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This week I enjoyed meeting a number of teachers from other ACT High Schools that have expressed an interest in transferring to Calwell High School next year. They all indicated that they heard such positive things about the student and staff culture and the great community as a whole. We feel so privileged to be in a position where we will be able to be recruiting staff from such a strong and experienced field.
We had Year assemblies this week where we were able to reflect on some of the great progress and growth shown by our students. This included both academic and behavioural growth. Of course we all will continue to strive for further gain, but it is pleasing to look back on the last twelve months and see the achievements of our wonderful students.
We were also able to recognise the influence of our cultural elders, by acknowledging NAIDOC Week. Calwell High School has approximately 11.5% of our students identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and we are proud to continue to work to develop the cultural integrity of our school community.
Last Friday we met with our school logo committee, consisting of students, parents and staff. We are greatly looking forward to sharing the committee's ideas soon with our broader community as we look to freshen up the look and feel of Calwell High School.
Have a great weekend.
Steve
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Monday 7 August
- Breakfast Club
- Year 10 Pre-Subject Selection for Lake Tuggeranong College & Erindale College
Tuesday 8 August
Wednesday 9 August
- Breakfast Club
- Canberra CareersXpo
- On Country Learning
- P&C Meeting, 6.00pm
Thursday 10 August
- Homework Club, Break 2 and After School
Friday 11 August
- Breakfast Club
- CIT Coffee Course
- Try a Trade Day CIT
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HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Human movement:
This semester in Human Movement, we'll be covering sports injuries and anatomy. Students will have the opportunity to choose two additional Human Movement related subjects to explore. In lead-up to our Term 4 excursion, we'll be training for the Tough Mudder obstacle course in Picton, NSW, followed by a weights program to enhance our strength and fitness. It's going to be an engaging and active semester!
Years 7/8 H&PE
Our Years 7 and 8 students are straight back into the swing of things this term, with all classes starting a unit in volleyball. Students are working together in small groups to develop their digging, setting and serving skills, progressing from inflatable beach volleyballs to competition volleyballs. It’s great to see students’ skills and confidence improve throughout each lesson and we all look forward to getting into proper games as the unit continues.
Years 9/10 H&PE
Another great semester ahead of Sports Education for our senior students in Years 9/10 H&PE in which students vote on a selection of sports then nominate a variety of Sports Board members to grade skills, select teams, organise a draw, and very much have a student lead sport competition. So far we have had some absolutely stunning competition; who will be the strongest class group!? Line 3, 5, or 7?
Our two coming health units are called Fit Communities and Sporting Communities where we explore the benefits of being physically fit and active as well as the consequences for individuals and communities who are not physically active, as well as, the importance and roles sports plays in our society.
On Country Learning
After last terms success with On Country Learning, we are running the program again with greater numbers. Students will be pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, developing their leadership skills and confidence, and connecting with Country. Students will be heading out every Wednesday this term and participating in a variety of activities focusing on teamwork, communication and enjoyment culminating in an overnight bushwalk in our own spectacular back yard – Namadgi National Park.
Outdoor Education 2
This semester, Outdoor Ed Two will be learning about and practicing rock climbing, abseiling and surfing. We start with the theory in the classroom and apply that learnt knowledge in a variety of settings. In Weeks 2, 4, and 6, we will head to Erindale’s PCYC climbing wall, we will also access our own climbing wall in the gym and culminate in our overnight camps in Weeks 7 and 8 where we head down to the beautiful Nowra and Shoalhaven river to spend two days climbing and abseiling at Thompson’s point.
Next term, we will learn about water safety and surfing! In the lead up, we will have some practical sessions at Erindale pool and finish with an overnight camp in Weeks 5 and 6 of Term 4 down at Broulee camping and surfing. Can’t wait!
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On Country Learning Week 3
Week 3’s On Country Learning focused on Teamwork and group dynamics. We started with some team initiatives where we split the group randomly into two teams. We went straight into the first two activities without any lead in or introduction. This allowed natural group dynamics to develop without any emphasis on self-awareness and inclusion. The results were hilarious. We then sat down, discussed the outcomes, did some reflection and spoke about what being a part of team meant and looked like.
We then moved into the real activity for the morning. Watching the two teams’ communication, inclusion and support was phenomenal. After a delicious BBQ for lunch, cooked by the students, we headed up for the main event of the day, the crate challenge. The emphasis for this activity was to work as a collective and to support each other as one.
There were many boundaries tested and comfort zones expanded. The team worked tirelessly to support one another both physically and emotionally whilst at the same time being able to have a good laugh during the process. By the end of the session, my cheeks were hurting from the laughter and by bucket was filled as a result of seeing the group coming together the way they did.
Next week we have our connecting to Culture session where we get to visit the Birrigai Rock Shelter and to do some true reflection on our connections and our history.
Mr Rodriguez
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HASS
Year 7 HaSS
This term in HaSS, students will be engaging in a unit of Geography, with a focus on urbanisation/population, liveability of cities, climate change and water security.
Year 8 HaSS
Students are starting off the semester with Business and Economics, where they will gain an understanding of the flow of money, consumers, producers and economic markets. Students will also develop entrepreneurial skills with a shark tank style assessment task. In Term 4, students will move on to Geography and study landscapes, landforms, natural disasters and how these can be managed.
Years 9/10 Journalism and Media
Students in this elective unit are investigating the skills and styles of journalism and media creation. Students have started the semester by developing media literacy skills, investigating the ethics of media, and will progress to writing positive news stories in the first few weeks.
Years 9/10 Geography
Students are starting off the term by investigating biomes and their relationship to food security. They will start by looking at Australian biomes, national food production and security and compare this with countries around the world. Students will then move on to Global Interconnections, Human Wellbeing and Sustainability.
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SCIENCE
Year 7 Science
This semester Year 7 student will be starting on the topic Forces and Simple Machines and then finishing off the year on Australian Ecosystems. Students will be working together performing experiments and developing their science inquiry skills by designing and testing catapults.
Year 8
Our Year 8 students will be exploring cells, organs and body systems, with a focus on the digestive system. They will investigate physical and chemical changes in their unit on Chemistry and will conduct their own investigation using scientific questioning and variables.
Year 9
Students will be learning about plate tectonics and exploring scientific evidence to support the theory. They will also be researching developments in earthquake technology. Energy transfers will be explored through light and sound, where students will be designing their own musical instruments. Students will expand on their science inquiry skills by conducting their own Independent Research Project.
Year 10
In Year 10 the students begin the semester by investigating the universe, with a focus on the development of the Big Bang Theory. They will examine the periodic table and chemical reactions, and will design an investigation into reaction rates.
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Year 8 Microscopes
This week, Year 8 students learned how to use microscopes and make slides for them using onion cells and dye. Students were also able to observe microorganisms in water samples taken from Lake Tuggeranong, the Molonglo River and Isabella Pond by our lab assistant, Aki, who deserves our many thanks.
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Year 8 Rate of Diffusion Experiment
Students conducted an experiment to calculate the rate of diffusion in different size cubes of Agar jelly.
Diffusion is 'the movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration down the concentration gradient'. The important factors that affect the rate of diffusion are; temperature, concentration, surface area, and volume.
Agar is a jelly like substance derived from red algae that is popular in vegan food a substitute for gelatine. It is used in thickened beverages, baked goods, confectioneries, dairy products, dressings, and sauces.
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TECHNOLOGY
Year 8 Wood Technology
In Semester 2, the Year 8 Wood Technology course serves as a foundation, introducing students to workshop practices encompassing the use of hand tools and simple machinery, measurement techniques, project management, and adherence to work health and safety in a shared space. The projects in focus revolve around timber-based materials, allowing students to experience both the limitations and strengths of these materials during the design and fabrication process.
Throughout the semester, students will engage in crafting a three Piece Wooden Puzzle, designing their own Drink Coasters, and creating a Wooden Mirror Shelf. To aid in their learning and comprehension of Wood Technologies, students will also complete theoretical components, which include a Construction Procedure List, Construction Flow Chart, Development of Design Concepts, and a Design Folio.
Year 8 Metal Technology
In Semester 2, the Year 8 Metal Technology subject focuses on equipping students with skills, knowledge, and comprehension of metal properties. They will analyse the workability of different materials and employ suitable processes accordingly. Using hand tools, simple machinery, and equipment, students will create various projects.
Safety will be of utmost importance, and students will be guided in applying safe operational procedures while developing a keen awareness of potential hazards in the workshop environment. In addition to the practical projects, students will also be engaged in theoretical work throughout this unit. They will delve into the fundamental concepts and principles related to working with metals and the design process. The theoretical components will enhance their understanding of metal properties, fabrication techniques, and the application of various tools and machinery.
Year 9/10 Wood Technology
In Semester 2, students will delve into the fundamentals of woodworking skills and the creative design process. The primary emphasis throughout this semester will be on crafting furniture. This journey will encompass both practical hands-on projects and engaging classroom theory sessions.
Among the thrilling projects students will undertake, they will have the opportunity to master the art of making a desk tidy, a folding chair, and a bedside table. These pieces of furniture will not only showcase their woodworking prowess but also exemplify their ability to create functional and aesthetically pleasing items.
Throughout the course, students will be taught to read, interpret, and create basic working and pictorial drawings. These essential skills will empower them to bring their projects to life, aligning perfectly with the teacher's specifications as well as their unique creative visions.
Safety is of paramount importance, and students will receive comprehensive instruction on the proper and secure usage of a wide array of hand tools, power tools, equipment, and machinery. By demonstrating their adeptness in applying safety measures, students will ensure a secure and productive woodworking environment.
Overall, this woodworking journey in Semester 2 promises to be an inspiring and practical exploration of furniture craftsmanship, as students learn to merge theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills to create exquisite and foldable furniture pieces.
Year 9/10 Metal Technology
In Semester 2 students will be exploring the Metal and Design course that introduces students to basic metalworking skills and the process of designing, making and reviewing projects. Students will undertake practical workshop projects as well as classroom theory topics. Projects will give students the opportunity to experience working to different degrees of precision and the characteristics of a variety of metals.
Students will learn to read, interpret and produce basic working drawings and pictorial drawings, enabling them to produce projects to set specifications as well as their own designs. Students will receive instruction in the safe use of a variety of hand tools, power tools, equipment and machinery and apply safe operating procedures.
Year 7 Food Technology
This course is focused on safety, hygiene and the use of kitchen equipment and utensils during food preparation. Students will be given practical experience in the preparation and presentation of various meals and snacks. They develop and use success criteria to evaluate their preparation processes and final products. Students also develop an understanding of the design process associated with food through the focuses of health and nutrition.
Year 9/10 Food Technology
Through this course students will study the concept of fast food, which is common in society and enjoyed by millions each and every day. Students will explore many different fast foods that are consumed in Australia and will consider their cost, convenience and nutritional factors.
Students will prepare, cook, and evaluate a range of fast food inspired dishes whilst practising health and safety requirements within the kitchen. They will also investigate how fast food marketing influences their food choices and will collaborate to investigate, research and plan their own fast food makeovers.
Year 8 Digital Technology
Learning in Information and Digital Technologies focuses on developing understanding and skills in computational thinking such as decomposing problems and prototyping; and engaging students with a wider range of information systems as they broaden their experiences and involvement in national, regional and global activities. Students will have opportunities to create a range of digital solutions, such as interactive web applications or programmable multimedia assets or simulations of relationships between objects in the real world.
Year 9/10 Women in Construction
This course provides students with an opportunity for students to learn about various and diverse career options for women in the building and construction industry. Students will strengthen their understanding of themselves as they develop a career action plan.
Students will study Safety, Sustainability and Gender, Diversity and Culture in the workplace. Students will gain White card and asbestos awareness qualifications, be provided with personal protective equipment, visit the CIT and UC and participate in a work experience placement in the building and construction industry.
Year 9/10 Business Entrepreneurship
This course offers students an opportunity to develop personal leadership and entrepreneurial thinking. The course will focus on developing skills that will help students thrive at school, work and life. Students will have the opportunity to:
- generate business ideas, to develop and prototype a product or service
- survey and assess the market and develop pricing
- understand entrepreneurial behaviours
- complete a personal leadership course
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Year 7 Food Technology
This week in Year 7 Food Technology, students made French Toast with Berry Compote. Some students went further and turned their compote into a coulis. This was served with vanilla yoghurt.
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Hello Parents, Carers and Friends
We'd love for you to join us for an hour at our next P&C meeting on Wednesday 9 August at 6.00pm in the school’s main staff room. Meet Principal Steve Collins and some of his team and also hear up to date info on a number of great initiatives currently in train with the P&C as we continue to support our school.
Thank you to those who have already signed up for the P&C BBQ at the Calwell Markets on Saturday 19 August. There are still some spots left on the roster so please go to volunteersignup.org/JTEH8 and pick a time that works best for you on the day.
Cheers, Geoff Puleston, Calwell High School P&C President
calwellhighpandc@gmail.com
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STUDENT PATHWAYS & CAREERS
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CANBERRA FIRST AID COURSE
On Wednesday 2 August, students participated in a First Aid course learning how to perform CPR on adults and babies along with using a defibrillator, proper bandaging techniques and the use of an Epipen. The instructor was very pleased with how all the students performed and all the practice dummies were revived and lived to see another day. Well done to everyone!
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