In this edition, we explore the power of reflection, the courage to seek connection in unexpected moments, and the importance of small habits that shape success—both in the classroom and beyond.
Let’s Get Real: Conversations that Matter
Education is more than just marks on a report card; it’s a journey of growth, reflection, and refinement. Yet, too often, students receive their reports with a mix of apprehension and indifference, quickly moving on without deep consideration of their progress. How can we encourage real reflection and purposeful change in our students?
To address this, we introduced mentoring conversations with Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) this year. These conversations provided a structured opportunity for students to reflect on their learning experiences and consider the adjustments needed for future success. Students were surveyed on key questions such as:
- Which subjects or topics did you find most challenging, and what specific obstacles did you face?
- Were there moments where you felt truly engaged and motivated in your learning? What contributed to that?
- Who or what helped you succeed last year, and how can you continue to utilise these supports?
- What new study habits or tools will you try this year to improve your learning?
- How do you manage setbacks or challenges?
While each conversation took a unique direction, the majority of students found them invaluable, helping them navigate academic pressures and gain clarity on their next steps. It would be wonderful to see this initiative expand across all year groups, supported by our Pastoral Care and Wellbeing staff, ensuring that every student is empowered to take ownership of their learning journey.
The Christmas Truce of 1914: A Lesson in Humanity
I recently shared with Year 7 one of history’s most remarkable moments—the Christmas Truce of 1914. Soldiers who had been conditioned to see each other as enemies laid down their weapons, stepping out of their trenches not to fight, but to shake hands, exchange gifts, and even play soccer.
For months, they had been told their adversaries were merciless, inhuman, and beyond redemption. Yet, in that brief pause in war, they saw the undeniable truth: their so-called enemies were just like them—young men longing for home, for peace, for connection. This spontaneous act of brotherhood was not commanded by leaders but was a defiant assertion of shared humanity.
It was a privilege to share this story with our students, reminding them that, even in a world that often seeks to divide, the goodness and compassion inherent in humanity—God’s creation—can break through. I often wonder if I would have had the courage to be the first one to step out of the trench and extend a hand of friendship. Would you?
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to watch the moving commercial (linked here) that reenacts this extraordinary event.
Lateness: Building Better Habits
Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring your children arrive at the College on time, ready for learning at 8:30 am. We understand that, on occasion, exceptional circumstances may prevent punctuality. However, for some students, lateness has become a habit—one that may seem inconsequential but has a real impact on their learning and classroom routine.
To encourage responsibility and accountability, students with repeated lateness will be required to attend an After School Detention. This is not intended as a punishment, but as a restorative measure—an opportunity to make up for lost learning time and reinforce the importance of good habits.
If your child needs extra encouragement in this area, we would appreciate your support in discussing the importance of punctuality. Of course, if there are exceptional circumstances that should be considered, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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.
Future Changemakers
Eight of our Legal and Business Studies students attended Spotlight on Competition and Consumer Law at the Federal Court, hearing from leaders like High Court Justice Jacqueline Gleeson. Hosted by the Whitlam Institute, it was an inspiring day for our future changemakers!
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
As our school continues to grow, so does the depth of skill, ability, and character of our students. We are thrilled to report on the following achievements of our students through both the College’s sport program and external competitions.
Swimming
Our team of over 20 students braved a wet and cold day at the CSSA Zone Carnival, delivering outstanding performances. Our school finished 4th out of 10 schools, trailing only three schools with over 40 years of history. Notably, seven students qualified for the CSSA State Championships. Special recognition goes to Victoria W, who excelled in all her events, earning the title of Zone Age Champion for her division.
The seven qualifiers then competed at the CSSA NSW State Swimming Championships, facing the best students from Christian schools across NSW. Competing at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre was a fantastic experience, and our students swam brilliantly with commendable spirit. Our 12-14 girls relay team achieved 4th and 5th places in the freestyle and medley relays out of 16 schools, a significant accomplishment. Victoria continued her success, finishing 1st in the 50m Breaststroke and qualifying for the Combined Independent Schools Swimming Championships next term. Well done, Victoria!
MISA Sport
It was a challenging term of competition, but we are proud of the efforts of our OPAC MISA teams for Term 1. Below are the results of the most recent fixtures and the schedule for next week:
Week 9 Result | Week 10 Fixture |
10-12 Girls Oz tag: Win vs. Broughton | William Carey @ WCCS (3rd vs. 3rd) |
10-12 Boys Oz tag: Loss vs. John Terry | Mount Carmel @ Victoria Park |
10-12 Girls Basketball: Loss vs. Georges River | Mount Annan @ OPAC (Grand Final) |
10-12 Boys Basketball (Div 1): Win vs. Broughton | BYE (Finished 5th in Div 1) |
7-9 Girls Indoor Cricket: Win vs. Broughton | St Francis @ All Sports Indoor Centre (2nd vs. 2nd) |
7-9 Boys Softball: Loss vs. William Carey | GRG @ Cowpasture |
7-9 Boys Volleyball: Win vs. Mount Annan | William Carey @ WCCS (Grand Final) |
7-9 Girls Volleyball: Loss vs. Magdalene | Leppington Anglican @ OPAC |
7-9 Girls Hockey: Loss vs. Mount Carmel | Broughton @ Narellan Hockey |
Looking ahead to Term 2 MISA, trials will take place in Week 11 of Term 1 and Week 1 of Term 2 (first day back). Students must select a MISA trial option via Clipboard by Monday, 31 March at 9:00 am.
OPAC Squads
We are excited to announce the formation of OPAC squads for several sports where there has been interest and availability. Students are invited to join these squads for extra training sessions outside of the MISA morning sessions, with opportunities to participate in further gala days.
Currently, we are running the following squads:
- Volleyball Squad: Monday afternoons, 3:15 – 4:30 pm with Mr. Irwin
- Futsal Academy: Wednesday lunchtimes, Seniors in Week B, Juniors in Week A with Mr. Hadfield
- Oztag/Touch Football Squad: Wednesday afternoons, 3:15 – 4:30 pm with Mr. McMinn
Students are encouraged to seek further information by contacting the respective teachers or emailing any questions they may have.
OPAC Spotlights
We are proud to highlight two students who have excelled in their sports outside of the College Sports Program.
Firstly, Jashleen C. (Year 9) has excelled in Oz tag. A large number of students participated in the NSW State Oztag Championships, representing their local teams in Coffs Harbour. From this competition, Jashleen was selected for the 14&U Girls State team to compete in the Australian Junior National Championships in October. Congratulations, Jashleen!
Tahlia B. (Year 7), a new student at OPAC, has been training in Taekwondo for six years and competing for four years. She recently won gold at the Australian Taekwondo Selection event, earning a spot on the Australian National team to compete in the UAE in May. Tahlia’s dream is to make the Australian team for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, and she has already achieved one of her goals! We invite the OPAC community to support Tahlia by keeping her and her family in our prayers. You can also support her through the Australian Sports Foundation link: Help Tahlia Compete at World Championships.
Coming Up:
- Term 2 MISA Trial Selections – Close Monday, Week 10 (via Clipboard platform)
- Term 2 College Sport choices – Close Friday, Week 11 (via Clipboard platform)
- OPAC Secondary Athletics Carnival – Friday, 4 April
