Assistant Principal's Report

In recent weeks the State Government announced a comprehensive review of the NSW curriculum. This has been welcomed by most educators due to the crowded nature of the curriculum and an expectation of what schools should be teaching. The danger of a crowded curriculum is that students only learn at a superficial level without the deep learning required to embed skills and knowledge.  By creating a usable curriculum, teachers can have a focus on the general capabilities expressed in the new syllabus, especially contrast and creative thinking, ethical understanding, personal and social capability and sustainability. 

Our new PDHPE syllabus appears to follow this key line of thinking. The new syllabus will tackle contemporary issues flagging students, such as how to behave responsibly, safely and sensibly online, along with measures on how to report cyber bullying. One of the most significant changes is the greater emphasis being placed on mental health. The new syllabus educates students on how to spot the early warning signs for stress and depression, along with information on where and how to seek help. 

Education is the public good that does the most to advance the common good, which in turn does the most to increase peoples' capabilities. Education is the best safeguard against wasted potential and getting education right could not be more important for today's young people. At O'Connor we are continually seeking to improve our work with students by developing our pedagogy and using best practice methods based on research and results.

Whilst the State Government's review into the curriculum should hep to fine tune what we teach, I can't help thinking that a review will result in higher expectations from the public and rightly so. But education reform on its own will not magically transform society and the potential of our nation. Society must support schools, school leaders and children in their efforts to ensure best outcomes. What students bring with them to school, their attitude and abilities, will do most to shape educational outcomes.  We all have a role to play. 

Photo Day

School Photo day is Wednesday 30th May. All students have received an envelope which outlines the various options for families.  Students need to bring the envelope with the correct money on the day.