O'Connor Catholic College Newsletter

Pastoral Academic Care (PAC) 

Pastoral Academic Care (PAC) Focus - RELATIONSHIP RULES

 

Wellbeing Element - Relationships + empathy

 

Character Strength -  Humour

 

Parent Wellbeing:  A great daily mindfulness challenge, which will connect you with yourself and the moment, is to pause, look for and notice at least one thing different about every day. You are focused with a purpose and not just drifting along on autopilot. Choosing to do this every day, will raise your self-awareness of what is happening around you and to you. What did you notice different about today? Acknowledgement: Kabat Zinn & Baer

Year 7

Mrs Kath Czinner

 

The last few weeks have been filled with opportunities to learn and grow. This is evident in the array of activities that are presented in each class as well as lessons of life as we work on fostering positive relationships, growing resilience and demonstrating perseverance and courage in challenging times. 

Our PAC focus last week was to refresh and review our school expectations. 

Classes were able to reiterate our key focus areas.

We also had the opportunity to for our students to view the need for responsible use of social media. Safe adherence of these guidelines can be help to prevent difficult situations arising in our social setting.

Thursday we were able to take part in the RUOK? Day. Students embraced the motto and were encouraged to ask how their friends are by having a real conversation following the suggested guideline of  Ask Listen Encourage Checkin. 7PAC1 got to know the advice from ALEC well. During our morning PAC session we collaboratively formed the sign RUOK? With each class forming a letter in body art. Collectively we celebrated a moment of sharing a “Kit Kat and a Chit Chat”

As we move into our last weeks of term, the camp with need to be fully organised. Camp commences Tuesday 11th Oct, which is the second day back in Term 4. Thank you to the families who have registered. If you have not done so already please refer to Compass- Events, to follow links for OCC consent and payment details. Also register with Sport and Recreation via the following link

It is important to finish the term on a positive note. It is a good time to check books and ensure that student stationery supplies are fully stocked.

Mrs Czinner (on behalf of the entire Year 7 PAC Team).

 

Year 9

Mr Mark Fulloon

 

As we now enter the last 3 weeks of Term, 3 Year 9 have been a very busy year group. We have had a large number of students representing the college a few weeks ago at Dio Athletics in Tamworth and from all reports students competed well at all levels. Year 9 have also had many opportunities to focus on their academic studies and endeavours with assessments and assignments starting to be done or finished. Today the students were issued their NAPLAN result letters which should come back to their respective parents and carers. Also students elective subject selection and VET course information and choices have been emailed to all of Year 9 for their 2023 courses, quick and prompt completion of the emailed form will ensure that all students choose and are entered into their chosen Year 10 electives. A big thank you to Mr Daniel Fittler and Mr Damian Roff for their hard work and input, getting the elective lines and information ready for our students.

I have spoken to all of Year 9 about how to end the school term in a positive and responsible way. I would like to see that all students continue wearing the correct uniform and be ready for each lesson with the correct equipment and be ready for learning. I am happy that this is usually the case and that they continue to work hard on these aspects of school life. I again congratulate all students who have taken advantage of the many opportunities offered here at O’Connor in this term.

 

Mr Mark Fulloon ( on behalf of the entire Year 9 PAC Team).

Year 11

Ms Amanda Bell and Mr Frank Patricks

 

Pastoral Point

 

Coming into the Year 11 Exams we offer this prayer:

 

Lord God, Thank you for this opportunity to learn new skills and stretch my understanding. Thank you for guiding me through this time of study into the end of Year 11 exams. I lay before you all the hopes and fears I have about the outcome.
Saint Angela Merici - Pray for Us
Saint John Baptist De la Salle - Pray for Us
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop - Pray for Us
Jesus live in our hearts - Forever

 

Heading to the HSC - Hints from those that are doing it now

  • Use online resources
  • Focus on the subject unit strategies
  • ACRONYMS
  • Prioritise mental health
  • Don’t take it day by day, make sure you are organised
  • Be aware of early University entry options
  • When you get new work, understand the content before you move on.
  • Have one place where you have all your notes
  • Maintain your engagement
  • Sharpen the Axe, open the link to explore - https://www.velaction.com/sharpen-the-axe/ 

What is the message in this story?

 

Jerseys Information 

The expectation is the Jerseys will be available in December, hopefully before school finishes for the year.

 

Exam Preparation with Confidence 

 

Two pages taken from the College diary. You can view these in your own diaries on pages 138 and 139. Please take the time to read and absorb.

 

Some Year 11 Exams Comments

 

“I am honestly excited, I have been studying for maths so I am hoping to get 90% or higher in maths”.

“Studying for exams has taken over the majority of my afternoon activities where I would usually have time for myself and reflect on the day I’ve had. I feel overwhelmed and stressed and my anxiety is up in the air right now, but I will do my best and complete the exams to the best of my abilities”.

 

It is natural to feel stressed when heading toward exams. The fear of the unknown can sometimes become overwhelming. So there is a real need to remember the sun will come up the day after the exam and you will still be the same great person you were before the exam. It is just the beginning of the rest of your life. There are soooo many opportunities out there just waiting for you and experiences that you are yet to appreciate. All you should do is your best effort and be happy with that.  The Year 11 PAC team already knows how good you are and we are all here to support you during this time of exam uncertainty.