Listening, Learning and Growing Together
At our recent Parents and Friends Association meeting, I had the opportunity to share with parents the findings of our recent Parent Communications Audit. I am grateful to those in our community who contributed their time and insights through surveys and focus groups. Your willingness to engage thoughtfully and honestly reflects the strength of our partnership as a College community.
Audit findings
The audit affirmed something we hold closely: OPAC is experienced as a place of genuine care, where communication is well‑intentioned and grounded in a desire to support families well. It was encouraging to hear that parents value the tone of our communications and the way we keep them informed about the day‑to‑day life and wellbeing of their children.
At the same time, we also heard clearly that there are areas where we can improve. Parents spoke about the volume of communication, at times feeling overwhelming, and the duplication of messages across different platforms, which can create confusion about where to look for important information. There was also feedback about the need for greater consistency, particularly in classroom communication, and for messages to be clearer, shorter and easier to navigate. Importantly, parents expressed a desire to hear more about the longer‑term direction of the College—our plans, priorities and vision for the future.
These are fair and helpful insights, and they give us clear direction.
Moving forward
In response, we are working on a number of practical improvements. Our focus is not to increase communication, but to make it clearer, more consistent and easier to follow. This includes:
- clarifying the purpose of each communication channel so parents know where to find information
- reducing duplication across platforms
- improving the structure and clarity of emails
- strengthening consistency in classroom communication
- providing more regular updates about the College’s strategic direction and growth
Changes to the Newsletter
Based on parent feedback, we are also reviewing the role and frequency of the College newsletter. With the possibility of reducing the newsletter to three editions per term, allowing it to focus more clearly on celebrating community life and sharing highlights, while ensuring important operational information is communicated through more timely and effective channels.
Much of this work will happen behind the scenes—strengthening our internal processes so that what you experience as parents feels simpler, more predictable and more helpful.
Growing together
As we continue this work, we do so in the spirit of partnership. Effective communication is never one‑way; it is relational. It is built on trust, goodwill and a shared commitment to the flourishing of our children.
I would also encourage us all to keep before us the deeper purpose of our work together. At OPAC, our goal is not simply to manage information efficiently, but to support the formation of young people of character—students who are learning to take responsibility, to grow in independence, and to respond well when things do not go to plan. Our restorative approach reminds us that growth often happens in the midst of challenge, and that parents and college together play a vital role in guiding children towards wisdom, resilience and grace.
As it says in Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This is a shared calling, and one we are privileged to walk together.
Thank you again for your ongoing engagement, encouragement and partnership. We value your voice and remain committed to listening, learning and improving as a community.
God bless,
Mrs Naomi Wilkins
Principal
Mother’s Day at OPAC
Last week, our community came together to celebrate Mother’s Day with a lovely breakfast hosted by our staff, shared with mums, grandmothers and mother figures across the College. It was a special morning filled with gratitude for the care, time and love so generously given.
Students also enjoyed visiting the annual Mother’s Day Stall, thoughtfully organised by our P&F, where they selected gifts for the important women in their lives. It was especially encouraging to see one of our own students share their small business as part of the stall this year.
Thank you to our staff and P&F for the care and effort that made these celebrations possible.
