College News

Handing over the Cross - Announcement of School Theme

 

On Friday the 31 January, O’Connor Catholic College students and staff participated in a Liturgy to commemorate the handing over of the College Cross to the new College leaders. Due to the size of the 2020 student body this year, the event was held in the School Gymnasium.  The ceremony gives the new School Captains the opportunity to introduce themselves, speak to the students and staff and announce the 2020 school theme. This year the school theme is “2020 Win:Win”.  The theme centres around the concept of choosing options that will not only benefit ourselves but also be of benefit around us.  A win for ourselves and a win for others.

The College was fortunate to have Brendan Murtagh in attendance as our guest speaker for the Ceremony who took time out from his valuable work in the Army Reserves helping in the bushfire recovery process.

2019 Dux announced

On Friday morning of Week 1, along with the handing over of the cross, the College celebrated another special occasion, being the announcement of the Dux of School.  Aiden Wicks gained an ATAR of 96.15, achieving a Band 6 result in English Standard, Mathematics Extension 1 and Extension 2, along with Band 5 results in Chemistry and Modern History.  

Throughout the HSC, Aiden showed a determination to learn and made the most of the learning opportunities presented. He was proactive in his learning, always asking questions and seeking to more fully understand difficult concepts.  Aiden was collaborative  in his approach to learning, he always helped other with their learning, explaining concepts to others in his classes, helping everyone to achieve their personal best. 

Congratulations Aiden! 

Lasallian Student Leadership Seminar

PHOTO: L to R, Liam Smith, Ellen Hawthorne, Sam Bible and Emily Meehan.

The Lasallian Student Leadership Seminar was held from the 20-24 January this year and was a valuable experience for our new school leaders at the start of their final school year. 

 

College Captains Ellen Hawthorne, Liam Smith along with Vice-Captains Sam Bible and Emily Meehan attended the 4 day seminar and were able to explore a variety of leadership skills and from those with a wealth of experience such as Brother Normandy Dujunco (pictured). 

Agriculture - Ram Judging

2020 Northern NSW Ram Breeders Association Junior Judging Event

Junior Winner and Reserve Champion Abigail van Eyk (Year 7) and Senior Winner Wool/Sheep and overall Champion Isabelle Hine (Year 11) at the judging event.

50 students from Yrs 7-11 competed in sheep and merino fleece evaluation at the 2020 Northern NSW Ram Breeders Association junior judging event.

Congratulations to Isabel Hine who won both  the wool and sheep judging events.

Isabel was invited to be Associate Judge at the ram show and now goes on to represent her region at the RAS State Finals in Sydney at the Royal Easter Show.

Many other students also achieved at a very high level:

Junior Winners Sheep

1st Abigail van Eyk Yr 7

2nd Phoebe Colvin Yr 8

4th Abby Jackson Yr 10

5th Airlie Tanner Yr 9

Junior Winners Wool

1st Angela Ryan Yr 9

3rd Aaron Coop Yr10

5th Eve Porter Yr 9

Senior Winners Wool

1st Isabel Hine Yr11

4th Emily Lockyer Yr 10

Senior Winners Sheep

1st Isabel Hine Yr 11

3rd Emily Lockyer Yr 10

4th Hain van Eyk Yr 11

5th Analiese Wark Yr11

 

PHOTO: Angela Ryan (Year 9), Abby Jackson (Year 10), Emily Lockyer (Year 10), Abigail van Eyk (Year 7). 

Overall Champion Sheep Judges were Isabel Hine (Champion) and Abigail van Eyk (Reserve Champion).

The Champion Wool Judge was Isabel Hine.

It was wonderful to see ex-students Angus Dawson with 2 rams from his Arakoon stud, David Barnden, Uralla business owner and Kareena Dawson who is entering her second year of tertiary study at Tocal Ag College qualifying with a Diploma in Agriculture.

Well done to all of the students who attended and a huge thank you to Mrs Price and Mr Kelly who supported our students at such a successful event.

College Musical - Mary Poppins

 

Rehearsals are in full swing for the College musical Mary Poppins. Students and staff have been working very hard under the directorship of our College dance teacher Melissa Killen. Melissa has also been busy working with the students on the dance choreography. Sarah Watson has this year been helping out as production manager.  Music rehearsals will become the next focus in the lead up to opening night at Lazenby Hall UNE. 

Tickets will be available soon.

Save the Date - 26-28th March 2020 Lazenby Hall

Tamworth Country Vibes

This January, Charlie Fittler used his performances at the Country Music Festival to hit the ground running for 2020. Performing a variety of songs including his song he co-wrote with Travis Collins, 'This Guitar Can't Drink a Beer', Charlie performed at the Fan Zone and a number of night spots during the Festival. 

PHOTO: Charlie Fittler performing in the Fan Zone at Tamworth (Photo: Armidale Express)

Burrumbuttock Hay Runners

Not a Lot Devon Stud at O'Connor Catholic College would like to say a huge thank you to the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners for our much appreciated hay bale donation. It has been a very difficult year to keep our stud cattle fed. We have had to sell some of our breeding stock to ensure the wellbeing of our stock, but the hay we were given will be of great value come winter.

Valentine's Day Fundraiser

The Yr 12 'cupids' organised a Valentine’s day fundraiser for Caritas this Friday. For the price of $2 a song or letter delivered, or $3 a rose, the students delivered love letters, serenading songs, and chocolate roses throughout the day.  Well done Year 12 who raised $173.40 on the day.

 

PHOTO: One of  our Year 12 'cupids', Zoe Minehan presenting one of roses today in assembly. 

Student Work Showcase

A poem by Sam Russell

 

I am me,

the sounds and silences of my life,

the expectations set for me, 

the boundaries I dare not cross,

what my experiences have made me,

because "you can only play with the cards you get dealt".

 

I am my home,

the songs of birds, 

the rustling trees, 

the scream of the alarm. 

 

I am what I see and hear, 

the news at night,

my brother typing code,

my father playing guitar, 

what they have both taught me,

that decides my actions now.

 

I am what my parents told me,

about love, and live, and law,

my father's ideals, my mother's wisdom, 

I could never know how much I would need them.

 

I am the arguments with my sister,

not realising until she left,

how important the other was.

 

I look up to my brother, 

sensible, immovable,

always the eye of the storm,

Metallica guitar parts,

computer programming, 

I am what he taught me.

 

I am me,

what I decide to be,

"Sam, not Samuel",

the beliefs I follow,

treat others with respect,

don't harm anyone,

I am what I am,

shaped by my life,

no one can decide me,

I can't change,

though I may try.