A Scientific Start to Term 4
Last week I attended the Australian Character Education Summit, where we heard from presenters from both overseas and Australia about the nature of authentic character education. At OPAC, we believe that education is not just about what we know, but about who we are becoming. In Junior School we are committed to nurturing young learners in all areas of their development.
We understand that character is not something we’re simply born with but it’s something we grow. Through every lesson, every playground interaction, and every challenge faced, our students are developing the values and virtues that will shape their lives.
We believe that our children need more than instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, music, art, and history. While these are essential, they are not the whole story. Our students also need rich opportunities to develop the character traits that will serve them well beyond the school gate – traits like resilience, empathy, integrity, and responsibility. These are the qualities that help them navigate life’s complexities, build strong relationships, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Our College values of compassion, collaboration, curiosity, craftsmanship, and courage are more than just words on a wall. They are the threads that weave through our daily experiences. Compassion is shown when students look out for one another, offer a helping hand, or show kindness in small, meaningful ways. Collaboration comes alive in group projects, team sports, and classroom discussions, where listening and learning from each other is key. Curiosity drives our learners to ask questions, explore new ideas, and see the world with wonder. Craftsmanship is evident in the pride our students take in their work – whether it’s a carefully written story, a creative artwork, or a well-executed science experiment. Courage shines when students try something new, speak up for what’s right, or persevere through a challenge.
Character education is not a separate subject—it’s embedded in everything we do. It’s in the way we greet each other in the morning, how we respond to setbacks, and how we celebrate success. Character is caught, taught, and sought. That means we model it, we teach it explicitly, and we encourage students to strive for it themselves.
Families play a vital role in this journey. The values children see, hear, and experience at home help shape their understanding of what it means to live with character. When schools and families work together—sharing language, expectations, and encouragement—children receive a consistent message about the importance of kindness, honesty, perseverance, and respect. We are deeply grateful for the way our families support this shared mission, modelling what we seek to nurture in our students. We are proud of the way our students are growing not just in knowledge, but in heart. Thank you for partnering with us in this important work.
The Start of Term 4
It has been a wonderful start to the final term of the year. Term 4 is always full of opportunity and momentum, and we are already seeing great energy across the Junior School.
This week, our students were captivated by the Questacon Science Circus incursion. It was an engaging and hands-on experience that sparked curiosity and wonder in every student.
Recognition Assembly
We also want to acknowledge the outstanding effort and character shown at the end of Term 3 during our Recognition Assembly. We celebrated students who are growing as powerful learners and recognised those who achieved a Principal’s Award. These moments remind us of the courage, curiosity and craftsmanship developing in our young people.
Colour Fun Run
The Junior School Colour Fun Run is off to a fantastic start with over $13,000 already raised. Thank you for your generous support. Each student who raises over $100 by this Sunday will go into the draw to win a canteen lunch. It’s a great way to support the College and encourage healthy activity.
The P&F Junior School Colour Run Fundraiser is on Friday the 14th of November 2025 (Week 5). This will be a fun and active event for all students from Prep to Year 6.
We look forward to everything Term 4 has in store as we continue to learn, grow and serve together.
God bless,
Mrs Jenny Squire
Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School
Sport
We’re off to a fantastic start in Term 4, with plenty of exciting sporting events already underway and more to come!
K–2 Athletics Carnival
Last term, our youngest students took part in the K–2 Athletics Carnival. The K–2 Athletics Carnival was a vibrant and energetic day filled with laughter, teamwork and plenty of action! Our youngest students embraced the spirit of sport as they raced down the track, jumped with enthusiasm, balanced with focus, and joined in a variety of fun team games. The carnival was designed to encourage participation and build confidence, and it was wonderful to see everyone giving their best and cheering on their peers.
AFL Clinic
Students across Years 3–6 had the opportunity to participate in an AFL Clinic run by development officers from the AFL. The clinic focused on skills, teamwork, and game awareness, and was a great way for students to engage with the sport in a fun and supportive environment. We’re grateful to AFL NSW for providing this opportunity!
This program was to support the upcoming AFL Clinic that will be running on Monday afternoons at College. AFL NSW coaches will be running a K-2 program and 3-6 Program. If your child is interested in the program please sign them up using the below link or pamphlet your child received.
Summer IPSSO Season Begins
The Summer IPSSO season is now underway with Girls Soccer, Basketball, Cricket and Oztag back this term. Here are our current standings:
Junior Basketball | 4th | Senior Basketball | 7th |
Junior Oztag | 3rd | Senior Oztag | 4th |
Junior Girls Soccer | 4th | Senior Girls Soccer | 6th |
Junior Cricket | 3rd | Senior Cricket | 4th |
We’re excited to see how the season unfolds and will continue to update you as results come in!
Emily's Success at Gymnastics
A few weeks ago, Emily G travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in an Aerobic Gymnastics competition, and she returned with some fantastic results! Emily placed in multiple events, showcasing her strength, precision, and dedication to the sport. Her achievements included:
- Gold – Multiple Event
- Silver – Team Event
- Bronze – Team Event
- 8th – Individual Event
Congratulations to Emily on her hard work and success — a wonderful achievement!
Jazlyn's Equestrian Success
Over the October long weekend, Jazlyn P proudly represented OPAC at the Berry Equestrian Interschool Championships, competing across all three days of the event. Facing tough competition, Jazlyn delivered outstanding performances in a range of disciplines. On Saturday, she competed in Show Horse events, earning:
- 1st – Primary Best Educated Horse/Rider
- 2nd – Overall Primary Bareback
- 3rd – Primary Rider, Primary Hack Mount and Best Presented
- 4th – Yr 5–6 Handler
On Sunday, Jazlyn took part in Showjumping and Sporting, placing:
- 2× 3rd and 1× 4th – 75cm Showjumping
- 2nd – Year 6 Sporting
Some outstanding results from Jazlyn!
Term 4 Upcoming Sporting Events
Week 3
Wednesday 29th October – Summer IPSSO
- Training 7:45am
- Away Game against Macarthur Anglican
- Basketball, Girls Soccer and Oztag @ Macarthur Anglican
- Cricket @ Cut Hill
- Juniors 11:35pm
- Seniors 1:15pm
Thursday 30th October – Year 1 Swimming
Week 4
Wednesday 5th November – Summer IPSSO
- Training 7:45am
- Home Game against St Gregs
- Basketball and Girls Soccer @ College
- Oztag and Cricket @ Jack Bradham Reserve
- Juniors 11:30pm
- Seniors 12:30pm
Thursday 6th November – Year 1 Swimming
Week 5
Wednesday 12th November – Summer IPSSO
- Training 7:45am
- Away Game against Mt Annan
- Cricket and Basketball @ Cunningham Park
- Girls Soccer and Oztag @ Jack Nash
- Juniors 12:00pm
- Seniors 1:00pm
Thursday 13th November – Year 1 Swimming
God bless,
Mrs Stephanie Wright
Sports Coordinator
