Panning for Gold, Partnering in Learning
As we approach the midpoint of Term 2, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the vibrant learning and joyful experiences that have filled our days so far. The Junior School has been buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and community spirit, and it’s been a delight to witness our students embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm.
One of the events is the Thanksgiving Service taking place on Friday the 30th May, where we will officially celebrate the opening of our new buildings. This special occasion will bring together students from Years 3 to 6 alongside our Senior School students in a shared moment of gratitude and celebration. It promises to be a memorable event that marks a significant milestone in our school’s journey.
Year 5 Bathurst
A recent standout experience was the Year 5 camp to Bathurst Goldfields, which offered our students a rich blend of history, adventure and hands-on learning. Over two full days, students and staff immersed themselves in the life and times of the gold rush era. The journey began with scenic stops at Lilianfels Park and Machattie Park, where students enjoyed the natural beauty and open space to connect with one another and their surroundings. A visit to the Bathurst Courthouse provided a fascinating glimpse into colonial justice and architecture, sparking thoughtful discussions about Australia’s past.
At the Goldfields, students stepped back in time to experience the daily life of a gold prospector. They tried their hand at gold panning, and to their delight, some lucky students discovered real gold flakes to take home as souvenirs! The excitement didn’t stop there—they also made traditional damper, crafted mud bricks and learned the art of painting and throwing boomerangs, gaining a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture and craftsmanship. These activities not only brought history to life but also encouraged teamwork, resilience and a sense of wonder.
The camp was a fantastic opportunity for students to bond, grow in independence and engage with learning in a dynamic and memorable way. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff who made this experience so enriching and enjoyable for all.
Building Community and a Shared Partnership
We are excited to invite families to our upcoming Parent Workshops on Literacy, a valuable opportunity to build a shared understanding of how literacy is taught and nurtured at the College. These sessions will explore what literacy learning looks like across different year levels and provide practical strategies for supporting your child’s reading and writing journey at home.
Whether your child is just beginning to sound out words or developing more advanced comprehension and writing skills, these workshops will offer insights into the teaching approaches we use and how you can partner with us to foster a love of language and learning.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to the many more moments of learning, growth, and celebration that lie ahead this term.
God bless,
Mrs Jenny Squire
Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School
Sport
We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back for another exciting term of sport at OPAC. There’s so much to look forward to, with students getting the chance to stay active, build new skills, and enjoy being part of a team. The past few weeks have seen the start to some new programs.
K-2 Sport
This term, we’ve introduced a dynamic Zumba program for our Kindergarten to Year 2 students. Designed to support physical development in a fun and engaging way, the program combines music and movement to enhance coordination, fitness, and confidence. Supported by our highly qualified instructor Miss Sarah, students will be completed this program until week 7.
3-6 Sport
AFL Clinic
This term during College Sport, our students have been fortunate to take part in a four-week AFL clinic facilitated by the GWS Giants. This unique opportunity has allowed students to learn directly from experienced coaches, gaining valuable insights into the game of AFL while developing a range of fundamental movement and game-based skills.
The program focuses on building hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, agility, and teamwork, with activities tailored to suit different skill levels. Each session has been engaging and high-energy, encouraging students to challenge themselves.
Cross Country
Our Junior School recently hosted an exciting Cross Country Carnival, where students demonstrated great enthusiasm, determination, and sportsmanship. It was wonderful to see so many young athletes giving their best and supporting each other throughout the races. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves and go beyond their comfort zones.
Congratulations to all participants for their efforts, and a special well done to the top four finishers in each age group. These students will progress to the CSSA State Carnival scheduled for Week 5, where they will have the chance to compete against other talented runners from across the region.
Please refer to the upcoming events section below for more information. Students who have qualified for the state carnival have already received individual communication regarding their progression and next steps.
CSSA and CIS Nominations
From time to time, the College is able to nominate some of our exceptional athletes to trial for CSSA or CIS representative teams. These teams are selected for high level representative competitions, drawing from almost 100 schools across NSW. If you would like the College to nominate your child for one of these events, please follow the procedure below:
- Go to CSSA website to see the list and dates of these trials (cssa.net.au)
- Email me (swright@opac.nsw.edu.au), expressing your child’s interest, background and skills in the sport
- If they fit the requirements of the trials, I will nominate them to attend
- Attend the trials with your child
Upcoming Sport Events
Week 5
Monday 26th May: CSSA Girls Football Gala Day
Location: The Ridge Playing fields.
- Junior team is 12 players only 9 v 9
- Senior Team is 16 players 11 v 11
- Information has already been sent out to participating students.
Wednesday 28th May: IPSSO
- Training 7:45am
- Away Game against Wollondilly Anglican College
- Juniors 12:00pm
- Seniors 1:00pm
Friday 30th May: CSSA State Cross Country
Location: The Sydney International Equestrian Centre
- Primary School carnival is run from 8:30am-11:00am
- Top 4 places from the College carnival progress to CSSA State. Please refer to the sport noticeboard if you are unsure.
Week 6
Wednesday 4th June: IPSSO
- Bye- No training.
