Welcome! Mr. O’Connor

Who the heck is this guy? n Born in Melbourne, Australia n Moved to Canada when I was 8 months old. n Grew up in Cambridge, Ontario

n Attended GCI where I was a completely average student n Upon finishing High School went to college for Radio, Television and Film Broadcasting n And played music…although, very few people actually called it that.

n Toured Canada on several occasions with bands, security and tour managing n Moved to Ottawa in 1998 n Attended Carleton and the University of Ottawa n Continued music with The Flaming Chiuauahas and Citizen Band Radio. n Married in 2000

n Began booking concerts and working with touring artists in Ottawa and now in KW. n Worked with Billy Talent, Chantal Kreviaziuk, The Guess Who, The Village People, Sam Roberts, Sarah Harmer, Steve O, Lloyd Banks, The Tragically Hip, and several others.

These are a few of my favourite things… n Book: The Namesake & Coming Through Slaughter n Band: The Constantines, The Decemberists, STARS, The Who n Singers: Van Morrison & Nina Simone n Author: Michael Ondaatje n Drink: Water n Place I want to visit: Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden & Iceland

Teaching n My 9th year as a High School teacher n Prior to Elmira, I taught at Eastwood and before that in Ottawa n And…other “interesting settings”

The O’C as teacher n I teach English, History, and Geography n I am friendly, outgoing and passionate about what I teach…thus, I expect the same of you. n However…I will give you enough rope to hang yourself…do NOT think that because I won’t attack you for every little thing that I will allow you to not hand in work, or treat me or fellow class members with disrespect.

n Huge music fan n Play bass guitar n Writing n Reading n Having fun with my eight-year-old daughter Ainslee and five-year-old Tiernan.

As Aretha Franklin said: R E S P E C T n To me, others, the class and yourself. n Respect to me… BE ON TIME! n Respect to others… no… “idiot”, “Gay”, “retarted” or making people feel intimidated or substandard.

Respect to the class… n I will allow bottled water, or coffee (and for now food)…but if any garbage is ever left behind you will lose that blessed gift.

Respect to Yourself n Respect the fact that you are an intelligent person who has something important to say. Do not disrespect yourself by acting foolish, giving attitude, showing up late, not handing in assignments and chatting when I or someone else is talking. n You are better than that.

Assignments n We generally will stick to unit tests, unit projects, an ISU and the exam. n Assessment - coaching n The exam is your Stanley Cup Final! n You are now officially in training. n Which brings me to...

Participation n You must participate in class. n This is through both a) classroom discussions and b) assignments (yes, even if they are not “worth something”) n Insert College/University rant here n I have a job that keep me up late at night, a wife, two kids, and several hobbies (both mine and my kids) that take up a lot of time. I still can get my stuff done therefore, so can you. If you do not have it done realize now that I will bring up my schedule during our conversation.

Each day you are to come to class... n On time n Prepared n Ready to engage n Ready to think n Ready to have fun n Open to other’s ideas and opinions

Open to other’s ideas and opinions n This is a very important point. n The society outside of Elmira is large and varied. The world is not necessarily as you see it. So, you NEED to open your mind and consider the ideas and beliefs of others. Especially if they differ from you. n This will make you a better student and a better human being.