Assistant Principal -

Wellbeing

Managing Change and Building Capacity

As we approach the end of Term 4, we are diligently preparing for the transition to a fully vertical house system at O’Connor. Recently, during the School Advisory Council meeting, I had the privilege of listening to Chairperson Sue Crew reflect on her experiences within the O’Connor community since 2015. During this time, Sue identified some areas of change and growth. This was followed by the Principal’s report, where we celebrated our successful implementation of a new wellbeing structure at the college. Again, another area of change and growth. This initiative has been in development for several years, evolving from discussions with key leaders and engaging conversations with students, to the careful and thoughtful integration of ideas. We are now excited to announce the appointment of Leaders of House and a Student Leadership Team, ready to bring this vision to life. This is indeed an exhilarating time for our community.

The Rationale for Change

The shift to a vertical house system aims to cultivate a vibrant House culture, fostering a genuine sense of belonging and connection to our school, while enhancing the leadership capacities of all students. Our senior students have expressed a strong desire to mentor their junior peers and to lead in a manner that prepares them for senior responsibilities. For years, they have noted that House culture often centered around events like athletics carnivals or Founder’s Day, with little emphasis on daily engagement. Moreover, they have consistently sought opportunities for healthy competition among Houses beyond these traditional events.

We are poised to make this change. Leaders of House will be introduced this week as we begin a new chapter, welcoming our Year 7 students for 2025. On their Orientation Day, our House Captains will guide these young learners in exploring the attributes and strengths of their Houses, laying the foundation for a strong sense of belonging and community. They are eager to share their experiences and mentor the newcomers, helping to create an atmosphere akin to family.

Our Vision

We envision a robust House culture where students are enthusiastic about participating in all aspects of college life, from academics to cultural activities. Our goal is to foster a culture of connection and belonging, ensuring that all students understand our founders and the significance of their legacy.

Leadership Development

Our student leaders are enthusiastic, prepared, and capable of guiding us into this next phase. During our recent whole school assembly, Benilde House showcased a student-led presentation that resonated deeply with our community. House Captains Michaela and Safal collaborated with their fellow Year 12 students to create a relevant and engaging experience. Our School Captains, Abi van Eyk and Joshua Bible, served as MCs at our Year 7 parent information session, while our Sports Captain has proposed a variety of ideas for House competitions throughout the term. Our leaders are also actively developing their vision for 2025 and establishing expectations for collaboration, recognizing the importance of working together honestly.

The future indeed looks bright.

With regards,

Mellissa Bell

Assistant Principal Wellbeing