In this issue

Calamvale: a premier institution for young minds

Calamvale Community College is pleased to announce its authorisation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, accredited to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in Prep to Year 6.

Calamvale is only the second state school in Queensland to offer PYP. The authorisation process involved a two-year candidacy period, during which the College implemented a broad range of IB standards and practices.

PYP is a framework for organising curriculum; as such, the College maps the Australian Curriculum across six transdisciplinary themes, ensuring a progression of skills and knowledge across the programme. The PYP values an inquiry based approach to teaching and learning which is student-centred – it values and develops students’ questions and curiosity, and allows our young learners to meaningfully connect their lives to the experiences of those around the world. Similarly, structured and purposeful PYP units of inquiry allow students to consolidate their prior knowledge, actively engage with new experiences, and reflect on their learning journey.

The IB advocates for education without borders; this ethos is embedded within the PYP curriculum to stimulate international sensitivity and consideration. The IB Learner Profile allow us to concretely foster transdisciplinary approaches to learning, develop students’ international mindedness, and target the attributes of learners that are valued in our College, in the community, nationally, and globally.

Calamvale has chosen to implement PYP because it provides a relevant, engaging, and indispensably global education; it values the prior knowledge, experiences, and curiosity of students and develops their capacity to contribute as global citizens. A comprehensive study conducted by Deakin University found that PYP students performed significantly better than the national average in science literacy and aptitude. ACER research also shows that IB students outperform non-IB students in key areas such as mathematics, reading, and writing.

IB PYP Co-ordinator at Calamvale, Mr Mark Smith, says the implementation of the Primary Years Programme is one of many ways that the College is investing in its young learners.

“Our teachers and students have all reported that moving towards a more inquiry-based approach has reinvigorated teaching and learning at the College. Our students are highly engaged, curious and seek to learn new skills and find the information to answer their own questions. We have a high proportion of students who have taken action in response to their learning, which already indicates to us that they are becoming more independent and can envision their roles as active learners.”

The College has welcomed guests from 3 countries in weeks 1 and 2 of Term 3

• English teachers from Saudi Arabia were visiting as part of the ‘Building Leadership for Change Through School Immersion’ Program

• Education delegates from the Kanagawa Board of Education, Japan, visited to develop their knowledge of IB and PYP

• Pre-Service teachers from National Taipei University observed class lessons and teaching methods in the secondary school

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Calamvale takes on Kokoda

CALAMVALE, 14 JULY — Calamvale Community College has once again risen to the Kokoda Challenge and successfully competed in the arduous 2018 Jim Stillman Cup.
The Kokoda Challenge is a nation-wide event that draws inspiration from the brave efforts of Australian WWII diggers to defend against an invasion of Papua New Guinea, and aims to instil the values and ethics espoused by Kokoda veterans. This year, the College nominated five teams to compete for the prestigious Jim Stillman Cup, named in honour of a 39th Infantry Battalion legend who braved Kokoda during perilous armed conflict.
Our teams, each comprising four students and one teacher, tackled an intense 48 kilometres of Gold Coast Hinterland terrain with winding trails and steep climbs. Competitors started at Numinbah Valley Hall and made their way through seven checkpoints to reach the finish at Nerang Velodrome. Overall, the Challenge drew out between 13 and 16 hours’ worth of blood, sweat, and tears from our tenacious participants. This test of physical endurance and mental fortitude enriched our students by building their resilience, focus, and teamwork skills.
Deputy Principal Sean Loriaux sees this gruelling challenge as an unforgettable experience: “Kokoda is a fantastic opportunity for our students, and willing teachers, to challenge themselves and develop their character. We look forward to further involvement in this initiative in years to come.”
The College not only assembled in numbers to carry on the Kokoda spirit, but all teams independently raised funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation, which empowers young Australians from diverse social, cultural, and need backgrounds.

CGEN 2018 – This is Me!
Calamvale Community College is immensely proud to have performed once again in Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage (CGEN), an award-winning performing arts extravaganza that showcases young talent from across Queensland. The College is one of only eight schools to have participated in CGEN since its inception, and on 13 – 14 July at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, our performers took to the stage to mark our fourteenth consecutive year.
After a highly competitive audition process, thirteen Calamvale students – ranging from 6 to 15 years of age – were offered an unrivalled opportunity to acquire new skills, build their confidence, and collaborate with like-minded peers. This year’s theme – This is Me! – signified a grand-scale celebration of acceptance, love, and all that makes us unique. This theme was powerfully conveyed to audiences through riveting performances, including a Motown Medley of six songs with Calamvale’s Hannah Rogerson (Year 10) as senior featured dancer. Her younger sister, Caitlin (Year 6), featured in four group items throughout the event. Eleven students also contributed as mass dancers in group performances that emphasised both collaboration and individuality.
This state-wide production provided its crew – comprising more than 1800 students, dedicated teachers and DETE staff members – with a timely reminder that individuality is our greatest gift. Every year, CGEN offers invaluable opportunities for students, teachers, and school communities alike. CGEN encourages all students, from diverse ability levels and need backgrounds, to unlock their creative potentials during auditions and showcase their honed talents on stage. All co-ordinating teachers and staff members are also offered the opportunity to expand their professional networks and collaborate with industry leaders. Likewise, CGEN continues to allow school communities to see their students perform with flair and flourish on an arena stage in a world-class venue.
The College’s co-ordinating teacher, Mrs Christine Knight, made an indelible contribution as CGEN Backstage Manager this year. She commended all participating students, and lauded CGEN as a tremendous opportunity and pathway into the world of professional artistry. “Year after year, this incredible program has proven to be a unique and rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

Creative Calamvale talent on exhibition

CALAMVALE, 27 JULY – Get ready for a feast for the eyes with an environmentally conscious flavour. A new Logan Art Gallery exhibition, set to open on 27 July, will feature the resourceful masterpieces of our creative Junior School Art Club students. This exhibition – crisply titled “The Birds” – will display bird sculptures made from up-cycled materials. Students drew inspiration from the positive impact of recycling and sustainable waste management on Australian birds and wildlife.
Former College Art teacher Gayle Kutuzov guided her students in designing and assembling colourful, creative, and thought-provoking sculptures. Students challenged their creative limits by designing around and experimenting with various materials, including recycled milk bottles, spray containers, old cardboard, and papier-mâché. Our junior artists brought their recycled birds to life with vibrant acrylic colours and lined pattern designs. In an attempt to capture the boundless diversity of bird species in Australia, each sculpted bird possesses different traits, physical features, and personalities.
Our students hope to inspire all visitors to appreciate the material items they use every day, and to re-imagine junk as tools for expressing creativity and craftsmanship. This exhibition aims to invoke reflection about the impact our actions have on the fragile brilliance of our natural surroundings and wildlife.
The College’s Art Club is co-ordinated by Ms April Giblin and Ms Claire Collins. Ms Giblin says that this exhibition celebrates the unmatched creativity of our College’s young artists: “Clair and I are very proud of the students – every morning they bring their positive attitudes and creative energy into the classroom. Their efforts have really shone through in their artworks; overall, they’re a great group of students that love being in the art room.”
Exhibitions at the Logan Art Gallery are open until 1 September, with free admission for all visitors.

CCC: now a world-class institution

Calamvale Community College is immensely proud and pleased to announce its accreditation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, authorised to offer students the Diploma Programme in 2019.

After a comprehensive, three-year authorisation process, the College joins over 5,000 learning organisations worldwide across 138 countries as a World School. Calamvale Community College is one of only a handful of schools across Queensland that offers the Diploma Programme.

As such, the College is pleased to offer the provision of an internationally recognised qualification that will unlock global opportunities for its most capable students.

The Diploma Programme will benefit our Senior students in innumerable and invaluable ways; they will receive university-level instruction from expert teachers, develop robust study skills, engage in multidisciplinary critical thinking, and gain knowledge from international perspectives. This programme not only expands its candidates’ academic capabilities; it is renowned worldwide for shaping students into compassionate, ethical, and erudite young leaders.

The IB Diploma is underpinned by a robust pedagogy which strengthens students’ abilities and expands their potential in three key ways. All candidates will become: knowledgeable and principled thinkers through the rigorous IB Group 1 to 6 subjects and Extended Essay (EE) project; open-minded and reflective inquirers through the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) module; and balanced and caring communicators through the Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) program.

However, the IB Diploma Programme is as intensive and challenging as it is robust – students are required to complete a minimum of 150 class hours for Standard Level (SL) courses and 240 class hours for Higher Level (HL) courses. Compulsory contact hours must be supplemented with independent learning, which requires significant dedication, effort, and perseverance. As such, enrolment into the IB Diploma programme will only be offered through the Academic Programme of Excellence (APEX) for high-achieving and gifted students.

Although the IB endorses independent learning, students won’t be on this journey alone – the College has implemented multiple layers of expertise and support to guide students through their IB years. All candidates can access teachers for subject-related matters and consult co-ordinators about the IB Core or to access counselling.

Now an IB World School, Calamvale Community College has undoubtedly become a “College of Choice” where students are afforded the opportunity to choose their own academic and future career trajectories. Whether this includes performing on stage, creating artistic works, speaking other languages, excelling in the sciences, or applying cutting-edge technologies, Calamvale Community College will be the first choice for all students.

We hope to support and work alongside our prospective IB Diploma candidates as they undertake this unique learning journey.  If you or your child is interested in the IB Diploma, please contact Administration on admin@calamvalecomcoll.eq.edu.au.

Earlier this month, fifty students from Prep to Year 12 competed in the Reading Aloud Competition, an annual contest featured in the 2018 Queensland Hanzi Character and Cultural Festival.
The term Hanzi denotes the traditional Chinese characters which comprise one of the oldest and most prolific writing systems in the world. Mastering Hanzi requires an appreciation for its intricacy and beauty, as well as a wider understanding of Chinese culture, traditions, and forms of expression.

This competition was held at the Queensland Taiwan Centre in Sunnybank and encouraged participation from both native and non-native Mandarin speakers from schools across Brisbane. All contestants were judged on their ability to correctly identify, pronounce, and intonate a range of Chinese characters.
These competitors not only showcased their language aptitude and proficiency; all students boosted their public speaking confidence and enthusiasm by performing in front of like-minded peers, staff members, and the wider community.
Junior School Deputy Principal Mandy Knudsen has commended all students and LOTE teachers on their competitive spirits: “Our students spoke confidently and well. The commitment of our staff and students is outstanding and has produced pleasing outcomes for all who participated.”
Our participating students were awarded certificates acknowledging their efforts, skills, and dedication to their learning Chinese language and culture. From the Chinese Immersion Program through to the IB Chinese Ab Initio and Literature courses, the College is committed to building the international mobility, sensitivity, and mindedness of all students.

An unforgettable ski trip

During the mid-semester break, 31 lucky students left chilly Brisbane and headed for even colder conditions amongst the Snowy Mountains for an absolutely unforgettable ski trip. This year, 23 skiers and 8 boarders travelled to Ski Rider Hotel and Perisher Snow Resort in New South Wales for seven days of pure joy. Our students were accompanied by teacher Mr Chris Paterson, Mrs Rebecca Robertson, Mr Milton Savva and family members.

The group witnessed snow falling just as they arrived on Sunday, and then experienced uninterrupted days of beautiful, blue, calm skies – perfect skiing and boarding weather. For some students, like Olivia Nason and Jasmine Smith, it was their first time seeing snow fall. For returning students like Bridjette Kedacic and Jordana Horhecz, this trip was the best one yet.

During the day, students gained new skills on the slopes, waged snowball fights, explored at their leisure. Throughout the nights, the students were kept busy with three-course meals, movies, a magician show, trivia, and a photo recap night.

One student, Samuel Best, remarked that “the 2018 ski trip has become my highlight of not just this year but my schooling life, developing connections which will continue to burn deep into the future. This ski trip has been an experience I will never forget!”

This snowy sojourn was all thanks to organising teacher Mr Chris Paterson, who undertook an arduous twelve months of planning to bring this trip into fruition. “The students were legendary throughout the week as they learnt more about skiing – and about themselves – on this life changing journey.”

 Students accepted into Taiwan Study Tour

Calamvale Community College extends its congratulations to Ms Ariel Tseng and two high-performing Year 10 students – Sabrena Kuo and Tammy Thai – who have been accepted into the 2018 STEM Taiwan Study Tour, a unique international immersion program that is funded and organised by the Queensland Government.

. A selection panel assessed student applications on a merit basis, including each student’s academic achievement in STEM subjects; their Mandarin proficiency and demonstrated interest in continuing language studies; and their capacity for ambassadorship as student representatives of Australia.

From this rigorous application process, only 2 teachers and 10 students were selected from across Queensland. The Department of Education International panel was greatly impressed with Ms Tseng’s high level of dedication she has shown to the teaching of the Chinese language and her efforts in preparing students to become global citizens. The Executive Director of Department of Education International also congratulated our students on their successful applications, remarking that the “selection panel was immensely impressed with the high level of dedication [these students] have shown to the study of the Chinese language.”

On this immersive 12-day tour of New Taipei City held in December, our students will experience school life and STEM study, travel to captivating historical and cultural locations, and visit industry precincts where they will engage with real-life STEM implementations.

Our College Executive Principal has congratulated Ms Tseng and these talented students on their acceptance into this competitive-entry program:

“Sabrena and Tammy should be immensely proud of their efforts and achievements. The College has always endeavoured to provide its students with the best STEAM opportunities, teaching, and preparation, and in this case, it has paid off tremendously.”

The College aims to increase STEAM uptake, foster active global citizens, and open international pathways for its most capable students with the introduction of International Baccalaureate programmes in the near future.

Taiwanese Artists’ Workshop at Calamvale

On Monday 16 July, Calamvale Community College welcomed three leading Taiwanese artists on campus to conduct practical workshops for our Year 9, 11, and 12 Art students.

These workshops were organised in collaboration with World Arts & Multi-Culture Inc. (WAMCI), a large and influential body that coordinates collaborative performances and activities across Brisbane. This organisation aims to stimulate, educate, and inspire through celebratory and interactive events such as the Brisbane International Arts Festival and the Taipei Puppet theatre. The College maintains a robust and productive relationship with WAMCI and as such, this workshop event was first and only one of its kind in Queensland.

Our Art students were privileged to receive instruction and critique from three renowned Taiwanese artists boasting Doctorate and Masters qualifications in Fine Arts. Students gained a wide breadth of artistic knowledge and practical skills in these workshops, as each artist mentored in a different painting form. Mr Wang Gow Chang – who maintains special interests in historiography, Chinese aesthetics, and landscape painting – focused on watercolour artworks. An ink painting workshop was led by Mr Hsiao Chu Sheng, who imparted his wisdom as a prolific artist with an idiosyncratic ink style and dry-dyeing background technique. The third workshop in oil painting was headed by Mr Liao Jih Yin – an Art Research scholar whose evocative works have featured in exhibitions worldwide.

At the end of these workshops, students entered their creations into the 218 WAMCI Arts Awards competition. Several of our young artists were recognised with awards commending their artistic achievement and workshop participation. Senior Art teacher and CAS co-ordinator at the College, Mr Peter Davis, has thanked these artists and congratulated all recognised students:

“It was a great opportunity for students to learn from international experts, broadening their perspective about cultures and artistic techniques.”

All students are encouraged to broaden their sensitivity and receptivity to international art and cultural practices by viewing works by these renowned artists, featured in the Modern Ink Painting Exhibition at the Chun Tian Gallery until 25 July.

Year 5 Camp

Our Year 5 students had a fabulous experience on their recent three-day camp, held for the first time at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat in New South Wales.

Our buses arrived at the camp mid-morning on Monday July 16 – the first day of Term 3 – to a picturesque location and freshly baked morning tea.
The camp schedule was jam-packed full of fun; all 122 students participated in a wide range of activities. Our Year 5 cohort canoed through calm waters, went bike riding, explored their bushy surrounds with a hike to a hidden waterfall and using their newly acquired orienteering skills, rode the flying fox, completed a low ropes course and participated in a range of initiative games.

Students also learned practical camping skills, including how to build a camp fire and cook damper. At night, they explored the skies and participated in a range of evening activities organised by their teachers.
The camp staff and facilities were very inclusive and catered for the diverse needs of our students. Our accompanying staff members encouraged all students to be risk takers, to be inquisitive, and to work collaboratively with their peers.
On Wednesday, our students returned very tired and filled with good memories; they demonstrated an appreciative, enthusiastic, and open-minded approach to their camp experience.

We would like to thank our dedicated school staff who worked tirelessly to ensure our students had safe and comfortable stay at Tyalgum.