Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Students have returned after a well-deserved break and time to hopefully reflect on their performance during semester one. 

We are already 3 weeks into Term 3 and so many things have happened with Yr10 engaging in the subject selection process for Year 11 2025, Year 9 into Year 10 and Year 8 into Year 9 subject selection process are also about to start for these students.

Year 11 students next week will attend their senior retreat at Coffs Harbour, an important community event on the Year 11 calendar, an opportunity to come together and connect as a group prior to starting their Year 11 examinations and the Year 12 course. The retreat also signifies the beginning of the Senior Student Leadership selection process for 2025.

Students across all year groups have also been participating in numerous sporting and academic representative competitions and as always excelling.

Year 12 are about to start their trial HSC exams and over the next few weeks students will also be submitting Major projects for their HSC.

Year 12 students began this term with only 4 weeks prior to the start of their Trial SC examinations starting on Monday 19th August and then approximately 20 days of face to face teaching and learning before they finish their secondary schooling to prepare for their HSC examinations.

In this article, I will share with you some advice for parents on helping your child through the final weeks leading up to the HSC. 

Helping your son or daughter through to the HSC at O'Connor

Our best advice to students in assisting them to minimise stress is to do the work! There is no substitute for a concerted study regime in preparation for exams. 

Parents too need support when the HSC descends on their household. Some parents have had older children sit for the HSC, but for others, this year is a first for them. The NESA web site http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/exam-advice-resources contains information to assist students and parents to successfully undertake these important exams

Practical support is important, but creating a positive and understanding emotional environment is even more crucial. Here are some ways you can help:

1. Be Supportive and Encouraging: Recognise that students often experience high levels of stress, sometimes without showing it. Avoid setting unrealistic expectations.
2. Understand Sensitivity: It’s normal for students under pressure to become sensitive or irritable. Try to remain calm and avoid reacting strongly to outbursts.
3. Avoid Confrontations: Steer clear of conflicts over minor issues. If your child feels overwhelmed, don’t panic or overreact, even if they claim they’re unprepared. Offer reassurance and support to boost their confidence.
4. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand where the HSC fits into their future and encourage your child to seek help from teachers, their Year Leader, or a Careers Advisor if they’re struggling with subjects, study organisation, or exam anxiety.
5. Manage Your Own Stress: It’s natural to feel stressed as a parent, and you might occasionally slip into nagging or frustration. Remember, it’s okay to feel this way, and try to keep the bigger picture in mind.

As a parent of four, including one who just completed their HSC last year, I understand the challenges of supporting your child in today’s ever-changing environment. I hope this advice helps you guide your child through their final stages of secondary education, striving to balance academic, physical, social, and spiritual development.

O'Connor Catholic College Armidale - The fruit of the spirit is love

Yours in Christ

Phillip Gibney

Principal