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
Welcome back to term 3. This term sees a little bit of a reshuffle in personnel across our class groups in Year 7. This was done with a view to adjusting the balance of students across the five core classes and also better balancing the numbers of boys and girls in each class. We are very appreciative of those students who have adapted admirably and settled into their new class. It gives students the opportunity to form new friendships and we are seeing positive learning environments across all five core classes.
This week sees the conclusion of our parent - teacher conferences. These conferences provide a great opportunity for teachers and parents to take time out of our busy schedules to discuss the learning and progress of the students. These meetings also enable us to set learning goals and address any queries or concerns that arise. It is empowering for us as educators to be able to have these conversations with parents and guardians. I know that students really appreciate you all playing an active role in their education. If for whatever reason you were unable to attend the parent - teacher meetings and wish to discuss your young person’s learning, please reach out to your child's teacher or myself directly via email and we can arrange a phone call or meeting.
If you have any queries or concerns whatsoever, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to help out. smccann@arm.catholic.edu.au
Mr. Shane McCann
Leader of Learning, Year 7
Year 8
Welcome back to term 3! I hope everyone had a restful break and got a much needed rest after the chaos that can sometimes be term 2.
Personally I love the start of term because they are some of the most settled classrooms we see each term. Most of Year 8 have returned ready to learn and with the necessary equipment needed for each class. Students should remember to bring the following to school each day: pencil case (pens, pencils, eraser, glue, scissors, coloured pencils, highlighters), calculator, ruler, a charged device and a book for every subject. It should be noted that some teachers may wish to collect students books and keep them at school as Year 8 are famous for the line “I forgot my book, guess I can’t do the work”
While on my travels around the school this term it has been great to see HSIE which has now transitioned from History to Geography for this semester starting their unit on ‘Water is Life’. English is deconstructing and creating poetry all around Australia and important issues we face. Music is moving on to Keyboards and still building their skills on how to identify notes and read sheet music, while Art is working towards finishing their clay mugs which are always a favourite with the students this is because the students can personalise their artwork to match them. PE has to be my favourite though (lowkey) they are doing a dance unit which involves the students learning a variety of dances including the Macarena and the Nutbush, all students have been extremely involved even when it may feel out of their comfort zone which is great to see.
As we look forward to Year 9 students will begin to decide their elective choices for 2025. It is important that students begin to consider the subjects in Tech and CAPA that they have enjoyed and/or excel at and not just pick what their friends decide. As these interests and passions assist with students planning their career pathways in the future. Mr. Chapman will soon release a site containing all the relevant information and we look forward to seeing you at an information night later in the term.
I want to thank all the students and parents who have been involved with the conferences over the last two weeks. It has been wonderful to hear all the good things and amazing learning that is happening within many of the classrooms but it’s also great to see parents, students and teachers working together if certain classes have been feeling unsuccessful last term. These conferences also allow for a conversation to occur around reports and opens a channel for communication that generic standard report cards do not. If you missed out on these conferences please reach out to your child's teacher directly or myself if you wish for a meeting or a chat about how your student is travelling.
Remember as always reach out if you have any questions or concerns,
Miss Libby Plane
Leader of Learning, Year 8
Year 9
This week marks the conclusion of our Parent/Teacher/Student evenings. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity for discussing student learning and progress, setting goals, and addressing any questions or concerns. We were pleased to see so many families participating and appreciate their active involvement in their child’s education.
As we look forward to Year 10, our teachers have begun planning the elective courses. It is important for students to start considering their elective choices, which are designed to help them explore their interests and passions while preparing for their senior years and future career paths. Mr. Chapman will soon release a site containing all the relevant information.
This term, we have witnessed outstanding participation in various academic competitions, including ICAS and the Australian Mathematics Competition. We commend our students for their willingness to challenge themselves and embrace new opportunities.
Additionally, this week, I was deeply moved by the exceptional camaraderie and support demonstrated by our Year 9 students. They came together to support Darcy following a serious injury. As a year group, we wish him a swift and full recovery.
Mrs Kathryn Czinner
Leader of Learning, Year 9
Year 10 - A Year of Transitions
Welcome back to a busy semester Year 10 students and families!
Semester 2 of Year 10 is a busy time, filled with big moments and decisions that need to be made. Again, I am going to declare that this is a year of transitions and opportunities! I encourage all of our students to embrace every opportunity that comes their way and to not shy away from these potential experiences.
Thank you to all of our families who were able to attend the 2025 subject selection evening that occurred in week 1 of term. It was a big night crammed full of information and terribly baaaaaaa-d jokes!
First round of subject selections was due at the end of week 2 and I thank all of the students and families for discussing what 2025 will look like and getting these forms in on time. It can be a very overwhelming experience but our students handled it with a grace and maturity that they should be proud of.
Year 10 students are also starting to engage with some of the University information sessions as well as the Australian Defence Force (ADF) session; learning about future potential pathways and the huge range of jobs and careers that they can apply for. Whilst all of this upcoming change and possibility can be exciting, for some of us it can also lead to uncertainty and fear about the future. If your student is struggling, please reach out to me - our aim is to always have your students best interests at heart and to support them to achieve their aspirations.
Term 3 has continued to kick off with a BANG as our year 10’s were able to attend an Elevate session to continue to hone their study skills and time management. Elevate sessions encourage and teach students how to not only study, but to be prepared to use every minute in the classroom to the best of their abilities. Part of our students using every minute of learning time is to ensure they have the appropriate learning equipment. Please check in with your student that they have the following; workbooks with space to keep working, pens, rulers, calculator, highlighter, a device in working order, glue, scissors, lead pencils, erasers, some type of coloured pencil/textas and any of stationary equipment that may be needed for more specialised subjects. By ensuring they are prepared for learning, it reduces the mental clutter and mad scramble for a pen.
As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Miss Jessica Armfield
Leader of Learning, Year 10
Year 11
Hello families of Year 11 and welcome to Term 3!
I'm quickly taking the opportunity to introduce myself to those of you who do not know me. I have just returned, part time, from maternity leave and am excited to be working alongside Bruce Myers as a Leader of Learning (wellbeing) for your year 11 students.
If at any time you have questions or concerns regarding your student, their wellbeing or their learning, please feel free to reach out to myself or Bruce so that we can assist.
I would also like to take the opportunity to ensure that all families are aware of the expectation that students not attending next weeks leadership retreat are in attendance at school over the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Any absences need to be communicated to the front office as soon as possible.
We thank you for your assistance in this.
Mrs Amanda McFarland
Leader of Learning, Year 11
Year 12
Welcome to Term 3, I hope everyone has had a rejuvenating break and are ready for the final term of assessments and lessons for Year 12.
This time of their HSC studies is often stressful for students, as they are preparing for their Trial HSC exams, set to occur in weeks 5 and 6, whilst also possibly completing the last of other assessment tasks such as finishing off Major Works.
Stress is a natural part of studies and students will need to shift their balance of work, sport, study and social life to minimise stress during this very busy time. Support from family, friends and teachers is essential in helping students to make the most of all their time, in all these activities.
This includes students utilising opportunities on offer such as school study sessions (both after school and during the holidays) and or the use of the meeting rooms in the Armidale Town Library from Tuesday October 8th to Friday October 11th. 9:30 – 5pm. At times, this does include them providing pizzas!
Another opportunity is the Young Life’s study camp (29 Sept - 4 Oct, link), which whilst it does cost $450, would be a different environment and opportunity to study with students from other schools attending. Applications close 13 Sept. From the Young Life site:
There is a minimum 4 hours compulsory study every morning before lunch, plus optional extra study time later in the afternoon. There are compulsory fun activities to help students unwind and connect with other people complemented by healthy and varied on-site prepared meals.
Tutors are specially chosen for their experience in preparing students for the exams. They will be running joint and individual tutoring sessions throughout the week. We can’t guarantee that we will have tutors for all subjects as it is dependent on their availability, but we will do our best!
On top of this, students are also applying for entry to University (direct and/or through UAC) and I will take this opportunity to remind everyone of the numerous posts that are made on the Year 12 Google Classroom, identifying these opportunities and remind students of deadlines for applications (Thanks to Mrs Galvin for being on top of all this!).
But let me make this clear, there still needs to be a balance! Taking a break and socialising is an important part of ensuring that students do not become too overcome during this time. I encourage all students and parents/carers to reach out to me, your child’s teachers and other support staff, to ensure we can do everything to maximise the success of all students.
As always, keep Believing, Achieving, Nurturing and Growing!
Luke Andrews
On behalf of the Year 12 2024 team