Discovering Europe with a Curious Mind
Welcome to Term 2! I trust that the Easter break was a time of rest and renewal for you and your family. As we step into this new term, I want to remind you of our College focus for the year—to be a faith-fuelled community of excellence. This theme continues to shape our practices, our priorities, and our partnerships as we nurture the hearts, minds, and spirits of our students.
In Term 2, our core value is Curiosity—a posture of the heart and mind that seeks understanding, asks thoughtful questions, and explores God’s world with wonder and purpose. At its best, curiosity leads to deep learning, compassionate insight, and a vibrant faith that is not afraid to wrestle with the complexities of life. We want our students to be curious learners—courageous enough to think deeply, humble enough to keep learning, and grounded enough to discern truth.
Europe Study Tour
Over the recent break, I had the immense privilege of accompanying 24 of our Year 11 and 12 students, along with four dedicated staff members, on the Europe Study Tour: A Journey Through Time and Faith. This was a truly enriching experience that brought history, culture and Christian heritage to life in unforgettable ways.
In Rome, we stood in awe beneath Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, walked through the grandeur of St Peter’s Basilica, and reflected on faith and empire at the Colosseum. In Naples, we explored the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and witnessed a Stations of the Cross procession, which gave powerful expression to the passion of Christ in a very local context.
Our time in Berlin took us deep into the sobering realities of modern history—visiting sites such as the Topography of Terror Museum, the Berlin Wall, and the Third Reich Walking Tour. These places invited reflection on the consequences of ideologies unchecked by truth and compassion.
In Wittenberg, we walked in the footsteps of Martin Luther, whose bold faith helped spark the Reformation and whose legacy continues to shape our own Anglican tradition. We visited Nuremberg, where we considered justice and accountability at the Nazi Rally Grounds and the courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials were held. We concluded in Dachau, where we paused in silence and sorrow at the concentration camp—an experience that left a deep impact on us all.
A moment of light and beauty came with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairy-tale structure nestled in the Bavarian Alps—a fitting final note on a journey that was as emotionally challenging as it was spiritually enriching.
This tour exemplified our desire to offer students learning that is not only academically rigorous but also profoundly human and faith-enriching. It was a living out of our College theme: pursuing excellence, rooted in a vibrant, faith-fuelled community.
Thanksgiving Service
I warmly invite OPAC parents and carers to join us for our Thanksgiving Service and Official Building Opening on the 30th of May at 11:00am. This special occasion will include student performances, reflections on our journey as a learning community, and the opportunity to celebrate the official opening of our newest facilities. We look forward to coming together in gratitude and faith, sharing this milestone in the life of our college.
As we begin Term 2, may our community—students, staff and families alike—continue to walk with curiosity, courage and conviction, as we seek to grow in knowledge, character and faith.
God bless,
Mrs Naomi Wilkins
Principal
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
1 Peter 1:3
