31 August 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

WALT (What are we Learning Today)

As a parent, I often ask my children what they did at school and the response I often receive is "nothing." I have also overheard similar conversations between secondary school students and their parents. I would encourage you to ask your students what was one of the "WALT's" for today. A WALT is the learning objective of each lesson and provides the lesson intent so that students understand the key concepts that are being taught in class during a particular lesson. Students should be able to tell you at least one WALT, and this may encourage further communication about their day.

Leadership Camp

It was great to hear the positive feedback from the Year 11 Leadership Camp that was held at Maroon Dam the week before last. From all reports, the Year 11's had a great time and at the same time learned many skills that will position them well not only for the remainder of Year 11 but also into their final year of schooling in 2017. Thank you to Mr. Webb, Mrs. Peacock and Miss Day who organised and accompanied our students to Maroon Dam.

South West Athletics Trials

This week the students of Charleville State High School are travelling to Chinchilla to participate in the SW trials for Athletics. The list of eligible students to attend is the biggest contingent in some years, and we wish the students all the best at these trials. I know that a number of our teachers have been offering extra training for the students in preparation for these trials and hopefully this extra training positions our students well.

SWIN sports

Deadly Sports was held at our school on the 17th of August. While the day is mainly aimed at the younger grades from the primary schools, our Year 7's had the opportunity to participate for the first time. The students were able to participate in activities that they may not normally have access to including sports such as basketball, tennis, netball, cricket and much more.

QCS

This week the Queensland Core Skills Test was held on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test is a Queensland test, designed for Queensland students. It is used to gather group results that provide a baseline for comparing groups of students across subjects and schools. Our students were provided with Breakfast on each of the mornings of the test. The students are required to sit four tests over two days. The four tests consist of two multiple choice tests, a writing task and a short response task. The students have been preparing for the QCS over their senior years of schooling and have previously participated in practice exams also to ensure our students are as prepared as possible.

Transition Day

The first of our Transition days was held on the 19th of August. It was a wonderful opportunity to welcome our current Year 6 students who will be moving to the high school in 2017. During the day the year sixes got to participate in some classroom activities as well as a manual arts lesson which provided a good insight into the school. There will be a further day held in Term 4 so that the transition process can continue. Enrolment packs were handed out on the day, and as enrolments are open for 2017, it would be appreciated if these could be returned ASAP so that interviews can be organised for Term 4.

Staffing

I would like to introduce you to our CEC Mrs Jolene Russell. Jolene started with us on Tuesday and will be at the school to assist our indigenous students and their parents. Please join us in welcoming Jolene to our school.

At the end of this week, Mr. Lines will be going on Long Service Leave for the remainder of the term. While Mr. Lines is away, his classes will be covered by internal staff. Mrs. Collier continues to be on leave, and we wish her well in her recovery.

Where are they now?

You will have noticed in the last newsletter a feature on a past student of Charleville State High School. As a school, we feel that is a great opportunity to showcase past students of our school. If you know of a past student who you feel you would like to see showcased, please contact Sue McDonald at the school office.

It is important to us that every day, in every classroom, every student is learning and achieving. Charleville State High School thanks you for your support in this partnership.

Marcus

Teaching and Learning @ CSHS

This term is a busy time in schools each year. We have many events, opportunities and ideas at CSHS as always.

What has been happening in our curriculum?

Year 10 - SET Planning Interviews

As part of planning for transition to post-school options, Queensland students in Year 10 complete a Senior Education and Training (SET) plan. This plan, and the accompanying interview, occurred on Tuesday 23 August.

Essentially, the SET plan includes what the student's goals are, and what pathways they're going to take to reach those goals. Parents and school staff are involved in helping students put these plans together.

While the SET plan helps students to make decisions about their future, they can still make alterations to their SET plan if they change their minds. The plan is a fluid document, located in Oneschool, and should be updated to reflect changing student ideas and aspirations throughout Year 11 and 12.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Year 10 students, and their parents/guardians, for engaging with the process and conversations so earnestly.

Year 11 Students

What exactly are our Year 11 students working towards?

Easy answer - the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). However, the amount of opportunities provided to senior students today means that that there are so many other things they can work towards. For example, a school-based traineeship/apprenticeship, work experience, vocational education certificate, sporting goals etcetera. The only thing hampering the success of our senior students today is their own drive and determination.

What is a QCE ?

The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is the minimum requirement expected to be achieved by all school leavers at the end of a senior course of study. Year 11 & 12 students accrue points for the subjects that they are passing in their senior years and are required to accumulate a minimum of 20 points to obtain a QCE. To help with understanding how this system works we will be holding a parent information evening in February. We encourage all parents with students in Year 10-12 to attend so they can help support their students as much as possible.

What can senior students do to help themselves?

• Attend school and classes regularly (must be a minimum of 95% - unexplained absences will incur 2 points per absence as a part of the SSAP, and possibly lead to a cancelation of the enrolment due to a lack of engagement with the educational processes provided and course coverage)
• Plan ahead - use the assessment dates and planner given out last week to help organise your time for Semester 1 and map out when you will need to work on assessment
• Attempt all work, at school and home, set by staff
• Seek feedback and ask questions about all tasks – see your teachers before or after school, during lunch breaks or in class if there are opportunities to do so
• Submit full drafts when required
• Submit all tasks on time – including sitting exams and presenting oral tasks
• Talk to staff if there are any concerns well before the due date
• Attend study / homework club for further help (need to have submitted a permission form – collect one from Mr Kohli if you want to participate)
• Apply for an extension (at least a week before the due date) if there is evidence to support the application. See Mr Kohli, Head of Department Senior Schooling, if you need to request this option.

Year 12 Students

Our Year 12 students are moving rapidly towards the conclusion of their senior studies. They have spent the last 21 months working towards the successful completion of their QCE, as well as towards possible university study for some, or potential vocational courses resulting in a Certificate III or IV qualification.

Every year at this juncture a number of Year 12 students throw their hands up in the air and say enough. With 9 weeks of study remaining it is essential that they realise the work completed this semester, and subsequent results, can significantly influence the outcome of their exit results for each subject this year.

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who sat the QCS (Queensland Core Skills) on Tuesday 30th August and Wednesday 31st August. It is important to note that these four exams are based on skills developed over the past 11 years, not content, helping to determine university entry offers, along with results from courses studied at school. These skills are things they should be using and developing in all subjects.

A reminder to those students who are considering applying for tertiary courses at TAFE or university, they need to ensure they have submitted their QTAC application online before going on holidays in mid- September. Don't forget that there is support in assisting students to make these decisions with Mrs McDonald, Mrs Gilvarry or Mr Kohli, always around to help.

The key message is don't give up, work through to the finish line and ensure you have done everything you can for the best start to your post-schooling phase of your life.

Changes ahead in senior schooling in 2018 - QCAA

As you may be aware there are many significant changes ahead for students who will enter Year 11 in 2018. The Queensland Government will introduce new senior assessment and tertiary entrance systems, starting with students entering Year 11 in 2018. The new systems will include:

• a model that uses school-based assessment and common external assessment
• processes that strengthen the quality and comparability of school-based assessment
• a move away from the Overall Position (OP) rank to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

Before reaching its decision, the government considered the recommendations in the Australian Council for Educational Research review of senior assessment and tertiary entrance and consulted with education stakeholders and the wider community.

Trials to inform new systems

The QCAA is working to develop new senior assessment processes through the following initiatives:

• redeveloping senior syllabuses aligned to the Australian Curriculum and reflective of a new assessment model
• trialling external assessments in particular subjects at selected trial schools
• trialling processes for improving the quality and comparability of school-based assessment

Further information can be found at the link below. At this site you can access the following information:

1. Factsheets

• Introducing Queensland's new senior assessment system: From syllabus to subject result (PDF, 944.4 KB) (order form for print copies)
• Introducing new senior assessmentand tertiary entrance systems — frequently asked questions (PDF, 84.3 KB)
• Revitalising senior assessment and tertiary entrance — a guide for parents and carers (PDF, 234.1 KB)

2. Video

• From syllabus to subject result (AV)

As more information comes to light we will be holding information sessions for parents throughout 2017. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the school on 4656 8888.

Regards

Donna Gilvarry
Deputy Principal

STUDENT SERVICES NEWS

MANY VISISTORS TO CSHS

Next week, Week 9 we will welcome a number of visitors to Charleville State High School to support our students and staff in the areas of reading, EAL/D, SWD and Learning Support.

Pat Hipwell- Pat will be here from Brisbane. Pat has worked with our staff a number of occasions already on the teaching of reading in the classroom through texts around content the class is already working on. Pat's focus with our staff is a process called a Directed Reading and Thinking Activity (DRTA) and is outlined below.

Directed Reading and Thinking Activity (DRTA) consists of 5 stages that are easy to implement. It is an approach that can be used with all texts (written; spoken; and still and moving visuals)

1. PREPARE – This is the preparation for reading or pre-reading and is designed to bring students closer to the text.
2. PURPOSE – A clearly articulated purpose for reading/viewing/listening
3. UNINTERRUPTED SUSTAINED SILENT READING (LISTENING OR VIEWING) – known as USSR – Every student reads/listens/views silently and most importantly the teacher does not talk. Multiple readings should be encouraged
4. RE-DO OR RE-READ/LISTEN/VIEW – Go over key parts of the text that relate to the purpose
5. ON YOUR OWN – Students complete the activity that is related to the purpose

The DRTA allows staff to not only teach reading but gives them the ability to incorporate higher order thinking into the conversations about the texts. High Schools are still responsible for teaching reading but the emphasis in the classroom does change from learning to read to reading to learn and this DRTA process is the catalyst for this in the classroom. Pat will be here for the entire week.

Kath Symmons and Anna Batstone- In her role as EAL/D coordinator for the region, Kath will be here to support our school-based EAL/D teacher, Mrs Batsone and the students enrolled here who are from backgrounds where English is an Additional Language. Kath and Anna will work with students, parents and staff over the couple of days that Kath is in the school.

Yvonne Bidgood- Yvonne returns to CSHS to support our new HOSES, Georgia Grant with strategies and programs designed to be implemented for Students with a Disability. Yvonne has been working with us for the year in this area and we are lucky to be able to access support from a person with many years of experience in this area. Georgia will spend time with Yvonne, as will the rest of the student services staff and general staff.

IMMUNISATION CLINIC

Next week, Tuesday 6th September will see the third and final immunisation clinic for Year 7 and 8 students. All students who have newly enrolled to the school have had a pack sent home for parents to read through and send back to school. The nurses from the RFDS will be here at school from approximately 10:30am until all students have been vaccinated.

For further information about the clinics please contact Mrs Jenni Peters.

PRINCIPAL AND PARENT OPEN DAY- YEAR 7 2017

Until next time,

Jenni
Deputy Principal- Student Services

Year 6 Transition Day 1

On Friday the 19th of August Charleville State High School welcomed Year Six students from Charleville State School, St Mary's Private School, Morven State School, and Augathella State School to participate in a day of the life of a Charleville State High School student. In preparation for their first year of high school in 2017, these 50 students participated in a rotation of four subjects – Manual Arts, Pastoral Care, Maths and Japanese, to ease them into life at Charleville State High. All of the lessons were of great success, and the staff and students alike are to be congratulated on the smoothness of the day. Manual Arts seemed to be a favourite amongst the students, with them all being lucky enough to build their very own wooden box to take home with them as a memento. The students found Japanese to be very interesting, albeit a bit tricky, and were all eager to put their new knowledge into practice creating an origami box. The day itself, was a success with a number of students asking if they could return the following day. While, unfortunately the students do need to return back to Year 6, we will welcome them back in Term 4, on the 28th of October for their final transition day.

Below are some wonderful shots of the accomplishments on the day and fun the Year 6 students had.

Charleville Mates Program

Last Friday the Year 11 students were excited to return to their Primary School – St Mary's Private School, for their first visit with the Charleville Mates Program. The students were surprised at how things had changed, but also stayed the same. They are already forming some great friendships with the Year 6 students and also across the school, with all students wanting to spend time with the Year 11s. On Friday, the students participated in soccer, football, lizard chasing, insect watching, and colouring in. They shared what they like most about High School and what their favourite subjects are, and were even tested on their spelling to enter the Year 6 classroom! Both the St Mary's students and Charleville State High Students cannot wait for their next visit in 2 weeks time.

Sabrina Goodingham
Head of Department – Junior Secondary

Art Students Explore 'The Country Lifestyle'

What does the landscape mean to our students?

This term, Year 11 and 12 art students have studied landscape artworks, with a focus on the Impressionist technique of painting 'plein air' – in the open air. Students have explored what the country lifestyle and landscape means to them. Most have found it to be a land of harsh extremes – with periods of drought and flood – but it is 'home', a place of freedom and endless possibility. Students were lucky enough to spend time with the editor of Cooladdi Kids, Pam Jackson, who was born in Charleville and grew up in Cooladdi, for her perspective on 'The Country Lifestyle'. The photography and memoirs Pam's book have served as inspiration for a series of student- produced artworks that portray the cycles and weather patterns that define country living.

Year 11 Camp

During Week 6 this term 27 year 11 students attended a leadership camp at Maroon Dam Educational Centre. We set off on the Sunday morning at 5am, and after quite a few hours together, we arrived our students cooked up a BBQ and settled into the camp.

Monday was spent getting to know our camp teachers Andrew and Albert, the students took part in team building, trust activities, orienteering and began getting ready for the hike and campout. On Tuesday the students were driven to the border area of QLD and NSW, the starting point for the first hike. Before we began we had a picnic lunch over the border in NSW for many students this was the first time they had left QLD. The first hike took us to our first campsite were we set up camp, dug a hole for the toilet and filled up our water bottles at the creek. The students cooked their dinner (tacos) , along with some time as a group to reflect on the day and settle in for the night.

Wednesday morning was a little chilly but everyone it was better to get moving to avoid the cold. We split into two groups and set off to the next campsite where we would meet up again. The first group hiked over a mountain while the second group were given an iPad, radio and first aid kit and sent on their way to find the campsite, when we all met up that afternoon we had dinner and sat around the campfire sharing our stories of the day. Wednesday night was particularly cold and we woke up to ice and frost on our tents and belongings. It had supposedly reached 0 degrees to remind us to be grateful for what we had back home.

Thursday was our final day after getting the bus back to the Maroon Outdoor Education Centre we cleaned and unpacked our bags. To keep the team concept going students took part in rock climbing. It was great to see the students supporting and motivating one another and it really showed how close the students had become over the week. We ended the day with a Garbage Bag Formal, with students made their own dresses and suits and had a blast, even though they were all tired.

Friday saw our return to Charleville, the kids received their 'warm fuzzy' envelopes which contained messages from their fellow students about the positive things that they had done during week.

Thank you must go to Mrs Peacock, Mr Webb and Ms Day for the time they spent looking after students and ensuring each was pushed to their limits to help with what may lay ahead.

Humanities

Students in Humanities classes have been exploring a range of issues around the world from disaster management and city planning to laws and globalisation. While engaged in these lessons, students are participating in the development of higher order thinking skills including analysis and evaluation, decision making, and justification. They are also developing their research skills, which are very helpful across all subjects and will assist students throughout the rest of their lives.

As we get closer to the end of the term, students will feel increasing pressure as assignments and exams close in. In order for students to demonstrate their best work, and achieve their best result, they should ensure they are completing homework regularly, asking their teachers for help, organising to come to study afternoon (or organising another time with their teacher for assistance), and begin their assessment as soon as they receive it and not leave it until the last minute.

8 Science

Our young scientists have taken a trip back in time this term as they construct miniature catapults. Last week the students used paddle pop sticks to make the typical catapult, and now, it's time to use them to investigate energy transformations and much more. Not only do these catapults store elastic potential energy, they also store the potential for a great experiment. Whose will shoot the furthest? How far will they go? What will we get up to next? Stay tuned for future news from the world of science.

Info from the GO

RUOK? Day Thursday 8th September

Suicide prevention is an enormously complex and sensitive challenge the world over, with one in eight people in Australia alone taking their own lives every day. Gavin Larkin, the founder of R U OK? Day, chose to take action in order to protect other families from the pain he endured when losing his father in 2009. R U OK?'s vision is a world where we're all connected and are protected from suicide, to reduce the stigma around mental illness and increase the likelihood that people will access professional support as soon as it's needed. Their mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support those who are having challenges.

Having regular meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs can make a difference to anyone who is going through tough times. We all can sense when we know something is wrong and we encourage you to take the time to caring, meaningful conversation.

You don't have to be an expert or trained person to ask a simple question like 'Are you OK?'. Simply ask the question, listen without judgment, encourage action and make sure you check back in again soon. You don't have to fix their problem or take away their pain, you just need to help them feel supported and show you really care by carefully listening to them.

On Thursday 8th September, Charleville State High School will be raising awareness and encouraging students to ask the question RUOK? To promote the day, students will be involved in a number of activities during the lunch break and there will be a sausage sizzle provided at second lunch.

How can you help?

1. Ask R U OK? Be relaxed, help them open up by asking questions like "How you going?" or "What's been happening?" or "How you travelling?". Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them, like "I've noticed that you seem really tired recently" or "You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?"
2. Listen without judgement - Take what they say seriously. Don't interrupt or rush the conversation and if they need time to think, try and sit patiently with the silence. Encourage them to explain. Ask "How are you feeling about that?" or "How long have you felt that way?" Show that you've listened by checking that you've understood. You could say, "It sounds like you're juggling a few things at the moment and you're feeling really stretched." If they get angry or upset, stay calm and don't take it personally. Let them know you're asking because you care and acknowledge that times seem tough for them.
3. Encourage action - Help them think about one or two things that can be done to better manage the situation. It might be they take some time out for themselves or do something that's fun or relaxing. Ask "What can I do to help you get through this?" or "How would you like me to support you?" If you've found a particular strategy or health service useful, share it with them. You can say something like: "When I was going through a difficult time, I tried this... You might find it useful too." If necessary, encourage them to see a doctor or other professional. This is particularly important
   if they've been feeling really down for more than 2 weeks. You could say, "It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you. I'm happy to assist you to find right person to talk to." Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times, but understand that it may take a bit of time to find the right one. You can find all sorts of help at the link below.
4. Check in - Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a couple of weeks. If they're really struggling, check in with them sooner. Say something like, "I've been thinking of you and wanted to know how you've been going since we last chatted." Ask if they've found a better way to manage the situation. If they haven't done anything, don't judge them. They might just need someone to listen to them for the moment. You could ask, "Do you think it would be useful if we looked into finding some professional or other support?" Understand that sometimes it can take a long time for someone to be ready to see a professional. We can't rush this or force someone to seek support. Instead, remain optimistic about the benefits of getting help and try not to judge them. Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference.

Where are they now?

In this section we will highlight the journeys of our past students from Charleville High School, to where they are now…! We are very proud of our students and hope that you enjoy reading about their journey's and individual successes.

Caitlin Walker 2015 - 2016

After Charleville State High School…

• 22nd February 2016 Caitlin attended Enlistment Ceremony at Deference Headquarters in Brisbane.
• After flying to Sydney Caitlin completed 3 Months intense basic training at Kapooka Army Barracks at Wagga Wagga …how to be a soldier.
• 13th May 2016 – Caitlin participated in her March Out Ceremony from Kapooka
• 16th May 2016 – Caitlin moved to Bandiana Army Barracks a short time before going to Puckapunyal to learn to drive trucks. She now has her Army Truck Drivers Licence.

• Currently - based at Richmond RAAF base training as an Air Dispatcher for the Army. This course involving theory and practical lessons learning how to load Blackhawk Helicopters and Boeing C-17 Globemaster Cargo Planes.
• When qualified Caitlin will be transferred from Richmond to somewhere new to continue her learning journey in our Defence Forces.

Congratulations to Fred Jaeger and Liam Frousheger - our newest School Based Apprentice!

Thanks to Builders and Cabinet Makers, Fred and Tracey Jaeger, for their generous support in undertaking another School Based Apprentice in partnership with Charleville High School and Liam Frousheger. A School Based Apprenticeship enhances a student's academic outcome and gives Liam the opportunity to start his Carpentry Apprenticeship before he finishes year 12 and goes fulltime at the end of the year.

Congratulating Liam after the sign up- Brad Frousheger, Rachel de Jonge (Busy at Work), Liam and Fred Jaeger.