Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers

Last time I wrote to you, we were at the start of the COVID 19 pandemic in Australia. Since then a month has passed and we appear to be flattening the curve and looking at relaxing restrictions. We are still living through a time of great uncertainty in regards to our health and our economy and must continue to monitor the situation. I hope the time for you has had moments of joy amongst the hard times.

This has been a time of great learning for everyone. At O’Connor, we have seen so many great examples of connected learning at home. Some students have loved the opportunity to direct their own learning, to follow their passions through a timetable that is less structured and complete their learning online. For others it has been very hard to engage in the connected learning program for a number of factors including limited internet, motivation and lack of social connection.

For all of us, the lack of social connection with students and teachers has been very hard. The use of zoom has helped in some respects; however, nothing meets the face to face contact at a school. We have missed our students! We look forward to welcoming students back in a managed and safe way next week.

What have I learned during this time

How great our students are (I already knew this!). They have shown resilience and grit in the way they have taken on their learning in a different way. It might not be learning as we expected, but the skills they have learnt during this time will help them in the years to come.

How great our teachers and staff are (again, I already knew this but it has been highlighted during this time). Our teachers and staff have shown a great deal of adaptability in their work to provide a positive experience for all during this time. The countless lessons, videos, classrooms posts and follow up has been extraordinary. Our staff have shown a high degree of professionalism in working through the challenges of completely changing how they work. I cannot stress enough the work ethic of our staff and the hours they have put in to support our learning community.

How great you are, our parent and carer community. Your messages of support have brightened our day. The way you have engaged in your child’s learning and supported them through this time.

How great I am at TikTok and star jumps.

I give thanks every day that we live in a country and a state where COVID-19 was taken seriously and strict measures put in place. I pray for all those who have lost their lives during this time and for all affected by this disease. The Diocesan Prayer for COVID 19 is a beautiful one to pray -

Loving and healing God,

we, the people of the Diocese of Armidale turn to you in prayer, 

confident that you are with us and with all people in every moment. 

We stand before you as people of hope, trusting in your care and protection. 

May your faithful love support us and soothe the anxiety of our hearts. 

Generous God,

fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, 

that we may look after one another in these challenging days. 

Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. 

May those who have died rest in your eternal embrace. 

Comfort their family and friends. 

Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick 

and all who work in our medical facilities. 

Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance 

that they may make the right decisions for the well‐being of people. 

We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days 

ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. 

Bless them and keep them safe. 

O God of creation and life, 

we place ourselves in your protection. 

May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow. 

Welcome to Mr Joseph Bell

We welcome Mr Joseph Bell to our staff. Joseph is a highly experienced English teacher who has taken on a teaching role in the English Key Learning Area. I look forward to working with Joseph and welcome him to our learning community.

What new learning will you undertake this week?

Regina Menz