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RESPECT      SELF-DISCIPLINE      ACHIEVEMENT      COURAGE
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
WEEK 10

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

We finished off Term 3 with a great week of activity, excursion and continued learning. Our Term 3 group finished their On Country Learning program with an overnight hike in beautiful conditions. Although they were a bit tired and had some sore feet, the feedback from the students was amazing.
Next term we will provide an opportunity for a new group of students to experience this unique learning program.
 
We also enjoyed a great final day of term with an intense game of Staff vs Students Street Hockey. The students were exceptionally skilful, after having completed units of Street Hockey in PE this term, however were no match for the staff with Steven ‘Superstar’ Deans proving he still has ‘it’!
 
Everyone should have received their child’s progress report this afternoon. These reports are a great opportunity to recognise the growth students have made so far and identify some concrete strategies for further improvement. 
 
From Weeks 1-4 next term I will be taking some Long Service Leave to visit my son and do some running in the US. Trish Marton will be Principal during this period.
 
Thanks to everyone in our community for their ongoing support and we look forward to a great Term 4.
 
Steve and Trish

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday 9 October
  • Outdoor Ed Erindale Pool
Tuesday 10 October
  • Homework Club, Break 2 
  • Outdoor Ed Erindale Pool
  • Online Parent Teacher Interviews
Wednesday 11 October
  • On Country Learning
  • Parent Teacher Interviews
Thursday 12 October
  • Homework Club, Break 2 and After School
  • Online Parent Teacher Interviews
Friday 13 October
  • Breakfast Club
  • She Leads Conference Excursion

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

SAFE AND INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Calwell High school promotes a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for students, staff and the community.

The Calwell staff have recently participated in professional development to help foster a welcoming and inclusive school culture where everyone can authentically express their individuality.

For more information please see the Safe and Supportive Schools Fact Sheet For Parents and Carers on our website.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST EXCURSION
On Wednesday 13 September (Week 9), 52 students arrived at school at the very early time of 6.30am, ready for the bus ride to Sydney to see Beauty and the Beast the musical. Morning karaoke on the bus kick started our trip and built the excitement for the show. After enjoying some lunch and a wander around Market City, we walked the 2 blocks to the theatre and took our seats ready for the performance.
 
The show was incredible, showing off drama, dance and music at it’s finest. The Be our Guest scene brought out all the bells and whistles with bright lights, special effects and a tap dancing number. For some students this was their first experience at a live performance and it was one to remember.
 
After a quick stop at Starbucks, we were back on the bus ready to head home. The trip back was much quieter with many students catching up on some sleep after a busy day. Thanks to everyone for a great excursion.
ACT TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
On Tuesday 19 September, 7 students from Calwell competed at the ACT Track and Field Championships at the Woden Athletics Track after progressing through from our school carnival and the Southside Regional Competition.

In hot and windy conditions, students represented Calwell in discus, shot put, long jump, triple jump, 100m, 200m, 800m and 1500m. Congratulations to the following students for making it to this incredible stage, and representing our school with pride and determination – we are all very proud of their achievements!
 
Grace (third place discus)
Neven (1500m)
Darvin (100m, 200m and long jump)
William (first place multi-class shot put)
Arijana (shot put, long jump, triple jump, 100m and 200m)
Max (800m, 1500m and discus)
Finlay (1500m)

FACULTY UPDATES

WOOD & METAL TECHNOLOGY
As we near the end of the Term 3, woodwork and metalwork is getting increasingly exciting.
 
In Woodwork, Year 8 students have recently completed their custom-designed drink coasters. They have put in a lot of effort and creativity into their designs and the final results are truly impressive. They have started working on their mirror shelves, and I am excited to see their finished projects.
 
Moving on to Year 9/10 Woodwork, the students are in the final stages of finishing their folding chairs. It has been a challenging task, but they have persevered, and the chairs are coming along beautifully.
In Metalwork our Year 8 students have been working diligently on their tool trays. They have learned the importance of precision and attention to detail in their work. Additionally, they have been shaping and creating mini metal hammers, showcasing their growing skills. Some students have even gone above and beyond by completing their metal bag hooks using the oxy torch and creating intricate twisted metal designs.
 
In Year 9/10 Metalwork, students have successfully completed their wooden and metal hammer builds. Their craftsmanship is exceptional, and they should be proud of their achievements. They are now embarking on their next projects, which involve designing and creating metal cantilever tool boxes. Additionally, they will be utilizing the metal lathes to craft a metal gear shifter knob. I am confident that their dedication and skills will result in outstanding final products.
I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the progress of all our students in Years 8, 9, and 10 in both metalwork and woodworking. Their commitment to learning and their passion for these subjects are truly commendable.
 
Shaun Dati
DRAMA
In Year 7, students have been studying Melodrama and Dramatic Tension. Although Melodrama dates back more than 100 years it is essentially a fight of good versus evil and uses the stereotype of good guys versus bad guys - a storyline very much alive today in many superhero movies!
In Year 8, students have learned some basic sword fighting skills with pool noodles, developed a creative product and advertisement, and have started thinking about how clothing communicates information about character.  One challenge was to come up with three different 'types' to make a boy band and you can see the results here!
Drama is a rewarding subject with many opportunities for students to work with classmates outside their friendship group, develop confidence to perform to others and give creative feedback to their peers.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
Year 7 Food Technology finished strongly this term. In Week 9, students had a practical assessment in which they researched and created their own pasta dish.
Week 10 was less stressful with the students baking and decorating cupcakes. I am sure that few, if any, made it home.
ON COUNTRY LEARNING
Wednesday and Thursday of this week our On Country Learning students embarked on their final challenge. With packs full to the brim and energy levels high we set off from Honey Suckle Creek Campground.

The weather was spectacular both days with an abundance of sunshine. We walked roughly 10 kms each day, refilling our water from a crystal clear stream (then treated, of course) and enjoying the beautiful habitat and landscape around us. The group's stamina and support for each other were incredible and something to behold.
 
This final adventure was the culmination of eight weeks of build-up, discussion, growth and broader awareness. They supported each other physically and emotionally every step of the way and seeing the bonds they have built throughout this term was heartening. Our students should be super proud of their achievements and efforts especially those in the younger years.
 
What a privilege it is to work with students like ours.
 
Mr Rodriguez

CONNECTION CLUBS

CAFÉ CLUB
Staff took advantage of the last Café Club for the term on Tuesday. It is a pity that the photos do not come with the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee! It is no wonder that this is such a popular club.

CAREERS AND STUDENT PATHWAYS

ARTSOUND RADIO ROOKIES FOR YOUTHS WORKSHOP
A new generation of radio and podcast creators from Calwell High School were learning the craft this week in a three-day ArtSound’s Radio Rookies for Youths workshop.

The workshop, which is held at ArtSound FM Community Radio studio, teaches students between ages 13 and 18 how to use recording and broadcasting equipment as well as presentation and vocal techniques in a professional setting.

The students gained enormously in confidence as they shared their perspectives and stories in ways that contributed to the vibrancy of their larger communities.

At the end of the three days, our students put what they learnt into practice by recording an announcement for possible on-air broadcast.

Funding for the ArtSound’s Radio Rookies for Youths workshop is provided through a grant from ACT Government’s 2023 ACT Youth Week Grant Program.

P&C NEWS

Hello Parents, Carers and Friends

Just a short note to say thank you to CHS Business Manager Helena Williams and her Admin team for supporting the P&C throughout the year with our comms through 'What's Happening', CHS Facebook, and direct emails to the school community. This has been so important in getting the message out there on what your P&C has been doing and what we have planned for the future.

With our Referendum BBQ on 14 October, volunteers are needed to help on the day – it’s a fun way to support our school and all assistance is very much appreciated – so please sign up at volunteersignup.org/YTW7L to book a spot on our volunteer roster.

All the best
Geoff Puleston, Calwell High School P&C President       

calwellhighpandc@gmail.com

SCHOOL NOTICES

STRANGER AWARENESS SAFETY
This is a reminder to please ensure your young person understands the importance of stranger awareness these school holidays.

Please support us to keep our children safe by having conversations about moving safely around the community. You may wish to visit the Australian Federal Police website section on Child Safety for tips. In addition, the Safety4Kids is a non-government website that has useful information and links. The Constable Kenny website also has a number of tips for parents for younger children.

If you become aware of an incident or notice anyone acting suspiciously around a school or student, contact police immediately on 131 444 or in the case of an emergency call 000. If you witness an incident or if you have any information that could assist police, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously. We would also ask that you notify the school so we can also support the wider school community to be aware of incidents.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

SUSTAINABLE CANBERRA EXPO
For more information go to the website.
RUGBY AUSTRALIA FREE GAMES
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