Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers, and Community Members,

We have just completed six weeks of learning, and with only four weeks remaining until the Easter holidays, it has already been an incredibly fulfilling start to the year. Our students and staff have hit the ground running, balancing a dense schedule of spiritual and community events, including our school swimming carnival, the Dux Mass, and the Ash Wednesday liturgy.

The start of the year has been defined by excellence across all disciplines. A special mention must go to our Science and Engineering Challenge representatives, who secured an outstanding first-place finish. Placing ahead of competitive schools such as TAS, PLC, NEGS, and ASC is an enormous achievement and a testament to our students' ingenuity and commitment to learning.

On the academic front, we recently completed our first review of the Stage 5 WIN project. Our teachers collaborated to analyse initial learning cycle data and refine our instructional strategies as we gear up for the next five-week learning cycle.

Next week, our Year 7 and 9 students will participate in NAPLAN testing. We view these assessments as a valuable 'snapshot' of student progress in literacy and numeracy, allowing us to see how our cohort compares to similar students across the state and country.

Beyond the individual results, NAPLAN provides us with critical data that informs our teaching and learning strategies. This allows our staff to better tailor their approach to meet the specific learning needs of every student. While these tests do not require formal study or revision, I encourage all students to approach them with a positive mindset and strive for their personal best.

Simultaneously, I am currently meeting individually with every Year 12 student. These sessions are a valuable opportunity to discuss their post-HSC pathways and specific academic goals. It is a privilege to hear their aspirations and ensure we are providing the tailored support they need to navigate their final year successfully.

At the heart of these activities is our core mission: to offer a diverse range of opportunities that help every student reach their full potential, regardless of the pathway they choose. We are committed to helping students recognise their unique gifts and engage deeply in their learning.

Our goal is not only to provide academic skills but to foster authentic, positive-thinking individuals who are prepared to interact meaningfully with the world around them.

Finally, I would like to share some bittersweet news with our community. Mellissa Bell, our Assistant Principal of Wellbeing, will be leaving us at the end of this term to take up a position at the Lismore Catholic Schools Office. While we are thrilled for Mellissa as she embarks on this new chapter, she will be greatly missed by students and staff alike. I will share a more detailed tribute to the incredible impact Mell has had on the O’Connor community in our next newsletter. The recruitment process to appoint her successor will commence shortly.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mr. Phillip Gibney

Principal 

The Fruit of The Spirit is Love