It has been a wonderful first week of the term and year. We welcomed many happy and nervous Year 7s on Tuesday, and they have had a super week. Wednesday was a busy day, the week has been settled and productive for our young people. This speaks volumes about the supportive environment and commitment demonstrated by both students and teachers.
 
The implementation of our mobile phone policy has shown encouraging results. The Personal Device Policy is helping students focus better in class and get more work done. Teachers are sharing that this has allowed them to connect with students, making everyone feel more connected. Plus, encouraging students to be active during breaks is making our school a happier and more social place. It's apparent that the collaboration and support from both the school and home have contributed to a successful implementation of the policy. If there are any further developments or if you have specific questions please email us at info@calwellhs.act.edu.au.
 
We are thrilled to announce a new addition to our wellbeing team – the role of Inclusion Coordinator. This position is dedicated to advocating for our students with disabilities or additional needs, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Mel Consola will be in this role, and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. Mel will play a pivotal part in championing the needs of every student, fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational experience.
 
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education. Our team is excited for the great journey we have ahead of us this year.
 
Trish

• Safer Internet Day

• Flexible Learning Time starts today

• House Captain nominations due

SCHOOL BOARD NOMINATIONS

• 1 parent representative
• 1 P&C Association representative
• 1 student representative
• 1 staff representative

STUDENT FREE DAYS
From 2024, there will be four student-free days for ACT public schools. These are the first day of each school term:

· Term 1, Monday 29 January 2024

· Term 2, Monday 29 April 2024

· Term 3, Monday 22 July 2024

· Term 4, Monday 14 October 2024.

We use student-free days for staff development, enabling us to plan in a student-free environment. Student-free planning days have been expanded from one to four days from 2024 as part of our new Teaching Staff Enterprise Agreement which prioritises better teacher workloads for educational leadership, teaching and learning.

Our programs and services include, industry training, work experience, school based apprenticeships, vocational learning programs, industry visits and events, transition support along with individual and parent/carer career conversations will all continue throughout the year.  

Updated information will be shared to our school community through students notices, assemblies, the student pathways google classroom page, and regular newsletter updates.  Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.    

The P&C was active during the holiday break with two excellent opportunities to support the school. Many thanks to all who helped out.

The results of the severe storm of 8th December were felt throughout the community and we extend our thoughts and best wishes to those who were impacted. However, something positive also came out of this unexpected event in the form of much-needed mulch for our school gardens. We’re very grateful for our connection with the wonderful Team from ACT City Services Urban Treescapes, who mulched local trees that fell in the storm and delivered three large loads to our school straight away.

This was a trigger for a wider initiative that then went on to benefit other schools, who subsequently received mulch in the ensuing weeks. Thanks again to CHS parents, students and staff who jumped in at short notice to volunteer their time in the holiday break to spread the mulch out. The gardens throughout the school are looking great!

Our second opportunity came just before students returned from the holidays. The P&C was able to show our appreciation and support to all the staff at Calwell High through a comprehensive BBQ lunch. This was under the shady trees in the school courtyard on a bonzer day and was a really nice way to kick off the year for our wonderful staff.

Thanks once again to all those who took time out at the end of the holidays to make this possible. Another bonus was the brand new BBQ unit donated to the school via the P&C by Bunnings Tuggeranong just before our event – how’s that for great timing? Thanks Bunnings!

Looking forward to seeing you at our AGM on 21st February. Please come along and show your support for our school and to hear about some of the wonderful projects that the P&C has planned for the year. There are opportunities for everyone to play a part in what we do – small, big or in-between. See you there!

• Monday 12 February 2024 - Main School Photography Day
• Wednesday 21 February 2024 - Catch Up Portrait Day

Find out how you can get involved at our online briefing on Tuesday 13 February, 11:30am to 12:30pm or Wednesday 14 February 4:30pm -5:30pm or visit our YourSay page that will go live on 13 February.