Welcome To Year 7, 2022
Penrith Christian School
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At Penrith Christian School we
Strive for the Highest ! Truth ~ Integrity ~ Excellence Everyday is an opportunity for our students to truly live by and reflect this motto in all that they do, with the core values remaining a vital part of our School’s DNA in all that we do at PCS. As a Christian School, we believe that we should ‘do all for the glory of God’ (1 Corinthians 10:31). Therefore, striving for the highest reflects our desire to make sure God is glorified in all that we do. Secondly, we believe that we, as individuals, should not settle for second best, or not use what God has given us, as far as gifts, skills and talents are concerned, to the very best we can. We should be striving for the highest out of gratitude. Thirdly, we believe that we have the collective opportunity as a community to be God honouring and true representations of God’s love, mercy and grace. We are excited about how this simple, yet powerful phrase can be what drives us and motivates us as at Penrith Christian School.
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Welcome to Year 7 at Penrith Christian School! For some of you, our school may already be familiar, but for those who are new to our PCS community, we also welcome you warmly as your family begins an exciting journey ahead. The last years of formal schooling can be daunting and exciting all at the same time and because there are many changes, we want to make you feel confident and included right from the start so that you may look back on your high school years as being some of the best of your life. The information in this booklet is to help you understand our culture, our purpose and the organisational things we have in place so that when you begin the Year 7 journey you are already feeling like you belong. Our motto Strive for the Highest, is an invitation for our whole community to not limit the impact that each and every one of us can have in any part of the world we choose to engage in. It also is designed to acknowledge that what we do and say should be a reflection of the identity we have in Christ. We believe that each one of our students has been created for great things and we want to support and partner with you so that each graduate of Penrith Christian School is equipped and empowered to make a positive difference in their world. I look forward to getting to know each one of you through these next years and hope that the information here and through conversation gives you confirmation that Penrith Christian School is the best place to be! Yours in Christ,
Tracey Deal Principal
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Your first day of High School will commence on Thursday the 27th January, 2022 at 8:25am. Full Summer School uniform is worn during Term 1, accompanied by the PCS school hat, school bag and polished black leather school shoes. Year 7 students will make their way directly to the Auditorium at the beginning of the first school day, where students will meet their Year Advisor, Mrs Hanson, and commence Day 1 together. Students will receive a copy of their timetable, a school diary, their school book packs and stationary. There will also be an opportunity for students to engage with their peers and build connections. Lockers will be available by application and occur a $60 annual fee. Please visit Student Reception for an application form. Students will be provided with stationary and exercise books as part of the PCS Year 7 Book Pack, however, if you would like to bring a folder and some paper to make notes on for day one, then please feel free to do so.
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Welcome current and new students and families to the PCS community. At Penrith Christian School, students are genuinely loved and nurtured in a safe and secure environment, where rich learning takes place with Christ at the centre of all we do. I have an incredible amount of love and pride for our school, which are 2 of the many reasons that both my own children (Year 1 and Year 10) attend PCS. You’ve made the right decision to send your child to PCS for their High School years. The transition from Primary to Secondary school can be both an exciting and daunting time for students and their parents/carers. It is the next stage in a lifelong educational journey leading to new experiences and challenges. It is my desire that your child doesn’t just survive Year 7, but that they
#thrive, by growing, developing, shining with their own
God-given uniqueness, and continuing to progress in every area of their schooling life. I am passionate in my commitment towards student wellbeing, and in developing a strong Christian Character in our students which will be a big focus of our ‘Personal Learning Labs’. 2022 looks so bright for the new Year 7 class of PCS and I’m excited about all that lies ahead. I look forward to walking alongside each student and working in partnership with families. Yours in Christ Kirsten Hanson Year 7 Year Advisor 2022
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The PCS school day commences at 8:25am with Learning Session 1 and concludes with Learning Session 6 at 2:55pm. A morning tea break takes place for 20mins from 10:15am with a 40 minute lunch break occurring from 12:25pm. At 2:55pm students are to make their way either to the Kiss and Go COLA area for parents and carers to collect their child, or, to the bus bay for their transportation home. Please see below for Learning Session and break times: 8:25am
Day Commences
8:25am – 9:20am
Learning Session 1
9:20am – 10:15am
Learning Session 2
10:15am – 10:35am
Recess
10:35am – 11:30am
Learning Session 3
11:30am – 12:25pm
Learning Session 4
12:25pm – 1:05pm
Lunch
1:05pm – 2pm
Learning Session 5
2pm – 2:55pm
Learning Session 6
2:55pm
Day Concludes
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Absence Due to Illness If a student is absent from school due to medical reason, the school is to be notified as soon as possible by either calling Reception on 02) 4737 4300, via email at studentreception@pcs.nsw.edu.au or via the Absentee Hotline SMS on 0451 683 888. Messages can be left on this number at anytime during the evening or early morning prior to school commencing. If the school has not been contacted by 8:25am, a text message is sent to parents as a reminder to notify the school. If a medical appointment has been made which requires a student to leave during the day, the school must be notified beforehand and the student signed out at the required time via school reception. An extended period of absence will require a medical certificate upon the the student’s return to school and should be forwarded to studentreception@pcs.nsw.edu.au as well as the Year Advisor.
Absence Due to Other Reasons The teaching and learning program of the school is conducted for the whole of each term and as such the Penrith Christian School Policy does not endorse absence for holidays and travel, and discourages parents from scheduling holidays or other travel during term time. In the event that a family is required to remove a student for a period of time, a email sent to the Principal at admin@pcs.nsw.edu.au seeking permission is required. Regular attendance and the mutual support of a strong partnership between parents and staff is crucial for the best educational outcomes being achieved for your child. Extended absence is not conducive to the consistent and sequential learning program for the student/s. Any such absences that are taken without prior approval will be recorded as unapproved. In the event of absence due to representation in competitions outside of school, parents and carers are to notify the school in advance to ensure that the correct measures are put in place to best support your child’s educational needs. 9
The partnership between parents and the School is essential in aiding the progress and development of students at Penrith Christian School. Communication between all stakeholders is essential for strong partnerships, and will take place through the following various means:
Emails & Telephone Parents can contact the school and class teachers via telephone between the hours of 8am to 4pm, or via email. Whilst some email addresses are provided in this handbook, a more comprehensive email list will be provided at the commencement of the new year, once timetables and class lists have been finalised.
E-Phocus A weekly e-newsletter is published every Monday and emailed to all parents with new and information of upcoming events. To ensure that the e-Phocus, and other emails from Penrith Christian School , are received, settings in your email account may need to be changed to prevent such emails from going to the ’Junk Folder’ or being classed as spam. Previous editions of the e-Phocus can also be accessed via the school website at: www.pcs.nsw.edu.au
DayMap The Learning Management System (LMS) used by Penrith Christian School is DayMap, and contains academic information, calendar events and attendance information relevant to your child/ren. Login credentials are provided to all new families at the start of the academic year.
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Term 1
Thursday 27th January, 2022 – Friday 8th April, 2022
Term 2
Tuesday 26th April, 2022 – Friday 1st July, 2022
Term 3
Monday 25th July, 2022 – Friday 23rd September, 2022
Term 4
Monday 10th October, 2022 – Tuesday 6th December, 2022
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Aristotle
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As we move into 2022, PCS continues to see the rollout of the updated school uniform to reflect the Penrith Christian School whole school approach. The exisiting uniform currently worn by students in Year 5-8 (previously known as the Middle School uniform) will continue into Year 7, 2022. Existing Year 6 students will continue with the current uniform structure until the conclusion of Year 10, in 2025. This includes for Summer uniform in Term 1: Boys – Summer grey shorts and PCS summer shirt Girls – Summer PCS blouse and skirt
The uniform shop, operated by Ranier School Wear, is situated off Simeon Avenue and is accessed via the last PCS driveway. During term the opening hours are: Tuesday
7:30am – 11:30am
Thursday
2pm – 6pm (Term 1 & 4) 2pm – 5pm (Term 2 & 3)
Saturday
8am – 12pm 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month during Terms 1 & 4 1st Saturday of the month during Term 2 & 3
Please contact the uniform shop via:
📞
02) 47368711
✉
penrithc@ranier.com.au
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From the commencement of 2022, Penrith Christian School will be providing all Year 7 students with a HP Probook x360 Notebook. This laptop features a 13.3" screen, 16GB of ram and 256GB SSD storage. It is a 2 in 1 laptop that can be converted and flipped for use as a tablet with the functionality of a touch screen as well. The laptop will come with 4 years of accidental damage protection along with a rugged Targus case for transportation protection. We believe this will enable students to carry out their learning throughout the High School years well. School fees will help contribute to the cost of the laptop. We hope that this will ease the burden of families having to outlay the cost of a laptop for the High School years. The laptop will remain the school’s property over the 4 years, however, the ownership will be transferred over to the student at the conclusion of the 4th and final year.
Textbooks that are required for various High School subjects will be available for loan through the PCS iCentre library. At the appropriate time, teachers will take their classes to the iCentre to borrow the relevant text/book. At this time, it is essential that all students have their library card with them to ensure that this process is efficient.
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It is essential that medical information pertaining to your child at Penrith Christian School is kept current and up to date. All families, new and existing, that have particular medical needs regarding their child are requested to ensure that an up-to-date Action Plan (dated within the previous 12 months) is sent through to studentreception@pcs.nsw.edu.au to be kept on file in First Aid and made available to relevant PCS staff. A Doctors letter is preferred, along with the completed Medical Information form emailed through to Student Reception. Please contact Student Reception for a copy of the Medical Information Form.
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The PCS Canteen provides recess and lunch for students. Online pre-orders preferred, however walk up purchases are available if required. Please visit the Penrith Christian School Website for an up-todate Canteen Menu and Lunch Specials. Online ordering is completed through Flexischools, the fast, convenient and secure way to order and pay for canteen orders. Please visit the PCS Website for information on how Flexischools works, as well as instructions for getting started.
If you require the services of the private PCS School Bus or would like to know further information regarding bus routes and times, please contact Josiah via email at josiah@inchurch.com.au to register your interest. Please be aware that there is a wait list for some of the private PCS bus services.
Penrith Christian School Fee accounts are issued quarterly and due by the 4th week of each school term. Any enquires regarding fees, including payments, should be directed to fees@pcs.nsw.edu.au or call 02) 4736 4044 and ask to speak with accounts. Please Note: Accounts can be contacted during the holiday periods, as well term time.
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Year 7 Camp will take place in 2022 at Uniting Venues’ Naamaroo, located next to the Lane Cove National Park, on a spacious property, with modern facilities and highquality camp resources. Whilst attending the camp, students take part in the Rise Above Education Program aimed at fostering leadership, teamwork, resilience and wellbeing. With both day and night activities, including the Amazing Race, initiative-style games, and Obstacle Courses, students are challenged to develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Facilitator-led activities offer fun, engaging and highly interactive opportunities where vital connection and relationship building between students can occur.
We didn’t know that we were making memories. We just knew that we were having fun.
25th May, 2022 – 27th May, 2022
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Thursday 27th January, 2022 Term 1 Commences Thursday 3rd February, 2022 Student ID Photos Thursday 24th February, 2022 Swimming Carnival Monday 28th February, 2022 Year 7 Vaccinations Wednesday 30th March, 2022 Athletics Carnival Friday 8th April, 2022 Term 1 Concludes Tuesday 26th April, 2022 Term 2 Commences Wednesday 25th May, 2022 Year 7 Camp Thursday 9th June, 2022 School Photo Day Friday 1st July, 2022 Term 2 Concludes Monday 25th July, 2022 Term 3 Commences Wednesday 27th July, 2022 Year 7 Booster Vaccinations Friday 23rd September, 2022 Term 3 Concludes Monday 10th October, 2022 Term 4 Commences Tuesday 6th December, 2022 Term 4 Commences * Please Note: the above dates are accurate at time of print. 21
Joshua House Chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is known for his Leadership. Joshua began life in Egypt as a slave, under cruel Egyptian taskmasters, but rose to become one of the greatest leaders of Israel through his faithful obedience to God. As successor to Moses, Joshua led the people of Israel into the Promised Land of Canaan. Obedience, faith, and dependence on God made Joshua one of Israel's strongest leaders. He provided a bold example for us to follow. Like us, Joshua was often besieged by other voices, but he chose to follow God, and he did it faithfully.
Daniel House Known for his great wisdom and faithfulness to God. He was an individual who demonstrated true integrity throughout his lifetime standing firm in his reverence and relationship with God. This was exemplified in his persecution in the Lion’s Den however with God’s protection he was not harmed and demonstrates to us as a bold example of wisdom, faithfulness, and obedience to God.
Caleb House Known for his faith and leadership, Caleb knew that when called by God, we would be provided with the strength to overcome any obstacle that may lie before him. Caleb spoke up for truth, even when he was ridiculed. Often, to stand up for truth we must stand alone. We can learn from Caleb that our own weakness brings an outpouring of God’s strength upon us. Caleb teaches us to be loyal to God and to be faith in our journey in following his leading and direction in our lives.
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Whatever you do, do everything for the Glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Congratulations! Welcome to Year 7 at Penrith Christian School! We look forward to seeing you on campus very soon.
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Penrith Christian School 1 Simeon Avenue, Orchard Hills NSW 2748 02) 47374300 www.pcs.nsw.edu.au
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