Pastoral Academic Care (PAC)
Pastoral Academic Care (PAC) Focus - – FUN, LAUGHTER AND JOY
Wellbeing Element - Positive Emotion + gratitude
Character Strength - Love
Parent Wellbeing: Plato and Aristotle both believed in the importance of developing three wills: intellectual will – your mind, emotional will – your spirit, physical will – your body. These three wills work together when you develop each of them to assist you to become the person who you wish to become. Describe how you could develop each of them further in yourself. Acknowledgement: Aristotle & Plato
Year 8
Ms Natalie Mellowship
Collaborative Learning
This semester, the structure of timetabling has changed so that two Year 8 classes are on at the same time in each faculty area. This allows teachers to swap students between classes to suit the subject e.g. to have master classes or to combine classes to complete team teaching of content.
In PDHPE, 8.2 and 8.3 recently had the opportunity to combine and work together on the topic area of “Appearance Ideals”. They were able to discuss the influence of contextual factors on individual responses to body image. The classes posed the question “Is Body Image a Measure of Health?”. Here, students collaborated in small groups to complete some explicit teaching and to then formulate a group idea to form a yes or no answer. Group answers needed to be evidence based and supported by facts, not just opinions and each group was able to present their ideas back to the rest of the classes.
‘I Succeed’
In our Year Assembly this week, we were able to celebrate the successes of our students who have worked hard to achieve Pastoral Academic Care Leader Awards. A huge congratulations to the following students: Emily Barnes, Giles Buckland, Huw Davidson, Lucas Ferris, Jade Foster, Archie Howarth, Bailey Howe, Marko Mijajlovic, Caitlin Montague, Pacie Mulligan, Harrison Munsie, Maggie Ridley, Vanessa Riggall, Abbigail Roberts, Elizabeth Shepheard and Eamon Yeates.
Around The Classrooms
In Religious Education lessons this week, 8.3 and Mr Trinh have worked together to implement various concepts explored in class which include the nature of the human being and their use of free will; the concepts of good and evil; and the moral character, pursuit of goodness and good living. Here, students received some kindness cards and were encouraged to collaboratively create a tapestry style artwork of pictures and words that depicted their card.
Police Talks
On Thursday, the Year 8 cohort were invited to a Police Talk with Leading Senior Constable Brad Killen. The presentation focussed on inappropriate online behaviours as well as violent behaviours. They were able to discuss what constitutes misuse of technology as well as discuss the implications of committing assault. The Australian Government’s e-safety commissioner is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety. Please use this resource for any more information.
Electives for 2023
As we head towards the end of Term 3, students will start to complete some work surrounding subject choices for elective units in 2023. In their PAC lesson last Friday, students were able to identify and share their personal strengths and characteristics, as well as correlate how these qualities might impact their career paths. Over the coming weeks and into Term 4, students will be receiving more information about how they can start to select their options for the next academic year.
General Information
Although it’s week 6, Year 8s should not let their standards slip and should aim to finish the term on a positive note by adhering to the expectations set out by O’Connor Catholic College. Students need to be wearing the correct and full winter uniform and should bring a note from home if they cannot do this. Hair should be neatly tied back and students should attend with all the necessary equipment for a day of learning. Students must attend all lessons and should be punctual to school (8:50am start) and to lessons. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s PAC Teacher if you have any questions or concerns surrounding these expectations.
Natalie Mellowship (Leader of Learning Year 8) on behalf of the Year 8 PAC team
Year 10
Mr James Russell
Leadership is a hot topic and often spoken about in schools and wider society. In a school context student leaders have a significant role in steering the direction of a school and shaping its culture. O’Connor has a long tradition of developing excellent school leaders who have left their mark on our College and the local community. This year at O’Connor some changes have been made to the student leadership structure that allow Year 10 students transitioning into Year 11 to hold leadership positions in 2023. This is an exciting development for our Year 10’s and a wonderful opportunity for students to develop effective leadership knowledge and skills. This news was shared with students today and leadership now becomes a strong focus for us as a year group. At O’Connor we feel that all of our Stage 6 students have a leadership role in the college community. Younger students watch older students and model themselves and the behaviour of those who go before them. The example of our Year 10’s for their younger peers is highly important. We are committed to the ideal that all of our cohort will develop a clear understanding of the importance of leadership and what it means for each of them as individuals. While some plans are still being finalised it is envisioned that students will engage in learning about leadership during PAC times where they will focus on the knowledge, skills and attributes that make for effective leadership. The long term goal is that these new leadership opportunities will be met with eager students well equipped as leaders to take the College forward into 2023.
A second key focus for Year 10 as we progress through the second half of this year is the transition into Year 11. Pastoral time will also be spent considering the changes and skills necessary to make a smooth transition into Year 11. Topics such as how to study, the level of effort required to succeed, time management and effectively completing assessment tasks will be key to the program of learning which students will be exposed to. The transition into Year 11 is fast approaching and the Year 10 PAC Team are committed to assisting each of our students to be ready and excited to take the big step into senior studies.
James Russell (Leader of Learning Year 10) on behalf of the Year 10 PAC team
Year 12
Mrs Vicki Channon
The Trial HSC examinations have been the focus over the last two weeks for our Year 12 cohort. The students have conducted themselves admirably during this time. This is the first experience they have had at sitting for a long length of time to complete an exam paper (3 hours in many instances). Although this has been a little daunting, it has been a great preparation tool as we head into the last weeks of organising themselves for the big one… the HSC. We have had outside supervisors overseeing the exams this year, which has been a little different to previous years, but again, it has proved a valuable experience as these same people will be assisting with the HSC Exams in Term 4.
Year 12 celebrated Mass in Week 4. This was a special time for the cohort to gather as one and take the time to reflect on their spiritual journey.
A special morning tea/brunch was organised for Year 12 students on Friday of Week 4 as a prelude to their Trial HSC exams. Year 11 students kindly assisted in the organisation of this event by preparing and cooking the ham and cheese croissants, serving, setting the table and writing messages of best wishes. I would like to thank those Year 11 students who speed up to help.
As we near the end of the final term of formal schooling forever, it would be wise to reflect on the connections that our students have made over the last 6 years, the contributions that each of them have made and the commitment that is needed as we head towards the finish line.
Written and oral feedback given from teachers between now and the HSC exams has shown to be a key factor in student success. Take on board all of the feedback and utilise this as you plan these final weeks of school and into your study schedule. Make the utmost of every lesson left - be a sponge, practise past papers, study, study, study…Your teachers want you to do the best you can, and this will look different for every single student.
It is also imperative that Year 12 finish on a positive note and adhere to the protocols laid out by our College. This entails wearing full correct winter uniform, being punctual to school every day, being present for every lesson and being proud of who they are. No student should be leaving the school grounds without prior arrangement with Mrs Channon or a parent/carer’s permission. Your support in these matters would be much appreciated.
Important dates for the next few weeks are attached here:
Vicki Channon and the Year 12 PAC team.