Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers

Last newsletter I discussed the work we are doing as a community to improve the learning (faith, academic, wellbeing) outcomes for everyone. This is set out in our Annual Improvement Plan and Vision. As outlined previously, one of the ways we are doing this is embracing ‘Shared Responsibility and Accountability':

Shared Responsibility and Accountability

Everyone is responsible and accountable for every learner within and across schools.

Everyone sees themselves as responsible for achieving the goals and accountable for the learning that results from their implementation.

Intentional procedures and processes encourage system and school-wide shared responsibility and ownership for student learning.

        (Sharratt and Fullan 2012 - Parameter 14)

We all have shared responsibilities and accountabilities - students, teachers, staff and parents. It needs all of us to work together to attain our vision. So what can you do as a parent/carer? Instead of asking how was school today, use some of the these questions:

What are you learning?

Why are you learning this?

How are you going?

How do you know?

How can you improve?

Where do you go for help?

(Sharratt)

These questions are used by staff to delve into students' understanding of the learning process and are a good way to deepen the learning. As a parent/carer, these questions will give you an insight into what is happening for your daughter/son in the learning process.

Take the time to talk to your daughter/s/son/s about their learning. Encourage them to participate fully in the opportunities available in our O’Connor community, a community founded on faith and focused on learning.

Activities Fair 

On Friday 21st February, we held our activities fair where students could sign up for a range of extra-curricula activities. Some of the many activities on offer were Vinnies, Z-Club, Music, Ensembles, Drama, Environment Club, Chess and a variety of sports. Teachers volunteer to run these many different activities that cater for a range of students’ interests. The response from the student body was overwhelming and a big thank you to our LYMs who ran the fair.

Why is it important for students to join clubs and participate in school events? Research has shown that students’ sense of belonging is linked to many long-term educational benefits including school completion. When students feel a sense of belonging, students’ engagement in their learning is enhanced. This is especially true for important transition times in a student’s education, when they start secondary school, when they change school or when they move into senior school. If students have a strong sense of belonging, they will see the benefit of school even when they find the work hard. Encourage your son or daughter to make the most of the opportunities available at O’Connor to participate in extra-curricula activities to build their sense of belonging. 

Lent

Ash Wednesday was on Wednesday 26th February and we enter into the season of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting and giving in preparation for Easter. In the Sunday Bulletin of our Cathedral Parish there were a number of ways we can ‘do’ Lent including:

By attending the Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings at the Cathedral 5pm & then Holy Mass. 

Put something ‘violet coloured’ up at home to remind the family – 40 days of Lent. 

By giving up something we like and putting the money toward Project Compassion (boxes will be distributed to students).

What new learning will you undertake this week?

Regina Menz