T E R M 1 W E E K 2 2 0 1 8

Middle School Messenger

OCS Stage 3 Students welcomed the

Queens Baton to Orange on the first

day of school

See more Page 4

Welcome Back

Welcome back!

What a fantastic start to the year in

2018. The staff and I have enjoyed

welcoming back the students to a year

of amazing potential and possibilities.

We have some key changes without

losing the essential qualities that are

the distinctive nature of OCS.

Adrian Lee

Middle

School Coordinator

Thank you for allowing us to

partner with you on the journey

of education with you and your

children. Please read the rest of

the newsletter to find out about

the exciting programs that have

already begun as we launch into

2018.

Welcome to New Staff and Students Mrs Belinda Elliott

My name is Mrs Belinda Elliott and I will be teach-ing Mathematics and Science, Technology, Engi-neering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) to Stages 4 and 5.

I have been teaching Mathematics since 2000. I began teaching in Dubbo at Dubbo Christian School. I have also taught at Narromine High School and PLC Sydney and most recently Orange Anglican Grammar School. I have taught all levels of Mathematics in the Secondary School as well as Mathematics Enrichment to Stage 3 students.

One of the things I love about teaching Mathe-matics is seeing students make connections with what they are learning in class and the ‘real world’. It is encouraging when students are able to see the application of Mathematics in every aspect of life, even Algebra!

Mr John Green Stage 3 teacher.

I have enjoyed the start of the year at OCS getting to know the students in my Stage 3 class. I come from a school in the South West of Sydney called William Carey Christian School, where I taught for 8 years.

To see young people grow up into lifelong learners, where education does not stop at the door of the classroom, is why I teach. To see students learn about the God who has created all things and has shown how it all fits together and make sense, encourages me to do the best I can.

I am looking forward to the Soccer World Cup later in the year, especially watching Australia in the group stage.

Mr John Green

Stay tuned to the next newsletter

for more introductions to our

new students and programs for

2018

Queen’s Baton Relay

First day back at school and SURPRISE! Stage 3 was going

on an excursion. We headed off to Anzac Park where

there was a man dressed in a green and gold lycra suit

running games. His name was ‘Games Boy’.

The Commonwealth Games Baton Relay started in Lon-

don and went all around the world before arriving in Aus-

tralia. The baton arrived in the hands of a runner who

was escorted with a huge entourage, including police

officers, organisers and other runners.

While we were there, we could get our faces painted,

jump on the jumping castles, make a model baton and a

medal. We also got to have a sausage sandwich and some

nice cool water.

We thought it was really good, fun and interesting and a

great way to start our new school year.

By Year 5

OCS Dedication Service

Our school policies in regards to hats differ for students according to their stage of schooling.

Primary School students are required to wear their hats while outside. Secondary school

students are encouraged to wear their hats.

This difference in policy has stemmed from an understanding that as students grow they are able to take more responsibility

for their own actions.

It is often obvious however that many Stage 4 students are not wearing their hats regularly or only when directly reminded by

a member of staff. We know that exposure to sun damage early in life is the biggest indicator of skin cancer later in life.

Parents: Please support the school in this aim to protect our students by discussing at home the need to wear a hat.

Students: Please use this as an opportunity to exercise leadership with your friends. Wear your hat and encourage them to

do the same.

will be taken on

Wednesday

14th February 2018

Students are to wear school

Summer uniform

No sports uniform

Envelopes with payment

must be returned to school

by

Friday 9th February

No late orders

accepted

For a number of years our Stage 3 students have assisted

the Orange community through Meals on Wheels.

This has been facilitated by some wonderful volunteers

from our school family. Who have collected the Stage 3

students to take them along as they deliver meals to those

in need, particularly the elderly.

This is a fantastic giving opportunity that we would love to

continue. Unfortunately due to illness and changed cir-

cumstances we are in need of some new volunteers to as-

sist our students to assist the community.

Are you able / willing to help.

Please contact the school office if you can help or would

like more information.

Strategic Plan 2018-22

Strategic Direction 2018-2022

STEAM is a Strategic Focus for Middle School 2018-22.

A key element of the importance of integrating Science, Technology, Engineering,

Art and Mathematics is assisting our students to develop Twenty First Century

Skills. Also known as the Four Cs, these include;

Communication

Critical Thinking

Collaboration

Creativity

Our STEAM TEAM are heading off to a fantastic development and learning

opportunity next week as part of the STEM Academy run by the University of

Sydney.

This partnership will assist our team to explore ways to make the most of our

The Middle School team have been exploring our role in OCS and in the

lives of our students as part of our Strategic planning.

The Junior Section launches

the learning rocket.

The Senior Section is final

destination Lander . . .

The powerful booster that takes students

into orbit and towards that final frontier.

And Middle School?

Swimming

lessons

for Year 2

next term

.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Swimming

lessons

for Year 2

next term

.

Swimming

lessons

for Year 2

next term

.

GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR:

Each family in our community

PRAY FOR:

Pray for our students returning to

school well and particularly for new

students

Applications for grants as they are

assessed by relevant authorities

Strategic plan for 2018-22

Tues, 6th Feb: Middle School Information Night @ Bembooka @ 7:00pm

Thurs, 8th Feb: Stage 1 & 2 Information Night @ Bembooka @ 7:00pm

Fri, 9th Feb: Parents Connect @ Bembooka @ 9:00am

Week 3

Wed, 14th Feb: School Photo Day

Thurs, 15th Feb: Senior School Information Night @ Bembooka @ 7:00pm

Week 4

Tues 20th Feb: OCS Swimming Carnival

Each Week @ OCS

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: After School Sport Training 3:15-4:30pm

Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs: After School Learning Hub 3:15pm-5:00pm

Thurs: Stage Band @ Hall 3:30pm-4:30pm

Bible Reading

M T W Th F

Week 2— Genesis Genesis 3 Genesis 4 Genesis 6 Genesis 9

Week 3—Genesis

Genesis 12 Genesis 22 Genesis 27 Genesis 28

Tuesday, 31st October @ 3:30pm - 4:30pm

STUDIO RECITAL in the Hall

STEM Research

In Term 4 last year, we were very excited for Orange Christian School to be accepted into the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy program offered by the University of Sydney. This is a very exciting op-portunity for the teachers in our ‘STEAM Team’ to be trained and mentored in developing and imple-menting innovative learning experiences for our students. Our STEAM Team had the first round of train-ing in November, and are planning on implementing two new STEAM units for our Stage 4 students. The first of these began this week, focused on a project to design and build their own solar oven. The second unit is scheduled for Term 3; the students will learn how to build and program a self-guiding ‘Mars Rover’ robotic vehicle, with a chance to go to the National Mars Rover Challenge Competition early in Term 4 at the University of Newcastle.

As a part of the STEM Academy program, the University of Sydney is conducting some research to moni-tor the impacts of the STEM units conducted at the partner schools, including Orange Christian School. They wish to survey the students before and after they participate in these new units. They are also ask-ing that you, the parents of these students, complete a questionnaire online. Their hope is gain specific measures that clarify what impacts these learning experiences have been. The information will be ana-lysed by the university and we will receive a detailed report, which will be a great help to us in future planning and development.

I have attached some information sheets from the university explaining the details of the research to the student and to their parent/carer. Please read these carefully. There is also a Consent Form. If you are happy for your child to contribute to this research project – and we really hope you will! – the Consent Form needs to be completed by both yourself and the student and returned to school early in the com-ing week.

I will collect all forms as students return than and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Yours faithfully

Les Follent

Science & STEAM Team Leader

Stage 4 STEAM Units & research with the University of Sydney

Sport

2018 After School Sports Program Dear Parents,

Here at Orange Christian School we understand the need to encourage healthy lifestyle in all children. We are excited to inform you about our after school program that is seeking to develop athletes further in their ability. We understand life is holistic and students who excel in their pre-ferred interests are more inclined to excel in other areas of their lives.

The purpose of this program;

To increase student participation in sports and active lifestyles

To develop the skills of students looking to excel in their sport

To create a fun, engaging environment for students of all skill levels to grow in, develop their abilities

and leadership skills

For the year of 2018 we are excited to be launching the following sports and athletics programs for stu-dent who wish to be involved from Yr3-12

Athletics Develop- Cricket Training Soccer Training Fun New Sports

All Students Yr3-12 All Students Yr3-12 All Students Yr3-12 All Students Yr3-12

Tuesday Afternoon 3:20-4:30 Wednesday Afternoon 3:20-4:30

Thursday Afternoon 3:20-4:30

Friday Afternoon

Based on the Australian Little Athletics Program

Introduction to athletics movements with fun

Event Specific training and athlete development

Based on Cricket Australia coaching programs

Fun games and player development of skills

Developing teamwork

Age specific FFA National Curriculum Model Sessions

Fun environment with high quality coaching

Attentive player develop-ment and teamwork

A fun new game to play and learn the rules each week

Sport specific coaching each week

Loads of Fun

OCS Sports Grounds OCS Sports Grounds OCS Sports Grounds OCS Sports Grounds

At Orange Christian School we understand the connections between academics and sport. For the students who are more interested in sport than academics we understand teaching them how to excel in their area of interest in sport may boost their academic abilities. Developing a child’s confidence and self-esteem on the sporting field can have a positive impact on their confidence in the classroom as well giving them the skills to excel in their future career choices.

Coach Joel Chapman-Mortimer will work with students to develop their skills, fitness, strength and stamina across their chosen sport/s. This is an exciting new venture for OCS.

The Middle School team have been exploring our role in OCS and in the

lives of our students as part of our Strategic planning.

The Junior Section launches

the learning rocket.

The Senior Section is final

destination Lander . . .

The powerful booster that takes students

into orbit and towards that final frontier.

Come on this exciting journey with us!

And Middle School?

Coles Sports for Schools begins

again on February 7

Vouchers can be collected when you

shop. There will be a collection point

in the Front Office.

Thank you for your support of our

school

Auditions continue this week for the Sound of

Music our OCS musical for 2018.

There are roles for students in Stage 3 as well

this year so feel free to join in one of the

auditions and make the hills come alive!

Sound of Music Auditions

Coles Sport for Schools