PAC The Vine 2025 - Vol 20

As we close 2025, we celebrate a year of growth, character development, and community across every stage of learning. From Kindergarten to Year 12, our students have shown that they are capable of extraordinary things, reminding us that education is not just about academics, but about shaping lives.

Thank you to our families for your trust and partnership, and to our staff for their unwavering dedication and care.

As we look ahead to 2026 - with exciting initiatives such as preparation for the House expansion, the Wizard of Oz musical, and the commencement of the new VAST Building (Visual Arts, Science and Technology) project, we remain committed to educating both the heart and the mind.

On behalf of Penrith Anglican College, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and blessed Christmas. May this season bring peace to your homes and hope for the year ahead.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Whole College

Annual Christmas Breakfast and Chapel

Our Christmas Chapel on the lawn was a great way to celebrate together as a College. Families gathered to sing carols, enjoy breakfast, and watch Mrs Price and Mrs Clark complete the big puzzle, which revealed a picture of Jesus in the manger-the King who came quietly. Our student choir and band led the carols, and Rev Simon Twist gave the talk, reminding us of the humble way Jesus entered the world. As Christmas approaches, we invite families to connect with their local churches and join their Christmas services as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our King.

Christmas Music Video

As we come together to celebrate the end of another incredible year, we want to share something very special with you. Throughout this year, we’ve seen God’s goodness and blessings in so many ways, and today’s presentation is a joyful reminder of that truth.

Our Senior Choir, talented soloists, student leadership teams, and every class across the College have come together to create a music video of the song ‘I’m So Blessed.’

The theme is anchored in the powerful words of Jeremiah 17:7 which declares our faith and gratitude:

‘Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.’

As you watch, we invite you to reflect on how trusting in God brings true blessing, and to celebrate the unity and joy that this project represents. So sit back, smile, and join us in giving thanks as we present… ‘I’m So Blessed.’”

Primary School

From the Head of Primary

Mrs Melinda Richardson - Head of Primary

It is with great pleasure that I announce the 2026 Primary Student Leaders of Penrith Anglican College:

Primary Captains – Addison Booth & Theo Watson
Primary Vice Captains – Logan Cagliostro & Stella Robinson
Cranmer House Captains – Charlotte Nichols & Brody Ralphs
Latimer House Captains – Anaya Aggarwal & Jack Whelan
Ridley House Captains – Frankie Lee & Milly Sturt
Ryle House Captains – Knox Murphy & Rebecca Wang
Primary Prefects – Ehaab Anis, Imogen Bragg, Grace Cullen, Sean Kim, Lucy McKeon, Evie Orwin, Noah Rand, Phoebe Thoms

Our Student Leaders will play an important role throughout 2026, such as supporting College events, encouraging and serving their peers, and modelling our learning culture and values in everyday school life. Their leadership will be grounded not only in responsibility, but in character and service that reflects the heart of our College.

We look forward to formally welcoming and commissioning our leaders at the Primary Student Leadership Induction Service on Friday, 6 February 2026. Families will receive further details closer to the date, and we warmly invite our community to join us in celebrating and praying for our students as they step into these roles.

Please join me in congratulating our 2026 Primary Student Leaders. We are confident they will serve with grace, energy, and a wholehearted commitment to our shared values.

Pre-Kindergarten Presentation Morning

Our Pre-Kindergarten Presentation Morning on 4 December was a joyful celebration of learning, growth and God’s goodness. Eighty-four enthusiastic students completed the 2025 Pre-Kindergarten year, filling the Lighthouse Theatre with excitement as they sang about Jesus their King. They shared the wonder of Christ’s Kingship and the delight of Christmas through lively songs, actions and confident smiles. Mrs Grima, Mrs Richardson, Mrs Lucas and the Pre-Kindergarten staff reflected on the joy each student has brought and the wonderful year of learning shaped by curiosity, resilience and community. Families and special guests watched on proudly, celebrating the performances and also the growth of every student.

Year 6: Fun Day

Year 6 Fun Day was an unforgettable celebration of the students’ final days of primary school. To mark the end of their journey, Year 6 spent the day with Motiv8, taking part in a huge range of high-energy, water-based activities that had everyone laughing and cheering. Students dodged water guns, raced through challenges, and got absolutely covered in water, paint and flour—creating memories (and mess!) they’ll never forget. It was the perfect way to celebrate their hard work, friendships, and the exciting adventures that lie ahead in Secondary School.

Year 6: Graduation and Celebration Dinner.

The Year 6 Graduation Day began with a special ceremony recognising our students and celebrating their journey through primary school, as they shared cherished memories and reflected on their years together. The day concluded with a lively celebration evening, where students enjoyed dinner, played games, captured memorable photos and danced with friends. It was a joyful and emotional occasion marking the end of their primary school years and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Congratulations again, Class of 2031. We are so proud of you!

Secondary School

Year 10 Charity Ball

On Monday, 1 December, Year 10 came together to celebrate their fundraising efforts with the Year 10 Charity Ball. This is a longstanding tradition at the College where year 10 students choose a charity to support, this year it was Rare Cancers Australia, and spend the year fundraising for a common goal. This year students worked in collaboration on a variety of events like a cake stalls, BBQ and a supporters day, to exemplify one of the College values of compassion. They were able to present their final amount of $6,175 to Natalie Clancy from Rare Cancers Australia on the night. Students looked amazing and had an enjoyable night together.

Year 9 Visual Arts Excursion – Blue Mountains Experience

Year 9 Visual Arts students recently embarked on an inspiring adventure to the Blue Mountains, immersing themselves in the breathtaking Australian landscape that will serve as the foundation for their first unit of work in 2026.

The excursion began at the spectacular Lincoln Rock lookout in Wentworth Falls, where students were captivated by sweeping views of the Jamison Valley. This setting provided the perfect opportunity to photograph the landscape and create small textural studies directly using the rock surfaces, encouraging close observation and creative engagement with the natural environment.

From there, students visited two local galleries to experience a diverse range of artistic approaches. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kate Soady from Moontree and Geoff White from Lost Bear Gallery, who generously shared their time, insights, and expertise. Their conversations offered students a deeper understanding of the role of contemporary artists and the varied practices that shape the Australian art scene.

The highlight of the day was travelling across the Jamison Valley via the Scenic Skyway and Railway. Descending into the lush rainforest, students continued to gather inspiration, experiencing firsthand the interplay of light, texture, and atmosphere that will inform their creative projects.

We eagerly anticipate the artworks that will emerge in Term 1 next year, enriched by this unforgettable excursion. Special thanks go to Mr Lewis and Mrs McMurray for their thoughtful coordination of such a valuable and exciting learning experience.

Year 9 Ethics Olympiad Middle School Competition

On Monday, 10th November, 7 students from Year 9 participated in the Ethics Olympiad Middle School competition for the first time. The Ethics Olympiad is an international competition, which encourages students to think critically about complex ethical issues. Two teams from PAC competed against teams from NSW and the ACT, including many experienced schools over Zoom. Students were involved in 4 heats, one practice and 3 scored heats, the heats were scored upon the quality of their arguments for each case. Both teams are to be congratulated as one team finished 4th out of 15 teams and the other team received the medal for Most Improved Team on the day.

Year 9 Bring Christmas to Life With Maths

This Christmas, Year 9 students from Mr. Pap’s class combined creativity with mathematics by building a nativity scene through problem-solving. They tackled challenges in trigonometry, linear equations, and Pythagoras’ theorem to design and position each element. Beyond the numbers, the activity reminded us of the true message of Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the joy of learning together.

Textiles 4 Change

Textiles 4 Change was a new Term 4, 2025 initiative, as part of the Tuesday Afternoon Program, that used textiles to spread joy during the Christmas season. Year 7, 8 and 9 students designed and created fabric Christmas ornaments, festive banners and 120 linen dinner napkins, each screen printed with personalised gold Christmas motifs. To conclude the project, students visited Newmarch Nursing Home to sing carols and personally deliver their handmade gifts to the residents. The lounge quickly filled with music as residents joined in, requesting their favourite carols and even singing and dancing along to the students’ much-loved “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. Throughout the experience, students demonstrated leadership, initiative, and empathy, and many reflected on how wholesome and rewarding the journey had been. They returned to school filled with gratitude, having seen firsthand how their creativity and skills in Textiles could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Sports

Outstanding Achievement – Jacob K (Year 4)

Congratulations to Jacob K (Year 4) who competed at the Sporting Schools Australia Athletics Championships recently.

On the first day of the competition, Jacob ran a PB of 4:39 and placed 3rd overall in the 8-10 Years Boys 1500m.

The second day Jacob ran a comfortable 800m race, qualifying for the 800m Final on the Saturday. In very windy conditions he placed 3rd in his event. What a superstar effort! Penrith Anglican College is so proud of your efforts.

Outstanding Achievement – Luca K (Year 4)

We are excited to share that Luca K (Year 4) has recently represented Australia at an international Futsal Tournament, where he and his team achieved an extraordinary result.

Luca’s Australian side went on to win the tournament, making history as the first Australian team to ever claim this title.

Luca also earned the prestigious Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, recognising his talent, dedication, and outstanding performance throughout the competition.

Congratulations, Luca, what an incredible accomplishment!

Outstanding Achievement – Gauravie R (Year 7)

Congratulations to Gauravie R (Year 7) who represented PAC in the CIS 15s Girls Cricket team at last week’s NSW All Schools Championships.

Gauravie had a successful three days at this championship, making new friends and developing her skills. Being selected in the CIS team as a Year 7 student is an amazing achievement, and the PAC community looks forward to following Gauravie’s cricket journey in the coming years!

Community Notices

Uniform Shop - Extended Term 1 Trading hours 2026

Extended Term 1 Trading hours 2026

Monday 12th - Friday 16th January

Monday 19th - Friday 23rd January

Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th January

Opening 9.00 am - 4.00 pm

Opening 8.00 am - 4.00 pm

The uniform shop will resume normal hours on Tuesday 3rd February 2026

Tuesday & Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wednesday & Thursday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Christmas Services at Lower Mountains Anglican Church

Our school community is warmly invited to join Lower Mountains Anglican Church in celebrating the Christmas season. A number of special services and family-friendly events will be held across Blaxland and Glenbrook in the lead-up to Christmas, including carols and Christmas Day services.

To learn more about times and locations, please visit LMAP.org.au.

Save the Date: Dr Justin Coulson Seminar – February 2026

We are delighted to welcome back one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, Dr Justin Coulson, for another inspiring seminar on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

Dedicated to helping families flourish through both research-backed knowledge and real experience, Dr Coulson is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, the host of the Happy Families podcast, and the author of nine bestselling books, with his tenth currently in progress.

Following last year’s engaging Carrots and Sticks seminar, this upcoming session is set to deliver even more practical insights, heartfelt stories and those memorable “aha” moments for parents and caregivers.

Further details to be shared soon.

Orchard Hills RFS Cadet Program

The NSW RFS is the world's largest volunteer fire service, made up of over 70,000 dedicated volunteers across NSW. To ensure this service continues to develop within our community, the Orchard Hills Brigade runs a cadet program for individuals between the age of 12 - 16years.

We currently have availability in this program and are reaching out to you for assistance in sharing our Cadet flyer to your greater school community. We are not expecting or requesting you to do anything other than sharing the flyer whether it be on your social media, on a student noticeboard, in a school newsletter or any other way you deem appropriate.

The program is a great opportunity for your students to learn new and valuable skills, be part of a community organisation as well as meeting people they normally wouldn’t meet. Training occurs on a Sunday morning between the hours of 9am - 12pm and only operates during NSW government school terms.

If you would like to discuss the program in further detail or require more information, please do not hesitate to contact

Paul Bridgman

Deputy Captain / Cadet Co-ordinator

0428 481 305

Term Dates 2026

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

Other

Message from Library Staff

Library staff would like to wish our entire community a peaceful and blessed Christmas and a healthy and happy 2026. 2025 has been a busy and rewarding year in Library. We enjoyed author visits, Book Parade, our Book Fair, successful completion of the Premier’s Reading Challenge by more than 250 students and much more.

We look forward to continuing to encourage and challenge students next year to engage with the written word for their inspiration, education and relaxation.