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

28 April 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Note

Welcome to Term 2! As usual we are off to another busy start with sporting teams (SW Touch), hosting the District Cross Country and the very important school and community services to honour ANZAC Day. The work that has taken place, by students as well as staff, to prepare for the Term has been very noticeable and certainly made for a smooth transition back into school life.

One of my favourite things to do at the start of a Term is to review report card results for all students and then take some time during breaks to have conversations with the kids about how they have performed. In many of these conversations I hear from students who are fully aware of their results including areas to celebrate and aspects to improve and it constantly impresses on me that the more engaged they are with their learning and aspirations for the future results in greater positivity and belief in their future. We are privileged to support our students in this venture and I thank all parents for the support and encouragement they provide the school as well as your own children, it is greatly appreciated.

ANZAC Day

I am incredibly pleased and proud of the students and staff for their engagement with the school service and have had many positive comments regarding this from members of the community, including some “best ever” school service. This was even more pleasing given that we ran overtime and I must again applaud the students for their respectful behaviour and also thank parents for their support and understanding as they waited to collect children. A big vote of thanks to all who supported this and special mention to Narelle Webb and Kate Wilson for their work to organise the service.

Further examples of respect and pride in our community were on display on Sunday at the Dawn service as well as the morning march and service. We had a great turn out of staff and students for these events and again the behaviour and respect on show was first class. Special mention to our student leaders and captains for their exemplary efforts as ambassadors for the school, the feedback I have received was a fantastic validation of the strength in our school community.

School Review 12-month Final Report

During the holidays I received the Final Report from the Education Improvement Branch, providing feedback on the actions we have implemented across the last 12 months in response to the School Review in Term 1 of 2020. This process included reviews of school operations and many interviews with staff, students, parents and community members.

I am very pleased to share that the report was very positive, noting strong outcomes from the initiatives we have focused on since the review. Some key aspects evident at Charleville SHS noted in the report are:

  • A genuine commitment by all staff to improve learning outcomes of students
  • A greater focus on teaching and learning throughout the school
  • The use of ‘visible learning’ (Learning Walls, Learning Objectives, Success Criteria) are apparent in all classrooms and students are engaging with these to support learning outcomes
  • Staff and students are engaging with Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) to support a positive school culture and understanding of expectations to be successful
  • There is a strong sense of optimism in the school and its future

I am very proud of the work we have done across the last year and look forward to continuing our journey, aiming for consistent improvement in all aspects of our school to support student learning outcomes.

Parent - Teacher Interviews

Parent - Teacher interviews are being held this Wednesday, 28 April, from 3.30p.m. to 6.00p.m. The process to book closed on Tuesday afternoon and if you were unable to complete the booking in time please contact us and we will do our best to facilitate an alternative arrangement.

If you are unavailable for the interviews but wish to speak with a teacher feel free to contact them to either complete a phone interview or organise an alternative time to meet.

In closing

Parent-Teacher interviews are a fantastic opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers and have important conversations to review how they are progressing and where to from here. They are also just one method of communicating with us, I encourage all parents to contact teachers if they have any questions or concerns or simply to see how things are going. There are also other avenues such as joining the P&C or connecting through the ATSI Community Partnerships forum, checking the regular Facebook posts and of course reading the newsletter!

All the best,

Barry Wallett

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SENIOR SCHOOLING

A Positive Start to 2021

Reviewing the report cards for year 10, 11, and 12 students, it was pleasing to note how many students have had a successful start to 2021 through passing their subjects and receiving satisfactory or higher results for effort and behaviour.

Our year 12 students in particular have stepped up and achieved some very strong academic results in term 1 and this is a promising start for them. It is important that they maintain this focus for the remainder of the year.

Students are reminded that they can seek help at homework club, email teachers, meet with teachers before school or at lunch, or if their teacher is unavailable speak to the HOD for the subject. However, the most important thing is for students to be at school, in classes, and ensuring they are completing all set work, in order to be prepared for assessments.

Room to Improve

One area where the senior school needs to improve is student attendance. Charleville State High School has a target of 92% attendance and has a minimum expectation that students attend 85% of the time. At the moment none of the three cohorts (year 12, 11 or 10) are achieving the minimum target and this is having an impact on student results with students who attend less than 85% of the time being more likely to not be passing one or more subjects.

Every day counts and learning is occurring in classrooms every day. Students need to be in their timetabled classes and accessing their learning.

Turning up on time every day, prepared to work, is an important life skill that students will need once they enter the work force. Please work with your students to ensure that they are arriving at school every day and if they cannot for medical or family reasons, that you are contacting the school.

Working Towards a QCE

The QCE is Queensland's senior school qualification, which is awarded to eligible students usually at the end of Year 12. To be eligible, students need to accumulate 20 points during their senior schooling. Points come from passing their General, Essential or Applied subjects or completing certificate courses or similar study.

It is expected that all Senior Students are working toward their QCE. This requires students to:

  • Attend school regularly (92% attendance target).
  • Complete all assessment and submit it by the due date.
  • Achieve a satisfactory result in subjects for them to count toward their QCE.
  • Complete enrolled certificate courses for additional QCE points.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their student about their progress in senior and if they are concerned with the term 1 report to contact the school to discuss strategies to support their student.

Students can track their progress throughout senior school. They need to make an account at myQCE and enter the student portal. Students should not use their school email for this as they will need to access it after completing year 12.

https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/

Students can see current enrolments, points accumulated, and their predicted points for the end of year 12 if they complete their studies.

QCAA Seeking Feedback on the New QCE System

Share your views on new QCE system processes Following the initial implementation of the new QCE system in 2019 and 2020, the QCAA is conducting a post-cycle review of its processes and procedures.

Current Year 11 and 12 students and their parents/carers are invited to have their say by completing an anonymous online survey Memo Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority Memo Post-cycle review of new QCE system processes Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority 23 April 2021 by Friday 7 May 2021. The survey can be accessed at:

https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/about/initiatives-reviews/post-cycle-review-qce-system

2021 Next Step Survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2020. 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 the year after they finish Year 12.

Between April 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. 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 2021.

Further information on Next Step, including results from previous years, is available online at the link below or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep

Cassandra Kohli
Deputy Principal

Junior Schooling

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.

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

If you have a student in Year 7 or 9 they will be preparing to sit the NAPLAN tests coming up in May. This year, our students will be sitting for NAPLAN ONLINE. NAPLAN ONLINE is conducted over a two-week period beginning on Tuesday May 11. The students have had a number of practice sessions and appear to be quite comfortable with the process.

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 (4) Four 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 session only in 2021 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?

Relax. There is no need to be anxious. Diagnostic tests help inform the school on areas that need to be focussed. Students need to try their hardest, focus on their own work and turn up to each exam on time. The students will sit for NAPLAN online in the Computer rooms using the desktop computers in the Trade Training centre or in the library using Laptop computers. Both year levels have been preparing across Term 1. For further information about NAPLAN and the tests please do not hesitate to contact the school or go to the links below.

QCAA:

https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/p-10/naplan/general-information

NAPLAN website:

http://www.nap.edu.au/

Student Welfare

IMMUNISATION

  • Tackle Flu. Senior Indigenous students take part in the Tackle Flu initiative. All eligible students will receive a consent form soon. Please have these forms returned as soon as possible. Any questions please contact me or our CEC, when appointed.
  • We have been very fortunate to have been granted the opportunity for all students over the age of 15 to receive their flu shots. Information will be given as soon as it is available.

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)

Also, a study / homework group meets on a Thursday afternoon that all students can attend. Students interested in attending this session need to have completed the Global form, which has a box indicating consent to attend.

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.

Kind Regards,

Narelle Webb
Deputy Principal
Junior School and Student Welfare

Permission for Students Leaving School Grounds

For students to leave school grounds for any reason (ie: appointments, sick, family) parent/guardian will need to contact school by phone (4656 8888), text to school (0428 220 673), note or in person.

A text to the student’s phone is not acceptable.

Anzac Day Commemorations

2021 Anzac Ceremony and Community March

5 Tools for Positive Thinking

Parents of children who learn and think differently can be hard on themselves. But positive thinking can often keep you motivated—and it might bring you and your child closer. Plus, when you think positively it sets a good example for your child. Here are strategies you can try.

1. List out the positives.

It’s easy to focus on the negative—e.g. “I should have taken more time to talk with the math teacher”). But you can steer your thinking in a more positive direction — “I set up a meeting with the math teacher. That will be a big help.”

It can really help to keep a list in a notebook. Write down things like “Called to make an appointment with the counsellor” or “Spent extra time on homework.” Start a running list of activities you and your child both enjoy, like watching silly movies or reading comic books together. Remind yourself to keep adding new items to your lists.

2. Reward yourself.

Rewards are a great way to cheer on your successes. For example, what if you’re dreading a meeting with your child’s

teacher? Once you’ve tackled the meeting, reward yourself by picking up your favourite takeout instead of cooking. If your child has improved his grades in part due to the work you have done with them at home, celebrate by downloading a new book or game on your e-reader.

3. Take time to think about the good stuff.

Remember that if your child is struggling at school that it is only one aspect of their life. Think about all of your child’s talents and interests. Think about the unique qualities that you love about your child. Does your child do well in a certain sport? Is your child thoughtful toward friends and family, offering to help around the house or in the classroom? This shift in your thinking can keep you from focusing too much on “what’s wrong,” so you can spend more time thinking about “what’s going well.”

Whatever you do, take a few minutes each day—maybe before going to sleep or first thing in the morning—and reflect on these positives. You’ll start to appreciate the progress you and your child are making.

4. Remind yourself of the upside of hard work.

It’s true that kids who struggle in school face challenges. But hard work can help make you and your child stronger people. Look for the “silver lining,”—or the positive side—of dealing with obstacles. For example, a child who has to speak up to teachers about difficulties is usually more equipped to self-advocate. In the future, when dealing with a difficult boss or a friend, your child will already have tools to handle things.

5. Remember: You’re not alone.

Parenting a child who learns and thinks differently can feel lonely. However, there are many other parents like you who are feeling the same way. Try sharing what you learn with other families by checking out a local support group, posting on Facebook, or logging on in our community. Your child may even want to become a mentor to a peer with similar struggles. Your story—and your child’s journey—can be helpful for families who are new to dealing with this.

Bonus: Sharing your experience can be rewarding for you, too.

One final thought: During tough moments, it might feel hard to accept and love your child for who they are—especially if you didn’t feel loved or accepted when you were growing up. Patterns are hard to break. But you can tackle this one by thinking of a time in your life when someone loved you no matter what. Maybe it was a grandparent you enjoyed visiting, or a teacher who always made time for you. Think about how that person made you feel. Remember that love and support. This can help you offer the same thing to yourself and to your child.

Taken from Website below on the 28/01/2021

https://www.understood.org/

If I can help you or you need to talk about anything, contact the Charleville State High School support team by phone on 4656 8888.

Sharon Grosskopf,
Guidance Officer
email: sgros15@eq.edu.au

Peer Skills

In Week One, 13 year 10 students participated in our first Peer Skills workshop of the year, run by Guidance Officer Sharon Grosskopf, Youth Support Coordinator/Neighbourhood Centre Youth Support Service’s Katie McLeod, and CWAATSICH Project Engagement Coordinator Jolene Russell. UnitingCare Community/Lifeline’s Peer Skills Program recognises that when young people experience difficulties in life, they frequently, in the first instance turn to their friends or peers for support, rather than approaching an adult. Positive peer relationships help to develop positive social and emotional competencies, and consequently also develops students’ self-confidence and ability to meet the needs of their peers, and recognise when they should approach an adult or professional for support. By rolling out the Peer Skills Program, the CSHS Student Support Team are encouraging our young people to develop these competencies that promote principles of empowerment, and provide a safe environment in which they can learn, experiment, and enhance their skills.

Across the two workshop days, students participated in activities relating to understanding their strengths, values, and common issues faced by young people, as well as listening, responding, problem solving, and seeking help and support. Thank you so much ladies for your maturity and active involvement – the empathy and connection you showed to each other was incredibly powerful, and we trust that you got just as much out of the two days as we did as facilitators! Sharon and Katie will be checking in periodically with students at school to further reinforce these Peer Skills elements and gather further feedback.

Thank you very much to Amy, Nathan and the SQRH team for having us, their wonderful training rooms provided the perfect workshop space – students were also lucky enough to receive a quick tour of the facility and meet the training “patients” in the clinic room! Thank you very much also to Michaela from Lifeline and Cheryle from CYMHS for joining us and offering your supports. Please enjoy the photos below, and we look forward to our next Peer Skills groups later on in the term!

2021 Peer Skills Participants & Activities

Charleville and District Show 2021