CAPA

Year 9 Music

As part of their unit of study on Australian Music, year 9 students have read the picture book “The Rabbits” by John Marsden and Shaun Tan and have created music based on the text of some of the pages from the story. Here are a couple of the completed projects:

Fight Again by Laura

Rabbits by Lexi

Year 7 Music

Year 7 have been learning to play the Ukulele in music this term

Year 7 Visual Arts

Year 7 students working on finishing up their clay heads

Garden Festival

Well done to the Jazz Band and Concert Band who performed at the Garden Festival earlier in the term.

HSC Visual Art Works

Congratulations to our 2024 HSC Visual Arts students for completing their Visual Arts Major Works. The students dedication and hard work is obvious in the interesting works they have based on their personal interests. Their works are a unique and special little part of each of them.

Up and Coming Performances

Year 9, 10 and 11 classes, Concert Band and Jazz Band will be involved in these performances, as well as some individuals from yr 7 and 8.

Learn an Instrument

Thinking about learning an instrument, now is the time to book in for next year, please find the enrolment form here. We have partnered with NECOM to offer private instrumental lessons which can be organised to be taught here at school or at NECOM. Instrument hire is also available for some instruments. Please contact Miss Sampson for more information msampso1@arm.catholic.edu.au

Miss Melanie Sampson

Leader of Learning - CAPA

PDHPE

Year 7 & 8 Lifesaving Program 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

Did you know that the 2024 National Drowning Report, has indicated 323 people drowned in Australian Waterways? This is a statistic we can change and this is how…..

As part of the Physical Development, Health and Physical Education Australian Curriculum, students from Year 7 and 8 will be involved in the College’s Lifesaving Program in Week 9 of Term 4. It is important that all students attend (non swimmers included), not only as this is an important life skill, but also, the College will be able to record student’s swimming ability for future excursions.

The program will run at the Armidale Aquatic Centre from Monday 9th December to Friday 13th December from Recess until the end of the school day.

All standards of swimming are catered for, ranging from learn to swim to the Bronze Medallion Award. All staff members accompanying the students are trained RLSSA instructors and have CPR qualifications.

Cost of the program is $4.50 pool entry each day to the pool. Other costs have been included in the Sports Levy paid earlier this year. If your child gains a bronze star or medallion award, an additional fee will be required to cover the costs of the award.

Each day students will go to normal PAC, Period 1, Period 2 and Recess. Students will still require all materials for each of these lessons. Students will walk directly to the pool each day after recess with staff and be dismissed from the pool. For those students who need to catch a school bus back at school, a bus shuttle service will operate on the school minibus.

The College will require consent via Compass and further details will be released on Compass shortly.

If you have any enquiries or problems with the arrangements for this valuable program do not hesitate to contact the College.

Miss Camilla Clydsdale

Leader of Learning - PDHPE

HSIE

German Cultural Focus: Board Games

The Year 7 students have been learning about a national German pastime - board games

Germany is known as the "Mecca" of modern board games, producing some of the world’s best-loved games like Catan and Carcassonne. This passion is celebrated at the annual Essen Spiel convention, the largest board game fair globally, where designers and enthusiasts gather to showcase new games.

There are about 40 new games developed by German designers every year and the average German family supposedly owns between 5 - 10 games (but in my personal experience,they have many more!!!). Games are seen as quality family time. However, they are not played by families and children alone. Amongst adults, games are a popular pastime as well and many dinner parties are not complete without a round of a strategy game or two after dessert.

We focused on German classics such as Mensch ärgere Dich Nicht! (known in English as Ludo), Mau Mau (a game that is similar to UNO but predates it and is played with an ordinary deck of cards), Fang den Hut (Capture the Hat) and Malefiz (Barricades).

Students researched one game in small groups, presented the rules to the class and then, of course, we had to make sure they had done a good job by playing the games!

A beautiful and fun way to celebrate the last term of our German Language course.

Thanks for sharing Mrs Hughes!

Mrs Cherie Stoessel

Leader of Learning - HSIE

Science

As the year draws to a close, our science classrooms are buzzing with curiosity and exploration. Here's what our students have been discovering during the second half of Term 4:

Year 7: Exploring Earth’s Movements

Our Year 7 scientists have been looking to the skies to understand how Earth’s position in space influences life on our planet. They've been investigating the mechanics behind day and night, the changing seasons, and the fascinating phases of the Moon. Students have also delved into celestial events like eclipses, uncovering how the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth creates these awe-inspiring phenomena.

Year 8: The Symphony of Body Systems

Year 8 students have been exploring the incredible teamwork within the human body systems. From the circulatory system, which transports oxygen and nutrients, to the respiratory system, which powers it with oxygen, students are seeing how these systems work in harmony to keep us alive. Practical investigations and models have helped bring these complex systems to life, with students gaining a deeper appreciation for how their own bodies function.

Year 9: Earth’s Dynamic Systems

Year 9 has been tackling the powerful forces that shape our planet. From the movement of tectonic plates to the formation of earthquakes and volcanoes, students have been studying the big systems that govern Earth’s changes. The hands-on creation of model volcanoes has been a highlight, allowing students to explore the science behind eruptions in an engaging and creative way.

Year 10: Investigating Climate Change

Our Year 10 cohort continues to delve into one of the most pressing global challenges of our time: climate change. With a focus on understanding the implications of a warming planet, students are examining how a higher average global temperature impacts ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies. This unit encourages students to think critically about solutions and their role in protecting the planet.

Year 11: Preparing for Success

With their first HSC assessment task approaching, our Year 11 students are facing an exciting yet challenging milestone. This is a valuable time to build time management and study skills, which will serve them well in their academic journeys and beyond. We encourage students to seek support when needed and remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

As the term concludes, it’s inspiring to see the enthusiasm and determination our students bring to their learning. Science is all around us, and each year group is discovering how they are connected to the world and beyond.

Stay curious!

Mr Daniel Fittler,

Leader of Learning, Science

English

Year 7

Building on what they have learned in Traditional Storytelling, Year 7 are embracing their inner actors with the play "The Honey Spot" and exploring how themes can be represented, especially on the stage, and the harms of prejudice.

Year 8

Having just finished a comparative essay, Year 8 is continuing to engage with how literature explores disasters, and the human element of those disasters.

Year 9

Year 9 have just finished writing poems inspired by Poe's "Annabel Lee" and Swift's "Love Story" (there were some inspired karaoke sessions...) and then learning how to write Reflections on their own work. (A vital skill as they seek to build their abilities.)

Year 10

Faced with the daunting prospect of exams, Year 10 completed a practice one. It was an intense 90 minutes, but was a valuable learning experience for many. They are now continuing to explore and create different text types, before moving onto the mandatory "All My Own Work" as preparation for their senior years.

Year 12 2025

With their first official English assessment task looming over them, Year 12 have continued to explore texts and the human experience. They are reminded that the cutoff date for feedback is fast approaching.

Advanced English have declared that Nerissa is by far the 'best' character in 'The Merchant of Venice'. Unanimously. Well, almost unanimously.

Mr Stephen Kirkaldy

Acting Leader of Learning, English

TAS

Fleece to Fashion

On Saturday the 16th of November, many O’Connor students were involved in the annual Fleece to Fashion event. F2F is a collective of passionate Australian wool growers and advocates bringing together the farming and fashion communities to celebrate the compelling story of Australian Merino wool qualities, production and its esteemed place within global fashion and textiles industries. This year, there were entries from Sydney, Melbourne and even New England along with many local designers.

Three of our O’Connor senior textiles students submitted pieces into the show with the support of Mrs Channon. Each entry had to be made from at least 80% Merino wool and could include recycled items. Well done to Year 11 students Ella, Elijah and Freya for bravely submitting work for this event.

O’Connor was also heavily represented in the modelling with many students giving up a significant amount of time over recent weeks to practice, many who had no experience.

Dress submitted by Ella Luchich

Vest and skirt submitted by Freya Giles

Jumper and pants submitted by Elijah Croft

Other photos from the evening:

Textiles

Very exciting news for the TAS faculty, particularly the Textiles learning space. We have been able to purchase a brand new Brother sewing machine that has amazing capabilities and design possibilities. This will be so good for our Textiles students, especially our senior students when it comes to planning and working on design ideas for their major textile projects. It will allow for great creativity and excellent product quality, with so many innovative and technological advances.

We are very lucky to be able to access this new equipment for the betterment of the students and staff.

Some of our Year 12 2025 textiles students experimenting with natural fabric dyes.

Agriculture

Photos of Year 7 Ag helping to prep cattle for the upcoming 2025 show season.

Mr Jon Hawthorne

Leader of Learning, TAS

Mathematics

Wrapping Up a Year of Mathematical Growth

As we come to the end of the year, it's an excellent opportunity to reflect on the journey our students have taken in developing their mathematical skills and understanding. Across all year levels, students have been engaged in meaningful tasks that challenge them to think critically, apply their knowledge, and build confidence in solving problems. These activities not only emphasise academic rigor but also pave the way for future learning and success. Here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening in our classrooms.

Year 7: Angle Relationships

Year 7 students are mastering angle relationships, laying the foundation for geometry. Through engaging tasks such as solving puzzles involving complementary, supplementary, and vertically opposite angles, students are applying their knowledge to real-world problems. For instance, they’ve analyzed how architects use angle relationships to design stable structures. These tasks emphasize not just calculation but reasoning and justification of their solutions.

Year 8: Linear Relationships

In Year 8, the focus has been on linear relationships. Students have explored how to graph straight lines and interpret their real-world applications, such as analysing trends in data. Learning tasks include using technology to model relationships like distance-time graphs and investigating the impact of slope and intercept on graphs. These activities foster both conceptual understanding and practical problem-solving.

Year 9: Properties of Geometrical Figures

Year 9 students have delved deeper into geometry, focusing on the properties of geometrical figures. They’ve tackled challenges such as proving relationships in triangles and quadrilaterals, as well as solving problems involving parallel lines and transversals.

Year 10: Equations and Algebraic Techniques

In Year 10, students are solidifying their understanding of equations and algebraic techniques, which are critical for higher-level mathematics. Learning tasks have included solving multi-step equations, manipulating algebraic expressions, and working with quadratic equations. These skills have been applied to real-world contexts, such as optimising areas and solving financial problems, ensuring students see the relevance of their learning.

Year 12: Setting the Bar High

Our senior students have been tackling advanced topics, demonstrating their commitment to their Mathematical studies.

Mathematics Standard: Students have been exploring networks, solving real-world optimization problems such as finding the shortest path or planning efficient routes.
Mathematics Advanced: The focus has been on transformations of functions, including translations, dilations, and reflections. Students are learning how these transformations model real-world situations, such as population growth or periodic motion.
Mathematics Extension 1: Students have been working with trigonometric identities and equations, mastering proofs and solving advanced problems that require precision and a deep understanding of periodic functions.
Mathematics Extension 2: The pinnacle of mathematical study sees students engaging with complex numbers. They’ve been exploring this fascinating topic in-depth, using geometric representations and advanced algebraic techniques to solve problems that extend beyond the real number system.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up 2024, these recent learning tasks have provided opportunities for every student to shine, demonstrating their growth and achievements. Mathematics continues to be a dynamic and vital subject, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the future.

Thank you to all our dedicated students and teachers for your hard work and enthusiasm this year. I leave you with some action shots from our HSC Mathematics Standard classes exploring the famous Königsberg Bridge problem.

Mr Mark Harris

Leader of Learning, Mathematics

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