Wellbeing and Engagement 

STEP DAY

This week O’Connor welcomed 125 year 6 students from a wide variety of primary schools for their very first taste of what O’Connor has to offer. The students arrived with great enthusiasm and a passion to try everything presented to them. All students participated in four different lessons of English, PE, Maths and HSIE. The year 6 students were supported by wonderful teaching staff, support staff and the O’Connor LYL’s We are extremely proud of how the students of O’Connor demonstrated the core values of the school and worked towards building relationships with potential students of the school.

A big thank you to Mrs McFarland and Mrs Wicks for all the organisation of the day. Their hard work and preparation ensured the smooth running of the day. A big thank you also goes to the teachers who prepared such engaging activities, Mrs Eastlake and the  EA’s who worked tirelessly to support all students, the LYL’s for their exemplary modelling of behaviour, all of those who cooked the BBQ to feed the students lunch and morning tea and finally thank you to all the students that attended! 

We are looking forward to the next STEP day in Term 2.

Mrs Felicity Magann 

Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement

SPECIAL REPORT: Social Media & Comparison Culture

Young people today are growing up in a world where exposure to other people's lives is constant. Through social media and other platforms, they are regularly presented with curated highlights - from flawless holiday photos and academic milestones to the latest fashion trends and fitness achievements. This continuous stream of idealised content fuels what is known as comparison culture, where self-worth is often measured by how someone stacks up against others.

For children and adolescents, who are still figuring out who they are, this culture can be particularly damaging. Constantly comparing their appearance, achievements, or social standing to friends, influencers, and even strangers can lead to unrealistic expectations and a skewed sense of self-worth. This relentless need to measure up can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety - undermining both confidence and emotional wellbeing.

It's vital that parents and caregivers understand how deeply comparison culture can influence a child's self-perception and sense of value. Left unchecked, it can foster perfectionism and a dependence on external validation, where a 'like' or comment becomes the measure of their worth.

The good news is, families have a powerful role to play in helping young people navigate these challenges. This Special Report will help you empower your child to build the resilience and confidence needed to navigate today's comparison-driven world and embrace their own unique path.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://oconnor.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-social-media-comparison-culture-au