School based Pastoral Academic Care (PAC) at O’Connor refers to the care of the whole person. It is based upon the belief in the dignity of the person. Research ( Jacqueline Van Velsen, CEO WISA Wellbeing in Schools Australia) indicates that students with high levels of wellbeing are more likely to achieve high academically and complete school, have better health, and have greater participation in the workforce. Wellbeing is everyone’s business.

O’Connor’s Pastoral Academic Care program is based on this evidence that learning and wellbeing are inextricably linked. Our PAC Program includes coaching, learning conversations and goal setting. The PAC teacher plays a very important role in monitoring and building wellbeing. The Student Diary is based on a strengths based approach. It emphasises the strengths that people have and how they build their strengths in other areas. The key elements of the student diary are: Positive Engagement; Meaning and Purpose; Skills and Achievement; Relationship and Optimism; Strengths and Emotions; and Exercise and Health. These are the key elements needed to strive, thrive and flourish.

Pastoral Academic Care Framework

At O’Connor, each PAC class has two staff allocated. This allows for administration (rolls marked, daily notices etc to be done) to occur while learning conversations occur. PAC runs from 8.50 - 9.10 every day. PAC time is with both PAC teachers and has a focus on Resilience and coaching. Are students set up for the day? Do they have books, device, equipment etc.

Resilience and Connections

 

Year Leaders and PAC Teachers for 2020

Mrs Vicki Channon
Year 12 PAC Leader
Vicki Channon

Year 12 Coordinator – Mrs Vicki Channon
PAC Teachers:
Mr Jon Hawthorne / Ms Regina Menz / Mrs Elitia Parry
Mrs Jenny Roff / Mr Bradley Powers
Mr Stephen Chapman / Mrs Janet Price

Mr Mark Fulloon
Year 11 PAC Leader
Mark Fulloon

Year 11 Coordinator – Mr Mark Fulloon
PAC Teachers:
Miss Melanie Sampson / Mr Nicholas Bolger
Mr David Lush / Mrs Megan Wooster
Mrs Natalie Mellowship-Brown / Mr Darryl Harper / Miss Eliza Clark

Mr Peter McLeish
Year 10 PAC Leader
McLeish Peter

Year 10 Coordinator – Mr Peter McLeish
PAC Teachers:
Miss Camilla Clydsdale / Mrs Mellissa Bell
Mr Andrew May / Mr Matt Griffin
Mr Frank Patricks / Miss Jessica Molkentin / Miss Phoebe Biddle
Mrs Glenda Lemon / Mr Ian Tonkin
Mrs Jenny Frazier / Mrs Cherie Stoessel

Mr Lloyd Honnery
Year 9 PAC Leader
Lloyd Honnery

Year 9 Coordinator – Mr Lloyd Honnery
PAC Teachers:
Miss Melita Roache / Mr Bryan Allerton
Miss Madeleine Davidson / Mr Garry Osborne
Miss Jessica Armfield / Miss Annabel Cullen
Mrs Anne Healey / Mrs Delwyn Smidt

Mrs Katie Biddle
Year 8 PAC Leader
mrs-katie-biddle

Year 8 Coordinator – Mrs Katie Biddle
PAC Teachers:
Miss Lauren Donnelly / Mrs Denise Fittler / Mrs Renee Russell
Miss Amanda Bell / Mr Mark Harris
Mr Damian Roff / Ms Kate Bloomfield / Miss Taryn Ramage
Mr Daniel Fittler / Mr Mark Honeysett
Mrs Cheryl Legatt / Mr Shane McCann

Mr James Russell
Year 7 PAC Leader
James Russell

Year 7 Coordinator – Mr James Russell
PAC Teachers:
Mrs Cath Deshon / Mr James Healy
Mr Michael Wooster / Mr Anthony Kelly
Mr Stephen Kirkaldy / Mrs Kaylene Osborne
Mrs Elizabeth Simpson / Ms Florence Champion de Crespigny / Miss Brydie Hawthorne
Mr Peter Trinh / Mrs Melissa Killen / Mrs Kath Czinner

Dear Parents,

The use of technology in our society is increasing at an almost exponential rate. With this increase comes the challenge of managing technology at home. With the influx of a ‘screen culture’ many parents are looking for advice.

Here are three great informative websites that provide parents with not only the facts, for example the age of access to different social media sites, but also provide some helpful hints.

At O’Connor we will also be using these websites as part of our Pastoral Care Program.

www.esafety.gov Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner

  1. www.cybersmart.gov.au site

The Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner leads online safety education for the Australian Government and protects Australian children when they experience cyberbullying by administering a complaints scheme.

www.commonsensemedia.org Common Sense Media

Common Sense is dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology.  We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives.

www.acma.gov.au Australian Communications and Media Authority

The ACMA is a government agency responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, the internet, radio communications and telecommunications. It contains a wealth of information. By searching ‘parents’ or ‘teenagers’ etc. lots of helpful facts and information can be found.

nda-2016-logo-4

At O’Connor Catholic College we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents or carers to know what to do when their child talks to them about bullying.
You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone. For more information please see the download links below.

Bullying Letter                   Bullying Poster

Young people are busy working out who they are and where they fit in the world.  Being involved in community activities can give your child a positive way of understanding who they are and building their own resilience, and of gaining new perspectives on life and life experiences from the people they encounter, as well as creating a sense of being connected and contributing to the community.

A number of organisations have been working with O’Connor Catholic College for a number of years. Links below to those organisations;

PCYC
http://www.pcycnsw.org/armidale

Centercare

http://www.centacarenenw.com.au/

Additional information