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RESPECT      SELF-DISCIPLINE      ACHIEVEMENT      COURAGE
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
WEEK 1

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

We were delighted to welcome back our students this week. It has been particularly pleasing to see our new Year 7 students very quickly become a part of the community and settle in to the Calwell High School way. Students were introduced to our agreed classroom routines this week, which have included ensuring we limit the distraction of mobile phones, by storing them in school bags during lessons. Staff have been extremely impressed with the increased focus that this has provided, and we are grateful to the students for their resilience in supporting this measure. As a parent myself, I understand that many teenagers feel that they have lost a body part if their phone is not on them at all times – even when they are learning. We have assured them that their Snapchat and Instagram apps will still be there at the end of each lesson!
 
We are also pleased to confirm the date of the Swimming Carnival as Thursday 23 February (Week 4). These types of events have been hit hard by the pandemic in recent years, but are so important in allowing students to engage in activities outside the classroom that help develop strong positive relationships. We are confident that this will be the first of many excursions and extra curricular opportunities that are provided for Calwell High School students in 2023.
 
Have a great weekend!

Steve

IMPORTANT DATES

Wednesday 8 February
  • Year 7 REACH Connection
Monday 13 February
  • School Photos

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS
It was lovely to see all the happy smiling faces of new and returning students on Monday and Tuesday!

2023 SCHOOL PHOTOS

School photos will be held on Monday 13 February. Following feedback from our P&C, we have changed our provider to The School Photographer this year. There are no envelopes to return, photos are ordered directly online at www.theschoolphotographer.com.au using our unique code: X1818SUP51C.

All students participate in having their school photo taken regardless of whether a parent/carer order is made as the photo is used for our school Student ID cards.

CALWELL COMPASS 2023

Calwell Compass consists of up to 10 students from each year level. Calwell Compass is responsible for the promotion of student voice and action in the school community and is a fantastic opportunity for students in Year 7 and 8 to be involved in leadership activities at the School. The process of getting student feedback is achieved through holding student forums and meetings throughout the year, and feeding back change through the following flow chart: 

In 2023, we are looking to gain more traction with increased student participation with more time and resources allocated to embedding and supporting Student Voice here at Calwell. We will hold a Calwell Compass Training day in Week 3 for our elected representatives. This will provide Calwell Compass representatives with training in how to host, record and facilitate the forums and allow for team building activities.
 
Some of the suggested feedback for change in our school community that the group has actioned are new bins on the oval, ongoing conversations regarding the Canteen menu and pricing and providing a clearer colour map of the school for incoming Year 7s (and new students). This change has been driven entirely by students and seen students engage more with their year level and Tutor Group in order to promote the change.
 
If you have any questions regarding Calwell Compass please do not hesitate to get in contact with:
Mr Sowton (Joshua.Sowton@ed.act.edu.au),
Ms Streeter (Emma.Streeter@ed.act.edu.au) or
Mr Rodriguez (Tomas.Rodriguez@ed.act.edu.au).

SCHOOL BOARD NOMINATIONS

In 2023 Calwell High School is seeking several new members for our School Board. We will be seeking nominations for: 
  • 1 parent representative
  • 1 student representative
  • 1 staff representative
Nominations open on Monday 6 February and close on Monday 20 February. Please consider contributing to the life of our school by nominating for a place on our School Board. Elections will take place following the nomination period if needed.

To nominate, please fill in and follow the instructions on the nomination form and submit it to the Front Office. Paper copies can also be found at the Front Office.

CALWELL HIGH SCHOOL HOUSE CAPTAIN NOMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Dear Parents and Carers,
The Calwell High School House Captain nomination and selection process has begun for 2023. Please see below the information that will be going out to students. Please encourage your children to nominate! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to:
Ms Chester (Elizabeth.Chester@ed.act.edu.au) or
Mr Rodriguez (Tomas.rodriguez@ed.act.edu.au).  
 
House Captain Nomination and Election Process 2023
 
Overview 
  • Nomination is open to all students in all years
  • 4 house captains to be elected per house
    • 2 x senior captains (any gender from year 9 or 10)
    • 2 x junior captains (any gender from year 7 or 8)
  • Nomination process communicated to 
    • All students via daily notices as well as tutor group and/or year level google classrooms. 
    • Families via Weekly Newsletter
Nomination Process
  • Nomination forms (google form) posted on tutor/year level google classrooms
  • Hard copies also available from HPE staffroom
  • Nominations due by Thursday 16th February 2023
  • Nominations read out by House Leader (teacher) at first house meeting of the year (Friday 17th February - Period 1 (Line 5) - 10.10am-10.40am)
  • These nominations remain anonymous to mitigate the process being a “popularity contest”
  • Students then vote based on these nominations 
    • Top 4 become house captains (2 x junior, 2 x senior)
    • 3rd ranking nominations for junior and senior become backup/alternates in the event of a student stepping down
Nomination Selection Criteria
  1. The four values at CHS are Respect, Achievement, Self Discipline and Courage. Choose one of these values and describe a time when you demonstrated this value.
  2. Why do you want to be a house captain?
  3. Why should people choose you to be a house captain?
Nomination/Selection Agreement - Code of Conduct
By nominating yourself for the role of house captain it is important that you uphold the values and responsibilities that come with this position;
  • Attendance at the 3 school carnivals (Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country)
  • Inclusiveness and encouragement of the students in your house group
  • Assisting with the organisation of your house group at the carnivals (for example; relay teams, novelty event teams, cheers and house spirit)
  • Appropriate behaviour in line with the CHS values and expectations 

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER

My name is Yvonne McLauchlan, and I am excited to join Calwell High School as School Social Worker. I have worked in the Education Directorate for a number of years and I am looking forward to working more closely with students, staff and families to support as required. Some things I am able to assist with are:
  • School concerns, attendance, family matters and parenting issues.
  • Accessing and referrals to external supports such as mental health services for students or parents.
  • Support to access emergency financial assistance.
  • Help with filling in forms or dealing with government agencies.
  • Support with NDIS.
  • Parenting Workshops.
If you think there is an area I can support with, please call the school on 6142 1930, or email me at Yvonne.mclauchlan@ed.act.edu.au and we can have a chat.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

P&C NEWS

Hello Parents, Carers and Friends

Welcome to 2023. The P&C is looking forward to a bright and positive year ahead, as we continue to support the school in whatever way we can. Please mark your diaries for our first P&C meeting for the year: Wednesday 22 February, 6.00–7.00pm in the main staff room at CHS. It would be wonderful to see you there as we talk about our activities for the coming year. 

Geoff Puleston, P&C President calwellhighpandc@gmail.com

HOMEWORK CLUB

Homework club will return in 2023! We are still finalising the details so keep an eye on Daily Notices (students) and the newsletter for more information.

UNIFORMS

Thanks to all of our students proudly wearing their Calwell uniform each day. If you need a new uniform, a reminder that Calwell High uniforms can be purchased in person or online from Workin' Gear Schools in Fyshwick. Workin' Gear Schools offer free delivery to the school or $8.50 delivery to home.

We also have a popular second hand uniform store located in Student Wellbeing. If you need any assistance with uniforms, please contact our front office team by email or on 61421930.

SCHOOL NOTICES

AEROSOL CANS
Please be reminded that aerosol cans are not permitted at Calwell High School as they can pose a serious health risk to those in our community with asthma and some other health conditions. Thanks for your support.

TRANSPORT NSW
Some school services will change commencing Term 1, 2023. School service changes can be found in the ‘School Services’ section of the bus operator’s new website cdccanberra.com.au from 23 January 2023. Specific information will be available under the ‘About School Services’ and ‘School Bus Timetables and Maps’ pages. There will also be changes made to public route services commencing 23 January 2023, which may impact students who use public buses for their school journeys. Check timetables online with the Trip Planner at transportnsw.info or download a travel app at transportnsw.info/apps

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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Our email address is:
calwellhighschool@ed.act.edu.au

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