From Big Questions to Small Beginnings
This past week has been full of significant themes and shared commitments that speak to the heart of who we are at Oran Park Anglican College — a community grounded in values, seeking truth, and growing together.
Why Families Choose Independent Schooling
It is interesting to explore what NSW Independent school families reveal as the top reasons parents choose this educational pathway. Interestingly, Academic Performance (30%) and a Safe and Supportive Environment (30%) were equally the most cited reasons, highlighting that parents are seeking both strong results and nurturing care. Also important were a school’s Values and Philosophy (15%), Co-Curricular Opportunities (11%), Peer and Social Networks (11%), and even Affordability (3%) — showing that while academics matter, a well-rounded and values-aligned experience is what families truly value. Hopefully you agree that these are all good reasons to choose OPAC – we think it is!
The Big Question: Does God Exist?
One of the top questions asked by students in our recent chapel survey was this: “Does God exist?” It’s a question that deserves serious thought, and Mr Chavura and Mr Stevenson recently explored it from a purely intellectual and philosophical angle in Chapel. We hope our students continue to wrestle with big questions like this — because the answers shape how we see ourselves, others, and the purpose of life.
The OPACT – Building Digital Health Together
It’s been encouraging to see over 70 families sign on to the OPACT (Oran Park Anglican College Technology Pact). It’s a simple way to say to your children, “We’re not the only family with screen-time boundaries — this is something many OPAC families are doing to care for everyone’s wellbeing.” Essentially the pact includes two instructions:
Time Boundaries: Maintaining screen-free periods during conversations, meals, family time, church, and other important events. On school nights, personal screens (smartphones, computers) will be switched off by:
- 7:30 PM for Years 5-8
- 8:30 PM for Years 9-10
- 9:30 PM for Years 11-12
Safe Storage: Devices will be stored overnight in a designated common area, such as a central charging station or a parent’s room.
Thank you to those already on board. If you’re keen to join us in this mission of digital wisdom and solidarity, you can click here to register your support.
The OPACT invites families to commit to healthy screen habits at home — including time boundaries on school nights and storing devices overnight in a common area. It’s about protecting mental health and making space for deeper connection.
Reconciliation Week and the Power of Small Beginnings
Next week, we’ll turn our attention to National Reconciliation Week, with a College assembly focus on truth-telling, respect, and walking together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. College Captain Tali Cooper will encourage students to consider how reconciliation is lived out in daily choices — by listening, learning, and acting with humility and hope.
In a symbolic touch, the College bell will ring with the sounds of “From Little Things Big Things Grow” by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody. The song tells the powerful story of Vincent Lingiari and the Gurindji people’s peaceful fight for land rights — a reminder that lasting change often starts with small, faithful steps. It’s also a fitting reflection of our College journey, as we give thanks next week for how much we have grown as a learning community.
Commerce Market Stalls
Our Commerce students also took their learning beyond the classroom this week, running lunchtime food stalls as part of their entrepreneurship unit. There was a real buzz in the amphitheatre as students applied their knowledge in planning, marketing and sales through this hands-on business experience. Thank you to all the students for their creativity and effort, and to the parents who supported their participation.
God bless,
Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School
Sport
Exciting Return to Sports as Term 2 MISA Season Finally Kicks Off
After a refreshing break, we had the unfortunate wet conditions that delayed the beginning of the MISA season. Fortunately for some teams, they have been able to get all rounds in, but it wasn’t until Week 4 where all our teams were able to compete.
All students in teams are expected to attend training on a weekly basis and should communicate to their coaches if they can not make the training session.
Celebrating our Cross Country
Back in Week 1 of this term we held the SS OPAC Cross Country event. The competitors only event was held here at OPAC and was a fantastic day of witnessing our students achieve their best efforts across various distances around our College premises. Students who achieved a place in the top 4 for their age group have qualified for the CSSA State Cross Country championships which will happen on Friday 30 May at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Notifications to parents should be coming out shortly.
Congratulations to the following students who finished first in their age group and have won the Age Champion title for 2024:
Girls | Age | Boys |
Aradhika S | 12 Years | Max B |
Evie D | 13 Years | Joel R |
Minnie-Mae G | 14 Years | Owen A |
Lila D | 15 Years | Cooper G |
Claire G | 16 Years | Nathan B |
Indie W | 17 Years | Riley F |
Emily B | 18 Years | Shayden D |
Celebrating our Volleyball teams:
In Week 3, our Open and 15&U mixed volleyball teams proudly represented the College at the CSSA State Volleyball Championships. Both teams displayed outstanding skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day.
The 15&U team narrowly missed a place in the semi-finals but finished strong by winning their 5th place play-off—an impressive achievement that highlights their potential and cohesion as a team. Our Open team had a phenomenal run, advancing to the Grand Final after a dominant performance in their pool games. In a thrilling and hard-fought final, they went down 2 sets to 1 against a strong St George Christian School side.
Congratulations to all players for their effort, determination, and conduct on and off the court. A heartfelt thank you to Mr Irwin for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering support of both teams.
Shining Their Light
This segment celebrates students who are using their talents and passions to shine brightly—whether in competition, leadership, or service to others.
Owen's Hockey Brilliance
Owen's (Year 8) passion for hockey is matched only by his dedication and humility. He recently represented the U14 Met South West 1 team at the State Hockey Championships in Parkes, where his team placed 3rd in Division 1 out of 32 teams—a remarkable achievement! Owen plays across three teams each weekend (U16s, U14s, and Men’s Div 3) and has also taken on the role of umpiring U10s on Saturday mornings, demonstrating his growing leadership in the sport. In a recent Men’s match, he impressed as a striker—setting up two goals and scoring one himself. At just 13, Owen continues to grow not only as an athlete but as a servant leader at OPAC, regularly supporting his peers and assisting with school hockey programs. He is a fantastic example of a young person shining his light both on and off the field.
Tahlia’s Taekwondo Triumph
After winning gold at the Australian National Team Championships in March, Tahlia recently achieved a lifelong dream—representing Australia at the World Taekwondo Championships in Dubai, UAE. Competing against athletes from 44 nations, Tahlia faced a challenging fight schedule on the final day of the tournament while also contending with extreme heat and humidity. She fought bravely and narrowly lost to a skilled opponent from Brazil. Despite the result, Tahlia embraced the experience and is already focused on training hard for her next goals: the Australian Open and the President’s Cup. Her journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
Watch a recap of her performance here.
Stay Updated with Sporting Opportunities
To ensure students don’t miss any future sporting opportunities, it is vital for them to regularly check their emails and utilise “Clipboard”. All upcoming events and trials will be communicated through email. Keep an eye out for the trials for the CSSA Zone Basketball Gala day & CSSA Netball Gala day (where we might have our first boys division). Students will also have the opportunity to express their interest in being selected for the upcoming MISA golf championships.
God bless,
Mr Christopher Cranston
Head of PDHPE and Sport
