27 April 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

WELCOME BACK TO TERM 2 2017

Welcome back everyone to Term 2 at Charleville State High School. I hope we all had a safe and enjoyable Easter.

Term 1 seemed to fly by, and with several 4 day weeks to start off the term, I am sure this term will do the same. This being the case, it is even more important that students are at school every day, making every day count, so that we can help them achieve the best educational outcomes that they can!

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Thursday 27th April is our first Parent Teacher interview night of the year. A significant factor in student success is the parent/teacher relationship, and these two influences working together to support and encourage each student to do their best. I hope as many parents as possible can make the time to come and discuss their student’s education with their teachers on the night.

Information regarding how to book an interview through the SOBS booking system was delivered with student report cards over the holidays. Please use these instructions to book your online interviews with your student’s teachers, but if you are having any problems with this, please do not hesitate to contact the school office for assistance.

I look forward to seeing as many as possible there on the evening.

ANZAC DAY CEREMONY AND MARCH

On Monday 24th April, an ANZAC day ceremony was held in the school hall. The event was an extremely moving and emotional ceremony, honouring all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations in the armed services. I was so proud of all of our students and the way they honoured the memory and sacrifice of these people through their solemn, respectful behaviour throughout the ceremony.

Thanks to the keynote speaker, Warrant Officer John Williams, who gave a very informative speech during the ceremony. A special thanks must also go to one of our amazing students, Ms Jennie Le, for her wonderful ANZAC day reflections that she shared with everyone present.

All students were also invited to march on ANZAC day as part of the school in the town’s ANZAC day march on Tuesday 25th April. Again, I was so impressed with the number of students who turned up to march, and did so with respect and reverence for the occasion. Thank you to every student who took part on the day.

A special mention must also go to our school captains, Antoine and Jewel, for their excellent participation during both the dawn service and their leadership during the march. Thank you also to Charlie Peacock and Joseph Saffy, who accepted the honour of raising and lowering the flags during the ceremony. Thanks also to Jennie Le for her part in the ceremony as well – I am very appreciative and proud of all of you.

Finally, a massive thankyou to Mr Bernie Matthews, for all of his efforts in organising the school ceremony and many of the aspects of the events occurring within the town on ANZAC day. His passion for keeping the memory of the ANZAC legend alive was certainly evident through the hard work and time he put into the preparation for the day.

FUTURE EDUCATIONAL DIRECTIONS

At present, staff at Charleville State High School are commencing planning and preparation for the next big directional shift in the educational landscape in Queensland, which will occur in the area of senior schooling in 2019. At this time, the current OP (Overall Position) system for determining Tertiary entrance, will be replaced by a system known as ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank).

These changes will be significant, including some major changes to syllabus documents, program and course materials, as well as assessment structures for senior students, with the largest of these changes being the introduction of external exams for our senior students.

Presently, staff have been looking at and providing feedback to draft syllabus documents. Many of these documents have now been fully developed, so staff will soon be commencing professional development training around these documents.

SCHOOL BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

As most will be aware through the letter sent home over the holidays, work commenced at Easter on the Canteen upgrades. Work is progressing well and the canteen is expected to be back up and running at the start of Week 3.

While it has been out of commission, the student council has been running a mini alternative canteen, so that students can still purchase some food items at school. Thank you to Mrs Jenny Peacock for helping to co-ordinate this, and to the student council reps, particularly the President, Emily Radnedge, for their efforts in regards to this.

Phase two of the new works will be the upgrade of the Junior Secondary area between Blocks A and B in the school. Plans have now been devised for this area by the Project Manager which includes an upgrade to the drainage in the area, a large covered area and a concreted area for handball courts and seating for the students.

This has now gone out to tender, and it is hoped that work on this part of the upgrade can commence sometime in the June/July holidays.

Thank you to the P & C who have been a great support in assisting in gaining the funding for this project within the school.

I hope everyone has a safe and successful Term 2,

Matt Samson
Principal

Deputy Principal Senior Schooling Report

Outstanding girls come together for the STEM Girl Power Camp

The STEM Girl Power Camp was held for the second time in March. Sixty high-achieving girls from across Queensland and 10 regional Queensland STEM teachers were joined by teachers and students from the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology to participate in a range of real world STEM experiences, including the World Science Festival. Our very own Jenni Le represented Charleville State High School.

The girls have returned to their schools and communities as ambassadors for STEM and to inspire others to participate in STEM learning.

I would like to congratulate Jenni Le and look forward to watching her accomplishments in the future.

2017 Next Step survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual state-wide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2016. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2017.

Further information on Next Step is available online at the link below or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

Deadly Recruits Camp 2017

The camp is a collaboration between St. George, Cunnamulla and Charleville schools, the HOPE Project, Cunnamulla Council and reflects our community’s genuine desire to provide every opportunity to our young people.

The camp will run this year from Sunday 16th July to Friday 21st July. The camp is open to both males and females, from Year 10 – Year 12. These students will spend a week camping at Tinnenburra and undertaking various army activities, such as using night vision, orienteering hikes and standing and marching military style.

If you are interested in this camp, please see Jenny, Jolene or myself.

VET News

Our Year 10 students and some of our Year 12 students are working toward gaining their Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, during their Pastoral Care classes. The course covers valuable Literacy and Numeracy skills, as well as preparing students to undergo training in other certificate courses that we offer here at the school. This certificate course will gain the students valuable QCE points, as well as a well-recognised award for their resumes.

Traineeships

Congratulations to the following Trainee’s, who have all been signed up in the last week:

Jayden McCoy – Certificate III Retail (IGA)
Matt Shepherd – Certificate III Retail (IGA)
Tony Vo – Certificate III Retail (IGA)

Thank you to all our local businesses that support our students with Work Experience, Traineeships and Apprenticeships. You offer our students valuable time and experiences within the workplace.

Cheers

Vanessa Moller
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Deputy Principal Junior Schooling Report

I would like to welcome everyone back to Term 2. This is going to be another busy term but there are many great things to look forward to. We have NAPLAN, Anzac Day ceremonies, Cross Country, many curriculum-based excursions, and much more.

Year 7 and 9 Students: NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy)

If you have a student in Year 7 or 9 they may be getting a little anxious regarding the NAPLAN tests coming up on Tuesday 9th May, Wednesday 10th May and Thursday 11th May.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests were first implemented in May 2008 when national tests were held in literacy and numeracy for all students in Australia in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

What is the purpose of NAPLAN?

While it is acknowledged that the NAPLAN tests can cause anxiety for some students, the purpose of NAPLAN is to assess the skills of all Australian students in literacy and numeracy against national minimum standards.

What is tested?

A series of four (4) tests will assess areas of literacy and numeracy.

The following areas of literacy are assessed in three papers:

• Language conventions - spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Writing - knowledge and control of written language
• Reading - comprehension.

In numeracy, students are tested in one paper only in 2017 and the content areas assessed are:

• Number
• Measurement, chance and data
• Space
• Algebra, function and pattern (formal algebra for Year 9 only).

Results from the tests will provide important information about children's progress in literacy and numeracy. Following the tests, schools and students will receive a statement of performance in relation to the national minimum standards.

What do students need to do?

Students need to try their hardest, focus on their own work and turn up to each exam on time. Year 7 students will sit their tests in the B Block and Year 9’s will be located in A Block. Both year levels have been preparing across Term 1 and will sit a trial exam. These trial exams provide feedback for our staff on student progress and areas to focus on, as well as to familiarise students will the processes that will take place on May 9th, 10th and 11th.

For further information about NAPLAN and the tests please do not hesitate to contact the school or go to the links below.

IMMUNISATION

• The year 10 students have been given consent forms for Immunisation for Meningococcal (Year 10 students). Please return these forms to the office as soon as possible.
• Immunisation Clinics for Years 7. All participating year seven students received information and forms to be signed for the year seven immunisation program which commenced in March. The second round of immunizations will occur this term.

COGMED

Evidence Based Working Memory Training for Charleville SHS, 2017 - Charleville State High School has purchased 75 licences to be used for our students this year. It takes each student approximately eight weeks to complete the COGMED course. Senior students have been given the option of doing this program voluntarily before school with Mrs Peacock and selected Year 8 students will be working during period one or two each morning. Miss Sarah O’Brien has been coordinating the program for Year 8’s. The year eight students do have the option of doing their COGMED sessions before school if they are concerned that they are missing valuable curriculum time. A new cohort of students have just begun the program. Queries have been made as to when the remainder of year eight students will be given the opportunity to participate in this great program. The COGMED program will be offered to all Year 8 students during 2017. However, if you wish your child to be considered in the next round please contact me and I shall place them on the waiting list.

ROTARY COMPETITION

Help celebrate 100 years of the Rotary Foundation doing good in the world.

Rotary Club of Charleville with St Mary's Catholic Primary School Charleville, Charleville State Primary School and Charleville State High School celebrate Rotary helping to eradicate Polio.

The Competition for students (one winner per category per school):

• Preschool—Yr 3 : Colouring Competition (Prize $50.00)
• Yrs 4—6: Biography of Clem Renouf (Prize: $50.00)
• High School: 100 year Timeline of Rotary and Polio Eradication (Prize $100.00) (High School Entries to be handed to the High School office by 12 May. All entries will be displayed at the Charleville Show)

For more information, contact:

Dave Walters, Ph: 0407 022 82
Or
Mrs Webb
Deputy Principal, Office

INVESTITURE

During the School Holidays on April 4th 2017, I had the honour to accompany the two school captains to the Investiture Ceremony at the Charleville RSL.

Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey commended a group of emergency workers and volunteers for their heroic acts in the September 2014 truck explosion at Angellala Creek.

School Captains with Governor Paul de Jersey at the Investiture Ceremony

SCHOOL GROUNDS

For safety reasons, please be aware that unless supervised, students/children are not allowed on school grounds outside of school hours.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING (PBL)

Charleville State High School is a PBL school.

Positive Behaviour for Learning is:

• The most effective way to develop a safe and supportive learning environment;
• A school community (students, parents and school staff) work together to establish the expectations for behaviour. The expectations are simple, clear and explicit. BE SAFE, BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE and BE A LEARNER;
• Developed as research shows that students are more likely to respond positively when they know what is expected of them and when responses to behaviour are fair and consistent.

All students are explicitly taught the expected behaviours. Some students will require additional support to learn the expected behaviour. A few students will require intensive support to assist them to learn appropriate ways of behaving.

As part of the PBL process we encourage Expected Behaviours with Starbucks – rewarding Expected Behaviour

• free and frequent
• medium term (Starbucks accumulate)
• Long term (Rewards trip celebration)

OTHER SUPPORT NETWORKS (APART FROM THE CLASSROOM)

There are many avenues to support students at Charleville State High School including:

Guidance Officer: John Anderssen
Heads of Department - Sebastian Kohli (Maths/ Science)
Cassandra Kohli (English/ Humanities/Arts/LOTE)
Sabrina Goodingham (Junior Secondary/ HPE)
Bernie Matthews (Technology/ VET)
Year level coordinators: Year 7 – 9 Katherine Goult and Sam Barrow
Year 10 - 12 Leighton Webb and Jemma Day
Careers/ Transition advice: Ange Vetter
Youth Support coordinator: Jenny Peacock
School based Youth Health Nurse: Jen Sellin
Chaplain: Les Penrose

There is also a study/ homework group that meets on a Tuesday afternoon that all students can attend. Students interested in attending this session need to see the office for the parent approval form.

Thank you for your continued support of your student, the school and the educational process. If you would like any further information regarding the topics above please don’t hesitate to contact the school. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our future leaders.

12 Alternatives to ‘Losing it’

We all know that children, including adolescents, (and sometime partners), at times, can drive you crazy. They may not listen. They may be messy. They don’t always think before they act. They don’t necessarily consider another’s feelings. Unfortunately, these factors are a part of life, and it takes a loving family to help them learn to be respectful, responsible, tolerant, caring, loving and self-controlled. When everyday problems pile up, our tolerance may not be as strong. Often our ability to control ourselves will be tested. We may be easily angered but the message here is: DON’T TAKE IT OUT ON YOUR CHILD or CHILDREN or PARTNER.

It’s a matter of mustering your self-control (we all have it). Think of the benefits.

If you show self-control, your child knows what it looks like and can copy it.

Here are some alternatives:

• Stop in your tracks. Step back. Take a walk or sit down. Talk yourself back to calm
• Take 5 deep breaths. Inhale. Exhale. Slowly. Slowly. Now take another 5 breaths
• Count to 10. Better yet, 20 or say the alphabet out loud or backwards
• Phone a friend, or a relative, even the weather number.
• Still mad? Punch a pillow, a punching bag or munch an apple.
• Thumb through a magazine, newspaper, photo album, do a simple task – they say doing a routine activity (like ironing) helps one to relax
• Do some sit-ups, kick a ball, jog on the spot
• Pick up a pencil and write down your thoughts/ feelings/ frustrations. Now write down 3 things you are grateful for
• Take a shower, or better still, a bath with candles and gentle music
• Lie down on the floor listening to your favourite music
• Talk to your pet – they are good listeners and non-judgemental
• Go to your shed (if you have one) otherwise do that gardening/ mowing you need to do

By now hopefully you are feeling calm. By now the problem may not have seemed like it deserved the blood pressure, but it’s time to deal with the issue in a calm, peaceful, rational way and remember to be the adult in the situation. Take a deep breath. Think about the words you will say that are not hurtful to others but may get your message across. Revisit the above strategies as often as you need to.

You can do it. It’s all a matter of choice.

Aspects taken from: Qld Centre for Prevention of Child Abuse Information Sheet.

Junior Secondary Update

Welcome back to Term 2! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, and has their batteries recharged for a fantastic term. Term 2 is one of the busiest terms in the Junior School with NAPLAN occurring in Week 4 for Years 7 and 9 students, and the Year 7 Camp to Emu Gully in Week 5.

NAPLAN testing will occur the 9th, 10th and 11th of May. It is not a content based exam, but is a diagnostic tool, that assesses the literacy and numeracy skills of our students. This year NAPLAN is a bit different, in that there is one less test than previous years. This year’s students in Year 7 and 9 will sit the following four exams - reading (65 mins), writing (40 mins), language conventions (40 mins) and numeracy (60 mins). We are looking forward to seeing the 24 months of growth that each student has made.

During Week 5, students in Year 7 will travel to Emu Gully at Helidon, near Toowoomba with Mr Barrow, Mr Baeck and Miss Kelly to participate in a range of ANZAC themed leadership activities; including the Burma Bridge and a crawl through the ‘Tunnels of Vietnam’ in pitch black darkness. This is a fantastic opportunity, and all Year 7 students and teachers involved are looking forward to the event. Parents of Year 7 students please keep an eye out for the latest note which will be out soon with equipment required.

Likewise, our Year 9 students, are also getting excited about their upcoming camp to Moreton Island in Term 4. This camp takes students to the coast, where they will participate in a range of beach activities. So far we have already fundraised close to $700 with the sale of Zooper Dooper’s of a lunch time during Term 1. Thanks to everyone for their support in this. Fundraising will continue during Term 2 and Term 3 to reduce the cost involved for families, so if you have any fundraising suggestions please feel free to contact Miss Goult or Mrs Goodingham.

Charleville Mates for 2017

Charleville State High School is excited to commence the Charleville Mates Program this week for 2017. The program will commence this Friday 28th April at Charleville State School and St Mary’s Private School, with Year 11 and 12 students.

The Charleville Mates program aims to break down some of the barriers that may be faced by students transitioning from upper primary school to secondary school, while providing the students with a go-to person when they commence at the high school. This program also aims to develop a community spirit while enabling our high school students to utilise their leadership skills. The Charleville Mates Program will continue throughout the rest of the year, with the addition of Year 10 students towards the end of the year. All our students are looking forward to participating in the program and building some great relationships across the schools.

Until next time,

Sabrina Goodingham
HOD – Junior Secondary

HPE Update

Term 1 was a very busy term for teachers in the HPE department, with numerous South West trials and sporting events. Charleville State High School is lucky to have such a dedicated staff who go to extra lengths to ensure our students all get the opportunity to participate in a range of sporting events. Last term, we had a number of our students make South West teams, and some of staff even selected as coaches for these teams – congratulations to all who earnt these well-deserved spots. Term 2 is no different, with Charleville State High School sending off their first ever Volleyball Team to the All Schools Volleyball tournament in Toowoomba on Thursday 25th May and Friday 26th May. We wish all the teams and coaches the best of luck in Week 6.

We also have the annual HPE Trivia Night competition coming up in Week 7 of this term. It is a great night, and all funds go towards supporting our students to go on tour for Volleyball, Netball and Touch Football. Please keep an eye out for posters with enrolment information to come out shortly. Any donations you would like to make to help with our auction on the night would be warmly accepted.

Good luck to all students in their sporting endeavours this term.

Sabrina Goodingham
HOD – HPE

House Point Update

Congratulations to Tobruk, who are our Term 1 House winners. Term 2 sees our house competitions continue with our second major event the Cross Country occurring this term. We also have additional lunch time house competitions occurring with a fun relay and a design the post card competition occurring this term. It would be great to see as many students participating in these events. Remember every point counts!

Congratulations to the winning Tobruk house team of John, Charlie A, Michaela and Michael who won the house trivia competition on an amazing 23,613 points, earning their house 40 points!

So far this year we have had resounding amount of students who have earnt house points for their house. Remember individual house points can be earnt by the following ways.

• School based apprenticeship or traineeship
• An award for exhibited work in a local or regional event
• Received Most Valuable Player in regional sports competition
• Selected for South West or equivalent regional team
• Involvement in charity work
• Placement in rodeo or barrel racing
• Completed a Certificate II, III
• Completion of DARE program (mentor & participant)
• Participation in Charleville Mates program

Remind your student to see their house mentor or Mrs Goodingham with evidence to secure their points.

Point Update:

For any questions concerning the house point system please feel free to contact Mrs Sabrina Goodingham.

Trivia Night

This term, the school will be holding the annual Trivia night extravaganza on the 2nd of June 2017 (Friday Week 7). The focus of the night is to raise money for the All Schools touch trip, netball sports tour and volleyball trip. Teams of 8 will compete against each other for their chance to win an array of amazing prises. During the night there will be dinner and bar options available, including an auction of interesting sports memorabilia. If you are interested in registering a team, please collect a registration form from the office and return it to the school by the 26th May. On offer is a great night of fun, laughs and good times which will be raising money for a great cause. See you there!

Year 12 Recreation Studies

What an amazing group of students to teach! Last term saw some wonderful results from this class with A’s and B’s dominating the class results. It all came down to simply having a go! Term 1 was a unit on water safety, lifesaving and first aid involving an exam and ongoing practical assessment at the pool. Their commitment and involvement in this topic was excellent and I am very pleased to say that the participation in swimming lessons was almost at 100% for the entire term. Well done year 12, you are definitely on the right path to success.

At the moment we are focusing on fitness and training programs which will benefit not only those students interested in a recreation/fitness career path but the student’s fitness and training for personal gain now and later in their lives. I hope that you all enjoy this unit as much I will enjoy teaching it to you. I am sure with your continued work ethic and positive attitude towards achieving high standards you will all be in for great results.

Can’t wait for our Tuesday fitness sessions!

Mrs Lindsay

Term 2 Sports Update

With Term 2 already started, sport has already kicked off for South West selection. The first trials for the term were last Friday, 21st April. On that day, Duncan MacDonald, Alex Barker and Jaycob O’Toole travelled to Roma with the Charleville team to compete in the South West trials for the Under 12 boys Rugby League.

The team started the day with a win over a Tara district team, but were later unlucky against the teams from Balonne and Chinchilla districts. After the trials four Charleville students were selected for the possibles/probables trial, resulting in Jaycob O’Toole being selected for the South West team. Congratulations Jaycob, and the best of luck for the state trials in Townsville later in the year.

Further trials are continuing this Friday with Under 12 soccer, as well as Under 15 and Open touch trials, all to be held in Chinchilla.

Charleville High will be represented by Belinda Jukes in the Under 12 Girls soccer trials, while the following students will be representing Charleville District for touch football.

Under 15 –

Open

Results from these trials will be posted in the next newsletter. Good luck to all involved.

A special mention must also go out to Preston Raveneau and Jeremy Mazo. These boys, along with Mr Baeck as the coach, will be representing South West in Under 15 Basketball. They will be travelling to Toowoomba for the Darling Downs trials on Wednesday, 3rd May. This is the first time, in a long time that Charleville has had representatives in this team. Well done to both the boys and Mr. Baeck for their efforts to reach this standard.

Further upcoming sporting events include:

Under 12 Girls Softball – District trials in Charleville, 5 May, and regional trials in St George, 29th May.

Under 12 South West Touch trials to be convened in Charleville on Monday, 15th May.

Charleville District Cross Country trials, 26th May, followed by School “Colour Run”; Regional trials to be convened in Miles the following Friday, 2nd June.

Under 12 and Under 15 Girls Rugby League trials, convened in Charleville, Monday, 12th June.