Pastoral Academic Care (PAC)
Junior: ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS
Senior: INTELLIGENT RESEARCH PROCESS
Wellbeing Element: MEANING + PURPOSE
Character Strength: Prudence
Parent Wellbeing: be kind to yourself, make a Feel-Good Menu. Come up with five things that you love doing that you can do in most places which relax you. E.g. doing simple stretching exercises, deep breathing, saying “hello” to or ringing people, or colouring in. When you are starting to feel stressed, pause, and do something from your menu to relax yourself. Act to do something, not just think about it. What would be on your menu?
Year 7
As term 3 draws to a close, we look forward to what I believe to be one of the most important and enjoyable days on the school calendar; Year 12 graduation. This is a wonderful opportunity for the school community to farewell the wonderful cohort of Year 12 2024. I know our Year 12’s reflect back on just how quickly their high school years go past, and it gives our current Year 7’s a vision of what is ahead for them; a vision of the well rounded, responsible, educated and respectful young adults they develop into over the next few short years at O’Connor.
I know that our Year 7’s have been supported and guided by our Year 12’s as they have settled into high school this year, not alone through our Pastoral Care system, but also on the playground and in encouragement at whole school sports carnivals and other school events. I am sure our Year 7’s will find the whole occasion of Graduation to be a very special occasion to be a part of.
Wishing all Year 7’s and their parents and carers the very best for the October holidays.
On behalf of all the Year 7 teachers at O’Connor.
Mr Shane McCann
Leader of Learning, Year 7
Year 8
As the term draws to a close, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible term. It's been a term full of hard work, growth, and many achievements, both in the classroom and on the field.
Firstly, a significant milestone was reached as students made their elective choices for Year 9, paving the way for their future learning paths. This process was an exciting opportunity for students to reflect on their passions and interests, and we're proud of the thoughtful decisions they made. From creative arts to technology, the range of electives chosen truly showcases the diversity of talent and curiosity within the cohort.
Academically, Year 8 students have shown outstanding dedication to their studies. They’ve been actively engaged in their learning, tackling challenges head-on and making great strides in all subjects. Teachers have consistently praised their enthusiasm and willingness to push themselves. Their effort has not gone unnoticed, and we’re excited to see this momentum carry forward into next year.
But it wasn’t all about the books—our Year 8 students also shone on the sports field! From athletics carnivals to inter school competitions, they’ve shown resilience, teamwork, and a strong competitive spirit. Notable achievements include victories in CCC athletics, rugby league, netball and hockey where several students excelled and played against some tough competition from around the region and state. Their hard work and commitment to training have truly paid off, making us all proud of their sporting prowess. Special mentions to Tilly Patterson who is travelling to WA for nationals in hockey over these school holidays, good luck Tilly we all know you will do great and play to your best ability. We also congratulate Caden Carson who has been away in Coffs Harbour this week playing touch football, well done!
We wish all our Year 8 families a safe and relaxing holiday. Take this time to recharge and enjoy some well-deserved rest in preparation for a successful Term 4. With warmer weather ahead, a friendly reminder to ensure students are ready for the return in their summer uniforms. We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the school year!
As always please reach out if you have any concerns or questions,
Miss Libby Plane
Leader of Learning, Year 8
Year 9
As we wrap up this term, I want to commend all students for your hard work and dedication. It’s been a great few months, and I’m proud of how Year 9 have engaged in their studies.
I also want to extend my apologies for my recent absence; I was caring for my daughter in the hospital. Thank you for your understanding during this time.
Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday! I look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 4, ready to tackle new challenges together.
Mrs Kath Czinner
Leader of Learning, Year 9
Year 10
As we come to the end of Term 3, I want to take a moment to reflect on the growth our Year 10 students have shown. You have demonstrated resilience and dedication while learning the tricky task of managing your time, with assessment tasks piling up and your responsibilities growing as young adults. Many of you are earning your Learner Driver Licenses, working part-time jobs, and branching out into extracurricular activities, expanding your horizons and stepping more into the adult world.
In our school community, it’s important to remember the impact of our words. Rumours and gossip can hurt others and damage friendships. Instead, let’s focus on kindness, respect, and building each other up. By choosing to speak kindly and avoiding negativity, we create a more supportive and positive environment for everyone. Let’s work together to ensure our school remains a place where everyone feels safe and valued.
As we prepare for Term 4, which marks the beginning of your final journey into senior school, take time over the break to recharge. Reflect on the progress you’ve made, and set clear goals for the term ahead. How you finish this year will shape your transition into Year 11, and I have no doubt that you’ll continue to bring the same passion and determination into the future.
Wishing you all a restful and well-deserved break. I look forward to seeing what you will achieve next term!
Miss Jessica Armfield
Leader of Learning, Year 10
Year 11
That’s it! Year 11 is finished and each and every one of you are now the leaders of the school!
Next term marks the beginning of a very bittersweet journey we begin encountering some of the “lasts” of our schooling journey and for many the reality of leaving the safety of the school gates begins to hit. We hope that all of our students and their families know that Year 12 is a marathon and not a sprint; those who want to make it to the finish line with something still left in the tank will begin their preparation now, setting good habits and routines as the foundation of the HSC journey.
Please remember that there is a team of people here at OCC to support you at every step of this journey and no question is the wrong question to ask.
I would like to finish by congratulating the 2025 student leadership team which is made up of Abigail Van Eyk, Joshua Bible, Freya Giles, Maya Teege, Sophie Mitchell, Michaela Gerard, Safal Timalsena, Saloan Paul, Tommy Schaefer, Hannah Friedman, Oliver Martin, Bernard May and Lucas Philp.
The class of 2025 is a strong team with strong leaders and I look forward to watching their vision for the next 12 months come to life.
Ms Amanda McFarland and Mr Bruce Myers
Leaders of Learning, Year 11
Year 12
Recent weeks have been full of mixed emotions for Year 12, with their final lessons, RUOK week activities, Design and Technology Project assessment (OMG these were amazing, just like our other Major Works and Performances) and of course the Graduation Mass and Assembly.
And let’s not forget about the afternoon at Dumaresq Dam on Wednesday, which was a fantastic opportunity for the students to spend some quality time together as a cohort. Thank you to Mrs Magaan for organisation this and the other staff who came along for this memorable time. Some photos and videos have been shared on the Year 12 Google Classroom.
But we are not quite done…
I remind students about the study opportunities on offer at school and at the town library throughout the holidays (details are shared on the Year 12 Google Classroom).
Use your time wisely, shift the balance around between study, work, sports and social life to make that last push to make all this time worth it!
I will include my speech from the graduation assembly (below) as it has a number of very relevant sections that should be addressed to the whole OCC Community.
And to sign off…
I wish you all the best in your HSC exams and remember you are all amazing in your own ways, you are loved and appreciated and make every opportunity to…
Mr Luke Andrews
On behalf of the Year 12 2024 team
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BANG!
You’ve made it!
13 years of schooling have come to an end!
Well done!
Congratulations to all of Year 12 for getting this far.
And a big THANK YOU to the parents and carers who have supported these young people on their educational journey. I know it has been challenging at times, but like all things that are hard work – it is worth it. Nothing worth getting or having is ever easy.
Most of you joined OCC in 2019 with Miss Kruzen as your Year Coordinator, some joined through the following years and some leaving us to go off to other endeavours including further education elsewhere, jobs or in the case of Katherine Liu, back home to Taiwan.
I was extremely fortunate to take on the role of Year Coordinator in Term 1, 2023 and I said early on, that this group of young adults were going to make great contributions to OCC in their final years.
And they went off with a BANG!
I wish to thank all of you for your support of each other, and our younger students as we moved into vertical PAC groups. I also want to thank the Student Leadership Team, who worked together to make this year amazing, encouraging engagement in all school events and instilling house spirit in all that we do.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at OCC for their efforts in helping to prepare these students for all that life has to offer. This includes our wonderful support staff, groundskeepers, canteen staff, teachers, and Principals.
On behalf of all of the OCC community I say to the graduating class of 2024…
Remember, you are only this young once. Go off and explore the world and have new and exciting experiences. Fall in love. Meet interesting people. Be kind to others. Good luck with your HSC and remember to always, Believe, Achieve, Nurture and Grow!