Creative and Performing Arts

Music

Congratulations to our very own Music teacher, Mr Bruce Myers, on his recent success at the Australian National Band Championships, where he was awarded the Open Tenor Horn title.

This achievement continues his outstanding record in tenor horn performance, building on his success from last year. We are incredibly proud to have such a talented and dedicated musician as part of our staff.

Congratulations to our Senior Music students, Laura and Richard, who have been named in the Top 3 for Composition in their section at the eisteddfod. This is an outstanding achievement in a highly competitive field, and a testament to their creativity, dedication, and musical skill. We are incredibly proud of their success.

Year 9-12 Elective Music Students

Students in Years 9–12 music have the option to attend an interactive performance presented by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on the 22nd of May at Lazenby Hall. This excursion provides a valuable opportunity for students to experience a live orchestral performance, observe professional musicians at work, and gain insight into compositional techniques in an engaging and accessible format.

During the performance, students will explore how composers use the concepts of music—including rhythm, texture, instrumentation, and movement, to create vivid and expressive musical worlds. The interactive nature of the event encourages active listening and participation, supporting students in making connections between their own classroom learning and professional practice.

Visual Arts

Congratulations to all our art students on their success in the Armidale show with a range of students across the years participating.

Laura - Champion and

Grand Champion in the year 10-12

Fine Arts Section at the Armidale show

Calling all young artists " Lets Hang It is on again!

Lets Hang It is the The University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize (UNESAP) Run through NERAM each year students submit works from across NSW. With finalists in each section – Infants, Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary being selected and judged by a panel of art and education professionals. The exhibition was established by the Faculty of Education at UNE with the purpose of promoting interest in the visual arts and encouraging talented young artists in regional New South Wales. With the prize-winning artworks becoming part of the UNE art permanent art collection displayed around the University campus in Armidale.

Let’s Hang It’s online submission period is now open with last entries received by 15th of May 2026. The selected finalists will have their works on display at NERAM from 24th July – 9th August. If you would like more information please talk to your art teachers.

Every year we have a range of students' enter and have been blessed to have many selected as part of the final exhibition.

This year will again be hotly contested with the amazing work of O'Connor students. Including the two works below.

Good luck Bronte and Kimmi!

Bronte Kimi

( Year 10) ( Year 7)

Year 7 and 8 Visual Art students are busy this term turning their 2D drawings into 3D creations, showing flair and creativity as they develop their hand building skills in clay. Stay tuned for the final products, they will be amazing!

Year 7: Isaac Year 8: Finn T, Ethan, Jake

Year 9 Visual arts students are finalising their contemporary self portrait ideas ready to begin their acrylic canvas paintings. The works below left to right: Jack, Cameron and Anneliese.

Year 9 Photography and Digital Media: Finn S produced this image to explore composition in photography.

Year Visual 10 art is delving into the wonderful world of surrealism

through their Strange Happenings unit.

Jade has been working on a design that she will transform into a mixed media artwork exploring surreal concepts in

art.

Year 11 Visual art have been experimenting with mixed media materials and techniques to create a collection of work, exploring the idea of duality below is the lead up work by :

Year 11 working on their collection of work pieces: Rainier - drawing, Charlotte - 3d book, Maggie- heart, Annabel - dog & couch, Bella lemons and hand.

Dance

Year 11 Dance

Our Year 11 Dance students have begun focused rehearsals in preparation for their upcoming Eisteddfod performance. Students are refining choreography, improving performance quality, and developing confidence through ensemble work, musicality, and stage presence.

In class, students are also studying the unit “The Choreographer,” exploring how movement is created and developed to communicate meaning. It has been wonderful to see their dedication and progress as they work towards this exciting performance opportunity.

Mrs Megan Wooster,

On behalf of the CAPA team.

Mathematics

It has been a productive and engaging period across all year groups in Mathematics during the first few weeks of term 2, with students building essential skills and deepening their understanding across a range of key topics.

Year 7 students are developing strong foundational numeracy skills through their work on fractions, decimals, and percentages. These concepts are critical for future mathematical success, and it has been pleasing to see students growing in confidence as they apply these skills in a variety of contexts.

In Year 8, the focus has shifted to algebraic techniques. Students are learning to manipulate algebraic expressions and solve problems systematically, laying the groundwork for more advanced algebraic thinking in the years ahead.

Year 9 students are extending their algebraic knowledge into solving equations and working with more complex algebraic relationships. This is an important stage where students begin to connect abstract concepts with practical problem-solving.

Our Year 10 cohort is progressing along two pathways. The standard pathway is consolidating algebraic techniques, with a focus on expanding and factorising expressions. Meanwhile, students in the advanced pathway are tackling both linear and non-linear equations, developing higher-order problem-solving skills in preparation for senior mathematics.

In Year 11, students in Advanced and Extension Mathematics are exploring functions and graphs, including applications such as break-even analysis. These topics provide valuable links between mathematics and real-world scenarios. Year 11 Standard students are currently studying financial mathematics, gaining practical skills that will support informed decision-making in everyday life.

Year 12 students are working diligently as they approach a critical stage of their studies. Extension 2 students are investigating 3D vectors and their applications, while Extension 1 students are studying projectile motion. Advanced Mathematics students are focusing on sequences and series and their applications, and Mathematics Standard 2 students are engaged in financial mathematics, including investments, loans, and annuities and their next assessment task will focus on this area. Mathematics Standard 1 students are revising measurement and right angled Trigonometry.

Year 12 reports will be released this week. Students are encouraged to carefully review their feedback and use it to guide their preparation moving forward, particularly with the Trial HSC approaching next term. Consistent revision is key—success in mathematics comes from sustained effort over time, so remember to play the long game.

We are also proud to share that seven students will be representing the school in the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT) Challenge this year, under the guidance of Mr Harris. We wish them the very best in this exciting opportunity.

To support consistent progress and to build confidence, the Mathematics faculty continues to promote the “Five Question Approach” in all year groups. This strategy labelled locally as The “Focus Five” was introduced at the start of the 2025 academic year and encourages students to regularly complete five strategically chosen, targeted questions, focusing on key skills and concepts from their current, upcoming and past topics. By engaging in short, frequent bursts of practice at the start of each lesson, students reinforce their understanding, identify areas for improvement, and develop effective study habits. Over time, this approach will help build fluency and resilience, ensuring students are better prepared for assessments and more complex problem-solving.

Senior Mathematics support sessions are available every Thursday afternoon, providing students with an opportunity to seek additional help in a supportive and focused environment. These sessions are highly beneficial for clarifying difficult concepts, working through challenging questions, and receiving guidance on assessment tasks. All senior students are encouraged to attend, whether they need targeted assistance or simply wish to consolidate their understanding. Regular attendance can make a significant difference, particularly as students prepare for upcoming assessments and examinations.

I leave you with an action shot of our Year 9 students tackling this years AMT Maths Challenge,

Keep up the great work, and remember—persistence and practice are the foundations of mathematical success.

Mr Mark Harris

Leader of Learning Mathematics

English

Year 7 English

Year 7 English this term has started the exploration of their unit, ‘Contemporary Expression’ which examines how poetry can be transformed into multimodal tasks. Students began this term by exploring the poem, Trees by Joyce Kilmer and interpreted the text into a new version of their own, considering how symbolism can be utilised to enhance the story.

Year 8 English

Year 8 English this term is deep diving into Shakespeare focusing on the concept of ‘How to Lie and Deceive and Still Win!’. They will be exploring how Shakespeare captures what it is like to be human.

Year 9 English

Year 9 English students are exploring the concept of ‘The Other’ through the James Cameron film, ‘Avatar’ and the picture book, ‘Jandamarra’ by Mark Greenwood. Students will be developing their analytical writing skills refining their understanding on how texts force them to view how ‘peoples’ are presented in different ways. Students will be building their vocabulary throughout this unit - focusing on understanding and integrating these new words into their analytical writing.

Year 10 English

Year 10 English students have begun their unit on ‘The Value of the Author’ exploring the compositions of Annie Proulx who is known for her descriptive writing of mid-western America. Through research, students have been investigating the impact of personal context on what composers create, and how changes in society have added to this as well. Students composed a timeline of Annie Proulx’s life considering the impact of living in Wyoming and her career choices. Students are currently working in pairs to compose a presentation that explores how their composer is an example of an author who has added value to culture, society and the way that people express one another.

Stage 6 English

Students are encouraged to refine their understanding of their unit statements, texts and to ensure that they are regularly engaging in reading and writing to support their growth and development as as students of English.

Book Week 2026

As for the last few years, English will be hosting Book Week in Term 3. Whilst this is some time away yet, students are encouraged to begin considering costumes and engaging with the Reading Challenge for their chance to win a $150 canteen voucher.

Our third book clue will be officially released in the upcoming assembly, but, book three clue is actually below for our observant students!

If a student reads all four texts from the school library they will win a $150 canteen voucher!

The clues are as follows;

Miss Jessica Armfield

Leader of Learning, English

PDHPE

Welcome back to Term 2 in PDHPE! This term our students in Year 7-10 PDHPE have been busy preparing for our Athletics Carnival which is fast approaching on Friday of Week 3, the 8th May.

During our practical lessons students have been practicing each of our events including 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, Relays, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Shot Put, Javelin and Discus.

For each of our students in Year 7-10 Athletics is their practical assessment task for the term. All Learning Task details can be found on compass under the Learning Task Tab for your subject. See below for an example.

Mrs Camilla Clydsdale

Leader of Learning, PDHPE

HSIE

Welcome back to a busy Term 2! Our students have returned with renewed enthusiasm for their studies of HSIE, ready to continue building their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

Around the Faculty

Year 7 - Our budding historians are continuing with their studies of Ancient Egypt to start the term. Students have been engaging in the story of the Narmer Palette and the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, considering how bias and propaganda can be used to change our perception and understanding of events. We will then be concluding the term by exploring the world of Ancient China.

Year 8 - Students have shifted their focus from the natural to the human world in Geography, beginning their new topic called Interconnections. The topic looks at how technology, transportation, information, and communication connect people and places, with a particular focus on the impact of trade and tourism in the modern world.

Year 9 - Following on from the Sustainable Biomes unit, Year 9 students are beginning to study Environmental Change and Management. This unit will help build an understanding of the impact that humans have on the environment, and the challenges that we as humans face to balance the need for progress with sustainability.

Year 10 - Coinciding with our commemoration of ANZAC Day, our Year 10 students have started their study of the topic Australians at War. They will examine the role that Australian soldiers played in both the First and Second World Wars, and the lasting legacy these conflicts have had on our national identity and story.

Commerce Corner

In addition to our HSIE classes, Commerce has once again proven to be a popular elective subject with our Year 9 and 10 students this year. The course provides students with the opportunity to engage with aspects of economics, business, politics, and law, and lays a strong foundation for students seeking to study Economics, Business Studies, or Legal Studies in Stage 6.

Year 9 Commerce has begun the term focusing on the world of advertising through the Promoting and Selling topic. As Don Draper famously put in Mad Men: “Advertising is based on one thing: happiness”. With this in mind, students have been exploring how businesses build positive relationships with their target markets through emotional techniques in their advertising. It also explains why Cadbury can sell you chocolate using only a gorilla and a Phil Collins drum fill:

We have also looked at the relationship between the price and quality of products. In general, consumers expect that the more expensive a product is, the better quality it will be. To illustrate this, students constructed a product-quality chart, plotting famous brands of chocolate where we believed they best belonged based on our experiences and preferences. It certainly invited some very robust discussions over whether particular brands presented good value and quality for the price you pay at the checkout.

Finally, fever pitch has been reached as our Commerce students (and a few brave teachers) have been participating in the ASX Sharemarket Game. Students are given a virtual $50,000 to invest in over 300 companies and exchange traded funds (EFTs) with the aim of making as much money as possible over 10 weeks. The game mirrors the real sharemarket, meaning students get an authentic taste of how real investing works. With global economic uncertainty looming large, they have experienced everything from one student making over $3,000 profit on a single investment to sheer panic on the day the market dropped nearly 2% of its value upon opening. While many students have made tidy profits so far, Mr Chapman has emerged as a formidable opponent. Stay tuned to future newsletters to see who comes out on top!

Mr Will Blake

On behalf of the HSIE team.

Science

Welcome to an Engaging Term of Scientific Discovery

As we begin Term 2, we are excited to see our students continuing to develop their scientific knowledge and skills across a diverse range of topics. This term’s learning programs are designed to build curiosity, deepen understanding, and encourage students to think critically about the world around them.

Year 7 – Forces

Our Year 7 students have commenced their study of forces, exploring how objects interact through pushes and pulls. They will investigate concepts such as gravity, friction, and air resistance, and learn how forces affect motion in everyday situations. Through hands-on experiments, students will develop their ability to measure and analyse forces, laying a strong foundation for future physics learning.

Year 8 – Geology, Resources, and Sustainability

Year 8 students are delving into geology, examining how different types of rocks are formed and how they change over time through the rock cycle. They are also exploring the important role of Earth’s resources, with a focus on mining and recycling. This unit encourages students to consider the environmental and economic impacts of resource use and to reflect on sustainable practices for the future.

Year 9 – Body Systems and Homeostasis

In Year 9, students are investigating the nervous and endocrine systems, and how these systems work together to maintain balance within the human body. They will explore how the body responds to internal and external changes, developing an understanding of homeostasis. This topic provides valuable insight into human biology and highlights the complexity of the body’s regulatory processes.

Year 10 – Climate Science

Year 10 students are engaging with climate science, examining the evidence for climate change and the factors that contribute to it. They will explore both the scientific principles behind climate systems and the practical strategies that can be implemented to mitigate climate change. This unit encourages students to think critically about global challenges and consider their role in creating a more sustainable future.

Year 12 Physics – Theme Park Physics Excursion

Our Year 12 Physics students have recently returned from an exciting excursion to the Gold Coast, where they collected real-world data on acceleration and forces at major theme parks. By analysing rides at Dreamworld and Movie World, students were able to apply their understanding of motion and dynamics in a practical context. This valuable experience not only reinforced classroom learning but also provided memorable insights into the application of physics in the real world.

We look forward to a productive and inspiring term ahead as our students continue to explore, question, and discover through science.

Mr Daniel Fittler,

Leader of Learning, Science

TAS

Exciting New Technology Arrives @ O’Connor

Introducing the Trotec Speedy 360 Laser Cutter

We are thrilled to announce a significant and exciting upgrade to our Technology faculty! This term, we will be updating our lasercutting capabilities by installing a state-of-the-art Trotec Speedy 360 laser cutter and engraver. Our existing Universal Laser has been in operation since 2018.

As we continually strive to provide our students with the best possible tools to support their learning in a rapidly changing digital world, this addition is a game-changer for all of our students but particularly our Stage 4 and Stage 5 Technology students.

Here is a look at what this incredible machine is, and how it will enhance your child's educational experience under the NSW Curriculum.

What is the Trotec Speedy 360?

The Trotec Speedy 360 is an industry-standard, high-precision laser cutting and engraving machine. It uses a focused beam of light to cut through or engrave materials like timber, acrylic, cardboard, leather, and textiles with pinpoint accuracy. Most importantly, it is renowned for its speed, reliability, and top-tier safety features.

Advantages for Stage 4 Students (Years 7 & 8)

In Stage 4 Technology Mandatory, students are introduced to the foundations of design thinking and the process of turning an idea into a physical product.

Rapid Prototyping: Students can sketch a design on a computer and hold the physical, precision-cut part in their hands just minutes later. This immediate feedback loop keeps younger students highly engaged.
Digital Literacy: Students will learn foundational vector graphics software (like Adobe Illustrator or CAD programs) to communicate with the laser cutter, building essential 21st-century digital skills.
Creative Confidence: The precision of the machine ensures that students' final products look professional, giving them a massive boost in confidence and pride in their work.

Existing Year 7 Laser Cutting Projects include keyrings & LED lamps

Advantages for Stage 5 Students (Years 9 & 10)

As students move into Stage 5 elective subjects like Design and Technology or Industrial Technology, the project requirements become much more sophisticated.

Industry-Standard Experience: The Trotec Speedy 360 is the exact same equipment used in professional design firms and advanced manufacturing. Students are gaining hands-on experience with real-world technology.
Complex Project Realisation: Students can design intricate, interlocking parts, custom joints, and detailed engravings for their major projects. The machine handles complex geometries that would be nearly impossible or incredibly time-consuming to cut by hand.
Preparation for Senior Studies: Familiarity with advanced computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) perfectly positions students for success should they choose to pursue Stage 6 (HSC) Design and Technology or Textiles and Design.

Yr 9 students in STEM use lasercutting to create sustainable house designs.

Why the Speedy 360? Safety and Efficiency

As parents, your primary concern—and ours—is safety. The Trotec Speedy 360 is a fully enclosed system with built-in exhaust and filtration. It operates safely within the classroom environment without exposing students to harmful fumes or the laser beam itself.

Furthermore, the "Speedy" in its name is no exaggeration. In a typical 50-minute lesson, bottlenecking at machinery can be a real issue. The high-speed processing of this machine means more students can cut their projects in a single lesson, maximizing active learning time and minimizing waiting.

We cannot wait to see the incredible, innovative projects your children will design and create with this new technology. We look forward to showcasing some of their laser-cut masterpieces in upcoming newsletters & parent nights.

If you have any questions about our Technology programs or the new equipment, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Technology Faculty.

Yours in lasercutting,

Agriculture

Industry Insights: Sheep Judging Workshop with Angus Dawson

Our Stage 5 Agriculture students recently traded the classroom for the yards for an immersive, hands-on Sheep Judging Workshop. We were privileged to welcome back ex-O’Connor student Angus Dawson, now an industry professional from Arakoon Performance Genetics, to share his expertise with the next generation of primary producers.

Angus provided a deep dive into the world of breeding and genetics, explaining how data-driven decisions shape the future of high-performing flocks. Students were highly engaged as they moved through practical stations, mastering the art of meat sheep assessment and the intricacies of fleece evaluation.

Beyond the technical skills, Angus spoke passionately about the diverse career opportunities available within the modern agricultural sector, from genetic research to livestock marketing. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see how their school-based learning translates into a professional career.

A huge thank you to Angus for generously volunteering his time and sharing his industry knowledge with our students!

Food Technology

Year 7 Sustainable Burger Challenge

Looking back at the highlights of last term, our Year 7 Food Technology students cooked up a storm with their "Sustainable Burger Challenge." The project saw students step into the roles of both chefs and entrepreneurs, designing eye-catching brand logos and mastering essential kitchen hygiene tips and skills to ensure a safe professional environment. The focus was firmly on the environment, with students sourcing locally grown ingredients to reduce food miles and create delicious, eco-friendly meals. From perfecting their knife techniques to understanding the journey of "paddock to plate," the creativity and culinary talent on display were a fantastic way to wrap up the term's learning.

Textiles

Year 8’s Sustainable Style Success

Last term, our Year 8 Textiles students turned "trash into treasure" as they tackled their Sustainable Cushion Cover project. The classroom was a hive of creativity as students explored the environmental impact of the "fast fashion" industry and learned how to combat textile waste through upcycling.

The task required students to take pre-loved fabrics, ranging from old denim jeans to vintage tablecloths, and reimagine them into high-quality, functional cushion covers. This project was particularly challenging as it required students to master the centre-back zipper insertion, a technical skill that demands precision and patience to ensure a professional and functional finish. Throughout the process, they mastered several technical skills, including:

-Upcycling and Design: Learning how to work with existing garment shapes and textures to create a fresh aesthetic.

-Technical Sewing: Developing confidence with sewing machines, specifically managing seam allowances and zipper foot attachments.

-Sustainable Problem Solving: Navigating the quirks of repurposed fabric to ensure their cushion covers were durable and well-fitted.

-Decorative Techniques: Personalising their designs through appliqué, embroidery, and fabric printing.

The results, as you can see in the photo, are a testament to their hard work and growing craftsmanship. Not only have they created unique pieces for their homes, but they’ve also walked away with a deeper understanding of how to be conscious, sustainable consumers.

Mr Jon Hawthorne

Leader of Learning TAS

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