TERM 2 WEEK 7/8 NEWSLETTER 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

NEW SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

Orange East has been fortunate to have a School Chaplain as part of the National Student Wellbeing Program for the past 4-5 years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Miss Hannah Bunter, who has served in this role for the past three years. Her contributions, especially in the Student Kitchen, Breakfast Club, and various student groups, have made a significant impact on our school community. We wish her every success in her new position closer to home.

As we bid farewell to Miss Bunter, we are excited to welcome Mr. Dan Naveau as our new School Chaplain. The students have already started calling him Mr. Dan! He brings valuable experience from his previous role at Glenroi Heights PS, along with his background as a business owner, local pastor, youth worker, and in various leadership positions.

We look forward to Mr. Dan's support in promoting the wellbeing of our students, staff, and the wider community. Please join us in welcoming him to Orange East!

CONGRATULATIONS FREYA!

In Week 7, Freya headed to Sydney to represent Western in the Primary Girls Softball state championship at the NSW School Sports Games in Blacktown. Freya played mostly as the shortstop and three games as catcher. 

In an exciting week, Western won 9 games out of 12 and finished equal fourth, including beating one of the teams that finished equal first on the Olympic diamond from the 2000 Sydney Olympics. This is the best result Western has had for a Primary girls' team at the state championship, and two players were selected for the NSW PSSA team.

Western marched in the NSW School Sports Games opening ceremony and also took home the 'Play Ball' award for the first time, for the team with the loudest and most creative dugout cheers.

Well done Freya, what a champion!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND REMINDERS

Congratulations to:

• Our School Boccia Team: Well done for representing us at the Inclusive Sports Day in Bathurst last week! Although they won’t progress to the next round, they were fantastic ambassadors for our school.

• School Debating Teams A and B: Both teams remain undefeated with a perfect three-from-three record and will advance to the next round. We’re proud of your achievements!

• School Soccer Teams: Congratulations to our boys' team for their victory in extra time, allowing them to progress to the next round! The girls played hard but lost to a tough OSSA team. We commend their effort and sportsmanship!

• 3/4 Parrot, 3/4 Kangaroo, and 5/6 Galah: Well done on your impressive wins in the Mr. Bourke Times-Tables Challenge! Your fierce competitiveness earned you casual clothes days!

• Stage 3 Students: Great job to those who attended the Goanna Academy Workshop at Glenroi Heights PS last week. Reports indicate it was a fantastic day, and our students represented the school exceptionally well.

• School Chess Teams: Congratulations to the 16 students who represented Orange East at the NSW Junior Chess League - Orange Zone competition. Team D finished with a second overall placing, while Team B secured third place.

• Aunty Donna Stanley, Uncle Darren Smith, and ex-student Lyla Maunder: Thank you for attending our Friday Assembly during Reconciliation Week to deliver a special Acknowledgement of Country in Wiradjuri language and talk with students about the importance of reconciliation and the power of one person to make a difference.

• OEPS Community: A big thank you for your support during the recent Pie Drive! With nearly $15,000 worth of pies sold, the funds raised will greatly assist students in attending the Stage 3 excursion.

• Queensland: Congratulations on winning Game 2! While one win doesn't secure the series, we’ll come back stronger for the decider. You may notice me pictured below in a Queensland beanie due to a lost bet with a student—rest assured, it won't be making a return.

Best of luck to the following groups:

• Stage 3 Students: Good luck at the Maths Exploration Day this week at Bletchington PS! It promises to be an engaging and challenging day for our top maths 'brainiacs.' I can’t wait to hear about your experiences!

• Junior AECG Representatives: Best wishes for your meeting on Thursday at the Botanic Gardens. It’s wonderful to see such dedicated representatives involved in this program.

• Stage 3 Students: We’re excited for your graduation from the 'Our Healthy Kids' program next Friday! It has been a valuable learning experience, and we appreciate Aaron Willis for facilitating the program. Stage 2 will start the program in Term 3.
  

Reminder:

• Don't forget the upcoming Student Movie Night to be held this Wednesday, 25th June. Further details later, in the P&C section of the newsletter.

We have a wealth of enriching experiences ahead for our talented students! A heartfelt thank you to the staff and parents/caregivers who are coordinating and supporting these activities. Wishing all our students the best of luck in their upcoming events!

OFFICE VISITORS

SCHOOL NEWS

SEMESTER ONE REPORTS AND INTERVIEWS

A reminder of the report/interview timeframes for Semester 1 reports:

K Bilby, K Kangaroo, 1 Quokka, 1/2 Panda, 3/4 Parrot, 3/4 Kookaburra, 4/5 Seal, 5/6 Crocodile, 5/6 Wombat & 5/6 Galah:

• Reports will be distributed in Week 10 this term.
• Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place early Term 3 during Week 2 & 3.
• Interview bookings on School Bytes are open and will close on Thursday, 24^th July. 

2 Koala:

• Reports were distributed in Week 8 this term.
• Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place this term in Week 9 & 10.
• Online interview bookings have closed, but bookings can still be made or adjusted by contacting the school office.

KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS

A reminder that Kindergarten interviews have already taken place in Term 1—these students will still get their reports at the same time as the rest of the school but will not have interviews unless by request.

2026 KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS

As we make our way through Term 2, we begin to make plans around our incoming 2026 Kindergarten students and in particular our school transition processes. If you intend to enrol a kindergarten student for next year, or know of someone that will be, please ensure enrolments are placed via the school office as soon as possible.

SUMMARY OF KEY DATES

• OEPS Enrolment Applications Due – Tuesday, 24^th June
• Notification of Enrolment Acceptance (Non-zoned Applications) – Thursday, 26^th June
• OEPS Supported Transition Playgroup – Commences Mid-Term 3 (Thursday, 28^th August)
• Kinder Parent Information Evening – Wednesday, 3^rd September
• Kinder Transition Sessions – Commence Early Term 4 (Thursday, 23^rd October)

Please see the attachment below for more information about our 2026 Kinder enrolment process and Transition to School Program.

SRC FOOD DRIVE

Our 2025 SRC is running a Food Drive to support FoodCare Orange - a local organisation that’s been helping people in our community since 2013 by providing food to those doing it tough.

We’re collecting easy, ready-to-eat foods that don’t need refrigeration, such as:

• 2-minute noodle cups
• Baked beans, tinned tuna or chicken
• Muesli bars, trail mix, cheese & cracker snack packs

You might even like to check your pantry - we’re happy to accept any non-perishable, shelf-stable food that could help someone in need.

Donations will be collected over the next few weeks - even one item can make a difference. Students can bring donations directly to their classroom teacher.

Thank you for supporting this important cause. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our community.

CLOTHING POOL

The Clothing Pool is open every Wednesday morning from 8:40 to 9:10 AM. Afternoons are available by appointment only. A reminder that the Clothing Pool has moved to the former General Assistant/Cleaner's Shed, located next to the disabled toilet.

Due to high demand for sizes 8, 10, and 12, there is currently very limited availability of second-hand items.

We kindly remind all parents to label their child's uniform items with their name. This will help ensure that lost items are returned quickly.

The Clothing Pool also welcomes donations of clothing. Please drop off items at the office or Clothing Pool on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Thank you for your support!

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND STUDENT ABSENCES

We are committed to working with you to offer support and remove any barriers that may be preventing your child from regularly attending school.

Please remember that the NSW Education Act requires that all student absences must be explained within 7 days of the first day of them being away from school. Please contact us promptly whenever your child is absent and let us know the reason for them being away. This allows us to provide the right support and make sure your child's absences are recorded correctly. Absences can be explained via the School Bytes App or Parent Portal, email, note, phone call or in person.

In the event your child has repeated or ongoing unexplained absences, we will continue to try to contact you about each absence to provide appropriate support for you and your family.

We know that for our students every day of school matters.

Missing a day here or there may not seem like much, but absences add up and can negatively impact your child's learning and wellbeing. When your child misses one day a week, that's 40 days of school and 8 weeks of learning in one year. Over an entire school journey this adds up to 2.5 years of lost learning.

If you have any questions or if you need support with your child’s attendance, please contact our School Attendance Monitor, Miss Croker - 6362 7464 or alison.croker@det.nsw.edu.au.

CURRENT FORMS/PERMISSION NOTES

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION

In 2025 we will continue with our regular alternating Friday Assembly with parents and carers invited to attend. The assembly commences at 2pm on Friday in the School Hall. Each week the assembly will alternate between Primary (Yr 3-6) and Infants (K-2).

On Friday mornings from 8:40am, either Infants or Primary students (corresponding with the assembly weeks listed below) are invited to bring their lots of 10 Blue Merit Awards to the office for stamping. During the day, we will also process Principal Awards and Homereading Awards. These awards and the Safe Respectful Learner Awards will be presented at the assembly after lunch.

Parents will receive a notification early in the week via the School Bytes app if your child is receiving a Principal’s Award.

Photos of the award recipients will continue be included in the newsletter the following week.

Please note the roster below:

Term 2

• Week 9 – Friday, 27th June (Primary, Yr 3-6)
• Week 10 – Friday, 4th July PBL Assemblies

WEEK 5 PRIMARY ASSEMBLY

WEEK 6 INFANTS ASSEMBLY

WEEK 7 PRIMARY ASSEMBLY

A MOMENT WITH...

CALLEN MILLER – 4/5 WALLABY

If your pet could talk, what do you think it would say?

• It would say to me, ‘You’re really nice because you always give me treats, even when I don’t do a trick.’

If you could invent one piece of technology, what would it be?

• A robotic dog because I could teach it to do things a normal dog couldn’t do. I could teach it to stand up and do a back flip!

What would your superhero name be and what would be your superpower?

• I would be dog man because I could summon dogs to help me fight bad guys.

What is something you enjoyed learning this year?

• I really enjoyed creating 3D objects out of straws. It was really fun, and I liked seeing all the creations people came up with in our class.

What would your dream school look like?

• There would be heaps of computers, a canteen that serves lollies and pizza every Tuesday and tacos every Wednesday, and a top oval with all kinds of fields and courts!

ILLIARN TURAGABORISI – 4/5 WALLABY

What animal would you have as a pet?

• I would have a koala because then you could hold it whenever you want. They look so soft and I would love to hold one.

If you could have a robot helper, what would it do? 

• I would get it to feed my dog. It could shoot biscuits out of it so my dog could eat whenever it wanted and we wouldn’t have to go outside when it’s cold!

If you could build a treehouse anywhere, where would it be and what would it look like? 

• I would build it in the ocean because then I could go swimming anytime I want. It would have a kitchen, a lounge and a bedroom.

If you could invent your own holiday, what would it be?

• I would make a rest holiday where everyone can rest for the day. No one would have to buy presents. I would relax and watch a movie with my family.

What are three words to describe yourself?

• Kind, respectful and calm.

FEATURE CLASS

4/5 WALLABY

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P&C NEWS

STUDENT MOVIE NIGHT

The P&C movie night for students will be held this Wednesday, 25th June between 6-8pm. Normally we hold the night in the beginning weeks of Term 3 but due to the change in Parent/Teacher Interviews this year, we have opted to bring the night forward.

There will be a K-2 movie, Year 3/4 movie and a Year 5/6 movie. All movie sessions will be supervised by school staff.

Students are invited to come in their pyjamas, oodies and/or even bring a sleeping bag/pillow/bean bag. The cost will be $5 which will include movie entry, chips and a poppa (gluten free options available).

The K-2 movie will be screened in the 4/5 Crocodile classroom. The movie being screened will be ‘Elemental’  which is rated PG with a Common Sense Media rating of age 6+. Further information about the movie can be found by going to: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/elemental

The Year 3/4 movie will be screened in the 3/4 Kookaburra classroom. The movie being screened will be ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ which is rated PG with a Common Sense Media rating of age 9+. Further information about the movie can be found by going to: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-3

The Year 5/6 movie will be screened in the 5/6 Crocodile classroom. The movie being screened will be ‘A Minecraft Movie’ which is rated PG with a Common Sense Media rating of age 9+. Further information about the movie can be found by going to: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/a-minecraft-movie

Please note that it is the responsibility of parents and carers to assess and decide on the suitability of the movies for their children.

We ask that parents and carers escort their child/children to the relevant room at around 5:40pm so that we can commence the movies at 6pm sharp.

The movie night will finish at 8pm, with Parents/carers asked to wait outside of the relevant classroom area where school staff will bring children out. No children will be allowed to leave without a parent/carer or designated responsible adult. Please ensure that you are ready to pick-up your child/children no later than 8pm.

We have included the school map below to assist parents and carers.

P&C MEETINGS 2025

Term 2 Meetings

• Week 3 - Tuesday, 5th August @ 6:30pm
• Week 8 - Tuesday, 9th September @ 6:30pm

Meetings are held between 6:30 - 7:30pm in the Staffroom with access from the Spring Street entrance (see map below). Meeting length is strictly limited to one hour or less if possible! New members are warmly welcomed. Do not hesitate to contact the school office if you would like further information.

Parents and carers can also opt to join via Zoom Meeting:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/8018279751?pwd=fZEKBn6L7hE4yZUuhsMNHKPPJzMRTH.1&omn=81359200690

Meeting ID: 801 827 9751
Passcode: OEPS

JOINING THE P&C OR VOLUNTEERING

We love parent involvement at Orange East. You can volunteer in the classroom, working bees, help cook at BBQ's, share your professional or special interest skills, join a committee and more. Please complete this online form to register your interest and the P&C will email you details of upcoming events and P&C meetings for your calendar.

Expressions of Interest - OEPS P&C (google.com)

COMMUNITY NOTICES