On Tuesday 8 June, Year 11 Biology students visited Long Reef Rock Platform to investigate the ecosystems within the protected Long Reef Aquatic Reserve. This field study provided valuable practical experiences relating to outcomes in the Biology Syllabus.

It was an early start, departing PCS at 6.50 am. The day was overcast and particularly cold on the coast. We were met by Adam, who was our AUSECO Environmental Educator, and he motivated students to participate in various written and practical activities

Students examined the distribution and abundance of tidal rockshelf organisms using quadrats and a transect. The highlight of the day was viewing and holding interesting rock pool animals. These beautiful organisms were carefully collected for observation and returned to their rock pool habitats.

The Uniform Shop will close for the School Holidays. Any online orders placed during the holidays will be processed once the shop reopens.

Last day of trading for Term 2:

Thursday 24 June – 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm

A few months ago Olivia (Year 6) competed at the New South Wales Primary Schools Sports Association (NSWPSSA) Swimming Championships. Congratulations to Olivia on her achievement of being selected into the NSWPSSA Merit Team.

NSWPSSA consists of 13 associations and close to 400,000 students. For Olivia to be selected, it is a huge achievement!! We just recently received Olivia’s certificate and were able to present this to her.  

Again, this is a huge achievement and the PCS community are so proud of Olivia and her efforts.

On Thursday 27 May, our PCS staff participated in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. This annual event is a community event that raises vital funds to make a big difference for those impacted by cancer. Obviously for me, this is more significant as I go through the journey of fighting cancer, and as I see the incredible work the medical profession does and the importance of researching into cancer.

We were able to raise $200 for this great cause.

Tracey Deal

Did you hear the exciting news? The brightest day at school is coming!

PCS United is hosting a Colour Explosion School Fun Run with Australian Fundraising at our school on the last day of term - Friday 25 June 2021. This event is for students in Preschool to Year 6. Parents, you are welcome to attend and show your support.

Students have received their sponsorship booklet and can now create their online profile at: www.myprofilepage.com.au  Funds raised will go to Oxfam in support of tackling poverty, feet first. In under a week, lots of students have already started fundraising - way to go!

Oxfam Trailwalker is Australia's original team challenge where teams of four walk 100km in less than 48 hours to help end world poverty, funding Oxfam projects across the globe. Mrs Tracey Perrin, Mrs Juliet Hill, Mrs Kirsty Nitsos and Mrs Fiona Doyle (also known as PCS United - a team supported by our school) have made the commitment to do just that in September to tackle poverty feet first. The event is held from Friday 3 September to Sunday 5 September 2021. 

Our ‘Dancing with the Teachers’ fundraiser is fast approaching and is scheduled for Friday 25 June 2021 from 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to get in quick. For more information CLICK HERE, or CLICK HERE to book tickets.

This is the LAST WEEK where raffle tickets can be purchased. Additional booklets are still available. Please email Mrs Hill at juliet.aboagyehill@pcs.nsw.edu.au, with any questions about this. We ask that ALL tickets (sold/unsold) are returned next Friday 11 June. The raffle will be drawn at Lollipops and you do not need to be in attendance to collect your prize.

On Friday 28 May 2021, 55 students from Year 3 through to Year 12 had the opportunity to represent PCS and the Nepean Zone at the annual CSSA State Cross Country event at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park.

All students participated extremely well with many achieving their personal best. We had three students from PCS place inside the Top 10 in their respective events which sees them now qualify for the upcoming NSW CIS Cross Country on Thursday 10 June 2021. Hannah K qualified after finishing 7th in the 8/9 Year Girls event, Eli J qualified after finishing 7th in the (Primary) 12-13 Year Boys event, and Zara S qualified after finishing 6th in the Secondary 13 Year Girls event.

I would like to congratulate all students for the tremendous efforts and say a huge thank you to Mrs Tina Allen who assisted in our PCS Officials Duty on the day, and Mrs Ruth Phillips and Mrs Emma Barter for overseeing our respective Primary and Secondary Cross Country Teams. The day would not have been such a success without your efforts.

It is with great pleasure that I have the honour to be able to announce the Age Champions from our recent Primary Athletics Carnival and congratulations to those who have qualified to be a part of the Primary Zone Athletics Team as a result of their outstanding achievements.

Primary Zone Athletics information has been sent to parents/caregivers regarding the Zone Athletics Carnival which will be held at Blacktown International Sports Park, Rooty Hill on Wednesday 16 June 2021.

All students participated and engaged extremely well and all students should be congratulated for their achievements. 

On Thursday 22 to Friday 23 April, Year 4 went for an overnight camp at Wedderburn Christian Campsite at Wedderburn. The students were keen to undertake some new activities in the outdoor environment and enjoyed a range of activities.

Students enjoyed outside free time, including play equipment, volleyball, football and overhead 9-square volleyball game. The Giant Swing and Flying Fox enabled the students to overcome their fears and take new steps in challenging themselves. Archery built skills in hand-eye coordination and strength, and Laser Tag enabled students to work as a team and use new equipment to achieve group goals.

The students enjoyed staying overnight in cabin rooms with their friends, which for some students was their first overnight school camp. The bonfire and marshmallows were a favourite, even though the weather was quite cool. The night bushwalk with torches was also an experience to see God’s world in a new way. We particularly would like to thank our parent helpers who attended camp along with the Year 4 teachers. Year 4 had a fabulous time at camp.

It was such a great evening last week at our Years 8 and 10 Subject Information Evening. We launched our ‘Flourishing Futures’ program with family interviews, and bringing together careers, subject, and community partners. Thank you to Western Sydney University and representatives from the Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport who discussed future work and study opportunities for students.

Geraldine Paynter

Deputy Principal

We had a fantastic day on Monday 24 May as we conducted our annual Years 3-6 Primary Athletics Carnival. The day started a little gloomy; however were truly blessed by God with avoiding rain and the sun shining for majority of the day. Students participated in a fantastic manner in all events and competed to the best of their abilities.

There were numerous PBs set by students and some extraordinary results in two records being broken. Coco Purcell set a new record in the 11 Year Girls 800m with a time of 3:12.64, and Cameron Wild set a new record in the 11 Year Boys Shot Put with a distance of 8.57m. Final House results for the Primary Carnival: Daniel – 1st, Caleb – 2nd and Joshua – 3rd.

There are numerous students who will now progress onwards to Nepean Zone Primary Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 16 June at Blacktown International Sports Park. Please stay tuned for more information to be released regarding students who have qualified for Zone.

Congratulations to our representative teams who once again produced some outstanding results in Week 6. See bottom of this article for more photos.

SOCCER

Open Girls

PCS vs Nepean CS: 9-0 (Win)

Last week our Year 8 students had the opportunity to participate in an incursion with Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT.

Guest presenter Brendan shared his love for sport and his experience of living a life with the support of a wheelchair. He challenged the students to look out for their mates and make 'good decisions'. The students then sat in wheelchairs and played a game of AFL. They quickly learnt the challenge of movement, speed and positioning whilst in a chair.

Year 8 have been learning about diversity within Australia and embracing inclusion. We are thankful for this experience, a highlight for many of our students who requested we play this again next week!

Last week Ashton and Joshua both competed at the NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Rugby League trials.  Both are young talented rugby league players who have a love for the sport.

Ashton is to be congratulated on being selected into the NSW CIS Team to further compete at the NSW PSSA Championships in June.

Well done to both boys.

School Photo day is on Thursday 3 June 2021. All students, including VET students, are to be in FULL SCHOOL WINTER UNIFORM including blazers (Years 6-12).

Please CLICK HERE for additional information regarding ordering instructions and additional information for the day.

CLICK HERE to view prices and pay online. Please quote code X1522PSB44PCS when ordering online.

Penrith Christian School is a well-established and vibrant Christian community, providing an exciting and innovative learning environment for 800 Preschool – Year 12 students, inclusive of an Early Learning Centre registered for 50 students per day, in our 21st Century Learning Facility at Orchard Hills.

Our Early Learning Centre has an excellent reputation in our community for providing high quality, inclusive education and care. We offer a high staff-to-child ratio and are rated as ‘exceeding national quality standard’. Our Centre is open 48 weeks of the year and operates from 6.30 am to 6.00 pm.

We are seeking Casual Early Childhood Educators, with qualifications ranging from Certificate III through to working towards or Degree qualified, to be added to our Casual Staff List within our Early Learning Centre.

Penrith Christian School is a vibrant Christian learning community in its 40th year of providing excellence in education. Located in Orchard Hills, conveniently adjacent to the M4 motorway, the school serves the families of students from ELC to Year 12 on one expansive campus. 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified teachers for casual relief teaching in both our primary and secondary years.  You will teach in a caring and supportive work environment with excellent facilities, and will quickly find a community who values your contribution and expertise.

Successful applicants will:

The results of the F1 in Schools National Final will be broadcast live at 10.00 am on Tuesday 25 May.

CLICK HERE to view the broadcast live and cheer on Penrith Christian School's team, Team Axion. This year, all the events were run virtually with interactions between the students and judges taking place via Microsoft Team Meetings. Congratulations to our F1 in Schools Team; we wish you all the best!

The 2021 Australian National Final of F1 in Schools ran virtually from 19 to 30 April. The criteria assessed included engineering, marketing, presentation, communication and collaboration, and the standard of the students' work was exceptional.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to our students, staff and Imagine Nations Church Pastors for all their efforts to ensure our Open Day was a huge success.

The day started with a welcome speech from our Principal, Mrs Deal, then Chapel before continuing to the Café for morning tea and a look at all the displays of students’ work. It was then on to the tours to showcase much of what we have to offer, from Early Learning to Secondary - including VET courses as well. The response from families who joined the tours was very positive.  

The sausage sizzle, accompanied by our very own musicians from the CAPA Department, was greatly appreciated.

Students in Years 7 and 8 are invited to join our Athletics Coaching Program,  being held after school on Tuesdays from 1 June to 22 June 2021.

Thanks to a Sporting Schools grant, a qualified Athletics Australia coach will be available to train our students in the skills of athletics. This program will run each Tuesday at 3.10 pm - 4.10 pm on the School Oval, with a teacher also on duty to supervise.

Minimum numbers are required to run this program, so invite your friends and come along!