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Welcoming Our Friends from Japan
Last week, Oran Park Anglican College was delighted to welcome 40 students and staff from Tachibana High School in Tokyo, Japan, as part of our long-standing Japan Studies Exchange Program.
During their visit, our guests experienced life at OPAC by attending classes, participating in College activities and connecting with students across the school. The exchange provided valuable opportunities for students to build friendships, learn from one another and develop a deeper appreciation of different cultures.
For our Japanese language students, the experience brought classroom learning to life. Conversations practised in lessons became authentic interactions with native speakers, helping students build confidence and apply their language skills in meaningful ways. Whether discussing school life, sharing interests or learning about Japanese customs firsthand, students gained insights that cannot be replicated in a textbook.
Beyond language learning, students from both schools shared meals, participated in activities and discovered common interests, demonstrating how genuine connections can be formed across cultures.
We are incredibly grateful to our Japanese Department, staff and host families whose generosity and hospitality made the visit such a success.
As we prepare for our own students to travel to Japan later this term, we look forward to strengthening these relationships even further. The Japan Studies Exchange Program continues to foster intercultural understanding, global awareness and meaningful learning experiences for our students.
Want to host a student in November?
Host a Japanese student from 10-21 November 2026 and share Australian culture while building meaningful connections.
- No Japanese language skills required
- Students attend school on weekdays and join in with your family’s normal routine
- Students need their own bed
- Host families receive $60 per student, per night
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning
HSC Major Works: Creativity, Commitment and Excellence
As our Year 12 students enter the final stages of their HSC journey, many have reached an exciting milestone with the completion of their HSC Major Works. These significant projects represent months of planning, creativity, problem-solving and perseverance.
Across subjects including Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, English Extension 2 and Society and Culture, students have transformed ideas into impressive works that reflect both technical skill and personal passion. From meticulously crafted timber projects and innovative design solutions to original creative writing and thought-provoking research, each major work tells a unique story of dedication and growth.
Unlike traditional examinations, HSC Major Works ask students to manage long-term projects independently. They must research, experiment, refine their ideas, respond to feedback and overcome challenges along the way. The result is not only an outstanding final product but also the development of valuable skills in time management, resilience, critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
One of the greatest joys of these projects is seeing students pursue topics that genuinely matter to them. Their interests, talents and individual voices shine through, producing work that is both meaningful and authentic. The pride students experience as they present their completed works is a testament to the commitment they have shown throughout the process.
These achievements would not be possible without the encouragement of our dedicated teachers, who have guided students through every stage of their projects, offering expertise, feedback and support while empowering them to take ownership of their learning. We also thank the families who have encouraged our students throughout this demanding period.
As our Year 12 students prepare for their final examinations, their Major Works stand as a lasting reminder of what can be achieved through persistence, creativity and hard work. We congratulate each student on this significant accomplishment and look forward to celebrating their continued success as they complete their HSC.
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning
Science and Humanities Come to Life in Melbourne
Our Science and Humanities students recently enjoyed an enriching three-day learning tour to Melbourne, where classroom concepts came to life through a range of engaging experiences.
The trip began with visits to the Old Melbourne Gaol and the Shrine of Remembrance, giving students valuable insights into Australia’s history and the opportunity to connect their learning with significant historical sites.
At Scienceworks, students explored hands-on exhibits covering physics, engineering and innovation, engaging their curiosity and deepening their understanding of scientific concepts through interactive learning experiences.
The final day saw students visit Melbourne Zoo, where they examined ecosystems, biodiversity and animal adaptations firsthand while learning about conservation efforts and environmental sustainability.
Alongside these educational experiences, students explored Melbourne’s vibrant city precincts, enjoyed shared meals and strengthened friendships through a range of activities.
These experiences helped develop independence, resilience and confidence while creating lasting memories.
Throughout the tour, our students represented Oran Park Anglican College with maturity, enthusiasm and respect. We thank the staff who generously gave their time to make this opportunity possible and provide students with a valuable learning experience beyond the classroom.
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning
Nocturne Choirs Showcase Concert
Our College community gathered for a wonderful evening of music at the Nocturne Choirs Showcase Concert, celebrating the remarkable talent and dedication of our students.
Held in the Multi-Purpose Hall, the concert featured performances from our choral ensembles spanning Year 2 through to our Senior Choir, showcasing the depth and strength of our music program across every stage of the College. It was a joy to see our youngest singers share the stage with our most experienced performers, highlighting the growth and confidence that develops through years of musical learning.
The evening also included a number of outstanding solo performances, giving students the opportunity to share their individual talents and connect with the audience through music. A particularly special highlight was welcoming back OPAC alumni, who returned to perform alongside our current students. Their involvement served as a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact of our music program and the strong sense of community that continues long after graduation.
The Nocturne Choirs Showcase was more than a concert it was a celebration of creativity, commitment and the joy of making music together. We congratulate all of our performers for the passion and professionalism they brought to the stage and thank our dedicated music staff for their hard work in preparing students for such a memorable evening.
Thank you to the many families and friends who attended and supported our students. Your encouragement helped make the evening a truly special celebration of music at OPAC.
The next concerts are:
Nocturne Bands Showcase Concert | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday, 9th of September in the MPH
Nocturne Strings Showcase Concert | 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday, 17th of September in the MPH
We would love to see you there.
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning
Choosing Our Words: Building a Culture of Respect
Words are powerful. They can build others up or tear them down. At our school, we want to help every student grow into a person of strong, positive character, and someone whose words reflect kindness, truth, and respect.
We are fortunate to have a community where many of our students show great character in how they speak to each other and to staff. Unfortunately for some students we have seen an increase in disrespectful language, including swearing, racism, and sexism.
This behaviour does not reflect who we are or who we want our students to become. Because young people are easily influenced by offensive language in modern media, schools and parents must work together to teach students the impact of their words, ensuring they develop the respectful communication skills necessary for their personal and professional future. In the article below Dr Michael Carr-Greg provides valuable insight into the impact of disrespectful language and provides some guidelines for parents in discussions with their children.
True character means choosing respectful words, even when no one is watching, and treating every person with equal dignity. As a community grounded in faith, we look to the Bible for guidance on how to use our speech. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
God calls us to use our voices to heal and encourage, not to hurt or divide. When we eliminate harmful language like slurs, derogatory jokes, and profanity, we create a safe, welcoming environment where every student can thrive.
We invite you to partner with us at home. Talk with your children about the weight of their words, both online and in person, and help us guide them toward a standard of speech that honours God and respects others.
Ms Alison Menzies
Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing
