Principal's Report

Year 12 Graduation 2019

Bishop Michael Kennedy, Fr Roel Llave, Fr Sampson Koyipurath, Mrs Kerrie Priddis, Schools Consultant, Catholic Schools Office, Armidale, Mrs Belinda Burton, Principal St Patrick’s Primary School Walcha, Dr Vernon Crew, President of the School Advisory Council, Parents, Friends, Staff and students

To the graduating class of 2019. I am so sorry that I am not with you today to give this speech in person but I know that today will be a wonderful celebration for you, your parents, family, friends and teachers. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge your contribution to our College community. I have watched you grow in your learning and in your approach to life and I am excited for you and your family and friends as you enter the next phase of your lives; a step into a world which I hope you will find exciting and fulfilling.

When your parents graduated they entered a world quite different from the one you will face. In many ways it was a simpler time when the options after school were straightforward, social media was non-existent and the path to travel was more defined. Technology was not a large part of their world and the opportunities were limited. You will be entering an exciting world, one full of possibilities and opportunities. This will call upon all of your independence, determination and perseverance. It means you will no doubt face setbacks and have times when life seems unfair. My hope is that you will never allow others to persuade you against striving for those things that you really want from life. 

The class of 2019 have shown great resilience and empathy. Mental illness has affected this group of students in a number of ways; some have suffered from it, their friend might have or a family member. It has been incredible to watch these young people support and grow in their capacity to deal with this illness as it has occurred. It is important that we support all people who experience mental health illnesses and, together, students, parents and teachers work to help each other with these illnesses. These students have done this. They have visited friends who might be struggling, they have told someone when they have been worried about a friend and they have sought help when they need it. It has been incredibly gratifying to see this group of students grow in their empathy and wellbeing. 

As you leave our College, be inspired by the knowledge that God walks with you. During times of hardship, take time to contemplate the awe and wonder of our God. 

The following excerpt from Isaiah gives us hope:

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young people stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

My wish is that you soar like eagles, that you challenge yourself. The theme chosen by you for this was ‘The Power of Yet’. A theme full of hope and possibilities. A theme that encourages you to try and try again. Keep this with you as you leave our community, knowing that in times of hardship is when you show your true character and strength. May God bless you and keep you during these times. 

 Even though we are farewelling you today don’t forget about that small thing coming up the HSC exams. Study hard and try your best. When the results come out be pleased with all you have achieved. Don’t be defined by your results or your ATAR, recognise that there are many different pathways and no pathway is better than another. Be proud of all you have achieved in your thirteen years of schooling. 

When you look back at your times at O’Connor I hope you look back with great memories and remember that you will always be part of the O’Connor community . A community founded on faith and focused on learning.

I wish you well! 

I present to you Year 12 2019.

I’d now like to recognise the student leadership team of 2019 and to thank them for everything they have done. We will then have Meg and Simon give their final captains’ address.

Our School Captains -

Meg Lye and Simon Di Luzio

Vice Captains

Harry Simpson and Maria Alkhouri

Faith and Service Captains 

Laura Di Luzio and Nicholas Andrews

Arts Captains

Oliver Ryder and Kaitlynn Turley

Sports Captains

Jackson Gwynne and Chyna Smith

What new learning will you undertake this week?

Regina Menz

Principal