A Look Ahead: Staff Updates and Supporting Our Students
In recent months, our broader community has been deeply affected by tragic stories highlighting the devastating consequences of bullying, particularly in the digital space. These events are a sobering reminder of the critical role we all play in guiding and supporting our young people to navigate relationships—both online and offline—with kindness, empathy, and respect.
As a school community, we are committed to nurturing an environment where every student feels valued, safe, and connected. We strive to equip students with the tools to build positive relationships and respond to challenges in constructive ways. Yet, the reality is that the influence of technology and social media can amplify pressures and behaviours that affect our children’s mental health and wellbeing.
This is where your role as parents and caregivers becomes incredibly powerful. Open, honest conversations at home can make an immeasurable difference. I encourage you to speak with your children about their online interactions. Ask them about their experiences, their friendships, and how they respond to conflict or unkindness. Share with them the importance of treating others with respect, even in digital spaces where anonymity can sometimes blur accountability.
Here are some ways you might approach these conversations:
- Start with curiosity: Rather than beginning with concerns or rules, ask open-ended questions like, “What do you enjoy most about being online?” or “Have you seen anything lately that made you feel uncomfortable or upset?”
- Discuss boundaries: Help your child reflect on how they use social media and the impact it might have on their relationships and self-esteem. Talk about setting limits and making choices that promote positive connections.
- Model empathy: Share stories of your own experiences with kindness and resilience. Show them how to extend grace to others and seek support when they face difficulties.
- Encourage help-seeking: Remind your child that it’s okay to ask for help, whether from you, a teacher, or a trusted friend. Reinforce that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
As a college, we will continue to provide resources and programs that build our students’ emotional intelligence and social skills. We are here to partner with you in this critical work. If you have concerns or would like guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Wellbeing teams led by Mr Przydacz and Miss Menzies.
Let us continue to work together as a community to support our young people in becoming compassionate and confident individuals who contribute positively to the lives of others.
Looking Ahead
The College continues to grow and if you have visited us recently you would have seen the new Senior School building and Amphitheatre is almost completed and will be ready for occupation in the new year. In 2025, we will increase by more than 100 students, the majority of these new enrolments in Senior School, as we welcome our largest cohort of Year 7 commencing with 140 students.
As the College continues to grow there is movement of staff in and out of the College and we have made good progress on recruiting new staff. The Staff changes for 2025 are below.
Staff Departures
Mrs Melinda Wealands, Head of Diverse Learning is leaving the College after 14 years service. Her care and expertise have supported countless students, and we pray God’s blessings for her as she steps into the next chapter of her journey.
Mrs Nicole Low (Visual Arts teacher) is moving to St George Christian School after 11 years service to OPAC. Her creativity and passion have inspired so many students, and we wish her all the best as she brings the same dedication to her new role.
Staff on Leave
Mrs Claire Cavanagh (Deputy Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning), Mrs Caitlin Grant (Junior School Enrichment Coordinator), Mrs Marina Shenouda (Science teacher) and Mrs Michelle McOrist (Prep teacher) will all be on parental leave in 2025.
New staff
- As previously announced the College has appointed two chaplains Mrs Melissa Gillies (Junior School) and Mr Peter Stevenson (Senior School).
- We also welcome Miss Lucy Mills (currently at Broughton Anglican College) and Mr Daniel Elliott (currently at Oran Park Public School), as temporary Junior School Classroom teachers.
- Mr David Phelps has been appointed as a Technology and Applied Studies teacher, moving across from Thomas Hassall Anglican College.
- Mr Jacob Smith joins us from Ambarvale High School as a new HSIE teacher.
- Ms Philippa Butcher (currently at Hennessy Catholic College, Young) will join the Science faculty.
- Mr Victor Lam will join the English faculty as a permanent classroom teacher.
- Mrs Eleni Geargis will join the English faculty as a temporary part time teacher.
- Mrs Krystle Attrill has been appointed as our new Learning Support teacher in Senior School.
Other staff changes/appointments
- Ms Alexia Cupac – Student Wellbeing Advisor
- Mr Joshua Little – Careers Advisor
- Mrs Kathryn Watkins – Acting Deputy Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning
- Mrs Kristina Taj – Acting Stage Coordinator
- Miss Johanna Lee – Acting Enrichment Coordinator (Junior School)
- Mrs Kate Finn – stepping down from Enrichment Coordinator (Senior School)
- Mrs Kelly Smith’s role is changing to Learning Support teacher in Junior School.
It is exciting to be part of a College being established in the new growth area of southwest Sydney and as we welcome new people into our community, we pray that they may all come to know the OPAC Difference that pursues excellence and wisdom within a nurturing environment that values positive relationships and service.
Please enjoy reading all the news items as you learn more about what has been happening in ‘the Life’ of our College in recent weeks.
God bless,
Mrs Naomi Wilkins
Principal
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”
Psalm 19:1-2
