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Despite having to see Ms Marton and Mr Dati parade around the school in QLD jerseys and beanies on Thursday, it really was a great week.
I enjoyed visiting classrooms to witness some high quality learning. This included a visit to Ms Clothier's senior HaSS Class as they engaged in studying The History of Pop Culture. Students were able to provide many examples of the influence of Australian themes on worldwide Pop Culture, and also how we as Australians are influenced.
Our Years 9 and 10 students will be provided with the updated Course Handbook in the coming days as they then consider their elective subjects for Semester 2. This will also be provided to families to encourage discussion around potential choices and ensure students are making considered decisions. We are incredibly proud of our breadth of elective choices at Calwell High School and will continue to consider our offerings in the coming years based on students feedback.
Many of our Arts students are busy preparing for Showcase (Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 June). I popped into some classes this week and was blown away by the progress some students have made in music, particularly those that have only started learning an instrument six weeks ago! It is a great reminder of the talent that our students possess and that sometimes it is just hiding beneath the surface and needs to be given the opportunity to flourish. That is why we teach!
As seen below, we are not immune from the impacts of COVID and the flu season and would like to remind our community that the health advice is still that anyone with cold and flu symptoms must remain home - even when there is no evidence of a positive COVID result.
Have a great weekend.
Steve
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MANAGING STAFF ABSENCES
As the colder weather sets in, we expect to see a higher number of staff away at times due to seasonal illness and COVID-19.
To ensure that we continue to provide all students with quality learning with minimal disruption, we may be implementing temporary changes to our learning programs.
If required, some classes may be combined for short periods of time. We may also deliver student self-directed learning onsite using either online modules such as Google classroom or hard copy resources.
The school may also take the opportunity to temporarily modify timetables or work with external providers to deliver some programs. There may also be a need to postpone excursions and other extra-curricular activities until there is enough staff to support them.
Every school will implement these measures differently and has the flexibility to make choices that best meet the needs of their school community. If changes are required at our school at any time, we will write to you to let you know. We will also ensure we keep you up to date on how long we expect any changes to be in place.
As always, we remain committed to providing our students with high quality learning experiences in a safe and welcoming school environment. Thank you for your understanding.
Staying COVID Smart at school
To help minimise the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses in our school please remember the following:
- Students who are COVID-19 positive or displaying symptoms (including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever) should test and must not attend school while unwell.
- If your student is COVID-positive let us know.
- Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene.
- Keep up to date with vaccinations.
You can access free rapid antigen tests from the front office.
For the latest COVID-19 advice please visit the ACT’s COVID-19 website.
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Monday 5 June
Tuesday 6 June
Wednesday 7 June
Thursday 8 June
- Homework Club, Break 2 & After School
Friday 9 June
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION WEE JASPER EXCURSION
Last week, Outdoor Ed embarked on our camp to Wee Jasper, where we had the opportunity to explore caves and try our hand at abseiling. The excursion provided valuable learning experiences and allowed students to hone their skills in a supportive environment.
During the caving, students explored two caves; Signature Cave and Enigma Cave. In these caves, we discussed and identified speleothems that we had previously learnt about in class, the unique formations found within the caves, and gained an appreciation for the natural wonders of the underground world. In addition to cave exploration, we embraced the challenge of abseiling, gradually increasing the abseil heights from 5 meters to 15 meters and finally to 30 meters.
Through these activities, students practiced caving techniques and demonstrated teamwork, collaboration, and responsibility. Their willingness to support and encourage one another created a positive and inclusive atmosphere throughout the trip.
As part of our adventure, we also took part in the Polar Bear Challenge swim at night in the Goodradigbee River. This activity tested our resilience and provided an opportunity to make memories and strengthen our bond with each other. Despite the chilly waters (understatement), students approached the challenge with determination and there many laughs and smiling faces beforehand and shocked and appalled faces afterwards .
We stayed at the Wee Jasper Shearers Quarters, which provided a comfortable and cosy base camp for our daily activities. The downtime spent at the quarters allowed students to reflect on their experiences and foster deeper connections with their peers.
I’d like to extend my appreciation to Mrs Chester and our volunteer for making this Camp possible. I’d also like to extend my appreciation to our parents who supported their students in attending! Finally, I’d like to commend our students for their enthusiastic, caring, and responsible behaviour, which made this adventure a success.
Tomas Rodriguez
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SHOWCASE 2023
Come celebrate and watch the achievements of our amazing Dance, Music and Drama students. Calwell High presents our Semester 1 Arts Showcase performance. Don’t miss out on tickets – two shows available! Wednesday 21 June or Thursday 22 June 6.30-8.00pm. Adult ticket $8, Child/Concession $5
Tickets available now through https://www.trybooking.com/CIOIH. Permission notes for participating students coming soon. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out on 6142 1930.
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SENIOR H&PE
Over the past few weeks, our students have been diving headfirst into the world of Tchoukball, a captivating and unique sport that has captured their enthusiasm and challenged their athletic abilities.
Tchoukball is a fast-paced team sport that combines elements of handball, volleyball, and basketball. It was created in the 1970s and has gained popularity worldwide due to its emphasis on skill, strategy, and fair play. Unlike traditional sports, Tchoukball does not focus on physical contact, making it accessible to students of all levels of athleticism.
Our Year 9/10 HPE students began their Tchoukball journey by learning the basic rules and skills of the game. Under the guidance of our enthusiastic H&PE teachers, they discovered how to pass, catch, and shoot the ball using their hands. The trampoline-like rebound frames added an extra element of excitement as they learned to bounce the ball off the frame and strategically position themselves to score points.
We look forward to starting the Sport Education Tchoukball Finals rounds next week across all classes.
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JUNIOR H&PE
In recent weeks, our junior students have been actively participating in a unit on Oztag as part of their Health and Physical Education classes. Through this non-contact sport, students had the opportunity to learn about teamwork, fitness, and tactical decision-making.
In groups catering for a wide variety of abilities, students developed their skills in passing, catching and evasive techniques, before putting what they’d learn into practice in game situations. It was great to see students working with their peers to develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Next week students will begin their Term 2 health unit, covering topics included in alcohol and drug education.
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SCIENCE
Year 9 students learned how to balance chemical equations. They then undertook experiments that demonstrated the chemical reactions; neutralisation of an acid with a base and the oxidation of a metal.
Students also learned about exothermic and endothermic reactions as well as physical and chemical changes caused during the reactions.
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ON COUNTRY LEARNING
This week in the On Country Learning Program, students were lucky to spend the morning at the Vertical Playpen and the Giant's Ladder. Students took on the challenges in pairs working together to support each other up and through the various challenges they faced.
The focus for this week was accountability. Being accountable to your peers and also accountable for the actions (and their consequences) that you take. After our lunch BBQ we collected the roping gear and headed up into the hills to a place called Bunyips, where students had their first taste of abseiling on a natural surface in the bush.
There was plenty of determined and steeled faces to be seen with encouragement and positivity from all. Next week we will spend the day (weather permitting) out at Snake Rock abseiling and rock climbing with beautiful views across and into Tidbinbilla.
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P&C NEWS
Hello Parents, Carers and Friends
Hoping to meet you at the upcoming Working Bee at the school on Friday 9th June, 3:15pm-5:30pm, as advertised on the school's facebook page. It's a great opportunity to help the school with the very worthwhile edible garden component of the Greening Calwell High School project. And a mystery challenge - watch out for the giant teapot!!
Cheers, Geoff Puleston, Calwell High School P&C President
calwellhighpandc@gmail.com
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STUDENT PATHWAYS & CAREERS
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MAKER 2 MARKET TASTER PROGRAM
The Calwell High School P&C is generously sponsoring two Calwell High School Students to participate in an entrepreneurial small business course aimed at teenagers.
Each scholarship is worth $250 each.
Two students will be chosen based on an application form available from Jennie or Andrew in Careers. Students will be selected on their keen interest in participating in the intensive three-day business taster program for creative teens that sees them create a small-business, logo, hand-made products and test their products at a real-world market. The program will take place in either the July or September holidays.
Please see Jennie Sheppard for more information
Applications close Friday 9 June https://forms.gle/j75teJ8j8WRpEK9Z6
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CONSIDERING A CAREER IN MEDICINE OR DENTISTRY?
UCAT, Interviews, Med School Applications, Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry (for universities in Australia)
Free Webinar
An Excellent Opportunity for Students and Parents
5 June 2023, 7.00–9.00pm (AEST)
REGISTER NOW
An invaluable forum recommended to students considering a career in Medicine or Dentistry, and especially for those who already know that they will be sitting the UCAT or attending Med School Interviews. This forum is an excellent opportunity for students and parents to find out about the UCAT, Interviews, Pathways into Medicine, and have all questions answered by expert teachers who have been working in the field since 1999.
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AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOOL STUDENT BROADBAND INITIATIVE
The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative to provide free home internet for one year for unconnected families with school students in the ACT.
To be eligible, families must:
- have a school student at home
- not have an NBN connection
- live at an address with access to a standard NBN connection.
For more information see www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI. To nominate, please fill in this form: https://forms.office.com/r/kHUg92YZaR
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2023 ACT YOUTH ASSEMBLY
Registrations are open for the 2023 ACT Youth Assembly (Due 16 June 2023).
Are you passionate about gender equality, social inclusion and issues surrounding the cost-of-living pressures for young people?
The ACT Youth Assembly is an interactive and inspiring initiative that promotes dialogue, exchanges ideas and develops recommendations to the ACT Government on important issues for young people. To register for this free event, go online to ACT Youth Assembly. The assembly will be held at the Australian National University, Marie Reay Teaching Centre on Friday 23 June 9.00–4.00pm.
Registrations close 10.00pm Friday 16 June 2023 and places are limited.
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2023 WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY JUNIOR FISHING COMPETION
Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club Inc. are running a fishing competition and workshops in the June School Holidays. Competition entry is free. Workshops are also free and must be booked in advance.
Bookings essential through juniorfishing.mbglac@gmail.com. All rules and information can be found at www.mbglac.com.au.
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