R.E News - Assistant Principal / Mission

Retreats!

Each year students at O'Connor have the opportunity to participate in a retreat. These retreats take different forms and have different themes but they all provide activities designed for collective and personal spiritual growth. 2020 was of course difficult due to COVID restrictions some of which are still impacting in 2021. Our preferred venue, The Torregiani Room in the Cathedral precinct has a COVID capacity of 65. As a result we have had to move our Year 7 Retreat to August and split the upcoming Year 8 Retreat into two sessions.

Our retreats are facilitated by Lasallian Youth Services and our own Lasallian Youth Ministers. These are fun days full of prayer, games and presentations. Lunch and morning tea are provided and students can wear mufti clothes. The dates of the retreat this year as of the time writing.

Year 11 Lasallian Leadership/ Retreat Day - May 5

Year 8 Retreat (Group A) - May 5

Year 8 Retreat (Group B) - May 6

Year 7 Retreat - August 13

Year 9 Retreat - October 14

Year 10 Lasallian Leadership/ Retreat Day October 15

Year 11 Retreat (Sydney) December 6 - 9

Year 11 Leadership/ Retreat

Year 11 students who self-selected to become Lasallian Youth Leaders (LYLs) at the College Will have a day to further explore the concept of Jesus' model of servant leadership. The day entails training to help facilitate spirituality and well being amongst all students in the College. These students will facilitate the retreats for our junior students. Students are to assemble at the Cathedral at 8.50am.

The Year 8 Retreat

Year 8s are to assemble at the front Cathedral at 8.50am. If any students require transport, the College mini bus will depart from the statue at 8.45am. The retreat finishes at 3.20pm. Students requiring transport for buses back at school will be provided for. The theme of the retreat is "Heroes"

Heroes are role models that offer insight into who we are and who we can be. They aren’t perfect; instead they are complex and multifaceted, and because of this, they provide a sense of aspiration. Through the exploration of different heroes including Jesus, Angela Merici and John Baptiste De La Salle, participants in this program will learn about themselves. The morning session will define what it means to be a hero and explore what it is that makes an individual a hero. The middle session will focus on ‘The Hero’s Journey’, and delve into the idea that we cycle through types of experiences that help us to develop and grow. The afternoon session will unpack the idea that everyone needs heroes, both as aspirational figures and support networks. 

Lasallian Youth Gathering, A Great Trip for Senior Students

The  preparation for Lasallian Youth Gathering (LYG), July 7 to 10 is well underway with a good contingent of students already  putting up their hand to be ambassadors for the College. There are still places available and senior students are most welcome to attend. LYG is the premier event for Young Lasallians in the District of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea, (ANZPPNG), occurring once every 2 to 3 years. As O’Connor Catholic College was the first school built by the Lasallian Brothers in Australia we are always invited to attend such events. 

LYG will be a richly diverse and joyful experience for youth and young adults. It incorporates dynamic faith experiences, community life, a live band, fun activities, engaging workshops and inspiring keynote presentations. LYG invites young people into a deep and authentic understanding of what it means to be a Young Lasallian in 2021. The last LYG was held in Melbourne in 2019 and gathered over 250 Lasallians from around our District of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Around 20 O’Connor students attended this event and had the experience of a lifetime.

The package includes registration for the event, rail transport from Armidale to Sydney and back, all accommodation, all activities and most meals. Minimal spending money will be required. There will be  fundraising at school to reduce costs.

Mrs Roache, Mr Roff and our Youth Ministers Brydie Hawthorne, Caitlin Honeysett and Georgia MacMahon, will be the supervising adults at this stage. 

A further note outlining details including transport, accommodation and the itinerary will be posted as information becomes available.

Please visit the LYG website and check out the video for further information regarding the event details;  https://www.delasalle.org.au/lyg-2021.html

Mr Damian Roff

Our Founders - St Angela Merici and St John Baptiste De La Salle

Year of St Joseph

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish

Keeping in touch with what is happening in the Cathedral Parish is easy through their website and Facebook pages.

With such a difficult year it has been harder for parishioner's to give to the parish through the plates, particularly when the church was closed. The Parish account details are available on the Parish bulletin. 

Information about our founders

La Salle Website

Ursuline Sisters Website