Assistant Principal's Message
Parents & Carers
This week O'Connor's leadership team attended the Sydney Morning Herald Schools Summit in Sydney. Whilst there was a great deal of politicising from the various speakers there were also some common educational themes that emerged.
One was the ongoing review of the NSW Curriculum and why this process will not conclude quickly. The kindergarten to year 12 curriculum review, which is being undertaken by education expert Professor Geoff Masters is due to be handed down later on in the year and will also include the HSC.
On a much more enlightening note it was very refreshing to hear and witness Eddie Woo a young Mathematics teacher who has received much acclaim due to his innovative style and fame on Youtube.
Mr Woo spoke about student engagement and in particular ‘igniting the fires’ in young learners.
To maintain and motivate student learning no matter what the subject, Mr Woo spoke about 3 essential dispositions.
Firstly, he spoke about playfulness and the use of games in teaching. He provided a short analogy of himself taking his young children to the park where they were unbuckling their seat belts before he had even come to a halt, such was their
anticipation on getting to the playground equipment. I’m sure many of us can relate
to this experience. The point he was making is that playing and games are an innate reaction
for children. He also gave an example in the modern context by providing data on the number
of hours teenagers are either watching or playing video games online. He then provided examples of how games can be used to stimulate learning
in Mathematics and that how this can be applied to all disciplines.
The second disposition was collaboration within the classroom. As a school we have endorsed the assessment as a learning model in a collaborative context. We understand the value of peer to peer
support and not leaving anyone behind. This enables more students to effectively participate in the lesson and therefore learn from each other.
The third deposition related to' teacher passion'. Students feel confident and inspired by teachers
who demonstrate a real passion for their subject. This comes across in their teaching.
A confident and inspiring teacher knows the content and is able to use a variety of teaching devices and at the same time monitor the learning of all students.
Upcoming Events
Year 9 Information Evening will be held Monday 4 March at 6pm in AG 4/5. The purpose of this evening will be to provide information around NAPLAN, HSC Standards, The RoSA, Reporting and grading, Year 9 Excursion and Pastoral, Academic Care.
An information Evening will be held for Year 10 Tuesday 5 March commencing at 6pm. This evening will focus on the HSC Minimum Standards.
The Science and Engineering Challenge at UNE will be held during Week 6.
Ash Wednesday is 6 March. We will be having a whole school Mass at 9.15 except for Year 11 who will join the Parish at the Cathedral at 12.30.
Students will also be involved in Stage 5 and HSC Music Workshops.
Enrolments 2020
Do you have a child or know someone with a child starting Year 7 in 2020? Our first Year 6 STEP (Stage Three Enrichment Program) Transition Day for students will be held on Thursday 21st March. Our Information Night for parents/carers will be held on the same date. To register your interest in both or either event, please contact the College office on 67721666 or email. occadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au
Please share with friends and family.
Staff Development Days 2019
We wish to advise parents/carers of the dates for staff development days for the remainder of the year.
Term 2 - Tuesday 11th June and Wednesday 12th June. The College will be closed as all staff will be attending the Systems Conference run by the Catholic Schools Office.
Term 3 - Monday 22nd July. The Library will be open for senior students wishing to study.
Term 4 - School concludes on Wednesday 18 December.
Thank you ..
For your ongoing support & Cooperation
Simon Fleming
A.P