KLA News
HSIE
Welcome back to 2024! We trust that you all have had a great Christmas and New Year and enjoyed a restful break.
The HSIE Department for 2024, includes some familiar and some new faces!
We welcome back Mrs Cheryl Leggatt; Mrs Sophia Haggerty; Ms Kara Spicer; Mr Garry Osborne and Mr Andrew May who will be teaching HSIE subjects across Year 7 to Year 12. We welcome to our team Mr Michael Wooster and Mr Jason Saayman, both familiar faces, but who will be adding HSIE to their teaching loads this year. We welcome Mr Will Blake to the HSIE team. Mr Blake is also familiar face to many of our students as he has been working in the learning support area in previous years. This year however, he is taking on the mantle of HSIE teacher.
In LOTE (Languages) we welcome back Ms Emily Wooster who will continue delivering the French language and culture curriculum to Year 8 students; and we welcome Mrs Susanne Hughes to the school. Mrs Hughes will be teaching German language and culture in Year 7 which is a wonderful addition to our languages program at O’Connor Catholic College.
We have a number of learning opportunities throughout the year for students in HSIE. The first is the Tutankhamun Roadshow which will be visiting O’Connor on the 27th and 28th of February. This is the first time the Roadshow has visited O’Connor and the staff are very excited to introduce this event to our students. More details will follow about this soon.
What’s happening in HSIE classes this term?
Year 7 - to correspond with the Tutankhamun Roadshow, year 7 students will be starting the year with history. The first unit will introduce the skills needed to study history as well as learning some of the history of ancient Australia. They will then move on to learning about ancient Egypt - where they can make use of their newfound knowledge of Tutankhamun and all things Egypt.
Year 8 - these students will also attend the Tutankhamun Roadshow, so they will also start the year with studies in history. The first unit ‘God and King’ will focus on the European Middle Ages. They will then learn about Japanese society during the same period - the time of the Shoguns and Samurai.
Year 9 will start the year learning about the world’s major biomes, - the features of different biomes and why they are different. They will learn how humans change these biomes. b. b. and how we can ensure food security in our changing world environment and climate.
Year 10 are exploring the movement towards changing rights and freedoms during the 20th century. In particular, they will be looking to develop a basic understanding of human rights and the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights). They will examine the civil rights movement in the USA and Aboriginal and Torres Straights Islander people’s struggle for rights and freedoms in Australia.
As well as our core 7-10 learning, we will also be delivering elective classes in year 9 and 10 (Commerce) and in year 11 and year 12: Ancient History, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Modern History and Society and Culture - our first group of students to study Society and Culture and sit the HSC exams.
PDHPE
PDHPE At O’Connor
Dear Sir/Madam,
Welcome to the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Department at O’Connor Catholic College. Years 7-10 PDHPE is a compulsory part of your child’s education. Our department aims to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes needed to take action to protect and enhance your child’s own, and others’ health, safety and wellbeing in varied and changing contexts that they may experience in life. Physical Education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively.
To ensure a smooth transition into a new academic year, our department has put together some useful information for both you and your child.
For all PDHPE lessons that say GYM or OVAL on Compass your child has a practical PDHPE lesson where they will need to wear their correct sports uniform for the entire school day.
The correct compulsory O’Connor sports uniform consists of:
- OCC Polo Shirt
- OCC Shorts
- OCC Track pants
- OCC Hoodie
- OCC Tracksuit top
- OCC Hat or cap
- Plain white or black socks (No logos)
- Joggers (Supportive athletics shoes - no Converse, no skate style shoes, Vans etc)
Mobile or digital devices are not required for practical lessons (unless requested by the teacher) and these devices are to remain in student bags. All students will need a charged device, exercise book, student diary and a well equipped pencil case for all theory lessons.
If you have any questions or concerns in relation to this document or anything PDHPE related, please feel free to contact the College or your child’s PDHPE teacher.
Yours Faithfully
Camilla Clydsdale
PDHPE Leader of Learning
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Department
O’Connor Catholic College Armidale
Dear Sir/Madam,
Over the course of the next academic year your child will be studying a variety of topics in PDHPE at the College. Some of the units we explore are sensitive in nature and we would like to inform you about the content we will explore this year.
Year 7
Who Am I? (Identity)
Turning Around a Put Down (Bullying)
Risky Business (Risk Taking & Safety)
Year 8
Fit for Life (Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles)
Did you know (Sexting and Drug Use)
Mind, Body, Spirit (Mental Health)
Year 9
The Network (Accessing Health Support)
Eat, Sleep, Train, Repeat (Nutrition and Lifelong Physical Activity)
RUOK (Mental Health)
Staying Alive (First Aid and Personal Safety)
Year 10
Respect (Respectful Relationships, misuse of power, domestic violence)
The Party (Drugs, Alcohol and Road Safety)
The Next Chapter (Managing Change and Challenges)
If you have any questions or concerns around the content delivered in the PDHPE Department please feel free to contact the College and your child’s PDHPE Teacher. To access the full PDHPE Syllabus in greater detail please visit the NESA website at: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/pdhpe/pdhpe-k-10-2018
Yours Faithfully
Camilla Clydsdale
PDHPE Leader of Learning
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Department
O’Connor Catholic College Armidale
CAPA
CAPA News
Welcome back to 2024, we have started the year with a BANG. Our music students have already been involved in leading the music at The Cross and Dux ceremony and Ash Wednesday Mass, welldone to all those who have been involved so far. Throughout the term students from each year group will be invited to help lead music at their specific year group Mass.
Our classes have settled in well and have been very productive over the past couple of weeks. Students will be studying the following topics in term 1:
Art
Year 7 Elements of art (drawing)
Year 8 Design principles (graphic design)
Year 9 - Self Portraits
Year 10 - Surrealism
Year 11 - Duality and Art history
Year 12 - Australian and Western Art history as well as working on their Major project
Music
Year 7-8 Bucket Drumming
Year 9 - Ensemble Skills
Year 10 - Jazz
Year 11 - Film Music
Year 12 Music 1 - Music of 20th and 21st Century
Year 12 Music 2 - Australian Composers
Drama
Year 12- Verbatim Theatre and working on their individual projects.
NECOM Music Days
In week 6 there are a couple of excursions happening for elective music students. Tuesday 5th of March year 12 Music 2 students will attend a HSC workshop focusing on developing composition skills. Wednesday 6th March year 9 & 10 elective music students will attend the Stage 5 music day where they will participate in and experience a range of music styles throughout the day. Please see compass for more information.
Extra Curricular Programme
Our extra curricular programmes has started back up this week and next week. Everyone is welcome to join, it is not too late, we are always looking for more people to join in the fun. We are offering the following ensembles this term:
Drama Club
Time: Mondays Break A
Organiser: Miss Plane
Description: Drama = Acting/Public Speaking and making lifelong friends! Drama club is an opportunity to gain confidence working with others and talking/performing in front of people. Most of the time we do this through games and small scenes. Drama Club also gives you an opportunity to participate in eisteddfod in term 2 and small performances in term 3 and 4.
Choir
Time: Week A Mondays 1:20-2pm; Week B Tuesdays 1:20-2pm
Organiser: Mrs Hughes
Description: Sick of singing on your own in the shower? Are you looking for your tribe who love to sing as much as you do? Looking for exciting performance opportunities? Join the choir! Every year level is welcome. We are going to explore some fun pieces and learn skills to become better singers. No prior experience needed. However, once you have committed to choir, you are expected to come every week because a team only works if everybody is committed.
Saxophone Ensemble
Time: Wednesday Break A
Organiser: Mr Myers
Description: Come along and learn the saxophone. From beginners to more advanced students, we'll play some tunes and have fun. Saxophones are available for hire or you can bring along your own instrument.
Wind/String/Percussion Ensemble
Time: Thursdays Break B
Organiser: Miss Sampson
Description: This ensemble is for students who play string, wind and percussion instruments. From beginners to intermediate players in Years 7-10. This group will explore a range of styles including classical, folk, pop and film music.
Instrument Lessons
We have partnered with NECOM to offer private instrumental lessons, including piano, guitar, drums, voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, and cello. Lessons start from $420 (9 x 30 min lessons/ term) payable to NECOM. Lessons can be organised to be taught here at school between 8:30 am - 3:30 pm or at NECOM after school. See Miss Sampson for an enrolment form.
If students are enrolled in instrumental lessons, we also have a small range of instruments available for hire. Instruments available for hire are flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, violins. Please see Miss Sampson if you wish to hire an instrument.
Welcome Mrs Hughes
Welcome to Mrs Susanne Hughes. Mrs Hughes is an experienced educator and joins us from Singapore. Mrs Hughes will be teaching some of our music classes, running the school choir as well as teaching German and HSIE.
English
With Term 1 starting, students throughout English classes are engaging in a wide variety of engaging activities that are intended to extend both their literacy skills and their understanding of people and the world. In English, we strive to challenge and encourage our students to utilise feedback in order to move their learning forward.
Year 7 English - Survival
The main concept for Year 7 English this term is ‘survival’. Whilst exploring the novel, ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulson and survival situations, students will be given the opportunity to consider how people are represented in survival stories. Throughout the course of the term, students will be given an opportunity to create both imaginative and analytical pieces.
7.3 English participated in the ‘Island Survival’ game, they were presented with scenarios and had to work with their team to figure out they were going to survive the many perils of the island.
Students had to get creative and utilize the resources in the classroom to build their signal to get help.
Year 8 English - Happily Ever After
Term 1 sees Year 8 moving into the world of fantasy through a film study. Each class will be studying a variety of films being mainly teacher choice. Some of the films the students may watch will include Eragon directed by Stefen Fangmeier, The Chronicles of Narnia directed by Andrew Adamson and Howl’s Moving Castle directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Through the unit students will have the opportunity to consider how film elements are used to transform written fantasy into films and how the fantasy genre is created and identified through these texts.
8.5 English were able to explain their understanding of the most commonly known elements within the fantasy genre by creating postcards that included a visual image of the element and then a small explanation to why it is an element of fantasy and why.
Year 11 Standard English
Standard English has been hard at work learning how Senior English changes from the junior years. The students have been busy annotating their first text for the term “Joy” by Zadie Smith and beginning to understand how their first assessment will come together. The students have been busy naming and defining ALL the literary devices they remember from their past years of English and finding them within the text.
English Studies Year 12 - Digital World
This term, Year 12’s in English Studies class will be looking at how our communities use and interact in a digital world. They will develop strategies that allow them to interact with the world through the use of digital mediums, such as the internet and social media, and strategies to develop their networking capacity. They will examine the problematic nature of digital worlds and its impact on the modern world.
Learning Task:
The learning task sees our students create a three minute video (vlog) where they explore how social media has impacted them and their peers. Data to assist them in creating this video will be collected via surveys they created as groups.
Science
Welcome to an Exciting New School Year in Science!
Dear students and parents,
As we embark on a thrilling journey into the world of science, we extend a warm welcome to everyone joining us for another academic year filled with exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning. This year promises to be particularly captivating, as each grade delves into a unique set of scientific wonders.
Year 7: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Lab
Our Year 7 students are diving headfirst into the captivating realm of scientific inquiry. The focus is on safety in the science lab, ensuring that students not only understand the wonders of experimentation but also how to navigate the laboratory environment responsibly. Additionally, they'll be exploring the fundamental concepts of living and non-living things and gaining insights into the intriguing world of classification.
Year 8: Energizing the Mind with Knowledge
In Year 8, the spotlight is on energy – its different forms, transfers, and transformations. Students will uncover the secrets behind the various kinds of energy, exploring how they can be transferred and transformed in different systems. The Law of Conservation of Energy will be a key principle guiding their understanding, and they'll also learn practical ways to minimize energy wastage, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Year 9: Balancing Act – Homeostasis and Beyond
Year 9 students are delving into the intricacies of life, focusing on homeostasis, the endocrine system, and the fascinating world of diseases. From infectious to non-infectious ailments, students will grasp the mechanisms of our body's defense systems. Furthermore, they'll explore the delicate balance that is crucial for the well-being of living organisms. The study of ecology will provide them with a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and their environments.
Year 10: Unraveling the Code of Life
In the final year of our science curriculum, Year 10 students will embark on a journey into the mysteries of DNA, genetics, inheritance, and natural selection. These topics will unveil the secrets of life itself, offering insights into how traits are passed down through generations and how natural processes shape the diversity of living organisms.
As we commence this academic adventure, we encourage both students and parents to actively participate in the learning process. Science is a dynamic and engaging field, and we look forward to fostering a love for discovery and exploration in every student.
Here's to a fantastic school year filled with scientific wonder and endless possibilities!
Agriculture
Year 7:
The first year 7 ag rotation has begun and students have jumped at the chance to learn about all things farming! This week we are getting ready for the Guyra Show so our wonderful farmhand Josh was giving us show lessons on sheep judging.
TAS
Stage 4, Year 7 & 8 students, have started their first rotation of the Mandatory Technology courses.
“Technology Mandatory engages students in design and production activities as they develop solutions to identified needs and opportunities. Through the practical application of knowledge and understanding they learn about Agriculture and Food Technologies, Digital Technologies, Engineered Systems and Material Technologies.” (NSW Technology Mandatory Syllabus Yrs 7 & 8)
At O’Connor we offer 10 different Board developed Courses each of 8 weeks, (20 hours), duration. Five rotations in Yr 7 & five rotations in Yr 8.
In 2024 these rotations include:
Year 7 Rotations
“Protein Production” (AG Farm) Agricultural Technology
“Light The World” (,Lasercutting,) Digitech & STEM Technology
“Weaving Wonders” (weaving) Materials Technology (Textiles)
“Farm to Fork” (food) Food Technology
“Home Tweet Home” (Birdhouses) Materials Technology (Wood)
Year 8 Rotations
“EV3 Lego Robotics” (Coding) Digital Technology
“Wind It Up” (Sustainable Engineering) Engineering Technology
“Fantastic Food” (Food) Food Technology
“New Earth Entrepreneurs” (Textiles) Materials Technology (Textiles)
“Toyworld” Materials Technology (Wood)
Each newsletter we will highlight one of the above context areas.
Year 7 Technology students hit the ground running in Textiles. We have begun a brand new unit of work called Weaving Wonders. Students will be asking themselves the following questions:
How can we use Textiles materials to learn about culture and design? And what are the functional and aesthetic purposes of Textile Art items?
To create a sense of class belonging, students decorated a strip of white fabric with things that represent them and things they enjoy. These were then woven into a class door display and now hangs proudly in our classroom.
We then began developing our practical skills with these beautiful and creative God’s Eyes.
Students used a range of natural and recycled items to weave around interlocked sticks. The centre of the ‘eye’ is a symbol of the power of seeing and understanding things we normally cannot see and understanding that there is often more to a story that we might hear.