Assistant Principal's Message

Parents & Carers

Last Week of Term II

In a very busy end of Term II we finished off with our traditional Founders Day, a celebration of the De la Salle Brothers and Ursuline Sisters that pioneered education and were instrumental in the formation of O’Connor. The day of celebration, included a Mass. This mass was a Tercentenary Mass commemorating 300 years since the death of St John Baptist De La Salle, the patron saint of teachers and the founder of the De La Salle Brothers. It was a mufti day and students were asked to wear house colours and make a donation toward charity.

On Wednesday of the last week of Term II, O’Connor hosted the Wellbeing Cup, an initiative of Ms McQuilty's. This cup is a day of Rugby League with the presence of a number of institutions promoting mental health and wellbeing. Our opponents were  The Armidale Secondary College and it is hoped it becomes an annual event.

I would like to take the opportunity to wish all our students a refreshing break. 

Term III

Next term will be the final official term for Year 12. The HSC Trials will take place in Weeks 5 and 6 commencing on the 19th  August. Whilst it is important for students in Year 12 to freshen up over the break, they need to consistently be revising, studying and completing work towards the Trials. Those students who maintain a consistent study pattern will find the Trial Exam experience less stressful than those who do little.

Week I

Term III is shaping up to be very busy with a new timetable and a number of events. Students return to O’Connor on Tuesday,23rd July. This is Marriage and Family Week across the Armidale Diocese. Religious Education classes will focus on the sacrament of marriage and Year 11 students will participate in the Explore Program involving honest questions and answers to married couples that come in as guests of O’Connor. This is an initiative of Bishop Kennedy, which is now in its fourth year. The first week of school will see our boys and girls Football teams travelling to Coffs Harbour for the Regional Finals of the Catholic Colleges' knockout. We wish them luck. On July 25, the College will be hosting St Mary’s as they conduct their athletics carnival. The roster of year Masses also begins on the 24th with the Year 9 Mass. This will commence in De La Salle Chapel at 9.15am. 

Week II

All through week 2, O’Connor celebrates NAIDOC week. This is a celebration of the history and continuing contribution to Australia of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Each day a year group will participate in a flag raising ceremony and on Friday August 2, a prayer service will be held, presided over by our own ATSIC students.

Student Led Conferencing

Student Led Conferencing will take place in Week 2 and 3 starting with Stage 5 in Week 2. It is an exciting new concept associated with our reporting system. Details of how to book a time with Pastoral and Academic Care teachers will be sent out with reports over the next week. Please ensure you book a time, as it promises to be a productive and positive experience.

Winter Uniform

We continue with winter uniform in Term 3. It may be timely to remind students regarding our policy on this. Many students have purchased a school hoodie. These are to be worn with the sports uniform which may only be worn on the days that students have practical lessons of PDHPE. On all other days it is the school uniform of jumper and blazer. On particularly cold days students may wear the college beanie and a navy or black scarf if necessary. 

Staff Development Days 2019

We wish to advise parents/carers of the dates for staff development days for the remainder of the year.

Term 3 - Monday 22nd July. The Library will be open for senior students wishing to study.

Term 4 - School concludes on Wednesday 18 December.

Thank you ..

For your ongoing support & Cooperation

Damian Roff

Acting A.P