R.E News
Vinnies Fire Appeal
On Friday 29th November, students wore mufti clothes to school and gave a gold coin donation to go towards the St Vincent de Paul Fire Appeal. An AMAZING $1212.35 was raised for this appeal. As well as students wearing mufti, the SRC & P&F hosted a Movie Mania night. Within the total amount, $400 was raised by Food Technology students who held multi-cultural food stalls during the week. Along with this, Kate Pigram donated goods made by the residents of Oak Tree Village which were sold to staff for this great cause.
Australian Catholic Youth Festival - Perth
Mr Roff, Brydie Hawthorne, Eliza Clark & Nick Troon accompanied 12 O’Connor students to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Perth ( 7th - 12 DEC)
The students who participated in the ACYF were Chloe Brown, Caitlin Honeysett, Tahlia Carson,
Georgia MacMahon, Bethanie Rice, Molly Hardey, Lara Walters, Brianna Stephenson, Nerissa Hallman, Alex MacMahon, Sophie Troon and Lily Roff.
Photo: The Diocesan group with bishop Kennedy.
The Lasalian Foundation
Report by Brydie Hawthorne
“This term the Lasallian Foundation held their annual Camp La Salle. I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Sydney to meet all the young Lasallians attending and help at this event.
Students from Lasallian schools in Sydney who have experienced a difficult year are invited to come to this camp. Students are given the opportunity to relax, have fun and spend quality time with the Lasallian leaders who are positive role models.
The camp was filled with great people and lots of fun, Students and leaders spent three days playing games, sports and sharing great conversations. All had an incredible time and walked away feeling inspired and encouraged for the future. "
Youth Mass
Sunday, 1st December was the last Youth Mass for 2019. At this Mass, the College 2020 Captains and Lasallian Youth Leaders were commissioned. Fr Samson blessed the badges and commissioned the students to their leadership roles of faith, service and community.
De La Salle Relic
At the end of the Youth Mass, Fr Roel presented a third-degree De La Salle Relic to Ellen Hawthorne (Capt), Sam Bible ( Vice- Capt) and Ms Regina Menz. Fr Roel had the opportunity to obtain this relic when he was visiting his family in the Philippines earlier in the year and presented it to O’Connor Catholic College, in memory of the tercentenary of Jean Baptiste De La Salle, which was celebrated in April this year.
Thank You
A big thank you goes out to the group of year 10 students who have selflessly given their time and expertise throughout the year. They contribute to the spiritual life of the College by setting up for the weekly Masses in the Chapel.
Training for Special Ministers of the Eucharist
On Sunday, 8th December, Sr Anne from Port Macquarie was in Armidale to prepare Special Ministers of the Eucharist and these people were then commissioned at the 5.30 pm Mass.
Anthony Kelly, Caroline & Steve Chapman, & Mitch Smidt from O’Connor all participated in the workshop.
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal Liturgy
Monday 9th saw the students and staff of the College gather in the Chapel for the annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal Liturgy. Gifts are given by the students to assist those in need over Christmas. Gifts for teens, men and women's toiletries and toys were taken up to the altar by representatives of the student body and they will be transferred to St Vincent de Paul in Rusden Street Armidale, before they are gathered into gift bags for their recipients. Vinnies students along with the 'Beatitudes' musicians, joined together in creating a moving and memorable liturgy. Ms Menz challenged us to be the 'hope for someone' this Christmas and to 'be the one who brings peace' over the festive season. The generosity of students and parents will be appreciated by those at Vinnies and particularly those who receive the donated presents this Christmas. Thankyou everyone.
Year 11 Retreat
On Tuesday, 10th December the Year 11 students headed off to Sydney for the Year 11 Retreat. They are staying at the Uniting Church Conference Centre at Elanora Heights. Part of the retreat focus is on social justice and on Tuesday morning students will participate in The Big Issue Classroom workshop and in the afternoon a workshop with Fr Paul Fyfe at St. Canice's in Kings Cross. Wednesday saw students enjoy activities that will helped them deepen their knowledge and understanding of Islam and Buddhism, which the Studies of Religion II students study for their HSC. They are did this by visiting a traditional Buddhist Monastery in Homebush and The Gallipoli Mosque in Auburn. Students also attended Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral and experienced the Lights of Christmas one evening. Much of the travel in Sydney was by public transport including the ferry to Manly.
On Wednesday evening we met up with the ACYF students. The Year 11s joined the retreat along with Eliza & Brydie. Mr Roff & Nick accompanied the Year 10s home.
Accompanying teachers were Mrs Vicki Channon, Mr Jon Hawthorne, Mr Peter Trinh, Mr Michael Wooster, Isaac Selvey ( LYL) and Mrs Denise Fittler.
Photo: St Mary's Cathedral Sydney by night.