Other College News
Construction
On Monday Mr Healy's Yr12 construction class, with the help of Mr McMillan and Mr Kelly, started the foundation for new stairs to be put in at the tennis court. The students learnt how to dig out and prepare the site, take measurements, cut timber to size and make sure everything everything level.
On Tuesday Mr McMillan and Mr Healy taught the students to use the cement mixer and lay the cement. A great lesson and good collaboration between student, teachers and staff.
Mr Kelly
International Womens Day
O'Conner Leaders and Z-Club representatives celebrating International Women's Day with the Quota Club Armidale
Zonta Club
O’Connor Catholic College Z Club Celebrates its 10 year anniversary in 2013.
Attached is a slide show that was assembled by members of the O’Connor Catholic College Z Club for the Zonta Area Conference that was held in Armidale in 2022. Copy of zclub.pptx
This service club started here at O’Connor in 2013 after I was approached by an Armidale Zontian who asked if my Textiles classes (or interested students) would like to make cushions for breast care patients in the Armidale region. I put out the call and we had a great group of students who were really interested in participating in this very worthwhile cause. After discovering what Zonta International was all about, and realising that we could make a difference in the lives of women and children around the world, we decided to set up a school group in affiliation with Zonta, known as Z Club (yes, very American I know). We have attended the Brisbane Conference
The term “Zonta” is derived from a Lakhota (Teton Dakota), a language of the Native-American Sioux peoples, word meaning honest and trustworthy. It was adopted in 1919 to symbolize the combined qualities of honesty and trust, inspiration and the ability to work together for service and world understanding.
The objects of Zonta (and hence Z Club) include:
1. To improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local level through service and advocacy. 2. To work for the advancement of understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of members.3. To promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.4. To be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programs, and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations and the world.
Here are a few more of the highlights of the last 10 years.
In 2016, we had the privilege of Gemma Sisia (Rice) coming to our school and giving us a wonderful insight into her amazing venture of setting up the School of St Jude. The wider community were invited to attend and we had a great turn out. Gemma was such an inspiration. A former O’Connor student, Agnes Mary Hanna gave Gemma $10 to start her quest of building this school, and from there it has grown into an educational facility that now boasts enrolments of 1800 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, 1400 are boarders. 2020 saw its first Year 12 class graduate.
Some of the members of Zonta Armidale, joined with students and staff members (Mrs Osborne and Ms Menz) to assemble care packages for those in need in our local community.
A Vinnies representative receiving the care packages.
On Saturday the 29th, 2019, the Z-Club leadership team was invited to attend the Zonta Club’s 45th anniversary dinner. During this event we learnt about the impact Zonta as a whole has on the world, as well as some of the great projects they are fundraising for at the moment. During this time we had the opportunity to talk to members that have been involved in Zonta for years, which was very insightful.
At the Armidale club’s 45th anniversary dinner, their club executive spoke about their activities and introduced a video about birthing kits.Pictured here with their Z Club co-ordinator, Vicki Channon, are Grace Everett, Mia Brotherson-Moffit, Alex Shepheard and Bridie Giles.
Also from 2019….Thank you Jade
Year 7 student and Z Club member Jade Foster worked really hard to gain a $100 gift voucher from Coles recently. Jade wrote many letters and spoke to many people in high places before it happened but here she is pictured with the end result, extremely pleased with her efforts. This voucher was used to purchase toothbrushes, toothpastes and deodorants which will be added to our care packages. These are then delivered to people in our local community who are disadvantaged. Great work Jade:)
Poppy McKay, a member of Z Club since she was in Year 7 and Mrs Channon at the International Women’s Day breakfast this morning, Friday 3rd March 2023.