Pastoral Academic Care (PAC)
Junior: COPING STRATEGIES
Senior: ACT TO COPE
Wellbeing Element: ENGAGEMENT + MINDFULNESS
Character Strength: brainstorming how they can build their wellbeing and resilience using Humour.
Parent Wellbeing: when you are not paying attention when listening to others, there can be little wonder and enjoyment in learning new things, and others will know that you are not interested. Reflect for a moment. Do you feel valued when people take the time to attentively listen to you? Become a better listener to grow personally.
Year 7
“Teamwork makes the Dreamwork” - Miss Plane
That phrase must have come out of my mouth at least 30 times on Tuesday alone during camp, as Teamwork and Kindness were our focuses around the Year 7 camp. The students left Monday morning excited and many anxious as they were staying away from home for the longest time in their 12 years or it was the first time away with new friends and challenges. The bus ride down was a long journey and winding roads that resulted in a few sick bellies however Mrs Eastlake was there to save the day with her Mum skills - huge thank you.
The afternoon of day one saw the start of the six rotations that included: Ladder Logs, Zipline, Commando Course (Mud Run), Survivor, Canoeing and the Spiritual retreat with Mr May and Miss Sophie. Group C began their adventure at the Ladder Logs with our instructor Will who mentioned while Miss Plane was on the logs “Yeah it’s my third day here” personally I hope that was a good joke and he says that to everyone. Almost all students gave this task an attempt and many made it to the top of the course which was no easy feet. From the start students took leadership roles and mentored others to assist them with how to put the harness on and tighten it, and lead a team of students who held the weight for their friend while they climbed the obstacle.
We were lucky enough to have Mr May and Miss Sophie at the camp to run our spiritual retreat for the students. Students learnt the history and spiritual meaning behind our prayer tables and the pieces that go into it. They then worked on team games including competitive scissors/paper/rock to learn that even though we are all individuals we are part of something bigger than that and together we can become a strong team. Lastly the students had a moment to pause and reflect on the camp and their experiences. Tuesday night saw the students participate in a liturgy run by Mr May and Miss Sophie - thank you to Eliza, Kobe and Charlie S, who all read their readings wonderfully and respectfully.
Day two started slow with many not getting to sleep till the early hours of the morning (the joys of being away from home) Tuesday saw the last four rotations begin and a huge day in the sun for many. The Zipline required students to work together to encourage and cheer on others to take the leap down the 220m flying fox - students cheered each other on immaculately and never let anyone go without a cheer or a clap. Almost all teachers took a leap of faith as we believe in leading by example and for some humans that can be enough courage to attempt it themselves. After the first go many ran back up the hill to make sure they got their second before the session was over.
The Commando Course and Survivor challenged students on teamwork and brain power to overcome obstacles for success. Many challenges required teams to wait for others before beginning or required everyone to pull their weight to achieve the desired outcome. This really brought teamwork to a whole new level for many groups and as a result new friendships were formed as many students were not in their usual friendship groups here at school. It was amazing to see others helping each other and supporting those moments of frustration or fear during the challenges.Huge mention goes to Miss Fryar and Miss Plane for participating in the Commando Course - mud isn’t everyone's favourite activity.
Wednesday saw the team move to the beach for the last few activities including: surfing, bodyboarding, ocean awareness and chill beach time. The instructors were amazing with the students and made it easy for the teachers to also be involved and not feel like we had to just stand on the beach and watch students. For many this was their first experience surfing and I believe most caught a wave or two so well done! It’s always great to make it to the beach standing on a board. While the beach time resulted in a lot of students wanting to dig and bury themselves in the sand, including burying Mrs Eastlake - I’m sure the boys didn’t plan to leave her there… maybe.
In the end I can’t thank the team enough, Mr Griffin, Miss Jayden, Miss Sophie, Mr May, Mr Healy, Miss Fryar, Miss Wooster, Mr Saaymon and Mrs Eastlake thank you. The students wouldn’t have been able to have this experience without you and the memories they have created that for many include you guys also participating in amazing ways. But lastly to the parents and careers you guys are wonderful for getting your children organised and ready for a three day camp at the start of the week.
I wish everyone a smooth recovery and enjoy your weekends, you deserve it!
Miss Elizabeth Plane
On behalf of the Year 7 PAC Team.
Year 8
As the year gallops to the finish line, our students have been preparing for unit assessments or are finishing major projects. It is pleasing to see so many students striving to give their best.
In Week 9, we will be participating in the life saving program. This is a great opportunity to refine our aquatic skills or make huge improvements with being water safe. As with all endeveours our cohort presents with differing abilities. Each student is challenged to extend themselves and equip themselves with valuable life saving skills. I stress the importance of this programme, sometimes we have students opt out rather than having the courage to move out of their comfort zone. Parents/ carers please reiterate this message and ensure that your child is present for the mandatory programme.
As we are asked to “Believe in the Good, Be the Good”, this motto can be put into action by supporting our Vinnies Christmas appeal. Each student is asked to bring in a small gift that is suitable for a teenager. Last week we were able to support the Catholic missions, Year 8 were very active in their involvement.
Enjoy the rest of the term. In Week 8, we will celebrate our term achievements and acknowledge positive efforts through our commendation system.
Mrs Kathryn Czinner
On behalf of the Year 8 PAC team.
Year 9
“Where is your power?”
The Year 9 theme this year highlights the importance of recognising and harnessing one’s own personal strengths and abilities. As we move into the final half of term 4, I encourage students to reflect upon what gives them a sense of empowerment and how they can utilise their unique talents to make a positive impact in the O’Connor Catholic College community.
Who has discovered their power?
Who has used their power to achieve great things?
Year 9 Mass
The month of November is dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory, whose feast is celebrated on November 2. The entire month of November falls during the liturgical season known as Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical colour green. This symbol of hope is the colour of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection.
This week, Year 9s had the opportunity to welcome Father Damien Locke to O’Connor Catholic College by attending Mass in the College Chapel. Thank you to Brock Hoffman, Benjamin Walsh and Marko Mijajlovic who participated in reading and carrying the cruets. Thank you also to the Year 9 band consisting of Maggie Ridley, Lalina Ward, Harrison Newcombe, Ebony Barnes and Tu My Tran for providing the beautiful music for Mass.
Success
During our Year 9 assembly this week, we were able to celebrate students who have gone above and beyond to succeed in their academic pursuits. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to celebrate the successes of students who have worked hard to achieve their potential and acknowledged them with Pastoral Academic Care Leader Awards. Congratulations to the following students: Ryan Biddle, Charlotte Browning, Alexander Hamlin, Brock Hoffman, Pacie Mulligan, Tillie O’Connor, Grace Pett and Ethan Simmon.
Year 9 PDHPE
Over the past few weeks, students in PDHPE lessons have been studying a unit called #stayingalive. This unit focuses on healthy, safe and active lifestyles. It provides students with the opportunity to plan and practice responses to emergencies by explaining priority actions and where they may be required to administer first aid and DRSABCD. Having a DRSABCD action plan is vital aid in assessing whether a casualty has any life-threatening conditions and if any immediate first aid is required.
When students learn CPR, they gain the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in critical situations. It empowers them to be everyday heroes and make a real difference in someone’s life. Plus, it’s a valuable skill that can be used throughout their lives. Students were able to participate in practicing CPR and learning how to address a situation involving a casualty if they respond to emergency situations.
Lifesaving Instructor Training
Over the past few weeks, a number of our Year 9 students have participated in training to become Lifesaving Instructors for our Year 7 and 8 students in preparation for Lifesaving week during Week 9 of this term. Lifesaving awards continue the journey from learn to swim, and builds on and extends skills, knowledge, fitness and judgement. It challenges participants to keep progressing towards more advanced awards and offers opportunities to get involved in lifesaving at grassroots level, competitive sport or gain further qualifications towards a career. A big thank you to the following students who have put their hand up to help out as an Instructor: Madeleine Cowley, Chelsea Curry, James Everett, Mackenzie Gash, Isabella McKay, Nicholas Miller, Paige Patterson, Grace Pett, Vanessa Riggall, Lucy Selby, Abbigail Roberts and Elizabeth Shepheard.
Ms Natalie Mellowship
On behalf of the Year 9 PAC Team
Year 10
As we move into the final few weeks of the school year, our Year 10 students are starting to forge paths for themselves into the future. Each passing week we hear positive news of students finding apprenticeships, traineeships and other career opportunities. We are very proud to see our students take the initiative to go and start their journey in the workforce. We also hope they have been provided with skills, values and positive memories of their school years at O’Connor Catholic College.
Our Year 10’s who remain with us at O’Connor and continue on their academic paths towards the future should be really focusing on setting themselves up for success for next year. It is very important they remain focused right up until the end of term. The skills being taught across the wide variety of faculties here at the college are going to be fundamental building blocks of success in the HSC courses which officially start next year.
I would really encourage you to continue those conversations with your son or daughter, checking in on how their learning is going and on their aspirations for their future in education.
Mr Shane McCann
On behalf of the Year 10 PAC Team
Year 12 2024
And just like that, we are only a few short weeks away from having completed the first term of our HSC studies! Most students are completing, or have completed, their first assessment task. We have been dedicating time in our fortnightly PAC period to organisational tools such as individual assessment schedules, short and long term goals and discussions regarding how we can support one another throughout our studies.
With the holiday break coming up, I encourage students to use the break time wisely (burn those HSC minutes well) by considering tasks such as: creating summary notes, completing relevant past HSC exam questions, reading ahead in the textbook and where appropriate spending time on assessment tasks such as major projects.
Student/Teacher Mentor Program
Those students who expressed interest in participating in the student/teacher mentor program will soon be informed of the pairings/groupings and are encouraged to meet with their mentor before the end of term. This program is a valuable opportunity for students to gain further support from an experienced adult and develop another strong friendship to remember from their time at OCC.
Student Leaders
It has been fantastic to see the Student Leaders so active in their duties around the school and community, from addressing the school in assemblies, representing the school at the Remembrance Day Ceremony, promoting and running activities during Mission Week (including the pizza day, cake stall and the handball competition) and attending meetings where we have been considering ways we can continue to improve OCC. However I also wish to commend the many other Year 12 students who have helped out with these and other activities as well. I truly believe this year group will have an immensely positive impact on OCC!
Driving to School (or being a passenger)
Finally I remind students and parents that those students wishing to drive to school or be passengers in other students’ vehicles, will need to complete the Application to drive a private vehicle to school form, and/or the Passenger consent form (available from the front office). The Passenger consent form requires signatures from the parents of both the driver and any passengers.
Let's finish the term strong and with confidence!!!
Mr Luke Andrews
On behalf of the Year 12 2024 PAC team.