2023 Term 3 Week 1

Upcoming Events

Principal's News

Welcome Back!

I extend a warm welcome back to all students, families and staff for Term 3! The holidays offered a chance to reflect and reset. It is important that a positive start is made and maintained.

In past years, we referred to Term 3 as the ‘championship quarter’. This was in light of the previous OP system and the demands held during this Term. Nonetheless, this sporting analogy remains relevant when we consider that after six months of learning, all students should be well established and now seeking to improve. Each student needs to come prepared with goals for how they are now going to extend themselves; seeking to improve on their current efforts.

Parents/carers, there should be no surprises when Semester 1 Reports are released next week. I ask for your support in progressing your students’ efforts. An effective way is to take an interest in your child’s learning. Homework is often misunderstood; we really should start calling it what it is – strategies that encourage success with learning. It is a combination of revision and preparation. Setting some time to review the learning from that day is crucial, not just to do homework. You can ask them to talk you through what they learnt that day, demonstrating that you care about their learning may only take 10 minutes of your busy time, but the impact is far greater than you may initially realise. I am not advocating an environment that increases ‘stress’ or ‘pressure’. In fact, another key point for success is consistency of routines.

Yes, it is also very important that time is taken each day to focus on health and wellbeing, for example, to go for that family walk, to have dinner with family and to complete set chores.

In a few weeks we celebrate effort and achievement from Semester 1, celebrating the Scholars’ Assembly. You will be invited and I look forward to seeing many parents/carers attending, either online or in-person. We want to acknowledge our students and deservingly so.  

Mobile Phones in Schools

Last week, all State Education Ministers agreed that by 2024 mobile phones would be ‘banned’ in schools. The below article from The Courier Mail last Friday, is one of many reports over the last week.

This news will no doubt result in a mixed response from students and parents/carers – across the nation. Chisholm Catholic College has long held a ban on the use of mobile phones whilst at school. It is for right reasons that this was implemented, though we have been challenged by both students and parents at times. To sustain these ‘right reasons’ I ask that parents/carers avoid communicating with your child during the school day. One reason we frequently hear is that there was need to pass on a message, for example, a change to their mode of getting home that afternoon. In the first instance this could be seen as an understandable reason; however, the reality is that we would then experience further communication that encourages greater mobile phone use during the day. A phone call to Student Reception is the preferred mode for passing on any message.

Last Term, I indicated that we would be reviewing our Mobile Phone Policy. This is more so to look at how the technology could be used to support learning. In the interim, there are no changes to the expectations we have. In summary, if seen out and/or being used during school time, including lunch breaks, mobile phones will be confiscated.  

Collaborative Planning Day and Pupil Free Day

We have previously advised parents/carers that there would be two (2) Collaborative Planning Days that the staff of Chisholm Catholic College will engage in during Term time in 2023.

These days are:

• Wednesday, 1^st March
• Wednesday, 16^th August

Subsequently, it is a Pupil Free Day on Wednesday, 16^th August. However, If your student requires supervision on the day, please contact scornubia@bne.catholic.edu.au.

A further Pupil Free Day is scheduled for all schools on Friday, 1^st September.

Welcome and Congratulations!

We welcome the following staff to the College:

• Mr Ethan Allen
• Mr Christopher Cooper
• Mr Christopher Thrupp
• Mrs Megan McVeigh – replacing Ms Cathy Hegarty who is on leave

We also welcome back from leave:

• Mrs Jessica Walsh
• Mr Leon Geissler

Congratulations to Mr Brendan Taylor and Mr Bryce Lalor – both celebrated the birth of daughters over the holidays. Also, congratulations to Mrs Cassandra Irvine who became a grandmother.

God bless,

Damian

Deputy Principal's News

Semester 2 - Setting Up for Success

In Focus - Uniform

Welcome back to Semester 2.  I hope everyone has been able to have some time to relax, have fun and re-fresh.  The start of the semester is a great time to re-focus and kick some of the bad habits that might have crept in so far this year.  Wearing the uniform properly is an easy area to get right, however, it sets an important tone for one’s approach to learning. 

Chisholm Catholic College’s strong culture is reinforced by its high uniform standards. By wearing the uniform correctly and with pride, students are acknowledging that they are part of the community of which they are justifiably proud and continue to build a legacy of excellence started by the founding members of the College. As such, students are expected to wear the uniform as intended.

Uniform Infringements

A uniform is more than just items of clothing. It is a connection, a sense of belonging, a culture, an identity. When a student is out of uniform at Chisholm Catholic College, they are referred to the uniform room. Students with documented legitimate and extenuating circumstances will be managed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with families, the Pastoral Leader, and the College Leadership team. Students who do not present to the College more than once in the full and correct uniform and are without a documented, legitimate, or extenuating circumstance will be issued with a breach. Students will not be permitted to attend their classes until the infringement is corrected and will be offered an alternative location on the school grounds where they can access their learning or may be sent home. In some circumstances, students may be offered a loan uniform item for the day to allow them to access face to face learning. Students who receive 3 or more breaches may be withdrawn from classes and families required to attend a meeting with the Principal or delegate to discuss their failure to comply with the uniform policy.

To view the uniform policy in its entirety, please follow the link below.

Uniform Policy.pdf (chisholm.qld.edu.au)

At all times, early communication with the P.C teacher or the Pastoral leader about any issues with uniform is always best.

God Bless

Assistant Principal Religious Education's News

Welcome to Term 3!  Last term, we rounded out a busy semester with our Vinnie’s Winter Appeal.  I’d like to extend a gracious thank you to everyone who supported the appeal and collected items.  This week, our Oodgeroo and Flynn house representatives will pack these and prepare them for delivery to our local St. Vincent De Paul conference and onto those who are doing it tough in our community.  Thank you again for your generous donations and support. 

In Week 1, our College community comes together to recognize and celebrate NAIDOC week.  NAIDOC week is held in the first week of July to celebrate and recognize the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to share in those histories and stories in the hope of moving towards healing and reconciliation. It is also a chance for our College to share our journey to belonging, and we look forward to welcoming those celebrating with us on Wednesday afternoon.

In the spirit of NAIDOC week, I offer this prayer written by our Year 10 student, Leilani Dobbins.  Leilani is from Mamu country.

Loving God, we thank you for unending love and guidance. May we open our hearts to you and open our minds to transformation.

As we come together to celebrate the successes, culture, achievements, and the continuing legacy of our Aboriginal and Torres strait islander brothers and sisters this NAIDOC Week we pray that all first nations people have the platforms to be heard.

 We honour all those who have fought for the rights of first nations people, especially our elders and ask that the meaning of truth and strength be revealed to us so that we may strive for unity in love. Let our history be acknowledged and told in truth for all, so that we may identify the injustices faced, and empower one another to act against them.

We pray for our Elders. May you give us the strength to do them proud. May their contribution and prominence in our communities and families be recognised and honoured.

We ask for your spirit and guidance, as we continue to build a Nation of love, respect, and change. Through your spirit, let us be leaders of a brighter future in which all voices are valued.

Amen.

Wishing you all the best for a productive and enriching Term 3.  God bless.

Assistant Principal - Curriculum's News

Year 10 Set Plan Interviews

Students and parents/carers were emailed in Week 10 of last term with login instructions and information around planning Year 11 and 12 subject selections.  These interviews will be conducted in Week 3 of this term during the day as well as on the Tuesday and Thursday night.  At this time, students and parents/carers will be given an opportunity to speak one on one with a teacher trained in pathways to make selections that will help them on their Senior journey.  This is also an opportunity to discuss career aspirations and goals heading into the Senior phase of learning. 

Year 12 QTAC Information Night

Parents of Year 12 students are invited to attend the QTAC information night held next Tuesday the 18^th of July.  This will be held in the Chisholm Centre from 5:30pm.  If your student will be applying through QTAC either for University or TAFE options post schooling, please come along to find out about the process of application and how the school supports students through these processes. 

Upcoming Commonwealth Government Census

This August our school is required to provide both student and staff data to the Commonwealth Government as part of the annual census process.  This data enables the government to determine our annual recurrent funding allocation.  Student and staff names are not provided as part of this process.  For your information, please find attached the Commonwealth Government’s privacy notice for your review and record.

Enrolments 2024 and 2025

Chis Culture News

Confraternity Carnival 2023 Review

An outstanding week of competitive Rugby League was played by the Open Rugby League team at the 43rd running of the QISSRL ‘Confraternity’ carnival.  The boys carried themselves well playing an exciting brand of Rugby League that saw the ‘Chisholm Chargers’ progress to the knock out finals stages of the Carnival for the first time in many years.  The players dug deep throughout the carnival overcoming bumps and bruises to be competitive in every games.  A highlight of the week came against St John’s Nambour being down 12 nil and coming back to win.  The strength of character shown by the boys shone through in that game in particular and throughout the week.  Well done to all players on reaching the finals.

Special mention must go to the following players who were awarded special awards for their efforts at the Confraternity Carnival:- Albert Jamroz (Spirit of Confraternity award), Zander Mann (Most valuable player), Leo Gallagher (Players player award).  We would like to congratulate all players for the way they handled the ups and downs that every week at Confro brings.

Special mention must go to the staff who joined us for the week and gave up time with their family to support the players, Mr Damen and Mr Rowles as Coaches, and Mr Glennon, Mr Burns and Mr Bottaccio who were trainers throughout the week.  Their attention to detail and enthusiasm inspired the players to perform at their best. Well done to all the coaches.

Thank you to the many supporters, parents and staff who came to watch the team this year.  We valued the support and encouragement. With over half the squad available to play again next year, we look toward 2024 with optimism. Planning and training will begin soon for ‘Confro 2024’ in sunny Townsville where we will hope to progress beyond the quarter finals.      

Dean Stevens

Confraternity Rugby League Tour Manager

QSSIN Carinval 2023 Review

Term 2 continued to challenge our Netball athletes mental and physical grit with it being their busiest season yet. Our girls competed in SECA Netball, Southside Super 7’s, Vicki Wilson Cup and then tied it all up with QISSN in week one of holidays. We saw great success at all carnivals being undefeated at both Super 7’s and Vicki Wilson and coming in a close 6^th place at QISSN. The girls were faced with a tough first day but managed to pull through with 5 wins out of 7 games, going down to Clairvaux Mackillop College in the Grand Final. It was especially awesome to see all of the supporters from Chisholm there to celebrate and cheer on our girls. A very special shout out to Naje Qualtrough- Ormsby our QISSN captain for three years in a row who was awarded ‘Most Valuable Player’ by the umpires and opposition.

As Nancy Lieberman once said “there is no substitute for hard work. If you work hard and prepare yourself, you might get beat, but you will never lose.” Even with the challenges the girls have faced at these carnivals, they continued to show up, put 100% into their training and exhibit incredible sportsmanship and leadership. They continue to transfer these skills into the classroom with impeccable behaviour, engagement, and determination. Congratulations to these young women. We are very proud of you all.”

Special mention must go to the staff who joined us for the week and gave up time with their family to support the players, Ms Edwards, Ms Goldsworthy, Ms Vergunst, Mr Bottaccio and Ms Ibell. 

Abigail Vergunst

Netball Excellence

Library News

Welcome back to Term 3. Please remember that the Library is open after school every day for homework club until 4pm. Completing homework before arriving home would be a welcome relief to parents and students alike. There is no need to sign up, just turn up and get it out of the way so when you arrive home you can spend your time with what is most important – your family.

Science Competition 2023

Year 7 to Year 12 students are invited to participate in the 2022 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools. The sitting window for science is 21 – 25 August. The exact date will be announced after registration closing date.

The ICAS Science Assessments consist of questions written by expert educators. Papers are graded to stimulate interest and learning across a wide range of abilities, including gifted and talented students. Students encounter a variety of questions on real scientific stimulus materials designed to test students’ scientific skills.

Taking part in the Competition provides students with a unique academic experience designed to challenge their abilities beyond the classroom, a greater understanding of where their strengths and areas of improvement lie, and recognition and encouragement of academic success.

The fees associated with purchasing papers and sitting the ICAS tests are paid by the Science Department.

Please forward the expression of interest to the Science Academic Leader via email to hcentkowski@bne.catholic.edu.au by Friday 14 July. For registration purposes, student’s full name and year level are required.

Community News