Mrs Melinda Richardson - Deputy Principal (Primary)

Mrs Melinda Richardson
Deputy Principal (Primary)

Year 2 went back in time! They embarked on an excursion to the Rouse Hill Estate. During the excursion, the students got a glimpse into the everyday life of 1889. They participated in activities that recreated the historical classroom environment such as writing on slate boards and sewing. The students we’re highly immersed as they experienced wearing the past uniform attire as well as the strict discipline (such as not smiling for photos!). This hands-on historical exploration enriched their understanding of the significant changes between the now and the past. They all had an amazing time!

On Monday 27th May, Year 12 had the privilege of attending the English Teachers’ Association Study Day. Although it was an early start, we were able to explore the beautiful University of Sydney campus and enjoy the cafes with our peers and teachers. Throughout the three sessions, we were able to engage with experienced English teachers as they shared their knowledge on the modules we study throughout the English Advanced course. The engaging style of presentation made each session very interesting. It allowed us to broaden our knowledge on the use of context, how to structure our responses and how to best analyse the language in our prescribed texts to enhance our essay writing.  The insight of the lecturers was amazing information we can now use to improve our writing and build on the strong foundation already established within the classroom. It was an enjoyable excursion that was both fun and extremely helpful. I would like to extend my thanks to the English Department, particularly Miss Kenny, for awarding us this opportunity to improve as writers. - Ivana Stefanovski 

Year 12 students found the study day for HSC English Paper 2 at the University of Sydney to be enjoyable and productive, giving us more confidence and preparation for the challenges that are ahead. The lectures gave us insightful knowledge about each English module and gave us the resources we need to be ready for the HSC. As Standard English has just started Module A, the discussion was very helpful as it provided a thorough overview of the topic. It not only helped us understand what the module includes, but it also offered us a head start on the key concepts and language. Additionally, the chance to explore the university offered us an understanding of what universities are like and helped to normalise the lecture experience. I want to thank the school for providing us with this wonderful opportunity which has unquestionably improved our academic experience and our HSC preparations were significantly helped by the study advice given. - Cyane Heath-Ogden

Last Friday evening Year 12 History Extension students headed into the city for the Sydney Writers’ Festival to watch an entertaining and informative discussion with two prominent Australian authors. Anna Funder and Richard Flanagan discussed a range of issues raised by their works, including: the relationships between history, fiction and truth; the concept of autofiction and the construction of identities through writing; methods for uncovering and telling stories of those who have been previously silenced.

The Primary School Athletics Carnival at Narellan Sports Hub on Wednesday 29th May was a remarkable showcase of athletic talent. The weather was perfect, and the students brought tremendous competitive spirit and energy. The All Day Novelty Challenges saw extensive participation from all students involved. The day also saw an additional event being added the Year 6 student versus Teacher relay. The final points are still being tallied to determine the overall winner. Congratulations to all students for your efforts and enthusiastic participation throughout the day.

On the 1st May Jacob W, Zara S, Isaac G, Nathaniel G and Zane C trialled for selection into the CIS Primary Touch Football team. The day was super competitive with over 100 boys and 70 girls trialling for a position on the team. These students were given the opportunity to show off their flick passes, side steps and settling patterns. Congratulations to Zara S and Zane C for being selected to compete at the NSWPSSA Primary Touch Football Championships in August.

On Thursday 23rd May students from the Primary School competed at the CASA Cross-Country event at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. All students ran well with some students benefitting from our Tuesday afternoon Kilometre Club. PAC finished in 2nd place on the day. Well done to Audrey M in Year 4 who won the 10 Years Girls event, Jacob K in Year 3 who won the 8/9 Years Boys event and Sabella W in Year 6 who finished 2nd in the 11 Years Girls. A big congratulations to Maddison C, Pippa A, Mia E, Nathaniel G, Sebastian T, Bianca R, Chloe T, Hugo P and Jack W who have also qualified to represent CASA at the CIS Championships.

Congratulations to Sabella W, Chloe T, Bianca R, Nathaniel G, Sebastian T, Pippa A, Hugo P, Jack W, Maddison C, Audrey M and Jacob K who represented CASA at the Primary CIS Cross-Country Carnival at Sydney Equestrian Centre on 6th June. It was certainly a cold, windy and wet day for the event. These students ran extremely well under the tough conditions and battled through the mud showing grit and determination. Congratulations to Jacob K who placed 2nd in the 8/9 Years Boys age group and will now compete at the NSWPSSA Cross-Country Championships in July.

On the 10th May students from Year 5 and 6 travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to compete in the CASA Netball Gala Day. During the day the girls did an outstanding job playing with great passion remaining undefeated throughout the day and winning the event. Congratulations to Sabella W, Scarlett S, Alice B and Zara S who were picked to represent at the CIS Primary Netball Championships.

Congratulations to Scarlett S, Zara S, Alice B and Sabella W for their outstanding performance at the CIS Primary Netball Championships. The girls showcased their skills with great passes, super intercepts, and many goals. Well done to Sabella W, who was selected for CIS to compete at the NSWPSSA Primary Netball Championships in August.

On Tuesday 14th March a number of students represented PAC at the Netball NSW Schools Cup including PAC’s first Secondary Boys Netball teams. Mr Bingham and Miss Kenny had the pleasure of coaching the Year 8 Boys and couldn’t have been prouder of their resilience and growth. Please enjoy a reflection from one of the team members, Timothy Hammond:

On a warm, sunny day, a group of Year 8 boys and I embarked on a journey into the unknown. For the first time, we decided to play netball. All of us were completely new to netball, but with the guidance of peers and teachers, we improved significantly before the gala day. On the day, we faced fierce competitors who managed to beat us time and time again. Disappointment and fatigue started to set in, but we spurred each other on. In our last game against Glenmore Park High, we put in our best efforts, but it was coming down to the wire. All the hard work, the heartbreak, and the unfathomable dedication transformed into triumph. The passion and dedication of our team even when we were behind led to an astounding comeback from our team. The exhilaration continued onto the bus and at school. Learning a new sport with peers around me helped me flourish. The netball gala day was a day of learning, disappointment, and triumph, as our journey into the unknown came to an end.

North-West Schools Rugby Competition (NWSRC)

Congratulations to Adelaide Grima (Year 8) and Thalia Rao (Year 9) who have been selected as finalists for the Penrith Youth Art Prize. These artworks are currently on exhibited in Lewers House at Penrith Regional Gallery. Students were required to create works in response to the theme ‘Colour Stories’ and the quote from Margo Lewers;

“I am intensely interested in colour. It excites me and I want to show the effect of one colour upon another…”– Margo Lewers

Artworks are on display until the 21 July 2024.