KLA News 

PDHPE

Welcome back to Term 3 in PDHPE!! After the release of Semester One reports students have started the term well and are working hard to achieve their learning goals and improve their results. This term our year groups are studying the following topics in Junior PDHPE:

Our Junior PDHPE students also have the following learning tasks and assessments to work towards and complete this term:

All tasks students will find on Compass underneath the Learning Task Tab, for example:

Please reach out to your child’s PDHPE teacher if you require any further information about the topics we are studying and assessments we are completing this term. We thank you for your support and partnership in your child’s education journey again this term. 

PDHPE in action below!

Gymnastics

International Games - Tennis

Year 9 Child Studies exploring the unit "Child's Play" 

Mrs Camilla Clydsdale

Leader of Learning - PDHPE 

Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)

Textiles 

Year 8 Textiles created these cushion covers in Term 2 as part of Mandatory Technology. The created the cover design, applied it using digital printing and or applique techniques and inserted a zipper. The focus was to apply sustainability practices by recycling fabric and/or application of techniques such as patchwork. They all achieved success! 

Mrs Anne Healey 

Teacher - Hospitality/Food Technology

Master Chefs in the Making! 

There was a fantastic aroma floating through the Benilde block this week as 7Tec B stepped into the kitchen for their first practical cooking session of the Term! Taking on the classic crowd-pleaser-homemade sausage rolls-our Year 7 students proved they are natural chefs. From carefully mixing the filling to achieving that perfect golden-brown bake, the delicious results were a huge hit across the room.

What impressed us even more than the tasty treats was the incredible maturity and effort 7Tec B demonstrated throughout the lesson. The students showcased outstanding teamwork by helping their station partners, maintained spotless hygiene and safety standards from start to finish, and nailed their time management by completing a full wash-up before the bell rang. A massive congratulations to 7Tec B on a stellar first performance in the kitchen-we are certainly in for a delicious term ahead! 

Mrs Tara Hogan

Teacher - TAS

Year 11 Primary Industries

Year 11 Primary Industries have been working hard on the fencing competency for their course.

English 

Class Shifts 

There have been some shifts in the English space moving into semester two!

We have been fortunate enough to be able to have an additional Year 7 and Year 9 English class added to the rotation; this allows for more balanced class sizes and increased opportunity for support. On the flip side to this, Year 10 English is being combined into 3 classes in response to shifting numbers and allows the best use of teaching staff to student ratios! 

As a result, your student’s classroom teacher may have changed - English teachers have been reaching out to parents since the start of term so please check your inbox (or spam folder!) to see what your student will be learning for the term. 

Book Week - Week 7

Book Week is rapidly approaching - we ask that everyone gets involved in the festivities and consider what costume they would like to wear during the Thursday Week 7 Book Week Assembly and Parade! Prizes will be awarded to best dressed individual and group costumes with prizes going for each learning stage! 

Stage 4 and Stage 5 Learning for Term 3

All students have learning and/or assessment tasks attached on Compass now for the term, please check-in with your student to see how they are travelling with this and have them consider time management in order to get these tasks done! 

Year 7

Year 7 is working on the unit, ‘Human Experiences Captured in Media’ where students will explore how the story telling of the human experience continues to evolve for contemporary audiences. They will explore how authority is utilised by composers to express factual information, persuade and express a range of views about human experiences. Students will define the non-fiction genre, identifying the elements of digital media and utilise a range of techniques such as the rhetorical triangle, anecdotes and emotive language. They will understand the terminology to explain digital texts and their purpose within the text including why they are created.  Students will experiment with the discursive form and utilise realism to support their examination of the human experience. They will continue to deepen their knowledge with complex grammar and punctuation whilst extending their understanding and use of purpose words in short and extended responses. 

Year 8 

This term, Year 8 will be exploring, ‘Who Dunnit?’! They will explore the crime fiction genre by examining its origins, conventions and evolution from classic detective tales to contemporary crime tales. Through a close study of ‘The Murders in the Rue Morgue’ by Edgar Allan Poe, ‘The Red-Headed League’ by Arthur Conan Doyle and modern crime stories, students will develop their understanding of how genre conventions and stylistic features - such as suspense, tone, narrative voice and plot structure - shape meaning and engage readers. They will respond critically to these texts, identifying language forms and features that create tension and mood, and reflect on how crime fiction reflects social contexts and values. Students will compose their own crime fiction portfolio that explores how to engage with archetypes, genre and style to compose sections of imaginative texts that are designed to engage a specific audience and purpose. 

Year 9 

Year 9 students are exploring the unit ‘If chance would have me King!’ They will study Macbeth in detail to enhance their understanding of the representation of people. Through a close study, students will demonstrate their understanding of dramatic terminology and utilise this to craft a script that explores the dichotomies of humanity. They will interrogate the play, examining the influence of context and the representation of men and women in regards to power and ambition. Students will compose a full analytical essay, utilising evidence and techniques to justify their assertions. 

Year 10 

Our Year 10 cohort are diverging this term, 10L will be exploring the Absurdist drama, ‘Man the Balloon’ by Matt Cameron whilst 10ENF and 10ENA will be exploring Sean Riley’s historical fiction ‘Beautiful Words.’

The cohort will examine the themes of community, change, fear and social self-destruction and how composers use dramatic elements for purpose and impact. Students will continue to develop their imaginative and reflective writing skills, crafting an imaginative response that utilises the elements from their studied texts. 

Stage 6

Term 3 is a very busy time for our Year 11 and Year 12 students! 

Year 11 are in their final term with the end of Year 11 exams rapidly approaching (Week 9!) whilst our Year 12 students have trials throughout week 4 and 5 before embarking on the final HSC examinations October. 

We encourage all students to engage deeply and thoughtfully with their classwork, using their class time wisely and accessing the expertise that is available in the room for them.  

Miss Jessica Armfield

Leader of Learning - English

Creative and Performing Arts  (CAPA)

Music 

Congratulations to very talented music teacher, Mr Bruce Myers, who over the last school break, had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Netherlands to compete in the World Music Contest (WMC). Held every four years since 1951, the World Music Contest pits brass bands against some of the world’s most elite brass institutions.The participating countries nominate their champion band (35 musicians across brass and percussion) to represent on the international stage. Remarkably, this was the very first time an Australian ensemble has ever participated in the contest.

The competition structure is intense, with each band performing twice in a live concert for a panel of six judges with 10 bands competing from all around the world: Australia, USA, New Zealand, Switzerland, Wales, England, Scotland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Japan.

Mr Myers and his very talented Australian brass band members placed 5th and 7th in the lead up performances allowing them to come away placed 6th in the world, an amazing result!  Well done Mr Myers we are all very proud of your dedication and talents. 

If you would like to read more please feel free to check out the New England Times article.

Year 7 & 8 students have rotated this term, so if they had music first semester they are now doing art and if they had art first semester they are now in music.

Year 7 Music students are focusing on rhythm through bucket drumming and will be creating their own rhythmic compositions. This hands-on approach has helped students develop ensemble skills and confidence in performing. Later this term, they will move on to xylophones and begin learning about the instruments of the orchestra.

Year 8 students are developing their performance skills on xylophones, keyboards and guitars while exploring music from a range of styles.

Year 9 students are beginning an exciting new unit on film music, investigating how composers use music to create mood, represent characters and enhance storytelling.

Year 10 students are about to commence a new unit exploring compositional techniques used in the Western art music tradition.

Year 11 students are completing their final projects for the Preliminary course. They are preparing a performance piece and developing examination techniques in preparation for their yearly examinations.

With only a few weeks of their course remaining, Year 12 students are refining their performance programs and strengthening their examination techniques as they prepare for their final HSC assessments.

Visual Arts 

ARTISTS of the MONTH is in recognition of an art student who shows dedication and an outstanding contribution to the arts.

Congratulations to our two ARTIST’S of the MONTH for the end of Term 2: Bronte Hawthorne and Jade Redmond!

Bronte Hawthorne - "Drowning in all that haunts me".  

Jade Redmond - "Tearing through Time"

Year 7 and 8 Visual Art students are busy learning about and creating their own examples of the elements and principles of art ready to apply them to their artmaking. This term year 7 will be creating self-portrait drawing and then transferring those skills and knowledge into 3D ceramic sculptures. While year 8 are exploring the world of functional design creating personal logos and applying the design steps to create a functional ceramic mug incorporating Pop Art ideas.

Congratulations to Kimmi Jordan whose artwork was selected as a finalist for this year “Lets Hang It” UNE’s School Acquisitive Art Prize (UNESAP) Run through NERAM.  Each year schools submit students' works from across NSW for the converted art prizes. This year over 700 works were submitted and only 64 selected to be displayed across 6 categories. It was an outstanding achievement to be selected. If you would like to view the full collection it will be on display at NERAM until the 9th of August and you too have an opportunity to vote for your favorite artwork by scanning the QR code in the gallery or by selecting the works from the following link Let’s Hang It. Kimmi’s work can be found in the Junior Division secondary 7-9. The artwork with the most votes will be given the people choice award. So get Voting! 

Kimmi Jordan and Mr Gibney at the presentation night at NERAM last Friday. 

9 Visual Arts are exploring the wonderful world of illustrations focusing on developing their technical drawing skills across a range of mediums. As a part of this unit they will be creating a daily drawing into a hand made concertina book and a series of technical drawing across the different mediums of illustration, poster design, children's books, scientific illustrations and advertisements both digital and drawing etc.

9 Photography is making a series of creative images from their still photographs.

Year 10 Visual Arts are creating a makers stamp in the lead up to developing designs for their ceramic unit “Out Of The Box”

Year 11 Visual Arts are exploring mark making techniques, through the theme of journey, with the aim to create a triptych as their body of work reflecting a personal journey. They will also have their yearly written exams in week 9 this term. 

Congratulations to year 11 Art student Laura Lidgard whose diligence and hard work resulted in her receiving a full scholarship to the National Art School HSC intensive program. To be considered for the program Laura had to submit a portfolio of work and write an application. Laura traveled to Sydney in the last school holiday to participate in a 4 day painting workshop and will attend another 5 day workshop in the September holidays. This is an outstanding program providing students with valuable knowledge and skills leading up to the HSC.

Languages 

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr Lachlan Laycock to the Creative Arts department. Mr Laycock is our language teacher. Last term students in year 8 had the opportunity to learn French as one of the universal languages. This gave students the chance to explore not just the basics of language but also learn about culture. Finishing the term with an excursion to the French patisserie to sample the amazing pastries and practice some key vocabulary in everyday conversation.

This Semester students will be delving into the language and culture of Japan and in preparation our wonderful librarian has put together a range of Japanese texts including Manga, illustrated graphic novels usually read from right to left. So please encourage your children to check out the library.

Mrs Megan Wooster 

Teacher - Visual Arts

Human Society and It's Environment (HSIE) 

World War One - Living History 

Year 10 students recently enjoyed an interactive presentation by Shane Blackman from WWI Living History. Through a lively blend of humour and storytelling, Shane brought history off the page, giving students a deeper appreciation of the ANZAC experience.

Bringing along a fascinating collection of authentic and replica WWI artefacts, Shane invited students to choose items at random before sharing the stories behind how soldiers used, wore, or interacted with them on the battlefield.   The presentation finishes with a student being selected to dress in the items typically worn by an Australian soldier on the Western Front.  These students were surprised by the weight of these items.  Charlie Rice and Cameron Murphy were chosen from their respective year groups,

Below, Year 10 students Edith, Zac, and Matt share their personal highlights from the day.

I really enjoyed Shane's presentation. He projected himself well, was full of great information, and even had detailed answers for some very obscure questions! He was genuinely funny, keeping everyone laughing and completely focused.

Shane let us choose the items that interested us. He showed us a perfect replica helmet that really amazed me—it was wild to imagine actually being a soldier and having to wear one into battle. He also showed us a photo of the trenches, which was confronting but very informative.

Due to weapon laws, he couldn't bring real firearms, but he brought detailed cut-outs instead. Seeing the replica of the iconic Short Magazine Lee-Enfield .303 Mk 3* rifle made you realise how intense it must have been to see one in real life.

Matthew Potts

Shane’s presentation was a joyful mix of entertainment and information. He carried himself brilliantly and kept all of Year 10 engaged!

He showed us plenty of interesting artefacts, including my personal favourite: the gas masks. Gas masks were a vital piece of equipment in trench warfare, using charcoal filters to protect soldiers from toxic gases like mustard, chlorine, and tear gas. Shane demonstrated the difference between German and Australian masks, explaining how soldiers put them on, how long they had to wear them during an attack, and just how heavy they were.

He also showed us a wooden gas rattle, a warning device spun by soldiers to alert the trench of an incoming gas attack so everyone could pull their masks on quickly. Shane demonstrated the sound it made—it was incredibly loud! It was a thoroughly worthwhile presentation, and I’m so grateful he came to O'Connor.

Edith Wong

Shane showed us an awesome range of WWI artefacts and shared the fascinating history behind them. We learnt how soldiers ate, lived, and fought on the battlefield.

Army ration packs included items like condensed milk, chocolate, and super-hard biscuits that would literally break a soldier's teeth if eaten straight out of the packet! Soldiers had to soak them in hot tea first to soften them up.

After two weeks on the front line, soldiers received two weeks off, which was when they could send and receive mail. Families often sent care packages containing hand-knitted clothes for warmth, soap, sewing kits, tobacco, and eucalyptus leaves to remind homesick soldiers of home. Shane’s presentation really opened our perspectives to what these soldiers endured.

Zac Austin

Commerce News

The end of last term brought with it the much-anticipated finish to the ASX Sharemarket Game. The closing stages brought drama as last-minute trades saw the lead change hands multiple times. In the end, Chace Allingham pulled away from the pack to finish the game with a tidy $5,858.35 profit and the overall win. 

Fun was had by all students (even those who managed to lose thousands of dollars) as they gained practical skills around how investing works and the broader economic trends impacting Australia today. 

Mrs Cherie Stoessel

Leader of Learning - HSIE

Science

Welcome back to Term 3! It is shaping up to be a busy and exciting term across the Science Department, with students from Years 7–12 engaging with a range of chemistry topics, completing important assessment tasks and preparing for the next stage of their studies.

Year 7 students are beginning their introduction to chemistry and are developing their understanding of the particle model of matter. They will investigate how particles behave in different substances and explore a range of separation techniques. Students will also apply their knowledge to an important real-world context by investigating how water is treated and purified to make it safe for drinking.

Year 8 students are also beginning their chemistry studies. They will be introduced to atoms, elements, mixtures and compounds, before examining the structure of the atom and the roles of protons, neutrons and electrons. Students will investigate the difference between physical and chemical changes and begin to identify patterns and trends within the Periodic Table.

In Year 9, students are taking their understanding of atomic structure a step further as they explore chemical reactions and chemical bonding. After revising protons, neutrons and electrons, students will investigate electronic configurations and use these to determine the valency of elements. This knowledge will then be applied to understanding how ions form and how ionic compounds are constructed.

Year 10 students are also beginning the term with a revision of atomic structure before investigating chemical bonding. They will then explore different types of chemical reactions and develop the skills needed to write and balance chemical equations. This is also an important time for Year 10 students as they make their subject selections for Year 11. Students have been learning about the range of Science courses available at O'Connor, including Biology, Chemistry, Investigating Science, Physics and Extension Science, providing a variety of opportunities to continue their study of Science into the senior years.

For Year 11, the focus is on completing their final topics for the year before moving into a dedicated revision period in preparation for their yearly examinations in Week 9. Students are encouraged to use this time to consolidate their understanding, review feedback from previous assessments and develop effective study strategies in preparation for their examinations.

Finally, Year 12 students are entering an important stage of their schooling, with their Trial Examinations commencing next week. These examinations represent their final major assessment period before the HSC and provide an important opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned throughout their senior Science courses. The Science Department wishes all Year 12 students the very best as they undertake this final stage of their schooling.

It is wonderful to see students across all year groups continuing to develop their scientific knowledge, practical skills and ability to apply Science to the world around them. We look forward to a productive and rewarding Term 3!

Mr Daniel Fittler

Leader of Learning Science