From the Head of Campus Nelson Mandela is quoted as saying “Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world.” As parents we all share a concern about the world our children are growing up in… is it a safe, fair and just world? Too often we are seeing evidence where it is not. So how do we prepare our children for this world and their future? As a Christian College we are committed to training up students to be wise about the world around them and with an attitude to serve and lead. We believe they can make a difference in their community with this attitude and the skills to contribute as citizens. But are we just going to wait until the “grow up” to see them making a difference? I hope not. Children are being set on the path for their life from the moment they are born. As parents and teachers we have a significant responsibility to teach them the skills and values important for them to build their lives upon. The College does this in partnership with parents and we are appreciative of the support and trust you have placed in us to be a part of your children’s lives. These are exciting years for them as they discover things about themselves and the world around them. Sometimes they will learn through trial and error and we are to see mistakes as teachable moments. We know that we often learn through our experiences and at the College we endeavour to give students a range of experiences to deepen their understanding and develop their confidence and resilience. One example of this happened this week when we were visited by the NRL and players from the West Tigers who spoke to the Year 3-8 students on wellbeing. Next week Year 5-6 students will go away on camp and through those outdoor experiences be challenged to overcome personal fears and work together to achieve goals as a team. I hope you enjoy reading through this week’s newsletter as we highlight the activities that are part of “The Life” here at the College. “Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his chosen king; he answers him from his holy heaven and by his power gives him great victories. Some trust in their war chariots and others in their horses, but we trust in the power of the Lord our God. Such people will stumble and fall, but we will rise and stand firm. Give victory to the king, O Lord; answer us when we call.” Psalm 20:6-9 Mrs Naomi Wilkins Head of Campus

The Life

Volume 4, Issue 2 Friday, 20 February

Peter Brock Drive, Oran Park NSW 2570 PO Box 1293, Narellan NSW 2567 Telephone: 02 4604 0000

Website: www.opac.nsw.edu.au Email: admin@opac.nsw.edu.au Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8.00 am - 4.00 pm

Prayer Points Praise for Enrolment applications being received. God is a faithful God! New Staff at the College. Parents volunteering to represent the P&F Prayer for The building of new classrooms. Enrolments for 2016 and beyond. The College Fair coordination.

The Official Newsletter for Thomas Hassall Anglican College Oran Park Anglican College Campus

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In the classroom with Mrs Finlay, Ms Smith and Prep This term in Prep we are: Engaging in social play which is helping us to get to know other children. We are also

learning to share the toys and equipment and learning to take turns. Developing our understanding of the school environment by:

Learning to line up after recess and lunch

Caring for our possessions by unpacking our bags on arrival and packing our bags at the end of the day

Learning the rules for good listening behaviour especially at group time.

Developing independent toileting skills.

Experimenting with colours as we paint and draw using a variety of media. Developing our understanding of numbers (1-5) and shapes through structured activities. Enjoying reading stories and singing familiar songs and nursery rhymes. Learning to recognise and write our name. Developing our fine motor skills through cutting, tracing and drawing. Developing our gross motor skills while playing outside and participating in Zumba and

other dance activities. Learning through play.

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Abstract Drawings by Year 3

This is Year 3’s first artwork for the year. They drew wavy lines with a white pencil on black paper. Next they filled in each section with patterns using coloured pencils.

Damien Pillay Evelyn Topping

Rylan Vetrano Natalie Smith

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From the College Counsellor The concept of “wellbeing” has recently become prominent. You may have seen the term splashed around the pages of health magazines, or in economic circles (where population wellbeing is measured as an index of national affluence). However, wellbeing is a complex concept. It’s not merely the absence of disease, or how happy or wealthy you are. Rather, it’s a combination of physical, emotional, spiritual, nutritional and relational factors that combine to influence the whole person. Here at the College we are invested in the overall wellbeing of our students, not just because research suggests that wellbeing has a positive impact on learning outcomes, but because self-care and wellbeing are important life skills. Throughout the year we will be discussing various aspects of wellbeing, and how students can enhance their wellbeing. One aspect of wellbeing which will be particularly emphasised is help-seeking behaviour, or the ability to know when they need help, how to get help, and who to approach. So, what can parents do to support wellbeing? As social support and encouragement are so important in facilitating help-seeking behaviour, let me encourage you to model good self-care and promotion of personal wellbeing to your children. Let them see you choosing to eat healthy snacks, exercising, and prioritising sleep. Allow your kids to watch how you problem-solve when faced with a potential obstacle. If you feel comfortable, ask for help for a small problem in front of your children. It could be as simple as asking for directions – anything that lets them see you recognise a need, and approach someone to help meet that need. Most importantly, let them know that talking about emotional wellbeing is ok by asking how they are, and listening openly. Stay tuned for more on how to encourage your children to enhance wellbeing. Miss Clare Calderwood College Counsellor PS. There are plenty of Apps that can help you out with your own wellbeing! Try ‘Happify’ for helpful tips on physical and emotional wellbeing for yourself, ‘Juice’ as an energy tracker, and ‘Recharge’ for regulating sleep.

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Messages from the College Office Parent Helpers Thank you to parents who have expressed interest in helping in various areas of the College. All parent helpers must complete the NEW Working With Children Check prior to helping at the College if you have not already done so. Information is available on the College website under employment. Once you have completed the process, please email or hand your clearance paperwork which contains your clearance number to the College Office for approval. All parent helpers must also complete a Volunteer Undertaking form, available at the College Office. Enrolment Applications The College is accepting application forms for Prep - Year 9 2016 and beyond. Applications for P-8 2015 are also still being accepted. If you have any sibling applications for Prep or Kindergarten 2016, we encourage you to submit the application as soon as possible as places are limited. Application forms are available on the College website or through the College Office. Book Covering All College Staff (especially Mrs Lynch and Mrs Verbanez) would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all the parents and guardians who helped cover reading books over the last few weeks. We had over 1000 books covered in a 2 week period. Without support like this, students would not be able to have the resources available as quickly to them. Teachers and students are now using these resources which will allow students to develop not just more skills but also their confidence. Once again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

After College Pick Up The playground equipment is not supervised after College and parents are requested to not let their children play on the equipment at this time.

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In the classroom with Mrs Humphreys MultiLit Parent Training MulitiLit is a reading program researched and devised by Macquarie University to help low progress readers make up for lost time in literacy. It is a structured program that follows a steady routine and can be easily delivered. This program aims to get students back on track with their reading, one on one, through three weekly sessions. I would like to ask any parent, guardian or grandparent if they would like to volunteer to help students with MultiLit. If you would like to find out more about the program, please come and talk with me or email mhumphreys@opac.nsw.edu.au.

Instrumental Tutorial Program If your child would like to participate in instrumental or vocal lessons and you haven’t completed a note, please complete the note at the end of the newsletter and return to the College Office as soon as possible. Students may commence lessons at the beginning of any term or by arrange-ment with the tutor. Violin is now also being offered.

Parent Portal What can you see and do via the Parent Portal includes:

* Edit and update personal details including changes of address, phone number, email and medical information * See and acknowledge your child’s absences from College * Verify absences instead of sending a written note (only for common types of absences) * Merits and detentions should they occur * Direct debit updates and payment of fees

We encourage you to log in to Edumate to get a sense of the portal. We would like to encourage all parents, on their first log in to the Parent Portal, to update any personal details – in particular EMAIL ADDRESSES as a current and correct email address is critical in ensuring that our regular communications are received by you. Some parts of the Parent Portal will not function without a current and correct email address. Please follow instructions on the following pages. If you experience any difficulty logging into or using the Parent Portal please don’t hesitate to contact the College Office.

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Page 9 The Life

Staff Profiles Name Mrs Karen Ferdarico Class Kindergarten Red Place of Birth Penrith Qualifications BA Dip Ed Favourite Food Indonesian Favourite Book Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy Favourite Sport Cricket Interests Coffee with friends, jazz music, nature walks ____________________________________________________________________________ Name Mr John Rees Class/Subjects Mathematics, Science, Sport Place of Birth Wagga Wagga, NSW Qualifications Bachelor (Hons) Applied Science - Natural Resource Management Graduate Diploma of Education (Applied Learning) Favourite Food Asian cuisine and pizza Favourite Book An Utterly Impartial History of Britain 200 Years of Upper Class Idiots in Charge by John O’Farrell Interests Reading non-fiction, food, family dogs, running, outdoor recreation ____________________________________________________________________________ Name Mr Daniel Hudson Class Year 1/2 White Place of Birth Cronulla Qualifications Bachelor of Education Favourite Food Avocado, Homemade pizza Favourite Modern Band U2 and Pink Floyd Favourite Book Bible, 4WD-Car magazines to relax, ‘Firing Through Life’ by Al Stuart Favourite Sport Tennis Interests Tennis, 4WD’ing, camping, chilling out, Men’s Ministry

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Sport: Year 3 - Year 6 IPSSO Term 1 Start and Finish times are approximate. Parents are welcome to come and watch. Juniors (Y3/4) play first, followed by Seniors (Y5/6). Date Vs Venue Times Wednesday, 25 February Broughton Home 11.55 am - 1.45 pm Wednesday, 4 March Training Wednesday, 11 March Training Wednesday, 18 March Wollondilly WAC 12.20 pm - 2.10 pm Wollondilly Anglican College, Remembrance Drive, Tahmoor (Oz Tag and Basketball) Wednesday, 25 March St Peter’s St Peter’s 12.00 pm - 2.10 pm St Peter’s Anglican College, 5 Howe Street, Campbelltown (Basketball) Bradbury Park, Cnr The Parkway and Oxley Street, Campbelltown (Oz Tag) Wednesday, 1 April Macarthur Home 11.20 am - 2.10 pm Draw is subject to change, please confirm venue and times with College Office if you intend to go and watch your child.

Triathlon Cody Turner, Year 8, recently competed in a Triathlon at Orange, NSW. Cody came 6 place out of 101 competitors. The race consist-ed of a 300m swim, 10km bike (on rough Orange roads) and a 2.5km run. This puts him in 2nd place for the Elite NSW Junior Series. Well done Cody on your excellent sporting achievement! This coming week is the All Schools Triathlon at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. Cody is competing in the Individual event on Thursday. Three students will compete in the relay event on Friday, Angus Geoghegan (Swim Leg), Lachlan Roberts (Run Leg) and Cody Turner (Bike Leg). Good luck boys! If your child is participating in elite sports or activities outside the College, we would like to acknowledge them in the newsletter. Please forward a short article and photo to clynch@opac.nsw.edu.au.

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Swimming Carnival The first Oran Park Anglican College Junior School Swimming Carnival was held on Monday, 2 February 2015 at Wollondilly Leisure Centre. We were blessed with fine weather and a wonderful venue and students participated with enthusiasm in their new House groups. College staff were proud of our students’ behaviour at the carnival and pleased with the manner in which students encouraged every swimmer who took part in the races and cheered their fellow House members on to victory. Junior Age Champions 9 year girls

1st place Alicia Pavone 2nd place Charlie Cowlishaw 3rd place Maddison Palmer

9 year boys 1st place Aidan Ibrahim

10 year girls 1st place Ashley Twemlow 2nd place Emily Alden Equal 3rd place Laura Roberts, Olivia Beky

11 year girls 1st place Helena Gajda

11 year boys 1st place Zac Pavone Equal 2nd place Alex Giakoumelos, Campbell Franke

12 year girls 1st place Natasha Barlow

Senior Age Champions 13yr Boys Angus Geoghegan 13yr Girls Mae Alden 14yr Boys Cody Turner Well done to Angus for making it to NASSA Swimming on Wednesday, 4 March 2015 in 100m Freestyle. Best wishes. Several students went on to compete at the Thomas Hassall Anglican College Junior School Carnival which was held last Thursday, 12 February 2015. They were: Emily Alden Natasha Barlow Charlie Cowlishaw Campbell Franke Helena Gajda Aiden Ibrahim Maddison Palmer Zac Pavone Alicia Pavone Laura Roberts Ashley Twemlow All these students swam their best on the day and are to be congratulated on their efforts. Alicia Pavone and Maddison Palmer were selected to represent THAC and OPAC at the NASSA Swimming Carnival which is to be held on Tuesday, 3 March 2015 at Homebush Olympic Swimming Centre. Congratulations Alicia and Maddison – swim your very best and enjoy the experience! Thank you to all parents who helped on the day, the College would not be able to run events like this smoothly without your help.

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Swimming Carnival

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Lunch Ordering Below are instructions for ordering student lunches. Oran Park Town Café supplies and delivers lunches to the College. Year 6 lunch monitors sort and deliver your child’s lunch to their classroom. If your child has ordered an ice block, it will be kept in the Office freezer until they have eaten their lunch. Students are to collect their own ice block from the Office. Please make sure you confirm what you have ordered with your child, especially if they have ordered an ice block.

Current Year 6 students will participate in the Experience Year 7 program.

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2015 Dates For Your Diary Year 5/6 Camp Mon, 23 - Tues, 24 February NASSA Junior Swimming Carnival Tuesday, 3 March Parent/Teacher Interviews Tuesday, 3 March NASSA Senior Swimming Carnival Wednesday, 4 March P&F Meeting Thursday, 5 March Twilight Tours (4 pm - 6 pm) Wednesday, 11 March Bookfair Wed, 18 - Wed, 25 March CIS Junior Swimming Carnival Thursday, 19 March Harmony Day Thursday, 19 March P-6 Open Classrooms Thursday, 19 March Experience Year 7 (9.30 am-12.30 pm) Friday, 27 March Year 3/4 Day Camp Monday, 30 March Easter Hat Parade Thursday, 2 April Grandparents Day (incorrect date previously) Thursday, 10 September

Friday Assembly Parents are welcome to attend the following afternoons at 2.30 pm. P-8 Assembly ran by Year 8 Friday, 27 February K-6 Assembly ran by Year 5 Friday, 6 March K-6 Assembly ran by Year 6 Friday, 20 March P-8 Assembly ran by Year 7 Friday, 27 March Other afternoons, K-6 students will be involved in House meetings. Principal’s Awards will be handed out at the P8 Assembly. Invitations will be given to parents to let you know your child will be receiving a Principal’s Award.

Student Banking Banking day is Wednesday.

Students are to give their completed bank book to their class teacher on Monday or Tuesday. Rewards are generated by the bank, once your child’s name is sent to the College for a reward, a rewards slip will be place in their bank book. Please select a reward and return it the following week. Scholastic Bookclub Please complete forms in full with correct class name (Red/Blue/White) and return with the correct money to the College Office. Once book club has been ordered, your order will come to the College. Your child will be given the order to take home. If it is a gift, please write on order form, GIFT - parent to pick up from College Office. If you have any queries, please contact the Office.

ORAN PARK ANGLICAN COLLEGE

2015 TERM DATES

T E R M 1

Wednesday, 28 January Thursday, 29 January Monday, 2 February Tuesday, 3 February Thursday, 2 April

Kindergarten, Year 7, Year 8 commence Y1 – Year 6 commence Prep Red (3 day) commence Prep Blue (2 day) commence Last day of Term 1

T E R M 2

Tuesday, 21 April Monday, 8 June Friday, 26 June

First day of Term 2 Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday Last day of Term 2

T E R M 3

Monday, 2 0 July Friday, 18 September

First day of Term 3 Last day of Term 3

T E R M 4

Tuesday, 6 October Monday, 9 November Friday, 4 December

First day of Term 4 Mid Term Break - Students Only Last day of Term 4

Parents’ & Friends’ Association

Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month.

Next Meeting Thursday, 12 Feb 7 pm at College Everyone welcome.

P&F Email Contact pandf@opac.nsw. edu.au

P&F Webpage

http://www.opac.nsw.edu.au/pandf

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From the Parents’ & Friends’ Association The P&F held their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 12 February 2015 at the College. The following executive members have been elected for 2015. President Matthew Saliba Vice President Michael Palmer Treasurer Michelle Wyatt Secretary Melanie Alden I would like to congratulate and welcome the newly elected members of the executive committee. The P&F are looking forward to a successful year and hope 2015 can build on the efforts of previous years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank previous members of the executive for their efforts, particularly Stuart Starr who held the position of President in 2012 and 2013, and Vice President for 2014. Stuart’s passion and leadership along with the efforts of the members of the P&F have contributed toward the goals that have been met so far. We look forward to his continued support in the future. Over the next week or so the P&F will have a supplementary email sent out to all parents introducing the executive committee for 2015 and outlining our plans for events throughout the year. Upcoming Events Twilight Tours Evening Wednesday, 11 March 2015 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm We will be running a BBQ and require assistance between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm. If you are available please contact the P&F via the email pandf@opac.nsw.edu.au. Bunnings BBQ - Narellan Bunnings Saturday, 28 March 2015 8.30 am - 5.00 pm We are currently requesting volunteers to assist on the day. If you can cook, serve or manage the till we encourage you to come along and be part of raising funds for the College. The day will be broken up into 3 shifts; 8.30 am – 11.30 am, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm, 2.30 pm – 5.00 pm. If you are available could you please contact the P&F in person or via the email – pandf@opac.nsw.edu.au. If you can’t be there for the assigned shift times but are available throughout the day, please let us know. Everyone is welcome.

Parents’ & Friends’ Association

Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month.

Next Meeting Thursday, 5 March 7 pm at College Everyone welcome.

P&F Email Contact pandf@opac.nsw. edu.au

Clothing Pool clothingpool@opac. nsw.edu.au

P&F Webpage http://www.opac.nsw.edu.au/pandf

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Save The Date OPAC Fair and Open Day Saturday, 2 May 2015 10.00 am to 2.00 pm There will be rides, food and market stalls, silent auction and other attractions for all the family to enjoy. We will be starting the pre-sale of ride wristbands soon with forms being made available in the Office and online. Christmas In July Saturday, 25 July 2015 at Trattoria La Vigna, Camden This is an event with a primary focus on building community within the College. All parents, children and staff are welcome to attend. Trivia will be included as part of proceedings. Last year’s event was enjoyed by all. Further events will be organised throughout the year and more details will be available soon. Clothing Pool There is a new link on the College website under the P&F, contact us tab, directing you to the clothing pool email - clothingpool@opac.nsw.edu.au. If you require uniform items or have some good quality second hand uniform items you no longer require and would like to donate, our clothing pool coordinator Ros Patane. Roberts Estate Agents If you, your family or friends have property sales or management that need attending why not give Roberts Estate Agents a call and ask them how giving Roberts Estate Agents your business can support OPAC. They are located in OPT Centre and will soon also be located in Camden. You can call them on (02) 4622 1184. Remember to mention Oran Park Anglican College. Next Meeting Your suggestions and feedback are always welcome and the P&F can be contacted in person or via the email – pandf@opac.nsw.edu.au. Our students are the beneficiaries of the generous support given by family, friends and the community. The P&F are appreciative of this generous support and the ways it can assist in the growth and development of our College. Warm Regards, Matthew Saliba President OPAC P&F

2015 Instrumental Tutorial Program We offer a variety of musical activities within the College. Students are also encouraged to participate in additional musical activities and lessons to complement their musical journey. Specialist instrumental tutors operate in the College and offer tuition in a variety of instruments. These lessons attract a fee. Lessons are thirty minutes in duration and held each week. There is an expectation that children who participate in the Instrumental Tutorial Program will practise at home. Lessons are available in the following: Piano/Keyboard Voice Guitar Bass Guitar Clarinet Saxophone Beginner brass (trombone, trumpet) Drums Violin Fees $30 Private lesson $20 Shared lesson (Shared lessons may be available for students of similar ability)

Students will be invoiced directly by the tutor each term. Fee payments will not be accepted on behalf of tutors by the College administration staff. Please complete the Instrumental Tutorial Program Application Form and the relevant tutor will contact you regarding your child’s lessons. Kind regards

Mrs Naomi Wilkins Head of Campus

Please return to the College Office.

Instrumental Tutorial Program Application Form 2015

Student’s Name ___________________________________________________ Class _______ My child would like to learn (please tick): Piano/Keyboard Voice Guitar Bass Guitar Clarinet Saxophone Trombone Trumpet Drums Violin I wish him/her to have a o Private tutorial ($30) or

o Shared tutorial ($20) – if available I understand that my child must attend their lesson every week. If they miss a lesson, the fee is not refundable. If the tutor is given at least 48 hours’ notice of an absence, they will make every effort to reschedule the lesson if possible. Fees are paid in full at the beginning of every term, or half term directly to the tutor. Under special conditions, other fee paying arrangements may be negotiated directly with your tutor.

Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________________ Print Name ___________________________________________________ Date ___________________________________________________ Contact Number ___________________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________