FROM THE PRINCIPAL
This week we met with our Year 9 and 10 students to begin the discussions regarding their Semester 2 elective selections. We have provided a wide variety of offerings and will allow student demand to inform us of which classes we provide. There was significant enthusiasm from the students, all very keen to submit their preferences. The elective survey opens 9.00am Monday through to 5.00pm Friday. We encourage all students to speak with their parents/carers when considering their choices.
We are extremely pleased to announce that significant refurbishment work will soon commence in our science faculty. There will be increased visibility within and between science labs and staffroom, and a modernisation of some of the resourcing. Although there will be some disruption during Term 3, we are incredibly excited to see this progress.
In response to student and parent feedback, we have been busy working on a slight modification to our timetable to provide some additional time for student independent learning and assignment completion. We look forward to being able to share more details next week.
Have a lovely weekend.
Steve
|
|
Monday 12 June
Tuesday 13 June
- Homework Club, Break 2
- Work Safely at Heights excursion
Wednesday 14 June
- Breakfast Club
- Batyr (Look out for your Mates) - Year 9
Thursday 15 June
- Homework Club, Break 2 & After School
- Year 7 Camp
- White card asbestos training
Friday 16 June
- Breakfast Club
- Year 7 Camp
- White card asbestos training
|
|
NSW JUNIOR RUGBY UNION CHAMPIONSHIP REPRESENTATIVE
Calwell High School student, Matilda, represented the ACT in the Under 14 Girls at the NSW Junior Rugby Union State Championships in Dubbo on Friday 9 June 2023.
|
|
REGIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL
Last Tuesday, Mr Stefanou took a group of our fastest long distance runners out to the Regional Cross Country Carnival at Stromlo Park. The weather was pretty good for a late autumn day, this was a lovely change for our runners and Mr Stefanou.
Our runners gave it their all and had a great day competing amongst some of Canberra’s best school runners.
Amazingly, but not surprisingly, we have had six students qualify for the ACT State Cross Country Carnival next Thursday 15 June, again, at Stromlo Park.
Well done to all of our students over this cross country period and GO CALWELL!
|
|
HASS
9/10 Rights and Freedoms
Last term we gave Oral Presentations on a First Nations artefact from the 20th Century, covering topics such as The Stolen Generations, Charlie Perkins and the Freedom Rides and Kevin Rudd’s Apology.
This term we are learning about the United Nations and their Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We will start our research report on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals next week.
|
|
History
In HaSS this term, many classes have been exploring the fascinating Middle Ages. Some of the students have been investigating how warfare changed over this period.
As an example, some students have chosen to look into the difference between how the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, defeated the Saxon King Harold in 1066 CE with how Henry the 1st did battle with the French in 1415 CE at the Battle of Agincourt.
This has involved investigating primary and secondary sources, getting across the complexities of BCs and BCEs and the different systems for putting different times in order in a variety of different types of timelines.
|
|
LSU
In LSU Years 9-10 science we have been investigating chemical reactions and had the chance to experiment with metal and acid. The aim was to see which metals were the most reactive when mixed with hydrochloride acid.
Students used four different types of metal for the experiment: aluminium, zinc, copper and magnesium. Students constructed a pop test after mixing each metal with the acid by holding a match over the top of the test tube. We discovered magnesium was the most reactive metal, and produced a lot of hydrogen gas which ignited and made a loud 'pop' sound.
|
|
LSU HEALTH & PE
We're thrilled to share the latest update from the LSU program. In Healthy Lifestyles, our students have been focusing on two key areas: diversity and communication.
In their theory classes, students have been exploring cultures of their choice. Through creative presentations such as posters, slideshows, and models, they've been showcasing their understanding and appreciation for different cultures.
In PE, our students have been actively working on positive communication and trust-building. They recently completed a mirror yoga session, where they practiced non-verbal communication through synchronized movements, fostering a sense of connection and teamwork.
We commend our students for their dedication and enthusiasm in embracing diversity and developing essential communication skills. Our educators and staff continue to provide invaluable support to make these enriching experiences possible.
|
|
LSU MATHS
In the LSU program this week, our senior students have been diving into an exciting and educational journey through the world of cooking. During their maths classes, they have been exploring various concepts such as measurement, fractions, portions, and budgeting.
Through practical cooking lessons, our students are applying their newfound knowledge and developing essential life skills. From measuring ingredients to understanding recipe proportions, our senior LSU learners are becoming budding culinary experts!
Meanwhile, the junior LSU students have been having a blast with a sports maths unit. They have been using their addition and subtraction skills in a dynamic and engaging manner through point scoring, measuring distances, and analysing game statistics.
This hands-on approach to maths is helping our students grasp mathematical concepts in a fun and relatable way. Through sports, they are not only improving their maths abilities but also fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.
|
|
LSU HASS
In the LSU program this week, our students have been actively engaged in enriching literacy classes. The focus has been on enhancing comprehension and summarising skills, enabling our learners to delve deeper into texts. Through these classes, our students are gaining a better understanding of the intended audience, author's intention, and extracting key information from the content they read.
In the junior LSU class, our young scholars have embarked on an exciting research journey into the wonders of ancient Egypt. They have been captivated by the mysteries of this ancient civilisation and are discovering fascinating facts about pharaohs, pyramids and more.
As they delve further into their studies, they will soon transition to exploring modern history, connecting the dots between the past and the present.
Meanwhile, our senior LSU students have been immersing themselves in geography lessons, focusing specifically on Australia and its surrounding regions. They are exploring the diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural heritage of this vast and remarkable continent. Through their geographical studies, our students are gaining a broader perspective of the world around them.
|
|
DANCE
In Dance classes, students are working hard leading into the end of Semester. The 7/8 classes have been rehearsing and filming their composition dances, where they have explored different genres of dance and how to use camera angels to create engaging dance videos. Composition allows students to work collaboratively in groups to develop their own dance pieces, it’s been amazing to see their creativity and performance skills grow.
In the 9/10 Choreography class, they have started creating the dance fest pieces for our junior classes. They are looking forward to finishing these pieces and being able to assist teaching our junior students soon.
All Dance classes are rapidly preparing for our Calwell Showcase performance coming up. Students in Dance, Music and Drama have all worked incredibly hard to put together their performances. If you haven’t already got your tickets for the show, don’t miss out – we have 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. “
|
|
SCIENCE
Year 8
Last week was mix of fun and science. Students used the making of toffee to demonstrate the formation of igneous rock. The word igneous is derived from the Latin word for fire - ignis. Igneous rock forms when hot, molten rock crystalizes and solidifies. Some common igneous rocks are: basalt, granite, and obsidian.
|
|
Year 7
Ella and Katelyn explained the causes of natural disasters, such as a volcano eruption, to the whole class.
|
|
ON COUNTRY LEARNING
Another phenomenal day out with our On Country Learning program. This Wednesday we spent the day out at Snake Rock with beautiful views over to Gibraltar Peak and down to Tidbinbilla tracking station.
This week, the focus was on caring for Country, minimal impact and growth mindset. To get to our destination we had to cross the lovely Gibraltar creek, where we sat, chatted about respecting what was around us and took five minutes to appreciate it all.
Students worked together to support the group by belaying each other up rock climbs as well as encouraging their peers when boundaries were being pushed. Students also applied their skills learnt from last weeks abseiling introduction at Birrigai to the real deal, an exposed 15 meter overhang hang.
Every student should be proud of how hard they pushed themselves. Next week we will dedicated to planning our overnight celebration hike in week 10. Can't wait!
Mr Rodriguez
|
|
MATHS
They say practice makes perfect! This week Mr Mehar's Year 9 maths students practiced their linear equations solutions in a team teach environment with Mr Rodriguez's class.
|
|
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING
|
|
Continuing our PBL@C Learning Journey, we have started our process of explicit teaching of expectations in all of our classes this week, emphasising our core value of RESPECT.
The lesson prompts from our last update, have been sent out this week to support all staff in communicating the same message consistently in each of their classes. This is ensuring that the students are talking about what RESPECT is for each of their different learning environments across the school.
Alongside this process from our classroom Teachers, our PBL Team took time this week to examine and refine our definitions and terminology relating to our behaviour management processes and structures. Again, ensuring that the terms provided to us align with what we know and understand them to be, are up-to-date and relevant, as well as clear in their meaning. This is all with a huge contribution from our Teachers across all of our faculties.
|
|
P&C NEWS
Hello Parents, Carers and Friends
Another great week has passed and we look for more exciting P&C projects ahead as we approach the end of term. A reminder that our next P&C meeting is on Wednesday 28 June at 6.00pm in the main school staffroom. Everyone is welcome. But there is still a lot you can do in between P&C meetings to help the P&C, and ultimately your school. We continue with our involvement in the Greening Calwell High project and we are looking at some fundraising initiatives - so there are lots of ways that you can help your P&C - just send us an email and I'll get in touch with you.
Cheers, Geoff Puleston, Calwell High School P&C President
calwellhighpandc@gmail.com
|
|
STUDENT PATHWAYS & CAREERS
|
|
CANBERRA CAREERSXPO - HELPING YOUR TEENAGER WITH CAREER PLANNING
As part of the Canberra CareersXpo, the ACT Education Directorate will present a workshop for parents and carers to support National Skills Weeks 2023. During the workshop on 9 August, experienced career practitioners will present useful career information, resources and strategies to start career conversations with young people.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
