2023 Term 2 Week 5

Upcoming Events

Principal's News

Dear Parents and Caregivers

A very busy last fortnight we have had! 

Mother’s Day 

Belated Happy Mother’s Day to all mums, grandmothers, aunties and those who are a mother figure to children. I hope that your Sunday was filled with love, happiness and lots of hugs and kisses.  It was a pleasure to have so many attend the Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast on Friday; it was a wonderful celebration for these important people in our lives. Remember this beautiful quote: “To the world you are a mother, to your family you are the world.”  (Author unknown)

Student-Led Conferences

The Student-Led Conferences, held last Tuesday, saw many parents/carers take the opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss their child’s progress. I emphasise the need to partner in your child’s learning – attendance at these conferences should not just be about when the teacher requests a meeting. Our want is that the student-led conferences provide parents/carers with an invaluable opportunity to stop, sit and really hear about your child’s progress, even if they are doing very well. For adolescents, discussion about their learning is typically not a conversation that frequently happens organically. It is important to make the most of the time they are talking and respond with support, kindness and undivided attention. Student-led conferences are opportunities for both you and your child to connect, and feel empowered.  

Formation Days

Over the last couple of weeks our Year 7, 8 and 10 students have participated in Formation Days; tomorrow our Year 11 students will attend their Formation Day, facilitated by Project Hatch. Each day has a different emphasis, intended to target where the students are at on their journey through school and in life. I have been very impressed and proud of the engagement from many of our students. The discussions held are not easy for some; we do seek to challenge their thinking so that they can see beyond where they might be currently thinking. In speaking with a few Year 10 students, I took a segment from a quote – “… the more you put in the more you get out …” (Leo Kottke).

Spirit Week and Chisholm Day

Chisholm Day is next week. It is a very important event on our calendar, celebrating the birthday of our College’s namesake. The day commences with a liturgy in the morning and will include a recognition of National Sorry Day. We will then head to the oval for the remainder of the day to enjoy and celebrate the occasion. We will not be going into the evening this year – last year’s celebration was planned as part of our 30^th Anniversary. More information will be provided later in the Newsletter.

Parent, Staff and Student Surveys

All Brisbane Catholic Education schools will be participating in the TELL THEM FROM ME suite of surveys developed by The Learning Bar. The Learning Bar provides tools used extensively across Australia. The Student, Teacher, and Parent/Caregiver surveys will enable our College to measure and understand the factors that are known to have a direct and profound impact on well-being and student learning, including:

• Sense of self and purpose
• Catholic faith and culture
• Social, institutional, and intellectual student engagement
• Sense of belonging
• Safe and inclusive school
• Quality of instruction
• Advocacy at school and home

Specific details will be emailed next week. I ask all members of our community to please engage in this meaningfully to give us an indication of our strengths, opportunities and challenges, so we can be dynamic enough to understand quality feedback and respond to it. Many of the aspects of change in our Annual Goals this year have been taken directly from the 2022 BCE Listens Survey that was undertaken by students, parents and staff and thus do actually shape our direction.

God bless!

Damian

Chisholm Day - Friday, 26th May

Our annual Chisholm Day, the celebration of our namesake Caroline Chisholm, is once again approaching. This year, we return to our regular day time format from 8:35am-2:55pm. 

Our community begins the day with a Liturgy, to which parents and carers are invited. Our students then participate in the Chisholm Day ‘House Spirit Cup’, earning tokens for their respective House through their active participation and engagement. It truly is a highlight of the year!

We have arranged for an array of food vans for the day, and there will be plenty of entertainment to make the occasion special.

Rides will also be in operation throughout the day. This year’s list of rides and attractions includes:

• Miami Trip
• Dodgem Cars
• Round Up
• Super Slide
• Rock-Climbing Wall
• Petting Zoo

Plus, a variety of activities run by each of our Houses.

Younger siblings in the care of their parents are welcome to attend.

Ride Passes

Ride passes for students are on sale now via the Parent Portal until Tuesday, 23^rd May for a discounted $15.

Purchasing a Ride Pass will give unlimited access to all rides and the Petting Zoo from 10:15-2:15.

House points for the Chisholm Spirit Cup will be allocated to those students who pre-purchase their Ride Pass.

Ride Passes can still be purchased on the day for $20.

Single Ride Tickets can also be purchased on the day for $5.

Expectations for Chisholm Day

This is a special day for us all. Chisholm Day acknowledges our founder – Caroline Chisholm. We want you all present so that we can celebrate as a FAMILY.

• It is expected that all students attend the day. We commence the day with a recognition of our Catholic tradition.
• Unless there is a valid reason, if students arrive after 9:15am they will not be able to participate in Chisholm Day.
• Students are welcome to bring their own lunch to school with them; however, no outside food is allowed to be purchased and delivered to the College (eg. Uber Eats).
  • Our PCA will be helping out with a canteen offering a limited menu. 
• Students are asked to leave their mobile phone, ear pods and laptop in their locker.
  • No payments via mobile phones – cash or card only.
• Bags too should be kept in their locker – students only need them down if they have food inside.
• Sports Uniform is to be worn during the day including their hat. 
  

Deputy Principal News

I am excited to join the Chisholm community and though it might not be a permanent role, I look forward to working with all members of the community, to support all students in reaching their full potential. 

For many years now I have played in, coached and organised many sporting teams.  I truly believe the skills learnt from being involved in team sports are essential to life.  However, it took a while to relate these skills fully into teaching. 

Why?

Because I forgot about parents and carers.  It sounds silly but as a young teacher I didn’t realise the importance of engaging all parties in the process of education.  As a teacher I thought it was my responsibility to ensure student learning and that the role of parents and carers was relevant at reporting time.  However, I can ensure you that after over 20 years in education, I definitely preach that there is no ‘I’ in team. 

Teachers, parents and carers and most importantly, students, are all members of the team and we all play an important role in education.  Whilst we may all play the game a little differently as members of the team it is important that we all recognise the responsibilities we have as team members. We are all working for the benefit of the child and as such we need to ensure we build an environment that is based on trust, communication and positive relationships. 

I implore teachers, students, parents and carers to recognise the team environment that they operate in and understand that each member brings different strengths and responsibilities. To work as a team, all members need to act in the best interest of the common goal of a holistic education, be accountable for their responsibilities, communicate effectively, honestly and respectfully and exhibit mutual trust and cohesion.

God Bless,

Reuben Chalmers

Assistant Principal -Religious Education Mission and Community News

Student Formation.

Over the past couple of weeks, students in Years 7, 8 and 10 have enjoyed formation days here at Chisholm. Designed to encourage connection, leadership and the development of both the head and heart, students enjoyed space to consider their story, our story (the Chisholm community narrative) and the story (Jesus’ narrative).

A big thank you to the providers who have supported the day, including The Passionists and Michael Fitzgerald.  I’d like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our fabulous Campus Minister, Jo-Anne Ibell, and our amazing pastoral leaders, Mr Dean Stevens, Mrs Danielle Edwards and Ms Charlotte Goldsworthy.

On Tuesday 16^th May, we conclude our formation sessions with the Year 11s, who will step away from their busy school schedules to spend time working with Project Hatch.  Our Year 9s are expected to enjoy their formation day later in the year.

Mother’s Day Liturgy

A big thank you to our community who joined us for our Mother’s Day Liturgy on Friday 12^th May. It was lovely to see students and their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and others who act in a motherly role come together to give thanks for all that mothers are and do for us.  A special shout out to all the students who undertook roles during the liturgy and Mrs Lord, Ms Maguire, Mrs Ashen and Ms Picart whose help and organisation ensured the morning was a memorable one.

Staff Spotlight

PATRICK STORMON – TEACHER

How long have you been teaching for?

Since 2016

What are your hobbies/interests?

Reading and Running

Tell us a fun fact about you:

                                                          I have many skills, but driving isn’t one of them. 

Staff Spotlight

JENNIFER ASHEN – PA to APSS, APRE and Sport

How long have you been working for BCE?

3 terms

What are your hobbies/interests?

Drag racing, sewing, all crafts, spending time with my Grandchildren, and showing my Old English sheep dogs.

Tell us a fun fact about you:

                                                         2022 drag racing champion, Mrs Australia Contestant, Danced                                                                             professionally on tv shows

Assistant Principal - Curriculum's News

Navigating Opportunities and Inspiring Futures – Year 10 Careers Day and Career Expo Afternoon

Upcoming on the 31^st of May is our Year 10 Career Day and Career EXPO afternoon.  Parents of Year 9 – 12 students are invited to attend this event in the afternoon between 4pm and 6:30pm. See below for the afternoon schedule. 

Events such as these support students and parents with an opportunity to ask questions to get students onto their own educational pathway.

In an ever-evolving job market, finding the right career path can be a daunting task. Students of this generation will experience greater change than any previous generation – see this link for some surprising statistics  17 Remarkable Career Change Statistics To Know (2023) (apollotechnical.com).

We look forward to seeing you there.

Student Engagement Leader News

Week 6 sees the launch of the Innaugural Spirit Week! Lead and driven by our College captains, and supported faithfully by our College House and Committee leaders, and the members of the SRC, Spirit Week looks to celebrate and promote all things Chisholm. Starting Monday of Week 6, and concluding on Chisholm Day, the week will involve a number of activities for students to get involved in. Students are encouraged to pay attention to the notices and their emails for more information.

Middle Years Learning Leader News

Students in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 who were absent during PAT M and PAT R testing, will be involved in catch-up tests over the next two weeks.

This week catch-up PAT R assessments will be held. Next week catch-up PAT M assessments will be held.  

For any further information please contact

Mrs Elisabeth Lord at elord@bne.catholic.edu.au

Chis Culture News

Library News

Welcome to the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2023. The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is an annual statewide initiative for Queensland state and non-state schools and home-educated students from Prep to Year 9, as well as children (aged up to 5 years) enrolled in an early childhood centre. The PRC aims to improve literacy and encourage children to read for pleasure and learning. 

https://youtu.be/3Zvhh9SGJrs

Congratulations to the 167,000 participants from more than 940 schools and 340 centres who read a total of 2.39 million books in 2022!

The PRC is open! To register for this year’s challenge, visit the how to register page. Alternatively, visit Ms Relja or Mrs Brown in the Library. All students in Years 7-9 were emailed the kit and individual reader record.

VET News

Term 2 is in full swing here in the VET Department. Our students have continued to strive to the best of their ability in all the opportunities available internally and externally. They are a testament to the support and guidance provided by our industry-experienced educators and employers.

How knowing your values can positively impact your career:

Values shape the career choices we make, but what exactly are values and how can you identify the values that are important to you; those that will positively impact your career? 

Ask yourself, which of these values are important to you and whether there are any you want to add.  

• Adventure: To actively seek, create, or explore novel or stimulating experiences
• Assertiveness: To respectfully stand up for my rights and request what I want
• Authenticity: To be genuine, real; to be true to myself
• Caring: To be considerate towards myself, others, the environment
• Challenge: To keep encouraging myself to grow, learn, improve
• Cooperation: To be cooperative and collaborative with others
• Creativity: To be innovative
• Curiosity: To be open-minded and interested; to explore and discover
• Fairness: To be honest with myself and others
• Humour: To see and appreciate the funny side of life
• Independence: To be self-supportive, and choose my own way of doing things
• Open-mindedness: To see things through/from other’s points of view, and weigh evidence fairly
• Power: To strongly influence or wield authority over others, taking charge, leading, organising
• Respect: To be thoughtful towards myself or others; to be polite and show positive regard
• Self-development: To keep growing, advancing or improving in knowledge, skills, character, or life experience
• Supportiveness: To be helpful, encouraging and available to myself or others
• Trust: To be loyal, faithful, sincere and reliable

5 Essential Soft Skills to Develop in Any Job

Soft skills are needed in every job in every industry. Harvard Business Review has an article outlining the 5 essential soft skills they suggest that everyone should develop to succeed in the work force. Click here to read more about the following soft skills they recommend developing:

• Effective communication
• Teamwork
• Influencing without authority
• Problem solving
• Leadership
• How to translate these skills on your resume

Study & Play USA opportunities

Are you competitive in rowing, rugby, golf, tennis, cross country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, water polo, track and field, swimming, baseball, softball and want to study in USA? Study & Play USA can provide information on:

• Academic assessment
• The process
• Personalised advice & planning
• Scholarships
• Frequently asked questions

Click here to do a free assessment, book a meeting or for more information.

2023 Aviation Expo

The Aviation Australia Expo in Brisbane showcases the burgeoning aerospace industry, with a significant focus on aviation skills development, careers and employment opportunities. The Aircraft Experience Zone will once again be a major attraction, featuring a range of iconic aircraft that visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience up close. The Aviation Expo also features dozens of exhibitors from the aviation, defence and education industries who will inspire and educate visitors about how to launch into a career in aviation. It will be held on 3 June from 10am to 4pm. Click here for more information.

Fee Free TAFE

The Australian and Queensland Governments are taking action to deliver approximately 37,000 Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training places for Queenslanders in 2023. The Fee Free TAFE program, with an expanded list of qualifications and eligibility criteria, replaced the Free TAFE for under 25s program from 1 January 2023. From 1 January – 31 December 2023, eligible Queenslanders will be able to undertake Fee Free TAFE at TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity only. Click here to find out more about:

• Eligibility
• What training is available
• What's free

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Fitness Test

Many competitive applicants miss out on their ADF career opportunity because they don’t meet the pre-enlistment fitness assessment. During the application process you’ll be assessed through (1) completion of a questionnaire relating to your medical history, (2) a physical examination, and (3) a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA). During the PFA you’ll need to be able to complete a specified number of exercises. It's vital that you continue to maintain an appropriate level of fitness throughout your application process (playing school and club sport usually doesn’t make you fit enough). Are you fit to join the Australian Defence Force brochure will assist you to start preparing for the ADF fitness assessment?

Want to be a pilot in the Australian Defence Force!

The Defence Jobs website (scroll down) has information about being a pilot in the Air Force. You can find out:

• An overview of the job
• Pilot pathway
• Salary
• Services and benefits
• Full job details

You will also be able to see Explore the Air Force in 360.

Work experience program

The Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). For queries about the Defence Work Experience Program please email Defence.WorkExperienceProgram@defence.gov.au  Click here for more information on the Defence Work Experience Program including Who is it for?, Placements and How do I apply?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

There are multiple best lives we can lead and many different professions which can lead to career fulfilment. The Australian Government's Your Career has put together a great video called What do you want to be when you grow up? that aims to dispel the twelve most common myths around your future and the career decision making process.  Click here to watch this three and a half minute, video that will provide you with confidence when moving through your career decision making process.

How the work force has changed over the past 25 years - and will keep changing!

The last 25 years has been game-changing for a number of reasons. We survived a pandemic and global financial crisis, Taylor Swift released 12 albums and SEEK was born. The online employment marketplace has been connecting job seekers with job offers. SEEK has put together a list of 25 trends in the Australian workforce from the past 25 years. Click here for some key takeaways and work trends in Australia worth knowing about from the report.

Current Opportunities

Year 11 students only

Red Rock Homes are in a position to take on a school-based carpentry apprentice.  They are looking for one year 11 student who is interested in this opportunity. 

Year 12 students only

QR (Queensland Rail) Apprentice Program is open now to pre-register for the 2024 apprentice program. There are multiple opportunities across South-East Queensland, you can work towards a qualified trade role, helping Queensland Rail be ready for the 2032 Olympics. Apprenticeships on offer are Electrical, Mechanical Fitters, Telecommunications and Traction.

To pre-register please go to their website QR Apprentice Program - Pre-register at Queensland Rail | Prosple.

Police Recruiting Major Incentives for Queenslanders 

School Based Apprenticeships

• School Based – Bricklayer Sanctuary Cove – Learners Licence (P preferred) + White Card advertised through SRAS (jobreadygateway.com.au)
• School Based – Warehousing Certificate III Traineeship – Pinkenbah X 4 positions advertised through SRAS (jobreadygateway.com.au)
• School Based Parts Interpreter Certificate III Traineeship Pinkenbah X 4 positions advertised through SRAS (jobreadygateway.com.au) Automotive and Boating
• School Based – Bricklayer Loganholme - Learners Licence (P preferred) + White Card advertised through SRAS (jobreadygateway.com.au)
• School Based Apprentice Hairdresser Upper Mount Gravatt Mondays advertised through SRAS (jobreadygateway.com.au)
  

TAFE at School July 2023

Applications are still open for TAFE at School July intake. Please visit Careertools - Chisholm Catholic College (chisholmcatholiccollegecareers.com) to view what is on offer and instructions on how to apply.

Ergon Energy Network and Energex

Students are invited to attend the 2023 Apprentice Information WebEx Session. These sessions are for anyone who is considering an apprenticeship with them in 2024. You can choose to attend one of the three Sessions on offer but if the dates or times are unsuitable, they can provide you with a copy of the recorded Session.  

To Register: 

Email apprenticerecruitment@energyq.com.au

and include the Session that you will be attending: 

• Tuesday 20^th June – 6pm to 7pm
• Thursday 22^nd June – 3.30pm to 4.30pm
• Monday 26^th June – 12pm to 1pm

You will receive an email with the WebEx dial-in details the week before the Session. The Information session will include: 

• Info on the trades/apprenticeships that Ergon Energy Network/Energex offer
  • Locations of the 2024 apprenticeships
  •  Opportunity to hear from our Apprentices and Tradespeople
• Overview of our recruitment process including testing requirements

For further questions, you can contact the Apprentice Team on 1800 262 353

Careers Expo Save the Date Wednesday 31^st May 2023

Chisholm Catholic College’s careers expo is fast approaching.  Come along and speak to industry and Tertiary representatives about your careers.  Our exhibitors are: