Helpful Information for Students, Parents and Carers 

Uniforms for Term 4

Most parents and carers will have organised summer uniform for next term, however the College Uniform Shop will be open for 4 hours on Friday 7th October  to cater for any last minute exchanges, fittings and for those moving to Armidale over the holidays. Please email Vicki Cooper on vcooper@arm.catholic.edu.au for an appointment.

YOUTH - Every Friday

Year 12 Online HSC Study Sessions - Western Sydney University

Enrolments Update

If you have a sibling or family member that is intending to attend O'Connor in 2023, we have some limited space in our 7-12 cohorts. 

Please contact our Enrolment Officer Mrs Amanda Howard on (02) 6772 1666 or email occadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au for an enrolment pack.  

Employment Opportunities

Gel Blasters - info from NSW Police

School TV  

Special Report:

Having a sense of belonging involves more than simply knowing other people. It is also focused on gaining acceptance, attention and support from others, as well as having the opportunity to provide the same to other people.When the pandemic interrupted our lives and changed the way we live, this meant that suddenly many of our young people’s main sources of connection with peers and extended family members was removed overnight without warning. As human beings, we have a basic emotional and biological need for connection. It provides us with feelings of identity, security, support, acceptance and community.Students who have a sense of belonging will experience these feelings which in turn supports their academic, psychological and social development. When young people come together again after a period of instability, there is a period of adjustment. Whilst the rules of the group may be established, acceptance remains paramount and can therefore mean some behaviours become far from rational, making it difficult for their brain to focus on things, such as learning. All these factors combined, leave young people open to being vulnerable. It can sometimes tempt them into making choices or becoming involved in situations they might not ordinarily consider.As a result of the pandemic, there are still many young people struggling to connect and regain their sense of belonging. This Special Report provides guidance to families who find themselves in this situation. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.Here is the link to your special report.

Helping Kids Thrive Online

This Term 3 webinar offers tips about how to support young people to socialise, learn and have fun online safely. It explains how to access information, use technology safely and navigate new online platforms.

It will cover:

• how to talk to young people about online risks on different social media platforms and games  
• how to help young people develop skills to protect themselves when they are online  
• where to go for help if things go wrong and how to access mental health support and information through eSafety.  

Cyberbullying and online drama

Suitable for parents and carers of young people aged 11 to 18 years old.

Tuesday September 20, 7.30pm-8.30pm

Popular apps

Suitable for parents and carers of young people aged 13 to 18 years old.

Wednesday October 26, 7.30pm-8.30pm

FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2022

Tuition Fees

The Tuition Fee is an annual charge that is divided into three (3) term payments for convenience. Tuition Fees include a resource fee of $500 per annum for Years 7-10 and $700 per annum for Years 11 and 12 to cover the cost of book-hire, computer software licensing and copyright etc. As a systemic school in the Armidale Diocese, the College is required to make regular payments to the Armidale Catholic Schools Office. Tuition Fees are also required to cover the normal running costs of the College. Unless a prior arrangement has been made with either the Principal or the College Finance Officer, all accounts are expected to be finalised promptly.

Family Reduction

A reduction of fees is granted when a family has three or more children attending the College. Where there are three children, the third child will receive a 60% reduction, where there are four or more children, the third will receive a 60% reduction and there is no charge for subsequent children. Consideration will also be given to families with more than two children enrolled at O’Connor Catholic College and the Catholic feeder schools to O’Connor.

Resource Fee

The Resource Fee is included as part of the Tuition Fees. The 2022 Fees are: 

Junior Secondary Years 7 -10 $1026 per Term x 3 Terms ($3078 p.a.)

Senior Secondary Years 11-12 $1172 per Term x 3 Terms ($3516 p.a.)

Method of Payment

Payment of Fees and other charges may be made in cash, by Compass Pay, cheque, EFTPOS or by Credit Card (Bankcard, Visa, Mastercard). Direct Debits may also be arranged with the bursar. The preferred method is Compass Pay.

Notification of Withdrawal of Students

Parents are expected to give one month's notice, in writing, if they are intending to withdraw students from the College. Failure to do so may render them liable for a full term's fees.

Building Levy

The facilities at O’Connor are maintained through the contribution of families to the Building Levy. These can be existing parents of students, pensioners, or parishioners with no connection to the College. All parents (past, present and future) have a responsibility to maintain and look after the heritage and buildings they have and will inherit. A $414.00 per annum per family building levy is charged and $138 will be invoiced with the Tuition Fees each Term. It can be expected that this levy will increase in future years.

Elective Fees: TBA, Electives are still being decided. Refer to our website for more information.

Fees

Fees can be paid through the Compass system. For any information regarding the payment of fees, please call the College Office on 67 72 1666. 

When paying fees online, please use your account number or name as a reference when paying their school fees so we know where the payment has come from. 

Sporting Clubs

Souths Fundraiser

Canteen Menu

We are fortunate at O'Connor Catholic College to have such a range of healthy options at our student cafe. The daily specials are always popular and this Term a mini graze box has been added to the morning tea menu.

Full time Provisional Psychologist available for students at O'Connor

At O'Connor we  have an onsite full-time provisional psychologist at the College. This will ensure timely and easy access to what is  a very important service for our students.  

Bus Timetables for 2022 

Edwards Coaches

All parent, guardian and student inquiries for 2022 can be referred to Edwards Coaches on (02) 6772 3116 or by emailing them at admin@edwardscoaches.com.au or james@edwardscoaches.com.au

TFNSW is now accepting bus applications for 2022. Please go to the Transport NSW page. You can also simply use your browser by searching School Student Transport Scheme. Likewise for you can update your address or school changes.

VIDEO: A quick snapshot of O'Connor Catholic College including our current College Captains.

Uniform Shop

The College clothing pool can be accessed by making an appointment with Vicki Cooper during the following days. 

To make an appointment, please contact Mrs Vickie Cooper through the College office, 6772 1666 or via email: vcooper@arm.catholic.edu.au 

Uniform Shop Hours (by appointment). 

Monday:          8am - 12pm

Wednesday:   12pm - 4pm

Thursday:       10am - 4pm (note change of day for 2021)

Prices can be found on our College website.