Penrith Christian School Prospectus

PROSPECTUS

PENRITHCHRISTIANSCHOOLFOUNDED 1981Preschool to Year 12

DevelopingTomorrow’sLeaders

We are a vibrant Preschool to Year 12 educational facility registered and accredited with the NSW Board of Studies and an approved child care service. We are a distinctive Christian school with a four-tiered school structure unique to our region, reflecting the critical stages in the life of a child; Early Childhood, Junior School, Middle School and Senior School.

Our Christian staff believe that caring for your child is as important as teaching them and alongside our rigorous academic program we provide a range of pastoral care, anti-bullying and personal development programs that build each child’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.

We are renowned for our all-roundedness; catering to the vast needs of students with diverse learning styles, course subjects and facilities – equipping them to face the challenges of life.

Penrith Christian School is not simply about providing an education to enable students to enter university; it is about equipping them to lead fulfilling lives no matter which career path they choose.

What sets us apart is that we value students for who they really are; where children feel accepted, secure, supported and empowered to be all God created them to be. We focus on cultivating a love of learning and lifelong friendships.

We pride ourselves on offering affordable, quality, Christ Centred Education based on Truth, Integrity and Excellence – equipping your child for life! We believe students develop best within a caring and close-knit community and endeavour to foster an atmosphere of ‘family’ with love and discipline. By working in close collaboration with parents, we strive to realise your dreams for your children, equipping them to face the challenges of life.

Welcome to Penrith Christian SchoolPenrith Christian School is a place of education where your child is genuinely loved and nurtured; safe and secure to revel in the challenge of lifelong learning!

Foundations for Life

Truth ... founded in the Word of God; the core of our being, with Christ at the centre of all that we do.

Integrity ... the essence of our calling to teach, mentor and witness the Fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Excellence ... pursued in every area of personal endeavour for God’s glory.

In the pursuit of excellence we focus on:

Personal Learning ...we believe every student has a personal responsibility to use their abilities to shine for God’s glory.

Christian Character ...we desire our students to have the depth of character which comes from Christian values to be able to go into the world with competence, confidence and compassion.

Service ...it is only in serving others that we truly know ourselves. Our students are called to go out into the world to make a difference.

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2www.pcs.nsw.edu.au PENRITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

Our SchoolWith Christ central to all that we are and do, Penrith Christian School was founded in 1981 and is a ministry of ImagineNations Church.

Since our humble beginnings we have grown to become a Preschool to Year 12 School with an enviable reputation of achieving excellence in a wide range of curriculum areas including: academia, performing arts, trades and sport.

Who We Are

Penrith Christian School has an intimate community that sets us apart. We believe each student is unique and what is best for each child forms the foundation of every decision made at Penrith Christian School. We rigorously pursue excellence and are a forward-thinking and ever expanding educational facility.

We have a strong commitment to the ongoing professional development of our staff and advancements in digital technology. We boast a 1:1 computer to student ratio with a wireless network enabling ‘anywhere anytime’ access to the online school curriculum and intranet. Priority is given to small class sizes, with a strong emphasis placed on building literacy and numeracy skills.

Values Christ First Honour Christ in all that we do IntegrityLove Love is the foundation TruthCourage Keep on trying as you grow ExcellencePatience Accept new and different things WisdomCompassion Care for others CommitmentPeace Be considerate of others JusticeService Look out for others Faithfulness

Mission

The quality of education does not rest with what a person knows, but who a person is and what that person becomes.

The mission of Penrith Christian School is to equip students to fulfil God’s purpose for their lives through the provision of innovative, excellent and Christ centred education based on Biblical values.

Vision The vision of Penrith Christian School is to provide a Christ centred education for significant and abundant living that gives glory to God; acknowledging Him as the One from whom and for whom all knowledge exists.

Penrith Christian School acknowledges each student to be the specific creation of a loving God with strengths and weaknesses, gifts and talents. We seek to identify these characteristics and nurture individual growth in the context of aloving and caring Christian community.

Christian education is far more than simply teaching Biblical Studies in the classroom. It is the constant modelling, teaching and reinforcing of the Christian lifestyle to effectively shape our lives.

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Support and EnrichmentAt Penrith Christian School we aim to cater for students with a wide range of abilities. The teaching and learning environment is a place where students are able to achieve their best and are empowered to fulfill their potential.

We have well-established Educational Support and Extension and Enrichment programs to ensure all students can experience success in their areas of strength and have the opportunity to develop any areas of need.

Students with high level support needs have individual learning programs developed in consultation with teachers, learning support personnel and families.

Pastoral CarePenrith Christian School is passionate in our commitment to student welfare and in developing strong Christian character in our students. All aspects of the school curriculum are taught from a Christian perspective.

Biblical Studies, Daily Devotions, Chapel Services, Missions, Peer Support, Pastoral Care Groups, Camps, Excursions and so on, play an essential role in fostering positive relationships and provide opportunities to develop Christian leadership and service amongst our student body.

The School Chaplain and Counsellor are available to assist students when extra professional support is needed.

Beyond: Missions ProgramPenrith Christian School has a strong missions program, ‘Beyond’, with an outward focus in servicing the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves. Our students make a significant difference in our community as they go beyond themselves, using their time and their talents to help others. Our fundraising efforts benefit students, schools and churches around the world as well as those in need in our own community. Our students have opportunities to engage in community service locally and even participate in missions trips locally and abroad.

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Penrith Christian School offers a nurturing and enriching Early Childhood environment for students in Preschool and Preparatory School. We provide the best opportunity for children to begin their school experience in a positive and safe environment, whilst challenging them to grow and learn. Our Preschool caters to children who have turned three by 30th April in the year of enrolment; however, they are unable to commence until their third birthday. Our Preparatory School caters to children who have turned four by 30th April in the year of commencement.

PCS Early Childhood Services is a registered early childhood education provider (and is a Child Care Benefit approved child care service). We are consistently reviewing our practices and facilities to ensure the highest possible standards and conformance to the National Quality Framework (NQF).

Enrolment options include our school hours program or extended hours program, with care available from 6:30 am through to 6:00 pm, 48 weeks per year.

PCS Early Childhood Services incorporates both the ‘emergent curriculum’ and ‘outcome based’ learning and is designed to equip children with essential pre-school skills as well as gradually introduce children to the daily routine of school life. The two and three day program is created to assist students to develop skills that will benefit them as they transition into Kindergarten, but also on their journey as lifelong learners.

We recognise that the early childhood years are critical in forming a strong foundation in a child’s education. Enrolment in the PCS Early Childhood Service is specifically intended to be part of the whole school experience, enabling you and your child to integrate into the PCS community as well as ensuring their placement in Kindergarten at Penrith Christian School.

Early Childhood Services

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Learning Journey Begins

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Junior SchoolPenrith Christian School offers a dynamic and engaging Junior School environment for students in Kindergarten to Year 4. We believe it is critical that each child has the opportunity to maximise their potential in order to provide the key building blocks and the start that will underpin their success.

The curriculum is a broad, integrated and robust program focusing on the development of the whole child as an enquirer – who is actively engaged, enquiring and developing lifelong learning skills, both in and out of the classroom.

Specialist teachers provide instruction in their particular subject area and the class teachers cover the Key Learning Areas.

Students may also be involved in Extension and Enrichment activities through the Boost program and be challenged to develop leadership or performance skills.

Junior School enjoy interaction with both younger and older students in a mix of academic and social situations which helps to foster the ‘family’ community the school treasures.

We seek to work closely with parents to identify specific needs and put in place available support. Students are encouraged by being reg-ular recipients of our weekly awards – Personal Learning, Christian Character and Service – as well as other class-based awards.

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Middle School Penrith Christian School offers a comprehensive and flexible Middle School curriculum developed for Years 5 to 8, driven and differentiated to meet the diverse and varied needs and learning styles of our students.

Passion for Life Long Learning

One of the great advantages of education at Penrith Christian School is the seamless progression from Preschool to Year 12. This is enhanced by our Middle School program progressively accessing specialist areas, specialised teachers and innovative programs, which are specifically designed for their stage of learning, yet still maintaining a ‘homeroom teacher’ for several subjects.

As students progress through Years 5 to 8, time spent with the homeroom teacher decreases and the role of individual specialist teachers increases. This ensures students are known and cared for individually and provides a positive transition, and a safe and stable learning environment.

Our Middle School program thoroughly prepares students for Senior School during the ‘in between’ years and bridges the gap between

childhood and adolescence, whilst keeping students interested and focused on their learning.

Our Trade Training Centre is of great benefit to students studying Technology subjects from Year 6. The wood and metal facilities provide students with very modern computer- controlled manufacturing machines.

We aspire to assist young people in developing a healthy self-esteem with support programs and seminars relevant to current concerns for their age group. Middle School is concerned with the spiritual, academic and personal growth of students in a safe, supportive, challenging and authentically Christian environment, where we model respect, celebrate diversity and nurture academic excellence for each and every student.

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Pursuing Goals & Dreams

Senior SchoolSenior School caters for students in Years 9 to 12 and offers many opportunities for students to be challenged and developed personally and academically as they actively participate and contribute to the life of the school.

Penrith Christian School offers a broad range of elective options and HSC subjects - including, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses - catering to the many and varied gifts and talents resident in our student population. Our Trade Training Centre offers a variety of VET Courses up to Certificate III level; and, provides real-world options and industry connections for our students to obtain relevant, industry-specific training whilst completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Students are given opportunities to discover their passion to develop their individual gifts and talents through Special Interest Groups. These groups foster and develop initiative, self-esteem, leadership and teamwork; as well as providing opportunity to reach out and make a difference in our local community.

Senior School students are encouraged in goal setting for the future and at Penrith Christian School we develop an Individual Learning Profile where students can set goal marks for each subject and keep track of their progress. We provide access to study skills, and during Year 11 and Year 12 students attend motivational seminars which teach them to follow their passions by setting goals and having good study techniques.

Senior School benefits from smaller classes and dedicated specialist teachers within a supportive Christian community. It has a strong emphasis on fostering the skills of motivation, effective time-management, personal responsibility and independent learning; equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure lifelong success.

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DevelopingTomorrow’s Leaders

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Creative and Performing ArtsOur students are encouraged to examine, express and continually challenge themselves so they reach their highest creative potential.

We provide a dynamic and energetic program that offers extensive opportunities for students to experience the myriad of activities that comprise the theatre and art world such as: art exhibitions, bands, choirs, musicals and drama productions.

SportPenrith Christian School is passionate about sport and we value the benefit it brings to the general well-being of our students.

Penrith Christian School is a member of the Christian Schools Sports Association (CSSA) and Combined Independent Schools (CIS) as well as participating in the Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA). Cross Country, Swimming and Athletics Carnivals are held each year, with opportunities for students to participate at Local, Zone and State levels.

We endeavour to provide a rich and varied sports program in conjunction with the structured skill development program offered through Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). Preparatory School to Year 2 students experience sport through a gross motor development program whilst Years 3 to 11 students participate in weekly organised sport activities.

Trade Training CentrePenrith Christian School is the Lead School in a local consortium of Christian Schools, forming a Key Alliance with local Industry, to inspire young people to explore the wealth of Trade careers on offer.These options allow for the completion of an equivalent HSC 2 Unit Course along with AQTF competencies and, if elected, contribution towards an ATAR for university admission.

This enables students to commence industry training whilst still at school and concurrently obtain a full HSC.

By pooling expertise and resources across all schools in the Key Alliance, we are able to offer students a more flexible, broader range of subjects and career choices.

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LocationPenrith Christian School is located on 12.5 hectares (37 acres) near the Northern Road exit of the M4 Motorway. We are situated within easy distance to the neighbouring suburbs of Penrith. The school is surrounded by panoramic views of the Blue Mountains in a semi-secluded, rural setting.

TransportPenrith Christian School is conveniently located for travel by car or public transport, with Penrith Station a short bus ride away. Direct buses operate to and from Penrith and most surrounding suburbs. See our website for direct bus routes.

Outside of School Hours CareOutside of School Hours Care (OSHC) is operated by an external approved child care provider, and runs Monday to Friday of each term for students in Kindergarten to Year 6, both before and after school.

During school holidays and pupil free days Vacation Care operates from Monday to Friday, depending on demand and with the exception of the December/ January Christmas break and Public Holidays.

FacilitiesPenrith Christian School commits a large amount of land to student recreation, enabling separate Early Childhood, Junior, Middle and Senior School play areas.

Our vast space offers students room to play and explore; room to learn and discover; room to create and be challenged.

Our facilities are technology-rich and leading-edge; are air conditioned, spacious and offer modern general learning spaces. Of note are our Trade Training Centre; our hi-tech purpose-built Science Centre; and our first-rate Sports Centre and fitness gym.

Other facilities include: computer centres; music and recording studio; creative and performing arts studio, with pottery kiln and small theatre; photography darkroom, with access to digital media; iCentre (Library); Auditorium, with stadium seating for up to a thousand people; Food Technology and Hospitality rooms; Textiles room; sports oval; basketball court; tennis court; grassed and sealed netball courts; Early Childhood to Year 2 play equipment; and, accredited ‘Healthy School Canteen’.

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Christian teaching; lasting valuesI love this place! I have colleagues who inspire and encourage me on a daily basis; and, I have the privilege of teaching some wonderful young people. Attending PCS as a student gave me a solid foundation on which to build my Christian life, provided me with a quality education, and gave me permission to be myself and follow my passions. I can now pay it forward as a teacher at PCS to ensure this rich and wonderful legacy continues!

ABBIE HERRING - ENGLISH TEACHER

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Deeds of Kindness

Enrolling our children at PCS is a decision we have not regretted. Our children have thrived from the care and attention their teachers shower on them. The culture of the school is one of true community which is evident by the wonderful friends they have made. Our children are learning about God and His plan for their lives, and are given many opportunities to show God’s love to others, both within their school community and in the world around them. We cannot recommend PCS highly enough and do so to others at every opportunity! MICHELLE GRICE - PARENT

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School UniformThe school uniform plays an integral part in maintaining the tone of our school and promoting a sense of pride amongst our students.

Our Uniform Shop is located onsite and supplies all school uniform needs. See our website for opening hours and uniform requirements.

Parent InvolvementWe warmly encourage parents of our school community to be actively involved in the day-to-day life of Penrith Christian School.

We appreciate school is a large part of your child’s life and relationships are the cornerstone of our community. We truly value our partnership with parents as being an integral part of every child’s school life.

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We are doing infinitely more than preparing a child for a career; we are preparing them for life

Attending PCS gave me a friendly, supportive and encouraging environment which fostered my ability to achieve my best. I had the opportunity to challenge myself academically and through leadership opportunities I developed skills and abilities that were looked upon favourably when applying for jobs and leadership positions at Uni. I have formed lifelong friendships and cherish my fond memories of PCS. LAURA ARCHIBALD - EX-STUDENT

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PENRITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL1 Simeon Rd, Orchard Hills NSW 2748 PO Box 66, Kingswood NSW 2747 Phone: 02 4736 4044 Fax: 02 4737 4399 Email: [email protected]

Penrith Christian School Prospectus

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