Assistant Principal Report
Message for Parents
Year 11/12
Students in Year 11 have begun HSC Courses. Preliminary reports including the RoSA grade for a particular course should be sent home by the end of week 2.
Many students have made some alteration to their pattern of study as the minimum requirement for the HSC is 10 units.
Students must seek the advice of teachers before withdrawing from a course and parents must sign off that courses have been altered.
Elective Choices
Year 8 have completed elective choices for Stage 5, 2017. Subjects include: Design and Technology, Food Technology, Dance and Film, Textiles, iStem, PASS (2), Agriculture (2), Industrial Technology, Visual Arts, Music, Child Studies and Commerce. Languages are also available through Distance Education.
HSC
The HSC Commenced last Thursday with English Paper 1. Most students were fairly pleased with that paper and the exams covered so far.
Study Group
Last Friday saw our first venture into a vertically streamed study group. Students from the same House were grouped together from years 7-11.
The students were involved in study and general course work. The Leadership team reported that the period was a great success. This is only a trial at this stage and will be reviewed at the end of term.
At this time, teachers were able to meet together to organise observation lessons over the next 3 weeks. Teachers will observe and learn from each other as they continue to enhance their pedagogical skills.
Annual Plan
Mr Allen and I reported to the CSO this week on how far we have progressed with our annual plan. This was a rewarding experience, as we looked back on our achievements this term, especially in changing some cultural practices.
Members of the CSO congratulated the school on the presentation and the strategies being implemented in supporting student outcomes.
STEM Teacher Enrichment
O’Connor has also committed to a University of Sydney, STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy, 2016-17 North Coast Program. O’Connor is one of a small group being invited to participate in this innovative program. The Academy aims to address a shortage in STEM related careers by inspiring teachers to engage, enthuse and motivate their students to participate more fully in the STEM disciplines in senior secondary school and beyond.
The Academy will provide accredited, high quality professional learning for teachers of Science, Technology and Mathematics, through a three day residential program in Coffs Harbour from 3rd to 5th November, followed by a further two-day workshop in Term 2, 2017.
Jon Hawthorne, Dan Fittler and Steve Chapman will attend.
HSC Assessment Information
The HSC Assessment Information afternoon is set down for Monday, 31st October. Students will receive assessment schedules for the 2016-2017 HSC, as well as the College’s assessment policy.
It is important that students understand the requirements of the assessment program and the difference between the Preliminary and the HSC. This will be held at 1:45pm and parents are invited to attend if they wish.
Year 9 & 10
In other events Year 9 Retreat and Year 10 Leadership days will be in week 3 on the Monday and Tuesday.
Year 9 examination week is week 6 and Year 10’s is week 7.
It is hoped we can produce a Timetable for these exams next week. Examination results are used, together with a variety of other observed and produced work, to determine a student’s grade.
Thanking you
Simon Fleming
A.P /Curriculum Coordinator