Principal's Report

Dear Parents & Carers

As we come to the end of 2018, this a perfect opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the year. At O’Connor, learning encompasses our faith learning so integral to our mission as a Catholic school, academic learning so that every student achieves the best learning outcomes and wellbeing and resilience skills so important for a healthy, balanced life. At presentation I thanked the community for their efforts to approve learning and include an excerpt here -

We have made great progress with our learning agenda, building a focus on learning in the College, engaging in learning conversations and building a Professional Learning Community. Our data is showing improved growth. The positive data trends is due to the whole school community. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all staff for their commitment to each and every student, knowing them, caring for them and challenging them to do their best. The dedication, resilience and talent of our staff is exceptional and I would like to acknowledge their work here today. Our students have increased their focus on their learning and this is evidenced by their 2018 final reports where the majority of students had shown growth in both their achievement and commitment to their learning. To you the parents and carers of our students, without your support at home this positive growth would not be possible.

There are staff changes next year. We have some staff who will be leaving us and I would like to thank them and wish them the best for their future endeavours. They are Mr Darren Moss, Miss Olivia Moore, Mr Steve Ahern, Mr Steve Kirkaldy, Mrs Delwyn Smidt and Mrs Narelle Foley. Mrs Denise Fittler is retiring from full time work this year but taking up a part time casual position next year.

Denise was awarded a Diocesan Distinguished Service Award at our Presentation Day. This award acknowledges dedication and commitment to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Armidale. Here is some of the citation from Denise’s award:

Denise commenced teaching at O’Connor in 1995. In this time she has been an inspirational and positive influence on the lives of many of the students at O’Connor. Denise has created a caring and welcoming environment in terms of pastoral and academic care, always willing to go the extra mile to help one of her students. Denise also initiated the “Season for Growth” program which greatly assisted students who were dealing with grief.

As a classroom teacher, Denise is an organised and innovative practitioner. Denise was the sole teacher of Indonesian at O’Connor since 1995. The wider community has benefitted from Denise’s passion for Indonesian with many cultural days involving food, music and dancing. Denise will be well remembered at O’Connor for her contribution to Religious Education. She has taught all years and as a early adopter of pedagogy for 21st century learners, she has sought to engage all students in their faith journey. Denise has carried out the role of acting Religious Education Coordinator, where she has provided for some memorable and beautiful liturgies at school. She has organised the year 12 Final Mass for many years now. It is a tradition that is remembered well by students and parents alike.

Denise coordinated the hockey program at O’Connor for many years. Many students have continued to enjoy hockey well after their school years due to her commitment to providing opportunities and nurturing team environments.

Denise has always been a strong presence in the Cathedral Parish. She has been an excellent role model for teachers, students and parents. Her links with other parishioners and the clergy has served O’Connor well in terms of the communities faith development.

Denise has had a career in education that can only be admired. She is an excellent teacher, a willing volunteer and an effective leader. For these reasons, Denise is commended as an educator deserving of recognition. We wish Denise all the very best for the future and congratulate her on the outstanding service she has provided to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Armidale.

New staff joining us in 2019, will be:

Lauren Donnelly - English

Frank Patricks - HSIE/TAS

Lauren Clarke - HSIE

Cath Deshon - Literacy Teacher

Eliza Clark and Brydie Hawthorne - Youth Ministers

Nicholas Troon - Music Ministry

We look forward to them joining our Catholic Professional Learning Community.

There are a number of other changes for 2019. Our Pastoral Academic Care Leaders will be

Year 7 - Yolanda Kreuzen

Year 8 - Lloyd Honnery

Year 9 - Peter McLeish

Year 10 - Mark Fulloon

Year 11 - Vicki Channon

Year 12 - James Russell

Leader of Learning (Pastoral Academic Care and Wellbeing) - Mellissa Bell

Other significant appointments include

Leader of Learning (Curriculum) - Mr Mitchell Smidt

Leader of Learning (Enrichment) - Mrs Jenny Roff

Leader of Learning (Science) - Mrs Lilly Moar

Leader of Learning (Creative and Performing Arts) - Ms Melita Roache

Leader of Learning (VET in School) - Mr Ian Yensch

I congratulate all these people and look forward to working with them in their new roles.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the O’Connor Community, students, staff, parents and the Parish for your support this year. I would like to wish you a happy and holy Christmas and hope that you have some time to rest and reflect this Christmas time.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to working with you in 2019.

Regina Menz