Learning that Lasts in Classrooms, Labs and Beyond
Music Week: Showcasing Craftsmanship and Talent at OPAC
This week, our College came alive with the sound of music as we celebrated Music Week. It was a time to honour the dedication and creativity of our students and staff involved in the music program. Music is an integral part of life at OPAC, and this week offered a glimpse into the opportunities available for students to grow in confidence, skill, and community through performance and collaboration.
In line with our Term 3 focus on craftsmanship, Music Week shone a light on the process behind the performances. Whether it was the senior stage band preparing complex arrangements, our Year 12 students refining pieces for their HSC practical examinations, or the choir perfecting harmonies together, these events highlighted the countless hours of practice, feedback, and persistence required to reach a high standard.
Beyond the performances themselves, Music Week reflected the heart of our learning culture: students engaging deeply in their craft, encouraging one another, and finding joy in shared creativity. It was a wonderful reminder of how music, and the arts more broadly, enriches the life of our College and provides formative experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.
Biological Diversity study day
Our Year 11 Biology students recently participated in a Science Study Day at Mount Annan Botanic Gardens designed to bring their classroom learning to life through hands-on fieldwork. Over the course of three sessions, they were able to explore key concepts in evolution by examining the natural world up close.
Students engaged in authentic fieldwork using the site’s remarkable collection of Eucalypt specimens. Guided by expert educators, they explored how divergent evolution has shaped the incredible diversity of Australia’s flora. Students observed variations in leaf structure, bark, and habitat, linking these adaptations to the broader story of survival and biodiversity in Australia’s unique ecosystems.
This immersive experience not only deepened students’ understanding of biological science but also nurtured valuable skills in observation, analysis, and critical thinking. It was a powerful reminder of how connecting with the natural environment enhances learning and fosters curiosity, key elements of the craftsmanship we are focusing on this term.
Students Explore the Future of Medical Research at the Ingham Institute
Recently, a group of our senior students embarked on an inspiring excursion to the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, where they were given an unprecedented look into the rapidly evolving world of medical science and innovation. This experience offered students not only a window into potential career pathways but also a deeper understanding of how scientific discovery directly improves patient care and transforms lives.
The day began with a tour of the Institute’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, where students observed the meticulous processes behind groundbreaking research projects. They were introduced to emerging fields such as cancer genomics, robotic-assisted surgery, and advanced medical imaging, each representing the pinnacle of modern medical inquiry. By engaging with scientists and research professionals, students were able to see how the skills and concepts they are developing in the classroom — from biology and chemistry to critical thinking and collaboration — underpin the sophisticated work occurring at the forefront of medical innovation.
A highlight of the program was the opportunity for students to participate in interactive workshops, exploring the tools and techniques researchers use daily. These sessions challenged students to think critically, ask insightful questions, and appreciate the patience and precision that underpin every scientific breakthrough.
This excursion reminded students that excellence in any field whether in the arts, sciences, or humanities is achieved through dedication, persistence, and an commitment to improvement. By witnessing professionals model these qualities in real-world contexts, students were encouraged to bring the same level of care and precision to their own studies.
Real-World Insight Through Cybersecurity Work Experience
Over the recent holidays, Noah J (Year 10) undertook work experience at Oreta, a leading provider of IT security solutions. During placement, Noah participated in a range of cybersecurity tasks including threat hunting, security information and event management and understanding AI in daily work tasks. Noah was able to shadow IT engineers and developed a better understanding of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity. His supervisor commended Noah on his keenness to learn new skills, ask questions and professionalism in the workplace.
Learner Profile: Leadership, Faith and Big Dreams
Logan Harris (Class of 2021)
When Logan Harris walked across the stage at his graduation, he was already dreaming big, but he knew that realising those dreams would demand far more than talent alone. Today, having just completed his junior year at Dordt University, Iowa, where he majors in Exercise Science with minors in Psychology and Biomedical Sciences, Logan is proof that courage, discipline, and faith can transform aspiration into achievement.
At Dordt, Logan plays as an outfielder on the university’s baseball team, a role that requires him to train and compete at an elite collegiate level while managing the rigorous demands of his studies. Recently named team captain, he now leads others not just through skill, but through the example he sets in character and work ethic.
See some of Logan’s Baseball action shots on the official Dordt University website.
This balance between sport and scholarship is not new to him. It was forged during his senior years at OPAC, where he juggled the pressures of the HSC with the commitment required for high-level baseball training and competition. Early mornings at training, late nights studying, and countless sacrifices taught him the importance of structure, focus, and persistence, habits that now underpin his success at university and beyond.
Reflecting on his journey, Logan identifies the core value of courage as particularly formative:
“It took courage, grounded in the Lord’s strength, to leave my home, family, and everything familiar to study and compete on the other side of the world. That decision stretched me in ways I never expected and has grown me into someone who is more independent, resilient, and confident in God’s plan, all while growing closer to Jesus my Lord and Saviour.”
Whether he is leading his team on the field in pursuit of a professional baseball career or applying himself in the classroom toward a future in health and wellness, Logan embodies the courage that OPAC celebrates, carefully honing his gifts, persevering through challenges, and striving for excellence with humility and faith.
His journey is a powerful reminder to current students and families that the habits and values developed at OPAC are not only relevant for school but can become the compass guiding extraordinary opportunities in life beyond graduation.
God bless,
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning
