Charleville State High School
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Corner of Partridge and Hunter Streets
Charleville QLD 4470
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Email: admin@charlevilleshs.eq.edu.au
Phone: 07 4656 8888
Fax: 07 4656 8800

14 September 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

As we draw to a close the end of Term Three I am continued to be amazed by the success of our students and the endless opportunities that our students have to participate in both curricular and extra-curricular activities. As you will see there is so much that has gone on in the last couple of weeks, and even more events coming up in this final week.

Human Powered Vehicle 24 Hour Challenge

As I write this edition of the newsletter, I am reminded that we had two teams competing in the Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) 24-hour race in Maryborough. These teams raced for 24 hours from Lunchtime on Saturday to Lunchtime on Sunday. The students trained in the HPV vehicles and their enthusiasm has been very evident even just at training and getting the cars reading for racing. Thank you to Mr. Wastie, Mr. Jensen, Ms Vetter and Miss Andreatta, who accompanied our team on our inaugural race.

Netball

Last weekend our Junior Vicki Wilson Netball Team competed in the Toowoomba Vicki Wilson Netball Competition. Our girls played very well from all reports, showing great sportsmanship. They won three of their seven games and were very competitive losing by just a single goal to the team that topped their pool. Thank you to Mrs. Parker, Miss Kelly and Miss Sellin for training and accompanying these girls.

Rugby League

Our girls Rugby League team travelled to Burleigh Heads last weekend to participate in the State Girls Rugby League carnival. Mr. Lines has reported that the girls played very well, and considering it was their first major carnival, performed well over the two days.

Touch Football

Following the holidays our All Schools Touch team will be competing in the All Schools Touch Carnival in Brisbane. The students have been busy training to ensure that our team can be as competitive as possible. We wish the team well and as part of the preparation this Friday our Touch Team will be traveling to Roma to play a warm-up game against Roma State College so that our team can be as prepared as possible. Thank you to Mr Jensen, Mrs Parker, and Mrs Peacock for their ongoing commitment to this cause.

Support Staff Day

This Friday, as a school, we will be acknowledging the great work that our support staff does to ensure the successful running of our school. Without the hard work of our Teacher Aides, our Office Staff, our Cleaners, our Janitor and Groundsman we would simply not be able to offer the opportunities and quality that we do. Thank you to these staff members their work is very much appreciated.

Teaching and Learning

As per at the end of every term, our teachers will be teaching up until the last day of term. We look forward to our students being here each and every day to make sure that “Every day counts”.

Quadrennial School Review (QSR)

The Quadrennial School Review will be presented for final approval this week to the September meeting of the P and C , 5.30 pm Wednesday in the Administration Block. The QSR is an excellent road map for the strategic journey of our school over the next four years and upon final approval we as a school will ensure that this is implemented from the beginning of 2017.

Principal News

I need to inform you that on Monday I was offered the position of Principal of Wilsonton State High School in Toowoomba to which I have accepted. I have really enjoyed my time at Charleville State High School and when I look at the endless opportunities available for our students I am grateful that I have been able to enhance this during my time. Any Principal when they come into a school would love to think that they have been able to value add to the school and I hope that I have been able to do this. I have very much appreciated the support of the parents and the community and believe that Charleville State High School is well placed to move into the future. I need to publicly acknowledge the great work and support of Julie Frousheger and her hardworking P and C team who together have been able to achieve great things for this school and have supported the direction of the school. It is a shame that I will not be here to see the upgrade of the tuckshop and the AB area but I know that the P and C will ensure that this project comes to fruition with the dollars being stretched as far as possible.

I wish the Year 12’s all the best for the remainder of this year and look forward to hearing the many success stories of Charleville State High School students into the future. An acting principal will be appointed and the substantive principal position will be advertised in Term 4. So for the last time I would like to wish you all a safe holiday and I thank you for accepting myself and my family so warmly into the Charleville community.

Marcus

Teaching & Learning News @ CSHS

After 147 days of learning in 2016 our Year10, 11 and 12 students are ready for a break - a chance to recharge the batteries, ready for the final term of the year.

All of our senior students have worked hard towards their Term Three assessment; each piece playing a key role in their overall Semester Two results. With the end in sight it is important to keep the goal of a successful education in focus, along with the basics.

Why is getting the basics right so important?

While most students don’t think about the little things in their work, the images below show why teachers focus on the small errors when providing feedback to student work. How awkward would it be to make such a mistake in the workplace?!

How can all senior students help to achieve their best results and focus on the finer details?

  • Attend school and classes regularly (must be a minimum of 92% - 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.

What have our senior students been up to recently?

Year 10 Students

The last of the SET Plans have been completed. All Year 10 students, and their families, have developed a clear focus for the future, something to work towards and direct their efforts towards. There were many interesting conversations taking place and a few light bulb moments for students, realising what is ahead of them in Year 11 and 12.

With such a short time left in 2016 it is important that students push hard right up until the end of the year, helping to develop the good habits and skills that will stand them in good stead for 2017.

Year 11 Students

Our Year 11 cohort is currently working towards the completion of their first year of senior studies. It is important to note that student work in Authority (OP) subjects could be sent off to District Office at the end of the year as part of the Monitoring process. This process sees specialist teachers in each region meet to review the quality of the assessment given to students in a subject, as well as the application of the standards for work applying to a particular subject. For Authority- registered (SAS) subjects, student work can be sent to District Office, for review, in March 2017 to ensure work is moderated evenly across the state. Consequently, as we quickly approach the end of the second semester it is essential to remember that students need to produce the best work they can.

It is also important to remember that all students are working toward their QCE. This is the basis of, and potential outcome for, their senior educational journey. This will provide them with a solid foundation when they finish Year 12, helping to highlight to employers that they can complete a qualification and commit to a journey.

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.

Year 12

Students have finished their latest pieces of assessment for the term, many being submitted as part of Verification packages. For students studying Authority (OP) subjects their work can be sent to District Office in September as a part of a Verification submission each year. Verification meetings will take place on October 17 across the state. Verification meetings see teachers from each region, specialists in their specific subjects, meet to review the assessment given and grades awarded to students in a particular subject, e.g. Physics or Economics. This process is a key element across the state ensuring comparability of results from one region to the next.

With this term soon finishing, the sobering reality is that our Year 12s have only 7 weeks left. This equates to 35 school days. These final days now become vital to ensure they work as hard as they can towards their future, their QCE, their pathway/s.

In reflection they have survived 147 days in 2016 which have seen a huge range of events including:

  • approximately 40 pieces of assessment
  • 30 full school parades
  • 30 year level parades
  • Senior photos
  • Final Swimming Carnival, Cross Country and Athletics Days
  • QCS exams (for some)
  • QTAC (TAFE, University) applications for 2016
  • Unveiling of their Formal partners and organisation of this invitation-based celebration event

Please feel free to contact the school if you would like to discuss any of the information contained in this article or any other aspect of your child’s education. Thank you for your continued support of your student, the school and the educational process. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our future leaders.

Regards

Donna Gilvarry
Deputy Principal

Common Curriculum Elements (CCEs)

What skills have our students been working towards?

Queensland Curriculum Assessment Authority (QCAA) identified Common Curriculum Elements as the range of skills students should have developed by the completion of their senior studies.

Since beginning primary schools, students have been working towards developing a set of 60 skills, as shown below. 49 of these skills are common curriculum elements (CCEs) for all students from Year 1-12

These CCEs are found across the range of subjects in schools and emphasise the gaining and development of skills by students rather than relying solely on knowing subject specific content.

Regards

Donna Gilvarry
Deputy Principal

STUDENT SERVICES NEWS

SUCCESSFUL VISITS FROM PAT HIPWELL, KATH SYMMONS AND YVONNE BIDGOOD

Last week, Week 9, we welcomed 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.

Our staff were able to engage in both whole staff, group and individual sessions that will support them in the areas of Learning Support, SWD, teaching reading and EAL/D. Our staff meeting was run by Pat Hipwell and staff explored new ways to present information to students through choice of text.

Yvonne spent many hours working on strategic planning with our HOSES, Georgia Grant, and redefining her role to further support student outcomes.

Anna Batstone will return to the school this week to follow up with Vietnamese families as a result of Kath Kelly’s visit.

PRINCIPAL AND PARENT OPEN DAY- YEAR 7 2017

Our annual Open Day was held last week and we would like to thank the parents and primary school Principals who attended the day. This was an opportunity for our school to showcase its classrooms and facilities. A final transition day will be held next term for students and an information session for parents will follow.

BEATING HOLIDAY BOREDOM

Feeling bored these holidays? Overcoming boredom takes more than just finding something to do. Sometimes, you have to figure out why you are feeling bored in the first place. This article will not only gives you ideas on what you can do to ease boredom, but it will also help you figure out why you are bored and how you might prevent it in the future.

Brainstorm some ideas. Get out a pad of paper and a pen or pencil, and write down a few things that you enjoy doing, or that sound interesting. Try to keep these tasks doable within a day. Here are some ideas:

  • If you like arts and crafts, you might be interested in things such as: soap making, candle making, knitting.
  • If you like to draw or paint, take your drawing, sketching, and/or painting supplies, and go outside. Draw or paint something that interests you. If you don't like to draw from life, consider drawing your favorite book, anime, or movie character instead.
  • If you are the active sort, consider your hobbies. Do you like jogging? Working out? Horseback riding? If possible, try going for a jog, a trip to the gym, or a horseback ride.
  • If you like entertainment, go to the movie theater and watch a movie. If you can, try to get a friend to go with you. It might make things more interesting, and you'll have someone to discuss the movie with afterwards.

Try doing something new. Sometimes, people get bored because they are doing the same thing over and over again. A change is the best way to ease up boredom. Here are some ideas:

  • If you don't get out much, consider taking a walk downtown or seeing a friend.
  • If you aren't very artistic, try doing a simple DIY craft, such as painting a frame. You can also try decorating a mason jar and using it as a vase

Figure out what you really want to do. Sometimes boredom comes about because you have too many ideas and you don't know which one to do first. If this happens to you, try creating a to-do list. Try to order the tasks in some way. For example:

  • List the tasks in order of importance. A trip to the bank might be more important than watching that new movie you bought.
  • Place the tasks that will take the least amount time to complete first, and the tasks that will take the most amount of time last. This will also help ease lack of motivation and give you momentum.
  • List the tasks in order of which seems most interesting to you. For example, if watching a movie sounds much more entertaining than washing the floors, list that first.
  • Save the most entertaining task last. If you have a whole list of chores to do, try putting something fun at the end. This will give you something rewarding to look forward to. You might even find yourself hurrying through your chores with excitement and anticipation.

Make something. One way to ease boredom is to keep your hands busy. The best way to do this is to get crafty and make something. You don't have to be a skilled artist to make something. Even complete beginners might have fun creating something new.

  • If you enjoy arts and crafts, try painting a clay flower pot.
  • If you like to knit or crochet, try making a scarf or arm warmers. They are easy and can usually be completed within one day.
  • Try making a scrapbook or a collage. Get a scrapbook album, some photos, paper, glue, and other embellishments.
  • If you aren't very artistic, consider baking something instead. The best part is that you get to eat something tasty when you are done.
  • Take note of any upcoming holidays and events. For example, if someone's birthday is coming up, you could make him or her a birthday gift.

Until next time,

Jenni
Deputy Principal- Student Services

Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow

Problem solving and programming

In July our school was awarded a grant to fund a club aimed at engaging students in programming, robotics and developing their entrepreneurial skills under the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow program.

Our first sessions have focussed on the use of the Arduino programming platform, and students have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to learn and play with these flexible tools.

Our ultimate goal over the next three years is to develop an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), with Arduino sensors attached, that will be able to complete tasks that would make the life of a farmer easier.

Charleville State High School String Ensemble Performance

On Wednesday the 31st of August, Charleville State High School’s String Ensemble completed a successful concert performance with the Camerata of St John’s Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra. The concert was held at the Racecourse Complex. Our string students all thoroughly enjoyed the great opportunity they had to observe professional string players perform and experience playing in a professional orchestral with professionals. In particular, one of our music students, Chelsea Shorten, was given the amazing opportunity to complete a solo vocal performance with the string orchestra. It was a fantastic opportunity and all students were inspired by this fabulous event.

Year 9 HPE

This term in Year 9 HPE students have been exploring public health and advertising campaigns to determine their effectiveness on adolescent choices using alcohol and other drugs. Students examined the norms and stereotypes surrounding adolescent alcohol and drug use, and investigated a variety of information about drugs and alcohol.

As part of the assessment provided, students had to respond to an article in the newspaper as to whether adolescents are drinking in excess and if this is becoming a cultural norm.

Some interesting research from Ella Bartullis:

Most people would argue that underage drinking is increasing due to the media showing stories of alcohol-related accidents, injuries and deaths among teenagers, however the media only publicises the controversial stories about underage drinking. News stories highlight the drinking culture in Australia, especially surrounding teenagers.

However, it has been found by multiple studies and surveys that teenagers are drinking less than they have in past years in Australia. Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Australia has the lowest rates of alcohol consumption since the 1960s, with a decline from the 2000s onwards. The survey also suggests this reduction could be mainly due to decreases in youth drinking. 12-15 year olds who drink has halved from 35% in 2004 to 18% in 2013 and similarly for 16-17 year olds which fell from 81% to 59% at around the same time, according to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey.

Sam Barrow (Year 9 HPE Teacher)

A way through to a lamb’s heart!

Some loved it, some developed horrified facial expressions and some just had to leave the room. It was that time of the term when the year 9 science students got to test and implement their dissection skills on a lamb’s heart.

As part of their unit on ‘Body Systems’, students were involved in dissecting a lamb’s heart to investigate and identify the structure and components of a heart as they have been studying as part of the circulatory system.

Many students were interested and fascinated in what the heart felt like and where the four main chambers are situated to see how blood is circulated, through this great organ, to the rest of the body.

Through participation in dissections, students gained knowledge on how our main organs work in our body as a picture just doesn’t do it justice. By the end of the dissection you could imagine what the hearts looked like, as some students thought it would be great to make heart stew and cut the heart up into many little pieces. Overall, many loved the experience and some saved a few dollars at lunch time due to their weak stomachs after the dissection.

Next up for the year 9’s in Science will be delving their knowledge and dissection skills on a set of lungs to see how they work as part of our respiratory system.

Jenna Andreatta – Science teacher

Year 9 Humanities

Throughout Term Three, students in Year 9 Humanities have been studying the First World War and how events have shaped what we know of as the Australian identity. Topics of study have included the Gallipoli campaign, Australian efforts on the Western Front, Simpson and his Donkey, the efforts of women, and roles of Indigenous diggers during the war. As part of our unit of study, students visited the Cenotaph in town to further understand how and why the war was significant to Australians. At the Cenotaph, students were able to sketch and analyse the inscriptions around the monument. It is important that our students are reminded about their heritage , the history of this town and the actions of those in the past that have provided us with the opportunities we currently have.

Info from the GO

A snapshot of events from term 3…

Girls Group - Throughout the year girls from Years 7 to 12 have had the opportunity to participate in a Thursday afternoon Girls Group which they named SAS - Super Amazing Sisters. The group is run by our Student Support Team, in conjunction with Helen Walker (Neighbourhood Centre), Pat and Kayla (CWAATSICH). Each week the girls participate in self-esteem building games, a reflection of the week and then focus on an identified topic of interest. These range from dream boards to hygiene and even facials! Thank you to the volunteers who have come up to deliver talks to the girls and for their ongoing support for these students. All girls are welcome on Thursday afternoons 3:15 - 4pm in the TTC. Please see Mrs. Peacock if you would like to attend in Term 4.

Monday Cooking Program - The ‘Need for Feed’ program, which is funded through the Queensland Government and coordinated by Diabetes QLD, has been running throughout term three on Monday afternoons. The program is run by our Youth Support Coordinator, Jenny Peacock, and assisted by our SBYHN. This program aims to improve student’s confidence to prepare and cook healthy meals and improve attitudes and behaviours associated with healthy eating, all in a fun and interactive environment.

Jeans for Jeans Day - On the first Friday in August each year, workplaces, schools and communities unite together in a sea of denim to raise awareness around childhood disease. The money raised from this event goes towards assisting scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute discover treatments and cures, to give every child the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. Thank you to all those who supported this event.

Footy Colours Day - On Friday 2nd of September, Charleville SHS staff and student dressed in their favourite jersey for Footy Colours Day. The funds that were raised from this event directly supports the Fight Cancer Foundation’s education support program, which works with major paediatric hospitals to keep kids with cancer engaged with their education. Fight Cancer Foundation’s education support program enables young learners to maintain their education and connection with their school and school friends. They are also supported by a flexible, tailored education program that works around their illness and treatment, allowing them to resume their lives as quickly as possible. Thank you to Charleville SHS students and staff for engaging in this day and helping to reduce the trauma of young Australians living with cancer.

‘Inclusion: It’s a Game Changer’ – Disability Action Week is held annually in September with the aim of empowering people with disability, raising awareness of disability issues, and improving access and inclusion throughout the wider community. On Monday 12th of September, three students from Charleville SHS joined with Mayor Annie Liston and other agencies in a walk from the Charleville Hospital to Lifeline. This event promoted awareness around Disability Action Week and enabled students to have a better understanding of what it would be like to live in our community with a disability.

RUOK? Day - Having regular meaningful conversations about life’s ups and downs can make a difference to anyone who is going through tough times. To encourage students to engage in conversations at school and share their story, Charleville SHS support team and volunteers held a BBQ for all students on Thursday 8th of September in a hope to join together and help those who are going through a tough time.

Thank you to Helen Walker, Ronnie & the Healthy Ageing Ladies, CWAATSICH, Queensland Health Representatives, and Charleville SHS staff for their time and effort in making this day a huge success. It was lovely to see so many people wearing yellow and supporting such a worthy cause and taking the time to ask the question RUOK?. Also, a big thank you to Heinemann’s Bakery for their contribution to this event.

I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our Student Support Team and volunteers to our school for their continued efforts in engaging students in both academic and social/emotional activities.

Have a safe holiday!