Principal's Report

Dear O’Connor Catholic College Community,

Welcome back to Term 2!

It is wonderful to see our students and staff participating in events before school started this term. I was so proud of our students who attended ANZAC Commemoration at both the Dawn and morning services in Armidale, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha. ANZAC Day is so important and for our young people it is a time to remember the sacrifice and service of our service men and women. To see so many students and staff attend, march and participate in the services is a wonderful reflection of our College’s commitment to serve others. On Friday 29th April we commemorated ANZAC Day at our College. The reverence and respect our students showed as they participated was again a proud moment for our community. I would like to thank all of the O’Connor community - students, staff and parents for their continued support. 

Over the holidays we were honoured to have Mr Paul Burton commissioned as the New South Wales President of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society in our Chapel. Paul is an ex-student of our founding De La Salle College. This was the first time in 140 years that the Commissioning Mass for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society was in a regional area. We were also honoured to have Bishop Michael, Father Roel and Father Curran (Manilla Parish) preside at the Commissioning Mass. As a community we wish Mr Paul Burton every success in this new role and may God bless him as he guides the Society in their service to others.

The first two weeks were very busy for our students. In this newsletter there will be results from the Diosceian Soccer, Cross Country and Tennis Gala Days. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Mark Honeysett and all the staff and students who represented us. They are wonderful ambassadors for our community.

Year 12 students have been getting extra practice in exam techniques ready for the Trial Exams which begin next term. This week's study day saw students sit an English and Mathematics paper. The practice is invaluable in assisting their preparation for the Higher School Certificate. I would encourage all Year 12 students to use their study time to ask for and use feedback from their teachers in the HSC preparation. 

On Thursday 5th May our Year 10 - 12 Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander (ATSI) students returned from the Warramalaya Camp in Sydney. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students and I am looking forward to hearing more of their experiences. Our Year 7 - 9 Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander (ATSI) students will have the opportunity to attend the camp later in the year.

I would like to introduce our new Office Manager - Ms Christine Gerard to the O’Connor Catholic College Community. Christine is a highly experienced Administrator who has worked in the business and corporate world. Christine’s wealth of experience will bring a new perspective to our community. It is a pleasure to welcome Christine to our community and her support of our parents, students and staff will be greatly appreciated. 

God Bless,

Clare Healy

Principal