From the Head of O’Connor House, Mathew Barr
It has been another busy, yet successful term for O’Connor, and it is hard to believe that we already find ourselves three-quarters of the way through the year. The boys have continued to be involved in many activities around the College, and it has been great to see a large number making the most of the opportunities that the College has to offer. As always there has been a big emphasis on study and it has been pleasing to see more boys step up in this area.
The term kicked off by acknowledging and congratulating those students that had performed well in their Semester One studies and reports. Students that achieved 1st Prize in their subjects and/or overall were presented at the College’s Academic Assemblies in Week 1 and 2. It was great to see many boys from O’Connor amongst the top award winners.
The College experienced a very special Winter Co-curricular season with both the College’s 1st XV Rugby and First XI Football both winning the CAS Premierships. Congratulations to the O’Connor boys involved and for the support and school spirit shown by many of the younger students on that memorable Saturday at Queen’s Park.
House Assemblies were conducted at the Junior School this term, enabling a great opportunity to build on our connection with the Junior school and for the Senior boys go down to Waterford Campus and reminisce at the place where for many their Waverley journey started. We had Trivia, Tug-O-War, and Dodge Ball competitions to foster House spirit and relationships and student presentations to reinforce our Wellbeing themes of ‘Resilience and Growth Mindset’.
Chess set built by Year 12 O’Connor student
In week 7 of the term we had the Year 10 Dinner Dance. The boys and their partners looked fantastic, scrubbing up in their finest and all enjoyed a wonderful night of food, dancing and of course beautiful Sydney harbour views. Below is the link parents can click HERE to view and purchase photos from the Harbour Cruise.
Mentor time
We also had Year 9 Camp during Week 7. The boys participated in a range of physical activities that challenged them as an individual and as a group. The staff from both Waverley and Somerset were very impressed with the boys’ positive attitudes and commitment throughout the four days.
I would finally like to take the opportunity to wish the Year 12 students all the very best for their HSC examinations and beyond. In a year of significant change to the College they have been great role models and support to the younger students in O’Connor House. I hope they can look back on their time at Waverley with fond memories and friendship bonds that last a lifetime.
Year 12 O’Connor students
Term 4 Reminders
A reminder to parents and caregivers to ensure that your son returns with an appropriate haircut. Boys should not have any colour or ‘tracks’ in their hair. Hair should also not cover the ears, collar or eyebrows.
Term 4 classes resume on Monday 9 October.
Blessings to all of you for the holiday break. I hope the boys will return with renewed energy and clear goals as we enter the home straight for 2017.
