,  Sophie H – 3rd,  Sophia R – 5th

Level 7 Division 1 Alessandra H – 3rd,  Harper E – 6th

Congratulations to all our gymnasts for their fantastic efforts and for representing our school with pride!

Celebrating Our PAC Alumni!

We're thrilled to introduce an exciting new series, "Where Are They Now?" launching very soon

This series will explore the diverse and inspiring journeys our former students have embarked upon since graduating from PAC.

Having taught at PAC for the past 15 years, I've had the incredible privilege of witnessing the growth and aspirations of countless students. Now, as they've ventured beyond our gates, we're curious about the paths their lives have taken. Each instalment will feature a different PAC alumnus, offering a compelling look into their careers, further studies, personal achievements, and the obstacles and triumphs they've navigated.

This series promises to be incredibly enriching for our entire school community. For our current students, it will offer valuable perspectives on the multitude of opportunities ahead, illustrating the successful and varied paths that can emerge from their time at PAC. For parents, it will serve as a strong affirmation of the quality education and support provided by the College. And for our devoted staff, it will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former students and celebrate their achievements.

Mrs Annette Carter
Careers Coordinator.

On Thursday 31 July 2025, class of 2024 student Jeremy Noakes attended a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award recognition ceremony. Hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO KC, Governor of New South Wales the ceremony recognised the achievements of those young people who have completed their Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Gold level.

The Gold Award is the final and most demanding level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and is made up of five components: Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, Adventurous Journey and Residential Project. Through his completion of the Award, Jeremy has shown outstanding commitment and his ability to self-motivate and juggle the Award alongside the demands of his senior years which is a credit to his dedication.

The Parents & Friends had a blast wrapping up Term 2 at the Pre K – 2 Athletics Carnival. Our thanks to the College for inviting us along to join in the fun! We served up lots of snacks, refreshments and sausages to our hungry little athletes and their families. Shout out to all the PAC families who supported our snack station on the day! Thank you to the Property Team for the fancy set up, who knew July 4 was going to be such a beautiful sunny day, needless to say we didn’t sell many hot chocolates! Big thank you to the fabulous volunteers who put their hand up to help on the day, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Tickets to the Primary Disco are on sale now! Jump on to the Flexischools app to pre-purchase your tickets today (last tickets midnight, 12 August - tickets will be available on the night too)!  Dust of your dancing shoes and dress in your fluro/neon best to dance the night away with your PAC Primary friends on Friday, 15 August:

• Pre-K Disco: 5:00 - 6:15pm in the Staff Common Room
• Kindergarten - Year 2 Disco : 5:00 - 6:30pm in the Gym
• Year 3 - Year 6 Disco : 7:00 - 8:30pm in the Gym

Families are welcome to stay and mingle in the Primary Assembly area whilst the groovers dance the night away.  There will be live music, the Year 10’s will be cooking up sausages on the BBQ raising funds for Rare Cancers Australia and the P&F will host a snack and beverage stall for families to enjoy.  We love volunteers and invite those who hold a current WWCC and have completed the PAC Volunteer Induction training session to come along and help at this event. Reach out to us via email to [email protected], we can never have too many volunteers!

Our next General Meeting will be held Monday, 4 August at 7:00pm in the College Staff Room. All are always welcome!

Upcoming Parents & Friends Dates:

• Father’s Day Stall – 3 & 4 September
• Annual General Meeting – 22 September

As part of the College’s Enrichment Program, students have the opportunity to participate in one or all of the ICAS English, Mathematics and Science tests.

ICAS is an independent, skills-based assessment which recognises and rewards student academic achievement and requires students to think beyond the classroom. Each test is sat at the College and is invigilated by teachers under normal examination conditions.

The tests will be held within the following dates. The exact dates are to be confirmed.

• English: 11-15 August 2025
• Science: 18-22 August 2025
• Mathematics: 25-29 August 2025

Participation in English, Mathematics and Science test costs $19.95 including GST per test. The tests are open to students from Years 3 to 10.

For further information about registering for the ICAS assessments, please refer to the letter that was sent home in the April holidays.