Courage in Every Step: Learning, Leading and Finishing Well
Schools aren’t just about subjects and exams — they’re places where young people learn how to grow, stretch and discover what they’re capable of.
Limitless – Courage, Resilience and the Joy of Learning
Real growth happens when we step beyond our comfort zones. Learning is rarely smooth or predictable; it’s a journey of challenge, persistence and the thrill of accomplishment.
Our Year 7 students explored this idea through Limitless: Live Better Now – Episode 1, which follows Chris Hemsworth as he learns to play the drums in just two months to perform live with Ed Sheeran. Despite his fame, Hemsworth is open about his nerves and self-doubt. Working closely with a coach, collaborating with musicians and practising relentlessly, he overcomes mistakes, moments of slackness and fear. Watching his journey is both fascinating and reassuring for students: even the seemingly fearless Chris Hemsworth faces the same hurdles of courage-building, resilience and steady effort that they do.
In the end, Hemsworth joins Ed Sheeran and friends on stage for a live performance of “Thinking Out Loud” — exhilarated and proud of what he’s achieved. The joy of accomplishment is unmistakable.
In our Character program, students reflected on their own “one day I’ll…” goals — things they’d love to try but haven’t yet, often because of anxiety about stepping out. Whether it’s a new sport, learning an instrument, or tackling a challenging subject, the message is the same: courage, resilience and determination transform the intimidating into the achievable.
Hemsworth’s experience reminds us that growth comes from trying, persisting and embracing discomfort. The joy he felt collaborating and performing mirrors the joy we can all experience when we push through fear and discover what we’re capable of. Our hope is that students will be inspired to pick up their own “drum,” practise faithfully and step bravely into opportunities that feel beyond reach — building not just skills, but strong character.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIV)
Year 12’s Final Week @ OPAC
At the other end of the school journey, our Year 12 students gave us their own lesson in character. I still recall my own school experience on Year 12 muck-up days, wondering if I would avoid menacing students primed with eggs, flour bombs and other slightly malevolent pranks. There is a line of fun and good intention that was often crossed without thought for the discomfort and embarrassment caused to younger students (and teachers).
Our Year 12 students have been a credit to themselves. They have honoured the school in the way they have finished, with good-natured mischievousness but always respect.
Monday saw them “bring anything but a bag,” with textbooks, pencil cases and laptops carried in all manner of containers — a set of drawers, a remote-control car, eskies and even a rubber dinghy. They enjoyed Tuesday at Jamberoo — although it was a chilly day for waterslides. On Wednesday they hosted an “Informal Assembly,” entertaining the Senior School with silly games and awards. Graduation then capped off the week, celebrating years of education and experiences — a joy for students, parents, carers and staff alike.
They showed the wonderful character we sometimes take for granted in OPAC students, making their parents and teachers proud of the young men and women they have become. Both our youngest secondary students and our graduating class remind us: courage, resilience and honour are learned day by day, and they’re most visible when we step up, step out and finish well.
God bless,
Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School
Sport
Term 3 Sport Wrap-Up
Despite a rain-affected term, our weekly MISA sports teams showed grit, teamwork, and plenty of character.
- Girls 7–8 Soccer went undefeated in the West Division and earned a spot in the Division 2 Grand Final. They came up against a strong St Francis side and went down 3–0, but were praised by the opposition coach for their skill and sportsmanship — a great reflection of the team and their coach.
- Boys 10–12 AFL also went undefeated and capped off their season with a convincing win in the Grand Final against Macarthur Anglican. The boys dedicated the match to a Year 12 teammate injured the week before, and their teamwork and commitment were outstanding. Well done on bringing home the trophy!
- Other teams — including Boys 7–8 Soccer, Girls 10–12 Softball, and Boys 10–12 Soccer — just missed out on finals, but showed great spirit and growth throughout the season.
Athletics Success
Following the Zone Carnival, 28 students represented OPAC at the CSSA State Athletics Carnival, with 8 qualifying for CIS NSW: Minnie-Mae, Violet, Noah, Reuben, Natalya, Sianna, Nevaeh, and Jayden.
At CIS NSW, our athletes delivered OPAC’s best-ever results:
- Violet – Gold in Discus
- Minnie-Mae – Silver in both the 800m & 1500m (both within half a second of first)
- Noah – Bronze in the 400m
Cross Country Nationals
Earlier this term, Minnie-Mae competed in the National Cross Country Championships in the 14–15s 4km event. She placed 11th overall and 8th in her age group, an outstanding result at this level. Minnie also finished 5th for NSW, which earned her selection into the NSW relay team. The team raced on Wednesday morning and placed 2nd overall. A huge achievement — well done Minnie!
Representative Highlight
Congratulations to Ethan, who has been selected in the U15 Canterbury Bulldogs Summer Development team — a key pathway towards the Harold Matthews Cup, NSW’s elite under-16 rugby league competition. This is a fantastic opportunity for Ethan to develop his game alongside top-level talent and work towards future representative honours. Well done!
Expanding Our Sporting Footprint
This term also saw OPAC teams compete at Zone Basketball, State Oztag and All-Schools Volleyball. These teams have had some success and showed real promise, helping pave the way for OPAC to be recognised as a genuine contender in the school sport space. A great step forward for our growing sporting program.
College Sport House Challenge
This term, students competed in the College Sport House Challenge, with house-based teams going head-to-head across a variety of sports each week. Here are the final placings:
Division | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | 4th Place |
7 Boys | Carmichael | Wilberforce | Lewis | Liddell |
7 Girls | Wilberforce | Lewis | Carmichael | Liddell |
8 Boys | Liddell | Wilberforce | Carmichael | Lewis |
8 Girls | Liddell | Wilberforce | Lewis | Carmichael |
9–11 Boys | Carmichael | Liddell | Lewis | Wilberforce |
9–11 Girls | Wilberforce | Carmichael | Lewis | Liddell |
9–11 Mixed | Liddell | Wilberforce | Lewis | Carmichael |
With these points added, the House Cup standings are as follows:
House | Carmichael | Lewis | Liddell | Wilberforce |
Points | 350 | 350 | 390 | 450 |
Place | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
The House Cup recognises the top-performing house across sport, academics, and community involvement. With one term left, there’s still plenty of opportunity for students to earn points and help their house finish strong. Let’s see who will take out the title in 2025!
Term 3 has shown that OPAC sport is not only growing in strength but also in spirit. We look forward to an exciting finish to the year in Term 4!
God bless,
Mr Christopher Cranston
Head of Sport