R.E News - Assistant Principal - Mission

Founders Day

On Friday July 3, O'Connor Catholic College will celebrate Founders Day. This is a day when we acknowledge the contribution of the religious to the formation and success of this school. O'Connor began in 1975 with the amalgamation of two of Armidale's longest established schools - St Ursula's College (est.1882) and De La Salle College (est.1906). The College occupies the site of the former De La Salle College. 

The first Principal of O'Connor was Brother John Pill and Sister Mary Talty was the first Assistant Principal. Ursulines and De la Salle Brothers have been great teachers and important spiritual leaders at O'Connor. 

St John Baptist De La Salle 

The Founder of the De La Salle Brothers was St John Baptist De La Salle. The following is from the Western Australian Lasallian website. The Patron Saint of Teachers John Baptist De La Salle was born in France in 1651. His family was from the privileged class, however, after entering the priesthood, De La Salle committed himself to provide a Christian and humanist education to young people and especially to the poor and marginalised. In 1680, at 29 years of age, John Baptist de La Salle invited young men to join him in devoting themselves to the Christian education of youth. On his death in 1719, there were 100 Brothers in France. He was canonised in 1900 and became the universal patron Saint of Teachers in 1950. Inspired by their Founder, the De La Salle Brothers developed into a worldwide Christian education community. Today, more than 8,500 Brothers and many thousands of lay partners, supportive of the ethos and ideals of St John Baptist de La Salle, are continuing this tradition in universities, schools and other educational institutions in over 80 countries. "To touch the hearts of the young and to inspire them with the Christian spirit is the greatest miracle you can perform, and it is the one that God asks of you; it is the purpose of your work with the young." (St John Baptist de la Salle) 

Angela Merici 

The founder of the Ursuline Nuns is St Angela Merici. The following is from Merici College in Canberra: Angela Merici was a famous educator of women from all classes of society in the Renaissance period. She lived in northern Italy and her vision was to serve the needs of the rich and poor alike. Her love and sensitivity to human needs won her the title, ‘Madre Angela’ from the people of Brescia, Italy. She based her work on a deep understanding of God’s love for all, respect for the innate dignity of each person and their potential in the eyes of God. Her vision for community encompassed the practical support of each individual, recognition of the gifts of all and power of gathering as a loving community. Her vision culminated in 1535 in the establishment of the Order of Ursulines in Italy, named for its patron saint, Saint Ursula, a martyr. 

Celebrations and the Spiller Cup

To celebrate and honour our founders and the religious that staffed our schools, despite being a little hamstrung with COVID 19 restrictions, a great day has been planned by our Lasallian Youth Ministers. There will be a series of in class activities involving the founders including our House Captains speaking via stream of the origins of our house names, Ursula, Merici, La Salle and Benilde. There will be a quiz, competitions and history lesson all delivered online. The culmination of the festivities will be a 3 stage concert afternoon where O'Connor students will showcase their talents. House points will be allocated for participation in the activities which will contribute toward the prestigious Spiller Cup. The Spiller Cup is named after long serving and much loved teacher Tony Spiller. It is awarded every year on Founders Day to the house that accumulates the most points during the day. The current holder of the cup is Merici.

Mass in the College Chapel

Mass has recommenced in the De La Salle Chapel. Year 7 were fortunate to be able to participate on Wednesday this week. Thank you to Father Sampson who celebrated Mass for us. 

The Cathedral Parish

Mass times, donations details and a copy of the Parish Bulletin for Saint's Mary and Joseph Cathedral can be found here.