Hello all, and welcome to the newsletter.

It is ironic how the start of the year already feels like a distant memory, yet how quickly the time seems to have passed. These holidays feel perfectly timed, giving us all the opportunity to refresh and return ready to tackle Term Two.

We enjoyed many successes during Term One. Primary led the way with a very strong showing in MAP, particularly in terms of growth and the achievement of desired targets. The SLT also provided real drive across the school, with some excellent plans set in place for the future. A real highlight was the assemblies they ran, showcasing the L2L framework and celebrating student achievement. Our students represented the campus beautifully on all offsite excursions, with many positive comments received about their level of engagement and behaviour. This positive representation is extremely pleasing, as it reinforces our strong campus culture beyond the school gates. These improvements were also reflected in another rise in our CQR score.

As recently as last Friday, athletics action was hot at a freezing Griffith Stadium. Condobolin students claimed nearly half of the age champions, competing against Albury, Wagga and Leeton. Impressively, our Primary girls won every division. However, as someone who often had to beg, borrow or steal a placegetter ribbon at athletics, I have the utmost respect for those students who turn up and give their best, knowing they may not receive the accolades. This speaks volumes about their character and is what truly makes the carnival such a special day. Congratulations to all participants, and a massive thank you to the staff who supported the event.

As always, there are areas for improvement as we look ahead. Two key focus areas will be students’ use of both space and time, along with ongoing academic achievement. Year 12 students have just completed their Preliminary examinations, and we will now review results and identify strategies for improvement with an eye firmly on the HSC later in the year. Years 7–10 will also find that examinations come around quickly. Meetings have already been held to explore adjustments to the layouts of both the Primary and Secondary Learning Centres, ensuring we have the most effective furniture and configurations to best support learning. Thank you in advance for your continued support as we work together to drive continuous improvement.

Recently, while clearing out some old papers, I came across notes I took at an achievers’ conference eight years ago. One quote stood out as particularly relevant in a school context:

“Only my best is good enough for me.”

When we embrace this mindset, we live our OSG Values and Personas.

On that note, I wish everyone a wonderful break — I fully intend to enjoy it myself!

Stay well,
Greg Mullins, CP

Oriana Kennard: working hard in Math’s to master a skill.

Blake Mansley: using Scratch appropriately and creatively during technologies.

William Mann: self-directed and diligent in the Learning Centre.

Aubrey Larsen: working diligently in Secondary Learning Centre.

Daisy Larsen: having a plan and executing it.

Elly Bulloch: takes ownership of her learning.

Iris McCulloch: working diligently in Secondary Learning Centre.

This term, our Primary students have been exploring Indigenous Australian storytelling through dot painting, learning about traditional symbols such as waterholes, animal tracks, and meeting places, and how these are used to communicate stories and connection to Country. After studying these meanings, students created their own storytelling artworks using natural materials, choosing pieces of bark or smooth rocks as their canvas. Their final pieces beautifully reflected their creativity, understanding, and respect for Indigenous culture.

Building, Coding, Creating: Primary LEGO® Lab at OSG!

LEGO® Lab is an exciting first for OSG, giving our Primary students a hands‑on way to explore creativity, problem‑solving, coding, and teamwork. Across several weeks between March and May 2026, students will work through a sequence of LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime and Scratch‑based activities, designed to build confidence and develop their Primary L2L Skills.

Their learning journey leads to the Final Design Challenge, where students work in teams to solve a real‑world problem using their LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime kit. Each Campus will select one winning team, and the SLT will support by filming a short video that showcases the team’s design and approach for regional judging.

Since our last report projects have continued to grow, develop, and take shape in the Wood Room and some exciting new equipment has also recently arrived to make breathing in there hopefully a lot easier.

Year 7 – They have progressed their theoretical home designs to the practical stage. Carter and Orlando designed their own one daydream homes using an interesting software called “FloorPlanner” and the next stage of their project is to build a scale model of the house with a plywood base, corflute and probably many hot glue gun sticks.

Year 8 – La’della and Myra have shaped their CO2 powered cars and have painted the balsa models with the sealant paint. This special paint provides a base for the future coats and also acts as a sealant to raise the grain of the timber which will be sanded off to an exceptionally smooth finish to ensure less wind resistance and a faster time as it races down the track. We are still working out the logistics of a race day and are not sure where we will be headed for that event with other campuses.

Stage 5 Timber – this class continues to work on their occasional table. Cutting the legs into a taper finish did prove to be a headache and we wrecked a few legs getting it right. The class has come up with some interesting designs for the tops, end grain patterned, slicing and sticking contrasting timber pieces in the tops to increase the visual appeal, even making the top into a checkerboard with Jarrah and Tasmanian oak timbers.

This class continues to impress with their dedication to Woodwork and the number of times they ask if they can go to the workshop.

Stage 5 Design and Technology – This terms project of designing an accessory has produced some interesting and innovative ideas. Students have learnt about the design process and how to develop an idea into something practical and hopefully useful.

All the boys from here and the many students at Mt. Victoria that I have, have designed innovative and interesting accessories. From Rafferty’s Yeti water bottle protector to Kingston’s fishing rod holder, to Cody’s clever table tennis bat and ball holder and to William’s bathroom organizer the projects have developed from theoretical to real designs that can solve a problem. All the students’ work on the Assessment Task has been exceptional, and they can breathe more easily as it was due last night.

Stage 6 Design and Technology have done some experiments with the 3D Printer and have just started with the Laser cutter and transferring designs into the Lightburn Software to burn and cut materials.

It is extremely pleasing to note that we have just taken possession of two new pieces of equipment for the workshop. A new dust extractor hose has arrived and the room air filter machine. The hose will allow the dust from the saw bench to be taken straight into the dust collector and out of the air. Dust particulates in the air can be a breathing hazard and we are doing all we can to minimize this threat.

This new machine will be installed to hang from the roof and filter the air flowing through the room. I am very grateful to our CA James for allowing us to purchase this machine and hopefully it will be installed over the holidays. Even though this new workshop had better ventilation than the old room it needs some help.

Gourmet Hampers on Display

Our Year 10 Food Technology student has been busy putting the final touches on her impressive Gourmet Hampers. After carefully labelling handmade products, Teagan showcased her work by beautifully presenting each item in a finished hamper — a wonderful demonstration of both culinary and presentation skills.

At the same time, our junior Food Technology classes took a creative approach to reducing food waste, raiding the pantry and fridge to use up ingredients on hand. Year 7 whipped up fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with maple syrup and cinnamon sugar. Year 8 got baking with cheesy corn and bacon muffins, alongside a quick batch of classic Anzac biscuits. Back in the Year 10 kitchen, we made excellent use of leftover egg whites, crafting delicate chocolate and strawberry macarons.

It’s been a busy and productive time in the Food Technology kitchens, with students showing creativity, teamwork and excellent practical skills.

TERM 1

2nd April - Last day Term 1 for Staff and Students

3rd April - Good Friday (Public Holiday)

TERM 2

27th April - Anzac Day Public Holiday

28th April - Term 2 commences for Staff and students

5th May - Year 7 & 10 Vaccinations