Term 1 2025

Principals Ponderings

Welcome to our term one roundup.

This time last year I started the newsletter with the following:

“Sometimes when asked how we are going I say, “Same thing, different date!”

Well, this year it has not been the same thing. Our hearts go out to all the students and families impacted by the recent floods in our great Southwest, and we want you to know that we are here to support you during this challenging time. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance, resources or just a phone call as you navigate through this difficult situation.

Please see Helen’s article in this Newsletter for contacts and supports and aid that is available.

P&C Committee:

As we come to the end of term one, I’d like to acknowledge our P&C committee and those who attend meetings to support the school and your students. At the AGM on March 18^th the following parents were nominated and accepted the following positions:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: Lisa Cross
Vice Presidents: 

• Cunnamulla: Rachael Neilson
• Charleville: Tara Rule
• Quilpie, Eromanga, Thargomindah: Vacant
• Roma: Vacant

Secretary: Doll Warby
Treasurer: Ashlee Gadsby

SUBCOMMITTEES

Souvenir & Uniform Coordinator: Page Vidler
Cookbook Coordinator: Heidi Mackenzie
Grants Writing: Carolyn Gerritson

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES

• Roma Cluster: Page Vidler
• Cunnamulla/St George Cluster: Carolyn Gerritson
• Charleville Cluster: Vacant
• Quilpie, Eromanga, and Thargomindah Cluster: Vacant

If you are from one of the areas without representation, please feel free to see what is involved in representing your families on these committees.

Thank you all for adding these jobs to your already busy schedules.

Our wonderful P&C are calling for donations to support our families who have been affected by the recent weather. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and kindness.

The Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey:

Libby has sent an email to all families with details of the following.

The Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey seeks to collect data from Queensland State Schools in a consistent and systematic way to gain a better understanding of the wellbeing and engagement of our students and how we can best support them.

The QEW Survey is a strengths-based survey which is available to all Queensland State Schools on a voluntary, annual basis for students in Year 2 to 12.

Parents and carers can ask for their child not to participate, and students will also be given an opportunity to opt out if they do not wish to participate on the day.

Accessing by email

Emails will be sent to students in the week prior to the survey collection window from the NoReply.QEWSurvey@qed.qld.gov.au  email address. This email will have a Start Survey button which contains a unique link to the survey for each student. Students should not forward this email as the link is unique to each student.

Supporting students

While the survey questions are not expected to cause students distress, it does include questions that ask about topics such as students’ life satisfaction, relationships, and sense of belonging, which some students may find uncomfortable. For some students, the questions may lead them to think about the challenges or hardships they are facing in their life. Teachers and support staff know and understand their students and are well-equipped to support them. Schools should employ the full range of strategies and support options available to support students. This includes talking to your guidance officer or other members of your school’s student support team if you have any concerns for students’ wellbeing.

The QEW Survey will be open between Tuesday 22 April and Friday 16 May 2025

EKindy:

It was fantastic to see five eKindy students in and around our buildings at CSDE in week 8. Seeing little people engaged and involved in our school and meeting their parents is a wonderful continuation of CSDE’s delivery of education.

Wishing you all a break from school and valuable time with family, friends, or helpers as needed. Remember to reach out should you require support in any way.

Yours in education,
Jenny

From the Deputy’s Desk

As we wrap up Term 1, it’s a great time to celebrate the hard work, achievements and growth of our students, staff and families. From leadership opportunities to academic progress and new initiatives, it has been a productive and rewarding term at Charleville School of Distance Education.

Kickstart Conference 2025

We started the year on a high note with our Kickstart Conference, welcoming 65 students from Prep to Year 10 - an increase of 16 students compared to last year! We were also pleased to have 46 parents and home tutors take part, reinforcing the strong sense of connection within our school community.

A special thank you to Katy Williams, who stepped in during my absence and to all staff and families for their support in ensuring the event ran smoothly. While feedback from home tutors and students was limited, we welcome any insights that can help us enhance the experience for 2026.

For those looking forward to the Colour Run, it has been rescheduled to an upcoming Field Event—stay tuned for details!

Halogen Leadership Conference

Leadership development is a key focus at CSDE and this year, and once again our student leaders attended the Halogen Leadership Conference - an inspiring event designed to build confidence, resilience, and vision. Guest speakers included Sam Mostyn, Dayne Zorko, Kasey Rainbow and Todd Hazelwood, who shared their experiences in overcoming challenges and developing leadership skills.

A big thank you to Venessa Moore and Lisa Cross for their support in making this experience possible. Opportunities like these help our young leaders grow and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Looking ahead: Term 2 plans

Whole School Muster Week (Week 6: 26th – 30th May 2025)

• We are looking forward to another engaging week of learning and connection.
• Little Athletics coach Sean Lethem will be returning to run activities with students.
• Secondary students are encouraged to attend—they will complete their lessons at the Racecourse while also participating in scheduled activities.

Compass rollout

The rollout of Compass is progressing well, and we are excited about the improvements it will bring to student learning, attendance tracking, and communication. Here’s what’s ahead for 2025:

• Term 1: Teachers have been trained in Roll Marking and Learning Tasks.
• Term 2: Parents will receive login details and access to training, helping them navigate attendance tracking, work return and communication tools.
• Term 3: Full integration of Compass into school operations, including the introduction of Morning Notices for students and parents.
• Term 4: A data review of attendance, work return and parent engagement to refine processes for 2026.

We are confident that Compass will streamline our school systems and provide a more efficient and transparent way for families to stay connected with their child’s learning. More information about Compass can be found here.

Updates to Reporting for Parents

The Department of Education has updated the Curriculum, Assessment, and Reporting Framework (CARF), making refinements to the A–E scale for Behaviour and Effort across Prep to Year 10. These changes aim to provide clearer, more consistent feedback for students and families, ensuring reporting aligns with the Student Code of Conduct. Further details will be shared before end of Term 2 reporting.

Thank you for your ongoing support in making Term 1 a success. We look forward to a productive and engaging Term 2!

Head of Department: Primary Teaching and Learning

2025 Version 9 Australian Curriculum 

Classes have been working hard this term, completing learning in their first units of English and Maths (Version 9 on air).

In English, students have been engaging with and completing a range of tasks that expose them to the curriculum's expectations in speaking and listening, reading, viewing, and comprehending, writing, and creating.

With the support of Maths Trek, students have been applying their mathematical understanding to number, algebra, measurement, space, statistics, and probability.

The Arts

This term in The Arts, students in Years 3–6 have been working with Mrs. Sheerer in the areas of Visual Arts and Performing Arts, specifically Dance. These on-air lessons provide a wonderful opportunity for students to learn new skills and demonstrate their learning with artistic flair.

Next term, students in Prep – Year 2 will have the opportunity to work with Mrs. Sheerer in this area. Keep up the great work, everyone!

Head of Department: Secondary Teaching and Learning

The Western Alliance has started the year with an exciting new Leadership Team and structure. Embracing a Systems Leadership approach, we are fostering an environment where responsibilities are aligned with expertise, ensuring the best outcomes for our students. The leadership team is actively engaged in professional development with leadership coach Richard Huelin and has scheduled regular face-to-face meetings to strengthen collegial connections.

Meet the Leadership Team

• Peta Bates – Deputy Principal, Western Alliance
• Mandy McDonald & Raquelle Vieira – Heads of Curriculum (CSDE)
• Chris McIntosh – Head of Engagement and Wellbeing (MISOTA)
• William Joyce – Head of Pedagogy (LSODE)

Cameras On Policy: Strengthening Digital Connections

To foster a greater sense of belonging in our virtual classrooms, the Western Alliance has introduced a Cameras On Policy during lessons. This initiative has sparked friendly competition between classes, encouraging students to engage more visibly. By strengthening digital classroom connections, we aim to enhance relationships that will carry over into in-person field events throughout the year.

Western Alliance Assemblies: A Platform for Success

Our school assemblies continue to be a highlight, with over 100 students and teachers joining each session. These assemblies serve as an opportunity to celebrate achievements, reinforce expectations, and share important school-wide information. This term, the focus has been on academic integrity, school identity, and belonging.

Moderation: A Commitment to Excellence

A core priority for Western Alliance teachers is ensuring consistency and quality in assessment through a robust whole-school moderation process. Moderation is now a cyclical and interactive practice, occurring at key points in the teaching and learning cycle:

• Before assessment – during the planning stage to align expectations and ensure fairness.
• After assessment – before grading, to calibrate and refine assessment criteria.

Teachers have been collaborating within faculties to moderate the new Version 9 (V9) curriculum units, focusing on student engagement, learning outcomes, and the development of essential skills and concepts.

Staff Collaboration Day: Enhancing Inclusive Practices

On February 18th, Western Alliance teachers participated in the first Staff Collaboration Day, led by the Diverse Learning Team. This professional learning session encouraged teachers to reflect on their pedagogical approaches and collaborate on refining adjustments for students with Personalised Learning Records. Through shared expertise, educators continue to enhance the learning experience for all students.

Curriculum Implementation: Progress and Innovation

Our dedicated CSDE teachers are leading the charge in planning, developing, and delivering the V9 curriculum. Thanks to their enthusiasm and expertise, we are ahead of schedule in rolling out new subjects. Teachers are integrating digital resources such as Stile and JacPlus to enrich student learning and create more interactive, engaging lessons. These tools align with the V9 curriculum, supporting our transition away from traditional ILMs.

V9 Curriculum Implementation Overview

Upcoming Term 2 Highlights

• QTR Planning – Preparing for Semester 2 roll-out.
• CSDE Whole School Muster – Week 6.
• Staff Moderation Day – Week 8.
• Reporting & End Moderation – Week 9, continuing into Week 2 of Term 3.
• School Camp – Week 10.

Looking Ahead

As we move through the year, we are excited about the continued growth and success of our students and teachers. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Alliance team for your warm welcome upon my return after two years. Your dedication and enthusiasm are truly inspiring! We look forward to another great term filled with collaboration, learning, and achievement.

Dana Barrett (Acting HOD-Secondary) & Mandy McDonald (HOD Secondary)

PLO Prattle

Term 1 is certainly going out with a bang. To our western Qld families who are being flooded and inundated with water, this is a stressful time and the staff’s thoughts are going out to you all. There are several services that can help with Financial and Mental Health support.

RHEALTH : Head to Health (also known as Medicare Mental Health), is a free service for all ages, accessible by calling 1800 595 212 during business hours, Mon to Fri 8:30-5:00. They are a mental health navigation service that helps to connect people to the right type of support for them and their situations. They are aware that once the flooding events start to sink in, that people’s wellbeing and mental health may be affected.

FARM ANGELS: Across our vast continent, farmers face many adversities due to natural disasters. Farm Angels provides a unique service for which it has become well known within the rural sector. We are the charity run by big hearts who offer a listening ear, a warm hug and personalised support to farming families who are impacted by natural disasters such as drought, fire, mouse plague and flood. They like to tell our farmers they don’t deliver charity – but rather a thank you. Phone: 07 4662 7371.

The CSDE P&C are calling for monetary donations to support the flood affected families within our school. If you wish to make a donation:

CSDE P&C Bank Details
BSB: 084 500
Account Number: 79-785-8601.

Reflecting on this term: Another successful Kickstart Conference for both Home Tutors and Students. 46 Home Tutors and 65 Students attended. A few changes to the program due to the weather which we cannot influence. Feedback received has been limited. What feedback that has been received very positive apart from a couple of small things that we will tweak for the future, and next year’s conference. Feedback or suggestions for 2026 Presenter/s will be gladly looked at.

I attended an online training in Week 7, Smart Minds, looking at and learning strategies for working with students with Mental Health problems and how as a staff member we can “ask to right questions” and know who and how to contact the correct departments, programs, or services for students at risk.

Sports Muster is in week 6, Friday 30^th May, book your accommodation asap to avoid disappointment for somewhere to sleep.

Stay safe and we will be thinking of all that have been affected by the flooding.

Helen

Digital Discoveries

Typing Websites

Using a computer is a huge part of Distance Education and as such learning to type quickly and efficiently can have huge benefits for our students. Below are some websites home tutors can use with their students to practice daily or weekly typing.

Prep to Year 3 Students – learning where the keys are on the keyboard

Year 4 – Year 10 Students – learning to touch type.

ICT Subsidy

The school understands that having an Internet connection and computer can be expensive and families are strongly encouraged to plan their purchases and research their Internet plans carefully. The Department of Education offers families, who are geographically isolated, a subsidy to assist in paying for equipment and Internet costs. This is an annual payment for students who have been enrolled with the school for more than 6 months. Please ensure you have submitted your bank details to the office in order to receive payment each year.

For more information visit: https://education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/distance-education

The current subsidy is:

Geographically Isolated Enrolments: $500 (Internet Subsidy) per student and $250 (Hardware Subsidy) per student Medical Enrolment: $250 (Hardware Subsidy) per student

Choice Enrolment: No subsidy available 

What can I spend the subsidy on?

• Towards paying for a new laptop computer (the school suggests that computers be less than 3 years old)
• Towards an external monitor to go with a laptop (to assist students to see OneNote and Collaborate at the same time)
• Towards a headset (if not using the hired headset from the school)
• Towards an audio splitter (to allow a second headset for the Home Tutor to listen in on lessons)
• Towards a document camera (for showing teachers work on the desk)

Unit Materials

Did you know that many of the Unit Materials (videos and interactives) used in lessons are available through QLearn?

Go to the QLearn course for your class and select your subject, then unit to find the resources

Accessing Lesson Recordings

Have you missed a lesson? Do you need to catch up on a lesson? Just want to watch a lesson again?

Check out the instructions for different ways of accessing lesson recordings for Teams.

Need More Help?

Digital Learning Facilitator – Sam Owczarek: sowcz1@eq.edu.au or 07 4656 8915

For advice or help with using programs or tools (including Teams, OneNote, OneDrive, QLearn and Microsoft Office).

Version 9 HOD Update

Unit 2 Primary Maths ILMs are completed and will be ready for distribution in time for lessons next term. Initial feedback about the ILMs has been varied, some positive, some negative but constructive and appreciated. As instructed by your class teachers, please send though any errors that you find in the ILMs, using the headings below, and email that document to your class teacher at the end of the term. They will then share those with our team and our desktop publisher will make the amendments and this will become Version B of the V9 ILMs (to be sent in 2026). Thanks in advance for any errors you find!

We hope the alignment of strands across year levels has been successful in multi-age schoolrooms – please let us know how that is going! Some have expressed their concerns about how long it is taking their student to complete lessons. Below are some suggestions you could try if your student is taking longer than expected, or not attempting questions at all throughout the papers:

• Read the question to your student or rephrase the question in a different way so that they understand what to do.
• Ask them to tell you what the question is asking to check for their understanding of the task.
• If it is a set of questions (e.g. 20 drill and skill questions) do 10 instead of 20. This way, they are still exposed to the skill and are practising it. Take note of these concepts and get them to revisit in spare time.
• If they really do not know how to do a warmup, you will need to do an explicit teach of the concept.
• Get your student to show you the answer using concrete materials or drawings. Use counters, MAB, digital device/ tablet, write on a whiteboard, blackboard, chalk on the concrete, fancy pens – change it up each time!
• Instead of writing their explanation, ask them to describe it to you verbally.
• It’s possible they don’t understand the question, or it is a new concept, or it’s been so long since they’ve revisited this concept. You may need to model an example for them (I do), then do an example together (we do), then let them attempt the activity independently (you do).

Document these challenges and please share these specific details with your class teacher who will be able to provide you with more suggestions and targeted support for your child/ren.

Here is a snapshot of the sequence of assessments for Unit 2. There is a big focus on Number (and Algebra for some) concepts in this unit. The end goal is to provide lots of opportunities for your student to learn, practise and master the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using strategies such as counting back, doubles, using multiples of 10, the split strategy, number lines and the area model to name a few. All these combined are ultimately going to help them become flexible mathematicians and solve problems efficiently.

As part of Unit 2, you will be asked to use many different resources from the ILMs to support your student with number concepts. They will engage with strategy boards (starting in Year 1) which will prepare them for the process of mathematical modelling that follows. The learning walls will be referenced regularly and making this a part of your student’s routine is encouraged. Involve your student in the creation of this living bank of resources and they can help you (and themselves) with daily preparation.

We are down to two writers this term and a part time Desktop Publisher (all based at Longreach SDE). We are looking for more writers to join our team next term so we can complete the remaining units. Enjoy the term break and we’ll see you next term!

Di Knudson (Head of Curriculum)
dknud3@eq.edu.au

Kickstart Conference

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Halogen Leadership Conference

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