From the Principal
College Production 2022
We are excited to announce that a musical is planned for June 2022!
High School Musical will be a singing, dancing and acting extravaganza and we can't wait!
The 2022 College Production Information Pack has been emailed to students, staff and College families. This pack has all the information needed for auditions and rehearsals. Auditions are purely for role suitability – even if students aren’t confident with singing, or feel unsure about how they might want to be involved, have a go anyway!
Students in Year 5-8 2022 will only need to submit an expression of interest via the form below by Wednesday 1 December 2021.
Students in Year 9-12 2022 will need to submit a short video singing via the form below by Wednesday 1 December 2021.
Please make sure you read all the information in the audition pack before you ask questions of the Music and Drama faculty.
We are looking forward to working on the show with you!
Miss Sophie Tucker
English & Drama Teacher
Prayer and Praise
Teaching and Learning
Message from the Director of Student Wellbeing
Miss Adele Crane - Director of Student Wellbeing
Finishing the 2021 School Year well
In this week’s Secondary Assembly Mr Corr challenged our students to finish the school year well. With two weeks left, the final ten school days holds the opportunity for our students to embrace the opportunities on offer and make decisions that result in a finish that represents their best. This is not a normal challenge when you consider how massive 2021 has been.
The unique impacts of 2021 due to the extended lockdown may have understandably resulted in us all feeling unusually tired. Adjusting to Off Campus Learning, and then readjusting to engaging with society, albeit in different ways, can take its toll. It has certainly been most enjoyable being around people again at the College, along with the start-up of most activities in our lives, so despite how we might be feeling fatigued, we are also most likely to be experiencing joy of being part of our community again.
As students navigate this time in the school year, sometimes it is helpful for them to reflect on what has led to where they are and consider the emotions they are feeling. Helping them to be aware that some behaviours and reactions that they express, can be stemming from their tiredness and a reaction to all that the last six months has been. An understanding of the source of such behaviours can provide them with strength and a stronger ability to make better decisions in the future as they consider their emotions and factor this into their approach to different situations.
In our families we can also help our children to see how much they have accomplished. We want them to be able to reflect on what they are proud of this year. We can communicate this to them as well, modelling the importance of recognising accomplishments and praising our children’s growth in their character. Martin Seligman values a sense of accomplishment in his positive psychology approach defining it as a result of working toward and reaching goals, mastering an endeavour, and having self-motivation to finish what you set out to do. Accomplishment includes the concepts of perseverance and having a passion to attain goals. This helps to build up our wellbeing because we can look at our lives and the efforts we have given with a sense of pride.
During lockdown we learnt many lessons about ourselves and others. Many of us learnt the behaviours and decisions that help us to keep a stronger more healthier wellbeing. This knowledge and self-awareness are a valuable lesson. Helping students to continue to reflect on their personal wellbeing increases their ability to become the best person they can be.
At Penrith Anglican College we are assisting students to finish well, to make good decisions that match their intentions, being informed of what they have learnt and how their emotions can impact them. Armed with this understanding, students have every opportunity to finish the academic year well, making good decisions and helping to build up others around them.
Miss Adele Crane
Director of Student Wellbeing
College Term Dates 2022
Stationery Lists 2022
Message from the Deputy Principal (Primary)
Mrs Ljubica Mansell, Deputy Principal (Primary)
Dear Families
As we approach the final weeks of school for the year I wanted to share with you some of the highlights I have encountered as I walk through the Primary school as well as some important dates for your calendars.
It is just delightful to see so many students back at school after a very long time away. Seeing and hearing the students speak to one another and play in the playground to the learning interactions within the classroom. For a very long time, the College was a different place when the students were learning from home and I believe I’m not alone when I say how happy I am to have them all back together.
Orientation Days
We were also very fortunate to welcome many of our new students to our school through a series of orientation programs that will assist with building a rapport with our new families as they start their learning journey with us. A special thank you to the following Year students who supported the transition for our new students: Alana Jackson, Caitlin Bean, Lilijana Cavka, Maddison Cooney, Anastasija Mansell, Evan Bright. Dhanush Bhaskar Rao, Leon Repak, Karvel Bush, Luke Attard and Nathaniel Grima.
Learning in Primary School
Learning continues in Primary school as we edge closer to the end of term. Students still need to ensure they are prepare for learning each lesson by having their materials ready. If your family still have resources to return from Off-Campus learning such as books, devices or other resources, please ensure this is returned before Wednesday 8 December.
This week, students in Primary have been engaged in Advent activities as part of our Christian Living program as we begin to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The activities have allowed our students to have rich discussion about Jesus among their peers and posed some great questions to discuss with their teachers during Christian Living. Let us be reminded of the greatest gift we have ever received and ever will receive and that is the gift of Jesus from our Heavenly Father. We can rejoice in the true meaning of Christmas and remember the journey Jesus took here on Earth, for us.
Important Dates for your Calendar
Christmas Chapel Friday 3 December 2021
Pre-Kindergarten Celebration Friday 3 December 2021
Semester Two Reports issued to families Friday 3 December 2021
Primary Presentation Morning Wednesday 8 December 2021
Thank you for your continued support and I would like to wish you all a very blessed week ahead.
Mrs Ljubica Mansell
Deputy Principal (Primary)
Year 2 Art
The block project was created by Year 2 students. The focus was to create a 3D effect by colouring one side of the block and drawing patterns and designs on the other two sides. The designs were based on personal interests.
Mrs Annette Carter
Art Teacher
What's Happening in 3W?
Class 3W is working diligently during Core class session on their (Expert Hour) Research Task. The students can become an expert on any topic of their choice. They can research a profile on any famous person; any invention; historical event or scientific topic. Students will present their information in poster format during Week 9 as a whole grade. Some students awaiting eagerly to present their informative posters to their peers.
In Science our students were making notable observations regarding their Rocket seeds experiment. They must measure the plants growth rate, draw pictures of their three pot plants and record their data on a weekly basis. As a class, we brainstormed how to write a procedure and each student are now equipped to write a scientific method regarding their experiment.
Our students participating well during Sport sessions and developing great Cricket and Basketball skills.
In Christian Living, as we nearer the end of the year, with only 29 days to Christmas, our students are sharing valuable ideas about the significance of Jesus’ Birth and the wonderful thought that Jesus is a Saviour to all of us! The students are working through an Advent Activity booklet while listening to Christmas Carols and joining in with song at times.
Mrs Elsabe Prinsloo
Primary Teacher
Compassion Child Sponsorship
Primary Compassion Competition Results Term 4 Week 7.
Coin container height winners-
P-2: Year 2
3-6: Year 4
Total amount raised winners-
P-2: Year 2
3-6: Year 5
It was a massive and amazing effort from everyone in Pre K-6! Well done!
Our sponsor children say……Thank You!
And thank you also to Stella Jenkins, Charlotte Wright, Spencer Witten, Benji Brard and Addison Ralphs who helped all week with our competition.
Library
Look Inside the Library
Holiday Reads
We have some wonderful new books available for holiday borrowing in all Library centres at the College. Come and see us for an amazing real-life story, an action-packed adventure, some star-gazing sci-fi, a much-loved classic, the latest graphic novel, a spine-tingling mystery, or a little bit of Christmas!
A Final Reminder
Have you had a good search for any library books that need to be returned? Please bring overdue books back as soon as possible, we have many students waiting to borrow books which haven’t been returned.
Library Highlights 2021
We are delighted to reflect on some highlights from 2021 and look forward to relaxing with a good book over the holiday break!
Author visits – we were excited to share a fun day with Lesley Gibbes and Tristan Bancks in Term 1.
Book Parade – what an out of this world experience our Book Parade 2021 was! We are so thankful for the enthusiasm and joyful participation of our entire College community.
Books2U and Storytime @ home – we had an amazing time recording stories for viewing by our students during Term 3 and preparing books for borrowing via click and collect.
Important Events – we celebrated many occasions through the year via our Library centres including Earth Day, International Women’s Day, World Wildlife Day, RU OK Day and of course International Star Wars Day! We also love to link big events with books so this year we celebrated the opening of Hamilton in Sydney (Revolution), the 40th anniversary of Indiana Jones (Archaeology), International Sherlock Holmes Day (detective novels), the birthday of Anne Frank (diaries), the long-awaited film release of Dune (science fiction books) and more.
PAC Library Staff
Secondary School
Year 8 CEP
Challenge – Explore – Prepare (CEP).
Year 8 students had a CEP Day on 17 November with CRU Educational Camps.
Through unique activities, students worked in groups to problem solve challenges, being prepared to be flexible and dynamic in their work to complete the tasks given. Activities included catapult construction, group survivor tasks and laser tag. There was also an opportunity for students to reflect on how God can help them with challenges they face in life.
Food Technology
Year 9 Food Tech students have been busy creating Chocolate Mousse Cases filled with a mousse filling, topped with piped chocolate decorations.
They have also mastered the art of using ganache and fondant icing to create Christmas inspired designs for their Christmas Cupcakes.
Mrs Diane Catto
Head of Technologies
Design and Technology
Students in Year 10 Design and Technology designed a Passive Amplifier project during Off Campus Learning. Their task was to design and make an innovative and contemporary, passive amplifier for use with a smartphone. The design of the speaker needed to utilise acoustical horn technology, therefore, eliminating the need for a powered speaker and amplifier system.
The final product was modelled in CAD using Autodesk’s Fusion 360. Students 3D printed their designs once they returned to campus, allowing them to test the effectiveness of their design solutions. All design solutions significantly increased the volume of music being played by their smartphones! Amazing work Year 10 D&T!
Attached are photos of designs by: Damiano Licastro, Dominic Cinello, Eren Goker, Josh Green, Will Dukes, and Zane Beard.
Photography by Zane Beard and Dominic Cinello.
Mr Shannon Casey
Technologies Teacher
Year 10 Australian Business Week
During Week 7 of this term, students in Year 10 participated in Australian Business Week, an initiative designed to give students a simulated business experience. During the week students were tasked with creating a sports product, which they then needed to design and market, and make decision that will affect their companies performance in a computer simulation. Students competed in groups to make the best trade display, video advertisement, business report and oral presentation. Well done to all of our participants in Year 10!
Mr Timothy Pigot
Head of House - Ryle
Community Notices
Toys 'n' Tucker Appeal - last day for donations is Monday 29 November
TOYS ‘n’ TUCKER 2021
Last day for donations is Monday 29 November.
The College is proudly continuing its long involvement in Anglicare’s Toys’n’Tucker Appeal and we would love your help!
Anglicare has need of both NEW Christmas gifts for children up to teenagers and small items of food, especially Christmas items.
Suggestions for Gifts include:
Sporting equipment, games, books, toiletries especially for teenage boys and GIFT CARDS. Please do not wrap the gifts, parents are given wrapping paper to do this.
Food items need to be small packets not bulk packs as they are too large to fit into the gift boxes.
Christmas items such as puddings, long-life custard, nuts, nibbles, crackers, juice, sweets and canned hams are especially welcome.
Staples such as pasta,rice, tea, coffee and jams are needed as are rolls of gift wrap and sticky tape.
Where:
Pre K to Year 6 – please give to your Core Class teacher.
Years 7 – 12 – please give to your Mentor Group teacher.
P & F Gingerbread House Fundraiser
Uniform Shop Extended Trading Hours
Code Camp Summer 2021 -2022
Opal Card Applications for School Travel 2022 Are Open
Students who need a School Opal card or travel pass for 2022 can apply now. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for a school travel pass for the first time, or if they are requesting an additional travel entitlement as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation.
Please see the attached letter from Transport NSW for more details.
Community Business Directory
The latest version of our Community Business Directory is now available for download.
The Community Business Directory acts as a link for business and families to support each other. This initiative has been 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.