Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
Founders Day 3rd July
Founders Day is a time to celebrate our founders of the College: John Baptist de La Salle (De La Salle Brothers) and St Angela Merici (Ursuline Sisters) and a very important part of our faith learning. O’Connor Catholic College holds a special place in both the Ursuline and De La Salle history in Australia. St Ursula’s, Armidale and De La Salle College, Armidale were the first schools set up by the orders on arriving in Australia. This year Founders’ Day looked a little different. We can still not have assemblies or whole school events so we used a combination of virtual and outside events. A big thank-you to Mr Damian Roff, our LaSallian Youth Ministers, Eliza, Brydie and Taryn as well as our Student Leaders for a wonderful day.
Angela Merici, the founder of the Ursuline order chose St Ursula as the Patron because of the spirit of Ursula. Ursula was
- A woman of deep courage
- A risk taker
- A woman of dedication and fidelity to Jesus Christ
- A leader of young women
- A woman of dignity
- An independent woman of her time.
These qualities resonate with us all today and were ones that Angela wanted for her women in the company. Angela was concerned about the wellbeing of young women who were particularly vulnerable at that time (in early 1500s). She had respect for every person and sought to improve the narrow life choices available for women of that time. The qualities of independence, dignity, and respect are ones we work strongly with our students about so that by the time they leave O’Connor they are firmly founded on faith and with qualities that help them become strong and capable people ready to make a difference in the world.
St John Baptist de La Salle (1651-1719) is the Patron Saint of Teachers. He 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 human 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. 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..
"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)
Reports
Academic Reports for Year 7 - 10 were released on Compass this week and a hard copy posted home. These reports are a good opportunity for you to have a conversation with your daughter/son about how they are going and how they can move their learning forward.
Student Conferencing will be with your child’s PAC teachers and take the form of a 15 minute conference. Conferencing will occur in Week 2, Term 3 for Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10) and in Week 3, Term 3 for Stage 4 (Year 7 and 8). Parents can contact teachers for subject interviews as required. Information on booking times will be sent out early next term.
Staffing Changes for Term 3
Mrs Ruth Patrick will rejoin our staff in Term 3. Mrs Patrick has been in Nepal for the past two years working in a voluntary capacity as a teacher. We look forward to her joining us again.
I would like to thank Mrs Delwyn Smidt for her work this semester in our PDHPE area and throughout the College. Mrs Smidt has been replacing Mrs Patrick and will remain as one of our casual teachers.
Building Works
On Wednesday, 24th June we had our first site meeting for our building works. It is exciting to see our hard work come to fruition and know that we will have contemporary learning spaces for our students incorporating performing arts. Preserving the past and building for the future.
Staff Development Day
A Staff Development Day will occur on Monday 20th July (First Day of Term 3). For students from Year 7 - 10 this will mean a Pupil Free day. The learning hub will be open for senior students to study.
Thank you
As we finish this term that started with connected learning at home and finished with all students back at school, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the parents and carers of our students. It has been a huge learning experience for all of us and your support of your child/children and our College has been greatly appreciated.
I would also like to thank the teachers and staff at O’Connor for all their support and dedication to look after the learning and wellbeing needs of our students. I hope they enjoy their well earned break.
We thank you Lord, for this term.
For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.
Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith.
Help us to be a practical Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others.
To be peacemakers in our family.
Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.
We thank you for our students, teachers, parents and carers
And a community that cares for us.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives.
Amen
Wishing you a safe and relaxing school holidays.
What new learning will you undertake this week?
Regina Menz
