From the Head of O’Connor House, Matt Barr
Term Four started off with the new House Prefects, James Bodkin, Reece Thorn, Patrick Kossenberg and Tadgh Murphy taking over the reins. O’Connor House is also very fortunate to have College Captain, Harley McGuiggan to assist the Prefects. Straight away the boys picked up from where the previous leadership team had left and displayed great enthusiasm and innovation in their new roles. I look forward to working further with them and developing more house initiatives next year.
James Bodkin, Reece Thorn, Patrick Kossenberg and Tadgh Murphy
There were a number of students selected in 1st Teams for summer Cocurricular activities, including Marco Payumo of Judo and Jeremy Petritsis of the 1st V Basketball, both being named Captains of their respective teams.
O’Connor House Assembly
Our term Assemblies were located in the PAC foyer and theatre spaces. We had guest speakers from Australian Youth Climate Coalition present to the house as a follow up session from the conference the House Prefects and SRC attended earlier in the year. A highlight of the assemblies this term was the introduction (thanks Mr New) of the House Song ‘O’Connor’s Call’ which the boys and staff enthusiastically embraced. Click on the following youtube link to view one of the passionate renditions: O’Connor’s Call
Interhouse diving competition Zygi Mann and Max Leedham
We had two House Competitions in Diving and Tug-of-war this term during lunch times. Both teams tried extremely hard and it was great to see so many kids volunteering their lunch break and showing house spirit in these events. Thanks to Zygi Mann and Max Leedham (pictured), as well as Patrick Kite for volunteering to dive for the house. Next year I hope that we can build on the strong start and excellent House Spirit and Culture we have developed through these competitions.
Interhouse Tug o’ War
Year 10 successfully completed their outward bound learning experience at Somerset Camp. The theme for the camp was ‘Stepping up, Stepping out’ and it was overwhelming to see the cohort take this on board with each activity. Students managed to step up into leadership and step out of their comfort zone, lessons we hope for the cohort to take into their senior years. Year 10 finished the year with two Reflection Days which consisted of activities from WALK4ONE, Sydney Jewish Museum and various guest speakers at the College. Congratulations must go to year 10 students for the mature and focused way they approached the reflection days. It was a great way to end the year for this cohort who continue to show their exceptional potential as our college leaders for the future years.
O’Connor Year 10 students with Sam Clear, WALK4ONE
The Year 12 students attended Retreat at St Benedict’s, Gross Vale with Aungier House. The boys were very fortunate as the venues facilities and accommodation was 1st class. It was a great opportunity for the students to take stock, reflect on the various aspects of life and help formulate goals and plans moving forward into their HSC year.
Year 12 retreat
Junior School students also had a busy term that included the Year 5 Camp to Vision Valley, Walkathon for various charities, Music Festival, Year 7 Orientation Day and the Year 6 Graduation.
Congratulations to the following students from O’Connor that received a 1st in subject award or a major award at Presentation Night; well done on a great semester:
- Sebastian Richardson – French
- Finn Filipek – Mathematics Level 2
- Christian Smirnotis – Award for Sport
- Finn McCloskey – Computing Studies
- Charles Kent – Spanish
- Luke Harris – 1st Prize in Design And Technology, English, French, Mathematics Accelerated, Science, Sydney University Excellence Award & Dux of Year 10
- Tadgh Murphy – Construction, English Studies & Sport Life and Recreation
- Patrick Kossenberg – UNSW Australia Prize for Ecomonics
- Simon Finnegan – Ryan Shiels Memorial Prize for Musicianship
- Baxby Ward-Gyton – Marine Studies
A massive thank you to all House Mentors for their efforts, care and professionalism throughout the term. The boys are very fortunate to have you looking after their wellbeing and development as young men.
I would finally like to thank everyone for their hard work and efforts this year and wish you all a safe, relaxing and enjoyable Christmas break.
