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

5 February 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Note

Term 1 Week 2 February 3 2020

First and foremost I would like to say how excited I am to have the opportunity to be the Principal of a great school like Charleville State High School. The welcome and support I have received has been amazing and certainly has made my introduction to Charleville a thoroughly positive experience.

As we move through the next few weeks I will continue to focus on getting to know the school community as quickly as possible; staff, students, parents and the wide variety of people who have such a strong connection to the school. This will include regular class visits (students are already becoming very used to me popping into class and praising the great work already underway), attending community meetings and generally being as visible as possible.

The first focus area for me was around one of our 4 B’s – Be respectful. This is incredibly important in supporting the culture we are striving to maintain and can be demonstrated in many ways including interactions with peers and teachers, care for facilities and grounds and the wearing of school uniform. I have been really pleased with the way in which so many students have demonstrated respect and really enjoyed walking through the grounds during breaks and hearing all the greetings as well as stopping for conversations, a fantastic way for me to fast track getting to know the children.

School Attendance

At Charleville SHS we strive to maximise attendance and very much commit to “Every Day Counts”. Small though it may seem at the time missing one day per fortnight can add up to 20 days per school year. From Kindy to Year 12 this works out to approximately 1 ½ years of schooling lost, quite dramatic when considered this way.

The school position is that unless your child is ill it is expected they will be at school and engaging in learning every day of the school year. Of course there are times when students cannot make it to school and in those instances please contact the school administration to advise of the absence and the expected time frame.

School Uniform

It was very pleasing to see so many students in full uniform during the first week of Term, well done to students and a big thanks to all the parents for supporting this. Please remember that the school uniform plays a vital role in allowing us to quickly identify our students and also fosters a sense of belonging and pride. It also helps with promoting an effective teaching and learning environment by eliminating some of the challenges with dress and fashion while students are at school.

Coronavirus

The school has been receiving regular updates from the Department of Education to ensure we are well informed and understand the situation regarding this health challenge. Information has already been sent home to support the processes undertaken by health agencies and I have included updated information below. It is important to note that no concerns have been raised with the school regarding any staff or students attending this year who may meet any of the criteria outlined below and that the information provided is simply to ensure the community is as well-informed as possible.

  • anyone who has been in contact with any confirmed Novel Coronavirus cases must self-isolate (self-isolation means staying at home and not accepting visitors) for 14 days following exposure;
  • travellers who have visited Hubei Province of China need to self-isolate for 14 days after leaving Hubei Province (noting that the Australian Government has announced this now applies to all of mainland China as explained above);
  • returned travellers who have visited China cannot attend school, childcare or TAFE for 14 days after leaving China including Hong Kong.
  • In summary, the Government has enacted border control measures that, in the short term, prevent the entry of foreign nationals from mainland China, into Australia. While there remains a very low risk of transmission in Australia, these preventative measures are being instigated in the interest of public health. These restrictions do not apply to Australian citizens, permanent residents or their immediate family. However, these people will need to self-isolate for a period of 14 days from when they leave mainland China.

School Swimming Carnival

The Charleville and District school swimming carnival is on this Friday, February 7th. The theme for this event is “Under the Sea” and on assembly this morning I encouraged all students to come along, participate and have some fun. It is important to note that this is a normal school day in terms of attendance and absence information so please make sure you contact the school if your child is away on the day. Also good to remember that to support student safety students will not be approved to leave the venue on the day of the carnival without prior arrangements or a phone call from parents/caregivers giving approval.

All the best,

Barry
Principal

Deputy Principal Senior Schooling Report

Welcome back to another year at Charleville State High School. 2020 is looking to be a very busy year with our first group of year 12’s working toward an ATAR, introducing a range of new subjects in the senior school as well as a number of students working toward gaining a variety of other qualifications, but with students, staff and parents working together hopefully this will be a very positive and productive year for our seniors. As I step into the role of Deputy Principal for Senior Schooling I am very excited about the opportunities our students have this year and look forward to working with them, and with their families over the coming year.

Subject Changes

Students should have organised subject changes during week 1. If there are still students who require a subject change they will need to collect a form from the front office and will need to have a good reason for the move. It is important our students settle quickly into their learning for the year.

Please consider that subject changes in Year 11 and Year 12 will affect a student’s ATAR eligibility and their QCE achievement. Discuss this with your student, if they are electing to change their subjects.

SET Planning

In the next few weeks, year 11 parents will be contacted regarding a review of their student’s SET Plan for senior school to ensure the student is still on the right path for them. Year 12 parents are also welcome to make an appointment if you would like to discuss your student’s progress.

Following this, year 10’s will begin the process at looking at their path over the next few years and where they want to go after school. This will include interviews with the parent and student to discuss options in year 11 and 12 and to start looking at prerequisites for studying subjects in the senior years. These interviews are a very important part of your student’s transition into the senior school.

School Photo’s

School Photo’s will occur on Friday 28th February. Senior students are required to wear their formal shirts, with black long pants or black skirts. Photo order packs will be sent home shortly. If you are wanting family photos, these packs can be collected from the office.

VET News

There are a number of traineeships and apprenticeship opportunities that come up throughout the year. If your student is looking for the opportunity to be involved, please contact Courtney Burns at the school on 4656 8888. Students are also able to make an appointment to see Courtney through the office.

Have an amazing Term 1 and I hope we all have a successful year.

Cassandra Kohli
Deputy Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL JUNIOR SCHOOLING AND STUDENT SERVICES NEWS

WELCOME TO 2020

I would like to extend to you a very warm welcome to the Junior Schooling and Student Services page for 2020. My name is Narelle Webb. I first started at Charleville State High School in 1995 as a Head of Department. I left to raise my family for several years during which time I worked at a Band Five School near my home. I returned to Charleville State High School in 2011 and since then have had a range of positions including Behaviour Support Teacher and Master Teacher. In 2017, I was very pleased to have taken on the role of Deputy Principal, Junior Schooling which includes Student Welfare and services.

It has been quite unfortunate that due to family reasons, I have not been able to attend school for the first two weeks of school. However, I am in constant contact with the school and all messages have been passed onto me. I hope to back in week 3. Thank you for your patience.

Timetable

The timetable for 2020 is finalised and most students in years 8, 9 and 10 are placed in their first choice elective classes. Due to small class numbers some electives are not offered this year. It is unfortunate that this difficult decision had to be made, however we have to ensure that the current senior students are not disadvantaged. From time to time students request to change their electives. This can only be done in the first 2 weeks of term and only with written permission from home. Students must show responsibility and collect the official form and follow the correct procedures.

School Uniforms

It is wonderful to see almost every student in school uniform for the start of the school year.

STUDENT SERVICES Team – 2020

Principal

Barry Wallett

Deputy Principal Junior School & Student Welfare

Narelle Webb

Deputy Principal Senior School & Curriculum

Cassandra Kohli

Guidance Officer

Sharon Groskoph

HOD Junior School

Amy Roughan

HOD of Diverse Learning (HOSES)

Katherine Neucom

Year Level Coordinators – Junior School

Sarah O’Brien (7), Amiee Dolman (8), Tammie Rose (9)

Year Level Coordinators – Senior School

Tammie Rose (10), Nathan Bailey (11/12)

PBL Team Leader

Sarah O’Brien

Youth Support Coordinator

Katie McLeod

School Based Youth Health Nurse

Jen Frazer

Community Education Counsellor

Jolene Russell

Industry Liaison Officer

Courtney Burns

Chaplain

Les Penrose

Adopt an Elder

Robbie Geebung

The Student Services team will oversee the following areas:

  • Medical Needs and Plans
  • Students with a Disability(SWD) and QCIA(Senior Schooling)
  • EAL/D students
  • Indigenous students
  • Students with additional needs e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, Auditory Processing, mental health
  • Positive Behaviour for Learning
  • Behaviour Support including support plans and flexible arrangements

VISITING SPECIALISTS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

Student services have a number of specialist individuals and organisations visit the school. Most of these services are for students with a disability and/or medical condition. If you wish for your child to access a specialist through the school please contact Mrs Katherine Neucom or Mrs Narelle Webb.

The following specialists have been/ are expected in our school over the next few weeks:

  • Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) - based at Charleville State School. The Speech pathologist will be visiting CSHS in the very near future and if she needs to see your student she will contact you. At CSHS, the SLP works mainly with students verified with a Speech Language Impairment (SLI) or an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis either directly with the student or to produce programs to support the student. The SLP will also work with students potentially needing an SLI verification.
  • PBL Regional Coordinator and Behaviour Support - Alison Davis - based in Toowoomba. They will visit us every term.
  • Autism Queensland- a variety of specialty staff- based in Brisbane. Autism Queensland will hopefully be visiting Charleville in Term One. All families that this visit effects will receive a letter and consent form to be completed and sent back to school. Please direct any questions about the Autism Qld visit to your case manager.
  • EAL/D Support- Anna Batsone works in this area with Katherine Neucom to ensure our students who have English as a second language are well supported at our school.
  • Immunisation Clinics for Years 7 and 10. These will commence in February and there will be two more clinics over the year. Year 7 and 10 students will receive an envelope with information and forms to complete for their first vaccinations. Please return the envelope to the office as soon as possible. If your child missed the vaccination, please make sure you visit the community clinic held at the Town Hall on Thursdays to catch them up.

Reading Programs Set to Commence – Levelled Literacy Intervention (LLI) and MultiLit.

At CSHS we teach reading through a multi-tiered approach. The teaching of reading is for all students and is expected of all teachers. For students who have been tested and fall below the Regional Benchmarks, they may be included in our second level of intervention - Levelled Literacy Intervention (LLI). This is a commercial program we have purchased and will be run by Sue McDermott, Kate Wilson and Liz Ramsdale. The third level of intervention is another commercial program known as MultiLit (Making Up for Lost Time in Literacy). Margaret Gibson conducts the MultiLit program. Some parents may be familiar with this program as it is run at many Primary Schools.

If your child is going to be a part of LLI and/or MultiLit you will be notified.

STUDENTS WITH MEDICAL NEEDS

A reminder to parents/carers to notify the school about your child’s health. If they require an action Plan please supply a yearly update.

If you receive a referral form from the school with regard to your child’s medical needs please return them as soon as possible.

SWD STUDENTS

SWD students will be contacted by their 2020 case manager. If you have not received contact by the end of week three please contact the school.

INDIGENOUS STUDENTS

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated CEC at Charleville State High School. Jolene Russell supports our Indigenous students academically, socially and emotionally as well as ensures that they are engaged at school following the 4 B’s and 4 V’s. Jolene is very proactive and often will make home visits to ensure our students can reach their potential at Charleville State High School.

This year again, our goal is to ensure we close the gap further for all of our Indigenous students. My aim is to ensure every student is valued and feels valued at school and I want to work closely with CWAATSICH, Community Partnership staff and parents so we can have happy, enthusiastic young adults at Charleville State High School.

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

A huge thank you to all the families who have been positive in their support of the mobile phone policy. To review the policy, students in years 7, 8 and 9 are not permitted to have a phone at school. Students in years 10 to 12 may have a phone in their possession however may not use it between the hours of 8:40 and 3:00pm. Since the introduction of the mobile device policy, we have noticed a difference in the students and their social interactions during break time.

INTERNET USE INCLUDING SOCIAL MEDIA

Over the year I will be addressing the very important topic of supervising your teenager especially when it involves social media and the internet. Unfortunately, over the summer break a number of students’ accessed social media to send inappropriate content to others. This includes using inappropriate language and making threats to others. The school is not responsible for the teenagers’ behaviour over the summer break, however the consequences of such inappropriate behaviour does have a flow on effect to the social interactions that occur at school. I remind all parents/guardians that you are responsible for the teenagers’ use of mobile devices. Teenagers cannot sign contracts until they reach the age of eighteen. Therefore, whoever signs the contract is responsible. Parents and guardians must be able to access all mobile devices. Know the passwords and monitor daily the teenagers’ use of the internet and mobile devices. All mobile devices should be switched off an hour before bedtime and placed outside of the bedroom to ensure that the teenager receives the important sleep they require.

Experts recommend that young people do not use apps such as “SNAPCHAT”. This app leads to a large number of cases of bullying. The user believes that the message disappears after a short period of time. However there are always ways around access to such information. The online game of “FORTNITE” has led to an increased number of out of character and aggressive behaviours among teenagers.

I want to ensure all parents that they are very welcome at the school and feel free to contact me at any time if you have concerns regarding your child and their learning. Together we will make a difference!

Until next time,

Narelle Webb
Deputy Principal

Year 7

2020 has begun and our new year 7’s have finished their first week of high school. Walking around classes last week I saw a great bunch of enthusiastic young minds engaging in learning, familiarising themselves with the class expectations and remembering all of their teachers names instead of the 1 or 2 they may be used to. I hope that by this week, they have all figured out the different codes on their timetable and no more students will be rocking up at the wrong class thinking it was Wednesday when it was actually Thursday.

The year 7 cohort have so much to look forward to this year, with swimming carnival this Friday and of course the popular Year 7 camp to Emu Gully Adventure Camps. Each year we have taken the year 7 cohort to Emu Gully for a few days of adventure challenges based on historical events and theatres of conflict including WW1, WW2 and Vietnam, these activities provide both context and purpose with the opportunity for exceptional outcomes. The focus is on experiencing and demonstrating the core character values of Courage, Mateship, Sacrifice and Perseverance. The core activities include the Western Front, Siege of Tobruk, Bridge over the River Kwai, Tunnel Rats of Vietnam, Hellfire Pass, The Kokoda Track and the Night Walk. This camp is a great opportunity for students from all the schools across our district to come together and make new friends.

This year we will be heading to Emu Gully in week 1 of term 2. Letters were handed out last week to all students with initial permission letters and a request for a deposit. With the quick turnaround, we are hoping to start fundraising as soon as possible to reduce the cost to families. In the next week, a letter will be coming home to request help with fundraising from students attending the camp.

Sarah O’Brien
Year 7 YLC

Year 7 and Co-teaching:

This year at Charleville State High School we have implemented co-teaching in our Grade 7 and 8 classes for Humanities and English.

Co-teaching has been implemented in a number of schools around Queensland due to its many benefits. In co-taught classrooms, teachers get to collaborate in lesson design and capitalise on the experiences of two professionals with different areas of expertise. In addition, this teaching model will allow us to teach using a wider range of lesson formats. For example, we will regularly be able to break students into small groups, and even be able to split the class in half to bring our teacher-student ratio down. It also means more one on one support with your student.

This week, year 7 students participated in a variety of activities in their Humanities class to get to know each other, while learning key historical terms, with co-teachers working with all students to develop their understanding. If you have any questions regarding co-teaching, please do not hesitate to contact classroom teachers.

Nathan Bailey

Tradies’ Club:

Tradies’ Club is a boys only (plus Katie…!) group that meets each Wednesday afternoon after school from 3-4pm. We share a quick bite to eat, then get stuck into work – usually woodwork in the ITD building, plus a few other projects thrown in here and there. Projects are led by the wonderful Mr John Bursle from RESQ (who is also our CSHS P&C President), and supported by other service providers and handy men from our community – thank you very much gentlemen for your time and efforts, you are surely appreciated!

During 2019, fourteen students in years 7-10 participated in Tradies’ Club. The boys completed many great projects, and they also competed in the inaugural Charleville Billycart Derby in two custom made Tradies’ Club billycarts. They learnt the importance of researching, planning and always measuring twice! Please see the pics below for the boys’ take on their favourite projects from the year that was 2019.

At Tradies’ Club we value and encourage teamwork, respect, and support the development of confidence, social and technical skills. If you’re keen to hear more, or would like to come along to Tradies’ Club in 2020 please chat with Katie in C Block or grab a permission form from Sue at the Office.

We look forward to welcoming many new faces to our Tradies’ Club crew in 2020!

-Katie McLeod, Youth Support Coordinator.

“What was your favourite project from Tradies’ Club 2019?”

Darcy – Knife Block

Mason – Fishing Rod Holder

Cooper – Fishing Rod Holder & Knife Block

Aza – Billy Cart

Noughts and Crosses Board and Dice Pencil Holder

Christian – Dice

Steven – Billy Cart

Jesi – Dice

James – End of Term Parties

Mr Bursle – the great environment and team work!

Katie – The boys’ positive attitudes and their willingness to help each other (and me!) out.

Girls’ Group:

Girls’ Group meet each Tuesday afternoon after school from 3-4pm. Afternoon tea is provided, and we do a wide variety of activities throughout the year, including cooking, craft, art, dance, and other games. Activities are supported by community service providers, volunteers, and CSHS staff. In 2019, a total of 17 girls attended, with an average of about 8 students each week.

2019 was a very exciting one for Girls’ Group, especially with Term Two and Three dedicated to experiencing a taste of various countries from around the world. We were very lucky to have community volunteers and teachers come along and share their experiences and cultures with us. A huge thank you to: Melanie Connolly, Frances, Chappy, Mrs Webb, Miss Butler, Jolene, Katharina Bursle, Mrs Capper, Miss Bissell, and Bec Horton for your time and efforts – we all certainly appreciated and enjoyed having you at Girls’ Group!

Girls’ Group provides a safe, positive and healthy environment to encourage teamwork, social and emotional skills development, and perhaps most importantly, nurture self-confidence. If you would like more information, or would like to come along in 2020 please chat with Katie or grab a permission form from Sue at the Office.

Please enjoy the following reflections and photos from our adventures in 2019, and I look forward to seeing many smiling faces at Girls’ Group in 2020!

Katie McLeod, Youth Support Coordinator.

Our Favourite Things from Girls’ Group 2019:

Laquisha – the food! No wait, Sloppy Joe’s! And the African games.

Quintel – the food, and painting

Emmerson – me? Oh yeah. Umm, I love the food

Siara - the different foods and the amazing designs we have been doing

Eva – Katie! And I loved planting our garden

Peta – hanging out with Katie and my friends, and just everyone in general

Mercedes – painting

Ruby – trying Swiss cooking with Mrs Bursle

Tahlia – hair braiding with Miss Dolman

Shiann – making slime

Tori – cooking Mars Bar brownies

Elsie – making nachos

Jasmine – cooking

Frances (Guidance Officer) – getting to know all of the girls

Katie (Youth Support Coordinator) – the girls’ smiling faces each week – and seeing each of their personalities and confidence grow throughout the year

Jolene (Community Education Counsellor) – the laughs!

Bec Horton (Youth Support Worker, Neighbourhood Centre) - the week we learned how to make Swiss bread! It was amazing to learn more about Switzerland through engaging and hands-on activities!

ASTHMA

Every year there is a sharp rise in the number of asthma attacks for children when they return to school after the summer break. This results in a significant increase in Emergency Department visits, hospitalisations and days off school. Not only is this unsettling for children as they start a new year at school, but often it impacts on time off work for the parents/carers also.

WHY DO ASTHMA FLARE-UPS HAPPEN AT THIS TIME?

Our asthma experts tell us that major factors include:

  • With the loss of routine over the summer holidays and business of the Christmas period, sometimes preventer medicines are not taken daily as prescribed and Asthma Action Plans are not adhered to as strictly.
  • The inevitable spread of viruses when children return to school and mix with each other.

So be prepared:

  • Regularly take preventer medication.
  • Check reliever medication (Ventolin) has not expired.

Six Reasons to Put Your Phone Away…

Child360 App – Parent Resource

The Child360 app has been designed as a tool for parents to reflect on how they are going in supporting their children’s social and emotional wellbeing and identify areas where action can be taken to strengthen resilience.

STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER CHARLEVILLE

  • Fixed Term from February 2020 to December 2021
  • Part Time position working 2 days per week during school terms

The Brisbane Broncos are currently seeking candidates for our Student Support Officer position based at Charleville State High School. This role will support our Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy Program by providing mentoring and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to assist in engagement, retention and academic progress of students in years 7 to 12.

What are we looking for?

  • Passionate and enthusiastic people
  • Previous experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth with current knowledge of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
  • Knowledge of the current education, employment and social challenges faced by young people
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work autonomously and motivate others towards achieving goals
  • Strong administrative and reporting skills
  • Current Driver’s Licence
  • Current Blue Card (Paid)

If you meet the above criteria, please send your application including a resume and cover letter to Rae Byrne at rae.byrne@broncos.com.au by Wednesday 12 February 2020.