Week 9 Term 2

Coming up in Week 10

Monday July 1st

• SC 7am - 4:30pm Bungonia 102
  

Tuesday 2nd

• JC 9:30am Year 6 Group Photo Day
  
• SC 7am - 4:30pm Bungonia 102

Wednesday 3rd

• SC Assembly TB1
• 3pm - 4:30pm Game On session 4 - Bike Skills and Drills

Thursday 4th

• SC 10am - 2:45pm 101 MT Stromlo

Friday 5th

• 10am - 11am Dance Nation

Coming Up Week 1 Term 3

Monday 22nd

• Student Free Day

Tuesday 23rd

• SC Assembly TB1

Wednesday 24th

• JC Kinder 9:15am - 2:30pm Birrigai Excursion

Thursday 25th 

• JC Jump Off Day
• SC XC Ski Trip 1

Friday 26th

• SC XC Ski Trip 1

Principal's Message

Mental Health – The Push-Up Challenge

The Push-Up Challenge is a free mental health and fitness event focused on pushing for better mental health for all Australians. Participants complete 3,249 push-ups (or alternative exercises) over 24 days, representing the 3,249 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022. The Caroline Chisholm School community have embraced the challenge with gusto. Students in years 5-10 have been championing the cause through being physically active and learning more about mental health and wellbeing. Each morning on the senior campus students have read out information, strategies and statistics linked to mental health.

We were recently approached by Lifeline Canberra to be a part of promoting the Push-Up Challenge. Lifeline Canberra posted the video featuring our young people last week on Instagram. Here is the link to see them in action: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8ZH0WKhftJ/?igsh=Y2x2d2J5OGl3N2hz

We had lovely feedback from the CEO of Lifeline and the Communications Officer who commented on the enthusiasm and wonderful energy of the students. They were very impressed by the efforts of our community to challenge ourselves and support to Lifeline Canberra. Some statistics from the challenge at the time of writing this article (26 June) –

• Whole of ACT; number of push ups – CCS is sitting in 3^rd place
• ACT Schools (21 registered) – CCS is currently in 1^st place
• Whole of Australia; number of push ups – CCS is sitting in 26^th place
• Whole of Australia Schools (600 registered) – CCS is sitting in 15^th place

For a school of our size, we are certainly performing well 😊.

This generational change in the way we approach mental health will help our young people to be better equipped to respond to challenges in life and find productive ways to focus on positive mental health in their daily life. Over the upcoming two week break we encourage CCS students to spend time outdoors, meet up face to face with people, be active and maintain or establish healthy sleep habits.

Below is a factsheet from Be You about help-seeking for children and young people that you may find beneficial.

Learning – Mathematics years 7-10

Recently the maths team sent home the following information regarding maths learning at CCS.

If you have any questions, we encourage families to reach out to your young person’s year coordinator or maths teacher.

Reflecting on learning

We are approaching that time of the year when end of semester reports are released to families. For some students and families this will be a time to celebrating effort and achievement and for others it may be disappointing and perhaps confronting. Below is a link to two short articles outlining tips on how to talk about report cards with your children and tips for talking about report cards. I encourage you to read these BEFORE you look at your child’s report. The important message is that students are in control of their learning. Students are not helpless or pre-determined to fail or succeed. A growth mindset approach reframes negative thinking –

When we change our words, we can change our mindset. Families are encouraged to contact class teachers if you have questions regarding your child’s report or learning progress.

Introducing Strong Foundations

The ACT Government has announced a $24.9 million investment over the next four years to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for students in ACT public schools.

This means a new suite of system-wide initiatives, called Strong Foundations, that will support all students at ACT public schools to have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

Under Strong Foundations, your family will have access to:

• evidence-informed and consistent teaching practices in every classroom
• common assessments, including a year 1 phonics test
• advice and resources for parents, to support their children with literacy and numeracy, and
• multi-tiered systems of support for students in every public school

From the start of 2025, our Kindergarten to Year 2 classes will receive additional funding to purchase new literacy and numeracy teaching materials and equipment, including decodable readers and mathematical resources.

The Education Directorate is currently planning supports for every ACT public school to adopt a more consistent approach to literacy and numeracy education.

To read more about the recent independent inquiry into literacy and numeracy in ACT public schools visit the Education Directorate website: Inquiry into literacy and numeracy in ACT public schools - Education.

You will be kept you updated as this important program is designed and rolled out.

2025 Enrolments

Enrolments are currently open. If you have a K-6 student currently enrolled at CCS your child’s enrolment will be automatically rolled over to next year. You do NOT need to complete an enrolment form for 2025.

The only students that MUST re-enrol for 2025 are current ‘out of area’ preschool students wishing to remain at CCS for kindergarten in 2025. Please use this link to enrol for kindergarten in 2025. If you have questions or require support, please contact the junior campus front office 6142 3555.

Online safety webinars and videos for parents and carers

To further support parents and carers, the Education Directorate’s Online Safety Education team has recorded their live webinars, sliced into bite-sized videos, to offer a more convenient and flexible viewing option for families. There are currently four playlists available covering topics such as cyberbullying, sextortion, online grooming, managing screen time, building healthy digital habits, parental controls and resources and reporting.

scan the QR code or use the link to find a list of available playlists:

https://bit.ly/ACTEDU_Online_Safety_Videos

CCS Parent Portal is live

Today we have launched the Parent Portal. We are offering support workshops for families seeking assistance to sign up for the portal. 

Elevate – Dance Nation

Last night we had a group of CCS students from both campuses join with young people from schools around Canberra to perform in Dance Nation at the Convention Centre. Dance Nation is hosted by Kulture Break, a local dance organisation with the mission to provide early intervention programs that enhance youth empowerment, belonging, inclusion, identity, confidence, and self-expression.

The theme of last night’s event was ELEVATE. Students from across Canberra performed dance routines based on this theme. There is so much negative press around these days about today’s youth, last night those in the audience saw a different presentation of today’s youth. Students who didn’t know each other, had never met, were cheering each other on, lifting each other up, high school students supporting primary school students; the night was full of hope and joy. Our CCS students were so brave to dance their hearts out in front of a packed audience. Thanks too must go to staff at CCS who supported the students during rehearsals; Mrs Smith, Mrs Phokos and Mrs Rice and particularly Mrs Phokos and Mrs Rice for giving up their night last night to support the students backstage. Kulture Break do wonderful work supporting young people in Canberra. If you have a young person interested in dance, I would highly recommend you check them out - Home - Kulture Break

Term 3

The first day of term 3 is Tuesday 23 July. 

Warm Regards

Julie

Spotlight on Staff - Kate Bindley, SC Classroom Teacher

How long have you worked at CCS?

Since 2010

Describe your role at CCS?

I'm a classroom Teacher on the Senior Campus, this year I am teaching HPE and Science.

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

I love sharing information and getting to be a part of their lives as they grow, make mistakes, seek advice, learn, and move into adulthood.

Describe your work in Education in three words?

Love my job!!!

What are your strengths? what are you passionate about?

I am passionate about sharing the things I find interesting, learning new things with my classes, and working to be the best humans we can be.

What is something people don't know about you?

Being here for so long, some people know almost everything about me. But people might not know that i never liked HPE at school, I wasn't a "sporty" kid.

JC PE news

We are nearing the end of another wonderful term of PE. Gross motor highlights for K-2 included two special themes. We had an Indigenous theme for 3 weeks to tie in with Reconciliation Week and our Indigenous games unit. We have also had an athletics theme to compliment athletics lessons in PE time. Students and teachers have thoroughly enjoyed both set ups. Preschool and Kindergarten have helpers come from Years 4-6 to help with gross motor. Older students help run the stations and support students. Student helpers enjoy the opportunity to use their leadership skills.

The term started with 4 weeks of Indigenous Games, all classes thoroughly enjoyed learning where and why the games were played and what the games were traditionally played with. We are nearing the end of 4 weeks of athletics. Each lesson has included running, jumping, hopping and throwing. Athletics Australia has provided some fantastic activities for the lessons. Hopefully the athletics lessons will help prepare us for the athletics carnival in week 3 of next term.

This term some 5/6 students managed sneak in a go of gross motor. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all students. 3/4I have had extra time with Miss Kristie, each week we do activities to help with fine motor. Some of their favourite activities so far include indoor golf, spinning tops and pin art. In 1/2L’s extra session our focus is turn taking and cooperative play through games.

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Spotlight on Staff - Smriti Sharma, SLB

How long have you worked at CCS?

Since 2012. I am called the Boomerang (by one person) as I have gone on secondments or temporary transfers thrice in this time but have managed to come back.

Describe your role at CCS?

I started as a classroom teacher in 2012. I have done a variety of leadership roles at CCS since then. I am currently an SLB

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

I have always aspired to be a teacher, pretending to be one since the age of 6. I enjoy seeing the academic and wellbeing growth in children. I also enjoy how non-judgmental children can be and with the right supports, try to be the best version of themselves.

Describe your work in Education in three words?

Learning for all.

What are your strengths? what are you passionate about?

My strengths lie in analysis of current school needs, being solutions focused in meeting these needs and always looking for ways to make learning accessible and engaging for our young people.

What is something people don't know about you?

I was not born in India, and I can speak three Languages, read and write two of these.

Senior Flex Ed news

It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the year.

Our SC Flex Year 7 students have been hard at work on a special project, creating a short documentary about their transition to high school for the annual Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. This project has been a wonderful opportunity for them to share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs during this significant time in their lives.

The students have done an amazing job working together to create a snapshot of this period of their life. This project not only highlights their creativity and technical skills but also gives them a chance to honestly reflect on their journey into high school.

We’re incredibly proud of the dedication and effort each student has shown. We can’t wait to share it with you all — stay tuned for the release and details on how to vote for CCS, and most importantly, join us in celebrating the achievements of our talented Year 7 students!

“I enjoyed answering the questions. It’s the filming that is challenging.” - Novak

“My favourite part was doing the filming and using the stabiliser.” - Mia - 

https://focusonability.com/

In Maths, Year 7 and 8 students have been looking at fractions. They have explored equivalent fractions, looked at how to cross multiply to find the bigger fractions. We have explored how to convert between fractions, decimals and percentages. The students have applied their skills learnt from the fractions into their cooking

The students have engaged in cooking during some of their English and Maths lessons. So far we have made fruit salad, smoothies, chocolate chip muffins and chocolate chip pikelets. They have shown their skills and ability to work in small groups to prepare shopping lists, compare prices, complete the recipes and cook their food.

Year 8 students have been exploring the ‘coming of age’ genre in English this term. They have explored characters and themes within the text “The Hate You Give”. They have learnt how to utilise quotes and embed these into their thematic essays.

We have had a busy term with whole school activities. Year 7 and 8 students have had the opportunity to attend middle years school camp to start the term. They showed great resilience and teamwork to complete activities, working with other peers across the three days.

Students participated in the cross-country carnival. They competed and cheered each other on, supporting their peers to cross the finish line. They enjoyed the opportunity to complete enrichment activities when they returned to school.

We look forward to resuming our learning after the holiday break and sharing our students' continued success.

Spotlight on Staff - Jake Hadley, Learning Support Assistant

 How long have you worked at CCS?
 About 2 years.
 Describe your role at CCS?
 The Jake of all trades. If somewhere, something or someone needs support, I get a
call.
What do you enjoy about working with children/young people?
 How interesting life is when you interact with so many unique characters.
 What are your strengths? What are you passionate about?
 Too many to list, but the big one is modesty. My passion lies in helping students grow up to be better than me in every way.
 What is something people don’t know about you?
 You’ll never know…

Supporting those in need - Donations

Donations, yes please!

If anyone has any items you are no longer in need of, or have a use for, and would like to donate we would welcome your support. Donations can be almost anything; from kids/babies' clothes, books, shoes, toys, clothing, books, shoes, DVDs, pantry items, pet supplies, garden supplies, blankets/doonas, list goes on. We are unable to accept bulky or electrical items.  

We would love to give back to the community in these tough times. 

Please bring your donations to either the JC or SC front office.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

A.C.T Public Education Awards

Financial and Resource Assistance for Families

Application for these supports are open, click the links for further information

young carers bursary (young carers network)

https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/bursary/young-carer-bursary/

Future of education equity fund ( department of education)

https://www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/financial-and-resource-assistance-for-families

Winter Illness Protection

Winter Illness

• Protecting ourselves from illness over winter

The cooler weather is well and truly here. We have already seen an increase in COVID-19 and other seasonal illness at school, and across the community. It is important we keep everyone healthy by making sure we take simple steps to protect one another. As parents and carers, one of the simplest ways to do this is to keep your child at home when they are unwell.

If your child has COVID-19 you must let us know by contacting the Front Office.

Your child should only return to school once they are well, and their symptoms have cleared.

• Get vaccinated

You are reminded that vaccination is one of the best ways to keep everyone safe. I encourage everyone who can, to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. To find out more visit the ACT Health website.

• Free influenza vaccination pop-up clinics for children aged 6 months to under 5 years of age

The annual influenza vaccine is recommended for children aged 6 months to under 5 and is government-funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). From June 2024, the ACT Government will be running free pop-up influenza vaccination clinics for children aged 6 months to under 5 years. The clinics will be held 3 times a week over 8 weeks at various locations around Canberra. The flyer below outlines more information.

View the full list of pop-up clinics here. To book, call the Central Health Intake line on 02 5124 9977 from 8am -5pm. Unscheduled ‘walk-ins’ are also welcome at the clinics.

• COVID Smart ACT public schools

ACT public schools have a range of strategies in place to keep everyone safe over winter. This includes cleaning of high touch points in schools, as well as strategies to ensure we balance ventilation and thermal comfort in classrooms to help prevent the spread of illness.

You can read more on the ACT Education Directorate website.

Online Safety

Pathways to support you and your child

NAIDOC in the north

Live Puppet show & Workshop

Code Camp

Dendy Family Saver

Holiday Tech Days

National Film and Sound Archives of Australia - Family Friendly programming at ARC Cinema

Family-friendly programming at the NFSA

The NFSA in Acton is screening a selection of sports classics and well-loved family movies during the July school holidays, including A League of Their Own, Cool Runnings, Bend It Like Beckham, Howl’s Moving Castle and Lilo & Stitch. The NFSA building is open daily to explore before or after the screening, including pop culture curiosities on display in The Library and locally roasted coffee available to enjoy in the onsite cafe or sunny courtyard.

A League of Their Own | 6 pm, Fri 5 Jul

Two sisters join the first female professional baseball league and fight to prove that women have a place in sports in this critically acclaimed hit inspired by true events.

Cool Runnings | 1 pm, Thu 11 Jul

A feel-good family film about striving to achieve your goals – no matter the odds – loosely based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to compete at the Olympics.

Bend It Like Beckham | 1 pm, Fri 12 Jul

Sporting talent, family expectations and friendship collide in this heartfelt coming-of-age comedy about two young women who bond over their shared love of football.

Howl’s Moving Castle | 1 pm, Thu 18 Jul

The Wizard of Oz meets anime magic in this heartwarming fantasy adventure from Studio Ghibli. Selling fast!

Lilo & Stitch | 1 pm, Fri 19 Jul

Extraterrestrial experiment Stitch and young Hawaiian orphan Lilo find unlikely connection (and much chaos) in this treasured Disney animation.