Vol 19. No 70. “ONE” 10th February 2012 19 2012.pdf · Jackie will be teaching PDHPE and...
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Vol 19. No 70. “ONE” 10th February 2012 Thursday, 9th February, was the historical Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop-Elect Michael Robert Kennedy. I would like to use this newsletter item as a reflection of the importance of this day in the history of our Diocese. Today is an historic event for the Catholic Diocese of Armidale and Northern Inland NSW as a whole. The Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop-Elect Michael Robert Kennedy will take place in the Cathedral of Saints Mary and Joseph in Armidale on the 9th February 2012, commencing at 10:30am. The ceremony will take close to two hours. Retiring Bishop of Armidale Luc Matthys will be the Prin- cipal Celebrant. The Ordination Mass will be Co-Celebrated by Cardinal George Pell of Sydney and Bishop Gerard Hanna of Wagga Wagga. A large crowd of clergy, parishioners and the general public is expected to participate in the ceremony. Bishop Matthys said the Cathedral will hold over 700 people and a marquee in the Cathedral grounds will shelter the overflow. Invitations have gone out to the 23 Parishes of the 91,500 sq km Armidale Diocese. The Principal and a boy and girl captain from each of the 24 Catholic schools in the Diocese have also been invited. Papal award recipients have been requested to wear their medals at the ceremony. Bishop Matthys said the Ordination will be just the fourth time that a Bishop of Armidale has been consecrated (or ordained, as the ceremony has been called from 1969) in Armidale. He said the Catholic Diocese of Armidale was cut off from the Archdiocese of Sydney in 1862, but no bishop was appointed here until 1869, and he was consecrated in Cork, Ireland. His successor, Bishop Torreg- giani, was consecrated in London. Bishop O’Connor and Bishop Coleman were both consecrated in Armidale, and there were no more ceremonies of that kind until Bishop Manning’s in 1991. Bishop Matthys was ordained a bishop in Armidale in May 1999. Bishop Matthys was the ninth Bishop of Armidale and served for 12 years. He said the average length of each episcopate has been almost 16 years. The longest was Bishop O’Connor, from 1904 to 1932, and the shortest was Bishop Freeman’s, from December 1968 to July 1971, when he became the Archbishop of Sydney. Last Friday, 3rd February the whole school celebrated the first Para Liturgy for 2012. This Para Liturgy was a special celebration with several past leaders of the school attending and handing the cross on to the school leaders for 2012. Last years Dux of the school, James Mann, was also announced. The leaders for 2012 presented their theme for 2012; ‘One’. The captains gave a thought-provoking and powerful presentation related to their theme. This was a very prayerful and reverent service and the students are to be congratu- lated for the way they conducted themselves throughout this Para Liturgy. The guest speaker, Gabi Kelly, girls captain of 2004, gave an excellent address to the students encouraging them to become involved in school life and take advantages of many opportunities offered.
Transcript of Vol 19. No 70. “ONE” 10th February 2012 19 2012.pdf · Jackie will be teaching PDHPE and...
Vol 19. No 70. “ONE” 10th February 2012
Thursday, 9th February, was the historical Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop-Elect Michael Robert Kennedy. I would like to use this newsletter item as a reflection of the importance of this day in the history of our Diocese.
Today is an historic event for the Catholic Diocese of Armidale and Northern Inland NSW as a whole. The Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop-Elect Michael Robert Kennedy will take place in the Cathedral of Saints Mary and Joseph in Armidale on the 9th February 2012, commencing at 10:30am.
The ceremony will take close to two hours. Retiring Bishop of Armidale Luc Matthys will be the Prin-cipal Celebrant. The Ordination Mass will be Co-Celebrated by Cardinal George Pell of Sydney and Bishop Gerard Hanna of Wagga Wagga.
A large crowd of clergy, parishioners and the general public is expected to participate in the ceremony. Bishop Matthys said the Cathedral will hold over 700 people and a marquee in the Cathedral grounds will shelter the overflow.
Invitations have gone out to the 23 Parishes of the 91,500 sq km Armidale Diocese. The Principal and a boy and girl captain from each of the 24 Catholic schools in the Diocese have also been invited. Papal award recipients have been requested to wear their medals at the ceremony.
Bishop Matthys said the Ordination will be just the fourth time that a Bishop of Armidale has been consecrated (or ordained, as the ceremony has been called from 1969) in Armidale. He said the Catholic Diocese of Armidale was cut off from the Archdiocese of Sydney in 1862, but no bishop was appointed here until 1869, and he was consecrated in Cork, Ireland. His successor, Bishop Torreg-giani, was consecrated in London. Bishop O’Connor and Bishop Coleman were both consecrated in Armidale, and there were no more ceremonies of that kind until Bishop Manning’s in 1991. Bishop Matthys was ordained a bishop in Armidale in May 1999.
Bishop Matthys was the ninth Bishop of Armidale and served for 12 years. He said the average length of each episcopate has been almost 16 years. The longest was Bishop O’Connor, from 1904 to 1932, and the shortest was Bishop Freeman’s, from December 1968 to July 1971, when he became the Archbishop of Sydney.
Last Friday, 3rd February the whole school celebrated the first Para Liturgy for 2012. This Para Liturgy was a special celebration with several past leaders of the school attending and handing the cross on to the school leaders for 2012. Last years Dux of the school, James Mann, was also announced. The leaders for 2012 presented their theme for 2012; ‘One’. The captains gave a thought-provoking and powerful presentation related to their theme. This was a very prayerful and reverent service and the students are to be congratu-lated for the way they conducted themselves throughout this Para Liturgy. The guest speaker, Gabi Kelly, girls captain of 2004, gave an excellent address to the students encouraging them to become involved in school life and take advantages of many opportunities offered.
A Message from Mr Charlie Allen, Principal O’Connor Catholic College
Dear Parents, Students and Friends of O’Connor,
I am delighted to welcome all families to the 2012 school year. This year we welcome 69 year seven students (the same as we had in 2011) plus a number of new students in other year levels. Welcome also to our current students as we look forward to another year full of new challenges and possibilities. I know that this year we will again offer many rich experiences through our formal curriculum and extra- curricula activities. My experience is that these students who participate fully in the activities offered are the ones who get the most out of their schooling. Equally there are many studies that show students participation in a range of activities have a beneficial effect in all aspects of school life.
Year 12 HSC ResultsOnce again our Year 12 of 2011 have preformed extremely well in the HSC exams. With 2 students attaining ATAR’s over 90, and a number of students gaining Band 6 results across a broad range of subjects O’Connor students have gained the highest possible benchmark. At our first liturgy for the year we were able to congratulate James Mann as dux of the College for 2011. James just edged out Catherine Locke. James and Catherine are the two students who gained ATAR’s over 90.
Welcome to New StaffWe extend a warm welcome to staff new at the College. Mr Daniel Fittler will be teaching senior Physics plus Science and Mathematics in Years 7 to 10. We also welcome Mrs Jackie Porcu who is on exchange with Jenny Roff. Jackie will be here for 12 months with her husband and two children while the Roff’s will be enjoying life in Calgary, Canada. Jackie will be teaching PDHPE and Religious Education. Mr Brad Houldsworth is replacing Mrs Natasha Postle as one of our new Aboriginal Education Aides for Term 1. Mr Mark Kollosche is our new Information Technology Support worker. He is replacing Patrick Scott.
BuildingWork has began on our Trade Training Centre facilities. If you were to visit the main quadrangle you could be forgiven if you didn’t recognise it. Baxter O’Hara, who have offices on the Central Coast and in Tamworth won the contract at the end of last year and have not wasted any time in getting started. While the building will create a lot of interest I have spoken at assembly about the need to keep focus on academic work.
P.E UniformWith demolition of the boys change room we will take the opportunity to experiment with the students being permitted to wear their PE uniform every day they have a practical PE class. This will be the case for both boys and girls and is for Term 1 only. P.E Teachers will advise their classes this coming week when they will be permitted to wear the P.E uniform. Students must be sure to bring their leather school shoes on the days they have practical Science, Agriculture, Food Technology, Design & Technology lessons.
Charlie AllenPrincipal
Principal Mr Allen and dux of 2011 Chris Mann
A Note for Parents
Parent Information Meetings
A Stage 4 (Year 7 and 8) parent meeting will be held on Monday 13th February. A Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10) parent meeting will be held on Tuesday 14th February. These meeting will focus on the changes to the School Certificate and the new accreditation of the ROSA (Record of School Achievement), the assessment requirements of Stage 5 students, homework requirements and expectations of the students. The new discipline policy will also be discussed and cybersafety will be addressed by Mrs Steller. Mr Allen will give an update on the building plans and the impact this may have on the students. Important events for each of these Year groups will be presented by their Year Coordinators. These meeting are an important forum for raising any issues of concern or asking ques-tions of the school and it is important that parents and guardians make the effort to attend a one hour meeting for your child.
A Year 11 parent meeting will be held on Monday 20th February at 6pm to provide important assessment information about the Pre-liminary Year. Assessment schedules and rules for the HSC will be provided to students and their parents. Please make this a priority for the start of the senior years of schooling.
Explanation for abscences from school need to be explained promptly. I have included a form that can be used for this purpose.
Upcoming Calendar events
Week 3 (Week A)
Monday 13th February Assembly 12.25pm. Swimming Carnival presentations will take place and parents are welcome to attend, Stage 4 Parent Information meeting 6pm
Tuesday 14th February ADF talk lunchtime, AGAT test for Year 7, Stage 5 Parent Information meeting 6pm
Wednesday 15th February Year 12 Mass 9.15am, Dance School at O’Connor
Thursday 16th February Dance School at O’Connor
Friday 17th February Dance School at O’Connor
Saturday 18th February P & F Blues on the Green
Week 4 (week B)
Monday 20th February Pastoral Period, UNE Roadshow 11am, Year 11 Information Evening 6pm
Tuesday 21st February Morning tea for Indigenous parents 10am
Wednesday 22nd February ASH WEDNESDAY. Opening Schools Mass at Cathedral 11.30am, P & F meeting 5.15pm, Outdoor Recreation Camp at Lake Keepit(Yr 9,10,11)
Thursday 23rd February Outdoor Recreation Camp at Lake Keepit(Yr 9,10,11)
Friday 24th February Outdoor Recreation Camp at Lake Keepit(Yr 9,10,11)
Kerry StellerAssistant Principal
Theme for 2012 and Dux Announced at O’Connor Catholic CollegeOn Friday 3rd February O’Connor Catholic College held it’s Opening School Liturgy in the O’Connor chapel. In this ceremony, the Leader’s Cross was handed over from past captains of O’Connor to the current leaders. Past captain Gabi Kelly gave the address. She explained how the values she learnt at O’Connor help her make the most of her life so far.There are two announcements held each year at this liturgy. The College Dux for 2011 and the Theme for 2012.The College Dux is presented to the Year 12 student who achieves the highest ATAR from the year before. The Dux for 2011 is James Mann. James was presented with the Shield for being Dux during the liturgy. James achieved an ATAR of 90.2, which was just in front of Catherine Locke. Both Catherine and James can be congratulated for their outstanding results. ATAR results.The College Captains for 2012, Alex Hawthorne and Boyd Ison, announced the theme for 2012 during the liturgy. The group of 7 captains have chosen “One” as the theme. Just one word. They explained that this is a theme that will be adapted during the year to suit current issues. For example, “One World” or “One God”. The students at O’Connor will be invited to add their thoughts or images of what the theme “One” means to them by writing or drawing on the banner in the school office. Ally and Boyd finished with a moving slideshow of inspiring quotes and photos that elaborated on the new theme.
Creative Arts
As this is the first Creative Arts newsletter item for 2012 I would like to welcome all students in year 7. I would encour-age all of you, particularly those already playing an instrument to become involved in one of the schools extracurricular ensembles. At O’Connor we have a number teachers coming into the school teaching a variety of instruments. It is al-ways good to hear of the budding young musicians and I would encourage any students interested in learning an instru-ment at school or outside of school to come and see me. You will need to fill out a form indicating your interest to learn an instrument before you commence lessons. There is a comprehensive list of Music Educator Members of the New England Conservatorium of Music found on their website; http://necom.une.edu.au or by phoning them on 6772 7203. If you would like to know more, please do not hesi-tate to contact me.
Last year was extremely successful for our extra curricular ensembles with many performances in the school and commu-nity. It is important to the continued success of the school extracurricular music program that students attend rehearsals regularly. Students studying elective music are strongly encouraged to be involved in the ensembles at the school, most importantly the school choir.
The choir had several performances last year and continued to grow in strength and numbers. I would like to see that continue this year. Already there are a number of important performances lined up for the choir including the Eisteddfod and a possible Easter
2012 HOUSE CAPTAINS
Congratulations to the following students for gaining house captaincy for 2012
Benilde - Shirley Heap and Dion GallaherLa Salle - Peta Sullivan and Blake Brazier
Merici - Nicole Farrell and Morgan MurtaghUrsula - Madeline Selvey and Justin Smith
Basketball
Armidale Basketball kicks off the season with trials for Representative Basketball on Sundays 6th & 13th February at The Den from 10am to 12 noon. If you are interested in participating in the higher levels, come along and find out more. Information and training will happen at these sessions.
For those who like to have a more social game, nominations for the preseason competition are now being called. Teams are based on years 7&8 combined and years 9 & 10 combined for girls only and boys only. There are no mixed teams in the first 3 school terms.
Cost is $65 for registration of 12 months plus game fees. Game fees are $35 for term 1 (or weekly $6).
Get some friends together and have some fun. Nomination forms are available from Struddy’s or Sportspower.
If you woul like to participate in this fabulous game, please contact Judy Monaghan on 67727771 or at [email protected]. If you don’t have a team, but would still like to play, contact us and we will try to organize a team for you.
If any student has uniforms from previous competitions, could they please return them to 165 Brown Street as soon as possible. Judy MonaghanArmidale Basketball Association Inc02 677277710417622859
AgricultureMerino Ram show and Sale
Students in Yr 10 Ag attended the Armidale Ram show and sale on Wednesday where they were able to discuss the attributes of the best Merino Sires in the country.
Photo 1Reserve Champion Soft feather bantam Uralla Show.
Photo 2Lto R Sam Press, Mitch Brazier, NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir, Ellen Light, Shae Stewart, Tamika Lockyer, Sam Wilson. Front Reserve Champion Ram, Brooke Kirk and Sophie Wilson.
Photo 3 Sam Press examines Bocoble Stud Ram
Photo 4 Jason Brennan holding Reserve Champion Cockeral
Poultry Champions at Uralla Show.The first of the local poultry shows was held at Uralla on the weekend with O’Connor exhibiting 10 birds. They excelled themselves winning Champion Soft feather Bantam (Langshan pullet)and Reserve Champion Soft Feather Bantam (Australorp Cockeral) . Thank you to Lachlan Chap-pell, Kyle Gallagher, Tom Butler, Corey Nordstrom and Mr Schmidt for their work in preparing and presenting birds.
Wanted – Hay ShedThe Ag dept is looking for a shed to store up to 200 small bales of hay which we will cut from our hay paddock shortly. Ideally this will not be too far from Armidale as it will be used later in the year to feed cattle. Please contact the school office if you can help.
Show timeOver the next few weeks students will be exhibiting cattle and competing in junior events at the local shows. If you are at the shows please come and say hello!
Proudly presented by the O’Connor P&F Association
Saturday February 18 2012 6:30pm
at the
Featuring the
O’Connor Catholic College – Student Request for Leave
Date: ___________
I will be collecting my child (full name) _________________________________of class________
At (time)______________________ and will / will not be returning to school.
Reason: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Signature_______________________________________________________________
O’Connor Catholic College – Student Request for Leave
Date: ___________
I will be collecting my child (full name) _________________________________of class________
At (time)______________________ and will / will not be returning to school.
Reason: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Signature_______________________________________________________________
O’Connor Catholic College – Explanation of Student Absence
Date: ____________
I advise that my child (full name) _________________________________of class_____________
Was absence from school)______________________ to ________________.
Category of Absence (please circle appropriate reason) SICK LEAVE
Nature of absence (eg, Flu, family bereavement, etc)___________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Signature_______________________________________________________________
O’Connor Catholic College – Explanation of Student Absence
Date: ___________
I advise that my child (full name) _________________________________of class____________
Was absence from school)______________________ to ________________.
Category of Absence (please circle appropriate reason) SICK LEAVE
Nature of absence (eg, Flu, family bereavement, etc)__________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardian Signature______________________________________________________________
