Pastoral Academic Care (PAC)
Junior: SAVOURING GOOD TIMES
Senior: SAVOURING EXPERIENCES
Wellbeing Element: Positive Emotion + gratitude
Character Strength: Prudence
Parent Wellbeing: a great strategy to put yourself in a positive frame of mind every morning, is to spend five minutes over a cuppa or a coffee, to think about and then write down what you are looking forward to most for the day ahead. They don’t have to be big things. It’s funny how looking forward to something lifts your spirits and raises your self–awareness to be on the lookout for little positives. Remember, from little things, big things grow. What are you looking forward to today?
Benilde
Welcome to Term 3!
I hope everyone had a restful and re-energising break. As we step into the second half of the year, I’m filled with a sense of pride and anticipation for all that lies ahead for our house.
Term 2 was a term of growth, resilience, and community. From outstanding participation in the Athletics Carnival to strong engagement in inter-house activities and academic challenges, our house demonstrated not only competitiveness but also a deep sense of camaraderie and support for one another. Whether it was through house assemblies, team sports, or mentoring younger students, every member played a role in shaping a positive and inclusive culture.
Well done to Benilde for winning the Spiller Cup on Founder’s Day! We had more than half of our house in attendance plus we absolutely dominated the challenges during the concert and won the annual capture the flag game. Well done to our captains that helped organise teams for events, Maya as art’s captain on the concert and all the amazing donations for the Vinnie’s Winter Appeal - you made me very proud of our little house.
Term 3 presents new opportunities to grow both individually and as a house. Our focus this term will be on:
- Academic Growth: Supporting one another through peer study groups, especially as Year 12s prepare for HSC trials, Year 11s prepare for final exams and 7-10 continue through their term 3 tasks.
- Wellbeing: Engaging in House Wellbeing activities to foster connection, balance, and resilience specifically focusing on Bullying No Way! and R U OKAY Day.
- Subject Selection: Year 8-10 will be choosing their subjects and/or electives for next year. Make sure you are choosing things you will enjoy and will assist to move your learning forward.
We are excited to see so many students from our house putting their hand up to lead. Whether they’re applying for positions such as College Captain, House Captain, Arts Captain, Sports Captain and Faith and Service we wish every applicant the very best. Your courage to lead, serve, and represent your peers is already a sign of strong character, and we are proud of your willingness to step forward.
Regardless of the outcome, your contributions to our house are valued, and we look forward to seeing your continued involvement and influence.
As always, we continue to emphasise the importance of positive relationships and meaningful connections within our house. Every student should feel seen, supported, and valued. Our vertical mentor groups remain a cornerstone of this, and I encourage all students to engage actively and respectfully during these sessions.
Parents and carers are reminded that they are always welcome to reach out if they have any concerns or suggestions, we value your partnership in your child’s growth and learning.
Let’s make Term 3 one to remember!
Miss Elizabeth Plane
House Leader - Benilde
La Salle
What a busy time it has been for La Salle House in the first three weeks of Term 3! As we navigate the term, it's more important than ever to emphasise the importance of being fully equipped and having the right mindset as we engage in learning. Approaching our studies with preparedness and a positive attitude truly makes all the difference.
We recently celebrated Founders Day, and it was a fantastic occasion for the entire college.. `We are proud of everyone's positive participation, which led to a commendable 2nd place finish in the Spiller Cup! This reflects the spirit and dedication within La Salle House, for all those who attended.
It was also incredibly heartwarming to witness our Year 11 students step up and apply for leadership positions. Seeing the core values of La Salle House addressed and embodied by these young leaders fills us with immense pride. We extend our best wishes and good luck to all nominees as they continue with the election process.
A big thank you to all the families who attended the Parent, Teacher, Student conferences. We truly appreciate the time taken to reflect on the valuable feedback provided, to be affirmed for strengths, and to work collaboratively on areas that can be improved.
Despite the recent damage and power outages across the area, we hope you all managed to enjoy some fun in the snow! It's a powerful reminder to appreciate the beauty and wonder around us, and to cherish the comforts of home that we often take for granted.
With the weather continuing to be inclement, please ensure that students are dressed in the correct OCC attire. If it's cold, please wear additional layers underneath. A note from parents/carers is required otherwise.
Finally, a special message to our Year 11 and 12 students: as you prepare for your end-of-course exams, remember to study hard, be well prepared, and remain calm for the challenge ahead. We have full confidence in your abilities!
Mrs Kathryn Czinner
House Leader - La Salle
Merici
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope all Merici families enjoyed a restful and refreshing break. It’s hard to believe we’re already a few weeks into the second half of the year.
The term has started strongly with some exciting events across the College. Founder’s Day was a true celebration of our O’Connor community spirit — a special thanks to all Merici students who attended and contributed so positively to the day. It was wonderful to see so many students engaging with the activities and enjoying the shared celebration of our College’s heritage.
A big thank you to all families who attended the recent Parent, Teacher, Student Conferences. These conversations are a vital part of the learning journey, helping to affirm student strengths and set goals for growth. It’s through this kind of partnership between home and school that we continue to support our students to be their best.
We also extend our congratulations to our Year 11 students who have nominated for leadership roles in 2025. It’s encouraging to see so many young leaders stepping forward with enthusiasm and vision for the future. We look forward to watching this process unfold and seeing Merici students continue to step into leadership with confidence and integrity.
The winter weather has certainly made its presence felt in recent weeks — snow, storms, and power outages included! We hope families managed to enjoy the magical snowfall and stayed safe and warm during the disruptions. A gentle reminder that students must continue to wear the correct OCC uniform, even in the colder months. If students need extra warmth, please layer under the uniform and ensure school-approved outerwear is worn. A note from home is required if this can’t be followed on a particular day.
As our senior students head into the final stretch of coursework and exam preparation, we encourage them to stay focused, look after themselves, and reach out for support when needed. To our Year 12s, we wish you all the very best for the upcoming Trial HSC Exams — stay calm, be organised, and trust the hard work you’ve put in so far.
As always, parents and carers are warmly invited to reach out if you have any concerns, questions, or ideas to share. We value your input and are always here to support you and your young person.
Let’s make Term 3 a term of connection, effort, and growth for all of Merici House.
Warm regards,
Shane McCann
House Leader - Merici
Ursula
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope all of our Ursula families enjoyed a restful and refreshing break.
The term has started strongly with some exciting events across the College; Founder’s Day, Parent, Teacher, Student Conferences, Subject Selections and Year 11 nominations for leadership roles for 2026!
A huge number of our Ursula students have nominated for leadership roles and I want to congratulate our Ursula Year 11’s who applied for House Captain roles; Isabella McKay, Jessica Race, James Everett, Elizabeth Shepheard and Dylan Rixon!
Regardless of the outcome, your contributions to our house are valued, and we look forward to seeing your continued involvement and influence.
Term 2 saw Ursula ending strongly with a huge number of our students receiving attendance certificates and Ursula Captain Awards! Well done to Ursula for striving to be their best selves and ending Term 2 strongly!
Our Ursula Captains, Lucas and Bernie ran a fantastic house assembly at the end of Term 2 that saw giggling and a high rate of student involvement! The theme of the house assembly was “Men’s Mental Health’ and students chatted about ways to support each other and who to go to. Students also engaged with the push up challenge against Benilde!
Have a great term Ursula!
Miss Jessica Armfield,
House Leader - Ursula