Highlights from around the classrooms this term.

TAS

Term 3 has been a busy term across all stages in the TAS faculty. We have seen our Year 12 Textiles & Design and Design & Technology students complete their major projects and portfolios. These projects are the culmination of 3 terms of work which we were very proud to see on display at the recent TAS showcase. The projects are now off for marking while the students prepare for their HSC exams. Thank you to Mrs Channon and Mr Healy for the ongoing support and knowledge they have provided to students throughout the design process.

The Food Technology and Hospitality kitchens have been in full swing this term. As part of the Farm to Fork unit, year 7 students learn about the growing multicultural nature of our cuisine, the value of Australian farmers and the need to be sustainable in order to reduce food waste. Students design and create a unique hamburger that reflects our multicultural cuisine. Check out the O’Connor Instagram page @yum_oconnor.

Year 9 Food Technology have enjoyed studying a unit called Food Trends. They have investigated how food trends come about and the impact of social media on what people eat. Students designed and created a ‘Freak shake’ and used the photos to create a magazine cover.

Over in iSTEM the year 9 class completed their unit on aerodynamics by test flying their experimental plane designs. Students used computer aided design to draw the components of their plane which were then laser cut and assembled. Congratulations to James Everett whose plane took flight! There were some very creative and well thought out designs and it is wonderful to see students collaborating, designing and evaluating on their learning journey.

In the workshop there are many projects underway. Year 7 are nearly finished working on their bird houses, year 8 are making good progress on their toys and stage 5 Design World students completed some wonderful lamp designs.

PDHPE

PDHPE Faculty

Yr 9 Child Studies

As part of our current unit of study in Child Studies - Child's Play, 28 preschool aged students were bussed to O'Connor from Montessori Preschool in Armidale earlier this week. The visit was held in the new College Gym, as part of the visit the child studies class planned and delivered a variety of gross motor skills and activities to the preschoolers. The day was a huge success, well done to the entire child studies class who were so kind, patient and nurturing towards the preschoolers. Many thanks to Centre Manager, Dushani Gamage for helping coordinate the visit and to past O’Connor Teacher and Montessori parent, Lily Moar for suggesting the activity and joining us on the day. We are hoping to continue this community partnership into the future. Pictured below are some of the students running their gross motor skill activities.

Yr 11 PDHPE

This Term Yr 11 PDHPE have been studying their final option for the Preliminary Course, First Aid. As part of their studies students had the opportunity to gain their First Aid Qualification through the Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia (RLSSA). This is a great qualification for students to obtain to strengthen their CV ready for the workforce. Students completed both an online first aid component and a practical assessment in order to pass the course. The course was assessed and administered by Mr Stephen Gollan from RLSSA on Tuesday the 5th of September in our new College GYM and Performing Arts Centre. Pictured below are students during the day completing CPR, bandaging and a range of first aid situations. Many thanks to Steve for administering the course, he has been a long time supporter of O’Connor and he has delivered countless courses to both staff and students here at the College.

National Health & Physical Activity Week

Last week our College celebrated National Health and Physical Activity week. As part of these celebrations each morning in Pastoral and Academic Care there were a range of health and wellbeing activities that the entire school was involved in. These activities included:

Monday - Sports Trivia

Tuesday - Coordination Activity Body Brain Teasers

Wednesday - Kahoot Health Kahoot

Thursday - Just Dance

Friday - Mindfulness Activities: mandalas , listening to music, Meditation

During each lunchtime the PDHPE staff ran a variety of activities to keep the student body moving all week. These activities included dancing in the quad with Miss Fryar, Tennis on the courts with Miss Clydsdale, Basketball in the GYM with Mrs Smith and Volleyball on the courts with Mrs Magann. Well done to all students who participated and a big thank you to the teachers involved in running each activity during their lunchtime. Well done to each of the prize winners from each activity! Pictured below are some snippets from Tennis and Dance.

CAPA

It has been a busy term for our Creative and Performing Arts students. Music and Drama have moved into the new purpose built performing arts centre.

We look forward to holding our first soiree in there next term. Congratulations to Roie Wood, Emily Rigby, and Phoebe Donnelly on completing their major art works and; congratulations to Isabelle Murphy, Keyman Seymour, Sofia Martin, Eve Porter, Maxwell Buckland and Samuel Russell for completing their performance exams last week.

Maths

As we head towards the end of the Term 3 I find myself reflecting on the achievements across all levels for all students in the Mathematics KLA.

However, naturally Stage 6 is first and foremost in my mind.

Year 12 students are just finishing up their final lessons today as I write this article. I congratulate them on their effort and dedication that has led them to this point and the diligence of their teachers guiding them.

Year 11 have just completed their final exams for all courses. I would like to commend them on the results. It is in this time that they need to reflect on their course of study that they are undertaking and think carefully about the HSC year.

It is important that all these students see the potential growth that can be realised in the coming months - obviously, there needs to be effort to realise this.

Year 12 , you are in the home stretch - really hook in over the next couple of months and give yourself every chance to realise your full potential. You all have such a bright future ahead of you and we wish you every success in life.

I wish everyone a well over the break and leave you all with some pictures of our students learning in their Mathematics classes this Term.

RE

Some wonderful contributions from Year 8 religion students, that have spread kindness and positivity to others around them, while completing their unit 'Striving For Goodness' this term.

Have a safe and happy break!

Science

Term 3 Science Wrap-Up: Preparing for New Horizons

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

As we bid farewell to Term 3, we take a moment to celebrate the remarkable journey our students have embarked on in the world of science. From exploring water treatment to diving into the intricacies of chemical reactions, our students have delved deep into various scientific domains, each year level bringing its own unique focus. In this newsletter, we'll highlight the key takeaways from each year level and share the exciting transitions for Year 11 and 12.

Year 7: Water Treatment and Purification

In Year 7 Science, our students have become water wizards, studying the fascinating world of water treatment and purification. They've learned about the importance of clean water, the processes involved in water treatment plants, and how to make our planet a better place through responsible water usage. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for a future where our young environmentalists will contribute to water conservation efforts.

Year 8: The Science of Recycling

In Year 8, students have embarked on a journey to become eco-warriors, studying recycling and its impact on our environment. They've learned about the recycling process, the importance of reducing waste, and the significance of the circular economy. Their newfound awareness of recycling's role in sustainability will undoubtedly influence their choices and actions for years to come.

Year 9: Uncovering Energy Efficiency

Year 9 students have been energized by the study of energy efficiency. They've explored the concept of energy conservation, alternative energy sources, and the role of technology in achieving sustainability. Armed with this knowledge, our budding engineers and innovators are ready to tackle the energy challenges of the future.

Year 10: Fascinating World of Chemical Reactions

Chemistry has been at the forefront for Year 10 students, who have dived into the world of chemical reactions. From understanding the periodic table to conducting experiments that showcase chemical transformations, they've gained a solid foundation in chemistry. This knowledge will serve as a strong basis for their future scientific pursuits.

Year 11 and 12: A Transition to New Challenges

For Year 11 and 12 students, the journey is entering an exciting phase. Year 12 is preparing for their HSC exams next term, drawing upon their years of hard work and dedication. Year 11 is gearing up to commence their HSC courses, embarking on a path that will shape their academic futures.To Year 12, we wish you the best of luck in your upcoming HSC exams. Your dedication and perseverance have brought you this far, and we have no doubt that you will excel in your endeavours.To Year 11, welcome to the beginning of your HSC journey. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that your potential is boundless.As we conclude Term 3, we commend our students for their curiosity, resilience, and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. We look forward to seeing how these experiences will shape their futures and the positive impact they will make on the world.Thank you for your continued support in fostering the scientific minds of our students. Here's to a bright and promising future in the world of science!

English

Throughout the term all English classed have strived for growth in their writing both analytically & imaginatively.

Students have been given a range of opportunities and experiences, such as when the year 7 class met the journalist, Mr Messenger, whilst studying the news this term.

HSIE

We have completed another successful term of learning in HSIE and this term HSIE has welcomed Ms Helene Klopper as part of our team.

Over this term, students in year seven completed learning on aspects of archaeology and historical investigation methods and have moved on to learning about ancient Egypt. Year eight students completed a unit on the European Middle Ages and have started learning about the similar period in Japan when Japan was controlled by Shoguns. These year seven and eight units will continue into next term.

Year nine have completed a unit on Sustainable Biomes and issues of food security. Next term, year nine will commence investigating human wellbeing as a geographical issue. Year ten have finished a mega investigation of the world's mea-cities. Next term they will be learning about environmental change and management.

Keep an eye on Compass as feedback on learning tasks from this term appears on Compass.

Have a safe and restful Spring break.

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