Finishing Well
As our Year 12 students approach the final stretch of their time at Oran Park Anglican College, the phrase “finish well” has become something of a catch cry by their teachers and often met with eye-rolling by the students. But to their credit, Year 12 has truly risen to the occasion, determined to not just coast through the finish line but to give their best right to the end. We are proud of how they’ve taken this to heart, showing respect, gratitude and mature choices.
Enjoying the Last Week Together
This week has been a reminder of the balance Year 12 has struck between working hard and embracing the lighter side of life. Their trip to the local go-karting track was a chance to blow off some steam, enjoy each other’s company, and create memories that will last long after their school days are over. It was good to see Mr Williams, Mr Little and Mrs Chow get in the driver’s seat for some serious, high-octane racing too. But the fun didn’t stop there with Year 12 also hosting an informal assembly for the Senior School that was full of good humour and warmth.
As staff, we were anxious about handing over the microphones, essentially relinquishing control, but it was a jovial affair, likened best to madcap chaos of The Footy Show. Special ‘tongue-in-cheek’ awards were given to staff, showing that the bond between teachers and students goes far beyond academics. And in a highlight that won’t be forgotten anytime soon, Mr. Little and several staff members performed a hilarious version of the “Time Warp,” complete with adjusted lyrics regarding the tardiness of some of our students. It was a relaxed moment of shared laughter, irreverence and camaraderie, reflecting the joyful spirit of this cohort.
A Visit to Kindergarten
One particularly endearing part of the week was the time Year 12 spent with our Kindergarten students. Seeing the soon-to-be graduates reading stories, playing games, and connecting with the youngest members of our College family was a reminder of how much they’ve grown. I expect we might see photos soon on the College’s social media. It also reflected the caring, selfless nature we’ve come to admire in this group—a beautiful moment of paying it forward to the next generation with some seemingly quite natural Primary School teachers in the making.
As they head into their HSC exams, we look back with pride at how far they’ve come. They’ve worked with diligence, they’ve embraced challenges, and they’ve done so with a sense of fun and community. They’ve truly ‘finished well.’ We are excited to see all they will achieve beyond Oran Park Anglican College and know that, wherever life takes them, they will go with the resilience, character, and confidence that have become their trademarks.
I love the words of encouragement that were shared on the Graduation program, which we would hope for all our College graduates:
Go out into the world in peace. Be wise and serve truth. Be brave and have courage, be tenacious and hold fast what is good. Never pay back wrong for wrong, always encourage the faint hearted, support the weak and distressed, give due honour to authority but never subservience: Recognise all persons as brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Be thankful always, and gracious too, for this is what God in Christ wills for us together and apart.
God bless,
Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School
Sport
Term 3 Sport Wrap-Up: A Season of Unforgettable Achievements
Term 3 has been an extraordinary period for OPAC’s sporting teams, filled with victories, personal bests, and countless moments of determination. Our students have proudly represented OPAC across a variety of sports, not only showcasing their exceptional talent but also embodying the spirit of teamwork, resilience, and integrity.
CSSA State Oz tag Champions!
Our senior boys Oz tag team carried the momentum from their successful Term 1 MISA competition into the Christian Schools Sports Association (CSSA) State Oz tag Championship. On the day, they proved that while talent is important, it’s their dedication, accountability, and consistent effort that paved the way for success. Game after game, the boys improved, ultimately remaining undefeated and taking home the State Championship title! A huge congratulations to the team, as well as to Mr Bullock and Mr McMinn for their inspiring leadership and coaching.
Volleyball: A New Era Begins
OPAC’s reputation in volleyball continues to rise, and this term was no exception. As part of our strategy to nurture the volleyball culture, our Open Boys team entered the NSW All-Schools Competition, battling against powerhouses like Rose Bay Secondary College, Regents Park Christian School, and Arthur Phillip High School. Despite playing in a Year 12 competition with a team of Year 9 to Year 11 students, our boys delivered incredible performances, pushing some of the top teams to their limits. With such promise, the future of volleyball at OPAC looks brighter than ever!
Athletics: Record-Breaking Performances
OPAC’s athletics squad took inspiration from the Australian Olympic team’s success this year, achieving results that will be remembered for years to come. Ninety students qualified for the zone, with over 25 advancing to the CSSA State competition. Among the highlights were Brayden Wheeler, crowned the 18-year-old boys Age Champion, and Minnie-Mae Grose, who shattered records in the 800m and 1500m events. Not to be outdone, our relay team—Brayden Wheeler, Campbell Harris, Noah Bannister, and Joshua Davison—secured OPAC’s first-ever relay podium finish!
Our success didn’t stop there. OPAC sent its largest-ever team to the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) State Championships, where Brayden Wheeler dominated, earning two golds (including a record-breaking triple jump), a silver, and a bronze. Minnie-Mae Grose continued her stellar form, securing silver in both her track events. A huge congratulations to all athletes on these phenomenal achievements!
MISA Finals Frenzy
After an intense seven-week MISA competition, four OPAC teams advanced to their Grand Final matches: 7-8 Boys Soccer, 7-9 Girls Soccer, 10-12 Boys Indoor Cricket, and 10-12 Boys AFL. Special recognition goes to our 7-9 Girls Soccer team for their nail-biting victory in the final. The girls fought tirelessly, keeping the match scoreless through both regular time and extra time. With the game heading to penalties, our girls held their nerve, sealing a 5-4 triumph and claiming the well-deserved championship! Congratulations to all our teams for their hard-fought efforts this term.
Stay Updated with Upcoming Sporting Opportunities!
Don’t miss out on exciting sporting events and trials in the upcoming term. Be sure to check your emails and use “Clipboard” to stay informed. Keep an eye out for trials for the CSSA State Tennis Competition and our highly anticipated Term 4 lunchtime sports competitions. Week 1 of next term will be the final opportunity for students to trial for the Term 4 MISA teams, and trial lists are now closed.
With the determination and spirit shown by our athletes, we look forward to celebrating even more incredible achievements!
God bless,
Mr Christopher Cranston
Head of Senior School Sport
