Principal's Report

Dear O'Connor Community,

'Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.'

What an amazing few weeks we have had here at O'Connor since our last newsletter:

• Year 8 Spirituality Retreat
• Year 10 Spirituality Retreat
• Lasallian Youth Leaders Formation
• Guyra Show
• Armidale Show
• Meet and Greet evenings for Year 8 and 11
• Basketball, Touch Football, League and Soccer Trials
• Science and Engineering Challenge
• School Photos
• Quota International Women's Day Breakfast
• Diocean Swimming Carnival
• Walcha Show
• As well as all the engaged learning that occurs in our classrooms every day.

It is always wonderful to have so many opportunities to celebrate the success of our students. Our community is blessed with students who display their talents in so many different areas. It is important that we take the time to recognise and congratulate them and the dedicated staff and parents who support them and make this possible.

My lesson as a learner

Last week I had the opportunity to learn something new. The most enjoyable and biggest growth in learning occurs when we are 'comfortably uncomfortable'. This sounds a lot easier than it is in real life. Being comfortable enough to know that you are not an expert can be a challenge. We all feel uncomfortable when we are learning something new and there is no age limit on these feelings. The challenge is to enjoy the lack of control and be open to the experience.

At the Armidale show I had the best time as a learner. I was given the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and learn from a patient and knowledgeable expert. My wonderful teacher Abi, took the time to get to know me as a learner. We talked about cattle, the show, judging fleece and the texture and uses of wool produced by different breeds of sheep. We talked about me being slightly nervous of sheep. 

Abi took me through the process for judging sheep. I was encouraged by Abi and indeed the other students to get involved in learning. Year 8 in particular were so supportive. I appreciated their encouragement and good humour especially when the sheep next to me jumped. What I learnt from Abi and the students at the show was:

• it is okay not to know all the answers - you are safe in their 'classroom'. They allowed me to be nervous but challenged me to overcome my fears.
• it's not easy learning something new and encouragement at every step is important.
• preparation is key - wear the right shoes
• when things go wrong (sheep are unpredictable) just keep going - don't give up
• it's okay to laugh at yourself especially when the sheep next to you jumps!

To Mrs Price, Mr Bolger, Mr Tout, Abi Van Eyk, our knowledgeable students as well as all our wonderful parents and grandparents thank you for a wonderful experience. I look forward to many more opportunities to learn from our community.

Armidale Show

Congratulations to Hunter McDonald on her awesome show results.

Congratulations 

Last year Laura won the Year 7 - 9 section of the Students as Authors competition. Laura spent time last year working with an illustrator Trish McDonald to produce her book. 

Students are able to borrow her book from Sora. Congratulations Laura it is a great read and well worth taking a look.

The 2023 competition is in development and details of the theme will be released soon.

State Equitation, Tetrathalon and Formal Gymkhana

The weekend consisted of three Pony Club NSW state events over 4 days, the 2022 Jumping Equitation championships (carried over from last year), the 2023 Tetrathlon, and the 2023 Formal Gymkhana. 

Five O’Connor students went to represent Zone 13, which includes Armidale, Uralla, Walcha, Kingstown, Bundarra, Inverell, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Emmaville and Guyra. 

2022 State Jumping Equitation

Jumping equitation is a competition judged on the techniques of the rider whilst completing a jump course. Throughout the course, there may be tasks for the rider to complete, such as going over a jump on an angle, an increase in pace between jumps or a certain amount of strides to be taken between related jumps. Riders are scored on their presentation, overall riding position, rhythm and tempo, control, and approach to jump. The state competition was over 3 rounds.

Congratulations to Isabelle Kelly who competed on her horse Freckles, in the 15 and under 17 Championship competition, jumping a height of 85cm. Consistently placing 4th in each round and placed 4th overall.

Tetrathlon

The tetrathlon included a running section, a swim, a jump round and a shoot (using laserguns at a target).

Formal Gymkhana

The Formal gymkhana is a classic gymkhana but at State level. It involves a jump round, a selection of sporting events and the formal ring classes, which are jack, rider, pairs and bareback.

Congratulations to Dominic Magann placed 6th overall in the associate 17 to under 26 age group and Cameron Magann placed 9th overall in the 15 to under 17 age group. 

Uniform News

We now have the new winter jacket option for our student in stock at the Uniform Shop. Thank you to the School Advisory Council, the staff, students and parents of the Uniform Committee as well as everyone who responded to our survey. This winter jacket option is able to be worn in place of the Blazer during winter terms. 

Please note that the College has kept a supply of Blazers for formal occasions including show judging which will be available for use by students in the future. 

Bishop Michael's Farewell

On Sunday our Parish and Diocese said farewell to Bishop Michael who has been appointed as the Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle. We would like to thank Bishop Michael for his guidance and support of our community over the last eleven years. We wish him all the best in his new role. 

Naplan 2023

Naplan begins on 15th March for students in Years 7 and 9. Parental information will be sent out through Compass. The Demonstration site gives students and parents an opportunity to view the type of questions and tools used in the online tests. Please do not hesitate to call the Front Office if you have any questions or concerns.

Important dates

March

15th - Naplan begins

27th - Naplan ends

30th - Year 7 Vaccinations

April

1st - Autumn Festival

2nd - Palm Sunday

4th - Pauper's banquet

6th - Holy Thursday Liturgy and last day of Term 1

24th - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)

25th - ANZAC Day

26th - First Day of Term 2

God Bless,

Mrs Clare Healy

Principal