From the Principal
New House Expressions of Interest
New House Expressions of Interest
We are excited to share that planning for our two new Houses is well underway! This expansion is driven by our commitment to student wellbeing; moving to a six-house system allows us to provide even deeper wellbeing support for every student.
The Process:
- We look forward to announcing the names of the two new houses in Term 2.
- We will soon distribute information for families interested in transitioning to a new house.
- We will first work with families who express interest, followed by invitations to others to consider the opportunity. Our goal is to ensure a balanced and supportive population across all houses.
Please keep an eye out for further details on how your family can be involved in this exciting new chapter.
Primary School
From the Head of Primary
From the Head of Primary
Growth vs Achievement: Building Lifelong Learners
In schools, achievement is often easy to see. Assessment results, awards and grades give us a snapshot of how students are performing at a particular moment. While achievement is important, it is only one part of the learning picture. At PAC, our focus extends beyond results to something even more powerful: growth.
Growth is about how children learn, not just what they achieve. It includes perseverance, curiosity, confidence and the ability to learn from mistakes. When children understand that effort and practice lead to improvement, they are more willing to take risks, try new strategies and keep going when learning feels challenging.
This growth‑focused approach helps children develop a lifelong love of learning; a skill that will serve them well far beyond the classroom.
How This Looks at School
In our classrooms, teachers celebrate effort, progress and persistence. They encourage students to reflect on how they learn, and how to use feedback to guide next steps, not just final results. Teachers intentionally create safe environments where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. Achievement is still recognised, but it sits within a broader focus on progress, wellbeing and confidence.
How Families Can Support Growth at Home
Parents and carers play an important role in reinforcing these messages. Here are some simple ways to help:
- Praise effort, not just results. Instead of “You’re so smart”, try “I can see how hard you worked on that.”
- Normalise mistakes. Talk about what can be learned from mistakes and share your own learning experiences.
- Use growth‑focused language. Encourage phrases like “I can’t do this yet” or “This is tricky, but I’ll keep trying.”
- Encourage curiosity. Ask questions, explore interests together and celebrate wondering and questioning.
- Value progress over perfection. Recognise improvement, persistence and the courage to try something new.
Introducing the Primary Term Award
Our Primary students came together on Monday 23 March for the first whole‑Primary gathering of the year to celebrate the introduction of the Primary Term Award. Parents of our award recipients were also invited to join us, reflecting the importance of recognising student growth as a shared community.
The Primary Term Award is presented once each term in every Primary class. Teachers select one student who has consistently demonstrated our College values and embodied our learning culture across the term. Rather than recognising a single achievement, the award acknowledges ongoing effort, positive learning behaviours, and personal growth.
We are incredibly proud of all the learners recognised with a Primary Term Award this term. Their growth and consistency help make our school a supportive, engaged, and vibrant place to learn, and we look forward to seeing them continue to flourish.
Upcoming events
As we conclude our term together, families are invited to join us for some key events:
- Whole College Easter Chapel - Monday 30 March, 9am in the College Gym
- Easter Hat Parade - Wednesday 1 April, 9am on the College Oval
- Pre-Kindergarten - Year One Fun Run - Wednesday 1 April, following the Hat Parade
- Years Two - Six Cross Country - Wednesday 1 April, from approximately 11:20am
Please refer to the email sent last week for further details.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day
Harmony Day was celebrated in the Primary School on Friday 20 March, with a strong focus on inclusion, respect and belonging. Students proudly dressed in orange or their cultural dress, creating a colourful and welcoming atmosphere across the College. Throughout the day, students took part in activities that helped them learn about and appreciate the many different cultures that make up the PAC Community, celebrating the diversity that makes it such a special place.
Year 6 Unlocks Personal Potential
Year 6 Unlocks Personal Potential
On Wednesday 11 March, Year 6 students took part in a full-day workshop at the College led by the UPP (Unlocking Personal Potential) team. This high-energy program engaged students in activities that highlighted their strengths, teamwork, and positive decision-making. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to challenge themselves, participate fully, and reflect on their roles as both leaders and team members in a supportive environment. It was a valuable experience that fostered strong connections and personal growth across the Year 6 cohort.
“During the incursion I learnt that working with different people is more productive. I also liked that I could work in a team and win points.” - Ryan M
“At UPP leadership day we learnt many different skills on how to be a better person and a good leader. There were lots of fun activities that involved teamwork and listening to others' opinions. While we were there, we had the opportunity to work with people we didn’t know well, and we ended up enjoying ourselves.” - Ilijana R
“During the incursion there were challenges, but we showed perseverance by never giving up and encouraging others. We worked as a team and got through the challenges” - Neev S
Pre-K Bible Presentation
Pre-K Bible Presentation
Over the past few weeks, Mrs Grima has visited our Pre-K students to continue a much‑loved tradition at the College. During her visits, each student was presented with their own Bible, marking an important milestone in the beginning of their faith and educational journey at Penrith Anglican College.
The presentation of these Bibles provides our youngest learners with a special keepsake that they can treasure at home as they begin to explore and understand the stories of God. This meaningful handover is a highlight of the year for our Pre-K cohort and supports the development of faith, curiosity and reflection from an early age.
CRU FIT Excursion
CRU FIT Excursion
A group of Year 5 and 6 students travelled to Norwest Christian College for the CRU FIT leadership excursion, joining students from seven other schools for a day of learning and encouragement. Throughout the day, they participated in games and activities that helped them think about what it means to lead and take initiative. Students also practised reading the Bible and teaching a memory verse, building confidence in sharing God’s word with others. The day helped students reflect on how they can grow as leaders who serve others in BIG and within our school community.
At CRU FIT I learnt that a good leader listens and spreads the word of God. - Lucinda
Being with students from other schools helped me to see how God has worked in other people’s life not just in Penrith and PAC but in other places too. - Ruby
My favourite part of the day was when we all went in groups and rotated doing different activities like finding your way around the Bible, making up actions for a Bible verse, how to read the Bible out loud and what God has done for us. - Harrison
Mrs Meg Clark
Ministry Coordinator P-6; Primary Teacher
Primary Crazy Hat Day
Primary Crazy Hat Day
Don't forget to wear your crazy hat this Thursday 26 March, and bring along with your gold coin donation for Compassion.
$2-3 Brownies will be for sale at recess.
Secondary School
From the Head of Secondary
From the Head of Secondary
Harmony Day: Celebrating Culture and Community
Last week an incredibly vibrant and purposeful week in the Secondary School, capped off by one of the most significant dates on our school calendar: Harmony Day.
Harmony Day has grown into a cornerstone event for Penrith Anglican College. It was a joy to see our students arrive in stunning cultural attire, representing the rich backgrounds that make up our College community. From the food stalls offering global cuisines to the performances of traditional dances and songs, the day was a showcase of our diverse nationalities.
In a world increasingly marked by conflict and tension, events like Harmony Day are more than just a celebration; they are an educational necessity. They allow us to focus on the many things we have in common rather than the few things that differentiate us. Seeing our young people standing together, celebrating each other’s heritage, reminds us what a healthy, multicultural community looks like.
This event was driven by our Student Leadership Team, who have spent much of this term managing the complex logistics required to host a whole-school celebration.
For many of our newer leaders, this was a "real-world" classroom. They navigated the challenges of coordinating many moving parts, experiencing firsthand that leadership involves both great successes and moments that require refinement. It is often through these mistakes and the need for "course correction" that the most profound leadership lessons are learned. We are incredibly grateful of the way they served our community today. Mrs Miroula Elias has played a significant role in the growth of this event over the last 2 years - thanks!
Finishing Term 1 Strong
As we approach the final weeks of Term 1, it is natural for tiredness to set in. In a busy community like ours, maintaining energy levels is key to sustaining high-quality relationships. We encourage families to help students maintain a reasonable bedtime so they can finish the term with focus and positivity.
Finally, I want to touch on the importance of attendance through to the final day of term. It is often a misconception that "nothing happens" in the final days of school. On the contrary:
- Our teaching staff continues to deliver high-quality learning right up until the final day.
- The end of term features celebratory events that serve as important cultural markers for our students and the community.
When classes are only half-full, it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy regarding productivity. We ask for your support in sending a strong message about the value of every school day by ensuring your child attends until the very end of the term.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making Penrith Anglican College such a wonderful place to learn and grow.
TexStyle Excursion
TexStyle Excursion
Our recent visit to TexStyle was a wonderful opportunity for students to be inspired by the creativity, skill, and dedication behind outstanding Band 6 Major Textiles Projects. Hearing from a Senior HSC Marker gave students valuable insight into the expectations of the course and what it takes to produce work of an exceptional standard. A special highlight of the day was seeing Chelsea’s (Year 12, 2026) work on display and, even more excitingly, seeing it used as an exemplar during the seminar to show students the level of detail, creativity, and refinement possible in a major project.
Students also took part in an embroidery workshop and showed such determination to complete their work that many were still stitching on the train ride home. Their visit to Gallery 76 also provided the chance to speak with embroidery professionals and members of the NSW Embroiderers’ Guild, who were so impressed by the girls’ manners, enthusiasm, and genuine passion for Textiles that they generously gifted them decorative techniques books by well-known authors. The students were also offered mentoring in specific areas of embroidery, making the experience even more meaningful. Overall, it was a rich and memorable day that inspired, encouraged, and excited students as they continue their own Textiles journey.
Here are two reflections from our students.
During this trip, it was an interesting new experience to learn outside of the classroom. Seeing all the Band 6 Major works was really informative, especially seeing Chelsea's work. There were multiple decorative techniques that I was curious about and wanted to try in my own garment. The Senior HSC marker there provided information on the folio and tips to boost marks. The lovely workers were helpful as well, giving information on how some of the techniques worked and suggestions on books to further my own learning. Overall, this excursion gave me motivation and insight on what I should be aiming to achieve in my own folio and garment. - Joyce H
During TexStyle, we saw a variety of new techniques and ways to embed features within our own design. All the exhibitions were unique and different to one another, having innovative ways to create a variety of shape and colour. We had the chance to see Chelsea's exhibition, which featured balanced, simplistic and stylish elements. The ladies who ran the exhibition were incredibly friendly and were willing to help whenever they could. It was a wonderful experience, and I have gained motivation in my own projects! - Thalia R
Faculty News
News from the Library
News from the Library
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2026
The students are progressing well with the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Well done to those students who have already completed the Challenge for this year.
We would like to encourage all students in Years K -Year 9 to attempt the Challenge.
The Challenge finishes on September 18th so there is still plenty of time to participate.
Tim Harris Author Visit
We eagerly look forward to hosting children’s author Tim Harris on Tuesday 24 March, in the Lighthouse Theatre. There have been 150 book orders placed for Tim to sign.
Primary students will visit the Lighthouse in Stage Groups.
Compassion Child Sponsorship Program at PAC
Compassion Child Sponsorship Program at PAC
The Compassion Child Sponsorship Program has been part of PAC since 2007. Each year, our Pre-K students begin sponsoring a four year old child who is living in extreme poverty. This child is generally supported by that same grade until the end of Year 6 at which time, he or she is allocated to a House based Mentor group until they are 18.
In addition to providing financial support, our students can build a meaningful connection with their Sponsored Child through letter writing and prayer.
The program gives our students the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children around the world who face significant hardship.
This sponsorship gives these vulnerable children in our world the chance to access medical care when they are sick, receive an education, enjoy nutritious meals and clean water, be protected from exploitation, and learn about the love of Jesus.
Clean Up Australia Day
Clean Up Australia Day
Earlier this month, members of our College Community participated in Clean Up Australia Day at Regatta Park. Students, staff and families worked collaboratively to care for the local environment, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility to care for their community. It was particularly encouraging to receive positive feedback from members of the wider community, who commented on the enthusiasm and positive attitude displayed by our students throughout the day.
Sincere thanks to Mr Lindeback for organising the event, and to all the staff, students, and families who contributed time out of their weekend to make the day such a success.
Sports
Wiburd Shield Cricket Team
Wiburd Shield Cricket Team
Our Wiburd Shield team has qualified for the 2025–26 Wiburd Shield Cricket Grand Final—the first PAC cricket team ever to reach this stage.
The team secured their place in the decider with a fantastic semi-final win over Shellharbour Anglican College, bowling SAC out for 103 before chasing the total comfortably to finish on 2/104.
PAC will now face Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange on Tuesday 31 March.
What an incredible achievement for the team and for College sport.
We wish our players and Mr Bingham all the very best for the Grand Final.
Touch Football Junior State Cup Southern Conference
Touch Football Junior State Cup Southern Conference
Charlie W (Year 4) was selected in the Lower Blue Mountains representative touch football team to compete at the Junior State Cup Southern Conference in Wagga in February 2026.
Charlie played in the Under 10s team, who performed strongly throughout the tournament and finished 10th overall in their age pool against some very tough competition.
Congratulations to Charlie on representing Lower Blue Mountains with great commitment and sportsmanship. A wonderful achievement.
Parents & Friends Association
Save the Date - Cinema Under The Stars
Save the Date - Cinema Under The Stars
Save the date! Our annual 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! Popcorn, pizza, chips, drinks, candy, and chilling out with your friends on beanbags under the stars!
Tickets will be available for sale on Flexischools soon. Watch this space!
Our next P&F Meeting is scheduled for Monday 30 March from 7:00-8:00pm in the College Staff Room. All are always welcome to attend our committee meetings!
Community Notices
Growing Great Learners - Kindergarten to Year 2 Parent Evening
Growing Great Learners - Kindergarten to Year 2 Parent Evening
Kindergarten to Year 2 Parents are invited to join us for a Parent Information Session, focusing on K-2 Literacy and Numeracy.
Thursday 30 April, 5:00 - 7:00pm in The Exhibition Centre.
* Please note, this is a parent only event.
CRU Camps
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 .
Motiv8 Sports
Motiv8 Sports
Motiv8Sports is running its high energy Super Camp these April school holidays, offering a mix of sport, music, street culture and dance designed to create an exciting atmosphere for students from Kindy to Year 6.
For more information, please visit www.motiv8sports.com.au .
Lower Mountains Anglican Church
Lower Mountains Anglican Church
