From the Principal

Welcome Back

As we embark on a new academic year, it is with great pleasure that I welcome back all members of our school community. I extend a particularly warm welcome to our new students, families, and staff who have joined us this year. We are delighted to have you as part of our vibrant and inclusive school, and I trust you will find your time with us both rewarding and enriching. You join a very special and supportive community.

The start of a new year always brings with it a sense of renewal and possibility, and it has been immensely heartening to witness the energy and enthusiasm with which our students and staff have returned after the summer break. The opportunity to reconnect, to share stories of the holidays, and to embrace the journey ahead has created a truly positive atmosphere across the School.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our dedicated teaching and professional staff for their tireless efforts in preparing for the year ahead. Their commitment to ensuring a seamless and welcoming start for all students is deeply appreciated. The thoughtful planning, preparation of lessons and activities, and readiness to engage in the new academic year reflects their passion for education and their care for each student’s growth and success.

To all in our community, I hope the summer provided you with time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with family and friends. Now, as we look to the months ahead, we are reminded of the exciting challenges and opportunities that await us. Together, let us embrace this year with optimism, determination, and a shared commitment to making it one of growth, learning, and connection. I look forward to seeing what we will achieve together in the months to come.

2025: A Year of Great Possibility and Opportunity

 There is so much for us to be excited about over the coming year. We belong to a wonderful school that offers our students so much. There is something here for everyone and an opportunity for every student to discover activities that will challenge and provide much satisfaction and enjoyment. We are all greatly privileged to belong to such a community.

Each new year offers a blank canvas, a fresh start to explore the best within ourselves and to create a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Our school is a place where potential is nurtured, dreams are pursued, and values shape who we are. I encourage every student to view this year as an opportunity to strive for the best version of themselves, whether in academics, co-curricular pursuits, or the relationships they build.

At the heart of our school are the values that unite us: respect, resilience, commitment, courage, and inclusivity. 

These values are more than words; they are the compass guiding our decisions and actions. 

• Respect fosters kindness and understanding, 
• Resilience allows us to persevere in the face of challenges, 
• Commitment drives us to give our best effort, 
• Courage helps us to step outside our comfort zones, and
• Inclusion ensures everyone feels they belong.

 Let us also focus on building a school community that genuinely cares for one another. This is not just about kindness; it is about intentional actions—checking in on a friend, welcoming new students with warmth, and supporting one another when life gets tough. Together, we can create an environment where every individual feels safe, respected, and empowered to succeed.

A vital part of cultivating this supportive community is practicing gratitude. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”; it is an acknowledgment of the good in our lives and the people who contribute to it. 

Studies have shown that expressing gratitude not only strengthens relationships but also fosters happiness and well-being. Imagine the ripple effect of a community where gratitude is expressed regularly—a simple note of thanks to a teacher, a word of encouragement to a teammate, or an acknowledgment of someone’s efforts. These acts of appreciation build bonds and remind us of the shared humanity that connects us all.

Owen Eastwood, in his compelling work Belonging, highlights the profound impact of feeling connected to a group or purpose.

He draws on the Māori concept of whakapapa, which situates individuals as part of an unbroken chain of relationships, emphasizing our shared responsibility to one another. Eastwood argues that belonging fosters trust, motivation, and performance, as people who feel valued and included are more likely to contribute their best. His insights remind us of the power of belonging to create a thriving, united community.

Belonging is a cornerstone of personal and collective well-being. Owen Eastwood’s insights remind us that a sense of belonging cultivates emotional security, enabling individuals to thrive even in challenging circumstances. When we nurture belonging—through inclusion, recognition, and shared purpose—we create communities that flourish. Our school is no different. 

When we feel connected, supported, and valued, we are more likely to contribute to each other's growth and success. Let us, therefore, do all we can to ensure all members of our community feel that they belong.

We often see powerful examples of what a strong, values-driven community can achieve. 

Consider the remarkable courage and unity we see when communities rally together after natural disasters, where strangers help rebuild homes and lives, embodying commitment and inclusion in the face of adversity and great challenge. Such examples remind us that we are strongest when we stand together.

This year, I encourage every student to embrace the opportunities before them, to live our school’s values daily, and find ways to contribute positively to our wonderful school community. 

Let us commit to demonstrating gratitude, kindness, and inclusion as we journey through this year together.  I am excited to see what we will accomplish as individuals and as a united school community.

I hope we can make 2025 a truly an exceptional year. 

Student Leaders' Dinner

On Tuesday 11 February, we enjoyed a wonderful evening of delightful conversation and friendship at our annual dinner with the Year 12 student leadership group, held at the Principal's residence. They are a beautiful group of young people and it was fabulous to hear of their hopes for 2025 and of their dreams and aspirations for the future. It was a great privilege for Ms Dunkley, Mrs Parry and I to share the evening with them.

Congratulations

 Mr Rick Bowman – 50 not out!

Congratulations to Mr Rick Bowman who is beginning his 51st year of teaching!  A remarkable achievement and we are so fortunate to have such a passionate and inspirational teacher who is loved and adored by his students and colleagues.  Congratulations on a marvellous career and for his wonderful contribution to our community.

Mrs Sarah O’Gorman – Orange Australia Day Awards

Mrs O’Gorman was nominated on behalf of the Orange Water Polo Association, for the 2025 Orange Australia Day Awards for the ‘Community Event of the Year’.

Annabelle van Wyk, Year 12 – Orange Young Citizen of the Year Award

Annabelle was presented with The Young Citizen of the Year award at the Orange Australia Day celebration for her contribution to the arts and passion for encouraging young people in the region to participate in the performing arts.  A marvellous achievement and a wonderful example of service to our community.

Isabel Wong, Year 12

Isabel has been included in The Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp.

The AYO has a reputation as being one of the world’s most prestigious and innovative training organisations and is open to students aged 12 to 25 years of age.  Positions are hotly contended by elite young musicians across Australia, many of whom are studying for or have completed tertiary Music degrees. 

Isabel studies violin with Mrs Lorraine Moxey.  She completed her AMusA diploma on violin in 2024 and is currently studying Music 2 and Music Extension.  Isabel’s inclusion in AYO National Music Camp is testament to her musicality and her tenacious commitment to practice.

Lilly Clarke, Year 12 and Sam Hill, Year 11 - Touch Football National Youth Squad Selection

We are proud to inform you that Touch Football Australia (TFA) has annouced that Lilly Clarke (18's Girls) and Sam Hill (18's Boys) have been selected in the 2025 Athelite Australian Emus National Youth Squad.

They will attend a selection camp in NSW in early February to vie for selection in the 18s Boys, Girls, and Mixed national teams to compete in the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup event in Redcliffe, Queensland in May 2025.

Congratulations to Lilly and Sam!

New Staff

Mr Winston West – Head of Social Science

Winston comes to us from James Sheahan where he has been Leader of Student Wellbeing, Year Coordinator and most recently HSIE Coordinator.  Prior to moving to Orange, Winston has taught in England, at Brigidine College, Randwick, and Kambala School, Rose Bay. His teaching disciplines include Geography, Chemistry, Science and Mathematics.

Winston has a Bachelor of Science (Environmental) from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma of Education from the Australian Catholic University.  While at Sydney University he was a member of Wesley College serving on their House Committee.

Ms Polly McRae – English Teacher

Polly joins us from Marist Catholic College North Shore, where she has been employed for the past 18 months.  She has also taught at James Sheahan.

Polly has a Bachelor of Secondary Teaching (Humanities)(Honours) from the University of Newcastle.

Mr Tom Markey – PDHPE Teacher

Tom will be joining the PDHPE Department on a 12-month contract.

Tom has been at Orange High School for the last two years as a teacher and learning support officer.  Prior to that he has worked in construction and as a Statistical Logging Analyst for Fox Sports.

Tom has a Bachelor of Sports Studies/Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) and a Master of Teaching (Secondary)(PDHPE) all from Charles Sturt University.

Mr Jackson Kelly – English Terms 1-3 

Jackson comes to us from Narrabeen Sports High School where he was a PDHPE and English Teacher for the last two years as well as a coach in their Rugby League Academy.  Prior to that he taught at Monte Saint Angelo in North Sydney.

Jackson has a Bachelor of Media, Screen Production from Mcquarie University and a Master of Teaching (Secondary) majoring in English from the University of New England.

Mrs Mikeala Connors – PDHPE Teacher

Mikeala will be joining the PDHPE Department on a 12-month contract. 

Mikeala joins us from Trinity Grammar School where she was a Sports Operations Specialist and Snow Sports Coordinator. Prior to that she was with Basketball Australia as a High Performance Sport Coordinator and a Sports Operations Officer.

She has a Bachelor of Sports Coaching & Exercise Science/Bachelor of Sports Management and a Masters of High Performance Sport (Management and Leadership) from Charles Sturt University.

Mr James Bunting – Social Science Teacher

James comes to us from Lockerbie Academy in Scotland where he taught History, Modern Studies and Religious and Moral Education. He has also taught at St Kevin's College, Toorak, and Camberwell Grammar School.

James has a Bachelor of Arts (History) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) from the University of Melbourne and a Graduation Diploma of Education (Secondary) from Australian Catholic University (Melbourne). 

Mrs Emmah Klein – Junior School Academic Staff

Emmah will be joining the Junior School on a 12-month contract.

Emmah has been working as a classroom teacher in the UK for the last six years, at Barrow Hills School in Surrey and Academics Guildford in Bramley.  Prior to this, she worked as a Classroom Teacher and Supply Teacher for the Department of Education NSW and Catholic Education System.

Emmah holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Tasmania and also holds a Master of Speech Pathology in Speech Therapy from the University of Canberra.

Ms Emily Reed – School Psychologist

Emily comes to us from Tyndale Christian School where she has been the Registered Psychologist and School Counsellor and a Psychologist at Blue Mountains Clinic, Winmalee. 

Emily has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, French and Francophone Studies) from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology with Distinction from Western Sydney University where she was awarded the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence.  Emily is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Ms Brooklyn Mexted – Director, Finance

Brooklyn joins us from Western Australia where she was working as Group Chief Financial Controller at The Carr Group since January 2022.  She has also worked at The Hovey Group, Hi-Tech Ag Solutions and Simcoa Operations.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from University of Notre Dame and is a member of CPA Australia.

Gap Students

We welcome five new Gap students:

Ms Ellara Baldie – January to June 2025 – from Streatham and Clapham High School in England

Mr Jade Coetzee – January to December 2025 – from Woodridge College in South Africa

Ms Kirsty McLean – January to June 2025 – from Edinburgh Academy in Scotland

Mr Matthew Peters – January to December 2025 – from Grey High School in South Africa

Mr Kaeden Posthumus – January to December – from Kempton Park High School in South Africa

Mr Adam Harrison will coordinate our team of Gap students and I wish to thank him for the care and support he provides them as they settle into our community.

New responsibilities in 2025

Mr Matt Byrne – Acting Executive Director, Learning & Wellbeing

Mr James Perrin – Acting Head of Boys’ Boarding

Mr Liam Callaghan – Head of Experiential Learning and Round Square

Mrs Kate Callaghan – Head of English

Mrs Kate Rohr – 2IC English

Mr Alex McLennan – Head of Science

Ms Nicole Pearce – 2IC Science

Mrs Kathryn Northam – Acting 2IC Mathematics

Mr Peter Finlay – Head Mentor of Gordon House

Mrs Amy Keir – Acting Head Mentor of Blackman House

Mr Mark Whitehead – Acting Junior School Sports Coordinator

Mrs Michelle Thompson – Head of New House

Staff Leave

The following staff have taken a well-deserved break to refresh and recharge:

Mrs Claudia McCalman – Senior Years Coordinator (Terms 1, 2 & 3)

Mr Matt Campbell – Junior School Sports Coordinator (2025)

Mr Michael Holmes – 2IC Mathematics (2025)

Mrs Alicia Holmes – Junior School Teacher (2025)

Mr Norm Moore – Senior School Teacher (2025)

Mr Jason Smith – Senior School Teacher (2025)

Staff Returning from Long Service Leave

The following staff are returning from their well-deserved break:

Ms Kathryn Northam – Senior School Teacher

Mr Bruce Paine – Careers’ Adviser