Term 4, Week 1
MACQUARIE Messenger
From the
Principal Welcome to Term 4
As we begin Term 4, I extend a warm welcome to all students and families. I trust everyone enjoyed a refreshing break and returns with enthusiasm for the exciting term ahead. We are delighted to welcome several new staff members to the Macquarie community. Mr Leighton Brown joins our Executive Team, bringing extensive leadership experience and overseeing HSIE, Careers and Growth Mentoring. We also welcome Mrs Jodie Whiting, who will teach Kindergarten during Mrs Scoles’ maternity leave, and Miss Rebecca White, who joins our Science and TAS faculties as an intern. We are also pleased to welcome back Mr Eli Kinscher from paternity leave and Mrs Laura Finch from maternity leave. I congratulate Mrs Shona McReaddie on her appointment as Head of Teaching and Learning. This is an important leadership role, and we look forward to the expertise and vision she will bring. Over the holidays, significant progress was made on our new Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA). Excavation is complete, site preparation is well underway, and construction remains on track for completion by the end of Term 1 next year. Soil from the project is also being repurposed to create a new oval for our boarding students, with earthworks underway and irrigation and turf installation planned in the coming months. Congratulations to our newly announced Senior School student leadership team for 2027. We look forward to seeing these students serve our community with integrity and enthusiasm, and it was wonderful to celebrate their appointment alongside our new Year 12 cohort. As our current Year 12 students commence their HSC examinations, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers and wish them every success as they complete this important season of their schooling journey. Term 4 promises to be another vibrant and rewarding term across Junior and Senior School, with summer sport, orientation programs, the Creative and Performing Arts Showcase Evening, Remembrance Day Service, leadership events, camps and excursions, the Year 7 Production, Christmas celebrations and Presentation Day. As we enter the final term of the year, I encourage all students to make the most of every learning opportunity, strive for excellence, demonstrate perseverance and bring their very best each day. I look forward to partnering with families as we finish another wonderful year together.
Mrs Alison Mitchell PRINCIPAL
From the
Deputy Refocus, Reset and Finish Well
Term 3 always closes with a mixture of celebration and sadness as we farewell our Year 12 students. While their daily school routines have ended, their hard work continues as they prepare for their Higher School Certificate examinations. We are blessed to watch young people grow and develop, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead. Term 4 brings fresh starts and new beginnings. For returning students, it is an opportunity to refocus, reset and create a positive narrative for the remainder of the year. Whatever challenges earlier terms may have brought, every student can make choices that shape a strong finish. A fresh start might mean establishing a consistent study routine, asking for help, approaching lessons with greater purpose or strengthening friendships. We encourage students to recognise their progress and set achievable goals. Small, positive choices can make a significant difference. Families also play an important role in this reset. A conversation about what has gone well, what could improve and one goal for the term can give students a clear sense of direction and encourage them to recognise that their effort and application matter. New beginnings also extend to students and families preparing to join our Macquarie community. Our 2026 Orientation Programs and information sessions will help incoming students meet staff, become familiar with their surroundings and begin building connections. Information Evenings Early Years Information Evening – Wednesday 21 October 2026 Prep: 4–5 pm in J Block Kindergarten: 5–6 pm in J Block Year 7 Parent Information Evening – Monday 26 October 2026, in J Block Orientation Programs Prep Orientation Week: Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026 Kindergarten Kickstart Orientation Week: Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026 Year 7 Orientation: Monday 26 October to Tuesday 27 October 2026 Our current students also play an important part in welcoming newcomers. A friendly greeting, an offer of help or an invitation to join in can turn an unfamiliar place into a place of belonging. As we begin the final term, may our students embrace fresh opportunities, support one another and finish the year with pride in their efforts.
Mrs Marina Simcox DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Head of
Junior School Term 4 is always a special time,l as we celebrate growth, achievement and the exciting transitions ahead. From our youngest learners preparing to begin their schooling journey to our Year 6 students taking their next steps into Senior School, there is much to look forward to. A key focus this term will be supporting our Year 6 students as they prepare for Senior School. We are incredibly proud of this group and the contribution they have made to the Junior School. Throughout the year, they have demonstrated leadership, resilience and a commitment to our school values, and we look forward to seeing them embrace the opportunities ahead. Our transition program begins with the Year 7 Information Evening and New Boarder Sleepover on Monday 26 October, followed by Year 7 Orientation on 26 and 27 October. These experiences will help students become familiar with Senior School routines, meet staff and build confidence ahead of next year. We are also excited to welcome our incoming Prep and Kindergarten families. Orientation Information Sessions will be held in J Block on Tuesday 21 October, with Prep at 4.00pm and Kindergarten at 5.00pm. Families are asked to register their attendance. Prep and Kindergarten Orientation Week will then take place from 26–30 October, giving children an opportunity to meet their teachers, make friends and become familiar with their new environment. Key dates include: 21 October – Orientation Information Sessions (Prep 4.00pm, Kindergarten 5.00pm) 21–23 October – Year 4 Burrendong Camp 26–30 October – Prep and Kindergarten Orientation Week 26 October – Year 7 Information Evening 26–27 October – Year 7 Orientation 26 October – Year 5 Captain Speeches and Voting 5 November – Stage 3 Survival Swim 11 November – Remembrance Day Assembly 13 November – Stage 1 Sleepover 23 November – Year 6 Final Assembly 30 November–4 December – Junior School Electives Week December – Christmas Chapel 8 December – Junior School Celebration Day 9 December – Presentation Day We look forward to partnering with families throughout the term as we celebrate achievements, create lasting memories and support our students through these important transitions. Thank you for your ongoing support of our Junior School community.
Mrs Keera Job HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Head of
Senior School This week, I wish to continue my exploration of the Student Code of Conduct, specifically the idea of: “Using property responsibly and maintaining a safe, clean environment”. Sometimes people talk about “First World Behaviours”, behaviour demonstrated by a person who has not known daily, severe disadvantage. The challenge I posed to students this week was that sometimes we show First World Behaviour in our treatment of school property and our environment. We are indeed privileged to have good classrooms and learning facilities. Our playground is green, sheltered and meticulously maintained. None of this is an accident. We have a shared responsibility to acknowledge the privilege we have and to care for our place.Looked at in this light, for example, rubbish is not simply rubbish it shows a deep unconsciousness that other people have no choice in the type of environment they experience. Term 4 has commenced with the customary burst of purpose and activity. I was indeed privileged this week to co-ordinate the Year 11 Planning Day for incoming School Leaders. I was struck by the curiosity, idealism and resolve of the Leadership Group. As they set about planning for the year ahead, their references to models of the past informing their strategies for the future were a strong affirmation of our school culture. There was a demonstrated understanding of who we are and who we intend to be. The Year 7 2027 Orientation Cycle is in train. There will be: Student Activities on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 October A Parent information Session Monday 26 October (evening) Overnight boarding for future boarders Year 7 Production rehearsals are in full swing. This inspiring endeavour involves each student in Year 7… a dance, drama, enthusiasm extravaganza rolling towards the Performance Week in Week 8. My care notes this week are for our Higher School Certificate students navigating the external examination. Also, commendation and support are extended to the Teaching Staff at Macquarie. Recently, I referred to Term 4 as a “slippery beast” to be approached carefully! Our staff navigate with resilience, discipline and teamwork the deadlines and challenges of this season. As we approach World Teachers' Day (NSW Friday, 30 October 2026), I acknowledge with gratitude the contribution of our teachers to the progress of our wonderful Macquarie Students.
Mrs Lynne Fleming HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Prayer & Praise Praise God For: For His faithfulness and guidance throughout the HSC examination period, sustaining our Year 12 students and bringing them to the completion of this important season of their schooling. For the opportunities before our students through summer sport, co-curricular activities, leadership, and learning experiences that help them grow in character, skill, confidence, and service. For the blessings of our school community, including our excellent facilities, grounds, classrooms, and the creativity and achievement of our students, reflected in the English work displays and other celebrations of learning around the school.
Please Pray For: Our newly appointed student leadership team, that they would lead with wisdom, humility, courage, and a heart for serving others, setting a positive example for the school community. A spirit of renewal and purpose across the school as students and staff refocus, reset, and commit to finishing the year well, making the most of every opportunity in learning, sport, service, and relationships. Pray for our Orientation programs and new students and families, that they would feel welcomed, connected, and supported as they prepare to join our community, and that all students would develop gratitude for our facilities and take responsibility for caring well for the school property entrusted to us.
Term Dates TERM 4 19 October Group Tour Douglas Shield Cricket 21 October Year 4 Camp Lake Burrendong Orientation Information Sessions 22 October Year 4 Camp Lake Burrendong 2027 Student Leadership - Sydney Excursion 26 October Orientation Week New Boarder Parent Evening Boarding Orienation Parent Dinner Year 7 Parent Information Night and Orientation Wiburd Shield Cricket 27 October CIS 15s Boys Cricket Trials Year 7 Production Rehersals ABSA Boarder Leadership Conference 28 October JS Captains Speeches & Voting Early Years Information Night 2 November School Tour 11 November Remembrance Day 13 November Stage 1 Sleep Over 17 November AICES 15s Girls Tennis 20 November Boarder's Day
Announcements & Updates
Speech & Drama Opportunities Students are invited to develop their confidence, communication and performance skills through a range of Speech and Drama programs. Speech & Drama Classes | Grades 2–7 Structured classes will run on Tuesdays from 3.30pm–5.00pm, commencing 13 October. In small groups of up to eight students, participants will explore voice and speech, poetry, prose, drama, mime and improvisation, while developing skills in speaking, reading, presenting and performing. Students will also have opportunities to present their work to family and friends throughout the year. Public Speaking & Debating | Years 5–12 Expressions of interest are invited for fortnightly public speaking and debating classes, with small groups of four to six students. Speech Correction & Voice Work | Kindergarten–Year 2 Expressions of interest are also invited for speech correction and voice work in small groups of two to three students. For more information or to enrol, please contact Karen on 0438 732 009. Creative Kids vouchers are accepted.
P&F Association Meeting – 20 October Families are invited to attend the upcoming Macquarie P&F Association Meeting on Tuesday 20 October at 6.00pm. The meeting will be held in the Admin Building at School, with the option to join online via Zoom. Join via Zoom: https://tascmeet.zoom.us/j/81958269960pwd=FbNj7bvUE82a8H8vb7jfCLcQDZ9Ayr.1 Meeting ID: 819 5826 9960 Password: 701230 We encourage parents and families to join us and stay connected with our school community.
Latest News
VALEDICTORY CELEBRATIONS
MOZART, DINOSAURS, AND A CIRCUS BEAR: YEARS 7 AND 8 REACH FOR THE STARS On 14 October, our Year 7 and 8 students headed to the Dubbo Regional Convention Centre to see Wolfgang in the Stars, an all-ages theatrical circus show created by director Yaron Lifschitz and Brisbane based Theatre Company Circa Ensemble. The story follows a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who can’t finish his lullaby after the final notes of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” vanish. Determined to find them, Wolfgang and his best friend, a faithful circus bear, build a rocket and blast into space. Along the way they encounter asteroids, space dinosaurs, and a galactic glitch. What followed was 55 minutes of non-stop spectacle. Giant balloon stars burst into the audience, T-Rexes performed acrobatics, and eerie doppelgängers emerged from outer space. The talented cast combined gravity-defying acrobatics, puppetry, and live video projections with plenty of comedy. The eager crowd of Prep – Year 8 students in the audience laughed and gasped in equal measure. The live music was a highlight in its own right. The score combined Mozart’s compositions with original work by Quincy Grant. It was played on wind synthesiser and woodwinds and held the mood from start to finish. The show was a brilliant example of how a story can be told through movement, music, and image as powerfully as through words. It was also a reminder that a simple tune can spark a whole universe of imagination. It was a wonderful day, and the students had a fantastic time. Thanks to Circa for an unforgettable performance, and to the staff who made the excursion possible.
Where We’re From: Year 7’s PoARTry Walk On 13 October, the library became a gallery as parents joined Year 7 for the Poetry Walk exhibition. The exhibition was the high point of the students’ poetry assessment. Using George Ella Lyon’s poem Where I’m From as their model, each student wrote a 30-line, three-stanza poem about their own life, drawing on the people, places and memories that shaped them. They then chose an object with a personal link to their poem and put their words onto it. The results were as varied as the students themselves. Ballet shoes, sports jerseys, shells, family photos, artwork and much more filled the room. Each one carried a poem that invited visitors to look closer. Behind every piece lay weeks of careful work. Students were assessed on their personal voice, rhythm and rhyme, control of grammar and punctuation, and vivid, sensory language. They also annotated their poems to explain their techniques, and were marked on how creatively they connected poem and object. Parents wandered, read and lingered, and many left knowing a little more about where our Year 7 students are from. A huge thank you to everyone who came along. It was a great day!
MACQUARIE RIDERS SHINE AT WARREN HORSESPORTS Congratulations to our Macquarie riders who represented the School at Warren Horsesports, demonstrating wonderful sportsmanship, determination and school spirit across two days of competition. Students achieved some fantastic results: Billy M. – Reserve Champion, 12 Years Boys Virginia M. – Reserve Champion, 9 Years Girls Oliver M. – Champion, 7 Years Boys Elizabeth M. – awarded several ribbons in the 7 Years Girls competition Well done to all four students on their efforts and for representing Macquarie so proudly. We wish our riders all the best as they look ahead to ISHE in Tamworth in Term 4.
MAGS DUBBO (AFTER SCHOOL) CENTRE (FOR K-6) LOCATION: SCHOOL OVAL STARTS WED 11 NOV | 3:15 - 4:15PM TH | 4 SESSIONS | $ 65 AUSKICK
SUPERKICK
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