From the Principal
From the Principal
From the Principal
Despite 2 shorter weeks, Term 2 has started in a flurry of activity. There have been 2 occasions outside the College that I would particularly like to highlight.
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Gold Level Achievers’ Reception at Government House, hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales with Liam Dowding (Class of 2025), who was recognised for completing the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Gold Level.
The Gold Award represents the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, recognising sustained commitment across service, skill development, physical recreation, and adventurous journey. Liam’s achievement reflects perseverance, initiative, and a willingness to take on challenge - qualities that continue to shape his journey beyond the College.
On Friday afternoon, I also had the pleasure of attending the St Columba's Art Prize Student Opening at St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood. It was incredible to see the following students artworks on display as finalists among works from Secondary students around Sydney:
- Bailey Wright
- Claire Nicholls
- Felicity Wells x 2
- Imogen Corliss
- Jasmin Espey
- Lily Smith
- Penelope Robson
- Seini Taumalolo
- Thalia Rao
Reading at Home: Supporting Learners from Early Years to Year 12
My thanks to all the staff who supported the Kindergarten to Year 2 Literacy and Numeracy evening for parents last week.
Reading for pleasure supports students at every stage of learning—from early literacy development in Kindergarten through to critical thinking, wellbeing and academic success in the senior years. New Australian research released during the holidays reinforces what families and schools observe every day: positive reading habits grow from small, consistent experiences. The Understanding Australian Readers study by Australia Reads and Monash University found that almost half of Australians read less than they intend to, even when they enjoy reading. Importantly, one of the strongest influences on long-term reading habits is the ability to recall positive reading experiences earlier in life, highlighting the vital role families play in nurturing a love of reading across all ages.
What helps reading stick?
Our College Learning Culture teaches students that it is safe to be a learner and that growth comes through perseverance. The research shows people are more likely to read when:
- Reading feels easy and enjoyable, not pressured
- They have a regular routine, even a short one
- Reading fits naturally into busy lives
These insights apply just as much to younger children learning to read as they do to teenagers juggling school, work and extracurricular commitments.
How families can support reading at any age
- Keep reading visible: books, magazines, and audiobooks around the home
- Encourage choice: any format, genre or rereading counts
- Normalise short reading times: even 10 minutes matters
- Talk about reading casually: share ideas, laugh about characters, recommend books
- Model reading: children of all ages notice what adults do
The research reminds us there is no one “right” way to be a reader. What matters is building confidence, enjoyment and connection with reading over time.
Families can explore the Executive Summary of the research here:
Understanding Australian Readers – Executive Summary
Together, schools and families can help students across the College develop reading habits that support learning, wellbeing and a lifelong love of books.
Whole College
The Wizard of Oz Musical
The Wizard of Oz Musical
Tickets On Sale Now!
It is time to click your heels together and secure your seats for our spectacular College production of The Wizard of Oz! We invite all our families to follow the yellow brick road to the theatre this June to support our talented students as they bring this classic tale to life. Tickets on sale now! Our cast and crew have put so much heart and courage into this show, and we cannot wait for you to see the magic they have created on stage.
Please mark your calendars for the following performance times:
- Friday, 5 June (7pm)
- Saturday, 6 June (7pm)
- Friday,12 June (7pm)
- Saturday, 13 June (1pm & 7pm)
There is no place like the theatre, so be sure to set your alarms and book early to ensure you don't miss out!
Secure your seats at: www.trybooking.com/DJXPY
Colouring-In Competition Winners!
We are excited to announce the winners of our Wizard of Oz colouring-in competition! Our students truly brought the Land of Oz to life with incredible creativity and attention to detail. We were particularly impressed by the imaginative use of materials, such as real foil for the Tinman and sparkling glitter for the ruby slippers. The range of sophisticated colouring and shading techniques across all entries made the judging process a challenge for our team!
Congratulations to our talented winners:
Junior Competition (P-4)
- 1st Place: Akira G (Year 2)
- 2nd Place: Charli G (Year 3)
- 3rd Place: Bodhi W (Pre-K) & Lucia D (Year 4)
Senior Competition (5-12)
- 1st Place: Ruby L (Year 5)
- 2nd Place: Addison B (Year 6)
- 3rd Place: Ava T (Year 7)
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their artistic flair with us. We look forward to seeing that same creative energy on stage during our performances this June!
Primary School
From the Head of Primary
From the Head of Primary
Parent Information Evening: Growing Great Learners (K–2)
It was encouraging to welcome so many K–2 families to our Growing Great Learners Parent Information Evening. The session focused on developing shared understanding of how literacy and numeracy learning unfolds in the early years. While some approaches may look different from how many of us learned at school, they are grounded in strong, evidence‑based research, with familiar foundations still clearly evident. Families were also provided with practical strategies to support learning at home, strengthening the connection between classroom practice and home support. We acknowledge Mrs Knebel, Mrs Etherington and Mrs Lucas for sharing their expertise and leadership in this important area of early learning.
Uniform Reminder: Transition to Winter Uniform
The Summer to Winter uniform transition period concludes at the end of Week 3. From Week 4, all students are expected to be wearing the full winter uniform in accordance with College guidelines. Parents are encouraged to review the Uniform Guidelines as a helpful reference for College expectations. A consistent, well‑presented uniform supports students to develop pride in their school and in themselves. This is most effective when approached in partnership, and we appreciate families supporting these guidelines and assisting their child to meet them each day.
Working Together for Clear Communication
Strong home–school partnerships are underpinned by clear and respectful communication. Grade messaging groups play a valuable role in building connection and sharing general reminders; however, questions or concerns relating to learning, wellbeing, routines or College procedures are best directed straight to the College. This ensures accurate information, appropriate follow‑up and timely support.
Families are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher or the Office as the first point of contact, so that matters can be addressed confidentially and effectively, always in the best interests of students.
Upcoming Dates to Note
-
Mother’s Day Stall: Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 May
Tokens purchased through Flexischools -
Mother’s Day Chapel: Friday 8 May, commencing at 12:15pm in the Gym
Followed by a picnic lunch and open classrooms
Year 4 Explore The Rocks
Year 4 Explore The Rocks
On Thursday 30 April, Year 4 students went on an excursion to The Rocks in Sydney as part of their History studies this semester. During the day, the students participated in two engaging programs that explored what life was like for Aboriginal people before and after European settlement, as well as the experiences of convicts transported to the new colony.
Students were actively involved in their learning with many hands‑on experiences. One highlight was becoming “archaeologists” and digging for artefacts from the early colony to deepen their understanding of the past.
We were also blessed with beautiful weather, which made for a wonderful day of learning, exploration and discovery in one of Sydney’s most historic precincts.
Leadership Day at Oran Park Anglican College
Leadership Day at Oran Park Anglican College
On Friday the 24th of April the primary leadership team went to Oran Park Anglican College. It was for a day to learn about how to be better leaders at school. There were also other schools from the Anglican Schools Corporation at the event. It was run by an organisation called Unleashing Personal Potential (or UPP).
At the start, the person from UPP who was running the event did an introduction and told us what the day would be like. At the start we did some stuff where we had to choose someone that we didn’t know and who was from a different school and we did things together which helped us get to know each other better.
After recess we got into teams by pairing up with our partner from before and the person from UPP gave pairs a number between 1 and 18 and we had to go to the line according to the number. The people in the line were a group, and we did activities that gave us points and at the end of that session they announced the groups that came first, second and third.
After lunch we got into our school groups and planned an event that we might organise at our school. At the end of that one or two people from each school shared their ideas.
Overall, I think it was really fun and I learnt lots.
- Theo W
The UPP leadership day at Oran Park Anglican College was a really fun and exciting learning experience for our whole leadership team. We enjoyed playing games and doing difficult challenges with Matt from UPP. He showed us what a true leader does and reminded us that a true leader serves the people they lead, not the other way around. This message really stood out to us and helped us think about the kind of leaders we want to be.
When we arrived at Oran Park Anglican College, we were the first ones to arrive, so we played a game. When the next school arrived, we invited them to play the game with us. This set the day off to a great start.
We learnt about ASPIRE and how we can use it every day, whether we’re a leader or not. It taught us that leadership isn’t just about having a badge, it’s about the choices we make and how we treat others.
We also had lots of fun connecting with the other leaders and getting to know them better. One of the activities was a sixty‑second talking challenge where we had to talk to a leader from a different school for a whole minute. It felt a bit awkward at first, but it actually really helped us build confidence to make new friends. We also had the privilege of going to Oran Park Anglican College and using their amazing facilities for the day.
In the second part of the day, called the Power of TEAMS, we were put into groups with student leaders from different schools. This taught us how to work with new people. We were challenged to a freeze picture game, a silent ordering game, and even a tennis‑ball race! The activities made us think, communicate, and work together in different ways. It was a fun and exciting way to connect and compete with the other schools and teams, and it showed us how important teamwork can be!
We all had an amazing time thanks to Mrs Karp and the other school’s teachers who helped organise this event not only for our primary leadership team, but for the other schools too. I left feeling inspired, confident, and excited to show what I learnt when I got back to school.
- Lucy M (Year 6)
The UPP Leadership Day at Oran Park Anglican was a fun and valuable experience for our team. One of the highlights was the ‘Power of TEAMS’ session, where we worked with students from other schools on challenges that improved our teamwork and communication.
We also had the chance to meet other student leaders, and activities like the one-minute talking challenge helped us build confidence. Throughout the day, we learnt about ASPIRE and how leadership is shown through our actions every day.
Through games and challenges with Matt, we discovered that true leadership is about serving others, which made us reflect on the kind of leaders we want to be. Overall, it was an inspiring day, and I feel more confident and excited to use what I learnt back at school.
- Charlotte N (Year 6)
Year 1 Fire Museum Excursion
Year 1 Fire Museum Excursion
On Wednesday, Year 1 were excited to visit the Museum of Fire in Penrith. The students, as part of the geography unit, received the opportunity to see firsthand how firefighters help the community and care for people. The groups rotated through seeing the museum, old historic fire trucks and wagons, showing how it all began. They received an education talk, which allowed them to act out what firefighters would do in a fire. Now, it wouldn’t be an excursion without talking to the Fire and Rescue Team. They gave the students the opportunity to check out all their tools and a chance to spray the firehose. Finally, they rode an old fire truck with its sirens working as we drove around.
When I asked some of the students what their highlight was, it was obviously the fire engine ride, but it was lovely to hear children say my favourite part of the day was the whole day.
Mrs Lorraine Jones,
Primary Teacher
Secondary School
From the Head of Secondary
From the Head of Secondary
ANZAC Day Chapel Service
The annual ANZAC Day Chapel service stands as a reverent component of College life. By bringing together the entire community, from our Prep students to our Year 12 leaders, we mark the sacrifice that many have made for our nation. This year’s service, supported by Flight Lieutenant Stephen Gibbons and the Australian Air Force Cadets Squadron 345, provided a formal structure for students to reflect.
In a Christian educational context, ANZAC Day offers a unique opportunity to explore sacrifice. The inclusion of John 15:13 is not merely a traditional gesture; it serves to bridge the gap between historical military service and the theological foundations of our faith. By examining the "greater love" required to lay down one’s life for others, students are encouraged to look beyond self-interest and consider their responsibilities to the wider community and the nation.
The involvement of our Student Leadership team and the presence of distinguished guests, such as Mr. Len Halvorsen (Vice President, City of Penrith RSL Sub-Branch) and representatives for our State and Federal members, underscores the civic importance of the event. For our senior students, particularly those like Cadet Under Officer Nathan Bean, speaking into such a solemn occasion builds a sense of gravity and stewardship.
Gathering as a whole College allows us to pause the academic routine to reflect on the cost of the freedoms we enjoy.
Lest we forget.
Introducing the Compass Award - Empowering Year 7 and 8 Students
We are pleased to announce the official launch of the Compass Award, a new initiative introduced for all Year 7 and 8 students beginning this term. This program is designed to recognise and encourage student engagement beyond the traditional classroom setting, fostering growth through a diverse range of co-curricular endeavours.
Why the Compass Award?
Research consistently demonstrates that involvement in co-curricular activities is vital to adolescent development. By participating in the Compass Award, students will:
- Support physical and mental wellbeing by engaging in active and creative pursuits.
- Build transferable skills through developing essential strengths in teamwork, leadership, and communication.
- Strengthen character by fostering the four pillars of the PAC College Learning Culture: Resilience, Resourcefulness, Relationship, and Reflection.
The Compass Award challenges students to grow in four distinct areas:
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Physical/Health | Improving fitness and personal wellbeing through active participation. |
| Skills | Developing new talents or refining existing hobbies and interests. |
| Citizenship | Engaging in service and contributing positively to the community. |
| Adventure | Building confidence and resourcefulness through new experiences. |
To ensure students gain the maximum benefit from the program, our Mentor Teachers will play a central role. They will guide students in setting personal goals, reflecting on their progress, and maintaining a healthy balance between their various commitments. This structured support helps students grow in confidence as both learners and community members.
For parents and students wishing to explore the program further, we encourage you to visit the official Compass Award Website .
We look forward to seeing our Year 7 and 8 students explore new horizons and celebrate their achievements through this new program.
Kangaroo Cup
Kangaroo Cup
The Staff vs Students handball competition was an exciting and incredibly competitive activity where we could prove our skills and beat the teachers. Unfortunately, the Student team suffered a heavy loss, but we were having too much fun to mind. It was good to make memories in our community during our last year.
- Maeve L (Year 12)
National Schools Constitutional Convention
National Schools Constitutional Convention
Year 11 student Melissa S represented Penrith Anglican College at the National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra—joining just 113 students from across Australia for one of the nation’s leading student forums.
Held at Old Parliament House, the three-day convention brought together senior students to explore the Australian Constitution and engage in discussions about the future of our democracy.
This year, students examined whether Section 53 should be amended to prevent the Senate from blocking supply—working together to consider the impact of constitutional change and taking part in a national mock referendum.
“It definitely encouraged me to be more involved and think about how I can make a difference,” Melissa said. “Because we will be the future of the country, we should work towards being as involved as possible.”
Alongside expert presentations, Melissa connected with students from across the country and experienced key civic spaces including Parliament House and Government House.
She hopes her experience will encourage other students to step outside their comfort zones.
“Try your absolute hardest and go for every opportunity, even if you think it’s too far out of reach. Not trying is the only way to know for sure that you won’t achieve anything.”
A special thank you to Ms Angela Streeter for accompanying Melissa and supporting her throughout the experience.
Opportunities like this give students the chance to think deeply about the kind of future they want to help shape—and we are incredibly proud of Melissa.
Faculty News
ROCK Camp - KYCK
ROCK Camp - KYCK
Over the long weekend, students were invited to camp out at the College while joining more than 2,000 young people at KYCK in Katoomba from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 April.
After sleeping at the College, our Secondary students travelled up each day, enjoying the music and games, learning from the book of Jonah, and taking part in a bushwalk together.
It was a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the excitement, teaching, and atmosphere generated by thousands of youth each year at these events, while also building connection and community within our own group across the weekend.
Looking forward to KYCK 2027!
Sports
Secondary Cross Country & Tug-O-War
Secondary Cross Country & Tug-O-War
Parents & Friends Association
P&F News
P&F News
PAC secondary students and families, due to circumstances beyond our control we have postponed our Cinema Under the Stars event. This event will now take place on Thursday, 28 May and tickets are now available on Flexischools! Don’t miss out, grab your tickets today for a totally roarsome night under the stars screening Jurassic Park. Movie tickets are $15 each, hotdog and drink combos just $7, you can even hire a bean bag to posh up your night for $15! Freshly popped popcorn, soft drinks, chips, candy and all your movie faves will be available for purchase on the night (cash and card payment accepted). Thursday, 28 May, on the College Oval kicking off at 6:00pm. This event is for PAC secondary students only. Students are welcome to BYO picnic rug, blanket, pillows, bean bag, cushions, please leave your chairs at home.
The Parents & Friends are excited to share a gorgeous selection of gifts for our students to shop for their special someone at our annual Mother’s Day Stall on 6 & 7 May for just $10 each. The stall is open to secondary students at lunch time on Thursday, 7 May. A pop-up stall will be open in the College Reception area on Friday, 8 May during recess and lunch for students who miss out! A donation box can be found in the College Reception area for families who wish to donate unwrapped gifts to the value of $10. If you would like to join in the fun and volunteer at our Mother’s Day Stall, please reach out to us at [email protected] Volunteers are required to hold a current WWCC and complete the PAC Volunteer Induction training.
Our next Parents & Friends General Meeting is on Monday, 4 May at 7:00pm in the College Staff Room. All are always welcome!
The Parents & Friends will be there for the PAC Secondary Athletics Carnival on Tuesday, 5 May at the Narellan Sports Hub! This year we will be working together with the Year 10’s in support of their chosen charity fundraiser. The Parents & Friends will donate all proceeds from the BBQ sales to the Year 10’s! We will have drinks, chips, chocolates, zooper doopers and more to fuel our hungry athletes and spectators. Cash and card payments will be accepted on the day.
