2021 Term 3, Week 6

Principal's News

Getting On With Learning

After a cautious return, it has been very encouraging to see, as much as possible, that learning has become the focus for our students. It is understandable to feel uncomfortable when so much is out of your control. The resilience that our students display is a testament to what they are capable of when needed. I am very appreciative of the efforts of our staff. It is fair to state that they too have experienced that feeling of being overwhelmed but have shown great commitment to doing their best for our students. I would also like to thank the many parents who have contacted us at the College to say thank you for the wonderful work of our incredible educators. I feel very blessed to work with such a professional and purpose-driven team. We are strongly aligned to our mission and values in fostering a community culture that is founded on FAMILY. As we enter the final weeks of Term 3, the ‘Championship Quarter’, I would encourage all students, with the support of their family, to give priority to their learning. Engagement in class has to be focused on doing their very best. At home, time needs to be allocated to study and revision, and to the completion of assignments. 

Year 10 SET Plan Interviews

Over the course of last week, all Year 10 students (approx. 158) attended a SET Plan Interview to discuss their future pathway plans and to determine the best mix of subjects for Years 11 and 12. The interviews were conducted by a team of experienced teachers and all interviews had a parent accompany their student. Due to restrictions, all interviews were conducted online via Teams.It was an outstanding success from what I observed. Our students were well prepared, after spending the last couple of months working through future pathways in STRETCH. It was most encouraging to have students with a vision on the many pathways available to them and an understanding of what was needed to get there. The discussions were detailed and unique for each student, as they should be, and allowed for clarification on how to successfully navigate the Queensland Certificate of Education. Congratulations to all involved! Particular thanks to Mr Brendan Luxton, Ms Shannon Scott, Ms Mala Nair, Mr Tony Bear and Mrs Sally Jamieson for their planning, organisation and significant investment of time to make the week a notable success. Yes, there were some difficult conversations. As part of entering the Non-Compulsory Phase of Learning, students do need to take on greater responsibility. There is no such thing as a ‘bludge’ year or subject – all learning is important. Studying a Religion subject is agreed to at the time of enrolment; it is not possible to ‘opt out’. Commitment to following College expectations around uniform and participation is  non-negotiable. I want to see students succeed in every aspect of their schooling! 

Covid-19 Update

The Premier announced yesterday an easing of restrictions – effective Friday afternoon and into the following week. Whilst there is a resumption of school activities and parents/adults being able to enter the College grounds, the Face Mask restrictions are still very much what we have had in place for the last two weeks.

I seek parent support in communicating the need for wearing face masks. It is fair to say that there isn’t a single person who enjoys wearing a mask – students nor adults. It is concerning that our staff are asked to challenge students for not adhering to this Health Directive. As I have stated previously, I do not wish to see this happen for the staff, nor any student involved.

If there is an exemption in place, advising me of this reality will avoid situations where students are challenged unnecessarily. No specific details are required, but rather legitimate reasons as expressed by a parent acting on valid information. A medical certificate certainly assists with this, and parents are able to provide if they deem appropriate. Privacy would be maintained at all times.

If a student is not wearing a mask, our staff will ask the student to attend to this. If there has been communication about an exemption, only class teachers are likely to be made aware. If the student does not have an exemption, they will need to put their face mask on immediately and without resistance. Should there be persistent non-compliance, we will contact parents and seek your support.

The College has a limited supply of face masks, but where needed one will be supplied.

Please email any information regarding an exemption to scornubia@bne.catholic.edu.au

Later in the Newsletter, an outline of updated restrictions is provided. Please take the time to read.

Covid-19 Update

Deputy Principal's News

Unfortunately, due to the uncertainty around COVID restrictions the decision was made to postpone the Public Speaking Competition next week and it will now be held in Term 4.  Once the new date is confirmed we will let the community know.

2021 Early School Leavers Survey

Assistant Principal Religious Education News

Year 7 Retreat Days

Retreat Days are an important component of life at the College, where students get to focus on their Spiritual development.  They are a day of liturgy, reflection, dialogue, games and activities. 

The Year 7 Retreat Days will be held in the next two weeks:

27 August - Year 7 Retreat Day for Classes 7.1 – 7.4 – facilitated by College Staff

31 August – Year 7 Retreat Day for Classes 7.5 – 7.7 – facilitated by College Staff

The Retreat is an integral part of our College curriculum and so I ask that you support us with making sure that students are in attendance on the day.  It will be a tremendous day and certainly one good for the soul.

Students may wear their sport uniform on the day.

Year 8 Retreat Days

Dues to Covid restrictions, the Year 8 Retreat days have had to be rescheduled.  I am busy trying to find suitable dates for these Retreats.

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal

This appeal is now on, after being interrupted by the recent lockdown.  We are accepting donations for this appeal every morning in PC time.  All money raised goes to our local St Vincent De Paul conference – helping people in our local community.

God Bless

Michael Boyle

2024 Enrolments

Campus Minister News

Service Learning

Homelessness Week occurs 1-7 August each year in Australia, it is a week to raise awareness of the impact of Homelessness on Australia.  In Australia 116,000 people experience homelessness on any given night. Chisholm Catholic College supports the work of St Vincent de Paul and Rosies; two organizations which work tirelessly to improve the lives of vulnerable people.

Our support for Rosies happens throughout the year with students in Yrs. 11 & 12 volunteering to be part of the Rosies Student Engagement Program.

Our trained students and staff work with a local Rosies Team, providing company & connection as well as food and drinks to vulnerable people who are currently experiencing homelessness   This brings to life the Rosies Mission of Sharing Friendship.

By volunteering, our students' and staff lives are enriched as evidenced by this recent student reflection:

‘To me, Rosies was an experience where I truly learnt what generosity means. Before Rosies, I thought generosity was simply helping people with an ulterior motive. However, after this experience, I learnt it was so much more.

This is because now, generosity means someone who is more than happy to give their time to help others, food, kindness, or whatever someone is in need of. Generosity is a quality that someone learns, and for that, it’s like honesty and patience. So that is what volunteering with Rosies taught me, although it may seem like a small thing learned, to me it meant everything. ‘

Other students have described the experience as making them feel and act with gratitude for what they have in their own lives.

Rosies

Assistant Principal - Curriculum News

During Week 5 the Year 10s undertook the SET Planning process where they chose subjects for Year 11 and Year 12.  This would have to be one of the highlights of my year discussing with students and their families plans and dreams for the next few years.  The students had a large amount of time devoted to this process throughout Term 2 and 3 STRETCH lessons.  When students engaged fully with the process, both the students and families found the meeting enjoyable. 

As we move into the process of choosing subjects across the junior school it is important to note the importance of doing subjects you are good at and subjects which you enjoy.  Having further discussions to explore the activities young people like to be involved in and analysing the different jobs that could be linked is the best way to explore careers.  Further discussions can then follow with how to reach these careers with what qualifications and therefore which subjects.

For example, if someone likes to be outside and physical then exploring a career that involves being in a laboratory all day is unlikely to be satisfying.  The opposite also applies for someone who does not like the sun and physical work, it is unwise to pursue a pathway such as plumbing that would be outdoors and physical.

Please note that Year 12 Mock exam blocks and expectations have been shared with students and families for Week 9 of this term.  The learning from these papers will help shape study in the weeks leading up to the External Exam block starting in week 4 of next term.  Further information will be forthcoming from the QCAA in regard to the movement of the EKKA show holiday.

The Year 11 exam block has also been shared along with expectations.  This exam block is important as it is the end of formative assessment for Year 11’s.  While Unit 1 and Unit 2 contribute to QCE credits, assessment in Unit 3 and Unit 4 will contribute to ATAR calculations for eligible students.

Study Fit #4 – Planning for Time

Assistant Principal - Staff and Students News

RUOK Day – Thursday 9th September

Our community will recognise the power of conversation and “Friendraising” on Thursday, 9th September when we engage with RUOK Day.  Our Student Support Leaders and Committee are planning some great activities for our students and staff.

Students will need cash on this day.  There will be cupcakes for sale for  $1.50 as well as Kit Kats for $1.50 with the intention for students to stop, take a break, check in with their mate and have a conversation.  We will also have Chisholm Post Cards that students can send to a relative or friend who may be remote or in lock down.  The post cards are free, however students will need to bring $1 for a postage stamp.

PC Teachers will be utilising some fantastic resources from RUOK organisation to raise awareness of mental health and the positive influence and support of friends.  Another Friendraising initiative is for our students to send a post card to a family member/loved one who may be in need of a ‘check in’. 

Thank you to our Guidance Counsellors who will be making stress balls with our students and also RUOK Chatter boxes during lunchtimes.  Details of these activities will be made available through the student notices.

We ask our students and staff to wear yellow on this day.  This is not a fundraising initiative – it is friendraising. 

Unexplained Absences from School        

Chisholm Catholic College is expected to account for all student absences and as such, we require our parents/legal guardians to ensure that all absences are entered via the Parent Portal or BCE Connect App.  We understand that this may be forgotten from time to time and for this reason an SMS is sent on the morning of a student’s absence.  We ask please that our parents/legal guardians action this by contacting the College to explain the absence or entering the reasons via the Parent Portal/BCE Connect App. 

Special Report from School TV: COVID Fatigue and Youth Mental Health

As our nation remains to be on alert and in various stages of lockdown and restrictions continue to be mandated, the COVID pandemic is having a great effect on our young people with many paying a heavy emotional and developmental price. Psychological disorders are on the rise and emergency interventions have skyrocketed. 

As hard as it is being a young person today, it’s also draining being the parent of one. It has been reported that many parents are struggling to keep their child’s mental health afloat, often proving it is difficult to juggle parenting responsibilities whilst at the same time providing much needed emotional support for their children.

Unlike the coronavirus itself, the emotional blowback of the pandemic cannot be vaccinated away. Psychologists are seeing more depression and anxiety across all age groups, but in adolescents it seems to be on steroids, with some choosing to self-medicate using alcohol or other drugs. When they look into the future now, they’re looking at one that wasn’t what they envisioned before.

This School TV report explains the current state of youth mental health in a post-COVID era and offers guidance on how best to support young people today. Here is the link to your special report.  I encourage every parent to engage with this.

Middle Years Learning Leader

Pat-R and Pat-M Testing

On Tuesday, 24th of August and Wednesday, 25th of August, all Year 7 to 10 students will be sitting their ACER Pat-R (Reading) and Pat-M (Mathematics) tests. The PAT - Progressive Achievement Tests - are performed each year to monitor the reading and numeracy growth of our students. To complete the test, students will be required to have a charged laptop, pen or pencil.

The schedule is outlined below:

Please note that there will be catch up sessions if students are absent on the day of the test.

Chis Culture News

Two reasons why you should consider a Creative Arts subject for your child

I think it would be fair to say that one of my frustrations as a Creative Arts teacher is the conversation I often have with students around this time of year as they look ahead to their 2022 subject choices. Students, even as young as Year 7 remark, ‘I don’t want to be an actor, so I don’t need to study Drama’. To which I reply something along the lines of, ‘Well unless you’re going to be a Mathematician, why are you studying Maths?’

At Chisholm Catholic College, I am fortunate enough to lead a team of passionate and dedicated teachers across the subjects of Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Art. The Creative Arts department aims to help students grow in their sense of self, their understanding of the world and their ability to express ideas and values, now and in the future.  We do this by promoting a sense of family, faith and fellowship, developing passion through creative freedom, teaching life-long skills and collaborating to empower students to see the change that they can make in our world. It gives us joy to walk into a Visual Art class and listen to a student explain how they are experimenting with different materials to solve a problem they are having with an artwork or wander into the Dance room and see students collaborating on a performance which expresses an issue close to their hearts.

Within the Creative Arts department we have worked especially hard over recent years to ensure that students have a holistic education with a range of opportunities to harness new skills both inside or outside of the classroom so it is incredibly disappointing when students still don’t grasp that the immense skills taught within Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Art can lead them to any career path of their choosing. Here are two reasons we believe students should consider studying a Creative Arts subject:

Transferable skills

Generation Z is the first generation that’s grown up with digital products heavily integrated into their lives, the upside of this is that they are primed for constant change, and this is reflected in their future career decisions, of which they will have many. This means that students will need to have a tool kit of transferrable skills to take with them when they leave school. Organisational skills, empathy, time management, flexibility, critical thinking and problem solving are just a few of the many transferrable skills students learn every day in the Creative Arts subjects. Whether it be through experimenting with different materials to create an artwork or working in groups towards a performance. To put it simply, Creative Arts subjects give students an advantage in any field, even the fields that don’t exist yet!

A wide range of 21st century skills which are needed in the future; We need creative thinkers in our world. We need people who have the ability to find creative solutions to the tough problems. The ability to look at problems from different angles, think outside the box and who can clearly communicate their ideas. To quote the Drama Senior Syllabus “The arts are an intellectually engaging intersection of lateral thought and practice. They interrogate the human experience and challenge our understandings by encouraging and provoking alternative ways of seeing, thinking and doing. They enable us to know and observe our world collectively and as individuals. They reveal a sense of who we are and might become as we make connections and new meaning of the world around us and our place in it” (QCCA Drama Senior Syllabus, 2019).  I think it is important for us to consider just how essential the Creative Arts are in our world and how the study of these subjects help us to create holistic people who are critical thinkers and have creative minds. 

Balance of subject choices

Having a variety of subjects across your senior schooling can be beneficial to students. Year 11 and 12 can be a stressful time for students for a number of reasons, a step up in academic rigour, the want to take on hours at a casual job so they can save for a car or formal attire and finding a work life balance. By electing to study a Creative Arts subject that they enjoy students’ stress levels could be reduced as one (or more) subject/s within their timetable encourages them to be active, creative and expressive through composing music, experimenting with materials, role playing or choreographing. These activities can offer a break in routine, a chance to work collaboratively with others and a deeper connection to the curriculum.

In addition, an important consideration in a balanced senior load is the external exams which fall within a few weeks of each other at the end of Year 12. Some exams are worth up to 50% of a students’ final grade. This could potentially be a very stressful end to a senior course if multiple subjects heavily weigh on exam success. General Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Art exams at the end of Unit 4 (Year 12) are only worth 25% each, that means that the final exam is only worth one quarter of the overall mark; meaning that each assessment piece along the way (in which students are given consultation time and feedback from their teachers) is accumulatively worth more than the final examination at the end.

Here are some additional resources for you to check out:

• Year 10 Students - QTAC
• Choosing your senior school subjects doesn't have to be scary. Here are 6 things to keep in mind (theconversation.com)
• If you have any questions about any of the Creative Arts subject offerings from Year 7 -12 please contact me via email tgriffey@bne.catholic.edu.au or to find out more about the various pathways where the Creative Arts can lead your child please contact our Pathways Program Leader, Mrs. Shannon Scott, via email sshalhoub@bne.catholic.edu.au

Sport News

Athletics Carnival

Our Athletics Age Champions and Runners-up were presented with their certificates during our “virtual” Assembly last week, as well as our 2021 Ironman and Ironwoman. Unfortunately, these outstanding athletes may or may not get a chance to showcase their skills at an Inter-school Athletics Carnival this year – we’ll just have to wait and see what’s in the cards…

SECA Winter Season Two

This term students competed in Season Two of the SECA Inter-school Winter Sports Competition, in a range of different sports and activities across Southern Brisbane and Logan. Our teams were able to enjoy the first two full days of this season, before things were unfortunately cancelled due to the recent lockdown. Once again, Chisholm teams were able to secure a range of Premierships across the competition, including:

All SEDA Teams who won their Division A competitions across Seasons One & Two will now move on to compete in the SEQ Metro Finals, against other top performing schools from their respective districts. Congratulations to all our teams and good luck with the upcoming competition.

Coming-up in Sport

Unfortunately, there is still no word on how things will proceed for the remainder of this term, or indeed remainder of the year, pending the outcome of the next update from the State Government. At this stage the SEQ Metro Finals are still going ahead, due to commence Round One next week. This year, we have seven teams who have made it through to the finals. Congratulations to the following teams:

Basketball

Open Boys

Open Girls

Year 10 Boys

Netball

Year 9 Girls

Year 7 Girls

Football

Year 8 Boys

Year 7 Boys

SEDA News

During the June/July holidays our Chisholm QISSN team competed in 2 days of competition against other schools from all over QLD. Although the competition was cut short the girls represented the school extremely well and should be very proud of their efforts. During each game the opposing teams coaches voted for who they believed to be the MVP for each game, and we are proud to announce that the Most Value Player overall for Chisholm Catholic College was awarded to Caitlin Edwards.

Given the current covid situation not a lot of sport has occurred over the last two weeks. Unfortunately, upcoming sporting events are on hold until we receive further information. More communication from the College will be provided in the coming weeks.

VET News

What does VET offer?

Vocational Education and Training (VET) focuses on providing practical skills for work, allowing graduates to:

• join the workforce for the first time
• re-join the workforce after a break
• upgrade skills in their chosen field
• move into a different career
• enter higher education.

VET may be completed off-the-job in education institutions such as TAFE institutes and private providers, but also forms a significant part of apprenticeships and traineeships, where VET qualifications are completed alongside paid employment in a real workplace environment.

What does VET involve?

It might be fair to say that VET courses tend to focus more on providing occupational skills, whereas University courses are better known for focusing on theory and professional career paths. Of course, there are many exceptions to this simple statement due to VET covering such a wide range of courses and qualifications.

VET courses cover the following areas:

• basic life skills such as literacy and numeracy training (pre-vocational training or foundation studies, for example)
• Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships
• basic vocational skills for particular occupations (floristry or automotive, for example)
• semi-professional vocational training (business advertising or occupational health and safety, for example).

VET courses require students to complete "off-the-job" study at their training provider and institution-set assessments throughout their training to demonstrate that they have achieved the required skill levels.

Most VET courses are part of national training packages, which are updated regularly in consultation with relevant industry bodies. They also follow the same framework wherever you study them, with all students required to meet the same "competencies" in order to gain their qualification. So, if you need to move interstate during your course, you can transfer your credits to an identical program at a different organisation. This standardised, competency-based system also makes it easy to progress to higher-level qualifications (often with credit) and, in some cases, gain your qualification when the required skill level is achieved rather than over a set number of years.

While individual institutions are required to meet these national standards by following the competencies and guidelines outlined in each training package, they have the ability to deliver the training as they see fit and in their own timeframe.

VET courses differ from University degrees because of their practical focus, shorter completion time and lower cost, but they also offer a lower qualification level than a degree, so be sure to check what level of qualification is required to enter your intended occupation.

Types of VET courses

Certificate I-IV

These courses provide introductory skills and training, delivering industry-specific knowledge and skills in communication, literacy and numeracy, and teamwork. They vary in length from six months to two years.

Diploma

Diplomas prepare students for industry, enterprise and paraprofessional careers. Some diploma courses can be completed at University level as well as at RTOs. Diplomas typically require one to two years of full-time study.

Advanced Diploma

An advanced diploma provides a high level of practical skills for advanced skilled or paraprofessional work in areas such as accounting, building design and engineering. Some advanced diploma courses can be completed at university level. Advanced diplomas vary in length from eighteen months to two years of full-time study.

Vocational Graduate Certificate/Diploma

The vocational graduate certificate and diploma are the equivalent of the higher education graduate certificate and diploma. They provide high-level employment-related skills and knowledge. The graduate certificate usually requires six months to a year of full-time study, and the graduate diploma usually requires one to two years of full-time study. There are not many of these courses on offer, but those that are available are usually offered in areas such as business, education and technology.

VET Pathways

One of the great things about VET is its pathway network. VET qualifications provide an excellent basis to enter the workforce, but also provide you with a base to progress to higher-level qualifications. With the VET sector renowned for its accessibility, it is quite possible for students to enter into a certificate course and then progress to a diploma, advanced diploma or bachelor’s degree by working their way up from qualification to qualification. You may even be granted credit for previous studies, cutting down the time required to complete a higher-level qualification.

Where are VET courses offered?

VET courses are offered through both public and private Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) — most commonly through TAFE institutes and private providers. They are also offered through schools, industry bodies and adult and community education centres. Chisholm Catholic College is a private RTO, and we have a range of VET courses on our scope. These are offered to our students free of charge and is embedded in their senior timetable.