PAC The Vine 2026 - Vol 2

In 2025 we announced the expansion of our House system at Penrith Anglican College. The House system is one of the cornerstones of student engagement and belonging, fostering connections that span year groups and often generations of families. Our Houses are far more than organisational groupings. They hold deep meaning, reflecting the values, stories, and Christian heritage that shape our College community.

For example, Ridley House honours Nicholas Ridley, a courageous 16th‑century bishop whose unwavering commitment to biblical truth, integrity, and reform ultimately cost him his life. His legacy of faithfulness and moral courage continues to inspire our students today. Each of our House names captures an important aspect of what it means to receive a Penrith Anglican College education.

As we prepare for the introduction of two new Houses in 2027, we invite contributions from our community. This questionnaire is open to all students, staff, and families, and welcomes suggestions that reflect who we are and who we aspire to be.

As previously communicated, the criteria for selecting the new House names are to:

- acknowledge the Christian heritage of the College
- address the gender disparity within the current House names
- provide students with real-world examples of our College values - Courage, Compassion, Humility, Integrity, and Perseverance

The survey will remain open for the next two weeks and will close on Sunday 8 March 2026 . Following the survey period, the Executive Team will develop a shortlist for presentation to the Penrith Anglican College Council, who will make the final decision.

Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas and contribute to this significant milestone in our College’s story. If you have more than one suggestion, you are welcome to complete the form as many times as needed.

House Expansion Survey

Mrs Felicity Grima, Principal

Whole College

2026 Address Collection

The College is required to provide student address information and other data to the Australian Government Department of Education.

More information can be found on the Collection Notice at the link below.

Collection Notice

Meet the Teacher and Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

Building strong partnerships between home and school is an important part of supporting every student’s learning. This year we are introducing a new booking portal for Parent Student Teacher meetings, designed to make scheduling appointments quicker, easier and more convenient. Families can select times that suit them, receive instant confirmation and stay informed throughout the process. We appreciate your patience as we transition to this updated system.

Primary Meet the Teacher Night: Thursday 26 February.
Bookings remain open until 12pm on Wednesday 25 February.

Years 7, 11 and 12 Parent Student Teacher Interviews: Wednesday 4 March.
Bookings remain open until 12pm on Monday 2 March.

Please see below for further details and step-by-step instructions on how to book an interview.

Parents’ Guide for Booking Appointments

NAPLAN

When is NAPLAN?

In 2026, NAPLAN will be held in Term 1 between Wednesday March 11 and Monday March 16. Parents of relevant year groups have been sent information about timetables and equipment already.

What will students be doing in class to prepare?

In Secondary English and Mathematics classes, students will have opportunities to review content relevant to the NAPLAN tests, including NAPLAN practice tests. They are encouraged to revise conventions of writing and review the mathematics tasks on Canvas.

In Primary classes, students will have an opportunity to become familiar with the test format, functions, and tools of the online tests in a test environment. The practice tests are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked.

Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not recommended. Students do not need to be able to touch type to complete NAPLAN as the tests are not about keyboard skills (just as the paper test is not about handwriting skills). Students can use the public demonstration site to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in NAPLAN.

What will students need to complete the tests?

Students will complete their NAPLAN tests online. As with every school day, students in years 5, 7 and 9 are required to bring their device. All students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 must bring their own standard earphones / headphones with 3.5mm headphone jack to each test. Bluetooth headphones cannot be used. This is important for access to the tests and further reminders will be provided. Students in Year 7 and 9 who do not bring their headphones for the assessment will be issued with an afterschool detention.

What if my child is away on their scheduled test day?

Catch-up test sessions for students who are unwell will be held pending staff availability.
Catch-up sessions cannot be held once the testing window has ended.

Ms Liz Errington, Director of Academic Engagement & Growth P-12

Supporting Students with Diverse Learning Needs

At the College, we are committed to ensuring every student feels known, supported, and understood. One of the most important ways we can do this is by staying informed about any learning needs your child may have, whether academic, behavioural, social, emotional, or related to wellbeing.

We value the partnership we share with families. When parents and the College work together, students benefit from consistent support across home and school. If there are specific strategies, recommendations, or insights that may help us better understand how your child learns, sharing this with us is in the best interest of your child. Even small details can make a meaningful difference in how we tailor learning experiences to help each student thrive. As per the enrolment contract, all diagnosis must be disclosed. When passing on information, Secondary families should contact your child’s Mentor Teacher as the initial point. For Primary, speaking to the classroom teacher should be your first step. This is also the place to start if you feel that your child requires additional support.

Maintaining open communication allows us to respond appropriately, adapt learning environments when needed, and collaborate proactively to support your child’s growth. Your knowledge of your child, combined with our experience in teaching and learning creates a strong partnership to focus on best practice for all.

As a college, we value working with external specialists to support student learning and wellbeing. If families would like us to share information with a therapist or service provider, requests must be submitted in writing to the classroom or mentor teacher and include the professional’s contact details. Families will also need to complete an Authorisation to Contact form so we can communicate directly with the specialist. Because many external surveys require significant time and care, we ask that requests be submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Ms Liz Errington, Director of Academic Engagement & Growth P-12

Primary School

From the Head of Primary

Dr Justin Coulson – Anti-Fragile

It was wonderful to see so many families from across the College attend this event and reflect on what resilience truly means. Dr Coulson’s presentation was both provocative and inspiring, encouraging participants to adopt the motto: “We can do hard things, because hard things make us stronger.”
We want our children to become comfortable with the uncomfortable, and one of the most powerful ways they learn this is by watching us model it in our own everyday lives. When life becomes challenging for our children, the best thing we can do is walk alongside our children, hold their hand, remind them that we believe in them, and assure them that they are loved, no matter what.

Resilient Learners in the College Learning Culture

Building on this broader understanding of resilience, educator and researcher Guy Claxton highlights the importance of developing resilient learners. While Dr Coulson focuses on resilience as a life mindset, Claxton’s work helps us understand how resilience is practised within learning itself.
In the classroom, being a resilient learner means developing a set of habits that support deep, sustained and courageous learning. When students practise recognising subtle patterns in their experiences, engaging with tasks that initially feel overwhelming, focusing by reducing distractions and creating their best learning conditions, and persisting even when progress is slow or frustrating, they are strengthening their capacity to learn powerfully and independently.
These small, everyday actions help students understand that challenge is not a sign of failure, it is the pathway to growth.

As we continue to nurture resilience both in life and in learning, we empower our children to approach difficulty with confidence, curiosity and compassion.

Mrs Melinda Richardson, Head of Primary

Primary Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all the students who attended, participated, and competed at the Primary Swimming Carnival. It turned out to be a great day for swimming. The students had a great time getting into house spirit and cheering on their peers in each race and even encouraging one another during the novelties. Across the day there was a total of 2308 points earned from all four houses in the 25m lane which is an awesome level of participation.

Well done to Charlotte N who broke a 25-year-old record in the 12 years Girls 50m Backstroke with a time of 38.02.

Congratulations to Cranmer for winning the day.

Cranmer - 1281
Ridley - 1071
Latimer - 987
Ryle - 904

Primary Chapel

Primary students are exploring God’s story through the whole Bible using The Big Picture Story Bible . In the last few weeks, Primary students have been learning about how God created the world and everything in it, how Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and how He judged the people through the flood, yet saved Noah and his family, showing His care and faithfulness. Last week, we had Tom from CRU Camps come to visit Chapel and worship led by a live band, which the students loved.

Primary Chapel is held each Friday morning in the Lighthouse Theatre, and families are warmly invited to attend any service.
The two service times are:
- 9:10–9:40am
- 10:00–10:30am
Seating is available in the mezzanine, with accessible seating at ground level.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Secondary School

From the Head of Secondary

Supporting Learning in an AI‑Rich World: Introducing the Secondary AI Assessment Labelling Tool

Education is undergoing rapid transformation with the rise of artificial intelligence and the integration of AI tools across the systems and technologies students and teachers use every day. At Penrith Anglican College, we remain committed to the belief that real learning happens in the struggle and through the effort it takes to wrestle with hard concepts and solve tricky problems.

To ensure that AI remains a supportive learning tool rather than a shortcut, the College is rolling out the AI Assessment Labelling Tool across the Secondary School.

This system establishes clear boundaries for AI use in assessments, helping students maintain academic integrity and demonstrate their own knowledge. It introduces a consistent language for staff and students and provides guardrails for the appropriate use of AI tools. The framework is intentionally future‑proofed, offering flexibility as AI technologies continue to evolve and supporting students to build the skills required to use, navigate and evaluate these tools effectively.

We launched the labelling tool with Year 12 in Term 4, 2025. The rollout for Years 7–11 is occurring throughout Term 1 this year.

What the Tool Includes

The tool outlines different expectations for how AI can be engaged with, each providing clarity about what kind of assistance is permitted:

No AI
No AI tools can be used. This is typically for controlled conditions like in‑class tests where students are unfamiliar with the questions in the task.
AI Evaluator
Students must critically engage with AI‑generated content, using their own thinking to critique, compare, or improve it.
Limited AI Assistance
- AI Planner: For initial brainstorming and research.
- AI Spotter: To identify grammar or spelling errors (changes must be applied manually).
- AI Accessories: To create non‑assessable elements like images or slide backgrounds.
Extensive AI Assistance
- AI Editor: For polishing expression and word choice.
- AI Research Companion: To help generate search terms or summarise tricky ideas.
- AI Collaborator: Where students co‑create work, focusing on high‑quality prompting and critical judgment.

These labels are incorporated into all assessment notifications and include clickable links so students can quickly access further information if they are unsure about expectations. Throughout this term, students are also participating in Year Meeting seminars to learn how the tool works and to complete a stage‑appropriate quiz to check their understanding.

How Parents Can Help

Parents play a significant role in helping students “struggle well.” You can support this transition by:

Encouraging your child to talk about their learning process, not just the final product.
Reinforcing the purpose of assessment. That is to show what they know and can do.
Reminding them to save drafts to OneDrive so teachers can see their progress.
- The simplest way to do this is to complete tasks in a Microsoft Word online document, which automatically saves version history when the student is logged into their OneDrive account.

When Students Make a Mistake

Adolescents will sometimes look for “quick and easy options,” and at times this may mean teachers need to confirm that a student has produced their own work. As educators, we are always seeking ways to help students grow as learners—including when they make mistakes in how they use AI tools.

If a teacher believes a student has used an AI tool inappropriately, their first step is to understand what has happened and the process the student followed to create their assessment task. When concerns persist, teachers may look for evidence to support the student’s explanation of their process. Document version history is particularly valuable, as it provides clear and accessible evidence of how a piece of work was created and supports honest, constructive conversations about learning.

Teachers will also continue to speak with students about the ideas and concepts behind their submitted work. Students who have genuinely engaged in creating their assessment are typically able to explain their thinking clearly. In contrast, students who have relied on AI to “cognitively offload” significant parts of the task often struggle to articulate key concepts. These conversations, clear expectations through the labelling tool and consequences for miss use of AI tools all help guide students back into meaningful, authentic learning.

As a community, we are navigating this rapidly changing world of AI in education. There is much to learn and many opportunities ahead. However, there are no shortcuts when it comes to learning. It requires sustained effort and the active engagement of cognitive processes. The risk with AI is that students may offload this thinking to a tool and miss out on the very thing that you, as parents, are seeking when partnering with Penrith Anglican College - learning.

Together, we can guide our students to navigate this new world in ethical and productive ways.

A BIG thank you to Dr Sam Jackson, our Director of Studies; Mr Darryl Kelshaw, our Director of Pedagogy and Innovation; and the Heads of Faculty for their work on this labelling tool. We are fortunate to have a strong team of academic leaders who possess a deep understanding of adolescent learning and who are actively engaging with the evolving impact of AI in secondary education.

Mr Anthony Kelshaw, Head of Secondary

OnSTAGE Excursion

In Week 3, our Year 10 and 11 Drama students had the invaluable opportunity to attend OnSTAGE at the Seymour Centre. OnSTAGE showcases a selection of exemplary HSC Drama major works from across NSW, including standout individual and group performances as well as impressive design and project submissions. It was an inspiring experience that allowed our students to witness the creativity, skill, and dedication of senior Drama students firsthand.

Secondary Chapel

In Secondary Chapel this term, we’ve been exploring our series “Big Questions, Real Answers: Doing Life with God.” Last week, we were blessed to welcome back one of our alumni, Dan Gouch, who shared honestly and powerfully about navigating anxiety.

Dan spoke about the pressures he faced during school, university, and running his own small business—and how none of these achievements answered his deeper questions about belonging, security, and purpose. A few years ago, Dan rediscovered the hope of the Gospel and found in Jesus Christ the assurance that anchors both his salvation and his daily life, even in seasons of anxiety.

It was a special moment for staff who once taught Dan to reconnect with him, and a timely message for students who may be wrestling with similar struggles. His story was real, relevant, and deeply relatable.

We’re grateful for Dan’s willingness to share how God has been at work in his life, pointing us all toward the hope found only in Christ.

Secondary Swimming Carnival

Cranmer claimed victory once again at this year’s swimming carnival, although the other Houses are quickly closing the gap. The “Just Keep Swimming” novelty lane was a standout favourite, earning valuable points for all Houses, and a big thank you goes to all staff and students who enthusiastically took part. Congratulations to Klarissa G (Year 11), who broke an incredible four records, and to Noah K (Year 7), who set one new record, both showcasing outstanding talent and dedication. The excitement continued with the much‑anticipated Staff vs Student 6 x 50 m relay, which resulted in the closest finish yet, with the student team narrowly edging out the staff by less than a body length.

Faculty News

News from the Library

Valentines’ Day in the Library

This year Mrs Rayner produced another interesting display for our Senior Library for Valentines’ Day inspired by the positive message from the Super Bowl theme for 2026: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love”.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth Display

To support our Senior Students and their study of Macbeth, there is a new display in G Library with resources and QR codes to locate further information.

Performing Arts Opportunities

HICES MUSIC FESTIVAL
August 16-19
A Sensational Music Opportunity

The HICES Music Festival brings together over 400 musicians from across HICES schools in New South Wales. PAC is a proud member of the HICES group of schools and in 2025 PAC students in Years 7-12 travelled to the festival camp, performing excellently in the final Sydney Town Hall Concert.

In 2026, we will bring together like-minded musicians for the HICES Music Festival in:

Years 5-8 (all students)
Male Vocal Ensemble (for changed male voice students in Years 7-12)
Jazz Academy (Students in Years 9-12)

Students will work with experienced conductors and guest conductors at The Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Tops. Camp participants will be transported to Sydney Town Hall for final daytime rehearsals on Wednesday 19 August 2026. The program will conclude with a Jazz Academy concert at 4.00pm at Darling Quarter Theatre, followed by the 7.00pm Festival Concert at Sydney Town Hall featuring all ensembles (Years 5–8, Male Vocal Ensemble, and Jazz Academy).

Parents of students already participating in PAC music ensembles in the year groups above have received more detailed information via email.

I strongly encourage you to consider this opportunity for your child. It is an experience they will remember long after school!

Performing Arts Opportunities at PAC

It has been wonderful to see continuing and new students in our music ensembles so far this year. For new families to the College, there is a wide range of co-curricular opportunities to take advantage of in Performing Arts, as detailed below. For more information, please see the college website or contact [email protected] . Students are welcome to join at any time during the year.

Music Ensembles

Ensemble	Year Groups	Day	Start time	End time	Location
Jazz Band Previously known as Intermediate Band	Years 5-12	Tuesday	7:30am	8:20am	Drama 1
Crotchet Crew	Years 3-6	Tuesday	1:05pm	1:35pm	Recital Room
Senior Choir	Years 7-12	Wednesday	7:30am	8:20am	TLC
Primary Concert Band	Years 3-6	Thursday	7:30am	8:20am	Drama 1
Quaver Crew	Years 1-2	Thursday	1:05pm	1:35pm	Recital Room
Senior Concert Band	Years 7-12	Thursday	3:30pm	4:50pm	Drama 1
String Ensemble	Years 5-12	Thursday	3:30pm	4:30pm	TLC

All students already playing a musical instrument are welcome to sign up to these ensembles via the school website in the Learn > Secondary > Co-curricular Section or Learn > Primary > Cocurricular Section .
Please note: students in Senior Concert Band and String Ensemble must be having weekly individual music tuition to participate in these ensembles due to the standard of the music performed.

An annual participation fee of $120, which contributes towards having expert music tutors in rehearsals and sheet music resources, is payable for involvement in music ensembles, and is added to school fees. Students in more than one ensemble pay this fee once only.

Individual Music Lessons with Music Tutors

These are highly recommended to support ongoing development on a musical instrument or voice. An expert music tutor is the best way to grow musical ability and is necessary to ensure technical problems don’t develop in a student’s technique. Of course, their expertise is also invaluable for the development of musical expression and understanding.
These lessons conveniently occur during the school day, with some before and after school times also available
Students can learn - Piano, Voice, Violin, Cello, Guitar, Electric Bass, Double Bass, Drums/Percussion, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, and Low Brass (Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba etc.).

Sign-up via the school website in the Learn > Secondary > Co-curricular Section or Learn > Primary > Cocurricular Section

Musical Theatre

The 2026 College Musical is currently rehearsing for our performances in June. We look forward to welcoming audiences at the end of Term 2.

Drama Clubs

These take place on Tuesdays during the Tuesday Afternoon Activity (TAA) time, throughout the school year. Students in Years 7-12 will receive more information about these through TAA emails sent throughout the year.

Dance Troupes

Interested parents/students should contact Miss Doyle via email for more information.
[email protected]

We look forward to recommencing these activities and wish everyone all the best for 2026. For parents interested in the benefits of music tuition and involvement in music ensembles, music education enhances all learning areas by developing areas of our brain like no other activity does. Watch this video if you are interested in learning more.

Dr Christian Watson
Head of Performing Arts

Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday

As students arrived at school last Tuesday morning (week 4) they were greeted by the tantalising smell of free pancakes in celebration of Pancake Tuesday. As Easter approaches, Christians have traditionally used up pantry staples before a season of prayer and fasting leading into Lent. Pancake Tuesday has become a simple, joyful way of marking that moment. With the help of some volunteer students, the Ministry Staff handed out over 500 pancakes to students before school as an unexpected gift and a chance to reflect on Jesus—his death and his resurrection.

House Charity Day

Latimer and Ryle Combined House Charity Day

The 2026 Combined Latimer and Ryle House Charity Day will be held on Thursday 5 March to raise funds for Westmead Children’s Hospital.

For more information, please see the letter below.

2026 Combined Latimer and Ryle Charity Day Letter

Sports

Regional Athletics

Jaxson W (Year 10) recently attended the Regional Athletics Championships held from 5 to 7 February where he achieved some excellent results:

2nd in High Jump - 1.71m

2nd in Long Jump - 5.91m

Equal first in Triple Jump, setting a Regional Record - 12.37m

Well done Jaxson!

Parents & Friends Association

New BBQ Trailer

Last week, a new custom-built BBQ trailer arrived thanks to the generous work of the P&F. We look forward to using this new trailer at College functions and camps throughout the year.

Welcome to 2026

Welcome to all new and returning families to the 2026 College year! We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful summer break and charged your batteries in readiness for an awesome Term 1!

Our Meet & Greet evening on Monday, 9 February was a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow parents and friends, share volunteer opportunities in 2026 and how you can be involved in our amazing College community. Thank you to the families who joined us on the night.

Our first official P&F Meeting is scheduled for Monday, 2 March from 7:00-8:00pm in the College Staff Room. We are excited to once more support the College and help provide some fun events for everyone to enjoy in 2026. All are always welcome to attend our committee meetings!

Save the date! Our inaugural Cinema Under the Stars is happening on Thursday, 23 April. This event is for our secondary students only and one your children won’t want to miss!

Keen to support the Parents & Friends? Scan the QR code to join our wonderful team of volunteers! Complete the College Volunteer Induction training (be sure to check the box to support the “P&F Community Events”) and obtain your FREE Working With Children Check ( https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-with-children-check ) to join our mailing list. We will share volunteer opportunities via email as they arise and look forward to working with you! There’s no such thing as too many volunteers. Please note there is no commitment to join the committee to join in the fun!

Be sure to follow our FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/PACPANDF for all the latest Parents & Friends updates!

Click here to volunteer!

Community Notices

Clean Up Australia Day

Students and families are invited to take part in this year’s Clean Up Australia Day event.

Event details:
Date: Sunday 1 March
Time: 7 am to 12 pm
Location: Regatta Park, Emu Plains

For more information and registration, please contact Mr Lindeback at [email protected]

CRU Camps

Looking for fun, faith-filled activities these school holidays? CRU Camps run each school holidays with a variety of exciting programs where students can make new friends, enjoy games and outdoor activities, and explore God’s Word through age-appropriate Bible sessions. Overnight camps are available for Year 3–6 and Year 7–12 students, while day camps cater to K–6. For more information and registrations, visit crucamps.com.au .

AFL Auskick Program

NSW Waratahs: 2026 Schools Ticket Offer

The NSW Waratahs are offering our College community discounted General Admission tickets for all 2026 home games.

Tickets are priced at $15 per adult and $10 per junior.

To purchase tickets, simply follow the link below and use the password 26SCHOOL

NSW Waratahs Schools Tickets