Celebrating the HSC: A Testament to Staff Dedication and Student Growth
As our Year 12 students sit their HSC Examinations, we take this opportunity to recognise not only their hard work and determination but also the extraordinary dedication of our staff who have guided them to this point.
The HSC represents the culmination of many years of learning, encouragement, and partnership. Behind every student who walks into an exam hall with confidence is a teacher who has invested countless hours in preparation, feedback, and care. From early-morning revision sessions to late-night marking, from one-on-one support to detailed resource development, the commitment of our staff has been both remarkable and deeply appreciated.
Our teachers have modelled excellence and perseverance, walking alongside students through the challenges and triumphs of their final year. They have nurtured not only academic growth but also character, encouraging students to approach their studies with integrity, curiosity, and purpose.
The professionalism and collaboration among staff across departments have been exceptional. Whether through practice exams, targeted interventions, or wellbeing check-ins, the unified effort to see every student flourish has been evident.
As the exams draw to a close, we celebrate the collective achievement of our community. The HSC journey is not one undertaken alone, it is a shared endeavour of teachers, students, and families working together toward a common goal.
Behind every student’s success is the dedication of our staff. Discover Gabriella Russo’s (Class of 2020) journey below.
MISA Theatre Sports at OPAC – A Day of Improv Fun!
On Monday, 20th October, Oran Park Anglican College hosted the second MISA Theatre Sports Competition, welcoming schools from Wollondilly, Broughton, and St Patrick’s College. Our three OPAC theatre sports teams, featuring students from Years 7–11, competed with enthusiasm and creativity against six visiting teams.
Throughout the day, nine teams performed in four rounds of improvised theatre sports games. Each team chose two of their games, while the other two were randomly assigned. Performances were scored out of 30 in categories including technical ability, narrative structure, and entertainment and creativity.
After four intense rounds, the top teams faced off in a final round featuring more challenging games to determine the overall placings. This year, St Patrick’s College claimed first place, Broughton finished as runner-up, and OPAC proudly placed third.
It was a fantastic day filled with laughter, creativity, and high-energy performances. Our students left motivated to continue developing their improvisation and performance skills, already eager for another chance to compete next year.
Congratulations to all OPAC theatre sports students for representing our school with pride, skill, and enthusiasm!
Learner Profile: Living with Curiosity Beyond the Classroom
Gabriella Russo (Class of 2020)
“Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions, it’s about seeking to understand the world more deeply and thoughtfully.”
For Gabriella Russo (Class of 2020), curiosity was never simply an academic habit. It was a mindset, one that valued exploration, reflection, and the desire to connect knowledge with real-world experience.
“At OPAC, I learned to approach learning not just as a requirement, but as a chance to explore, reflect, and grow. That mindset shaped how I tackled my studies then, and it continues to guide my career now.”
This approach to learning extended far beyond the classroom. During her Bachelor of Pharmacy, Gabriella gained experiences that demanded curiosity in practical ways: working across rural and metropolitan community pharmacies, and at Carrington Residential Aged Care. These placements revealed that pharmacy is about more than medicine, it’s about understanding the human stories behind their use, the systems that support care, and the varied roles pharmacists play across different settings.
“Each environment taught me something new. Curiosity helped me ask the right questions, connect with people, and see how theory translates into practice.”
Now, as Gabriella prepares for her registration exams, she’s actively exploring where her professional curiosity might take her next, whether it’s becoming a credentialed Aged Care On-Site Pharmacist, undertaking Home Medicines Reviews, or working in a clinical hospital setting, like she experienced during her undergraduate studies.
“The love of learning planted at OPAC continues to guide me. Pharmacy is a profession that rewards curiosity and lifelong learning, and I’m excited to see where it will take me next.”
At its heart, this is a story about more than career progression. It’s about a mindset nurtured at OPAC. One that values reflection, embraces challenge, and pursues understanding, and how that mindset continues to shape a life of curiosity, growth, and purpose.
God bless,
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning
