27 March 2024

Principal’s Report

Thank you to the Charleville State High School Staff, Community and Students for your warm welcome back to the Charleville State High School community.

It has been such a privilege to be leading the school for the conclusion of Term 1, and once again having the opportunity to work with the Charleville State High School staff and students.

During the past four weeks, I have been working with staff to ensure a strong conclusion to Term 1. This has included;

• Enactment of Classroom Profiling across the school
• Drafting of the Charleville State High School 2024 Improvement Agenda
• Ongoing development and refinement of the Charleville State High School Strategic Plan 2024-2027
• Planning for next steps of C Block upgrade
• Visiting students in classrooms to see their work and ensuring they are meeting their potential in both learning and behaviour
• Engaging with the P & C
• Re-engaged our School Chaplain – Les Penrose

Student Voice Group

I, in partnership with Ethan (CWAATSICH), have facilitated our first round of Student Voice Sessions with our students in Week 8.

Purpose of Student Voice:
provide feedback regarding our school from a student perspective
highlight issues and concerns that are impacting students
discuss possible solutions that would improve our school
positively influence change

We had over 20 students participate in the Term 1 sessions from all year levels.  Students provided feedback and suggestions that will be taken to an upcoming leadership team meeting and, where possible, solutions and responses will be enacted.

Dates for Term 2 Student Voice sessions will be set in coming days in preparation for Term 2.  There will be two sessions facilitated per term. 

Thank you to all students who attended and provided valuable feedback. 

Attendance Update

Our current whole school attendance is currently 75%.  This is significantly below the state-wide and regional target for attendance.  Attendance at this rate, significantly impacts our student’s ability to achieve success in both learning and in their social interactions. 

In conjunction with this current, low attendance rate, we also have a number of students who have unexplained absences from Term 1. I encourage all parents to review this on upcoming report cards and rectify by contacting the school office at your earliest convenience. 

QParents

In efforts to continually enhance and refine our communication with families, we have initiated a staged roll out of QParents. Phase 1 will see the release of QParents to those in Years 11 & 12.  Your feedback regarding the usability and functionality of this platform would be greatly appreciated. Your feedback will influence the next steps in our roll out plan.

Thank you for engaging with our newsletter.

Kind Regards,
Mrs Biz Mayo

Senior Schooling – News from the YLC

Uniform

Massive thanks to those Senior students who are consistently wearing appropriate uniform each and every day to school.  There continue to be a very high percentage of our Seniors who show respect for the school, and themselves, by doing the right thing when it comes to uniform.

Just a reminder that students are required to wear the correct school uniform shirt at all times.  They are also required to wear plain black bottoms (long pants, shorts, skirts) that are in good repair and not revealing.  Jumpers are also required to be plain black, without large/obvious logos or trademarks.  In preparation for the cooler months, now would be a great time to order those plain black jumpers/long pants/jeans).  Please remember – NAVY and GREY are NOT the new BLACK.  Year 12 Senior jerseys are being finalised and I look forward to seeing these students decked out in their jerseys during terms 2 & 3.

Students who are out of uniform in any way are asked to provide a note from their parent/guardian/carer, outlining the reason for this.  Alternatively, parents/guardians/carer are asked to phone the school and provide an explanation.

Students who are consistently wearing inappropriate items of clothing, without parental advice to the school, are required to participate in lunchtime detentions (15 or 30 minutes in duration, depending on number of uniform violations), leading to afterschool detentions should the need arise.

Arrival at school

All students are expected to be at school BEFORE the first bell rings at 8.45am so that they can be in their first lesson of the day on time.  Punctuality is a habit that is valued in real life (work, appointments, public transport), so getting students to school on time is very important.  Again, if students arrive late to school they must sign in through the main office, and should do so with a relevant explanation from parents/carers/guardians.  Teachers will require students to complete any work missed, due to late arrival to class, during lunch breaks, or after school.

Once students have arrived on school grounds, including arrival on a school bus, they are required to remain on school grounds for the entire duration of the day, unless a parent/guardian/carer collects them from the office.  This ensures that we know where students are, and can keep them safe. 

Mobile Phones

As you know, all QLD state schools require students to have their devices “away for the day”.  At Charleville SHS, this looks like students, who choose to bring their phones to school, turning their phones OFF and locking them in their provided Yondr pouches.  If students are caught with their phones at school, not in their pouches, they are required to rectify this immediately.  Students without pouches are required to hand their phones in at the office for the remainder of the day.  Students who refuse to follow these instructions risk losing their phones for 4 weeks (in the initial instance), and 10 weeks (in the second instance). 

Can all parents/carers/guardians please reinforce with their students that school is a mobile phone free space.

Laptops

As Seniors, all students in years 10, 11 and 12 have access to their own school laptop.  This is an educational device, provided to ensure all students can complete required work and develop important skills in the use of technology.  Unfortunately, there are a few students who try to take advantage of this privilege by playing games instead of completing their work.  If students persist in doing the wrong thing on their school laptops, they risk loss of internet access and/or confiscation of their devices. 

Year 12 Jerseys and Formal fundraising

All year 12 parents/guardians/carers are reminded that the deadline for payment for the 2024 Senior Jersey (as stated on the invoice which was emailed and posted out) is 3^rd April.  Many thanks to those parents and students who have already made their payment for this very special item of clothing.

By the time this newsletter is published, the Easter Raffle fundraiser (with funds going towards Senior Formal) will have been drawn.  Massive thanks to those students, and parents, who have assisted with the sale of these raffle tickets.  There were many students who managed to sell multiple books of tickets, and extra congratulations must go to them for going above and beyond.

There will be another term 1 fundraising opportunity on the final day of school this term (Thursday 28 March), when the year 12 cohort will be selling Zooper Doopers at our annual Colour Run event.  I look forward to this being another successful event.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns or queries about anything Senior School related, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  If I don’t know, I will be able to refer you to someone who does.

Sue McDermott
Senior Schooling Year Level Coordinator

Exploring New Horizons: Students Dive into Virtual Reality with VR art and Lunchtime Games

The school’s latest high-tech addition has been getting plenty of attention lately from the student body. As you may know the school got its hands on four state of the art Virtual Reality (VR) rigs this year. With classroom applications and room for some lunch time fun the school is taking steps to build student skills as well as increase overall engagement for the students across a range of different subjects.

If your student has not returned their form they cannot participate in the lessons/games. Our 12 year old students will be able to participate from start of Semester 2 (due to their age). Please return form (if you have – thank you).

Unleashing Creativity through VR Art

Art has always been a captivating medium for self-expression, and now, with the integration of VR technology, students are taking their creativity to unprecedented levels. Equipped with VR headsets and controllers, our budding artists are stepping into virtual artworks, unleashing their creativity, and bringing their artistic visions to life in ways never before possible.

The new technology allows the students to paint in virtual space, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and embracing the limitless possibilities of VR art as their works come to life in moving, eye-catching 3-dimensional glory.

History, Mathematics, Welding and more…

The new VR systems the students have access to already have a wide range of possible environments and tasks for the student to explore. From interacting with historical events as if they were actually there, to investigating 3-dimensional shapes, and other mathematical concepts, all the way to hands on practice in technical welding skills. The VR stations not only help bring subject areas to life they can also act as part of necessary skills building for certificate courses and practicing tasks that might otherwise be dangerous, or just getting to try technical opportunities that don’t come along very often in the real world.

Immersive Lunchtime Games

Perhaps the students’ favourite use for the new technology, during lunch breaks, students are swapping sandwiches for virtual adventures as they dive into VR games. At this point their sole option is Beat Sabre, but it has been well received, with groups of students coming down to the library to play, or watch and offer moral support to their friends, while they slash, lean and duck their way through some of their favourite songs.

Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we continue to explore the endless possibilities of VR technology together!

Warm regards,

Jesse Razbeau
Junior Year Level Coordinator

Harmony Week

A time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism - as a vibrant and multicultural country, we are lucky to have Australians from the oldest continuous culture of our first nations Australians, to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world.

Harmony Week 2024 has treated Charleville SHS staff and students to a wonderful celebration of diversity and creativity – a huge thank you to everyone who has participated and assisted in our daily activities!  Special thanks to Buddy and Kate from QPS, Ethan from CWAATSICH, and Bonnie from the Neighbourhood Centre for coming along to join in on our lunchtime activities.

Our daily Student Trivia and orange-themed prizes were also a hit, with congratulations to our winners:  John T (yr11), Miss Lee’s year 7 English, Miss Lee’s year 8 History, Madalynn S (year11), and Miss Lee’s year 9 English.  

Thank you so much for your support and involvement!

Please enjoy these photos of our Harmony Week celebrations 😊

A Very Fun Week

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Charleville State High School Sport

South West Netball Trials

Representing Charleville District at the SW trials today. Our Under 15 girls at today's netball trials. One player made as a shadow, well played.

Sienna and Brydie participated in the U/12 South West netball trials in St George. Congratulations on your efforts and amazing representation for CSHS and our District. 

Sienna was selected as a shadow player for the South West team. Congratulations Sienna 

Touch Football

All Schools Touch Football

Congratulations to students selected in our 2024 Charleville State High School All Schools Touch team who will travel to Toowoomba and the Gold Coast this year - Tyler, Paddy, Declan, Rory, Jesse, Ryan, Oliver, Harry, Tori, Kahli, Eliza, Ruby, Tahlia and Zoe. Shadow Players: Maddie, Hope, Charlie and Quaide.

The Charleville SHS ‘All Schoolers’ team played their first game in the Charleville mixed competition last week. What an amazing first game! 9-9 draw against ‘Looking to Score’. It will be a very exciting year for touch football at CSHS.

Well Done team!

Open Boys Touch

Congratulations to Charleville SHS Open Boys District Touch students who were selected to represent Charleville District in the SW Regional Trials in Chinchilla on the 16^th of April.

Well Done Boys and Good Luck!

U15 Girls Touch

Congratulations to Charleville SHS U/15 female District Touch students who were selected to represent Charleville District in the SW Regional Trials in Chinchilla on the 16^th of April. Good luck girls.

U15 Boys Touch

Congratulations to Charleville SHS U/15 Boys District Touch students who were selected to represent Charleville District in the SW Regional Trials in Chinchilla on the 16^th of April. Good luck boys!

U12 Touch

Well done to Malakai, Brydie and Max who participated in the U/12 Touch football trials last week. Congratulations to Malakai and Brydie who were selected to take part in the South West Trials in Chinchilla next month.  Good luck 

Girls Touch South West Trials

Congratulations Tori, Maddie & Tahlia who are selected to represent the Charleville district in the South West trials in Chinchilla next term. 

Well done girls and good luck at the trials! 

Rugby League

Girls – SW Rugby League

Tori Castles represented in the South West Rugby League team at the Darling downs trials last week in Toowoomba. Tori showed her vast skills and abilities playing in a variety of playing positions throughout the day making an impression on selectors being chosen in the possibles/probables game. 

The distances our students travel and commitment to their sporting endeavours is a credit to themselves and families.  Well done, Tori! 

Boys – U15 & U18

Last Friday eight boys from Charleville State High School travelled to Roma for the South West region rugby league trials. Representing the Charleville district in the U15 boys’ division were Toby, Quaide, Oliver, Chase, Latrell, Ryan and Paddy, while Rory trialled in the U18 boys’ division.

The conditions were hot and trying and competition was tough, with this being the first year in many where full squads of 19 were selected in both age groups. Despite these constraints (and having no reserves) our boys put in a gallant effort, competing to the bitter end with some damaging runs and big hits. Not only did they play with courage but displayed the school values of respect and responsibility by showing good sportsmanship and respect to their teammates, opposition and officials.

A special mention to Paddy (halfback) and Toby (fullback) who were selected in the South West U15 boys’ rugby league team. Congratulations boys and well done to all involved.

State Cricket Championships

Maddie Shearwin recently represented Darling Downs at the State Cricket Championships. 

She was awarded as the team’s best fielder throughout the carnival. Her favourite moment was narrowly stopping a 4-run hit and throwing from the boundary taking out the wickets to run the batter out, wow! Great effort! 

Congratulations on your achievements Maddie! 

Chess Club

Chess Club has started again.  If you enjoy a challenge and want to try something new. Then Chess Club is for you.  Every Friday, first Break at the Library.

Beyond Broncos

Another workshop was successfully conducted this term. Thank you to all who participated.

Showcasing our Students

Is your student volunteering in the community, or doing great things outside school?  If so, please email a brief description and photo/s to admin@charlevilleshs.eq.edu.au

Tori Castles & Tahlia Stewart

Tori completed qualifications in Rugby League coaching, refereeing and League Safe, these skills were put into practice at the Adrian Vowles Cup last month. Tori, the under 17 Outback assistant coach, along with great friend Tahlia, who recently completed a League Safe course so she could be involved, both showcased their new skills. Tori and Tahlia have both found new ways of staying in the game.

Welcome Back Chappy

Les Penrose (Chappy) has returned to Charleville State High School. He will provide a listening ear, a caring presence and a message of hope to all students.

First Aid Training

First Aid / CPR training was conducted recently to keep staff up to date.

Connecting young people to energy futures in state-first

In a state-first, high school students from Western Queensland are part of a new regional, rural and remote cadetship program in the transformative energy industry, through a partnership between Ergon Energy Network and Energex and TAFE Queensland.

Charleville State High School student, Ben McPhee, has been accepted into the inaugural program delivered across south western Queensland, including depots in Stanthorpe, Dalby, Millmerran and Roma.

Ben is keen to gain a head start for a career in the industry, and will gain practical work experience at Ergon Energy Network’s Charleville depot, through in-community placements during the program.

“I chose to apply for the electrotechnology career start program to give me a good head start into a career that I would like to pursue when I finish Year 12. I did work experience with Ergon Energy Charleville in Term 2 [last year] and really enjoyed it,” said Ben.

The cadetship participants complete a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE2201) over four terms, with a combination of weekly online workshops, on-campus practical days led by TAFE Queensland teachers, and depot work experience guided by Ergon Energy Network and Energex experts.

“This program will provide foundational electrotechnology skills and a clear pathway towards an energy sector-related apprenticeship for young people.”

“Working with Ergon Energy Network and Energex ensures our training programs are tailored to the specific needs of the industry,” said Ms Butler, TAFE Qld General Manager, SW Region.

Find out more about TAFE at School and pre-apprenticeship courses at tafeqld.edu.au/tafe-at-school

Chess Club @ Charleville State High School

Come along every Friday and learn/enjoy a new challenge. A collaboration between Charleville SHS and Queensland Police Service.

Charleville State High School GP Clinic

We know how important it is to support our students’ physical and mental health, which is why our school is proud to be providing students with free access to healthcare at school through our participation in the Department of Education’s GPs in Schools Pilot.

As you know, Dr Katie Chang and Dr Paul Chang from Acacia Country Practice, joined the Pilot at Charleville SHS in June, 2023. Dr Katie and Dr Paul provide a free GP service for students each week on an alternating basis, for any physical, mental, or sexual and reproductive health concerns. Our school’s GP clinic is open every Tuesday during term time between 8.30am – 2.30pm.

Medical Student

This year, at various times, Dr Katie is going to have a medical student accompany her at the school GP clinic as part of the student’s medical training. Clinic placements provide medical students with the opportunity to apply their studies and develop their skills and knowledge for becoming a medical practitioner. It is common place for medical students to complete placements in a variety of healthcare setting, including community-based clinics.

When the medical student is with Dr Katie in the clinic, Dr Katie will obtain consent for the medical student to be present for the consultation. This consent will be obtained from the student’s parent, or from the student in cases where the student is able to provide their own consent, prior to the appointment commencing.

Providing students with a safe and supportive environment in which to access Dr Katie’s services continues to be the most important priority for our school and Dr Katie. If any student or their parent does not wish to have the medical student present during their appointment, Dr Katie will completely understand and an appointment will go ahead with Dr Katie on her own.

Parents/students are encouraged to talk to Sue Swords for more information or to make an appointment.

Appointments can be made for every Tuesday during school term. To make an appointment:

• Go toacaciacp.com.au and book online through Hot Docs link
• Phone Acacia Country Practice on 4599 7658 (let them know it’s for Charleville SHS clinic)
• Phone School Office on 4656 8888
• Email admin@charlevilleshs.eq.edu.au or
• Do a walk-in on the day.

Charleville State High School P&C Association

Annual General Meeting

A successful AGM was held and current Executive was re-elected. Thank you to those who were able to attend.

CSHS P&C Executive:

President – Kelly Shearwin
Vice President – Tegan Russell
Secretary – Julie Frousheger
Treasurer – Lana Holley

Notice of next P&C Meeting

A reminder text will be sent to all families when meetings are scheduled. The P&C General Meetings are held at 5.30pm in the Administration building – new members are very welcome!

Uniform Shop

Uniform items can be purchased from the School Uniform Shop.  The Uniform Price list can be found on the school website by clicking on the following link:

Canteen Menu

The Canteen Menu can be found on the school website by clicking on the following link:

P&C’s QLD

If you would like any general information about P&C Associations please go to:

Charleville Debutante Ball

Please contact Tracy Jaeger if you have any questions.

Qld Music Trails

Saturday 20th April – Charleville – Outback Sounds

Charleville takes centre stage on Saturday, April 20, with the grand finale event, "Outback Sounds." The night will feature an extraordinary line-up, including Ball Park Music Paul Dempsey, Pierce Brothers, Taylor Moss, Wade Forster, William Barton, Tori Forsyth, Ned and the Kellys and more, promising a musical extravaganza under the Outback sky.

In between sets, have a squizz at the plethora of market stalls hosted by local vendors and discover a treasure trove of goodies ripe for the picking. And when your tastebuds beckon, dig in to delicious eats from the diverse array of food stalls scattered throughout the site.

Outback Sounds isn't just a festival; it's a celebration of music, creativity, and the warm spirit of community, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Queensland outback.

Holiday Activities – Skateboarding