2 September 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Note

Welcome to week 8 of Term 3, as usual our staff and students have been very productive over the past two weeks. Staff have undertaken a range of professional and collegial activities including sharing good practice around calibration and moderation of units of work, classroom observations with colleagues and our PBL coach, supporting a great day at our Athletics Carnival (go Kokoda!) and preparing students for assessment requirements.

Students have been similarly busy as they prepare for and undertake assessment for a range of subjects, attend excursions, engage in activities to ensure they achieve mandatory components for Vocational Education courses (VET) such as our Certificate II in Active Volunteering and generally engage in the learning requirements of secondary schooling.

I am consistently amazed at the efforts of staff and students to maximise their educational opportunities. It is incredibly rewarding to watch and participate with the learning and extra-curricular activities available at Charleville SHS and I am very proud of the work that is being done every day.

Athletics Carnival

The Athletics Carnival was a fantastic event that showcased some serious talent and school spirit. The effort and behaviour on the day was exceptional and our attendance was the best for a number of years. Congratulations to Kokoda for a mighty effort in winning the carnival in what was a very close decision and a huge thanks must go to Brad Lines, his organising team and all staff for their preparation and support of the carnival on the day. A special mention also to our fabulous groundsmen, Steve Csatlos and Jay Lindsay, for their tireless work in having the grounds ready for the events as well as setting up and the pack up at the end of the day.

Learning Environment

One of our priority areas for attention has been to improve the daily engagement and learning environment in class rooms and during break times. To monitor this one of the measures we use is to track behaviour incidents that require staff intervention to resolve. Since Term 1, discounting the beginning of Term 2 from the data where we had limited numbers on students on site, we have achieved a 16.5% reduction in these types of incidents.

The work underpinning this improvement revolves around authentic implementation of the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) framework, a focus on research based pedagogical practices (Explicit Instruction), the consistent application of our Responsible Behaviour Plan for students and our PPP program which incorporates aspects such as acceptance, empathy and resilience into a structured lesson each week. This work is making a positive difference and will continue to be a priority focus as we continue our journey of continuous improvement.

Filmmaking Fun with the Noosa Film Academy

The Noosa Film Academy visited Charleville in August and worked with some of our media students. The feedback was fantastic and students certainly enjoyed the opportunity of working with a professional film company. I have included a beautiful photo of our students working with Greg and a quote from his colleague Andrea, really sums it up.

“What a very special day we shared with the wonderful students of Charleville today. Greg and I were both amazed at how engaged and creative they were! The song at the end really impressed on us their willingness to try some improv and screen acting which highlights the great program you are delivering and the merits of your teaching staff. Please let the students know we are incredibly proud of their short film produced in just one short day and we look forward to working with them again in the future”.

In closing

The next couple of months is a very exciting time for our Year 12’s as they face the end of their schooling years with excitement, relief and a degree of uncertainty and anxiousness that we all experience when faced with endings and new beginnings. Each year when I have the privilege of farewelling seniors I feel a great sense of pride in state education and the wonderful young adults that graduate, ready to experience all that life has to offer. This, for me, is the real purpose behind education, to provide the learning opportunities that enable our young people to have choices and to successfully transition into post-school life. Whether they remain at Charleville SHS until the end of Year 12 or leave earlier it is all about having choices and the partnership between the school and home is so vital, and fully appreciated, in achieving this.

All the best,

Barry Wallett

Senior School

Leadership Nomination Process for 2021

As students move into their final year of schooling they have opportunities to make a difference and to lead students by taking on a leadership role within the school. With the current number of students in the school, the leadership structure has been revised so that there will be one School Captain and one Vice-Captain, one Indigenous Ambassador, and one leader for each of the sporting houses. Where possible, these positions will be filled by year 11 students who will take on the position for year 12. Role descriptions are available in the nomination booklet.

This week students should be able to collect the nomination booklet which outlines the expectations of a student leader as well as the role descriptions and the timeline for nomination processes. Nomination forms must be returned by the end of this term. These include endorsements from staff to support the student nomination and also include information about student attendance and behavior throughout the year.

Students who nominate will need to present a speech at a special assembly during week 1 of term 4 and will complete an interview during week 2. Successful candidates will be announced at our Awards Night.

Year 12 Students

Many students are starting to feel a little more pressure as the end of the year draws to a close. While most students are well on track to gain their QCE it is important that students are completing work right until the end of the year. Assessment for General and Applied subjects is ongoing and a non-submission of assessment will jeopardize the student’s eligibility to earn QCE points for their subjects.

Students who are completing certificate courses that are due to be finalised this year need to ensure they are submitting work and completing any practical requirements to be signed off in order to earn these points. Students who are worried about points are reminded that they need to ensure they have completed their Cert 2 FSK. For students who may end up short of their QCE points, there are opportunities for them to complete additional work to reach the required 20 points. These students will be supervised during the exam block in term 4 to work on completing required units of work.

As always, if students are concerned, they are welcome to make an appointment to speak with the Guidance Officer or the Deputy Principal to discuss their progress and their next steps. Despite the disrupted year, almost all year 12 students have continued to achieve well and have made good progress throughout the year.

Cassandra Kohli
Deputy Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL JUNIOR SCHOOLING AND STUDENT SERVICES NEWS

Junior School

Welcome to week 8.

Transition

This week a team of Charleville State High school will be visiting both Charleville State School and St Mary’s school as the first step in transition into year seven for 2021. This will follow the first transition day for all eligible students towards the end of the term.

Contact Details

Are your contact details up to date at the school? Please call Sue at the office or send a note if you have had a change in address or phone number. It is important that we are able to contact you at all times.

Uniforms

Please refer to the back page of the student diary for details on the correct school uniform. Please support the P&C and us by ensuring your student has correct uniform every day. If your student comes to school out of uniform more than three times you will be contacted.

Who can support your student at CSHS?

There are many people who can help your student if they need it. Below is a list of some options should students not know who to see for help.

Class Teachers

Have a list of emails to contact staff or ring the school to have a chat or organise a meeting.

Head of Departments

Science/ Maths/Ag/Technology– Amy Roughan

HPE/ HUM/ VET –Mr Brad line

English/The Arts /LOTE /Reading - Sue McDermott

Diverse Learning – Katherine Neucom

CEC – Jolene Russell

School Based Youth Health Nurse – Jen Frazer

Chaplain - Les Penrose (Chappy)

Deputy Principals

Senior Schooling – Cassandra Kohli

Junior Schooling and Students Services – Narelle Webb

Principal -Mr Barry Wallett

Student Services

Smart Watches and Mobile Phones at Charleville SHS

The inappropriate use of a mobile phone is occasionally reported to the school, however the majority of times the mobile phone is used outside of school hours. If there is evidence that a student has used their phone inappropriately at school, then the student will be prevented from bringing their phone to school. It is the parents’ and/or carers’ responsibility to ensure that the student is receiving and sending legal and only age appropriate material.

The number of students wearing Smart Watches is increasing. The policy is currently being reviewed on this situation.

Currently: At no time is a student allowed to wear a Smart watch during an exam. Wearing a Smart watch is permitted, however, the mobile phone that it is connected to must be turned off during school hours as stated in the Charleville State High School Mobile phone and Technology policy. A copy of this is available in the students’ diary, which was issued to every student enrolled at the school.

Filming, including photographs of students and staff is strictly not permitted at Charleville State High School. Posting of any such material on social media will be dealt with serious consequences and if it is illegal, will be referred to the police.

I would like to take the opportunity to inform parents and the community that the use of Apps such as SNAPCHAT is being used increasingly to cause concern and harm to others. This may be viewed as bullying. I urge all parents to consider the use of such an app by young people. If parents allow their students to use this app please be super vigilant to monitor all outgoing messages and also messages being received. This is so you can support your student at all times who may not have the maturity to cope with negative communication.

Outside of School Hours on School Grounds

Dedicated staff are often at school outside of school hours. It is concerning the number of students on school grounds out of school hours. It is essential that children be adequately supervised at all times.

Stymie

Our school uses the services of the Stymie team. This wonderful organisation allows students to report anonymously any harm/bullying that they may witness or may be occurring to them. The process the school takes is as follows:

1. A stymie notification is received.
2. Investigation occurs immediately to confirm validity.
3. Parents of the accused are contacted within 24 hours and asked to work as a team to address the situation with their student.
4. Upon the advice of the parent, the student is given an explanation of the concern that is reported and they are given the right of reply.
5. Continued monitoring to assure that both the accused and receiver of harm is supported.

Immunisation for Year Seven Students

The immunisation program for year seven students has continued in Term 3. Last week students received their second dose of HPV immunization. I am most impressed with the students’ resilience and maturity in following the process. Their behaviour was excellent.

Until next time,

Narelle Webb
Deputy Principal
Junior Schooling/Student Services

Athletics Carnival

Winners are Kokoda & Age Champions

2020 Athletics Carnival

Murweh Youth Council

On Wednesday the 12th of August 2020 students from Charleville State High School, Charleville State School and St Mary’s came together to discuss issues affecting our community at the Murweh Shire Youth Council.

The Youth Council is for any student aged 10-25 years old and enables students to develop their communication and leadership skills, learn about local government and their community, and participate in decision making processes.

This was our first meeting for the year and a new committee was voted in with Emmerson Mitchell elected as Junior Mayor, Ruby Burns as Deputy Junior Mayor, Laine Dennis as Treasurer, Molly Toms as Secretary, Tahlia Stewart as Media Officer.

All students that participated presented great ideas which were encouraged by Mayor Shaun Radnedge and HOPE Program Coordinator Jenny Peacock. Our next meeting will be in week 5 of term 4.

Tahlia Stewart {Media Officer}

What are the hidden benefits of education?

Hiding below the surface of our thoughts of “What is the meaning of high school?”, “Why is school so hard?” and “Why is school so bad?” there is some magic happening.

These types of thoughts are a sure sign that you’re learning some important skills. Some of them are not obvious right now, so just to give you some hope, here’s what could be secretly going on:

• Tests are annoying – but they are giving us thinking skills which give us power over our thoughts
• When we do essay drafts, and we receive feedback that we need to do more work, or even worse, go back and start again, we are learning how to persist when things don’t go our way
• Persistence lets us feel satisfied – it’s like a reward that you can only get through hard work.
• Growing mentally requires courage, as it opens our minds to new ways of thinking – which feels hard, and can sometimes feel weird
• When we do group work we have conversations to get our point across and have to negotiate when we don’t agree with what others are saying – we write, speak and question things – we are learning to communicate
• We are also learning patience and how to listen to different views, and perhaps we are even empathetic – by thinking about things from someone else point of view
• Subjects like science, art, maths and geography give us skills that can help save the planet – we can develop a global mindset when we know about what’s going on in the world

You’ve got to have a dream before you can work toward living that dream, right?

Education encourages us to think for ourselves so that we can become confident – that our thoughts matter, that we do have talents, that we can do things and that we can live our unique dream.

RUOK?

Mulga Cup

Under 11’s Carnival - 19th & 20th September – Charleville Showgrounds

QCAA – Position Description

To maintain public confidence in the external assessment process, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) appoints invigilators to observe and report on the administration of external assessment sessions at secondary schools and approved assessment venues throughout Queensland.

The QCAA employs eligible members of the community as casual employees to fill this role.

External assessments will be administered from October to November 2020.

Role and responsibilities of the invigilator:

Invigilators must:

• sign in at the administration office on arrival at the assessment venue and wear the visitor badge supplied by the venue at all times when on site
• arrive prior to the assessment start time to observe the opening of shrink-wrapped materials in the assessment room
• observe the administration of the assessment
• complete the QCAA checklist
• observe the collection, counting and packing of materials ready for collection by the courier, if possible
• use the checklist to complete an invigilator report
• hold a blue card or an exemption card
• be at least 18 years of age
• be eligible to work in Australia
• have photographic identification
• have a personal email address
• have a mobile phone
• possess personal attributes of discretion, tact, attention to detail, and an ability to maintain confidentiality.

Eligibility Requirements:

• have access to a computer, the internet and a printer
• supply names and contact details of two referees.

Application Process:

To apply to be a QCAA invigilator:

• read this position description and Invigilator frequently asked questions, available at www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/assessment/external-assessment/qcaa-invigilators , to ensure you understand the role and its requirements
• complete the application form in the Assessor jobs application in the QCAA Portal.

If you have ever had a QCAA Portal account (or are unsure if you have an account), email ClientServices@qcaa.qld.edu.au . Once you have access:

• log in to the QCAA Portal using your account
• navigate to the Assessor jobs tile
• complete the invigilator application form
• the QCAA will email a form for you to complete and return your referee and blue card details.

If you have never had a QCAA Portal account:

• create a QCAA Portal account
• log in to the QCAA Portal using your account
• navigate to the Assessor jobs tile
• complete the invigilator application form
• the QCAA will email a form for you to complete and return your referee and blue card details.

Note: Include your home address in your application as this will be used to allocate assessment venues. The QCAA will not post any information to this address.

When do applications open and close?

Applications open in August 2020 and will close on 30 September or when all positions are filled. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

Selection process

Appointment will be based on eligibility, satisfactory referee checks, your location and availability, and the requirements of assessment venues/sessions. Invigilators may be allocated to assessment sessions at more than one venue.

Payment

Invigilator payments are based on sessional rates approved by the Governor in Council on 1 September 2016 ($29 per hour).

For a 1.5-hour session, invigilators will be paid for 3 hours of work ($87.00).

For a 2-hour session, invigilators will be paid for 3.5 hours of work ($101.50). These rates include payment for observation undertaken before and after the assessment session and submission of an online report.