The Vine Newsletter

Dear Families,

It has been a wonderful start to Term 3, and a blessing to see the days growing brighter and warmer. I pray the return to routine has been smooth for your family.

Morning drop-off

Supervision begins at 8:00am. Students arriving earlier are often unsupervised, which is a child safety concern. If early, please wait in the car or walk your child to their play space and wait for a teacher to arrive. Alternatively, you may use the option of TheirCare.
This ensures students begin the day feeling safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Late arrivals

Please aim for students to arrive by 8:25am so they can greet friends, visit the bathroom if needed, and be ready for our 8:30am assembly. We understand occasional delays happen.
A calm, settled start to the day helps students focus and build positive connections.

Smart watches

As outlined in our Primary Parent Handbook, smart watches are not permitted in Primary. This avoids loss, damage, and unnecessary pressure among students. Where there is a genuine need, families can request a Uniform Exemption Form with supporting evidence.
Minimising valuable items at school reduces anxiety for students and supports equity across our community.

Together, these measures help create a safe, calm, and inclusive environment where every student can start the day well, focus on their learning, and enjoy positive relationships with peers. Thank you for partnering with us in caring for our children’s wellbeing.

During Week 2, we were delighted to welcome students and staff from our sister school, Kumamoto Marist, for a very special visit. Hosted by local families, our guests enjoyed a warm and memorable Australian experience. During their time here, they participated in English lessons and joined in a variety of activities, including an authentic “Aussie campfire cookout.” One of the highlights of the visit for us, was their performance of traditional cultural dances and songs, which they shared with our Year 8 and Year 9 students, offering a vibrant glimpse into Japanese culture.

The visit was not only a celebration of friendship and cultural exchange, but also a reminder of the value of building connections across borders. Our students benefited greatly from the chance to interact with peers from another part of the world, learning more about Japanese language, customs, and perspectives in a fun and engaging way.

Looking ahead, as part of our priority to rekindle our overseas travel program, there will be an opportunity for our students to visit Kumamoto Marist in Japan during the September break next year. This will be a wonderful chance to strengthen our sister-school relationship, explore another culture firsthand, and create memories and friendships that may last a lifetime.

Operation Art is a state-wide visual arts exhibition for students from Kindergarten to Year 10, presented by the NSW Department of Education in partnership with The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. The program encourages students to create artworks designed to brighten the lives of children in hospitals, helping to foster a positive and uplifting environment that supports young patients in their healing and recovery. Selected pieces tour regional galleries across NSW, and some are chosen to join the permanent collection at The Children’s Hospital.

In 2024, Isabella W, now in Year 1, submitted an artwork to Operation Art. Her piece was recognised with a Participation Award, meaning it was selected for display in a NSW Art Gallery.

This year, Isabella’s artwork has been showcased at the Fairfield City Museum and Gallery, and we are delighted to now have it on display at the College. The artwork is on display in the College Administration area before it is returned to Isabella and her family as a treasured keepsake.

Isabella is also following in the footsteps of her dad, Jacob, who was an inaugural participant 30 years ago when he was in Kindergarten. While Jacob was a student at PAC, his own Operation Art entry was exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Congratulations, Isabella, on this outstanding achievement, and for continuing a wonderful family tradition!

IPSHA Travelling Art Show

Over the past few weeks we have hosted the Independent Primary School Heads Association (IPSHA) traveling Art Exhibition. The IPSHA Travelling Art Show showcases physical artworks from schools across the state which travel from school to school and are displayed to the local community.

Congratulations to the 10 Primary students in Year 3-6, whose artworks have been selected to feature in this year’s IPSHA Art Exhibitions. We are very proud of your efforts and excited that you have been chosen to represent Penrith Anglican College in this way.

Year 3: Nataliah S, Jasmine R and Isaiah A

Year 4: Andrew-Dag A and Milania A

Year 5: Erleen B, Theodore W and Rebecca W

Year 6: Mannat G and Mehreen S

The IPSHA Virtual Art Show

The IPSHA Virtual Art Show showcases artworks shown in a digital format from participating schools across NSW. These works are made with a range of mediums from painting, drawing and collage, to textiles, clay and digital media. Featured are individual art works highlight the quality and diversity of learning, and stunning collaborative pieces created through skilled team effort.

Enjoy the IPSHA Virtual Art Show

Password: IPSHAart2025

On their excursion to The Rocks, located on Gadigal Country in an area known as Tallowoladah, Year 4 students worked in small groups to explore the area and learn about the rich history of both First Nations Australians and early European convicts. They had the opportunity to taste bush tucker, examine culturally significant artefacts, and complete interactive puzzles that brought the past to life. As they adventured through the historic streets, students gained a deeper understanding of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land, and the experiences of convicts during early colonisation. It was a meaningful and engaging day, and the students had a fantastic time.

This term in Primary Christian Studies, Chapel, and our lunchtime group BIG, students across K–6 are exploring the powerful theme of the Armour of God from Ephesians 6. We're learning how God equips His people with spiritual armour to help us stand strong in our faith and live His way in the world. Last week at BIG- our Christian lunchtime group open to all K–6 students we had a fun and meaningful time together, including games, a memory verse challenge, and a creative activity where students made their own breastplate of righteousness. Through these activities, we’re helping students understand that God gives us His goodness to cover and protect our hearts, and that trusting in Jesus helps us to make Godly choices each day.

Each week, we will learn a bit more of our memory verse through actions, challenges, and songs. Challenge your child to see if they know what we have learnt so far!

Ephesians 6:14 “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place”

Mr Anthony Kelshaw - Head of Secondary

Navigating the Future: AI, Learning at the College

Education is undergoing a profound transformation. With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), schools around the world are rethinking how learning happens—and what it means to truly understand and grow.

At Penrith Anglican College, we’re not immune to these changes.

AI is already impacting the way students engage with learning. While AI platforms can be helpful, they also present a challenge: when students rely on AI to do the thinking for them, they can short circuit the learning process. The struggle and the effort it takes to wrestle with a hard concept or solve a tricky problem is where real learning happens. It’s in those moments of frustration, even a few tears, that the brain builds new pathways and deepens understanding. Learning happens.

As educators, we want our students to struggle productively. As a College we value this wrestle, and it is encapsulated in our College value of persistence. We want students to experience the satisfaction that comes from persistence and growth, but we also know that AI isn’t going away. In fact, it will be a central part of the world our students are stepping into.

Penrith Anglican College AI Framework

To help guide students and staff through this evolving landscape, we are starting to roll out of a new AI Framework. This framework outlines how AI can be used in different types of assessment tasks, ensuring clarity, fairness, and integrity in learning. The broad categories we will be using are:

No AI

AI Evaluation

Limited AI Assistance

Extensive AI Assistance

The framework has been adapted from the ides of Leon Furze and will be roll out for Year 12 in Term 4 this year and Year 7 to 11 in 2026. It is designed to help students use AI as a learning tool, not a shortcut. It encourages thoughtful use, academic integrity, and the development of essential skills for a future where AI will be an increasing part of everyday life.

The Role of Parents in AI-Era Learning

As parents, you play a vital role in helping your child navigate learning in an AI-influenced world. One of the most powerful things you can do is help them struggle well to stay accountable and engaged in the learning process.

Here are a few practical ways to support your child:

Be present during homework time. Encourage them to work at the kitchen table or another shared space where you can observe their process.

Help them organise their work. Supporting your child in saving drafts and documents to their OneDrive account creates a clear document history.

Talk about the process. Ask questions like: What are you learning? What’s challenging? How are you approaching the task?

Discuss perseverance. Help them understand that struggling with a task isn’t a sign of failure—it’s part of how we learn.

Learn about AI tools. Familiarise yourself with the platforms your child may be using. Understanding how these tools work will help you guide their responsible use.

Together, we can help students build the skills they need to think critically, act ethically, and thrive in a world where AI is part of everyday life.

AI and Digital Safety

It’s important to highlight a recent and significant change in legislation around the use of AI to create images of real people.

The NSW Government has strengthened laws to protect individuals from image-based abuse, particularly targeting the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes of actual people. These changes make it a criminal offence to produce or share AI-generated content that impersonates real people in harmful or inappropriate ways.

As a college, we take this issue seriously. Over the coming weeks, we will be educating students about these changes during year meetings. Our aim is to ensure that all students understand the ethical and legal boundaries of AI use, and feel confident navigating the digital world with respect and responsibility.

We also encourage parents and carers to be part of this conversation at home. Talk with your child about the risks and realities of deepfakes and image-based abuse. Ask them what they know about how AI can be used to manipulate images or voices, and discuss why these technologies must be used responsibly. These conversations help build awareness and reinforce the shared community values of Compassion, Courage, humility, Integrity, and perseverance.

This is part of our broader commitment to preparing students not just for academic success, but for safe and informed participation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Detail of this legislative change can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/nsw-government-to-strengthen-protections-against-image-based-abuse

During our time at Dusty Boots in the Term 2 holidays, our team completed acts of service to not only the locals in Wellington, but also to our host family on their property at Ridgecrest. Our service included a lot of gardening, weeding, and cleaning windows, all of which was extremely rewarding as we were able to talk and connect with the locals. Our Dusty Boots team hosted 2 nights of Trivia at the Baptist and the Anglican church where everyone got involved and a little competitive! This was an amazing opportunity to talk to and get to know more people in the area, many of which we had seen previously at the church service we participated in. Overall, Dusty Boots is a once in a lifetime opportunity where you are able to get to know your cohort and teachers on a deeper level and learn the benefits of community service.

- Andrea E (Year 11).

This term, our Year 10 students have been actively exploring different career pathways, and we’re incredibly proud to see them taking initiative and making the most of the opportunities available to them. Three of our students recently shared their invaluable experiences, highlighting the diverse fields they've explored.

Soaring High with Qantas

Bailey W proudly represented the College at Qantas’ NextGen Aviators Day.

"I was proud to represent the College in Qantas' NextGen Aviators Day, a day where around 40 students from across Sydney were invited behind the scenes to encourage women working in predominantly male roles, especially in the aviation industry.

Our base and office for the day was at the Qantas HQ, where most corporate and behind-the-scenes aviation work happens. We also toured the T3 Qantas Domestic Terminal, saw where Qantas' cabin crew and pilots go before flights with a full view of the airfield, and hopped onto QantasLink's Dash Q400, their biggest regional aircraft. We then took a bus to Hangar 191, where an A330-200 P2F aircraft was getting an engine fixed. A Falcon is currently housed in Hangar 96, which is the service hangar for A380s.

Later, we headed back for a Women in Aviation Panel and Q&A, a Careers Path Discussion, and an engineering challenge. This challenge aimed for us to fly from Sydney to Berlin using waypoints by finding the right amount of fuel and flight time, using some of the technology they use in the workforce.

Overall, this was an awesome day and I want to say a huge thank you to Mrs. Carter for such an amazing opportunity!"

Exploring Life at Taronga Zoo

Keira G spent 5 days at Taronga Zoo, here is a little snapshot:

"Work experience at Taronga Zoo was a wonderful experience, providing a fun, nature-filled working environment and teaching me many interesting facts about birds.

In the kitchen, I learned about the many different bird diets, from frugivore (fruit-based) to insectivore, and that most of the birds' meals are made fresh at the zoo each morning. While running errands, I did jobs like cleaning cages and changing out the birds' nectar bottles. One of my favourite tasks was counting the birds each day to ensure they were still in their cages. We did this by noting the birds we'd seen and the colour of the anklet they wore. On the last day, I helped out in the FreeFlight Birds area, where they keep the trained birds. I loved watching a training session with a very smart owl and helping to set up for the midday show.

A highlight was feeding the cassowary, a beautiful and curious animal, and chatting with the other zoo staff, who were all very friendly. Taronga was amazing, and I loved the chance to experience what a hands-on, outdoor job in zoology would be like."

A Glimpse into the World of Medicine

Jake K participated in the Future Health Aspirations program at Nepean Hospital, an experience that solidified their goal of becoming a trauma surgeon. The two-day program offered a unique, behind-the-scenes look at a hospital environment.

"This term, I had the privilege of participating in the two-day Future Health Aspirations program at Nepean Hospital. The program was designed for Year 10 students interested in health careers and provided an invaluable, behind-the-scenes look at a hospital environment.

A key highlight was watching a live surgery from an observation room, where a pacemaker was successfully implanted into a patient's heart. We also had the unique opportunity to enter an operating theatre and practice endotracheal intubation—inserting a tube into a windpipe to aid breathing—on medical mannequins. Meeting other students from across the area who shared a passion for healthcare made the experience even more memorable.

This program has inspired me to pursue a career as a trauma surgeon and has motivated me to work diligently in Year 11 and 12 with a clear goal in mind. I would highly recommend this program to future Year 10 students; it is an excellent way to gain a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of healthcare, even if you are still exploring your career options.

Praise & Worship Festival

Secondary students kicked off the term with a Praise & Worship Festival, enjoying an afternoon filled with games and a sausage sizzle. The celebration then moved into the Lighthouse Theatre for a powerful time of singing and reflecting on God’s greatness. Both staff and students appreciated the opportunity to worship together outside of our usual weekly gatherings of Chapel and Rock.

Bible Society Masterclass

During Week 3, a group of students attended the Bible Society Masterclass at Castle Hill. It was a great opportunity to be amongst hundreds of other students praising God and listening to renowned speakers. They were challenged to think through questions like:

• How does Scripture point to Jesus?
• What would it have been like for the disciples on the Emmaus Road to have Jesus open their minds to understand the Scriptures?
• What if modern freedom is a trap? And if it is, what can we do to free ourselves from it?
• Is it possible, in an age of outrage, to disagree with someone and love them at the same time?
• How can we hold our own convictions with humility, and respond well to those who find our beliefs challenging?

InterCRU

Coming up in Week 6, we have the privilege of hosting InterCRU at PAC. InterCRU is an opportunity for secondary students to meet together, hear fantastic Bible talks, worship, play games, and hear inspiring testimonies. This is a free-event that is taking registrations now.

The weekend following our induction, the newly elected 2025–2026 Leadership Team embarked on a two-day retreat to Katoomba, held from Sunday 3 to Monday 4 August. Despite the cold, drizzly weather, spirits were high as we kicked off our leadership journey with a mix of reflective activities, team-building games, and inspiring talks.

One of the highlights of the retreat was our bushwalk—despite the rain, slippery tracks, and early regret, we pushed through and were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains and stunning waterfalls. The shared experience brought us closer together and set the tone for a year of unity and perseverance.

Back at the convention centre, we had the opportunity to hear from a number of insightful speakers, including our outgoing Captain Jessy and Vice-Captain Teagan, Mr Rheinberger, Mr Kelshaw, and Mrs Grima. We were also fortunate to participate in a public speaking seminar led by a guest presenter, which helped us develop confidence and communication skills. Each session offered valuable lessons in leadership and encouraged us to reflect on how we can align our actions with the College’s values.

As part of this reflection, we worked together to create our leadership vision: “Creating unity throughout the College.” This shared goal will guide us in the year ahead as we strive to lead with integrity, collaboration, and purpose.

Of course, it wasn’t all serious. In between sessions, the team bonded over lively rounds of Spoons, UNO, and leadership games led by Mr Kelshaw. These moments of fun and connection were just as valuable in strengthening our team dynamic.

The retreat was a meaningful and memorable start to our year of leadership—an experience that not only prepared us for the challenges ahead, but also brought us together as a united and enthusiastic team. It’s definitely something future leaders can look forward to.

It is with great pride that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 HSC students and their dedicated teachers for the remarkable work presented in the 2025 Year 12 HSC Showcase on Wednesday 6 August. The calibre of the projects, bodies of work, and performances reflects months of sustained commitment, discipline, and intellectual engagement.

This occasion serves to honour the rigorous processes undertaken by our students, including the conceptualisation, planning, critique, refinement, and execution of their works - each stage a testament to their resilience and resolve. We were especially pleased to present these accomplishments to the broader College community, with sincere acknowledgment of the families and peers whose ongoing support has been instrumental throughout.

As we celebrate these achievements, we also recognise the development of vital skills and attributes that will serve our students well in their future endeavours. We look forward with confidence and anticipation to the contributions they will make beyond their time at Penrith Anglican College.

During Week 2, some of our Year 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to attend Philosophy Day for Thinkers, a conference held at Ascham School in Edgecliff. Throughout the day students engaged in thought-provoking discussions, philosophical puzzles, deep questions about life, morality and the importance of following logic before making decisions. Here’s what they had to say about their experience:

We had the opportunity to go on an excursion to Asham School as they were hosting a Philosophy Day for thinkers. Our year 9 philosophy class and year 10 G&T were lucky enough to attend the day along a few other Sydney schools. We got to hear from Julie Arliss who gave us a lot to think about, encouraging us to expand our knowledge and think in depth about Plato’s allegory of the cave. She left us with a lot of thoughts and inspired us to think about what courage truly is. We even got the chance to hear from a special speaker, Dr Andrew Pinsent who offered his valuable explanation on religion, science, evil and free will. We ended the day with a debate on what really makes the world go round – money or love? – here students had the opportunity to go up onto the stage and express their thoughts and opinions on the matter. The day overall was an amazing chance to broaden our perspectives on real world situations and reach out of our comfort zones.

Well done to Ava H (Year 6) who recently competed for PAC in the Snowboard Cross and Snowboard GS events during the July School Holidays.

Competing in Division 4 (Years 5 and 6), she faced some seriously tough conditions. Despite never having competed before she jumped straight into action and gave it her all, placing 9th and 10th in her division. Her performance has now earned her a place at the State Snow Australia Interschools competition in August.

Congratulations Ava on an incredible effort and achievement!

Congratulations to Amari A (Year 1), who recently represented with excellence at the inaugural Shaolin Games held in Brisbane!

Amari competed in two traditional martial arts forms and came away with both Gold and Bronze medals. She was also the youngest competitor on the day (by at least three years) a remarkable achievement in itself.

Well done, Amari!

Congratulations to all our athletes who attended the CASA Athletics Carnival on 7 August at Campbelltown Athletic Centre. The refurbished blue track provided excitement for our students to compete in their events. The level of talent on display was outstanding, with students giving their all in every event, from sprints to relays and jumping and throwing field events. We had some great individual results throughout the day and the hard work and determination of our students was evident, contributing to Penrith Anglican College taking out the carnival for the second year in a row. This victory was a true testament to the dedication and sportsmanship of our students, who represented the College with pride. Well done to our Junior Boys and Senior Girls Relay teams coming 3rd in their 4x 100m event.

Where Are They Now? A Conversation with Max Cochrane

It's always inspiring to see our alumni take the skills and values they developed at PAC and use them to build successful and fulfilling lives. We recently connected with Max Cochrane, a 2020 Graduate, to hear about his journey since leaving the college. At just 23, Max is a Junior Consultant in Security Governance in Sydney, and his story is a fantastic example of seizing opportunities and navigating challenges.

The Journey Since Graduation

When Max left Year 12, his plan was to start a double degree in Security Studies and Business Analytics at Macquarie University and eventually work in a security and international relations-related field. While he's on track to complete his degree this year, his path evolved significantly through proactive networking and embracing new experiences.

His journey began in his first year of university when he attended a defence industry conference. This led to a series of networking events that opened doors and connected him with industry professionals who are now his mentors. These connections ultimately led to an incredible opportunity: joining a trade show delegation overseas, which in turn helped him land his current role at Empire Protection in October 2023.

One of the most defining moments of his journey was receiving a New Colombo Plan mobility grant in 2023. This grant, funded by the Australian government, allowed him to spend a semester studying abroad in Thailand. He describes the experience as "eye-opening and life-changing," as he gained a new perspective on security challenges, immersed himself in a different culture, and made lifelong friends.

Challenges and Resilience

While abroad, Max faced a significant personal challenge. Being in a new country with a different language and culture, far from his friends and family, was stressful. The passing of a family member compounded this, and he considered returning home.

"I did something stupid and didn’t talk about it with people back home because I had a great opportunity, I didn’t want to seem ungrateful," he shared.

However, he found resilience by talking to a friend, reflecting on his family member, and taking time for himself. He explored his new city, went to social events to meet people, and took a weekend trip to recharge. This experience taught him a powerful lesson: "The most important thing about a person isn’t always succeeding; it’s how they react to and learn from adversity and failure that matters."

The PAC Connection

Looking back on his time at PAC, Max has a fond memory of the talent quest. "It was a great test of self-confidence to get up in front of about one thousand people in a yellow cap and hat," he laughed.

He also notes how his perspective on life has changed since high school. "I’ve seen more of the real world," he explained, "I’ve been able to experience other cultures, other countries, and how people think and act."

Max's Advice to Current Students

When asked for a final piece of advice, Max stressed the importance of networking. "Go to as many networking events as you can, ask questions, tell stories, make some jokes, be someone people want to know and be around," he advised. He also encourages students not to be afraid to ask questions of more experienced people, as most are happy to offer advice.

His journey is a powerful reminder that a career path isn't always a straight line. It's about being open to opportunities, learning from challenges, and actively building the connections that will shape your future.

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!

CRU Rush is back at Penrith Anglican from 29th September - 3rd October! Your child will have the week of their lives and get a great opportunity to make new friends and build self-confidence during their school holidays! They'll enjoy the experience of camp, with the chance to participate in exciting outdoor activities including ezyrollers, inflatables and making and decorating their own kite, all while exploring a Christian worldview, whilst still going home to sleep in the comfort of their own bed.

To find out more information and register, please follow the link https://crucamps.com.au/day-camp/crurush25/

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