Our Year 1 students recently embarked on an extraordinary journey back in time during our Science and History Incursion, where they stepped out in three rotating groups known as the Fossil Finders, Archaeology Adventurers, and Pyramid Palaeontologists to engage in hands-on learning. In the Salt Dough Dinosaur Fossils activity, students took on the role of palaeontologists to create fossil impressions, directly aligning with the NSW Stage 1 Science Syllabus Living World and Earth and Space strands by investigating observable features of living things and clues from the past to understand how the world changes. Our young historians then engineered miniature monuments during the Pyramid Construction task, which supported the NSW HSIE Syllabus by building foundational historical inquiry skills as students explored the architectural features, places, and objects of ancient societies. Finally, the students stepped into the shoes of ancient scribes to write in hieroglyphics on custom Egyptian scrolls, perfectly linking to the Stage 1 History outcomes focused on how early symbols and communication systems were used to record knowledge and share stories across ancient civilisations. Lots of fun was had by all, especially the teachers!

On the 6th August, Year 2 students stepped back in time for an immersive Ancient Past experience, rotating through a range of hands-on activities to discover what life was like in Ancient Greece and Rome. Students became archaeologists as they examined artefacts, explored famous ancient sites, met characters from the past and discovered how historians use different sources to learn about ancient civilisations.

Students journeyed to Ancient Greece, where they heard the myth of Poseidon and discovered how myths can teach us about what ancient people believed and why the sea was so important to Greek life. They put their building skills to the test creating paper forts, before travelling to Ancient Rome to learn about the Roman Empire, with a surprise appearance from Julius Caesar himself (who looked suspiciously like Mr Bonett..) Finally, our Year 2 garden beds became an archaeological dig site, where students unearthed hidden artefacts and investigated what each discovery could tell us about how people lived in the ancient past. It was a fantastic day of storytelling, investigating, creating and bringing history to life!

Reflection written by Liam C (Year 3)

On Tuesday the 28th of July Year 3 had an Aboriginal incursion. Two First Nations people came to teach us all about their culture. Their names were Sam and Tallara. In the morning they talked about ochre, they used it like paint. There were four colours that ochre came in red, yellow, white and black. Tallara put white ochre on our faces if we wanted it, they talked about how they used it and why. They had to dive in a body of water and look at the side, then they had to find white rocks. They pulled the rocks out, scrunched them up and finally added water to make ochre.

Sam announced that he was going to do a smoking ceremony. In the ceremony he put gum leaves on top of a coolamon, then he used fire to burn the leaves, and it turned out to be white smoke. He held it up to our faces so we could breathe it in. This special smoke was meant to refresh our body and lungs, it smelt unique. The smoke washed over our body. After we finished refreshing our body we learnt Aboriginal dances, all of them represented a different thing that they did in their everyday lives. Dancers wear special ochre body paint, leaves, and feathers when they’re dancing. Then we got dismissed to recess. We already learnt so much and we weren’t even halfway through our day.

After we finished our break, we got to throw a boomerang with Sam. He taught us the technique to throw the boomerang. He said that you don’t have to throw it far to make it spin, you just need to flick your wrist as you throw. He made us go in four groups, then he told the first person from each group to come up to throw the boomerang. He said that they also use boomerangs to hunt their prey. Once we finished, we walked over to one of the classrooms so we could learn about bush tucker with Tallara.

Tallara said that the banksia plant was used to comb your hair and it worked exactly like a hairbrush. She also told us that if you scrunch up a eucalyptus leaf and you smell it, the smell will refresh your body and clear your nose. She passed a eucalyptus leaf to everyone so we could scrunch it up and smell it. Then we went outside to explore some of the different plants around the classroom. We saw some yellow banksia plants around the seats; and we walked up the path and saw heaps of red grevilia plants. They were all bunched up in one corner of the garden. When we were done, we got to go to lunch.

In the afternoon we got to explore lots of different Aboriginal artifacts, Sam said that the digeridoo was only touched by men.  After, we explored kangaroo and wallaby skin which were both used like blankets. The kangaroo skin is used for boys only and wallaby skin is only for girls, if they are making houses, they stick their animal skin around their house, so it keeps them warm. When it’s your birthday you get one of these animal skins and when you collect enough, you can turn them into warm blankets.

We learnt about coolamons and how they carved them out of trees to get a curved wooden dish. The Aboriginal people used it for carrying food such as berries, bush tucker, water and seeds across dry land. When they carved some coolamons around the size of a pillow, they carefully laid babies in them to rock them to sleep. They used to add special carvings that mean different things on their coolamons which represent each tribe that they came from. When they decorate their coolamons, they normally add what animals they protect.

The next item they showed us is called a club. They used it to knock animals out so they can carry it back to their tribe. It is a hard wooden stick with a big heavy sphere-shaped knob on the end. Then they had finished all the Aboriginal artifacts, so they gave out some free boomerangs to people who had been listening well the whole day. After, they gave one to the Year 3 teachers to hang up in c-centre. Everyone had such a fun day, we hope we will get to see Sam and Tallara again!

On Thursday 13th August a team of 8 students from Year 7 and 8 travelled to Macarthur Anglican to compete with 23 other schools in the Gateway 8 competition. The theme for the day was ‘Food” and they had challenges in Science, Maths, Social Science, Art, Music and Engineering throughout the day. They made animals from vegetables and wrote and performed music to represent solid, liquid and gas states as well as a lot of other brain stretching activities.

In week 4, the year 9 History, Mystery and Conspiracy Elective class explored the Galloway Hoard at the Australian National Maritime Museum. We all enjoyed a hands-on experience with replica Viking-age artefacts, learned skills to help interrogate sources, looked beyond the Viking-age stereotypes to understand the significance of the Galloway Hoard and what it tells us about the people who hid this treasure away and we walked through the museum display viewing objects over 1000 years old.

Some student reflections:
“The interactive aspects were great”
“I enjoyed the exhibit workshop where we could hold replicas of ancient Viking artefacts”
“It was the best excursion I have ever been on”
“I enjoyed interacting with the replica artefacts”
“Learning about the History was great”
“Drawing the artefacts was fun”
“The artefacts were so cool”

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

Opportunities for work experience often come through our school, opening doors for students to explore new interests, develop valuable skills and experience the world beyond the classroom. For Dylan (Year 10) the recent school holidays were a chance to do exactly that. She spent her holidays trying new things, travelling to a new country and gaining an insight into possible future careers through an exciting work experience opportunity in Cambodia. Later in the term she also took up the opportunity of exploring careers in aviation at Qantas, these experiences have helped Dylan build confidence, broaden her understanding of the world and discover possibilities for her future.

Taking Flight with Qantas

In late July, Dylan was given the opportunity to spend a week undertaking work experience with Qantas at its headquarters in Mascot, near Sydney Airport.

The program was designed as a showcase of the many different careers and pathways available within the aviation industry. Throughout the week, Dylan had the chance to explore areas of the organisation that most people would never normally get to see.

She visited the flight attendant training centre, explored the engineering facilities on the tarmac, went inside aircraft and toured the Qantas headquarters. These experiences gave her a unique insight into the range of roles involved in keeping an airline operating and the different pathways available for someone interested in aviation.

“This experience was amazing in giving me insights and information into what the industry is like, and how to start your career,” Dylan said.

The experience would be particularly valuable for students interested in becoming flight attendants, pilots or engineers, but Dylan believes it would be worthwhile for anyone wanting to learn more about the aviation industry.

A Cultural Exchange in Cambodia

Dylan's adventures didn't stop there. During the winter school holidays, she also travelled independently to Cambodia for a two-week cultural exchange and volunteering program with Projects Abroad.

Travelling alone, Dylan joined a group of participants from around the world and quickly became part of an international team. During her time in Cambodia, she took part in a wide range of activities that combined volunteering, cultural experiences and adventure.

She helped teach primary school students about the environment, painted murals in their school library and helped feed and rehabilitate trafficked black bears. Outside of her volunteer work, Dylan had the opportunity to visit Angkor Wat and travel to the tropical island of Koh Rong, helped feed and rehabilitate trafficked black bears,

along with many other experiences.

For Dylan, the trip was about much more than simply visiting another country. It challenged her to step outside her comfort zone, meet people from different backgrounds and contribute to a community while experiencing a completely different culture.

“This was an amazing and valuable experience that I would recommend to anyone interested in travelling or volunteering.” Dylan

Congratulations to our incredible athletes who competed at the CASA Athletics Carnival at Campbelltown Athletic Centre on 6 August. Our students showcased outstanding talent and sportsmanship across all track and field events.

Heading into the final relays, Penrith Anglican College was sitting in 1st place. Following some fierce competition, we finished 3rd overall—just 14 points shy of 1st place, narrowly missing out on a three-peat victory. Well done to our Senior Boys 4x100m Relay team for their fantastic 2nd-place finish.

We are also delighted to announce that the following students have qualified for the CIS Primary Athletics Championships: Bonnie A, Pippa A, Charlotte B, Laura B, Kohl B, Brandon C, Mia E, Alexander G, Jacob K, Audrey M, Edward M, Levi O, Hugo P and Milly S

Our Stage 2 and Stage 3 soccer teams proudly represented Penrith Anglican College at the Wanderer’s Cup 5-a-side Gala Days over the last 2 weeks. The teams displayed incredible teamwork and determination throughout the day, competing against schools from across the region. This competition is a fast-paced adaptation of game play which allows our students to showcase their skills in a free-flowing range of style.

Thank you to all players, coaches and supporters who encouraged and cheered on our teams throughout the day.

Oh what a night! Our Primary Disco was filled with a sea of Glitter & Glam movers and groovers, all with big smiles and bucket loads of excitement! So wonderful to see so many families socialising, feasting on our BBQ and snacks and grooving to the tunes of our incredibly talented acoustic duo Oliver & Mat Johnson. We welcomed the return of our resident DJ Ellison of Ellison Mixes, a 2025 College graduate to spin all the students' favourite tracks. Through their amazing efforts, our Year 10 Charity Team raised $1,092.00 for the Pancare Foundation on the night through sausage sizzle sales. Huge thank you to everyone who came out to join in the Primary Disco fun and many fabulous people who volunteered their support. We had a blast!

The Parents & Friends Trivia Night event on Saturday 29 August kicking off at 7:00pm in the College Exhibition Centre.  Tickets are available to purchase via the Flexischools app now - hurry last day for tickets is Wednesday, 26 August!  We welcome ALL College Parents, Staff and any students in Years 10, 11 & 12 (providing they attend with a parent/guardian) to join in the fun! Ticket price includes all you can eat freshly made pizza from The Pizza Boys, a choice of two salads and unlimited soft drinks. Purchase an individual ticket or table of 10 and bring your friends! Over $3,000 worth of prizes up for grabs! Don’t miss out … jump on the Flexischools app to secure your tickets now!

It’s time to celebrate all the special men in our lives once more! The Parents & Friends cannot wait to bring our amazing Father’s Day Stall for our students to shop the perfect gift for their special someone. Pre-order your gift via the Flexischools app now. Gifts remain $10.00 each. The Father’s Day Stall is open on 2 & 3 September to our Primary friends and at lunch time on 3 September for our Secondary friends. Any students who miss out will have the opportunity to shop our pop-up stall in the College Reception on Friday, 4 September at either recess or lunch time.  Let’s not forget to celebrate our magnificent Dad’s this year!

The Parents & Friends will hold our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday 21 September at 7:00pm in the College Staff Room. All positions are declared vacant on the night and open for nominations.  If you’ve been thinking about jumping on board our incredible team of committee representatives, this is the night for you! No need to be afraid, there’s no pressure to sign your life away. It really does take a village to bring our Parents & Friends Association together and we would love for you to consider joining us. Reach out to us via email at [email protected] if you would like to know more.