Thriving Together: A New Year at OPAC
As we step into a new school year at Oran Park Anglican College, I extend a warm welcome to all our students, parents, and staff—both returning and new. The start of a new year is filled with opportunities, fresh challenges, and the chance to build on the strong foundation of our College’s core values: Courage, Curiosity, Craftsmanship, Collaboration, and Compassion. These values will continue to guide us as we learn, grow, and serve together in 2025.
Today also marks Valentine’s Day—a celebration of love, kindness, and connection. While the world often focuses on romantic love, we are reminded of the greatest love of all: God’s love for us. In 1 John 4:19, we are told, "We love because He first loved us." As a College, we seek to reflect that love in how we treat one another—with kindness, patience, and a heart for service. Small acts of compassion and collaboration strengthen the bonds that make OPAC such a special place.
Courage: Stepping Forward with Confidence Starting a new school year takes courage—whether it’s a student entering a new grade, a teacher introducing new learning strategies, or a family joining our College community. Courage means stepping out of our comfort zones, embracing challenges, and persevering through difficulties. As we navigate the year ahead, may we be encouraged by Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Curiosity: A Love for Learning Learning flourishes when we ask questions, explore ideas, and seek deeper understanding. We want our students to develop a genuine curiosity about the world around them, to think critically, and to engage actively in their learning. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 2:6 that “The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” As we grow in curiosity, may we also seek wisdom and discernment in all we do.
Craftsmanship: Striving for Excellence
At OPAC, we value craftsmanship—the commitment to doing our best, refining our skills, and taking pride in our work. Whether a student is mastering a maths problem, perfecting a musical piece, or honing leadership skills, we encourage them to approach every task with dedication and care. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Excellence isn’t about perfection, but about putting in the effort to grow and improve each day.
Collaboration: Learning and Growing Together
We are a community that values relationships. Learning is most powerful when we collaborate, share ideas, and support one another. Whether working on group projects, participating in co-curricular activities, or engaging in service opportunities, students will have many chances this year to build meaningful connections and appreciate the perspectives of others.
Compassion: A Community of Care
Above all, we seek to be a compassionate community—one that looks out for others, shows kindness, and serves with a generous heart. Jesus calls us to love one another, just as He has loved us. Whether it’s supporting a classmate, helping a friend in need, or showing grace in our interactions, we reflect Christ’s love through our actions.
What’s happening
This week we welcomed parents from Prep to Year 6 to meet their child’s teacher and hear from them about what to expect in Term 1. Sport is underway, with Year 2 starting their swimming program this week and 3-6 IPSSO teams finalised. Last Friday we commissioned our student leaders and house leaders and prayed for them as they seek to serve the College community in 2025.
I encourage you to reach out to child’s class teacher if you have any questions or concerns. They are your first port of call, as they are the one who spend the most amount of time with your child each day. If there are concerns, please let us know early so that we can address things when they are smaller problems. Sometimes leaving things to bubble away means that the problem grows into a bigger one, which is harder to solve and impacts more people.
I pray that 2025 will be a year where we thrive together, living out our College values in all we do. I look forward to seeing what we will achieve as a College community, growing not only in knowledge but also in faith and love.
God bless,
Mrs Jenny Squire
Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School
Sport
Welcome to Sport 2025! There are many exciting things planned throughout term 1, with students having the ability to participate in many different sporting events.
IPSSO Trials
Over the first two weeks of this term, students in years 3-6 have had the opportunity to trial for the Basketball, Cricket, Oz Tag, or Girls Soccer team for our regular inter-school sport (IPSSO). Students showed enthusiasm and courage as they as they participated in their chosen sport. Students who were successful in making an IPSSO team have been notified.
Just a reminder that IPSSO is a weekly commitment that will see students train with their respective team at 7:45am every Wednesday morning. Coaches will be located at the field across the road from the College, with basketball training on College grounds.
K-2 College Sport
K-2 have enjoyed playing games with their classes over the last week. They have used this opportunity to get to know the other students in their class better and have lots of fun!
Upcoming Events
Week 3
Wed (12/2):
- Years 3-6 IPSSO trials during normal College sport time
Thurs (13/2):
- Year 2 Swimming Program (during usual sport time). Please refer to previous information sent by the College regarding what to bring.
Week 4
Tuesday (18/2):
- 3-6 Swimming Carnival- arrive at the College at 8:15am. Carnival is at Oran Park Leisure Centre.
Wed (19/2):
- IPSSO training at 7.45 am for all students selected in an IPSSO team.
- IPSSO home games against Mt Annan Christian College. OZ Tag and Cricket will play at Bradham Reserve. Girls Soccer and Basketball will remain at College.
Juniors game begins at 11:35am, senior game begins at 1pm.
Thurs (22/2):
- Year 2 Swimming Program.
God bless,
Mrs Stephanie Wright
Junior School Sports Coordinator
