Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

I can hardly believe that I have been at O’Connor for three weeks now. Armidale has turned out some beautiful weather to welcome my wife and I to the region. I am delighted to be the interim College Principal and to be working with staff and students. I have been made to feel very welcome by all and am enjoying being part of the College.

My sincere thanks go to the Executive team and Leaders of Wellbeing and Curriculum for the work they complete in their roles. My walks around the school have impressed me with the level of facilities that are available to assist learning and the level of commitment and consistent effort on the part of teachers to provide the best possible education for every student.

Year 12 have just completed their HSC Trials and have experienced the highs and lows of this very demanding time. They are reminded that this is an opportunity to gauge expectations and use their knowledge to make any necessary changes in their study regime. It is also important to keep in mind that in completing the Trials, the format that the HSC exams will take is more familiar. I have every confidence that with feedback from their teachers and an extra two months to perfect study regimes, Year 12, 2023 will excel.

As a college, our uniform is the first impression that the public makes about us. On balance, I believe that school uniforms are good for kids. There is even a suggestion that they can help promote better discipline which, in turn, can enhance academic performance. Each Sunday via Compass, parents will be able to determine the days which give the opportunity to wear full formal school uniform. I ask that you assist us in encouraging students to be proud to represent O’Connor in wearing their uniform.

Thank you again for your warm welcome, I look forward to getting to know you and your children better.

Mr Robert Holstein

Principal - Interim