Pastoral Academic Care (PAC)
Benilde
Half way through Term One, can you believe it?
It only feels like yesterday that Year 7 entered nervous to begin high school and our seniors were being amazing giants who were assisting them to make the school a safe place. As we enter the second half of the term some major events have already taken place.
By now we would all know the swimming carnival took place in week two with Ursula streamlining their way past the competition. Congratulations to the team in red, we will get you next time!
Once we were finally able to breathe the excitement kept coming. Year 7 were able to engage with the Tutankhamun Roadshow where they were able to learn about the young Pharaoh… Did you know that he came to power at only the age of NINE?! I don’t know if I would trust someone that young to rule… maybe that’s why we have house captains who are 17-18 years old - those nine years really make a difference. Year 9 and 10 were invited to participate in the Science and Engineering Challenge at the University of New England where their brains were tested with a variety of challenges that forced them to think outside of the box. Well done to Archer Colvin, Mackenzie Cook, Reign Ibe, Richard May, Tommy Mitchell, Ranier Pabalan, Christian Soyer, Ella Ward and Travis Woolley who represented the school with pride to walk away with 1st Place!Our Year 12’s minds were perplexed when asked about their futures at the University Roadshow. Four universities visited to educate our students on the future pathways they could take to allow them to achieve their goals after school. Thank you to Mrs Galvin who organised this amazing opportunity.
Lastly a small reminder about the uniform, while many have begun to embrace the formal uniform on Wednesdays as a team we just wanted to remind families that Canterbury is not part of the O’Connor uniform. Students who are beginning to feel the cold need to be wearing either the knitted jumper or the soft shell jacket. The OCC Hoodie is NOT part of the formal uniform. We are also encouraging a check-in with students “leather” shoes, many are not actually wearing the correct shoes and endangering themselves in Science and Industrial spaces.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
As always please reach out if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me.
Miss Elizabeth Plane
House Leader - Benilde
La Salle
This term has highlighted the importance of cohesiveness across our school community. From classrooms to the playground, we are proud of how students have been working together, showing mutual respect and collaboration in their daily interactions.
Our lunchtime sporting games have become a big hit! Students have enjoyed friendly competitions in netball,soccer, basketball, and volleyball. These activities have not only provided fun but have also helped strengthen teamwork and school spirit. Thank you to our leaders and Mrs Smith for organising this.
A gentle reminder for students to make consistent use of their diaries for organizing homework and key dates. Effective diary use is crucial for staying on top of tasks and developing good study habits.
We would also like to thank everyone for their continued attention to the uniform policy. Wearing our uniform with pride reflects our school values and promotes a sense of belonging.
As we look forward to Harmony Day on March 21st, we encourage everyone to embrace the theme of inclusiveness and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes our college community so special. Let’s all join in the planned activities to show our respect for the multiple cultures that make up our college community.
Looking forward to the coming weeks where classrooms are calm and quality learning is taking place.
Mrs Kathryn Czinner
House Leader - La Salle
Merici
Merici house organised and presented our whole school assembly on Thursday of last week. Massive congratulations and commendation are due to both of our house captains, Lillie Kelly and Oliver Martin for helping to organise the assembly. The slideshow was professionally developed, the runsheet was well timed and thought out. Other students were given the opportunity to present notices and all of those students spoke very well also.
Mr. Fittler spoke proudly about the Science and Engineering Challenge day hosted at University of New England. This pits a selection of Year 9 and 10 students from secondary schools across Armidale and the surrounding areas against one another across a variety of Science and Engineering tasks and challenges. O’Connor came out winners on the day which demonstrates the great teamwork, problem solving skills and engineering skills which our students have. Well done to all students involved and thank you to the Armidale Rotary Club and UNE for hosting such an event, and of course to Mr. Fittler for always giving up his time in organising and bringing our students to UNE for the day.
Our Year 11’s and 12’s had the opportunity in Week 4 to attend the University Roadshow, where four different universities visited to talk to our students about pathways to university and to give an insight into what university life can be like. They also spoke about the finances of university and how to navigate this. Our senior students had plenty of questions and were well engaged throughout. It was also nice to see a recent graduate of O’Connor presenting for UNE. Thank you to Mrs. Galvin, our leader of student pathways teacher for organising this event.
Lastly, a small reminder about the uniform. All students wear the full formal uniform on Wednesdays there are no practical sport lessons for any students on this day. We would like to also remind families that Canterbury is not part of the O’Connor uniform. Students who are beginning to feel the cold need to be wearing either the knitted jumper or the soft shell jacket. The OCC Hoodie is NOT part of the formal uniform. Also a reminder that students must be wearing enclosed, leather shoes as part of the formal uniform.
If you have any queries or concerns throughout the year, please reach out to your young person’s Pastoral Academic Care teacher or myself via email or by calling our front office.
Mr Shane McCann
House Leader - Merici
Ursula
Well done Ursula! We are halfway through Term 1!
Ursula House’s victory at the swimming carnival was a testament to the incredible teamwork and perseverance of every student who participated, cheered, and supported their teammates! Despite our rocky and off beat start with our war cries (we are going to work on our rhythm!!) From the first race to the final relay, each Ursula student gave it their all, pushing through exhaustion and challenges to earn crucial points for our glorious house! The unwavering encouragement from the sidelines, lolly breaks and sheer determination was inspiring and I am beyond proud of our students!
Ursula house stepped up, worked together as a team and was determined to prove that we are a legendary house!
A huge well done to the other houses for their sportsmanship and keeping us working on our toes til the final count!
Above Ursula House Captains Bernie and Lucas
I would also like to thank Ursula house for their engagement in the extra curricular activities that have been running - between the shows, Elevate study sessions, Tut Roadshow, the University Roadshow, STEP day, our science and engineering champions and for all the other activities you have been involved in - keep up the great work and let's end this term as strongly as we have started!
Pictured above Ursula house meeting.
Miss Jessica Armfield
House Leader, Ursula
House Competition
It has been a fun week of house competitions, run by our House captains and Mrs Smith.
Below a friendly (competitive) game of badminton between houses.
