A Year of Wonderful Moments and Wins!
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year filled with growth, achievement, and cherished memories. It has been a privilege to journey alongside our students as they embraced challenges and celebrated triumphs.
The year began with invigorating and challenging camps for Years 7–12, where students explored the great outdoors, built friendships, and learned valuable life skills. These experiences set the tone for a year of adventure and discovery.
Our 2023 HSC cohort set a high standard with outstanding results, reflecting their diligence and perseverance. Meanwhile, our newly inducted SRC and Student Prefects made a tangible impact, championing student voices and embodying leadership in action.
The year also brought meaningful opportunities to reflect on our shared history and values. The ANZAC Day service was a poignant reminder of sacrifice and unity, while our abundant charity efforts underscored the generosity of our community. Events like Harmony Week and Multicultural Day celebrated the rich diversity within our College, fostering understanding and inclusivity.
A notable highlight was the introduction of Endeavour Assemblies, which celebrated student effort and resilience. These gatherings reinforced the importance of striving for personal bests and recognising achievements beyond the academic realm.
Students ventured further afield with experiences such as the Tokyo exchange program, offering cultural enrichment and global perspective. Closer to home, our Service trip to Temora and local service initiatives reflected the heart of our College—serving others with compassion and purpose.
Next Wednesday, we will gather for our Celebration Assembly, a fitting finale to acknowledge the outstanding efforts and accomplishments of our students this year.
As we approach the Christmas season, we wish all our families a peaceful, sustaining, and joyful time with loved ones. May the blessings of this season bring renewal and hope for the year ahead. Thank you for being part of our vibrant College community.
Faithfully,
Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School
Sport
Celebrating Excellence: 2024
What a year it has been! As we close the chapter on another sensational year of sports at OPAC, we are filled with pride and admiration for our students and their extraordinary achievements. In 2024, the passion and dedication of our athletes have not only upheld but elevated OPAC’s legacy as the school that consistently punches above its weight. Their unwavering commitment to our values of Compassion and Craftsmanship has been a shining example of sportsmanship across every field, court, and arena.
This year has been a story of growth, grit, and greatness. Over 300 students took the plunge into competitive sports, proudly wearing the OPAC colours and representing us in a staggering 70 different events or teams. While our trophy cabinet is fuller than ever, what stands out most is the growth in character, camaraderie, and courage displayed by every participant. Medals and victories may glitter, but the true legacy of 2024 lies in the heart and spirit our students have shown.
Sporting Highlights
This year’s achievements have been nothing short of spectacular. We are thrilled to celebrate the following team milestones:
|
Team |
Achievement |
|
Open Boys Oztag |
CSSA State Champions |
|
15&U Mixed Volleyball |
CSSA State Champions |
|
11/12 Boys Soccer |
MISA Division 2 Champions |
|
7-9 Girls Soccer |
MISA Division 2 Champions |
|
Open Mixed Volleyball |
CSSA State Finalists |
|
U14’s Mixed Touch Football |
CIS 14&U State Finalists |
|
11/12 Girls Netball |
MISA Division 1 Runners-Up |
|
10-12 Boys Softball |
MISA Division 1 Runners-Up |
|
7-9 Girls Hockey |
MISA Division 2 Runners-Up |
|
10-12 Boys AFL |
MISA Division 2 Runners-Up |
|
7/8 Boys Soccer |
MISA Division 2 Runners-Up |
|
10-12 Boys Indoor Cricket |
MISA Division 2 Runners-Up |
To every student who competed, trained, or cheered from the sidelines—your efforts have made 2024 unforgettable. While competitive success is a highlight, we also want to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of students who may not have stood on the podium but contributed through their dedication, teamwork, and resilience. Every training session, every game, and every cheer has helped shape the success of OPAC sports this year.
The crowning moment of our year will be the Celebration Assembly, where we will honour the recipients of the Sportsperson of the Year Awards. These students are more than just champions in their respective sports; they are role models who exemplify courage, curiosity, craftsmanship, collaboration, and compassion. Their achievements are a testament to the very essence of being an OPAC student, and we eagerly await the chance to celebrate their outstanding contributions.
Sport Shoutout
A massive thank you to the dedicated staff who stepped up as coaches, mentors, and motivators this year. Your guidance and commitment have been the backbone of our success. Ms. Iris Arundell, Mr. Benjamin Bywater, Mr. Michael Bullock, Mr. Brett Gillies, Mrs. Kayla Grant, Mr. Kieran Hadfield, Mr. Dean Irwin, Mr. David McMinn, Mrs. Emma Morrison, Mrs. Tania van der Schyff, Mrs. Isobelle van Loon, Mr. James Wright. We also want to recognise the unsung heroes of OPAC sports—the parents, guardians, and supporters whose encouragement and dedication behind the scenes have played a crucial role in our students’ success.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this extraordinary year, we extend an open invitation for even more students and families to join the OPAC sports family in 2025. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to the game, there’s a place for you in our vibrant community. Wishing our OPAC community a joyous and restful holiday season. Thank you for making 2024 a year to remember, and here’s to new triumphs in 2025! Go OPAC!
We encourage everyone to keep an eye out for exceptional performances both on and off the field. If you know of any outstanding teams or individuals worth recognising, please don’t hesitate to inform Mr. Cranston.
Let’s continue to support our athletes as they strive for excellence in the upcoming rounds!
Dusty Boots
Day 1
Year 10 has enjoyed some amazing adventures as they start their Temora – Dusty Boots Service. After arriving, we enjoyed games and a BBQ with the members at Crossway Youth at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Thanks to Derek, Anna, Phil and Melissa for sharing God’s word with us. On Sunday, we went to St Paul’s Anglican Church, 9:30am and 5pm services. It’s been wonderful reconnecting with our friends throughout the community.
Day 2
On Monday we worked with many of the local churches undertaking gardening, cleaning and maintenance activities. This included window cleaning and gardening at Salvation Army Church and fence painting at Temora Baptist Church. Thank-you to Caleb, Ross and the many parishioners who worked with us and served us a scrumptious morning tea and lunch with many delightful cakes. Another group went to Narraburra Lodge and enjoyed sharing stories over a delightful morning tea.
In the afternoon, one group went to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and helped to clean and oil pews while another went to the Temora Lutheran Community Church to assist with gardening, clearing drains and cleaning inside the church. Thank-you to the Lutheran Church for a delightful afternoon tea. We also had small groups helping at The Open Door Bookshop and St. Vinnie’s. We finished our day with a trip to the local pool.
– Savannah C
Day 3
Tuesday was a great day working alongside the incredible community workers in Temora. We started the morning delivering Meals on Wheels with Pinnacle Community Services. Another group undertook gardening at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. In the afternoon, students had an engaging time with the residents from Greenstone Lodge playing bingo. This included Mr Hadfield taking control as ‘bingo caller’, enthralling all with his innovative way of calling numbers.
Thank-you to Temora Community Centre for inviting OPAC students to participate in a mentoring program with stage 2 students at Temora Public School to develop kindness and resilience. We concluded with a session of wheelchair basketball with community members at Temora Recreation Centre. It has been wonderful seeing our students witness the power of service and volunteering through authentic collaboration and compassion through all of our partners in Temora. Thank-you for your passion and dedication!
Day 4
Today, the Dusty Boots Crew woke up a little earlier than normal and was greeted by a beautiful morning sunrise. One group went out to complete some gardening, pruning and window cleaning at a local parishioner’s house, while another washed a car. Later, we all met at the Temora Girl Guides to install garden edging along the garden beds that the service trips in 2022 and 2023 helped to create. Meanwhile, a group of students worked at the Temora Community Centre to make meals which will be distributed to members of the community. Some of our highlights include meeting new people, helping people that need assistance and discovering the joy of service.
– Ben P.
Day 5
On Thursday, students undertook a range of ‘backyard blitzes’, weeding, mowing lawns, clearing leaves for elderly residents. A group also helped the local Lutheran Bookshop with a stocktake of their many beautiful cards. We’ve been very grateful working with Anne from the Temora Community Centre, and this culminated yesterday at ‘Plates of Plenty’. Here, students helped to serve lunch and spoke with members of the community. Thank-you to the Temora Community Centre for the many experiences we’ve shared and for showing us the impact of volunteering.
In the afternoon, Mayor Rick Firman hosted us for afternoon tea at the Temora Memorial Town Hall. It was wonderful to see his commitment to his town and his generosity to our students. Mayor Firman thanked each student and presented them with a certificate and pen.
Our final night concluded with a ‘pot-luck’ dinner organised by the Temora Christian Leaders association. It was great to see many of our friends again from the different churches we’ve worked at and share our memories and reflections.
