Pastoral Academic Care (PAC)
This fortnight we hear from Year 7, 9 and 11 PAC Leaders of Learning.
Pastoral Academic Care (PAC) Focus - Essential Sleep
Well Being Element - Health + strengths
Character Strength - Zest
Parent Wellbeing: The shadow side of a strength is when you underuse, misuse or overuse it. For example, if prudence is one of your strengths, the shadow side could see you afraid to try something new or for socialintelligence, you would be forever glued to your phone screen. For three of your strengths describe a time you used them on the shadow side. Do you pause to give yourself self-awareness time before you speak or act? Acknowledgement: Seligman
Year 7
Our Year 7 group finished the term on a high. During our PAC lesson we were able to celebrate our achievements for the term. A large group of students were honoured for their efforts in the various subjects, extra curricular activities and school service. Year Leader awards were presented and Principal awards were given on Monday at the school briefing. We were then able to share a Hot Chocolate and mingle with our peers.
As a year group we ‘Strive to thrive” and are continually challenged to improve and grow. There have been many examples of this in our learning, social development and interactions with others. Other teachers, parents and students work together to foster positive growth. This quote has been shared with us previously and shows significance of what we do now, will have an effect on the future.
I am encouraged by the enthusiasm some of our musical kids have shown. They have been courageous and keen to share their talents in the Founders Day concert.
I will be on leave for two weeks next term. Mrs Felicity Magann will lead the year group in my absence. Please communicate with her if you need any assistance. It is a good time to refresh our books and re-equip pencil cases so that we are well prepared and organised for Term 3.
I wish our Year 7’s a safe and restful holiday. Looking forward to Term 3 with many refreshed faces.
Mrs K Czinner (on behalf of the entire Year 7 PAC Team)
Year 9
Wow we have nearly made it to the end of a very busy Semester 1, and Year 9 are now finished the first part of 2022. It has been a huge term, with NAPLAN, the sports carnival, the school musical and to finish Founders Day. The students have had a real mixed bag this term also with the cold and flu season well and truly active and the ongoing issues with Covid. But our Year 9 students have worked their way through all the challenges sent their way and are now ready for a much needed and deserved holiday break.
I really do appreciate the effort that has been put in this term from both our students and staff. I look forward now to seeing how our students step up to support Founders Day this Friday. I hope to see as many Year 9 students as possible here, to be involved in one the best community days we have at O’Connor, it is truly a fun day to be a part of. I wish all Year 9 a safe and restful school holidays, ready to come back refreshed to begin another busy school term.
Mr Mark Fulloon (on behalf of the entire Year 9 PAC Team).
Year 11
We are now 2/3rds of the way through Year 11 and hurtling towards the commencement of the HSC year with startling speed. It is with this in mind that our last PAC period for the term saw students focussing on their time management.
Students began by breaking down what they think their average day looks like into chunks, being prompted to think about elements of their lives including school, regular exercise, family time, social time, sleeping, part time work. Students then reflected on what their previous 24 hours looked like, hour by hour. This led to some interesting conversations where students pondered how full their schedule is in reality compared to perceived reality. Good discussion surrounding how to balance part time work with school work, how much revision time students should be doing (20-30 minutes per subject, per day!), and how to achieve a balance between school and life were had, which culminated in students generating a 1 week schedule with a focus of including revision time. We hope that this is a schedule, and a skill, that students will take forward with them into term 3, especially as they approach their end of year exams, to help them better manage their time and confidence when dealing with assessment tasks.
Ms Amanda Bell and Mr Frank Patricks (on behalf of the Year 11 PAC team)