Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Community members,

At the start of the Lenten period, I wrote this in the school newsletter.

‘Lent is not just about giving up something like chocolate, social media for a short period of time. It is an opportunity to make positive change in our own lives, making a positive difference in someone else’s life, either it be someone we know, someone we don’t know, someone we don’t like, or someone that lives kilometers away that is simply in need.

We now come to the end of the period of Lent, Easter, a time where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a time to remember the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for our humanity and reflect on the positive difference Jesus made in other people’s lives before and after his resurrection. It is a time to reflect on the values Jesus’ taught, one of love, forgiveness, and compassion that are central to our catholic faith.

Easter it is a time of hope and renewal for many people around the world but as individuals I believe it is also a time where we can take a step back and reflect on the sacrifices, we have made leading up to Jesus’ resurrection and the positive impact our sacrifices may have had in our lives and the lives of others during Lent. The hope is the students of O’Connor have learnt something about themselves and a respect for others during this time of giving and sacrifice that will impact them positively as they move through the rest of 2024.

Relationships make the world go around and nearly everything we do and achieve in life will come from working with others. At our school, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. One of the most important ways we do this is by fostering quality relationships between students and staff.

Research has shown that positive relationships between teachers and students can have a significant impact on academic achievement, student engagement, and classroom behaviour. Students who feel connected to their teachers are more likely to be motivated to learn, more likely to participate in class, and less likely to exhibit disruptive behaviour. Moreover, strong relationships between parents/carers and teachers can also benefit students.

We encourage our teachers to get to know their students on a personal level and to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment. Our PAC sessions each morning provide  an opportunity for teachers to get to know the students through conversation and build quality and respectful relationships with the students under their care, while also ensuring our students are prepared for a good day. 

Our recent Harmony day celebrations was another opportunity for staff and students to come together, build their relationship while celebrating and recognising our school diversity and bring together staff and students from all different backgrounds. It was about inclusiveness, respect, a sense of belonging and hope for everyone.​ Students had the opportunity to listen to staff share their stories and language from their ancestral and cultural backgrounds, and participate in numerous cultural activities, all focused on developing an understanding and respect for diversity and building quality relationships in a non classroom setting.

Creating quality relationships is not always easy, but it is worth the effort. There are many different dimensions to consider when trying to build the relationship or establish a rapport with another person. Our students’ brains, especially during adolescence are not necessarily completely wired and therefore, need to be shown, taught how to build a quality relationship.

Some of the personal attribute’s students need to learn and develop are:

• Living and learning collaboratively and in cooperation with others. – Learn from others.
• Living Well and Learning well – Feeling cared for, respected and valued.
• Focusing on mutual Respect – everyone is special and celebrate diversity.
• Appreciating others and their thoughts – building connections with others. 
• Being true to themselves, respecting themselves and showing the best of themselves.
• Building empathy for others, their feelings, needs, and views – being positively mindful.
• Positive communication - use positive language and avoid negative comments or criticism.
• Listening with their eyes, their ears, and their heart.

The acquisition of these attributes will enable students to build healthy and respectful relationships with others. To learn how to mix with and accept people of all ages, differing cultures and backgrounds and in a variety of situations, including at school, home, work, and on social media formats.

Lastly, can I thank all community members especially parents, carers and students for their continued support for O’Connor, you are what makes this college great. Thank you must also go to all the teaching and support staff at the college, who have worked tirelessly to ensure all students receive the best education possible.

Whether you celebrate Easter as a religious holiday or simply enjoy the festivities and traditions, I wish you a peaceful and joyful time surrounded by your loved ones.

May this Easter bring you renewed hope, happiness, and prosperity in all aspects of your life.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Phillip Gibney

Principal