TERM 3 WEEK 9/10 NEWSLETTER 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
END-OF-TERM HIGHLIGHTS
As another term draws to a close, it's a great opportunity to reflect on the many experiences that have enriched our students’ learning and strengthened our school community.
Our Choir and Dance groups represented OEPS with pride at the Eisteddfods, while students also shone in the Performing Arts Project, showcasing creativity and teamwork. On the sporting field, participation was broad and inclusive – from multi-sports programs and ten-pin bowling to representative sports, basketball, and the Touch Football Gala Day. Across these events, our students demonstrated commitment, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Back at school, classrooms were buzzing with opportunities that went beyond the everyday program. Our Open Classrooms and colourful Character Parade welcomed families to share in student learning, while debating and a range of incursions stretched critical thinking and curiosity. Kindergarten students celebrated 100 days of learning, and our Kinder Transition Playgroup began to welcome our next generation of learners. At the other end of the journey, Year 6 engaged in high school transition activities, preparing them for the next exciting chapter.
This term also included important milestones such as our school’s External Validation, affirming the strengths of our learning and teaching practices. As a community, we came together through events such as the Father’s Day Stall, a casual clothes fundraiser, and other local initiatives that highlighted the generosity and connection of our families.
Every one of these moments – whether on stage, on the field, in the classroom, or out in the community – reflects the vibrant spirit of OEPS. They are only possible through the hard work of staff, the support of families, and the enthusiasm of our students.
Thank you for being part of such a positive and productive term. We look forward to the learning, opportunities, and celebrations that Term 4 will bring.
P&C TRIVIA NIGHT - DON'T MISS OUT!
I’m really looking forward to our school community coming together for the Orange East Public School P&C Trivia Night & Art Auction. This special event promises a night of fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition, all while raising valuable funds for our school.
The evening will feature Neil Gill as MC and Auctioneer, delicious finger food, lucky door prizes, and of course, a fun-filled trivia competition. The highlight will be our Art Auction, showcasing the incredible talent of our students — you’ll see some of their wonderful creations below! The P&C are currently investigating options for those wishing to bid on an artwork but are unable to attend the evening.
📅 Saturday, 11th October
📍 Orange City Bowling Club, Warrendine Street
⏰ Doors open at 6:00 PM
👉Click to book a table
Tickets are just $30 per person or $150 for a table of six. Gather your friends, book a table, and join us for a memorable evening of community and celebration. Warning - tickets/tables are selling fast!
I look forward to seeing many of you there, enjoying a great night out and supporting our students.
“4 Seasons”
The creative artists of 1 Quokka have crafted a colourful collage that celebrates the changing beauty of the four seasons. In this vibrant work, students are represented as busy bees — giving life, sharing bounty, and adding their own uniqueness to the richness of each season. A joyful tribute to both nature’s cycles and the wonderful diversity of our classroom community.
1 Quokka
“A Canvas of Curiosities”
The creative minds of 5/6 Crocodile have dived headfirst into the world of abstract art, transforming imagination into something truly spectacular. Their Canvas of Curiosities bursts with vibrant animals, bold shapes, and playful patterns, each designed to surprise the viewer and ignite wonder.
Ordinary creatures are reimagined as extraordinary works of art — a joyful celebration of colour, curiosity, and creativity.
5/6 Crocodile
“Blossom Glow Mirror Tree”
"Blossom Glow Mirror Tree" is a stunning canvas artwork made of a stained-glass effect.
It features a tree with branches full of pink and white cherry blossoms. The blossoms and leaves are crafted from a range of colours which creates a stained glass, illusion.
The tree trunk is made of earthy brown tones, giving it a natural look.
"Blossom Glow Mirror Tree" is a celebration of nature and light, bringing the feeling of cherry blossom season into any space. It would look amazing in a sunny lit position.
3/4 Kookaburra
“Community”
This vibrant artwork is all about community. At the heart sits our classroom, surrounded by the love and support of our families. Using potato prints and a mix of everyday objects, we stamped and shaped our ideas into something bigger than ourselves.
Each of us created a ring in the centre — a shared space where the black and white symbols show that we accept and respect one another. The colours and shapes bursting across the page reflect our unique personalities and creativity, coming together in harmony.
4/5 Wallaby
“Go with the Flow”
The imaginative artists of Kinder Bilby have been just like Picasso — experimenting with acrylic paints, paint markers, glitter glue, and sequins to create their own shapes, lines, and vibrant combinations of colour. The result is a dazzling underwater world where tropical fish swim together in harmony.
Each fish is unique — just like the students themselves — yet all are connected and held together by the surrounding sea. Like their artwork, Kinder Bilbies are learning to be relaxed, flexible, and adaptable: to go with the flow and enjoy the journey together.
Kinder Bilby
“Koalaful Flowers”
Created by the budding artists of 2 Koala, Koalaful Flowers bursts with colour and contrast, showcasing vibrant blooms set against a dark backdrop. Each flower is unique — just like the students themselves — a symbol of diversity and the beauty found in difference. Together, they create something even greater than the sum of their parts.
2 Koala
“Pandinsky Flowers”
Created by the young artists of 1/2 Panda, Pandinsky Flowers draws the eye with bold colours that radiate contrast between warm and cool tones. Layering creates a striking sense of depth, and like the students themselves, this artwork’s energy and creativity cannot be contained within the canvas.
1/2 Panda
“Picasso Parrot”
Created by the imaginative artists of 3/4 Parrot, Picasso Parrot is a one-of-a-kind bird — cheeky, vivacious, and bursting with life and colour. Just like the students, he is ready to take flight into an exciting world of possibilities.
3/4 Parrot
“Sir Galah-a-lot”
Our clever flock of 5/6 Galahs created this colourful masterpiece together!
The Year 6 students left their mark around the outside, with their fingerprints forming delicate gum leaves, while the Year 5 blended their prints into the Galah's wing. Every student then designed and painted two unique feathers, adding their own personality to the bird.
Painted in bright acrylics, this Galah is a true team effort. A splash of creativity, a sprinkle of fingerprints, and a whole lot of feathered fun!
5/6 Galah
“Swoop Dogg”
The talented artists of 5/6 Wombat have unleashed their creativity in a striking piece titled “Swoop Dogg.” This vibrant artwork celebrates the spirit of the Australian bush, featuring the bold and iconic magpie set against the towering beauty of eucalyptus trees. A playful nod to Aussie culture with a splash of cheeky flair — this masterpiece is as unforgettable as its name.
5/6 Wombat
“Waiting for Rain”
Created by the imaginative artists of 5/6 Crocodile, Waiting for Rain features a Superb Fairy-wren perched in a golden wattle (Acacia), capturing the colours and textures of the Australian bush. Each wattle bloom was formed by the students’ fingerprints, turning a simple mark into a powerful symbol of creativity, collaboration, and belonging.
5/6 Crocodile
“You Are My Sunshine”
Created by the bright young artists of Kinder Kangaroo, You Are My Sunshine dazzles with explosions of warm colour that strike the eye. Using paint markers, each student designed their very own sun — experimenting with thick and thin lines to create a variety of shapes and sizes. Every piece is unique, yet together they capture the vibrancy of kindergarten in a joyful celebration of creativity.
Our Kinders bring joy and a sweet ray of sunshine into all our lives — and now that light shines on canvas to brighten someone else’s too.
Kinder Kangaroo
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND REMINDERS
Congratulations to:
- OEPS P&C: Our recent Open Day/Character Parade was a fantastic community event made even better thanks to a fantastic P&C BBQ. Thank you!
- Book Character Parade: Congratulations to all students and staff on some wonderful costumes for the parade last week. Many thanks to all the parents and carers for organising the costumes.
- Kinder Transition Playgroup: It's been great getting to know our newest students and parents. We can’t wait for the transition sessions next term!
- OEPS Debating Team B: You faced tough opposition in Coolah Central School in your recent debate. Though the result did not go your way, you should hold your head up high. What a quality crop of future debaters we have coming through! Thank you also to Mr Meares!
- OEPS Debating Team A: Again, a tough debate, as you would expect at this level of the competition. Though Mudgee proved too strong on this occasion, you are a force to be reckoned with, and I am so proud of your achievements. Thank you also to Mrs Kable and Mrs Langfield!
- OEPS Inclusive Multi-Sports Team: What a great time I saw you all having at the Multi-Sports Day. You competed with pride and represented our school so well. Great work!
- Western Region Athletics Students: Well done Jack Lawry and Oliver Costello (pictured below), who recently competed at the Western Region Athletics Carnival. Oliver placed 3rd in the 100m race and 6th in the Long Jump. Jack placed 20th in the Shot Put. Well done, boys, and good luck Oli at the State Carnival.
- Stage 2 Students: Well done on graduating from the "Our Healthy Kids" program this week! So much important learning and active participation. Next stop for the program is Stage 1 in Term 4.
- Stage 3 Chefs: Well done to our Stage 3 representative chefs Matilda Thompson, Isabel Mesa Urquhart, Luke Shepard and Eloise Vaughan for giving a wonderful cooking demonstration at the Sustainability Expo last weekend. Special thanks to local chef and Orange East parent, Ruben Lopez, for guiding the students in this great experience. Thank you also to Ms Iskric for her organisation and Ms Stokes for attending to watch the students.
- Eiseman Family: Big shout out to the Eiseman family for taking the chooks for the holidays. I’m sure our four girls will love it!
- Nile St Cafe: A big thank you to Nile Street Café for their ongoing support each term. Their generosity in providing a voucher for our prize draws is truly appreciated — such a wonderful contribution to our school community.
Good luck to:
- Learn to Swim: It will be great to see the Learn to Swim program up and running next term. I know students will work hard as they learn this important skill.
- NAIDOC Week: Good luck to students involved in the NAIDOC Week March on Monday, 20th October. Represent our school with pride and enjoy this special event.
- NAIROC: Best of luck to our performance groups, including our first-ever Aboriginal Dance Troupe, at the NAIROC Eisteddfod. You will be amazing!
Save the Date:
Term 3 PBL Award Assemblies: Friday, 26th September (Week 10)
OEPS P&C Trivia Night: Saturday, 11th October
Last day for students this term: Friday, 26th September
First day back for students in Term 4: Tuesday, 14th October
NAIDOC Week March: Monday, 20th October
NAIROC: Wednesday, 22nd October
Grandparents' Day: Friday, 14th November
OFFICE VISITORS
Glen 2025! I met this champion at the Character Parade last week - the new and improved Glen-20 Man! The resemblance is uncanny, particularly the haircut! Well done, Ethan!
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
I would like to wish all Orange East families a safe, enjoyable holiday break.
School resumes for students on Tuesday, 14th October. Should you have concerns during the holiday period, School Security can be contacted on 1300 880 021.
SCHOOL NEWS
2026 KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS
Plans are now well underway for 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 who will be, please ensure enrolments are placed via the school office as soon as possible. Our enrolment panel convened last week, with offers going out to successful applicants.
SUMMARY OF KEY DATES
- Kinder Transition Sessions – Commence Early Term 4 (Thursday, 23rd October)
Please see the attachment below for more information about our 2026 Kinder enrolment process and Transition to School Program.
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.
Explaining Student Absences Using School Bytes
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.
KITCHEN GARDEN NEWS
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THE OEPS KITCHEN GARDEN PROGRAM!
This year marks a decade of digging, planting, harvesting, and growing together through our beloved OEPS Kitchen Garden Program — and what an incredible journey it has been!
Over the past ten years, our garden has blossomed from a humble patch of soil into a thriving learning space where students roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and discover the magic of growing their own food. More than just a garden, it has become a place where science, sustainability, health, and teamwork all come to life.
From tiny seeds to towering sunflowers, from garden beds to lunchbox veggies — the Kitchen Garden Program has helped students:
- Develop lifelong skills in healthy eating and cooking
- Learn about the environment, composting, and sustainability
- Build responsibility and confidence through hands-on learning
- Experience the joy of nurturing something from the ground up
- Connect with nature, each other, and their community
Our weekly sessions bring classrooms outdoors, where learning is active, seasonal, and delicious! Whether it’s tasting fresh-picked herbs, measuring garden growth, or preparing simple recipes with homegrown produce, students across year 3-6 have had the opportunity to engage their senses and expand their understanding of where food comes from.
We are so proud of the way our garden has grown — not just in size, but in spirit. It has become a cornerstone of our school culture and a shared space of pride and purpose.
A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated staff, students, volunteers, and families who have watered, weeded, cooked, and cared for this program over the years. Your energy and commitment have made it flourish.
As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, we look forward to the next chapter of our Kitchen Garden — continuing to grow minds, bodies, and hearts one harvest at a time.
Here’s to another decade of green thumbs and full plates!
Irene Iskric
STUDENT COOKING DEMONSTRATION
The local Rotary Club presented an eco-friendly Sustainability Expo with a delicious twist, thanks to a creative cooking demonstration that highlighted both local ingredients and clean energy. Four Orange East Public School students — Matilda Thompson, Isabel Mesa Urquhart, Luke Shepard, and Eloise Vaughan — alongside volunteer dad Ruben Lopez, used locally sourced produce to create a mouthwatering pork and vegetable stir-fry and a delectable halloumi and vegetable vegetarian option — powered entirely by an electric vehicle (EV)!
Held last weekend at the Orange Showground, this event was a fusion of sustainability and culinary arts, showcasing how modern cooking techniques can align with environmental consciousness. Our students took on the challenge of preparing two distinct dishes using ingredients from nearby farmers’ markets, including fresh pork, halloumi cheese, and a variety of seasonal vegetables.
In a world where food production and energy consumption are becoming increasingly intertwined, the cooking demonstration served as a reminder of how green technologies can be utilised in everyday life. The students' cooking setup was powered by a fully electric vehicle, which served as an unconventional yet fitting energy source for the event.
As part of the demonstration, the students used the EV’s power to run induction cooktops, which are more energy-efficient than traditional stoves. The vehicle’s battery charged the cooktops, which in turn cooked the dishes to perfection without contributing any emissions to the atmosphere. The setup was provided by a local electric vehicle partner that worked with the expo to demonstrate the growing possibilities of integrating EV technology into everyday life.
Attendees of the expo were invited to sample both dishes, with many praising the fresh, vibrant flavours. The cooking demonstration was met with enthusiasm, leaving a lasting impression on attendees about the simple yet powerful changes they can make to support local farmers and reduce our environmental footprint.
For the four students involved, the experience was more than just a cooking lesson — it was an opportunity to engage with and contribute to the community in a meaningful way. If you missed the demo, don’t worry! The full recipe for the pork stir-fry and halloumi stir-fry will be available on the School Bytes website.
Special thanks to Kerry Stokes, our teacher representative, who accompanied the group and sampled the delicious creations.
CURRENT FORMS/PERMISSION NOTES
| WHAT | COST | WHEN/WHERE | WHO | DUE WHEN |
| Learn to Swim | $80 | Term 4 - Week 1-8 | Yr 1-6 (Event Full) | Fri, 26th Sept |
| NAIDOC March | NIL | Monday 20 October Robertson Park | All Yr 6 and ATSI Students K-5 | Wednesday 15 October |
| NAIROC Dance Performance | NIL | Wednesday 22 October Orange Function Centre | NAIROC Dance Groups | Monday 20 October |
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Staff Development Day
13 Oct 2025 - 14 Oct 2025 |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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NAIDOC March
9:20 AM - 12:30 PM |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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Kinder Transition Session
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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Kinder Transition Session
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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Kinder Transition Session
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
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Learn to Swim Lessons
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM |
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Kinder Transition Session
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
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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 3
- Week 10 - PBL Award Assemblies Friday, 26th September
Term 4
- Week 1 – Friday, 17th October (Primary, Yr 3-6)
- Week 2 – Friday, 24th October (Infants, K-2)
- Week 3 – Friday, 31st October (Primary, Yr 3-6)
- Week 4 – Friday, 7th Novermer (Infants, K-2)
- Week 5 – NO ASSEMBLY (Grandparents' Day)
- Week 6 – Friday, 21st November (Primary, Yr 3-6)
- Week 7 – Friday, 28th November (Infants, K-2)
- Week 8 – Friday, 5th December (PBL Awards Assemblies)
- Week 9 - Thursday, 11th December (Presentation Day TBC)
- Week 10 - Friday, 19th December (Yr 6 Graduation Assembly/Clap-Out TBC)
WEEK 8 PRIMARY ASSEMBLY
WEEK 9 INFANTS ASSEMBLY
A MINUTE WITH...
ADELE ELLERY-WHITE – 5/6 GALAH
If you could change your name, what would it be?
I like my name how it is.
What’s the most important job in the world, and why?
The Government, they stop the world from getting crazy.
If you could teach someone one thing, what would it be?
There’s always someone who cares about you!
What’s the best thing about being a kid?
We don’t have to do jobs or give more to the Government.
If you were the principal for the day, what would you do?
Eat pizza, watch movies and don’t do any work.
If you could give advice to a grown-up, what would you say?
Try your hardest, don’t give up all the time.
KASE NEAL – K BILBY
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you choose and why?
I would like to have a Panda, because they’re cute.
What’s a good thing about having a dad who is a teacher? What’s a bad thing about it?
A good thing is that he lets me go into his classroom. There’s no bad things, my dad is cool.
What do you want to be when you grow up, and why?
I want to be an Army person, because they are cool.
What do you like about being in Kinder Bilby?
I like that I have good friends in there who are really nice to me.
What is the most important job in the world?
Hanging out with your friends, because my Dad told me it’s good for me.
Who are your friends and what do you like about them?
Some of my friends are Bodie, Zack, Felix and Attikus. Make sure you write two ‘t’s in Attikus. I like that they play with me and we have fun.
SIENNA LARGE – 5/6 WOMBAT
What makes you feel really proud?
That I have really supportive friends.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen a grown-up do?
One time my brother dumped a bucket of ice down his shirt, it was funny.
What’s the best thing about being a kid?
I can get away with anything, I just blame it on my siblings.
What’s one thing you wish grown-ups understood about kids?
How hard homework is!
What makes you laugh the hardest?
When my family on April Fool’s Day tries to jump scare everyone.
If you could give yourself a new name, what would it be?
Tess
P&C NEWS
ORANGE EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C PRESENTS: OUR INAUGURAL TRIVIA NIGHT & ART AUCTION!
Get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition! The Orange East Public School P&C is thrilled to host our very first Trivia Night & Art Auction — a fantastic evening to connect with friends, support our school, and test your general knowledge.
Ticket price includes:
- Featuring NEIL GILL as MC and Auctioneer
- Entry to the event
- Lucky door prizes
- Delicious finger food
- A fun-filled night of trivia, laughs, and entertainment
Plus, don’t miss our Art Auction, featuring creative pieces from our talented students!
Ticket prices:
- $30 per person or
- $150 for a table of 6 (bring your crew!)
Date: Saturday, October 11
Venue: Orange City Bowling Club, Warrendine Street, Orange
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM
Dinner and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar throughout the night. Kids are welcome, but please note this event is primarily intended for parents and adults to relax, socialise, and enjoy a night out.
🎟️Buy your tickets now before they sell out:
👉Click here to order
P&C MEETINGS 2025
Term 4 Meetings
- Week 3 - Tuesday, 28th October @ 6:30pm
- Week 8 - Tuesday, 2nd December @ 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.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
