Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
It was with pleasure we welcomed the incoming Principal, Mrs Clare Healy to O’Connor on Monday this week. Clare brings a wealth of experience in secondary education. Below is an excerpt from Mr Chris Smyth, Director, Catholic Schools Armidale outlining Clare’s experience -
Clare is currently the Assistant Principal at St Andrew’s College in Marayong. Prior to this, Clare was a member of the leadership team at John XXIII Catholic Learning Community Stanhope Gardens and has held several positions including Assistant Principal: Leader of Pedagogical Processes K-12; Leader of Student Wellbeing; Leader of Learning (Science) whilst teaching mathematics, religious education, science and physics.
Clare has a Bachelor of Education (Australian Catholic University); Certificate IV in Human Resource Management with Distinction (South-Western Sydney Institute of Technical and Further Education); and a Certificate of Religious Education (Catholic Education Office Sydney). She has also commenced studying a Masters of Educational Leadership (Australian Catholic University). Clare is also a member of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.
Clare is a person of strong faith who is looking forward to becoming an active member of the St Mary and Joseph’s Cathedral parish community. Clare brings a depth of experience from her leadership roles in two very large (over 1500 students) comprehensive and innovative Catholic secondary schools. Clare is married with four children and has a strong commitment to the importance of Catholic schools as a mission of the church. Clare is well placed to take O’Connor Catholic College forward into the next important stage in its improvement journey as we investigate more ways to improve performance and provide more flexible student pathways for student learning.
I had the opportunity on Monday and Tuesday to work with Clare to facilitate a smooth transition and handover. I will continue to work with Clare over the coming weeks and look forward to working with her.
Upcoming Events
The final weeks of school are quite busy with a number of events. Unfortunately due to COVID parents and carers cannot attend events held on school grounds. Events will be available either live streamed or videoed and shared.
The following are some of the events;
Week 9
Monday 29.11 - Thursday 2.12 Year 7 and 8 Lifesaving Program
Wednesday 1.12.21 HSC Exams finish at O’Connor
Thursday 2.12.21 Blessing of St Angela Merici Statue by Bishop Kennedy
9.15 am Live Streamed
This statue recognises the Founder of the Ursuline Order, St Angela Merici. It will serve as a reminder of the contribution of the Ursuline Sisters to our Catholic Community in Armidale and their ongoing legacy. It also celebrates 200 years of Catholic Education.
Friday 3.12.21 2022 Presentation Assembly
1 pm videod and shared
Friday 3.12.21 Year 12 Formal
Week 10
Tuesday 7.12.21 Year 11 Retreat at Echidna Gully
Wednesday 8.12.21 Vinnies Christmas Appeal and Liturgy
Friday 10.12.21 School Picnic hosted by SRC - Mufti Day
Week 11
Monday 13.12 - Wednesday 15.12 Term 5 Activity Week
Thursday 16.12.21 Staff Development Day
What new learning will you undertake this week?
Regina Menz
