Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Community members,

Term 2 has commenced with the same energy and enthusiasm with which Term 1 concluded, highlighted by a number of significant events and joyful celebrations.

We were honoured to participate in ANZAC services during the school holidays and then host our own heartfelt commemoration upon returning to school. These moments offered a meaningful opportunity for our community to reflect on the values of service, sacrifice, and unity.

A particularly significant occasion was the ordination and installation of Bishop Peter Murphy as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Armidale on 8 May 2025, the last Australian bishop appointed by the late Pope Francis earlier this year. It was a privilege to attend this solemn and joy-filled liturgy, which brought together 29 bishops, including principal consecrator, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, alongside approximately 60 diocesan and visiting clergy, and faithful from across the Dioceses of Armidale and Wagga Wagga.

As a Catholic community, O’Connor Catholic College looks forward with hope and gratitude to Bishop Murphy’s spiritual leadership and guidance in the years to come.

In a further moment of historic significance, shortly after celebrating Bishop Murphy’s installation, we awoke to the news of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost being elected as our new Holy Father, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This remarkable moment brings a new shepherd to continue leading and strengthening the mission of the Church.

Pope Leo XIV is notable for being the first Pope from the Augustinian Order and the first from the United States of America. His choice of the name “Leo” follows a long papal tradition, making it the fourth most commonly chosen name for a pontiff.

As a faith community, we pray that Pope Leo XIV will offer the Church continued wisdom, guidance, and clarity. May he lead all the faithful ever closer to Christ, just as his predecessor, Pope Francis, so lovingly did.

In the words of the late and most reverend Pope Francis: "Dear young people, do not be afraid of making decisive choices in life. Have faith; the Lord will not abandon you!"

We now look forward to the rest of Term 2 with renewed spirit and purpose 

Blessings,

Mr Phillip Gibney

Principal