Student Initiatives
- National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
Our Student Council, known as “Student Voice” are promoting the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on Friday 18 March. Students are encouraged to wear something that is orange to show that they also support this cause. On Monday I spoke to a number of grades about bullying and what really constitutes bullying. Bullying is repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more persons. Allegations of bullying are taken extremely serious at our school and all reports of bullying are investigated fully. We have an online form that students know they can use to report bullying as well as any other matters of concern. Unfortunately many often misinterpret childish and immature behaviour as bullying. The key word in the definition above is that the behaviour must be repeated and it is a misuse of power. Our students are encouraged to stand against bullying. Why not take some time to talk about this important topic with your child.
- Easter Baskets for Hospitals
Our Faith and Community Captains are putting a basket into each Pastoral Care class. They would love to see these filled with chocolates eggs so that we can bless people in hospitals. It would be lovely if each child in Secondary brought something to put into the basket.
Study Skills
On Monday 29 February, Elevate Education held 3 separate sessions with each of our Senior grades and took them through a series of study skills techniques. We encourage our Seniors to become independent learners and the skills they learned through these seminars should help them greatly. Elevate Education will be coming back to the school later in the year to do some follow up sessions as well. The general feedback from students is that these seminars are really helpful.
Plus Fitness Winners
On a recent Assembly there were 2 winners of annual memberships to Plus Fitness per year level from Years 9-12 announced. These are
- Year 9: Joshua Bull and Nathan Bahr
- Year 10: Aaron Lerch and Jayde Curtis
- Year 11: Courtney Hughes and Lachlan Kelly
- Year 12: Holly Dodwell and Lachlan McCaig
Josie Robertson, manager of Plus Fitness, Beerwah presented the awards and also spoke to the students about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and in particular keeping fit. The school thanks Plus Fitness for their generosity and we hope these students are able to take advantage of this award.
Planning a holiday during School time?
Our College believes in using the entire term time to teach our academic and we endeavour to assess right until the last day of school. As a general rule, we do not have “wind-down” days. It is therefore imperative to avoid taking students out of class early to extend their holiday break. This is particularly so for Senior where assessments are externally moderated and hence it may not be possible for students to sit exams at alternative times.
Coming Up…
Reports are on their way
Our interim reports will be sent out early in the holidays. Staff will grade students on their current effort and conduct as well as giving a grade on their term 1 work to date. They will also indicate if they would like to meet with you for a Parent-Teacher Interview.
Parent Teacher Interviews – 12, 13 April
Please feel free to book interviews with staff. Bring your child too. This is a great way to get to meet your child’s teachers. The best education is where teachers and parents work together to support the student. So bring them to the interviews and let them see that we are all in this together to support and encourage them to achieve their best. If your child is considering a subject change then Parent Teacher Interviews are a great opportunity to talk to staff about your concerns. Please note that subject changes must be made prior to the end of Week 2.
Interhouse Cross Country – New Date! Friday, 15 April
The Interhouse Cross Country is shaping up to be a huge event. House spirit is strong and there appears to be some extreme competition among staff and students. I’ve heard that quite a few staff have laid down the gauntlet to challenge the students as well. Please feel free to come and support. Note that the Cross Country Carnival is only on during the middle session of the day. Please support the College and ensure your child attends and participates to the best of their ability. The Carnival is a compulsory part of the College program.
Term 2 Uniform
Term 2 is the start of winter uniforms for students. This is explained on our website under “College Life”. It is important that boys tuck their shirts in and wear their ties. Please check the Uniform Policy online. In Week 1 we will also have a hair inspection day. The trend at the moment of shaving the back and sides of the hair and leaving the top long unfortunately is not allowed under our uniform policy. Therefore please be careful when allowing students to choose their own hairstyles as they may not be allowed at school.
Year 10 Work Experience – Week 2 of Term 2
Early next term the Year 10 students will be completing their work experience. This is a great opportunity for them to explore a career as well as get valuable experience working in an industry.
As we head into the Easter break, I’d like to thank parents for their support throughout this term. I trust you have a wonderful Easter period with your family as we remember the sacrifice that was made at Calvary. Term 2 is an 11 week term and already is filled with activities. It’s going to be really exciting!
David Heyworth, Head of Senior School