The Life Newsletter

Principal – T3 W4 2024

Meet the New Staff Joining Us to Strengthen Our Ministry Purpose

At Oran Park Anglican College, we are committed to providing students with an authentic experience of the Christian faith, which is the foundation of all we do. We have recently developed a Ministry Plan and I am excited to share with you the key elements for how we seek to impact every member of our community for Christ.

Our Core Beliefs and Values

At Oran Park Anglican College, our ethos is both Christian and Anglican. We believe that the fundamental truths of Christianity, as outlined in the Bible, guide all aspects of our College life—from our curriculum to pastoral care. We strive to instil in our students the values of Courage, Curiosity, Craftsmanship, Collaboration, and Compassion, which are integral to their development both academically and spiritually.

Ministry Goals

The Ministry Plan sets forth several goals aimed at deepening the Christian faith within our college community. These include:

Teaching Faith: Through our Christian Studies program and regular chapel services, we aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the gospel, encouraging them to critically think about their own worldview and consider a personal relationship with Christ.
Growing Faith: We foster an environment where faith can grow through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Initiatives like voluntary lunchtime Christian groups and Bible studies are part of this effort.
Showing Faith: We emphasise living out Christian principles in daily interactions, encouraging students to demonstrate compassion, humility, and courage. Our Service Learning and Community Service programs are practical ways students can express their faith.

Strategic Intentions

The Ministry Plan also outlines our strategic intentions:

Education Shaped by the Gospel: We aim to equip our teachers with a strong understanding of the Christian worldview, enabling them to integrate these principles into all aspects of their teaching.

Christian Studies: Our curriculum is designed to build deep biblical knowledge and foster discipleship and evangelism, ensuring that all students receive consistent and meaningful Christian education.

Pastoral Care: We plan to strengthen our pastoral care by introducing dedicated chaplains for both Junior and Senior Schools, enhancing the support available to students and staff.

Evangelism: Creating connection points with families and providing opportunities for students to respond to the gospel are key strategies in our outreach efforts.

Exciting Staff Announcements

To help implement this plan, I am delighted to announce the appointment of two new chaplains who will be joining our College in 2025. Mrs. Melissa Gillies will be taking on the role of Junior School Chaplain, and Mr. Peter Stevenson will be our new Senior School Chaplain. Both Mrs. Gillies and Mr. Stevenson bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering the Christian faith within our College community.

Mrs Melissa Gillies

Experienced primary teacher and Children’s Minister Mrs Gillies has a passion for pastoral care, evangelism, bible teaching, music and worship as well as discipling and training young people.

Mr Peter Stevenson

Experienced teacher and Children’s and Youth Minister, Mr Stevenson has a passion for outdoor education, chapel and lunchtime Christian groups, sport and seeing young people introduced to Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Their appointments mark an exciting new chapter for our College as we continue to pursue excellence and wisdom within a safe environment, valuing relationships and a life of service unto others.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide an education that is truly of greater worth than gold.

God bless, 

Mrs Naomi Wilkins
Principal