Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Community members,

As we approach the final stages of Term 3 and our Year 12 students move closer to completing their journey at O’Connor Catholic College, I want to take a moment to reflect on something that lies at the heart of our community, ‘our school culture’.

This has been a particular focus not only for our staff, but especially for our Year 12 Class of 2025, who have been strong role models in shaping, reinforcing and building a positive culture we value so deeply at our college.

School culture is more than expectations, rules, or routines. It’s the shared values, relationships, and attitudes that define our daily experience. It’s how we treat one another, how we celebrate success, how we face challenges together, and how we ensure every person in our community feels safe, respected, valued, and cared for.

As Principal, I believe and our staff believe that a strong, positive school culture forms the foundation for both academic achievement and personal growth. When students feel a true sense of belonging — when they know they are seen, heard, and appreciated — they are more motivated, more confident, and more willing to take meaningful risks in their learning. This is true not only for students, but for all of us, regardless of age or role.

But culture doesn’t happen by accident. It takes daily commitment, thoughtful action, and a willingness to be involved and intentional in everything we do. It’s in our words, our behaviours, our choices — and how we support one another.

Why School Culture Matters

1. Emotional Safety and Belonging Students thrive when they feel emotionally safe, respected, and included.
2. Academic Motivation A positive culture supports deep learning and high academic achievement, not just surface success.
3. Safe vs. Unsafe BehavioursRather than relying solely on rules, we teach and model respect, empathy, and self-regulation through meaningful relationships.
4. Empowered Staff = Consistency for Students When teachers feel respected and supported, they are better able to build strong, lasting relationships with students.
5. Partnerships with Families A positive culture includes families. Engaged parents and open communication strengthen learning outcomes for all students.
6. Culture Extends Beyond the Classroom The way we speak about school at home, how we wear our uniform, and how we represent our college in the wider community, all of this contributes to a strong, unified culture.

I encourage you to speak with your child about their experience at O’Connor. Ask them what makes them feel proud, supported, or included. These conversations not only provide insight but help us reflect and improve as a school.

Let us continue working together to nurture a culture where “The fruit of the Spirit is love,” and where kindness, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, learning, and high expectations go hand in hand. A culture where every student can grow, thrive, and look forward to a hope-filled future.

Please take the time to complete our annual My School survey, if you have not already had the chance

PARENT WEB LINK

https://www.research.net/r/OConnorCCPARENT2025

The survey will close on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.

O'Connor Catholic College Armidale - The fruit of the spirit is love

Kind regards,

Phillip Gibney

Principal