Principal's Report

Mr Phillip Gibney

Dear Parents, Carers and Community members,

As we approach the end of the school year, we find that the pace at school only intensifies. While we remain focused on ensuring that learning continues for all students, we are also in the midst of planning for 2025. This includes finalising our Annual Improvement Plan and preparing the school timetable. It’s essential that students continue attending school, engaging in their learning, and participating in school activities, particularly Presentation Day, as these experiences are vital for their growth, development, and connection to the school community.

Earlier this week, on November 19th, we held the Year 7 Information Evening, led by our 2025 College Captains. The event featured both a formal presentation and an opportunity for parents to interact with members of our Leadership team, Leaders of Learning, House Leaders, and the 2025 Student Leadership team.

As I write this, we have 110 of our incoming Year 7 students for 2025 attending an orientation day at O’Connor. This day offers them a chance to meet their future classmates and teachers, but equally important, it provides an opportunity to connect with our Senior Student Leaders and Lasallian Youth leaders. Who play a key role in not only organising and running the day but will also be there to support our young students as they navigate their first year at O’Connor. The students arrived a bit nervous but excited, and I’m confident that by the end of the day, they felt much more comfortable about starting their secondary school journey in 2025.

At the same time, we bid farewell to our Year 12 cohort, who officially completed their schooling with a formal ceremony on November 8th. It was an unforgettable evening, one filled with stories, reflection, celebration, and honour for the incredible journey of the graduating class of 2024. The night was emotional, with moments of joy, pride, nostalgia, and a hint of sadness. Above all, it was a time to recognise and celebrate the students — remarkable young people who worked tirelessly to reach this milestone. Having navigated the often challenging path of high school, they can now leave O’Connor with the confidence to embark on exciting new chapters of their lives.

Finally, I am pleased to announce two new appointments following the announcement of middle leadership positions in the last newsletter. Mrs. Rachael Galvin has been appointed as the Leader of Student Pathways, and we are excited to welcome Mr. James Russell as the new Leader of Learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education for 2025.