Around the KLA's (Key Learning Areas) - Mathematics 

When am I ever going to use this?

As teachers of Mathematics, this is one of the classic questions we get asked: When am I ever going to use this?  Certainly, if students can see the real-life applications of what they are learning in class, they are more motivated to work hard.  In the final Year 12 Assessment Task for Year 12 Mathematics Extension 1, students were asked to use the content of their maths courses to solve some real-life problems.  Over the past few weeks, the nine students developed three real-life problems each that they solved.  They needed to word the questions, provide full solutions with explanations, state the outcomes they assess and explain the syllabus dot points they cover.  The real-life problems included crashing trains (projectile motion), overheating phones which then cool (Newton’s Law of Cooling), COVID Data predictions (Exp Growth and Decay and logistic equation modelling), dropping a life raft to swimmer from a plane (projectile motion), calculating how much titanium is needed to make an artistic glass (volumes of revolution), horse jumping (projectile motion), the glass needed for glass-blowing a vase (volumes of revolutions), a basketball trick shot (projectile motion) and problems about tides (Simple Harmonic Motion). The world is a better place with these young adults in it.  Well done, all nine of you.

Collaboration in classrooms

We have noticed that students who work together build their understanding of mathematics to a much higher level than those who work alone.  We encourage students to share their explanations and ideas.

Here are some examples of students working together.

PHOTO: Year 9 students Tobe, Cody and Keyman working together on some area problems.  Support teacher Phoebe Biddle helps Angela and Arlie in the background.

PHOTO: Year 9 Stage 5.3 Mathematics (top class) working hard at calculating the volume and capacity of various cylinders and part cylinders.

Learning Support in Maths

We have a wonderful team of learning support staff at O’Connor.  Every day, we see them working hard with a variety of students in our mathematics classes.  Thank you, all.

PHOTO: Support Teacher Jess Monkentin helping Patrick in Year 8 Maths.

Designing a teenage retreat

The students in Mrs Czinner’s Year 12 Mathematics Standard 1 class have recently been designing their own dream teenage retreat.  Here is Molly Hardy with her design, including a loft bed to make the most of the limited space.  

The students used digital software to bring their design to life.

Feature Teacher Article  (Peter McLeish)

What is your full name?

Peter William McLeish

Tell us about your family

I have 3 children Katrina, Amanda and Liam.

My wife’s name is Janet (full-time Artist)

What schools have you taught at? 

Over 20 Primary schools in the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie/Maitland/Cessnock areas

Hunter School of Performing Arts

Lake Macquarie High

Bundarra Central (where I also taught Yr 7 French and Yr 9/10 PDH)

Uralla Central

What years and subjects are you teaching? 

I am currently teaching Maths for Years 7, 9 (5.3), 10 (5.2), 11 Standard 1 and 12 Standard 2.

What jobs have you had?

I have had many jobs and careers.

Coles Casual

Travel Agent

Payroll Clerk

Assets Clerk

Cost Accountant

Risk Manager

Financial Planner

Finance Manager

Newcastle City Councillor

Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle

Primary Teacher

Secondary Teacher

Where have you lived?

I have lived in:

Newcastle (Carrington, Waratah West, Maryland)

Port Stephens (Medowie)

Bundarra

Armidale

What are your interests and hobbies?

I enjoy Snooker, Lawn Bowls, Golf, reading for pleasure, playing poker, fine wine and great conversation.

What do you like about O’Connor

I love teaching at O’Connor because of the great students, the great teachers and the faith-filled vibe of the place. 

Thanks, Peter!

Where are they now?   

Shani Marshall

This week we caught up with Shani Marshall to find out what she has been keeping herself busy with since graduating from O'Connor. 

What Year did you complete the HSC? 

2012

What did you enjoy most about attending O’Connor Catholic College?

I really enjoyed the feeling of community and camaraderie which was shared between the students and teachers.  

Where are you now? What are you studying/doing?

I’m a primary school teacher at a small school in Barraba, NSW

What have been your biggest achievements since leaving school? 

Living and travelling overseas for one year, becoming a qualified swimming instructor, receiving my Bachelor of Education (Primary), teaching in two different primary schools and becoming a Proficient teacher. 

If you were to give HSC students some advice to succeed in their final year what would it be? 

Don’t give up! We know it’s tough (especially this year) but your hard work will pay off and you will be so proud of yourself and what you have achieved.  

What is one of your most memorable moments from your schooling at O’Connor?

The Year 7 Nymboida school camp, there were so many fun activities and it was the start of many lifelong friendships. 

What’s next for you?

I hope to continue teaching and develop my knowledge and skills as an educator. 

Any final words of advice to O’Connor students? 

Keep your destination in mind but enjoy the journey, for it’s those memories that you’re going to cherish in the years to come :) 

Thanks, Sharni.

Snapshots from classes

PHOTO: (above) Year 8 students Mannon Perrin and Jess Ferris working hard in Mr Fulloon’s maths class

PHOTO: (above) Year 12 Ext 1 Maths student, Bethany Rhode, revising for the trials in the Library Learning Centre.

PHOTO: Summary sheets: Year 11 Standard students Kisholi and Elinor using their summary sheets on Statistics to help solve problems in class.