A Year of Uplifting Transformation and Faith at O'Connor Catholic College, Armidale

It's been nearly half a century since O'Connor Catholic College, Armidale first opened its doors to students aged 7 to 12.  The school, born in 1975 from the union of two of Armidale’s most esteemed institutions, St. Ursula’s College (est. 1882) and De La Salle College (est. 1906), now stands proudly on the De La Salle College site as one of three Catholic High Schools serving the Diocese of Armidale.

While O’Connor Catholic College is rooted in the rich faith and history of the community that it serves, and the traditional institutions from which it arose, the school takes a decidedly holistic approach to education. Every member of the O’Connor community from instructors to parents, and students to coaches, are all contributing to an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child feels empowered to be the very best version of themselves, academically, spiritually, and socially. In this way, O’Connor Catholic College truly lives its motto, The fruit of the spirit is love.

Sustaining Faith Through Education and Service

The college’s dedication to sustaining faith is reflected in its vibrant religious life which provides a strong foundation for both students and staff. O’Connor teaches the principles of the Diocesan Religious Education curriculum, giving students the option to learn through both formal and informal experiences.

Regular, collaborative learning experiences that take students out of the school environment and empower them to challenge their own thinking, take tangible steps to help others, and be proactive in figuring out what they can do alone and as a group to be of service to and share the faith with others.

Founders Day, a key event in the school calendar, celebrates the college’s rich Lasallian and Ursuline heritage. This day not only honours the founders of the college but also reinforces the values of compassion, justice, and service that are central to its mission​. The college’s deep and enduring relationship with the Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish, supported by the dedicated parish priests, has only grown stronger with the move of weekend Masses to the welcoming De La Salle Chapel, following the cathedral’s closure. It’s been wonderful to see the Chapel come alive each week, with both junior and senior students now celebrating Mass together—a beautiful new tradition that has fostered unity and a shared sense of purpose across all year groups. And every term, the entire school community comes together as one to celebrate Mass, creating moments of profound connection and reflection.

Each school day begins with the entire school coming together for a moment of reverence and gratitude in our Pastoral and Academic Care sessions. This time is used to connect spiritually and communicate how the students can support one another, setting a positive and thoughtful tone for all that follows.

The students’ commitment to service is equally inspiring, with Year 10 students enthusiastically supporting the Assistant Catechists program in State Primary Schools, and Year 11 students taking on leadership roles in the faith community through the Lasallian Youth Leader program. These opportunities not only allow students to grow in their faith but also to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, embodying the spirit of service that is at the core of the College values.

Transforming Lives Through Community Involvement

The college’s commitment to providing a positive, inclusive education is evident in its diverse range of activities students can choose to participate in and the wide range of opportunities designed to not only expand their minds, but to enrich their lives, and teach them the joy of helping to lift up others on their journey. These activities not only build academic prowess but also shape character, preparing students to become responsible and compassionate leaders of the future.

The college recently wrapped up another successful “Vinnies Winter Appeal” campaign. This has become an annual event, bringing the whole community together to support those in need. The success of this initiative is a testament to the generosity and dedication of the students, the staff, and the O’Connor families and serves as a perfect example of the college's strong spirit of service and community involvement​.

Energising Education Through Academic Excellence

Innovative education is the driver of academic excellence and a central component of the O’Connor College learning experience. The college is committed to continuous improvement in teaching and learning. The staff are currently working to integrate The Assessment Waterfall Chart across every year and faculty area. The Assessment Waterfall Chart is a pedagogical approach to learning that focuses on setting clear expectations or intentions, offering timely, productive feedback, and encouraging students to develop their self-assessment skills. Once fully incorporated, the Waterfall Assessment will help to create a dynamic and responsive learning environment that meets the needs of all students, ensuring that they are well-prepared for future challenges​.

As we near the end of the year, it is always a particularly busy and exciting time for O’Connor’s Year 12 students as they make plans to prepare for the next level of education or the next phase of their lives. This year’s cohort recently returned from the NSW Legislative Council Bicentennial Youth Forum at UNE where they engaged in a spirited discussion on the trials and triumphs of life as a rural Australian college student, and cheered their classmate on to a second place victory in the NSW Legislative Council Bicentenary public speaking competition.

O’Connor School Captains hosted another successful Student Leaders event, gathering together with captains from other schools across the region. The evening ended with a speech from Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland. The evening was widely viewed as an excellent networking opportunity by all.  Finally, O’Connor Year 12 were front and centre for all the exciting exhibits and demonstrations at the Careers Expo in Tamworth and the UNE Open Day in Armidale. Both events bring students together with leaders from across industry and agriculture, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get advice and guidance from experts in their field of interest.

Looking Forward From Here

The past year at O'Connor Catholic College has been one of significant growth and achievement. From successful community service initiatives to the implementation of innovative educational practices, the college continues to uphold its mission of transforming lives and sustaining faith. As the college looks to the future, it remains committed to providing a holistic education that prepares students not just for academic success, but for a life of purpose and service to others. The O'Connor Catholic College community can take pride in the achievements of the past year and look forward to the continued success of their students as they grow into the compassionate, innovative, and faithful leaders of tomorrow.