Lessons in Respect, Consent, and Kindness
This edition includes comment regarding our Parent Student Teacher Evenings and the teaching of respect and decency as part of the College program.
Parent Teacher Student Evenings
Post COVID lockdowns, we no longer take face-face interaction for granted. Humans are relational and talking through a screen is a make-do and not ideal. We were pleased to move back to face-to-face Parent Teacher Student evenings, where we can fully engage in valuable conversations about the progress and needs of our children/students. The PTS evenings were chilly, but hopefully parents and students ‘rugged up’ and were kept comfortable with our rocket heaters. We are keen to continue in such a format.
It is greatly appreciated, that parents and carers made time to attend and interact with our staff, partnering further in the educational journey. If the 5-minute time slots were too short, be encouraged to make a further appointment to meet with particular teachers. While parents and staff tried to keep to the 5-minute limit, sometimes we ran into scheduling issues. Please be encouraged to book with a 5-minute break in-between each appointment to allow for possible time issues. We valued and valued the conversations, helping build closer connections within our OPAC community.
Slap Her
Year 11 are currently involved in sessions which consider issues of consent, domestic violence and hyper-masculinity.
The boys were shown a provocative video titled and linked here Slap Her, discussing their reaction and the ongoing problem in our society in this regard. It was an open and valuable conversation as an integral part of the broader education offered by the College. While we sometimes feel it is like using a hose on a bushfire, with the saturation bombing of negative social media influences and influencers, these are important conversations as our students progress into adulthood. The girls are engaging in a separate series, equipping and empowering them to navigate the challenges within today’s society with some cross-over with the boys to ensure a common understanding.
Don’t be a ‘Jerk’
I’m sure you have the regular experience of getting blocked from merging into traffic, finding a shopping trolley left inconveniently in the only free parking space, leftover takeaway containers thrown from a car or a mess in the toilet that someone didn’t bother to clean up after themselves.
Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to let stress and negativity affect our interactions with others. We often forget the simple acts of kindness that can make a big difference. Here are a few easy and simple reminders we are sharing with our students (and staff) to help us all create a more positive and supportive community beyond the College gates:
- Smile and make eye contact.
- Acknowledge people and put away your phone to engage in real conversations.
- Use “please” and “thank you.”
- Ask how others are doing and truly mean it.
- Remember that no one is better than anyone else; avoid judging and talking behind people’s backs.
- Be honest and don’t take credit for others’ work or belongings.
- Show common courtesy: clean the toilet seat, wipe down gym equipment, hold the door.
- Help those in need, including the elderly, blind, homeless, and parents with young children.
- Treat everyone with respect.
- Be kind to service workers like cleaners, baristas, and lolly-pop construction workers.
- Return items to their proper place and clean up after yourself.
- Don’t litter.
- Return shopping trolleys.
- Give up your seat on public transport.
- Be considerate in traffic, don’t rush through intersections and let others merge in traffic.
Just don’t be a jerk!
We all have tough days, but choosing kindness can make a world of difference. By taking a moment to pause, breathe, and gain perspective, we can break the cycle of negativity and create a more compassionate environment for everyone. Let’s strive to make each day better for ourselves and those around us by choosing to be kind and understanding.
As for Point 6, I need to give credit for the original article, written by blogger Natalie Thomas with a possibly more offensive title, and then adapted by me 😉
God bless,
Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9
Sport
Athletics Carnival:
Our senior athletics carnival last week was a blast! Under a warm, sunny sky, students showcased their talents in various track and field events, cheering each other on with great spirit. A fantastic day of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Well done to all participants!
From the carnival we have had 97 students chosen to represent OPAC at the next level, CSSA Zone Athletics Carnival. This will take place on Friday 23 August.
House Points Placing :
- 1st Wilberforce
- 2nd Liddell
- 3rd Carmichael
- 4th Lewis
Age Champions will be celebrated at the Week 5 assembly.
Senior Dance
Last term, our senior dance ensemble shined at the MISA Dance Festival at The Cube, Campbelltown. After months of early morning rehearsals, our students showcased incredible courage and craftsmanship. Well done, team!
College Sport (Tuesdays)
This term, students involved in College sport are participating in a House Based competition. Students will be teaming up with other students from their House to verse other Houses in a variety of sports and activities this term. The first week went well with a lot of good close competition.
Current standings after Week 1 are : Carmichael, Wilberforce, Liddell, Lewis.
MISA Sport
MISA has begun for the term. Students involved in MISA this term are reminded that training is on every Tuesday morning from 7:45 am.
Next week will see the following fixtures:
| Year 7-9 | Girls Soccer | Doohan Reserve | MACC |
| Year 7-8 | Girls Netball | Narellan Sports Hub | BAC (Ct 15) |
| Year 9-10 | Girls Netball | Narellan Sports Hub | BAC (Ct 14) |
| Year 10-12 | Boys AFL | Greenway Park | BAC |
| Year 10-12 | Girls AFL | Greenway Park | BYE – TRAINING |
| Year 10-12 | Boys Indoor Cricket | Allsports Indoor Smeaton Grange | WCCS |
| Year 10-12 | Girls Softball | Cowpasture Reserve | JTCC (Field 9) |
| Year 9-10 | Boys Soccer | Doohan Reserve | MACC |
| Year 9-10 | Boys Soccer | Doohan Reserve | MACC |
God Bless,
Mr Christopher Cranston
Head of PDHPE and Sport
