Term 1 2025
From the Principal
Hello to our school community
This term has flown by and so much has been achieved at our school. I apologise that this is the first newsletter for the term as we have been transitioning to a new platform and we are now ready to start our regular editions every three weeks.
This term we welcomed new staff – Maddie Brown, Tim Buckley, Erin Losano, Rebecca Simons, Amy Worsfold, Ben Bartlett, Oscar Savage and Lizzie Ashby. Bree Smith and Mel Said also returned from maternity leave. They have settled in well and are making a wonderful contribution to our school community.
Congratulations to Mrs Jodi Wood, who won by merit the position of School Learning Support Officer, Health and joins our staff permanently after starting with us Term 4 2021 as a casual, then temporary staff member.
Swim school was attended by primary students at the start of term. Students made great gains in the pool but on reflection we have decided to schedule swim school at a later time from next year so that students and staff have a better chance of getting to know each other in the first few weeks before throwing themselves into the pool.
Students and staff had a great time at the Swimming Carnival. Mr Tabbenor organises a wonderful carnival where all students can be involved. We have also started school sport with a range of options available for our students including pickleball, ten pin, gymnastics, swimming, walking, RDA, mini-golf, gross motor activities and spa therapy. Unfortunately, due to the closure of Lake Canobolas we were unable to do sailing this term, which was such a shame as we have purchased a new paddleboat for the students to enjoy.
A huge congratulations to Year 11 student Kohen Patrick, whose artwork was chosen to be a part of the Touring 50 around the State for Operation Art. I was fortunate enough to attend the NSW Art Gallery and to see Kohen’s art work on display. After the artworks finish the tour, we will receive the framed artwork back and it will be presented to Kohen. We will also have a copy made, which we will hang in the school.
We had a very successful harvest of our grapes in March with 5.3 tonnes of tempranillo grapes sent to Phillip Shaw winery for processing. We are grateful to Ian Cole, farm assistant for looking after the crop so well and for site supervisor Anthony Wilson and general assistants Megan Baker, Morris Steer, Lachlan Baker and Bill Fairgrieve for all their hard work in ensuring that we had such an amazing harvest. Mr Gell and students from Primary Industries and Orange High School students, also contributed to a successful harvest. Dan Murphy continues to sell our wine and donates all funds back to the school.
Mrs Diane Kjoller started her career in public education in 1998 and has been at Anson Street School since 2019. She is a highly respected School Learning Support Officer and has provided care and support to hundreds of children and young people. Mrs Kjoller retired at the start of this year and has continued visiting our school in the role of volunteer, helping out with cooking, in-class support and any little job that pops up around the school. We greatly appreciate the time she spends with us and wish her all the best for her retirement.
After an extraordinary 32-year career dedicated to enhancing the lives of students with disabilities, physiotherapist Jennie Kempson is retiring from her role at our school. Throughout her time, Jennie has been instrumental in developing individualised therapy programs, collaborating closely with educators and families to ensure each child's physical development was prioritised in line with their goals. Her unwavering commitment has not only improved the mobility and confidence of countless students but has also fostered a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Jennie's expertise and compassionate approach have left an indelible mark on our community. Her efforts have empowered students to overcome physical challenges, enabling them to participate more fully in school activities and daily life. As we bid her farewell, we express our deepest gratitude for her years of dedicated service and wish her a fulfilling and joyful retirement.
Congratulations to Toot's family on her being posthumously awarded an OAM in the Australia Day Honours. We are incredibly proud that her dedication and service to our community have been recognised and honoured.
Mrs Rebecca Mathews and Mr Liam Low have been accepted into the teaching program being sponsored by the Department.
Our Intergenerational Grandfriends Program was recognised by the Member for Parliament, Mr Phil Donato at the Community Recognition Presentation Day earlier in the year. Mrs Edwina Brennan who facilitates the program attended the ceremony with me, and we were delighted to accept the recognition certificate from Mr Donato.
Three of our executives have been successful in their applications for leadership courses. Mrs Hudson has been successful in the School Leadership Institutes' Lead and Aspire Mentoring Program; Mrs Jessica Hodder has been accepted into the School Leadership Institute's Aspiring Principals Leadership program been successful, and Mrs Kari Priest has been accepted into the Professional Certificate in Middle Leadership through the University of Canberra. These are all highly contested programs and I'm delighted that three of our executives who have applied have been successful.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) is facilitated by Mr Hugh Rasmussen and student representatives from each stage meet every three weeks to discuss how they can contribute ideas to continuously improve our school. I look forward to hearing all their new ideas when I pop into their meeting next term.
Reminders – we ask students to bring in water bottles that are not made from glass or metal; students are given a free school hat to wear so please ensure that other hats are left to wear on the weekend or after school. As the weather begins to cool, jumpers and coats are available from the Orange Clothing Shop. If you need help with uniform please let me know and this will be handled discreetly.
Social media issues with some of our secondary students are becoming a very big problem at school. I will be sending out a google form for parents to complete about whether you have concerns about technology addiction which appears to be a growing problem nationally. We will be partnering with a company called GameAware who have staff, student and parent resources to help combat this growing concern.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter break and I look forward to seeing all students back at school on Wednesday 30th April.
Melanie Meers
Principal
#proudtobepublic
Board Member, Wangarang Industries
Leader, SPC Inclusion and Wellbeing
President, Zonta Orange
DipArts (Music), GradDip (Education), GradCertEd (Pedagogy), MEd (Leadership &Management), GradCertEd (Learning Support), ProfCert (Positive Education)
Anson in Review
Toot's Champion afternoon
Staff and students had a blast celebrating the colourful life of our School Champion Toot Keegan (OAM) on February 12.
This year we also celebrated her recognition in the honours list of OAM (Order of Australia) for service to the community of Orange.
The oval was full of colour and fun!
Swimming Carnival
On Monday 3rd March, students and staff ventured to the Orange Aquatic Centre for the annual swimming carnival. Decked out in house colours, students swam their hearts out in 50m, 25m and novelty events earning points for their houses along the way. Seeing the smiles on all the faces, a fun and exciting day was had by all with lots of participation and engagement in all the events.
Thank you to all the staff, students and parents who attended making it an amazing day. Students from Orange High School assisted on the day and we thank them for contributing to the success of this event.
2025 School Leaders
A very proud moment for parents, students and staff at the official induction of our school leaders for 2025 on February 11.
This event was presided over by Mrs Meers, Mrs Hudson, Ms Pritchard and Mrs Rosser with special guest Pam Ryan, School Patron. Elected students received their leadership badges from a trusted family member or friend. With these magnificent leaders, both primary and secondary, our school is in very capable hands.
Harvest Day
In partnership with students and staff from local schools, Anson Street School celebrated its annual Harvest Day on Wednesday 5th March. Approximately 5 tonnes of grapes were sent off to Phillip Shaw Wines.
The grapes will eventually be made into a Tempranillo Red or Rose and be available to purchase from Dan Murphy's.
A very big thank you to all involved.
Studio A
Students from classes 6 and 7 participated in an art workshop hosted by local artist Katrina Brennan and Studio A. Studio A is a supported art studio for artists with intellectual disabilities that Katrina travels to Sydney every fortnight to attend. The workshop was called "Love your grid" and included a presentation of Katrina's work, a mindfulness activity and then together they made medallions to capture their calm place and how it makes them feel.
It was wonderful to see new friendships made through creating together.
Well done class 6 and 7 and thank you Katrina and Studio A!
Tones And I
Huge thank you to Tones And I for bringing your incredible talent to Orange! Our kids loved the experience - we are super grateful 🎶✨
Also, a shoutout to ACME shutdown contracting for generously supplying tickets for our kids, families, and staff. Your support means the world to us and helped create amazing memories for our community!
What's Happening
School Vaccination Program
Vaccinations will again be offered to students in Year 7 and Year 10 next term. Information will be sent home with instructions on how to give consent or refuse consent for your young person to receive a vaccination at school. It is preferred that you complete this process online through Services NSW. If you cannot complete this online, please contact the school for a paper copy of the consent form.
Student Representative Council
Introducing our SRC (Student Representative Council) for 2025:-
Primary - Heidi and Cadence
Stage 4 - Myah and Caelin
Stage 5 - Marcus and Ethan
Stage 6 - Evelyn and Harrison
The SRC will be meeting in weeks 3, 6 and 9 throughout the school year.
Positive education @ Anson
Positive Behaviour for Education (PBL)
PBL Focus - Be Responsible: With a smile and a cheer learning starts here! (Wear your hat, wear school uniform and be ready for learning)
It has been wonderful to see the majority of students return to school proudly wearing their school uniform, including a school hat or cap. Wearing correct uniform eliminates the pressure of needing expensive current trend clothing or brands and allows students to focus on their learning as they strengthen connection to their peers, class and stage.
If you are having difficulty in purchasing items of the school uniform or ensuring your child or young person is dressed in the correct uniform, please reach out to us for assistance. A reminder that steel capped boots are not part of the school uniform and if these are required for work experience, they are to be brought to school in the student's bag and only worn on arrival at the worksite.
Welcome BBQ
On Thursday 20th February all families, carers and the whole school community were invited to an afternoon of fun activities including an inflatable obstacle course, jumping castle, soft play area, face painting, bubble blowing, a sausage sizzle and some favourite tunes.
It was fabulous to see so many new faces as they chatted with new and old friends while the kids played happily.
PBL Stars for the start of the term:
Primary - Chloe Finn-Sonter, Lincoln Martin, Flynn Tyler. Stage 4 - Cambell Davis, Aiden Ewin, Zac Hannon, Eli Kearns, Isaiah Staples. Stage 5 - Chelsea McDonald, Joey Prior, Libby Frecklington, Tyrone Morris, Felicity Moller. Stage 6 - Tully Schwarz, Isiah Archer, Harrison Draper, Sophie Davies-Lapham, Indi Townsend, David Everett, Bodhi Townsend.
Primary
Stage 4
Stage 5
Stage 6
Congratulations to these students who received Deputy Principal awards at the recent assembly for their positive actions at school.
Julie Hudson
PBL Coordinator and Deputy Principal
Positive Wellbeing for Learning (PWL)
Staff Wellbeing Breakfast
Following on from the success of last term, The Wellbeing team hosted an early morning Staff Wellbeing breakfast. Staff were treated to a freshly cooked bacon and egg roll and a delicious barista-made coffee. What a great way to start the day, connecting with others in the morning sun on the Cafe deck.
Wheel of Wellbeing
This term as we focus on random acts of kindness staff have been treated to a Friday afternoon wheel of wellbeing. Each Friday the wheel is spun, and one lucky staff member receives a special prize to remind them how amazing they are.
Jenny Rosser
PWL Coordinator
Deputy Principal
Inside the Classroom
Primary
It has been a busy, but exciting term 1. We have welcomed new staff and new students this year.
Staff for primary 2025 are:
- Class 5: Teacher - Mrs Sally Hodges SLSO – Janelle Petrie
- Class 6: Teacher – Ms Kellie Scurrah SLSO – Aimee Nicholls (M), Sharon Chapman (T-F)
- Class 7: Teacher – Mrs Amy Worsfold SLSO – Krissie-Lee Cartwright
- Class 10: Teacher – Mrs Nikki McCallum SLSO – Donna Blimka
- Class 11: Teacher – Ms Liz Hayes SLSO – Jodi Wood
- Class 12: Teacher – Mr Matt Tabbernor SLSO – Ms Tahnia Seers
- Class 13: Teacher – Ms Catherine Mortimer SLSO – Donna McKellar, Aimee Nicholls (T-Th), Kylie McDonald (M, F)
Swim School
During weeks 3 & 4 Primary completed 2 weeks of intensive swimming lessons. There were huge improvements made by all students. A huge thankyou to the staff of primary and the extra people who supported this program. Thankyou also to Stage 6 student Shelby-Rose who attended most days to teach our students water safety and swimming.
Classes have completed Professional Learning Plan (PLP) meetings. These are an important way for families and the school to work together for student goals.
If you need to contact your child's teacher, please use the Sentral Parent Portal. This may not be checked throughout the day, so if you need to get a message through urgently, please phone the school on 63624563.
We are all looking forward to a great year of fun and learning.
Kari Priest
Assistant Principal
Class 5
Class 6
Class 7
Class 10
Class 11
Class 12
Class 13
Stage 4
What an exciting start to 2025! We are thrilled to welcome our existing students who are transitioning to Year 7 and a number of new students joining us from other schools. It was all smiles on day one as students discovered their teachers, SLSOs, and peers in their classes.
Meet Our Stage 4 Classes:
Class 9:
Teacher: Mr Stephen Gross
SLSOs: Sue Jackett (Monday, Friday); Lynne Webster (Tuesday-Thursday)Class 14:
Teachers: Mrs Selina Sutherland (Monday, Friday), Mrs Jaz Cooke (Tuesday-Thursday)
SLSOs: Sharyn Swain (Monday-Wednesday); Nel Weeks (Thursday-Friday)Class 15:
Teacher: Ms Bernie Novotny
SLSO: Mel McHattonClass 16:
Teacher: Mrs Emily Callaway
SLSOs: Leanne Corcoran; Michelle Weeks
Additional Staff:
Mrs Cassie Lloyd – RFF teacher
My name is Mrs Cassie Lloyd, and I am the Stage 4 Assistant Principal. I will be your first point of contact for any matters relating to your child. Please feel free to reach out to me by phone or email during school hours, and I will assist you and forward information to the relevant personnel within the school.
Contact Information:
Email: cassandra.lloyd@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone: (02) 6362 4563
I look forward to a successful year ahead and am here to support you and your child!
Warm regards,
Mrs Cassie Lloyd
Stage 4 Assistant Principal
Year 7
Class 9
Class 9 has begun the year strongly, with old friends returning and new friends joining the class. For our Year 7 students, the transition from primary school to high school has been a welcome challenge, and they have been well supported by their Year 8 peers. Everyone has enjoyed exploring various areas of the school, including the Engine Room and Anson Farm. Class 9 is a joy to be part of, and we look forward to a year filled with learning.
Mr Gross
Class 14
In Class 14, we have been having a wonderful time learning! We are exploring the elements of information reports in English and practicing addition and subtraction with concrete manipulatives in Maths. We've also enjoyed cooking to enhance our cutlery skills and expand our taste buds! Our rotation sessions have been a fun way to investigate different subjects with various teachers and learn new things. We love being in high school!
Mrs Cooke & Mrs Sutherland
Class 15
This term, Class 15 has been bustling with exciting activities! In sports, students have begun gymnastics, developing their flexibility and coordination through various routines. In Visual Arts, they are exploring the fascinating world of Japanese folklore, focusing on the supernatural themes of Yūrei and Yōkai, which have inspired some creative projects. In English, students have been honing their skills in writing information reports, learning how to present facts clearly and engagingly. Meanwhile, in Maths, they’ve been mastering skip counting and using math blocks to deepen their understanding of numbers. So far, it’s been a term full of learning, creativity, and enthusiasm!
Miss Bernie
Class 16
Class 16 have hit the ground running in 2025. Students have shown fabulous maturity and growth mindsets when transitioning to different classes for subject rotations and are enjoying making new connections with their classmates.
Mrs Callaway
Stage 5
It has been wonderful to welcome our year 9 students to stage 5 and welcome back our year 10 students to school and to enjoy all the amazing spaces on offer at Campus.
Meet our stage 5 staff:
Class 19:
- Teacher – Julianne Hargraves
- SLSO – Oscar Savage
Class 20:
- Teacher – Mel Said (M, T)
- Teacher- David Gell (W)
- Teacher- Hugh Rasmussen (Th, F)
- SLSO – Vicki Hill
Class 21:
- Teacher – Jo-Anne Lyons
- SLSO – EJ Snowden
Additional staff:
- Assistant Principal and stage 5 RFF: Elke Cunial
- Edwina Brennan – Skill Development Officer
My name is Elke Cunial, and I am the Stage 5 Assistant Principal (Tu-Th). I will be your primary point of contact for any matters concerning your child. Please don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email during school hours. If you need to contact your child's teacher please do so through the Sentral Parent Portal or by phoning the office.
Contact Information
📧 Email: elke.cunial@det.nsw.edu.au
📞 Phone: (02) 6362 4563
I look forward to working together for a positive and successful year ahead!
For Science this term, stage 5 are learning about forces. Class 20 carried out an experiment to explore balanced vs unbalanced forces. The students balanced an egg on top of a cardboard roll which was centred on a plate on a cup of water. They then had to flick the plate away and let the egg fall into the cup without touching it. Looks like fun!
We are loving the new outdoor spaces right on the doorstep of our classrooms. Classes have been enjoying using the new playground markings on the basketball court, as well as the amazing grassed space under the shade sails for both lessons and break times. We are also in the process of planting out our autumn vegetable crops in the garden beds.
Miss EJ has been working with some stage 5 and campus students in the Campus Café, on Barista and Café skills. The staff have been able to purchase coffee and slice throughout the week. It has been wonderful to see the pride in students faces when they learn these fantastic new skills.
Kind Regards
Elke Cunial
Stage 6
A big welcome back to our stage 6 students. Year 11 students have transitioned well into our secondary timetable's new routines and structure. Students enjoy morning musters each morning in the senior space before moving to their classrooms and playing games during break times in the senior space.
Meet our stage 6 staff:
Class 1:
- Teacher – Bec Edwards
- SLSO – Cassie Leathem
Class 2:
- Teacher – Hayley Marsden
- SLSO – Mia Wilcox (Monday, Friday)
- SLSO – Suzie Grant (Tuesday – Thursday)
Class 3:
- Teacher – Bec Simons (Monday, Tuesday, Friday)
- Teacher – David Gell (Wednesday, Thursday)
- SLSO – Payton Priest
Class 4:
- Teacher – Matt Parker
- SLSO – Liam Low (Monday, Friday)
- SLSO – Bree Smith (Tuesday – Thursday)
Class 8:
- Teacher – Alex Vanstone
- SLSO – Bec Mathews
Additional staff:
- Assistant Principal and stage 6 RFF: Jess Hodder
- Giovanna Cox – Head Teacher Transition
- Liam Low – Engagement Officer
- Edwina Brennan – Skill Development Officer
Tafe has started back with many students studying Animal Studies, Automotive, Beauty and Child Studies.
If you need to contact your child's teacher please do so through the Sentral Parent Portal or by phoning the office.
My name is Jessica Hodder, and I am the Stage 6 Assistant Principal. I will be your primary point of contact for any matters concerning your child. Please don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email during school hours—I am here to support you and will ensure your inquiries are directed to the appropriate staff members.
Contact Information
📧 Email: jessica.hodder@det.nsw.edu.au
📞 Phone: (02) 6362 4563
I look forward to working together for a positive and successful year ahead!
Best regards,
Jessica Hodder
Stage 6 Assistant Principal
Orange Learning Centre
Meet Our Orange Learning Centre Classes:
OLC 1 - Class 17:
Teachers: Sheryll Selwood (Tuesday-Thursday); Ben Bartlett (Monday, Friday)
SLSO: Bobbie-Joe BroomeOLC 2 - Class 18:
Teachers: Rebecca Regan (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) Ben Bartlett (Tuesday, Thursday)
SLSO: Georgie van Bockom MaasOrange Suspension Centre (9-12pm)
- Teacher: Kate Griffen
- SLSO: Cathy Huggett
Welcome back to 2025. This year we have started the year with students from Orange High, Canobolas Rural Technology High School and Glenroi Heights Public School. We have welcomed new students, new staff and have moved into new (different) classrooms. We have jumped straight back into learning.
We are also excited about the new games and markings on the playground that keep us active, engaged and learning (even during break times!) Some of our students are developing their Barista skills with Miss EJ and are proving to be quite talented, making beautiful coffees!
Some of our students will be starting to transition back to their schools in the coming weeks, beginning with visits from staff and then supported transition days in their schools.
The Orange Suspension Centre has also supported students this term to return to their school following a suspension.
My name is Kate Griffen, and I am the Head Teacher Orange Learning Centre. I will be your primary point of contact for any matters concerning your child. Please don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email during school hours. If you need to contact your child's teacher please do so through the Sentral Parent Portal or by phoning the office.
Contact Information
📧 Email: catherine.griffen@det.nsw.edu.au
📞 Phone: (02) 6362 4563
Spotlight On
Introducing new staff to Anson Street School
Welcome to the following staff who are taking up new positions within the school.
Oscar Savage - School Learning Support Officer
Erin Losanno - School Learning Support Officer
Amy Worsfold - Classroom Teacher
Tim Buckley - Classroom Teacher
Lizzie Ashby - Classroom Teacher
Ben Bartlett - Classroom Teacher
Maddie Brown - Classroom Teacher
Rebecca Simons - Classroom Teacher
Welcome back to Elke Cunial, Mel Said and Bree Smith returning from maternity leave. It's great to have you back.
Congratulations also to Mel Said and Giovanna Cox for joining the Executive Team.
Active & Alive
Wednesday Sport
Weekly sport has commenced for 2025 with primary and secondary students enjoying the different facilities around the school and in the community. One of the new sports offered in late 2024 was pickleball which has become quite popular with students and staff.
Pickleball
Athletics Success
Late in 2024, the school was pleasantly surprised when we were presented with the 2024 Schools with Specific Purpose Cup in atheltics. This award is presented to the school gaining the highest aggregate points at the NSWCHS State Athletics carnival.
2025 House Captains
Congratulations to our 2025 house captains that were recently presented their badges at the leaders induction day. The house captains will be responsible for generating house cheers and spirit during the different sport carnivals whilst promoting fair play and inclusive participation. Their first duty will be at the swimming carnival. House captains for 2025 are; -
Dwyer - Bodhi and Shelby-Rose
Southwood - William and Skye
Fearnley - Kayden
Murphy - Madisyn and Tyler
Dwyer
Southwood
Fearnley
Murphy
Swimming Awards
After the results were tallied from the recently held swimming carnival (please see Anson in Review for photos and details), our 2025 swimming award winners were presented with their medallions at a special assembly. Congratulations to these students at their achievements:
Early Primary (boys) - Eoghan (Champion), Jordan (Runner-up)
Upper Primary (boys) - Logan (Champion), Connor S (Runner-Up), Chase (Encouragement)
Upper Primary (girls) - Heidi (Champion), Claire (Runner-Up), Aviya (Encouragement)
Stage 4 (boys) - Eli (Champion), Aiden (Runner-Up), Isaiah (Encouragement)
Stage 4 (girls) - Emily R (Champion), Shanika (Runner-Up), Addisyn (Encouragement)
Stage 5 (boys) - Marshall (Champion), Egan (Runner-Up), Tyrone (Encouragement)
Stage 5 (girls) - Felicity (Champion), Chelsea (Runner-Up), Erica (Encouragement)
Stage 6 (boys) - Riley W (Champion), Ryan (Runner-Up), Bodhi (Encouragement)
Stage 6 (girls) - Shelby-Rose (Champion), Ivy (Encouragement)
Dwyer was awarded the champion house for 2025.
Early Primary
Upper Primary
Stage 4
Stage 5
Stage 6
Champion House - Dwyer
NSWCHS State Swimming Championships
Best of luck to Riley W, Shelby-Rose and Felicity who will be representing the school and Western Region at the NSWCHS State Swimming Championships on Monday 7th April to Wednesday 9th April. Competing at the State Aquatic Centre at Homebush, Riley and Shelby-Rose will be swimming in the 16–19-year-old multi-class section in freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke. Felicity will compete in the 12–15-year-old multi-class section in freestyle and back stroke. The school community wishes you all the best at these championships up against the best swimmers in NSW.
Tenpin Trials
Best of luck to Shelby-Rose and Felicity who will be trialing for the Western tenpin bowling team on the 2nd of April in Dubbo. This is a new opportunity to represent the region in a statewide competition for those students who have a classification.
Matthew Tabbernor
Sports Coordinator
Health
Community Connections
