Lotsa learning where the locals lurk

May 22, 2025

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St Joseph's Catholic School

Farewell Mr Foley

We've said goodbye to someone who has been the heart and soul of our school grounds - Mr Foley. For seven years, he has tended every blade of grass, every flower bed, and every corner of our school with pride, care, and unwavering dedication. More than just keeping the grounds beautiful, Mr Foley has been a constant, comforting presence - always ready with a warm smile, a helping hand, and a word of encouragement for students and staff alike. We’ll miss the early morning waves, the quiet wisdom, and the tireless work ethic that made our school not just a place to learn, but a place to feel at home. Thank you, Mr Foley, for everything. Wishing you safe travels. You’ve left your mark not just on the grounds, but on all of our hearts.

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Live at Orange Show... the St Joseph's band.

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National Simultaneous Storytime

Over 2.2 million children and adults across Australia and around the world participated in the 25th annual National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) on Wednesday, May 20,, hosted by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). The featured book was The Truck Cat, written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell. This heartwarming story follows Tinka, a cat who travels with Yacoub, a migrant truck driver, exploring themes of immigration, identity, and belonging. The initiative aims to promote literacy and shared reading experiences. Today our students came dressed as a 'truck driver'.

Thanks to our friends at Galloping Gumnuts for joining us too!

See some minitruckers here (1:10). Photos supplied

Hampton Public School

A very successful Cross Country Carnival

On Wednesdday, May 14, some of our students joined up with Cullen Bullen and Megalong Public Schools at Megalong for our Combined Small Schools Cross Country Carnival.

A big thank you to Mrs Rachael Penny, Principal of Megalong School, for hosting the event and providing their school bus to transport our students, parents and teachers.

Students ran so well navigating up and down hills, and various bush terrain, running distances of 2km and 3km.

Congratulations to all of our students who participated and showed great sportmanship. Stay tuned for the announcement about our school representatives at next Friday's District carnival!

Click for a slideshow of the fun at Megalong (0:45). Photos supplied

While some of our older students were competing today at Megalong Public School, the rest of our students enjoyed our very own mini Cross Country Carnival! With smiles and laughter, the children enjoyed navigating our very unique course culminating in a fun afternoon.

And here's a slideshow of the fun back at home (0:50). Photos supplied

We celebrate learning excellence at Hampton Public School with our Student of the Week awards. This week's recipients are Zoey Whiteley for her exceptional ability to create vivid imagery in her descriptive writing, and Niamh Jenkins for her outstanding creativity and skill in creating an Arctic scene using soft pastels.

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No matter the weather, a birthday was celebrated in full swing today as Jackson turned nine. The ice cream cake didn't stand a chance as we sang Happy Birthday while Jackson tried to blow out his candles and the icy wind tried to blow them back in. Happy Birthday, Jackson!

A birthday party. Photo supplied

O'Connell Public School

Forest Day Last Tuesday we spent the day enjoying the Forest! Here are a few gorgeous photos of our day.

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Oberon Public School

Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of our recent Book Fair colouring in competition - Milton Byrom, Kiah Christie-Johnston, Michael Frail, Harper Gibbons, William Diamond and Charlotte Ballas (absent). Our students used creativity, skill and attention to detail to earn a $10.00 Book Fair voucher. Thank you to our students who entered the competition.

Belynda Ruhan | Teacher Librarian

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Year 6 Shimmering Shirts

Year 6 were thrilled to receive their Year 6 shirts and hoodies this week, and they look fantastic! These shirts are a beautiful memento of their primary school journey.

Year 6 Teachers

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SRC Fundraiser

OPS School Representative Council (SRC) fundraiser was a great success. Through the sale of delicious ice creams, we raised enough money to purchase a new toaster for our Breakfast Club. A big thank you to everyone who supported the fundraiser.

Natalie Beattie | Coordinator

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Awesome Athletes

Students had a fantastic day at our annual Athletics Carnival. All students should be commended on the high level of sportsmanship and house spirit that was on display. Thank you to all the parents who came along and supported and assisted, your help is very much appreciated. A special thank you to Mr Sellers who goes above and beyond every year to ensure the day runs smoothly. Thank you to Desiree for running an efficient and well stocked canteen for our little athletes. The winning house and champions will be announced tomorrow.

Taya Austen | Coordinator

Click for a 6 minute 20 second slideshow of 76 photos. Photos supplied

PSSA Hockey

Our PSSA hockey team recently travelled to Bathurst to take on Perthville Public School in the first round of the competition. It was an exciting match filled with great sportsmanship, however, we faced a tough challenge and lost 2-1. We couldn't be prouder of our girls for their positive attitudes and teamwork throughout the game.

Shannon Fisher | Coordinator

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Happy Campers

After arriving safely at Great Aussie Bush Camps our stage 3 students have settled in and are enjoying a range of activities. We are looking forward to more fun and adventure over the coming days

Stage 3 Teachers

Click for a slideshow with all the fun (1:30). Photos supplied

Sensational Sand Dunes

Stage 3 students have had an amazing second day at camp. With a break in the rain students were able to experience the flying fox, cook damper and conquer the high ropes course. The highlight of the day was a wonderful windy trip to the beach and visiting the sensational sand dunes ! Nothing better than rolling down the sand dunes. Looking forward to another action packed day tomorrow.

Stage 3 Teachers

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Lots of photos in this slideshow (6:30). Photos supplied

Fire Safety Education

Students from K-2 had the opportunity to listen to local firefighters from Oberon Fire and Rescue team. The students learnt about the importance of staying calm, calling 000 and how to respond safely in a fire emergency. Thank you for the wonderful presentation.

Emma Graham | Assistant Principal

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High and Dry

Our students have had another fun filled day of new and exciting adventures. Students have enjoyed the giant swing, power fan, the fantastic flying fox and getting down and dirty at Lost Island. Looking forward to more fun and adventure tomorrow morning before we head home.

Stage 3 Teachers

Lots and lots of photos (6:45). Photos supplied

Oberon High School

Science Highlights

Our Science Faculty has been thriving with activity during Term 2, offering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Year 7 students have been busy investigating convection currents, while Stage 5 Agriculture students are gaining hands-on experience by weighing lambs. Stage 4 students are exploring energy transformations, and Stage 6 Biology classes are delving into models of cell division. Additionally, Stage 5 students have been constructing models of the atom, enhancing their understanding of atomic structures. It's been an exciting term filled with discovery and practical learning!

Heather Wiggins | Science Head Teacher

Click for a slideshow (1:10). Photos supplied

Rural Cup!

Last Thursday, students and staff travelled to Canowindra High School for the next leg of Rural Cup. While the result did not go in our favour, our students started the day strong and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship right up until the end. As staff, we could not be prouder of how they fought hard and tried their best across the wide range of sports on offer on the day.

Tristan Goodwin | Principal

Waiting for the bus. Click for some photos from the day (1:10). Photos supplied

CSU Open Day

Year 12 students attended the Facts about Careers and Tertiary Studies Day which was hosted by Charles Sturt University, Bathurst. Students were welcomed by current CSU student representatives to two information sessions. One for exhibitors and a formal presentation from UAC-University Admissions Centre and RIEP Regional Industry Education Partnerships. Sixty-eight exhibitors were assembled to provide information and answer student questions. This year 865 students attended from 19 schools. The event grows with each year, and our students reported that they found the day very useful.

Susan Koeford | Careers Advisor

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