R.E News - Assistant Principal - Mission

Year 12 Graduation

In a most unusual year due to COVID-19 our Year 12s persevered and are preparing for HSC Exams. Despite COVID restrictions requiring two sittings of the graduation Mass, it was a beautiful occasion times two. Father Roel in his homily to both groups espoused the scriptural demands for wisdom and life long learning. Students received a candle from their Pastoral Academic Care (PAC) teachers, symbolic of the need of our graduates to carry the light of Christ into the world.

GALLERY: Year 12 Final Mass

The graduation at the College, again took a different look due to COVID 19. Unfortunately loved ones were restricted to witnessing proceedings online. Nonetheless it was a wonderful occasion. Our Faith and Service Captains Keiran Wicks and Ruth Toakley started proceedings with an inspirational  reading from Mark's Gospel and reflected on this with a prayer for our Year 12s to build the Kingdom of God. Principal Regina Menz gave thanks to the Year 12's contribution to the tradition of the College and gave words of inspiration to do good in the world. Pastoral and Academic Care Leader Vicki Channon read the well known Irish Blessing that is reprinted here because it is so lovely.

The Recording of the Year 12 Farewell Assembly can be viewed here:

May the road rise to meet you, 

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you,

May you see your children’s children.

May you be poor in misfortune,

rich in blessings.

May you know nothing but happiness,

From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,

And may the land of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,

May blue be the skies above you,

May pure be the joys that surround you,

May true be the hearts that love you.

Catholic Missions

Every Year, as a Catholic School, we support Caritas and Catholic Missions. October is traditionally the Month we support Catholic Missions. We have our traditional fundraising activities, but just as important is the education regarding social justice, the work of Catholic Missions and the Catholic values and principles that are role modelled by the various projects undertaken by this vital arm of the Church. The emphasis this year is the poor of Cambodia. Our Diocesan Coordinator of Mission, Jacqui Toakley, parent of students Ruth, Lang and Claude has regularly visited Cambodia and is witness to the great works of Catholic Missions. Religious Education classes will learn during October the plight of Cambodians suffering poverty and the work of Catholic Missions to address this. The link provided below gives a detailed description of the works of Catholic Missions. I encourage all O'Connor community members to check this out.

O'Connor Retreats

Despite the restrictions placed upon us by COVID 19, we have been able to modify our programs and structures to accommodate much needed retreat programs across all years.   Year 7 got the ball rolling last week with a series of events that emphasised team building, relationships and empathy. Many thanks to our awesome Lasallian Youth Ministers Bridie, Eliza and Taryn and our Year 11 Lasallian Youth Leaders for facilitating a well received day. Early in Term 4, Year 11 are first cab off the rank to focus on looking ahead toward their HSC journey. 

Mass in the De La Salle Chapel

Mr Damian Roff

Lasallian Volunteer Applications 2021

Click through to register: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q58YQ6H

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish

Keeping in touch with what is happening in the Cathedral Parish is easy through their website and facebook pages.