As we near the end of another busy term, I wanted to take a moment to give you an update on our Flexible Learning Time (FLT) on Wednesday afternoons.
During FLT over the past nine weeks, many of our students have been actively engaged in various activities and programs that enhance their learning experience. Some of these include:
- Our core Study Hall which is available to all students every week. This provides time to complete assessment and homework with academic support available from UC Tutors and staff.
- On Country Learning, where our students have the opportunity to connect with each other and Country at Birrigai.
- The Lions Youth Haven Farm program which allows students to gain confidence and hands-on skills in the outdoor environment.
- Preparation for the upcoming Dance Fest with approximately 90 of our students practicing diligently to showcase their talents and teamwork. It is always a delight to witness their passion and dedication in the performing arts.
- Participation in School Sports including OzTag where our students represent the school with pride and good sportsmanship.
- Careers courses and opportunities including Silica Training and First Aid, equipping students with essential skills that will benefit them personally and professionally.
- Wellbeing programs including Crystal Queer, Got Your Back and Trails to support a range of student needs.
As we look to continuously improve our Flexible Learning Time, we value your feedback on wellbeing and extra-curricular programs you’d like to see.
On Wednesday this week, our Beauty and the Beast excursion to Sydney was a fantastic day filled with laughter, excitement, and a memorable theatrical experience. A big thank you to Ms Whitrow, Mr Bradley and Ms DeCosta for providing such an amazing experience for our students.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We value your feedback and are here to support you and your child.
Enjoy this beautiful Spring weather!
Steve
|
|
Monday 18 September
- ArtSound's Radio Rookies Youth Program
Tuesday 19 September
- Homework Club, Break 2
- ACT Track and Field
Wednesday 20 September
- On Country Learning
- ArtSound's Radio Rookies Youth Program
Thursday 21 September
- Homework Club, Break 2 and After School
- ArtSound's Radio Rookies Youth Program
- OCL Overnight Bushwalk
Friday 22 September
- Jersey Day
- Breakfast Club
- OCL Overnight Bushwalk
- Staff v Students Street Hockey
|
|
JERSEY DAY
Next Friday 22 September, we’re asking students and staff to show their colours - wear your favourite sporting jersey, t-shirt, beanie and/or scarf and celebrate Jersey Day at Calwell High! Jersey Day raises awareness for the importance of organ donation.
|
|
PHOTOGRAPHY
In the Year 9/10 Digital Photo Communication classes, students have had the opportunity to be out and about taking photographs each lesson. They are in a group routine to balance the practical side of photography with the theory but are definitely the happiest when they are behind the camera.
It is really great to see them enjoying themselves and expressing their creative side. Most of the students have completed their dominant colours practical, in which they first chose a colour out of the four dominant colours; red, blue, green and yellow. Students took photographs that displayed their chosen colour, presented their images on slides and completed a reflection on their work. Below are photographs taken by Sophie and Abbey.
|
|
VISUAL ARTS
In Visual Art, the Year 7s are finishing their exploration of texture and preparing for a mural task.
Year 8s are finishing off their nature art masterpieces that will hopefully be exhibited outside for as long as they last. In the digital world, the Year 8 graphic designers are creating their advertisements for a local/small business.
Our Year 9/10 Ceramics class are working on their ceramic water vessels, using a range of techniques, different types of clay, producing creations of different shapes and sizes.
The Digital and Media Art 9/10s are constructing their fantastic looking dioramas that will hopefully be 3D printed at some stage.
|
|
SCIENCE
This week, Year 8 students learned how to to test for the presence of sugars, lipids, proteins, and ketones in food items by looking for chemical reactions when an agent is applied. These same tests are used by pathology labs. Students also learnt the safety rules, risks and hazards involved in performing the application of the agent to observe the chemical reactions.
|
|
|
In Year 7, students are learning about simple machines such as levers, wheel and axels, pulleys, ramps, and screws etc. Students designed their own catapults to demonstrate the physics involved in this simple machine and competed to see whose could throw paper balls the farthest.
|
|
ON COUNTRY LEARNING
The last two weeks of On Country Learning days have been geared towards preparing for our bushwalk in Week 10. Last week we had a spectacular day walking an 8km round trip to Gibraltar Peak.
Upon arrival at the peak we discussed the cultural significance of the site and asked students to be present and aware while there. We had a fantastic conversation about Indigenous connection and our connection to this place and the land around us with views over the whole of Canberra as food for thought.
During this week’s trip out to Birrigai the group focussed on the skills we’re going to next week: pitching our tents and cooking on our Trangia’s, as well as planning our route and estimating distances and walking times. We are prepped and ready to go for what will be a memorable two days.
Mr Rodriguez
|
|
CAREERS AND STUDENT PATHWAYS
|
|
|
EXPERIENCE ENGINEERING AND COMPUTING AT ANU!
The Australian National University (ANU) is pleased to invite you to our annual GET Set event! This year’s event is bigger and better than ever. We are offering a two-day program including a night’s stay in university lodging. Students will get to experiment, build, play and explore their way through engineering and technology workshops and activities at Australia’s national university.
This event is free of charge, but places are limited. Sign up today!
WHO: Girls from Years 9–11
WHEN: 10.00am Tuesday 7 November– 3.00pm Wednesday 8 November 2023.
WHERE: Innovation Space, Level 2, Birch Building, 35 Science Road Acton ACT
COST: Free, including all activities, food and accommodation.
INORMATION & REGISTRATION: GET Set 2023 by Friday 13 October
|
|
UC STORY GROUND FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS
This upcoming school holidays the Faculty of Arts and Design will be running Story Ground for Secondary Students. This short course is designed for high school students who enjoy creative writing and want to learn about the connections between storytelling and Aboriginal perspectives.
Led by Dr Paul Collis, author of Dancing Home and Nightmares Run Like Mercury, this course welcomes all students and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to join. It's a space where students can let their ideas flow in a supportive and friendly atmosphere and the work completed in this course can be used to apply for Portfolio Entry or the UC Creative Competition (submissions are currently open).
DATE: 25, 26 & 27 September
TIME: 10am-2pm
COST: Free
LOCATION: UC Campus
MORE INFORMATION: UC website or by email
|
|
Hello Parents, Carers and Friends
The P&C will be running the sausage sizzle at Calwell High on the day of the upcoming 2023 Referendum on Saturday 14 October.
Keep your eye out for information coming out soon, including how you can book your spot to help on the stall. This will again be online via VolunteerSignup. It’s a fun way to support the school – so please come and join us.
All the best
Geoff Puleston, Calwell High School P&C President
calwellhighpandc@gmail.com
|
|
TRANSPORT CANBERRA NEW BUS TIMETABLE
Transport Canberra has announced that a new bus timetable will be implemented from Monday 9 October to align with the start of the school Term 4. The timetable features more frequent weekday bus services, most of which will run at least every 30 minutes throughout the day.
A return to 30 minute daytime frequencies will ensure improved off-peak services can be provided between 9.30am and 3.30pm, while maintaining reliability. The increased frequency has resulted in changes to the first and last service times for some bus routes.
Some refinements have also been made to 14 school services based on school and community feedback, and to align with updated school bell times. The new timetable does not include changes to weekend bus services and there are no changes to light rail frequency.
School packs and timetables
Updated school packs and timetables are now available online to view and download. Alternatively, they can be accessed on the Transport Canberra website.
|
|
CANBERRA ACADEMY OF LANGUAGES ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION
Due 21 September 2023
The Canberra Academy of Languages (CAL) is now completing their seventh and final year of program delivery. CIT Solutions have been granted provisional registration as a Specialist Education provider by the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies and will deliver senior secondary language courses from the start of next year, including the CAL Program in 2024.
The CAL will hold an online information session on Thursday 21 September 2023 at 6:00pm for students who are interested in enrolling to study languages in 2024.
Discussion will include confirmation of new provider arrangements, information on learning languages in Years 11-12, receiving credit for languages studies towards the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate and towards the ATAR, how programs are set up, how to find current information through our online systems about programs throughout the year and what to do if you are planning to study senior secondary languages in 2024. To receive a link for the meeting, please email info@cal.act.edu.au.
|
|
|
AUSTRALIAN SPACE AGENCY - NAME THE MOON ROVER COMPETITION
The Australian Space Agency is inviting students to be part of history by naming the Australian rover that will go to the Moon with NASA as part of a future Artemis mission. The Australian Space Agency has developed a teacher’s presentation and supporting talking points so classes can learn more about the mission and Australia’s space sector.
Individuals and school groups from across Australia can submit a rover name, along with brief explanation, to be in the running to win. Submit your entry here: https://consult.industry.gov.au/name-australias-lunar-rover by 20 October 2023.
Contact Sybilla Wilson on Inspire@space.gov.au
|
|
|
TRIPLE P POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM - SUPPORTING CHILDREN THROUGH BIG MILESTONES
The three Ps in ‘Triple P’ stand for ‘Positive Parenting Program’. Triple P is designed to give anyone taking on a parenting role (including step-parents, foster parents, and grandparents) useful knowledge and skills to help with raising children.
Visit the Triple P website which offers a range of free online courses and resources to support parents in managing everyday challenges. Read their latest article on supporting children through big milestones may support your child with big transitions.
Contact Sally Johnson on sally.johnson@act.gov.au
|
|
|
RUGBY AUSTRALIA FREE GAMES
|
|
|
|
|
