Principal's Report

Dear O'Connor Community,

'When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.'

Dr Wayne W. Dyer

There is a lovely book called Wonder by R.J. Palacio which tells the story of August. August is a boy who was born with a physical challenge. This story centres around his relationships with his parents, sister, new school friends and teachers. Each of the people in August's life have a unique perspective, some are positive and some are not so positive. The characters in Wonder are challenged to 'see' beyond the differences and to celebrate their similarities. We get to see the characters lives become richer when they are focused on the similarities. The strong message that comes through this story is one of hope.

It is so important that we remember that in life what binds us together - Faith, Care and Community is what is truly important. Here in our O'Connor Community we choose kindness. Kindness in our thoughts, words and actions.

Principal's meeting

Last week I was able to spend a few days with the Principal's from our Diocese in Gunnedah. We were able to visit St Mary's College and St Xavier's primary schools to see the wonderful learning and teaching in the classrooms. The sense of teamwork and collaboration across all of our shool was evident. 

At this meeting the Diocese prayer was launched. This prayer was written by the student's at St Mary's as part of an initiative in our Diocese. It is a lovely addition to our community of schools and one that we will use at many of our coming events.

Lenten Season - A Lenten Message from his Holiness Pope Francis 

This week we began Lent. This is a time when we reflect on our lives. Pope Francis reminds us that Lent is a time to set ourselves apart from our usual routines. To focus on the messages of Jesus.

'The Gospel of the Transfiguration is proclaimed every year on the Second Sunday of Lent. During this liturgical season, the Lord takes us with him to a place apart. While our ordinary commitments compel us to remain in our usual places and our often repetitive and sometimes boring routines, during Lent we are invited to ascend “a high mountain” in the company of Jesus and to live a particular experience of spiritual discipline – ascesis – as God’s holy people.

Lenten penance is a commitment, sustained by grace, to overcoming our lack of faith and our resistance to following Jesus on the way of the cross. This is precisely what Peter and the other disciples needed to do. To deepen our knowledge of the Master, to fully understand and embrace the mystery of his salvation, accomplished in total self-giving inspired by love, we must allow ourselves to be taken aside by him and to detach ourselves from mediocrity and vanity. We need to set out on the journey, an uphill path that, like a mountain trek, requires effort, sacrifice and concentration. '

This Lenten season may we find opportunities to assist and care for those in our community and the world who require our kindness. 

God Bless,

Mrs Clare Healy

Principal