In this issue

Principal News
College’s Mobile Phone Policy update
Year 7 News
Year 8 News
National Day of Action
QTIC Salute to Excellence 2020
3 Trees Café
Hospitality iTime
WOLVES Secondary School
Industrial Skills
Fire Fighters
Solar Panel update

College’s Mobile Phone Policy update

We have now come to the end of the first school term of the College’s Mobile Phone Policy’s full implementation across Years 7 to 12. College staff have reported better engagement in classes, as well as more personal interaction between students outside of class time. There has also been a …

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College’s Mobile Phone Policy update

We have now come to the end of the first school term of the College’s Mobile Phone Policy’s full implementation across Years 7 to 12. College staff have reported better engagement in classes, as well as more personal interaction between students outside of class time. There has also been a significant decrease in at-school online bullying issues. The positive impact of the Mobile Phone Policy to the culture of the school is heartening.

During the term, students have been given the opportunity to become accustomed to the ‘off and away’ approach when phones are visible and in use. All students are now fully aware of the College’s expectations around this through ongoing communication on an individual and whole-school level.

In Term 2, due to the common understanding around students not having phones out in any way, students seen with a phone in the playground will be instructed to hand it into Student Services until 2.30pm.  Student Services have mobile phone lockers and students will be given the key for the locker holding their phone. Failure to comply with this instruction will be managed by Deputy Principals and will be considered a serious non-compliance with school routines.

To clarify, students will be instructed to hand phones into Student Services when they are:

  • Using their phone
  • Listening to earpods, headphones, speakers as they are linked to a phone
  • Carrying a phone in their hand
  • Showing their phone in their top pocket

Phones must be ‘off and away’ at all times, except for use in the canteen. Teachers will apply the same process in the classroom environment, unless senior students have been given explicit permission to use phones in unique circumstances for an agreed period of time.

As has been communicated in previous letters and newsletter articles, students who hand in phones will personally place them in a locker and will be given a slip with the locker number, as well as the key. Only the mobile phone owner can access the phone. Phones can be collected after 2.30pm each day.

We appreciate the support of parents in the implementation of this policy, as a phone-free environment enhances learning and social interactions of our students.

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence- 19 March 2021

On Friday 19 March the College joined the nationwide movement with schools across Australia to Take Action Together against bullying. This theme aimed to elevate …

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National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence- 19 March 2021

On Friday 19 March the College joined the nationwide movement with schools across Australia to Take Action Together against bullying. This theme aimed to elevate student voice and empowering them to join the conversation.

At Calamvale Community College we promote and build a culture of a supportive learning environment. Together we can make a change. Everyone has a role to play in supporting young people in dealing with bullying and the NDA events aimed to help start positive discussions.

Students have a voice in talking about bullying. Our college created a NDA video which was shared during connect and placed with the community on Facebook. The main message contained within the video was to take a stand and report – talk to someone or Stymie it! Stymie is an online platform that allows students to confidentially and anonymously report concerns they have about other students.

Primary School Factsheet: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/resource/fact-sheets/documents/primary-school-students-cyberbullying-fact-sheet.pdf

Secondary School Factsheet: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/resource/fact-sheets/documents/secondary-school-students-cyberbullying-fact-sheet.pdf

Stymie- https://www.stymie.com.au/

 

Year 8 News

 

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Year 8 News

 

Solar Panel update

The Solar Panel project has commenced at CCC. Buildings are being analysed, measurements are being taken to determine the best placement for the panels.   …

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Solar Panel update

The Solar Panel project has commenced at CCC. Buildings are being analysed, measurements are being taken to determine the best placement for the panels.

 

The project is expected to be completed in 2021.

Fire Fighters

On Thursday the 25th of March we had an exciting visit from the Firefighters from Acacia Ridge.  They spent time sharing some vital Fire Safety …

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Fire Fighters

On Thursday the 25th of March we had an exciting visit from the Firefighters from Acacia Ridge.  They spent time sharing some vital Fire Safety information and we also got to learn about the different parts of the Fire Engine.

First the Firefighters showed us the clothes and equipment they use in a fire.  This included their uniform, Ninja hat, mask and oxygen tank. We got to see how different they look when they are fighting a fire. It is difficult to hear the Firefighters call out in a fire, so they showed us how it sounded and what to look for.

Next we learnt about fires. Fire Fighter Chris taught us how to STOP DROP and ROLL.

They talked to us about the importance of Fire Alarms and what to do if there is smoke in the house.  Ringing 000, was our reminder and Fireman Chris asked that we all learn our address, so the emergengy services know where to go.

Then we got to see the Fire Engine and learn about some of the equipment on the Truck.  It was very funny seeing some of our teachers hold and use different firefighting equipment.

 

We all felt a bit hot outside, learning about the truck, so they Fire Fighters gave us a quick sprinkle with the water.  Finally as the Fire Fighters left, they showed us the trucks lights and sirens. It was a fun, interesting and authentic way to learn about Fire Safety.

Thank you to all the Fire Fighters for their visit.  I am sure we all learnt something about Fire Safety, Fire Fighters and Fire Engines.

Principals News

I’m writing to thank you for your support of the College during this lockdown period.  It is quite difficult to coordinate a quick response in …

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Principals News

I’m writing to thank you for your support of the College during this lockdown period.  It is quite difficult to coordinate a quick response in a very short timeframe whilst we also wait for the larger government organisation to make plans and communicate their response.  We could not do all of this without your support and we very much appreciate that.  It has been lovely to see so many of our parents coming back into the College this year; free to chat together and to meet with teachers at the classroom door.

Term 1 has been a really busy start to the year but it has been a calm start and we’re always happy about that.  Our students’ learning is maximised in a calm and curious environment where they feel safe and have learning as their focus. Unfortunately, this pandemic keeps ‘rearing its ugly head’ and we had to cancel our cross country and fun run which is a shame for the students.  Hopefully, Queensland has managed the situation well and term 2 will, at least, be back to our new normal.

Our senior students, both ATAR and IB have already engaged with some significant assessment.  Many of our certification students are well on track to an early completion of their course work.  Early results suggest that our students have really settled and are dedicated to their work which is demonstrated in improved grades that bode well for 2021 outcomes.

Our Junior Secondary students are enjoying their smaller classes and are really engaging with the inquiry process.  Junior School almost completed their face to face reporting before lockdown and I know parents were happy to hear how their students have settled into the 2021 school year.

Our Mobile Phone Policy across the College continues to be a struggle for some students, however the majority are able to keep their phones ‘off and away’.  With this policy in place, we have seen increased focus in class and a playground that is full of conversation and games being played.

We are looking forward to the launch of the Wolves’ new strip in term 2 and some new signage in the hall, heralding the Wolves’ competitive approach to all that they do.  This year the 48 km Kokoda Challenge is better than ever with more teams competing and each of them is better prepared than before.  We even have a 96km team participating led by Mr Male.  In the background, the rehearsals continue for CGEN and the CCC Musical; we wait in anticipation.

Best wishes for the holiday period, we hope that you have some relaxing and enjoyable times with your families, take care and stay safe.

 

WOLVES Secondary Sport

The new era of sport at Calamvale Community College has started with a bang! Our Wolves athletes have been lighting up the courts and are …

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WOLVES Secondary Sport

The new era of sport at Calamvale Community College has started with a bang! Our Wolves athletes have been lighting up the courts and are proving they can not only mix it with the best schools in the state, but also surpass them. With our squads now entering the biggest tournaments in Queensland we are taking our sporting prowess to the next level. In just ten short weeks the Wolves have achieved the following;

  • 33 Southern Scorpion representatives
  • 9 Metropolitan West representatives
  • 4 Southern Scorpion Swimming Age Champions
  • Sent 12 teams to the Volleyball Queensland Beach Cup on the Gold Coast (representing each year level and gender)
  • Won a Bronze Medal at the Volleyball Queensland Beach Cup on the Gold Coast (60 schools participating)
  • Ranked number 14 in the Queensland in Beach Volleyball
  • Played in the AFA Schools Cup – Futsal

Further to that our athletes have participated in the following training activities;

  • Training sessions at Hibiscus Sports Complex – Basketball
  • Training sessions at Nissan Arena – Netball
  • Training sessions at Sunnybank Community Centre Futsal fields – Futsal
  • Wolves Beach Volleyball Festival at Sandstorm Arena – Volleyball

We are extremely excited to see our athletes achieving such success and enjoyment so quickly. Their dedication to their squad, teammates, passionate coaches, and the program is a pleasure to witness. Our Netballers and Basketballers join the playing action next term as they have preparation matches, tournaments, and Leagues lined up (unfortunately these squads have had some Term 1 matches postponed due to lockdown). We have an ever-evolving fixture in 2021 as we find new and competitive tournaments and events for our athletes to participate in, and we are working hard behind the scenes to provide the best sporting program available.

 

The athletes new personalised training attire is scheduled to arrive in week 1 of term 2, along with the school purchased playing jerseys and dresses. We are also launching our online store this week through BLK where students will be able to also purchase personalised playing attire and other gear if they choose (this is not compulsory). Athletes have been asking for this for many years and now for example they will be able to purchase their own match day Basketball jersey in with their surname on the back and own number which they will carry across their schooling. This is a very exciting moment and details will be sent to students via email and TeamApp very soon.

Year 7 news

Here we are! Year 7s have made it to the end of their first term at Calamvale Community College! In celebration, we had an end …

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Year 7 news

Here we are! Year 7s have made it to the end of their first term at Calamvale Community College! In celebration, we had an end of year assembly to reflect on their experiences and successes.  The assembly was jammed packed with activities, including:

  • A live performance from Water Warriors from Urban Utilities. This wrapped up our Humanities Unit 1 focusing on water sustainability.
  • Classroom Karaoke “High Hopes” led by Miss Lucardi, with teachers distributing Easter goodies to the most passionate performers in the audience. Mrs Yan should have won best singer! This was certainly the highlight of the day.
  • Mr Duncanson, Year 7 Deputy Principal, gave students a glimpse of Term 2, and students participated in reflecting on Learner Profile Traits they developed throughout the term. This reflection is on page 106 of their organisers.  Mr Duncanson spoke about the cohorts achievements and how proud he was of their progress.
  • Mrs Thach concluded the assembly and each student was given a blank gratitude card to thank someone who has made a difference in their first term of year 7.  They filled in the note to thank a fellow student, friend, teacher or family member. Students were asked to be a communicator and a risk-taker and given the challenge of handing that card to the person they wrote about.  It was wonderful to see notes for teachers, families and friends being handed out.
  • The assembly concluded with a 6-minute video of Year 7 2021’s learning experiences and events throughout the term.  These photos and videos were submitted by teachers.  Students squealed and laughed in excitement as they saw their photos appear. Some of these images can be seen in the collage below.

 

 

As we head into the Easter holidays, we hope families and students have a wonderful and safe break.

3 Trees Café

3 Trees Café has resumed Breakfast service this year on Fridays! Students have enjoyed learning to cook a variety of breakfast dishes including poached eggs. …

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3 Trees Café

3 Trees Café has resumed Breakfast service this year on Fridays! Students have enjoyed learning to cook a variety of breakfast dishes including poached eggs. Staff have enjoyed being able to start their day with a hearty breakfast to go with their morning coffee as well.

The 3 Trees Team looks forward to welcoming you back soon. All going to plan we will be offering dine in service again for the first time in over 12 months for breakfast next term.

QTIC Salute to Excellence 2020… Finally Celebrated!

The Hospitality VET Team had the pleasure of accompanying 2020 Year 12 Graduates, Ella Merrigan & Julia Alon to the QTIC Salute to Excellence Awards …

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QTIC Salute to Excellence 2020… Finally Celebrated!

The Hospitality VET Team had the pleasure of accompanying 2020 Year 12 Graduates, Ella Merrigan & Julia Alon to the QTIC Salute to Excellence Awards at City Hall. Ella was presented with her trophy as the State Winner for Food & Beverage whilst Julia was acknowledged as a Finalist for Cookery. It was great to catch up with the girls; Julia is now 5 months into her Chef’s Apprenticeship with The Star and loving every minute of it, whilst Ella is 2 months into her Diploma of Hospitality Management at TAFE and has commenced training to work in their restaurant 66 on Ernest – you might be served by her if you pop in on a Thursday night. We are looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for these aspiring ladies as they continue their Hospitality journeys!

Hospitality itime

Wednesdays have evolved in 3 Trees! Once a week we have a group of passionate students from our Hospitality VET classes join like-minded students from …

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Hospitality itime

Wednesdays have evolved in 3 Trees! Once a week we have a group of passionate students from our Hospitality VET classes join like-minded students from IB and the Calamvale Special School to develop their culinary skills. This term they have enjoyed working together as they focused on baked goods including Cheesecakes and Choc Mint Roulades.

Next term they are going to start putting their cooking skills to the test as they start to take over menu designs for functions and host some events as part of the IB CAS Program. Stay tuned for more information!

Industrial Skills

This term saw a change in direction for Industrial Skills at Calamvale. With a focus on building and construction students have really engaged with drawing …

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Industrial Skills

This term saw a change in direction for Industrial Skills at Calamvale. With a focus on building and construction students have really engaged with drawing building plans and using surveying equipment to set out the foot print of a simulated proposed new workshop for the college. An essential part of site preparation is knowing where a building going to be located, particularly in reference to other infrastructure, such as walkways, trees and a fire hydrant close to the proposed building site. Students had to deal with issues such as the weather, figuring out how to make their angles 90 degrees and how to check the set out was correct. Out old friend Pythagoras came to the rescue as students used the 3:4:5 triangle method to ensure their angles were correct. This was double checked using the diagonals. With the pegs in place and with the string line set out students measure levels using a dumpy level and staff to find how much fill would be needed to make the building area level. All year 11 and 12 Industrial Skills students were very engaged in these activities. A big shout out and thanks to Mr Nicholas Howe for all of his effort in helping get this project up and running so well.

 

 

 

Mr Mark Tunstall

Design and Technology