Caroline Chisholm School eNewsletter

Acknowledgement To Country

We wish to acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we work, learn and play on and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

Coming up in Week 8

Monday 9th

Tuesday 10th

JC 9am - 10:30 Stay and Play
SC Outdoor Education Ski Trip 4 Day 1.
SC 9:30 - 12:30 Focus on Ability Film Festival.

Wednesday 11th

SC Outdoor Education Ski Trip 4 Day 2.

Thursday 12th

JC Dress Up Day: Footy Colours Day.

Friday 13th

JC 11:15am - 2pm Years 1/2 Bushplay.
SC 11am - 2:15pm Outdoor Education 201: Stromlo Excursion.

Coming up in Week 9

Monday 16th

JC 9:15am - 10:45am Flex Space Walk to Chisholm Shops.
JC Year 5 Combined Band.

Tuesday 17th

JC 9am - 10:30 Stay and Play.
JC 9:45am - 10:45am CEIS Session.

Wednesday 18th

Preschool 1.30pm-2.30pm Learning Journey.
JC 2pm - 3pm P to 6 Learning Journey.
JC 3:15pm - 4pm Preschool 2025 Information Session.

Thursday 19th

SC Outdoor Education 101: Bungonia Camp Day 1

Friday 20th

SC Outdoor Education 101: Bungonia Camp Day 2
Pre to 10 Free Dress Day

Principal's Message

Mobile phone update

We have recently reviewed the CCS Mobile Phone Implementation Plan in response to an increase in some students’ use of their mobile phones during school hours.

The Personal Use of Communication Devices in ACT Public Schools Policy describes the mandatory requirements for students in the use of mobile phones and other personal communications devices. All students have access to a Chromebook device, this has eliminated any need for students’ Personal Communication Devices (PCDs) and mobile phones to be used as a learning device in the classroom.

After consulting with several high schools, we are moving to a zero-warning system. Students have had approximately 27 weeks to adjust to the Mobile Phone Policy. If a student is sighted with a phone during the hours of 9am – 3pm they will be directed to hand in their phone at the front office where it can be collected at the end of the day. In any subsequent incidents a caregiver will be asked to collect the device from the front office. Continued incidents may result in a temporary phone ban at school.

Expectations at school

Students are strongly encouraged to leave their personal communication devices at home.
Students may not use or access personal communication devices during school hours, including recess and lunch, or during school authorised events, including carnivals and camps, unless a formal and specific exemption has been approved by the school principal.
If a personal communication device is at school, it must be ‘put away’ and turned off. They are to be secured out of sight in their school bag.
Personal communication devices must not be on a student’s person (such as in a pocket), on the student’s desk or in the student’s work area.
Students bring personal communication devices to school at their own risk and CCS is not responsible for loss or damage.

Alternative communication methods

If parents wish to get an urgent message to their child during school hours, they can reach them via the front office on 6142 3550 on the Senior Campus or 6142 3555 on the Junior Campus.
Students may check their devices for messages at the conclusion of the school day.

We seek your support with the implementation of this ACT Public School policy.

Chromebooks

It’s time for the annual testing and tagging of Chromebook devices. Testing and tagging is one measure we use to minimise health and safety risks from faulty electrical equipment. All Chromebooks on the Junior Campus will undergo testing and tagging in the coming weeks. For students on the Senior Campus, we encourage you to bring in your Chromebook charger to the front office on Wednesdays in weeks 8-10 for the charger to be tested. There is further information on the Chromebook and Electrical Safety Factsheet below.

Year 1 Phonics Check

As part of the Strong Foundations reform program, ACT public schools will begin a phased introduction of the Year 1 Phonics Check starting with 26 schools this term. Our school has been selected to participate.

The Phonics Check is a quick and easy way for teachers to gauge the phonics knowledge of Year 1 students. It is designed to help teachers identify students who may need more help learning to read.

The first schools selected to participate were chosen based on demographic, location, and size to provide a broad sample from across the ACT public school system. Insights from this first group of schools will inform a rollout of the Year 1 Phonics Check to all ACT public schools in 2025.

This is an important milestone as part of the Strong Foundations program designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students. You can read more on the Education Directorate website.

Step into the Limelight

Step into the Limelight is the major annual arts showcase event for ACT public schools and the largest youth Arts event in the ACT. Unique in its format, the event covers the five art forms of dance, drama, media, music and visual art.

Limelight provides quality performance, enriched learning and talent development opportunities for students studying the arts in ACT public schools. The production has been recognised by ACT Children’s Week and the Canberra Area Theatre Awards for the integral role it plays in linking schools with professional arts organisations and providing vocational pathways in the arts for ACT students.

More than 2000 students from all sectors of our system participate in these events, spending the months prior working closely with their teachers, professional artists, tertiary institutions and arts organisations to develop outstanding artistic works for the events.

Step into the Limelight comprises two events: an Art Exhibition and a Gala Showcase. The Gala Showcase was on Wednesday and Thursday night this week. Over two nights, audiences are entertained with a variety show style performance from the ACT Senior Concert band, string, percussion, rock, jazz and choral music groups, dance, drama and musical theatre performances and works from student filmmakers.

Students from CCS Senior Campus performed a dance routine on Wednesday night. They were outstanding. Llewellyn Hall is a large, professional venue and it was a full house. Our students got to experience being part of a large event, performing in front of a packed audience. Unfortunately, their music was cut slightly short, but they did what every true professional does and kept dancing. Staff and students engaged in a formal debrief following the event, celebrating their achievements. Huge thanks go to Mrs Serena Cramond and Mrs Cassie Hoolihan for their work preparing students for the performance. And thanks to Mrs Kaitlyn Catchpole and Mrs Hoolihan for giving up their time to support students on Wednesday night. It was wonderful to see CCS students in the limelight showcasing their talent and hard work. Congratulations.

Warm Regards

Julie

Years 1/2 News

Year 1/2

Maths

Year 2 has been exploring how place value can be used to help add two- and three-digit numbers.

Year 1 and year 2 have also been learning about measurement. So far, we have learnt about measuring length, which is how long, wide or tall something is, and measuring capacity, which is how much something will hold.

Book Week!

We had a lot of fun dressing up for Book Week this term. Following the Parade, we all did some writing about Book Week and spent the whole week engaging with as many books as we could

Bush Play

Every second Friday, year 1/2 walks to Fadden Pines for Bush Play. We participate in a number of activities connected to our learning that allow us to connect to the outdoors, for example creating patterns using natural materials, drawing maps of Fadden Pines or hunting for clues animals might have left behind.

After we complete the structures activities, we have the opportunity to play in the area. This gives us the chance to collaborate with each other and solve problems with each other.

Here are some of the activities we have completed during Bush Play this term.

On Wednesday the Melaleuca Unit went to the ANBG to explore concepts that we have been learning in science. We investigated food chains, ecosystems, the effects of humans on the environment and the relationship that First Nations People have with the land.

Here are some of the things we learned:

Birds like red flowers, bees like purple flowers and butterflies like yellow flowers.
Birds can’t see purple flowers.
Different insects like different coloured flowers.
There are many different plants that look similar to each other.
If a hole is blocked off in a bee hotel, there are babies in there!

Some of the highlights were:

Looking at and smelling the flowers and trees
The rainforest and going through the mist
The Red Centre garden
Lizards!!!!
Going around Australia.

Here are some quotes from the student’s themselves:

“I liked seeing the red desert garden because there is heaps of cool stuff in there” - Joey W

“My favourite part of the excursion was the rock garden because we got to see lots of lizards” - Naba A

“I liked the rainforest because it was misty and green” - Harper M

“I really liked the red desert gardens because they had lots of sand and rocks. The ranger showed us the different animals that lived there” - Ruby V

JC Learning Journey Notice

JC Flex News

This term in the Acacia Unit we are:

Looking at art

In art, we are focusing on a variety of art mediums and using tactile materials to create a range of artworks. We are learning that we can all create great works of art and can appreciate what we see in them and the effort each has put into them to make them. We ALL are having a LOT of fun😊. If you would like to see the finished product of the pictures below please join us for our Learning Journey in week 9.

Looking at fractions and time

This term we are looking at the connections between telling the time and fractions. To help this understanding we created a fraction wall where we had to fold strips of paper first into 2 (halves), then again in half (quarters) and finally in half again (eighths). We will continue to connect this to our being able to tell the time and understand the language of half past, quarter past and quarter to.

Looking at sound

This term we are looking at how sound can be produced and the effect of sound energy on objects such as creating vibrations. We have experimented using instruments to hear and feel what happens as we play them.

Looking at strategies to be ‘ready to learn’

At the moment we are working on creating a list of strategies that we all can use when feeling that we are not ‘ready to learn’ so that we can utilise the list to help ourselves. We also are playing games to help us practise taking turns and negotiating how to enjoy playing the game even when we do not win.

~ Marjorie Waugh, Catherine Heath, Bec Brown, Marg Denne, Sam (JFlex Staff).

Spotlight on Staff - Chloe Tsekenis, Year 5/6 Teacher

How long have you worked at CCS?

I have been working at CCS since 2019, term 4 as a relief teacher and a fulltime teacher since 2020.

Describe your role at CCS?

I teach a class of 5/6 students and have been a 5/6 teacher every year except 2023 when I was on 1/2.

What do you enjoy about working with children/ young people?

I love being able to connect and laugh with my students. Nothing makes me happier than making them laugh and enjoying my day with them.

Describe your work in education in three words.

Creative, caring, challenging.

What are your strengths? What are you passionate about?

I find strengths in teaching the arts (visual and dance). I also enjoy certain topics in maths and writing. I am very passionate about health and ensuring all needs are met emotionally.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I still have a baby tooth.

I am learning to speak Greek.

Lost Property

Has your child/ren lost or misplaced their uniform or clothing? Or perhaps a bike helmet or gloves? Please come to the front office and have a look through. We have an enormous amount of jumpers, jackets etc in all sizes as well as some random items. At the end of term if the clothing is not collected or claimed we will donate them to charity.

Year 9 News

LOOKING FOR LEADERS for 2025:

Calling all budding student leaders! It’s getting close to the time when the student body will be voting for the 2025 House Captains, Student Advocates, and Push-Up Challenge Ambassadors. Many of our Year 9 students have already been growing their leadership skills with the Peer Support Program this year and we are looking forward to many more Year 9s throwing their name in the ring to lead our school next year. Students in Year 7 and Year 8 can also apply for a Student Advocate roll. Nominations open in Week 9. Students need endorsement from two teachers, the Year Coordinator and a Parent and Carer. Students will need to write a short application about why they would make a great student leader. We are looking for students who can take on the role of:

Championing excellence in your community through leadership for example, in facilitating and participating in house events, school carnivals and whole school events.
Being an upstander within the CCS community and acting as a positive role model for both your peers and younger students.
Demonstrate actions which uphold the CCS values of respect, responsibility, and perseverance.
Representing CCS at official events – e.g. Year 7 transitions, school assemblies and other opportunities.
Actively engaging and empowering student involvement in their House and school and spread CCS pride.
Contributing to regular Student Voice Meetings by sharing and developing ideas and visions for the school’s improvement.

This is an exciting opportunity to grow, learn, and make a change. If anyone has any questions or would like any advice, please see Mr Wray or Mrs Catchpole in the Senior Years Staff Room. Voting will take place at the start of Term 4 and a handover with the current Year 10 Leaders will take place in the middle of Term 4.

Year 10 Jumpers for 2025 –

Hopefully you have seen the information for the 2025 Year 10 Varsity Jacket and Hoodie.

The two designs are:

1. Hoodie = $85

2. Varsity Jacket = $104

Please note that orders are completed by an external company and all payments are to be made in full to them (please see details of how to order on the Reform website on the email sent a few weeks ago). When making your order, please be aware that all names will be reviewed prior to submission for appropriateness and are case sensitive. Mrs Hunia will have sizing kits at her desk if any students need to try them on before ordering.

The first batch of orders are due by 11^th September (Wednesday Week 8).

Private Parliament House Tour ~

On Friday 16^th August, Tyler Rae and Isobel were escorted by Mrs Hunia to attend a private tour of Parliament House, accompanied by Representative of Bean, David Smith.

Some Highlights from the tour were:

Private office discussion.
Seeing the Green and Red Chambers.
Nearly seeing the New Zealand Prime Minister. Army men marching (we thought it was to welcome us important people ahah).
Sean the prawn’s fossil.
Seeing the portraits of previous politicians.
Jamming out to Mrs tunes.
Parlimints!

There are 2700 clocks in Parliament House, that ring just prior to Parliament voting and discussions for 4 minutes. If a member does not make it to the chamber in time, they get locked out and their vote is dismissed.
There is a small fountain located in the middle of Parliament. This separates the two parties and ensures equality and that neither party can dominate the other. The fountains water feature allows representatives to discuss private matters, without being overheard due to its loud scatters of water.
Sean the prawn is in the marble foyer of the parliament. This fossil is located on the left staircase up to the main foyer. This important figure even has its own magnet!

Lachlan gets his Black Belt: ~

My recent martial arts grading in Korea was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced. The rigorous examination tested not only my physical endurance but also my mental focus and resilience. From the gruelling series of high-intensity forms to the demanding break falling from being thrown, every moment pushed me beyond my limits. The grandmasters carefully watched each movement with meticulous attention, ensuring that every technique was executed with precision. Despite the sweat and exhaustion, I remained determined, drawing on every ounce of strength and discipline I’ve gained over the years. The experience was a true testament to the depth of my commitment and the growth I’ve achieved in my martial arts journey. While the grading was incredibly demanding, it also reinforced my passion and drive, making the accomplishment of passing all the more rewarding. ~Lachlan~

Exciting news!

Big congratulations to Oscar & Callum on being selected for the Raiders Development Squad.

Massive well done to the students who participated in the Track & Field days. Especially to the students who went and represented CCS at the Southside carnival. Big shoutout to the following students on their achievements:

Norman – 1^st in the 100m, 1^st in 200m, 1^st in Long Jump, 5^th in Triple Jump.
Lemar – 1^st in Triple Jump, 5^th in 100m, 5^th in 200m, 4^th in 800m.
Tillah – 3^rd in Long Jump.

Massive congratulations to all the students who was a part of the Musical. All the teachers were so proud of your performances.

Homework Club

Homework Club operates in the senior school library from 3.10 pm to 4.10 pm on Wednesdays, from Week 2 to Week 9 each term. Students will need a signed permission note to attend.

Homework Club is made available to students of our school in order to:

gain assistance from teachers on the completion of homework and assignments, developing study skills, and research techniques,
provide access to computers for word processing, PowerPoint presentations, internet research, or printing completed work,
provide access to all books, encyclopaedias, magazines, and other printed resources and
provide a quiet environment for school or recreational reading.

Spotlight on Staff - Angela Edwards-Wells, SC Health/PE and Sports Science Teacher

How long have you worked at CCS?

Worked at CCS for 6 months and look forward to the next 5 years here.

Describe your role at CCS?

As a high school Health & PE teacher, I lead students through a variety of physical activities and teach essential health topics with a no-nonsense, straightforward approach. My quirky personality makes lessons engaging and relatable, and I create a classroom environment where respect and open communication are key. I balance fun with seriousness, ensuring students understand the importance of physical and mental well-being. What you see is what you get—I'm dedicated, approachable, and committed to my students' overall well-being.

What do you enjoy about working with children/ young people?

What I love most about working with young teens is the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with them. I enjoy getting to know each student individually, understanding their unique personalities, and watching them grow and develop over time. It's incredibly rewarding to see them gain confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. The energy, curiosity, and resilience they bring to the classroom inspire me daily. These relationships are the foundation of my teaching, making every day fulfilling and reminding me why I am passionate about my role as a teacher.

Describe your work in education in three words.

Engaging, fun, authentic.

What are your strengths? What are you passionate about?

My strength lies in my ability to be completely open and honest, making health education not only informative but also hilariously relatable. I'm passionate about breaking down awkward topics with humour and straightforwardness, ensuring my students feel comfortable and engaged. Whether we're discussing the finer points of nutrition or the mysteries of puberty, I bring a quirky, candid approach that makes learning about health both fun and unforgettable.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I’m a Mum of two girls aged 11 & 13. I’ve been teaching for 17 years & I was an elite swimmer back in the day!

Community Notices

What is GPN?

The Girls' Programming Network is a workshop series for girls in grades 6-12.
It is a community of women and girls interested in computer science, programming, and information technology.
The workshops are led by GPN tutors and local women studying or working in IT across industry, academia, and government.
In the workshop, girls will use coding skills to play a game of ‘Guess Who’? using a software package called Replit. Students of all skill levels are welcome—whether new to Python or already proficient. Tutors will cover the basics for beginners and introduce advanced concepts for those with more experience.
The Australian Signals Directorate has a long-standing relationship with the GPN and supports the Canberra node of this fantastic program.
The workshops are free, and no prior coding experience is required.
Lunch, snacks, and computers will be provided for students.

Registration details:

Opens: Now open
Closes: 13 September 2024, at 5:00 PM
Register here: GPN Canberra Term 3 | Humanitix

The Team at Pro Performance Cricket are excited to announce our upcoming T20 Smash Cup Tournament & Holiday Cricket Camps. We offer intensive individual and group skill development for our players across all facets of the game. With an excellent coach to player ratio, and a focus on a positive and fun environment it’s a perfect opportunity for the kids to enhance and develop their games while having heaps of fun, making new friends and taking their game to a new level.

Pro Performance Holiday Cricket Camps info and Booking link: https://properformancecricket.com/about-us/cricket-camps/

T20 Smash Cup Booking info and Booking Link: https://properformancecricket.com/t20-smash-cup/

Week 7 Term 3