At Oran Park Anglican College, we believe education goes beyond the classroom—it’s about shaping students into thoughtful, kind, and responsible individuals. This week, we reflect on the importance of standing up for others through small acts of kindness, celebrate the generosity of our students who proudly represented the College on Open Day, and share a friendly reminder about planning ahead for student leave to support learning continuity.
Standing Up – The Power of Kindness
To my mild horror (and reluctant acceptance), I am approaching the age where someone might offer me a seat on a train or bus. However, friends who have circled the sun a few more times tell me that such offers are rare. Instead, they often find themselves struggling to steady their footing while younger, more able passengers remain absorbed in their screens.
At Oran Park Anglican College, we value not just academic learning but the development of character. Our students are encouraged to be selfless rather than selfish, looking for opportunities to show kindness—whether that’s giving up a seat for someone who needs it, offering help without being asked, or simply being attentive to the needs of others.
Year 7 students recently watched the BBC’s The Extraordinary Power of Kindness, which highlights an interesting paradox: while kindness benefits the receiver, it also creates a sense of fulfillment for the giver. Their challenge this week is to complete a deliberate act of kindness and reflect on its impact—not just on the recipient but on themselves. Parents, this is a great conversation to have with your child over dinner!
This theme of kindness reminded me of a thought-provoking book I recently read, Humankind by Rutger Bregman. The book challenges the assumption that humans are naturally selfish and instead argues that we are wired for kindness and cooperation. Bregman revisits historical events—such as the real-life Lord of the Flies, the Blitz, and infamous psychological experiments—offering a fresh perspective on human nature. While I didn’t agree with every argument, one idea stood out: we are created with a predisposition for kindness, for community, and when we assume the best in others, we help bring out the best in our world.
Let’s continue to foster this mindset in our students, encouraging them to lead with kindness, generosity, and a willingness to stand up—not just in theory, but in action.
Open Day – A Celebration of Community
Last weekend’s Open Day was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our College, and thankfully, the rain held off just long enough! It was heartwarming to see so many of our students step up to serve—giving up their Saturday to proudly represent their school. From classroom demonstrations to spirited performances by our bands and choir, the day reflected the energy, talent, and character of our students. Their willingness to don their uniforms and contribute so enthusiastically is a testament to the strength of our school community. As Head of School, I couldn’t be prouder.
Women’s Gala Night
A couple of our student leaders, Lara F and Taleen M joined Ms Menzies for a Camden Council International Women’s Gala Night to celebrate the achievements of women in our local community. It was great to hear Turning Point, a local charity we partner with, who assist many in need, received proceeds from the evening.
Student Leave – A Friendly Reminder
A quick note regarding student leave: If your child requires time off during the school term, please submit an Application for Leave through the College website. Other than for emergency situations, we kindly ask for at least four weeks’ notice. This allows us to plan for missed learning and assessments and ensure your child stays on track. Wherever possible, we encourage families to schedule leave during the school holidays to minimize disruption to their education.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in helping our students grow—not just academically, but in kindness, character, and service.
God bless,
Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School
Sport
It has been an exciting start to the year for Sport @ OPAC! We are thrilled to embark on another year of opportunities, where students can engage, compete, and thrive in a dynamic sports program.
At OPAC, our mission is clear: to provide a well-rounded sports program that fosters not only a positive sporting experience but also essential life skills, character, and values in our students.
With a diverse range of sporting opportunities available, there is something for everyone. To stay informed about upcoming events and pathways, we encourage students to check their emails and the newsletter regularly.
MISA Sport
MISA is our weekly representative sports competition, where up to nine OPAC teams compete against independent schools in the Macarthur region. These teams train on Tuesday mornings before competing in the afternoon from 1:00 – 2:20 pm.
Further Sporting Opportunities
For students looking to take their sporting journey further—whether through pathways, competitions, or school teams—we encourage them to reach out to Mr. Cranston (Head of Secondary Sport) for guidance and information.
Whether you’re taking up a new sport or refining your existing skills, we are here to support and encourage you every step of the way!
