2023 Term 4 Week 5

Upcoming Events

Principal's News

External Examinations and Preparation for Life After School

The Year 12 external examinations have started well, with students displaying confidence and skill in showing their learning in these final exams. Students are also being provided with great assistance with preparing for life beyond school. The important work undertaken by Ms Scott (Program Leader – Pathways) and Ms Mala Nair (Program Leader – VET) to support our students is highly valued. They actively seek to support individual students with the next steps of their journey. Our best wishes and God’s blessings are especially with our Year 12 students over the next few weeks.

Being Sun Smart

I am seeing too many students without hats when arriving at school or walking to and from school, or when out and about in uniform. For many parents, the message of being sun safe has been something we have had reinforced through advertising and awareness raising – understanding that damage from the sun impacts the lives of many Australians. Unfortunately, my generation and those before me did not have this information. We do now. Therefore it is our responsibility to ensure students are reminded and informed that we as a community have no tolerance for them not wearing hats. I ask all parents to hold fast to this expectation that students have their hats on when coming to and being picked up from school or having them on when walking around when in uniform before or after school.

2024 Updates

Preparations are in full swing for the 2024 school year! Staff recruitment is well underway, considered planning for improved learning outcomes and the promotion of student success is forming, procedures and processes are being reviewed in like, and plans for the making 2024 a fantastic year are very visible. 

God bless,

Damian Bottaccio

Principal

Deputy Principal's News

Connected Classrooms

Be on Time and Prepared for Learning

For the last 2 months we have been focusing on students being on time to class and prepared for learning.  I congratulate the many students who have changed poor habits into positive habits for learning. 

Seated in Chisholm’s vision to provoke learning and driven through our FAMILY values of Ambition and coMmitment: students have recognised the need to have a solid foundation to fulfill their potential as they strive for success. 

At Chisholm Catholic College, we are committed to encouraging our students to develop an attitude of excellence towards their studies, preparing them to be lifelong learners. The beginning of classes, are an important part of instructional time during which teachers often review the previous day’s material, make connections to the current day’s learning, collect assignments and explain the next learning activity. Students who are late to class not only cause a disruption to the classroom environment, but also affect their own educational opportunities. Furthermore, developing strong patterns of punctuality will help our students to be more successful in their future job experiences.

The Late Process

• If your students are late to Pastoral Care, they sign in at Student Reception. This will be monitored.
• In class, the first 2 times students are late, the class teacher discusses student responsibilities and reason for lateness. All late arrivals will be recorded.
• 3^rd Time late in the term:
  • Students are referred to the late room at the next lunch break.
  • The class teacher will inform parents and caregivers through an email.
• 4^th Time late and ongoing lateness, in the term:
  • Students are referred to the late room at the next lunch break and an email is sent home to parents and caregivers.
  • The class teacher will discuss the late behaviour with the student at lunch.
  • Sporadic lateness that is not continuous (once every 2-3 weeks) results in a referral to the late room.
• A pattern of lateness or if a student is often late, will result in further consequences.

Date Claimer – College Awards Evening

Along with the Opening Mass, the College Awards Evening is a notable event on our calendar, demonstrating all that we value.

Whilst we will ‘live stream’ the event, there is an open invitation extended to every member of our community to attend.

The College Awards Evening is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, 15^th November. Please note on your calendars. We’d love to see you there!

Assistant Principal - Religious Education's News

There is a lot going on in the world right now, and for our students, families, and broader community, these are confronting and concerning times.

In times marked by global conflicts and strife, Pope Francis has consistently demonstrated his commitment to peace and reconciliation, offering a powerful example that holds great relevance for our school community. His response to war, driven by compassion and a fervent desire for a more peaceful world, serves as an inspiring model for our students. Pope Francis encourages us all to embrace the values of empathy, tolerance, and understanding, fostering an environment of unity and respect within our schools. His emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy, and social justice reminds us of the significance of nurturing a culture of harmony within our own context in the hope of a more peaceful world.

At Chisholm, our mission is to live as a faith filled learning community that promotes peace, pursues possibility, and provokes learning. Last week saw our last group of volunteers attend the Rosies School Outreach, embodying the Christian values of peace, hospitality, and service. The students and staff who attended the Outreach spoke highly of their experience, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Rosies in the future.  Last week also saw the teaching staff engage in an extended staff meeting focusing on Catholic Identity and its central role in the vision and mission of the College.  With a specific focus on prayer as an archdiocesan priority, our staff explored ways in which the prayer life of catholic community can invigorate the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of its people, providing space and time to stop and listen to the will of God through the Holy Spirit.  

On Friday 27^th October, Pope Francis called all faithful Christians to prayer and fasting for peace in the Middle East. I offer this prayer to God from the Synod General Assembly in the hope for peace:

“Oh God, Who cares for all, let the whole of humanity who have one origin from you, form one family, without violence, without wars and with brotherly spirit, live united in peace. Amen”

God bless.

Assistant Principal - Curriculum's News

Words of Wisdom from our Year 12 Teachers

We are well into the swing of Year 12 exams and I could not be prouder of the way our 12s have turned up ready to show what they know!  Exams can be stressful and over the year I have offered advice on how we can help our students to strive and find a balance between study and exam preparation.  This time I have asked our teachers to offer some advice around their preparation either before or in their exams. The photographs reflect collectively hundreds of hours of knowledge and wisdom.  Thank you to our Year 12 teachers who have striven to provide our students with the best chances possible.   

Year 11 Finalising Unit 2

The majority of assessment has been finalised for the Year 11 classes. Now is the time to reflect over the course of the year and how well students have travelled in their course.  It is now the time to change subjects or pathways if students are struggling with the demands of Year 11 and have not gained Satisfactory for their Unit 2 results.  After this term, students will be unable to change their subjects into Year 12.  Once in Unit 3, there is no option for any changes.  This is because Unit 3 and 4 are paired units, meaning that successful completion of one is dependent on the success of the other.  If students have any concerns about their pathways I urge them to seek guidance with either myself, Ms Scott or Ms Nair. 

Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing's News

Year 9 Activity Day 1 

Due to the cancellation of the Year 9 Camp, earlier this year, students in Year 9 are attending two Activity Days to provide them with the opportunities to develop their leadership skills and to interact with teachers and students of their core classes in a relaxed, social atmosphere.  

The first of two Activity Days was held on Thursday, Week 4, and was an overwhelming success. Students were divided in two groups, with Group 1 spending the morning at the College before heading off to Area 51 and Group 2 spending the day at Thunderbird Park in the Gold Coast hinterland.  

Group 1 participated and rotated through a number of activities organised and run by our teaching staff. The Art Workshop led by Elise Black saw students design and make mosaics with small tiles portraying College values such as love, compassion, and faith. The two other groups participated in two Leadership Challenges whereby teamwork, patience and determination were vital to be successful. It was great to see students working together to figure out how best to complete the tasks and how they celebrated their successes.  

After a quick lunch provided by the College, students and teachers made their way to Area 51 for an afternoon of climbing, balancing, sliding, and having fun with their friends.  

Group 2 spent the day at Thunderbird Park in the Gold Coast hinterland where they participated in the High Rope Challenge. This amazing challenge sees students up in the trees where they could enjoy the amazing views over the treetops whilst they overcame their fears and climbed from tree to tree.  

It’s fair to say that students returned from both venues tired and satisfied. A huge thank you to all staff members who made this day possible. Both the students and the teachers are looking forward to Day 2 where the two groups will rotate and continue on their leadership and social challenge.

PB4L 

At Chisholm Catholic College, we believe that creating a positive and respectful environment is fundamental to the educational journey of our students. Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) is not just a concept; it is a way of life within our school community.  

What is Positive Behaviour for Learning? 

Positive Behaviour for Learning is a proactive approach to establishing behavioural supports and social culture that is needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional, and academic success. It is about creating an environment where positive behaviours are reinforced and celebrated, enabling students to reach their full potential. PB4L focuses on teaching and encouraging positive behaviours, rather than simply reacting to negative behaviours. 

The Benefits of Positive Behaviour for Learning 

1. Enhanced Learning Environment:
   • PB4L cultivates a safe, inclusive, and respectful atmosphere where students feel secure to express themselves and engage in learning activities without fear of judgment or criticism. 
2. Improved Academic Performance:
   • When students feel valued and supported, they are more likely to actively participate in class, collaborate with their peers, and excel academically. Positive behaviour correlates with improved focus, leading to better learning outcomes. 
3. Social and Emotional Growth:
   • PB4L equips students with essential life skills such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. These skills not only aid in their academic pursuits but also prepare them for success in their future careers and personal relationships. 
4. Stronger Community Bonds:
   • By fostering positive behaviour, we strengthen the sense of community within our school. Students, teachers, and parents collaborate harmoniously, creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and respected. 

How We Implement Positive Behaviour for Learning at Chisholm Catholic College 

At Chisholm Catholic College, we have embraced PB4L wholeheartedly. Our teachers incorporate positive behaviour reinforcement strategies into their daily lessons, emphasizing kindness, cooperation, and respect. We recognise and celebrate students’ achievements, both big and small, reinforcing the idea that positive behaviour is noticed, appreciated, and rewarded. 

Join Us in Cultivating a Positive Learning Environment 

We invite all parents, students, and staff members to continue to actively participate in our efforts to promote Positive Behaviour for Learning as we are close to the end of 2023 and into 2024. Encourage your child to demonstrate kindness, respect, and responsibility not only in school but also in their daily lives. By working together, we can ensure that every child at Chisholm Catholic College receives the support they need to flourish academically, emotionally, and socially. 

Middle Years Learning Leader's News

Middle Years Pedagogy

Thank you for the opportunity to support our Middle Years Students, and their parents over the past 12 months. I have enjoyed my role as Acting Middle Years Learning Leader and thank you for your energy and support of my work in this important phase of learning for our students and our school. I would like to welcome back Mrs Jade Matijevic today from maternity leave and wish her a smooth transition back to Chisholm.

Passing the baton … welcome back to Jade Matijevic today

If you have any questions or concerns relating to our Middle Years students at Chisholm, please email Jade Matijevic at jpollock@bne.catholic.edu.au

WAT

Our wonderful data wall, updated now to include the Term 3 Data. It is clear to see great growth in the middle range of our data from 15-20 in Year 7.

GEM

Resilience - the ability to bounce back - is important for us as staff and for our students. Recently, I enjoyed an easy-read text – The Resilience Project – Finding Happiness by Hugh Van Cuylenburg (2019).

Hugh was fortunate to work with children in a northern Indian community and was curious to discover why despite living in underprivileged conditions, these children were remarkably positive, contented, and resilient. However, in contrast, the students he had taught back in Australia who had food, shelter, friends, and family support, struggled to be happy and lacked the ability to cope with disappointment. He set out to find the answer and came to recognise three key traits and behaviours these children in northern India possessed – gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. He suggests a daily practice of the following routine.

1. Gratitude –
   1. What are three things that went well for you today?
   2. What are you looking forward to most about tomorrow?
2. Empathy – think about someone you know who is going through or has gone through a tough time. Reach out and let them know you’re thinking of them.
3. Mindfulness – go for a walk and think about three things you can see, three things you can hear, and three things you feel. Write them down.

Van Cuylenburg (2019) suggests the daily practice of these tools helps to offer students a more hopeful and positive mindset, using these tools to live a happier and more fulfilling life. Using aspects of this daily practice this term has been a useful warm-up activity in my Year 9 RE class.

Reference: Van Cuylenburg, H (2019). The Resilience Project Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness. Penguin Random House: Australia

Thank you, Chisholm family, for your support of our Middle Years students.

Kind regards, Elisabeth

Campus Minister News

Walking Prayer

We all know the benefit of walking regularly and we know if we want to improve relationships then spending time is a good place to start. Spending time in prayer improves our relationship with God. Walking prayer combines the two. This week our staff participated in a Walking prayer after school. Be sure to leave space for silence after a prayer. Listening is the key.

We invite our families to take walks regularly using prompts like this one to pray for your family and others. 

Our prayer for all members of our College community this week is.

Psalm 136

God’s love for you never changes.

God’s love for you never falters.

God’s love for you never ends.

Have a peace filled week.

Jo-Anne Ibell

Campus Minister

2024 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

A reminder that our Year 12 students will be invited to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey starting in March 2024. The short confidential survey will ask questions about graduates’ activities since finishing school, like study and work.

Graduates can expect to be invited to the survey via a letter from the Minister for Education or an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office on behalf of the department. Please check your contact details are correct with our College and your learning account by logging into the student portal at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/

We appreciate your participation in this important survey as it helps our school improve our senior services for future students. For more info visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Enrolments 2025 and 2026

School Fees

School fees have been sent out to all families, a friendly reminder that Term 4 fees are due on 31st October 2023 unless a payment plan has commenced.

Please contact the Finance Office if you have not received your statement.

Vocational Education and Traineeships News

Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) Dedicated Job Board

MTA Queensland has introduced a dedicated jobs board, purposefully tailored to promote jobs for school students and school leavers. Click here to find out more.

Opportunities in Construction and Property Services

Matching who you are with what you do seems like a good idea, yet most people are in jobs that don't match their personal style and natural talent. MyCareerMatch will help you to:

• Discover your strengths and talents and the careers that match in the construction and property services industry
• Boost your self-awareness of your employability skills
• Use your personal content from the report to strengthen your resume
• Consider your career options with links to job information, video and training

QANTAS Apprenticeship Program

Qantas Engineering offers a variety of apprenticeships in aircraft maintenance and other trades. They offer the opportunity to train and gain experience in first class facilities to become a qualified and highly trained tradesperson. They offer a variety of apprenticeships at their Brisbane and other airport maintenance facilities. Click here to find out more about:

• Aircraft trades
• Non-aircraft trades
• Requirements
• Recruitment process
• Training
• Career development

QBuild Apprenticeships

The Queensland Government is looking for trade apprentices to join the QBuild team. Trades available include carpentry, refrigeration mechanic, electrical, painting, and plumbing across Queensland. There’s plenty of variety for a QBuild apprentice with no two days the same. One day an apprentice could work on a new build, and the next, could perform restoration or maintenance work on a heritage building. A QBuild apprenticeship offers a flexible, safe, inclusive and diverse work environment with a chance to earn income while you learn. Click here for more information.

What apprenticeships or traineeships can I do?

The Queensland Government has information that will help you find an apprenticeship or traineeship that suits your interests and the skills you want to develop:

• A-Z of apprenticeships
• A-Z of traineeships.

Once you've decided what apprenticeship or traineeship you want to do, you'll need to find an employer in that industry to take you on as an apprentice or trainee. You and your new employer will sign the training contract paperwork and get started training with your training organisation. Read how to get started as an apprentice or trainee.

Work Experience and Why it Matters

Work experience can open up your mind to the great possibilities for your career. You can learn a lot about:

• the workplace you visit
• the types of education and training required to enter different jobs
• how the job might fit within your own life.

Often parents and students think that the purpose of work experience is to assist you to obtain part-time work. But this undervalues work experience as a program to help you explore, develop and refine your career aspirations. So how do you get the most out of work experience? Read about a few points you could consider:

• Be informed
• Be prepared
• Start now
• Be resilient
• Be involved

Spend your Gap Year as a Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to:

• Explore a range of jobs (gain work experience)
• Help you make new friends and contacts (expand your network)
• Improve your social, relationship and communication skills
• Increase your confidence and boost your self-esteem
• Keep you healthy, physically and mentally
• Add to your resume
• Help you learn new skills
• Connect to your community
• Develop effective team skills
• Gain a sense of well-being and fulfilment

Explore the following websites:

• Volunteering Queensland
• Go Volunteer
• Seek Volunteer
• Volunteer with the Red Cross in Queensland

Free TAFE for Year 12 Graduates

To support Queensland's Year 12 graduates to successfully transition to employment, the Government is offering fee-free TAFE in high priority qualifications. The training is available through a range of Certificate III level vocational education and training (VET) courses as well as apprenticeships and traineeships. View the courses offered by TAFE Queensland and the full list of high priority qualifications is available on the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training website.

Current Opportunities

Apprenticeships Queensland

To view all vacancies for AQ please go to Apps QLD (jobreadygateway.com.au)

Stefan Hair Fashions

Stefan are excited to announce full time hairdressing apprenticeships for 2024 are now opened for interviews. They are currently taking registrations for interviews starting in August through to November this year. All successful applicants will be starting on a casual basis prior to Christmas as Salon Assistants and will begin full-time apprenticeships in January 2024. They would love for any interested graduating Year 12 students or potentially Year 11 students to register for one of the Interviews Sessions via their website https://www.stefan.com.au/pages/careers

Calling 2023 Year 12 School Leavers

Kick start your career by undertaking a BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Finance)

Successful completion of the traineeship provides you with the sustainable, practical skills to work in many administration and business roles which you will be placed in during the term of your traineeship (State Government and/or Corporate).

Trainees will have a finance focus specialising in SAP Software.

This opportunity is open to First Nations candidates only (verification of Indigeneity required with applications). Please see flyer below.

Launch into Health and Community Care Jobs Expo

Wednesday 29^th November 10am – 1pm

Twin Rivers Centre 104 River Hills Road Eagleby

Please see flyer below.

Queensland Academy of Technology

Please see below individual flyers for students who may be keen on exploring Childcare or Hospitality.  To view the QAT Information Pack please click this link.

Powerlink Pty Ltd

2024 Administration Traineeship opportunities are now available these positions are aimed at adults and year 12 students. Below is the link to their advertised position. Applications close on Sunday 5^th November 2023

Administration Trainee - 12 month Business traineeship program (powerlink.com.au)

KFC Employment

KFC, a brand synonymous with deliciousness, has mastered the art of creating a crave-able customer experience and perfected the recipe for a happy and engaged workforce!

Ready to savour success – to apply for jobs please go to Apply for a Job to Work at KFC | KFC Australia They are recruiting now.

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” – Carl Bard

SEDA News

SEDA News

Greetings SEDA students, Parents and Guardians. Welcome back to Term 4, 2023.

In the coming weeks we will look to organise uniforms for 2024. Please be checking the daily notices and emails regarding times, when and where your fittings will be.

Football

Recently, Chisholm had three of our SEDA Football students compete at the Males  and Females FFA National Youth Championships in Sydney. This is the highest level of junior competition in the football calendar year. Gabby Foster, Chase Fisher and Isaac Cookson represented Queensland in the weeklong tournament which is used for talent identification for future U17 squads to compete in the Asian Federation and World Cups. Unfortunately, both the Queensland teams lost close games in the grand finals, where Gabby sustained an injury, we are wishing her a speedy recovery. Well done!

OurYear 7 and 9 Boys' teams recently had the privilege of hosting Cav Rd State High School. These matches were characterized by a high level of competitiveness, with a particularly noteworthy moment in the Year 9 match as Liden Tregea executed a remarkable last-minute equalizing goal from a goal kick, resulting in a final score of 5-5. The games were played with sportsmanship and a positive atmosphere, culminating in an excellent conclusion to their respective seasons. We’re also planning and confirming other friendlies for our other teams against Livingston College.

Basketball

Over the past month, Chisholm has actively participated across various age groups in the CBSQ Tournaments. While our outcomes have been diverse, it has been a delightful experience observing the remarkable sportsmanship, unwavering enthusiasm, and the unyielding determination of our athletes being put to the test. Every participant can take great pride in their efforts and contributions to the competition.

I would also like to give special thanks to Hosea Jones, who for most of the year has taken lunchtime training sessions for our female junior team. Well done!

Rugby League

The preparations for the 2024 Confraternity Rugby League Competition have commenced with the initiation of our Pre-Season activities. Currently, we consistently witness an impressive turnout of 28-32 students actively participating in training sessions, all eager to earn their place in the team. At this stage, our primary emphasis lies on enhancing the team's fitness levels and nurturing a positive team culture.

Remarkably, we have identified a select group of students who are demonstrating exceptional performance during the Bronco, a 1.2km shuttle run. Their times are on par with the demanding standards set by NRL players, spanning positions in the backline, middle, and forward roles. This achievement reflects their dedication and hard work.  Well done, gentlemen!

Sponsorship – QISSN and Confraternity

In 2024, the QISSN Netball and Confraternity Rugby League Teams will be competing in Townsville. We are seeking support from individuals or businesses from within our College or local community, to support the College and students with the costs involved. Please contact scornubia@bne.catholic.edu.au for information on the sponsorship packages.

Libray News

This term, the students in Years 7 and 8 are continuing their L.O.R.A.X. lessons under a new format. Each fortnight they participate in a rotation that focuses upon literacy using different learning styles. This gives students the opportunity to improve lifelong learning skills they will require as they continue their learning journey. This week 7.2 visited.

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Chis Culture News

On Friday 20^th October, the College community celebrated Creative Arts Night for 2023! Melaleuca was taken over by the Visual Art Exhibit and performance stage which saw art works and performances from over 250 students across the Creative and Performing Arts Department.  

The Visual Art Exhibition, opened by Councillor Miriam Stemp, offered the opportunity for audiences to engage with a range of artworks created by students in Year 7-12 across curriculum classes and co-curricular Art Club. The audience pondered the visual representations of Chisholm students’ inner reflections of themselves and the world around them. Guests also contributed their votes to the People’s Choice Awards. Whilst the winners will be announced at Assembly this week, we’d like to congratulate the finalist list of those in the running:

People’s Choice Award – Junior:

• Charlize Wilson (Yr 10)
• Madison Fealy (Yr 10)
• Grace D’Castro (Yr 9)
• Marley Dennis (Yr 9)
• Alexis Powell (Yr 8)
• Mayah Ryan (Yr 8)

People’s Choice Award – Senior:

• Alex Banki (Yr 11)
• Hannah Beckett (Yr 11)
• Alice Dyer (Yr 11)
• Gee McGoldrick (Yr 11)
• Ella Siraa (Yr 11)

A further congratulations and thank you to each hardworking student who had their artwork on display. It was a wonderful showcase of each student’s talent, enthusiasm, and commitment to Visual Arts.

Later in the evening, our mainstage production began and featured the inaugural MADD (Music, Art, Dance, Drama) Showcase. This was a collaboration of the Chis-Culture ensembles and groups including One AChord vocal ensemble, Zirconia, Emerald and Garnet Dance Teams, Lunchbox Theatre, Art Club and Rock Bands. Additionally, students from across all year levels showcased the work and talent they had learnt and honed over the course of the year in their respective Creative Arts subjects. The audience was blown away by the talent that we have here at Chisholm Catholic College.

The evening concluded with an awards presentation. Congratulations to the following award recipients:

We are incredibly proud of the artistry that was on show from our students again this year and thank the College community for their support and attendance during the event.

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Community News