Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers, and Members of the Community,

It’s a pleasure to welcome back our students, teachers, and staff after a well-deserved break. It was truly inspiring to see 110 Year 7 students walking together through the main gates and down the main drive toward the Angela building, the heart of our college.

As we begin this new year, it is a particularly significant one for O’Connor Catholic College as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. In 1975, De La Salle Boys College and St Ursula’s Girls College merged to form O’Connor Catholic College at the De La Salle College site, bringing together two proud traditions and charisms. Armidale has a long and rich history in education, especially within the realm of Catholic education. The site of O’Connor Catholic College was first home to the Patrician Brothers’ school before becoming the first De La Salle College in the Asia Pacific region. St Ursula’s College, now the Armidale Catholic Schools Office site, was also the first Ursuline girls’ college in the Asia Pacific. We are incredibly fortunate to be part of such a unique and special history, born from the charisms and traditions of two highly regarded Catholic institutions.

At our first school assembly, I challenged our students to focus on the little things that contribute to their success this year. I encouraged them to be the best O’Connor students they can be by staying prepared for class, wearing the correct uniform, and making an active effort to engage in their learning to name a few. These small actions can have a significant positive impact on their academic and personal growth. I also ask for the support of our parents and carers to help challenge your children to be the best they can be in all areas of their lives.

A special welcome goes to our new Year 7 students, who have made an excellent start to the year, adjusting to high school life and finding their way in this new environment. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of them, both as a group and individually. I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to all students joining us in Years 8-11 this year.

We are also excited to welcome several new staff members to our community: James Russell, Jackie Chen, Steffan Fastier, Kaetlyn Foley, William Zigmond, Claudia Percy, and Lauren English to our teaching staff, as well as former student Joe Schmude, who joins us as Youth Minister. We’re excited to have you all as part of the O’Connor family, and I look forward to getting to know you better as the year progresses.

Although we are only three weeks into the school year, we’ve already had several exciting events, including the Cross and Dux Liturgy, the swimming carnival, and our Engagement evening. The Engagement evening allowed current and prospective parents and carers to meet the staff, while students enjoyed a range of fun activities led by our Senior Student Leadership team. It was a wonderful evening for all involved. We’ll wrap up this week with the LYL, Year 7, and Year 12 retreat days.

Here’s to a successful and fulfilling year ahead!

Finally, I would like to finish with quote from St John Baptist De La Salle

“Leave aside all your worry about the present and all your anxiety about the future; occupy yourselves with what you have to do at each moment as it is given to you, and do not burden the day which is passing with doubts about the day to follow.”

The Fruit of The Spirit is Love

Mr. Phillip Gibney

Principal