The Start of Something Important
We have had a very exciting start to the year in Junior School. Our students have returned ready to reconnect with old friends, make new friends and settle back into learning. In our classrooms we are providing opportunities for building connections and developing relationships to help with this. Our students in Years 3 – 6 enjoyed the Swimming Carnival earlier this week. IPSSO sporting teams have been selected. Last Friday we commissioned our Junior School Student and House Leaders. Prep and Kindergarten have completed their first weeks at the College and are settling into the routines and expectations of ‘big school’.
The College Values
As we start the school year, it is a good time to reflect on the values our teachers are seeking to grow in students. Our five College values of courage, curiosity, craftsmanship and compassion will be fostered in every classroom and growth in these will shape your child as they learn. Your child doesn’t need to be the smartest in the class, the best on the sports field, or the most talented in the room. But they do need to be teachable. We have raised a generation that can Google every answer, but too many are forgetting how to listen, respect and learn. Being teachable isn’t about grades or intelligence – it’s actually about humility. It is about realising you don’t know everything and being willing to grow when someone tries to help you.
As parents, we don’t need to raise perfect children. We need to raise children who can accept feedback without falling apart. Who can apologise. Who can show respect even when they disagree. Who can be corrected without becoming combative. Because teachability will take them further than talent ever will. In our Junior School classrooms we are always looking for ways to grow and stretch children and when they are teachable and willing to be brave – that’s when the magic of learning happens.
Meet the Teacher
Next week parents have the opportunity to attend the Meet the Teacher nights (3-6: 16 Feb, P-2: 18 Feb) to hear from classroom teachers. There will also be an opportunity to introduce yourself to them and have a quick look in your child’s classroom. Information about these nights has already been emailed out.
As we settle into the term, please reach out to your child’s teacher as the first port of call if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help everyone have good start to the new year, and good communication between home and school will smooth the way, and set us all up for the term ahead.
God bless,
Mrs Jenny Squire
Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School
Sport
Junior School Swimming Carnival – what a success!
Our Junior School Swimming Carnival was an absolute blast! From the competitors in the 50m, 100m & 200m races to the fun and games in the novelty pool, the energy poolside was incredible. It was so great to see everyone having a go and screaming their lungs out for their houses and their peers. A massive shout-out to the teachers and the high-school student helpers who helped keep things moving throughout the day, we couldn’t have done it without you. Well done, everyone!
CSSA & CIS Representative Pathways
With the swimming carnival wrapped up, many parents & carers are asking about the next level. For swimming, we will be in touch with who will be representing Oran Park Anglican College at Zone. However, a quick reminder regarding CSSA and CIS trials: these are pathways specifically for our elite athletes. Because these trials are highly competitive (drawing from almost 100 schools across NSW), they are only open to students currently playing at a high representative level outside of school (think state, regional, or Division 1). They aren’t gala days, but rather a chance for our representative sporting students to take it to the next level.
Note: if your child is currently a representative-level player in any sport and wishes to nominate themselves to represent Oran Park Anglican College, please get in touch with Mr Cleur (jcleur@opac.nsw.edu.au) to discuss the next steps.
God bless,
Mr Andrew Griffiths
Sports Administrator