Other College News
2026 College Theme
This year, we are proud to introduce our 2026 College theme: Legacy.
The theme of Legacy invites our entire community to reflect on the impact we have on one another and the mark we leave behind. Each student, staff member and family contributes to the story of our College through actions, attitudes, achievements and service. Legacy is about more than history; it is about the values we live each day and the example we set for those who follow.
For our students, the 2026 theme encourages them to consider how they will be remembered through kindness, leadership, perseverance and faith. It challenges each of us to build a legacy we can be proud of, both within our College and beyond our gates.
As we journey through the year together, may the theme of Legacy inspire us to honour the traditions that have shaped our community, while also striving to make a positive and lasting difference for future generations.
Words from College Captain Madeleine Cowley below:
Life is memories.
When I first heard the idea that the school theme for 2026 should be ‘legacy’, I was skeptical, to say the least. To me, focussing on ‘leaving a legacy’ felt so… selfish. The reality is, there are tens of thousands of students who have been through O’Connor, and many more still to come. We are merely krill in a vast ocean—no matter how many things we do or how much we achieve. Thus, the pursuit to be ‘remembered’ is hopeless.
Our current selves are a tapestry of memories. The good, the bad, the boring—all are woven together to form a pattern that’s one of a kind. Every conversation, every challenge, every small act of kindness becomes a thread. Over time, those threads intertwine with the lives of others, shaping friendships, influencing choices, and quietly changing perspectives.
Perhaps legacy is not about being widely remembered, but about being deeply felt. It is not about having our name etched into history, but about the moments we create that linger in someone else’s story. A word of encouragement, a shared laugh, standing up for someone when it matters—these are the things that endure.
If life is memories, then our legacy is simply the memories we help create for others. And maybe that is not selfish at all, but something profoundly human.
Year 7 2026
We were delighted to warmly welcome our Year 7 students as they began their journey at the College.
Their first day was filled with excitement and new beginnings, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces as they arrived, ready to embrace this important milestone. Starting secondary school is a significant step, and we are so proud of the confidence, enthusiasm and positivity our newest students showed throughout the day.
Our staff and senior students were on hand to ensure Year 7 felt supported and included, helping them settle into their new environment and guiding them through the day’s activities. From meeting their teachers to forming new friendships, it was clear that our Year 7 cohort has already begun to feel part of our vibrant College community.
We extend a very warm welcome to all our Year 7 students and their families. We look forward to walking alongside them as they grow, learn and flourish in the years ahead.
Community Evening
Our Community Engagement Evening was held last Monday and, despite the weather, it was a fantastic turnout. It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces from the broader Armidale community come together in support of our College.
The evening provided a valuable opportunity for families to meet staff, explore our newly renovated buildings, and learn more about the programs and initiatives that support student learning and wellbeing. There was a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the night, reflecting the strong connections within our community.
It was a very positive evening, and we sincerely thank everyone who attended and contributed to its success.
