Assistant Principal - Wellbeing 

- Happening Events

Advent

In the last newsletter of the year we enter the second week of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for Christmas through prayer and penance.  In this week's Gospel, Matthew describes the work and preaching of John the Baptist. In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judaea and this was his message:

 ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’

 This was the man the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said:

 A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord,make his paths straight.

John preaches a key theme of Advent. John asks his audience to repent in order to prepare for the coming of Jesus. We too are asked to prepare for Jesus by seeking forgiveness and living better lives. Father Roel in his homily last week said to consider a paradigm shift in thinking at Christmas. Rather than receiving gifts or even better giving presents at Christmas, be the gift to others by the way you love others. To all the O'Connor community, have a great Christmas. Be safe and return refreshed next year for some great learning in all aspects of our lives.

Pilgrims

Safe travels to our Year 11 pilgrims who are off to Sydney next week. The program looks awesome including Mass at St Mary's Cathedral and a pilgrimage walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney. Interfaith dialogue opportunities abound including a tour of the Gallipoli Mosque in Auburn. Students also get to visit the Big Issue headquarters in Redfern where their program explores in some depth the concept of social justice. Prayer and retreat activities are conducted by the Lasallian Team based in Sydney.

Adventurers

After a couple of years of no camps due to COVID, our Year 9 students will be enjoying each others company and be involved in some great outdoor education  at Lake Keepit next week. Sailing, kayaking and mountain biking are some of the activities planned in what looks to be a wonderful few days.

Lifesavers

All Year 7 and 8 are involved in the RLSSA lifesaving program next week at the town pool. In preparation for summer our students will be better and fitter swimmers, more aware of the dangers the various Australian waterways present and be able to assist themselves and others that may be in danger. 

Farewell of Sorts

In a short note of farewell, I am taking up a new role at the CSO leading Catholic Life, Mission and Religious Education across the Armidale Diocese including O'Connor. I will still be around the College from time to time but will also have an opportunity to help more students from other schools to live the Good News. As you already know, O'Connor is a great school full of love, tradition and spirit and it has been a wonderful privilege to be a part of this community. 

Mr Damian Roff

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing

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