Celebrating Honourable Choices: The Heart of OPAC's Senior School
At Oran Park Anglican College, we believe that education is more than just academic achievement—it’s about shaping character, nurturing compassion, and fostering a community where kindness is not just encouraged, but celebrated. Each week, through our OPAC’er Awards, we shine a light on the honourable choices made by our students—choices that reflect the values we hold dear.
These awards are unique because they are nominated by students themselves, recognising their peers for moments of selflessness, empathy, and leadership. From small gestures to significant acts of kindness, these nominations reveal the depth of character within our Senior School.
One student was recognised for helping a peer to the sick bay after a serious injury, stepping in when others didn’t. Another brought lunch for a friend who had none, showing quiet generosity without expecting anything in return.
These are the kinds of choices that build a strong, caring community.
We’ve seen students comforting others during emotional moments, offering a listening ear and words of encouragement during stressful exam periods. One student was nominated for consistently checking in on others, making sure they felt seen and supported. Another helped a friend overcome their fear of public speaking, cheering them on and building their confidence.
There are countless examples of students assisting younger peers, whether it’s helping a lost Year 5 student find their classroom, teaching them how to skip during sport, or retrieving soccer balls from trees. These moments demonstrate leadership and compassion, and they show how our older students are stepping up as role models.
One particularly touching nomination came from a parent who called the College to thank a student who stayed with their injured child after a scooter accident. The student waited until help arrived, offering comfort and care. It’s these kinds of actions—unprompted, genuine, and deeply compassionate—that truly embody what it means to be an OPAC student.
It’s these kinds of actions—unprompted, genuine, and deeply compassionate—that truly embody what it means to be an OPAC student.
In the classroom, students are helping each other with assessments, sharing notes, and offering support during group work. Outside of class, they’re volunteering for College events, assisting with musical productions, and even helping teachers set up after hours. One student spent hours editing a video for multicultural day without seeking recognition—just wanting to contribute meaningfully.
These stories, while varied, share a common thread: students choosing to act with kindness, courage, and compassion. They are not just “nice kids”—they are young people who are motivated and equipped to help others, who understand the value of service, and who are building the kind of character that will serve them well beyond the gates of OPAC.
As we continue to celebrate these honourable choices, we encourage all students to look for opportunities to make a difference. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a bold stand for what’s right, every choice matters. And when those choices are made with heart, they ripple through our community, strengthening the bonds that make OPAC a truly special place.
Confronting the Impact of Graphic Online Content
This week’s tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk has shocked many, and unfortunately, the graphic footage of the incident has spread rapidly across social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. It’s highly likely that your child has either seen the video or heard about it from peers. While curiosity is natural, the violent nature of the footage can be deeply upsetting—and once seen, it cannot be unseen. These kinds of images can leave a lasting emotional impact, especially on young people, and may even lead to a sense of numbness or desensitisation to real-world violence.
We encourage all parents and carers to check in with their children and open up a conversation about what they may have encountered online. Ask them how they’re feeling, and reassure them that it’s okay to be disturbed or confused by what they’ve seen. These moments are important opportunities to help young people process difficult emotions and to reinforce the value of empathy and human life. If your child seems particularly affected, don’t hesitate to reach out to school staff or mental health professionals for support.
God bless,
Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School