Pastoral Academic Care (PAC)
Pastoral Academic Care (PAC) Focus - NEGATIVE MIND CHATTER
Wellbeing Element: Engagement + mindfulness
Character Strength: Humility
Parent Wellbeing:
Your choices shape your life, and research has shown that 40% of your wellbeing is determined by the choices you make. Refuse to accept that you have no choices. The first choice that you have, is whether you choose to choose. Explore, do you choose to make choices, or are you pulled along by other people’s choices?
As the human race has evolved, our biology has developed to adapt to our environment. Our ancestors lived in tribes to survive, protect themselves from dangers and to ensure everyone was provided for. Our first thought to look at what is a threat or wrong with something is called our negativity bias. When we perceive a threat, whether real or imagined, our bodies go into the fight or flight response, which prepares us for action. Adolescence is a time when self-image and social connectedness are the kings in their lives, which heightens their negativity bias to look for threats to them. This is more pronounced in the 21st century with the 24/7 social media presence in their lives. Then add the pressure of doing well at school and they are continually the fight or flight response. While we can’t change students’ fight or flight response, we can teach them strategies to use which minimises the effects. These coping strategies include pausing when they notice themselves feeling tense, sharing with their champions, using positive self-talk, colouring in, exercising, breathing meditation and focusing on JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out). Essentially, being able to control their negativity bias, is reliant on us assisting them to develop their self-awareness of what is happening around and to them. Acknowledgement: Baumeister, Brown & Hanson
Year 7
Mrs Natalie Mellowship-Brown
A big, warm welcome back to Term 2! Students have bought with them great enthusiasm and engagement in their classrooms and a great energy and presence in the Quad and on the Oval at break times. Year 7s have started the new term with a bang! Sport, vaccinations and excursions have meant that everyone has been super busy...and it’s only week 2!
A big O’Connor event that our Year 7 students have to look forward to this term is our annual Athletics Carnival. Students have been busy in their practical PDHPE lessons learning about some of the events that they can participate in on the day; learning about technique and the rules of the events. Here are some of our Year 7s in action!
Last Friday, students focussed on creating some positive study habits, ‘Are you a super-studier?’. We discussed that to do well at school, you don’t have to be brainy. Successful people are usually well organised, positive, motivated and make sure they have time to do all of their homework.
Be Organised + Be Positive
Be Motivated + Allow Time
A huge thank you to our Year 7s who attended, contributed and participated in the ANZAC day ceremonies last Sunday across our region. It was extremely humbling to know that so many of our students were able to commemorate the sacrifices made by so many for our great country.
“At the going down of the sun, we will remember them - lest we forget”.
Mrs Natalie Mellowship-Brown and the Year 7 PAC Team
Year 8
Mrs Kathryn Czinner
This fortnight we have continued to reflect on performance at school. Students were asked to do a self appraisal on how they were progressing in each subject. This gave the students a voice to share their opinion based on :
Subject,
Completion of Tasks,
Focus onLearning,
Learning Behaviours are Respectful,
Prepared and Organised for Learning.
Students were honest and rated themselves as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. This was also the basis for the students to set themselves goals for the term.
Teachers are working consistently to give our students the best opportunity to learn. Teacher / Student learning conversations are regularly happening.
Parents and carers can also check in on student learning. Please ask regular questions and keep informed. A glance at their books or checking that they are ready for the school day with devices charged and pencil cases stocked. We do expect that as 13/14 year olds greater independence should be occurring in this area. Some may need extra support with this. Ask ‘Are you respectful to their teachers and peers?’ ‘What are you learning?’ ‘What do you do if you need extra support?’
Any concerns can always be addressed. Please keep the communication channels open so that we can support each other.
Thank you students who went along to the Anzac Day Commemorations in the local areas.
Special mention also to Shyan Dodd and Montanna Dodd who were a part of a Youth Advisory Forum in Uralla.
It was great to see so many Year 8 students involved in the various sporting events that took place this week.
This week the Warramalaya camp was on and we had 10 Year 8 school representatives at this. Various activities that promoted historical and cultural awareness were explored. We look forward to hearing about the camp.
Term 2 presents with so many opportunities. I encourage all students to try something new and to explore their interests and talents.
Mrs Kathryn Czinner (on behalf of the Year 8 PAC team)
Year 10
Ms Amanda Bell and Mr Frank Patricks
Welcome back from your well earned break Year 10. You have started the new term with great enthusiasm, and the participation and engagement within class is evident from the feedback we are receiving from your teachers. As Year 10 coordinators we are always warmed by the consistent positive feedback gained from all your teachers.
During PAC last Friday the activities and BBQ were a real highlight to the week. It was great to see the whole year get together and just chill together without the pressure of having to achieve something. Well, in fact, you did achieve something, the camaraderie, connectedness and sense of community really shone out and was a highlight to the start of second term.
The participation in the BBQ gives a relaxed and yet firm base to the academic requirements that are an every day expectation at our college. It is not always going to be easy to stay on task and be engaged and focused, however, from all that is being discussed at PAC level indicates a real positive direction to all Year 10 learning, and therefore the outcomes that students are achieving. For those that are at times finding the learning difficult there is always someone you can talk to and there are many ways to travel this educational journey.
Congratulations to those who have sorted out school based traineeships or apprenticeships as these methods of maximising your learning will significantly complement your academic learning outcomes. So continue on your great journey, but don't forget all methods of learning will assist you in your professional work and personal life.
Also, don’t forget a wonderful way to ensure enrichment in your life is to actively participate in your personal direction. This can be achieved through a balance of physical or spiritual improvement. It is not always easy, but the rewards that you will receive, both physically and spiritually, will give you a great perspective on life. Congratulations to those who achieve this. If you aren’t involved in the Colleges sports activities, or youth ministry, give it a go, ask how and get involved.
A massive thank you and pat on the back to those who contributed and participated in the ANZAC commemorative ceremonies on Sunday last. As Mr May outlined on Monday it is not celebrating war but commemorating the sacrifice that so many have made to this great country of ours.
Attached below is how I, Mr Patricks, celebrated ANZAC morning. Many emotional thoughts of how many young people would have enjoyed their last days with their fearful, whilst enormously proud families, before heading to their own baptism of fire, Gallipoli.
At the going down of the sun we will remember them - Lest We Forget.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d924jAMl6QwSgGM-gPAQR472_ykd9_97/view?usp=sharing
Ms Amanda Bell / Mr Frank Patricks (on behalf of the Year 10 PAC team)
Year 11
Mrs Vicki Channon
A big welcome back to Term 2. Only two terms to go before the start of the HSC. Sounds like a long way away, but believe me, time will just fly!!!
After navigating the joys and challenges of senior study in Term 1, things are no doubt going to ramp up in Term 2. There will be more assessment tasks to deal with, so it is imperative that these are being kept in check by working methodically and with dedication and effort to get them completed and submitted on the due date. Failure to hand in an assessment task leads to much paperwork and a zero mark, so please make sure you speak to your teacher if you have concerns about your classwork and assessments if unsure.
Year 11 students and their parents/carers will receive a full report on Friday May 14th. It would be very wise to evaluate the efforts and results of Term 1, and if needed make some adjustments in order to move the learning forward. PAC teachers are happy to work with students in the form of learning conversations to assist students to achieve to their best.
Year 11 students Ned and Heath Maurer are to be congratulated on participating in the College Anzac Service held on Monday in the QUAD, particularly in reading the Prayers of the Faithful. It was an extremely moving commemoration, in part due to the manner in which the cadets conducted themselves throughout the event. Thank you to all of the students that made an effort to attend memorial services across our towns.
A big congratulations to Emma Gray who was recently selected in the NSWCCC U16 hockey team. Great effort Emma.
There are many opportunities for our senior students to step up and take on roles of leadership, be on a committee, play a sport, musical instrument, contribute to a service project, participate fully in the upcoming athletics carnival…. Please think about how you can make a difference and feel great:)
Last Friday Year 11 students joined together for the PAC period to allow some time to nurture and develop some connection with peers in a casual, relaxed and non threatening atmosphere. As a cohort moving towards the goal of gaining an HSC, it is important that as a group we are able to listen to others, have empathy for others and work on developing maturity around conversation. The discussion starters were based around the “living well, learning well’ document, which is based on three facets - being safe, - being valued, cared for and respected and - learning. From all accounts, most enjoyed the sunshine and front lawn along with some down time from study. There will be more opportunities for some other social events in the near future.
Year 11 PAC period last week - speed dating. Topic was around the living well, learning well document.
LaSallian Youth Leaders will be attending a leadership day on Wednesday 5th May. This will be a wonderful opportunity to work with the LaSallian Youth Ministers at O’Connor and some special guests. The day will be filled with fun activities, working together in teams as well as a chance to discuss leadership qualities. It should be a great day.
Looking forward to a great term of learning and as always if you have any concerns please contact any of us here at school.
Mrs Vicki Channon (on behalf of the entire Year 11 PAC team)
Year 12
Mr Mark Fulloon
Welcome back to all Year 12 senior students and the PAC team going into another busy term 2. Year 12 will have a lot to focus on this term with academic focus and some important last events of school/college life. Some students have already taken up opportunities such as the Hospitality and Physics excursion to the Gold Coast, Art Express showcase of the visual arts from 2020 students and UNE campus tours and experience days.
A big thank you to all students who represented the college for ANZAC day both dawn and mid morning commemorative services. We had students in Armidale, Guyra,Uralla and Walcha. Your contribution to this important national day of remembrance was appreciated and demonstrates a willingness to be ambassadors for the college in the wider community.
Coming up this term will be Year 12 ‘s last sports carnival in week 4 and their last founders day which is the last day of term, I encourage all students to make these events something to remember and to be actively involved wherever possible.
Students will also receive a full academic report soon for their chosen subject areas, this will be available at the end of week 2. I encourage all students to look carefully at what they have done well and how they can continue to improve and continuing to prepare for their HSC.
Keep up the good work Year 12, only 2 terms to go before final exams so work hard and get involved in all college opportunities presented to you.
Mr Mark Fulloon (on behalf of the entire Year 12 PAC team)