September 2015

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Ponderings

Welcome to the final newsletter for Term Three. I would like to take the opportunity to share with our school community some of my reflections after spending three days last week on the Gold Coast as part of the AADES biennial conference.

The theme for the conference was Infinite Futures: Teaching and Learning for the 21st century and as delegates we were asked to reflect on the skills and attributes that our children will need as we move into an undefined future. The conference opened with a keynote address from journalist George Negus who shared his reflections on change that has occurred in the past 25 years of world history. He indicated that if he had suggested in 1990 that Nelson Mandela would be released from prison and become South Africa's President people would have laughed in his face. So while there is a plethora of research on where the future might be heading, it is undefined and schools should ensure that their students have a flexibility of thought to equip them to be 21st century citizens.

One of my personal conference highlights came from Dr Yong Zhao, who presented an address via Skype from Singapore. Dr Zhao's work focusses on the implications of globalisation and technology on education, though my light bulb moment came when Dr Zhao said we live in a world where Kim Kardashian is seen as being very useful. He reiterated to us that if Kim Kardashian can be so useful in our society, then every one of the students in our classrooms has the potential to be useful to society.

It was very reassuring to note that throughout the conference there was a recurring dialogue that challenged popular thinking, in that the ability to use technology is not the only skill required for the 21st century. Technology is a tool and something that is becoming increasingly prominent in our society, but if the operator of that tool lacks other skills then their chances for success won't be as great as they could be. It was proposed that 21st century citizens need to be problem solvers, creative, collaborative, communicators, critical thinkers and ethical global citizens. None of these skills are new, none of these skills are mind blowing but these skills are reimagined in a changing world that is undefined.

Learning is like velcro. One side is made up of the content, but for this to stick it needs the other side. This side is made up by relevance and connection and bringing these skills to the forefront of what we do is a chance for our children to truly reach their full potential.

Enjoy the break from the schoolroom and we are looking forward to an action packed Term Four.

Brent

PLO Prattle

Wow Term 3 is over and we already have Term 4 well and truly in our sights. There is lots' happening next term:- Minischools, Western Alliance Camp, Swim Muster, Musical, Speech & Awards and Graduation - and then we will be able to take a breath. I almost forgot Report Cards and Christmas Concert.

With so much on, sometimes we can all get a little angry or frustrated with things/others/ourselves. Children also at times feel the same.

Here are five ways to help children manage anger in healthy ways:

1. Recognise it. The first step is to help kids recognise that they are angry. What are the signs? What are they thinking? We are all different but tension in the shoulders, restricted breathing and clenched teeth are common signs of anger. The Mood Meter offers a visual way for kids to recognise their emotions.
2. Name it. Developing a vocabulary around anger is important. The more nuanced kids' language is, the better. Annoyed, angry and enraged are very different emotions but are often described as the same.
3. Choose it. Help children recognise that they have a choice to stay in control or lose control when they get angry.
4. Say it. Encouraging children to express how they feel is okay unless no one is hurt. The use of 'I Statements' is one way of letting others know how they feel. "I feel really mad when you say nasty things about me..." is one way of being heard.
5. Shift it. Help children shift their anger to a more pleasant and less energised place. Kids can shift their moods by modifying their thinking or altering their physiology. They may go for a run, play a physical game or pour their anger into a protest letter to let their frustrations out.

The maxim of managing anger in healthy ways is: "There's nothing so bad that we can't talk about it. However, there are behaviours that we don't engage in when we are angry."

Author Michael Grose

Stay calm and smell the roses.

Enjoy your break, relax, refresh and be ready for a fantastic Term 4.

Cheers, Helen, PLO

Curriculum Corner

Are your beliefs about education holding your children back?

This is Malala Yousafzai. Do you know who she is? Many would describe her as the young girl who was shot by the Taliban in Pakistan. Why? Because she demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education in her country. She was just 15 years old.

Fortunately for many children around the world, Malala survived. At such a young age, she knew what she believed in and nothing was going to stop her getting her message out there. Malala, the youngest person ever to receive a Nobel Peace Prize at just 17, has continued to speak on the importance of education to ensure children, especially girls around the world have access to a quality education despite factors of disadvantage.

We live in a country where education is a right of the child. We live in a place where education is free and easy to access. But… are our students really getting the education they deserve? Is it valued the way it should be? Are we doing enough?

In my time as Curriculum Coordinator, I have had many conversations with parents and Home Tutors who feel that teaching their child is a chore and something they 'have to do' rather than an opportunity for a great start. This is something I can completely understand. Others find that life and work get in the way. This is something I can completely understand as well. What does this mean for our children however? The table below is one that I'm sure you have seen before. It explains how time off in one year can accumulate over the educational years in a child's life…

So, how do you prevent this happening? How do you help your child reach their potential? Please, please, please do not see education as a chore. Children are our future. An investment in their education is an investment in our future.

So, next time you think…

• 'Can I just skip the learning and go straight to the assessment task?'
  I ask you to reconsider.
• Next time you think 'I don't have time for this!'
  I ask you to consider what 'this' is worth to your child.
• Next time you sigh or curse schoolwork…
  I ask you to think about what this looks like to your child and how that small gesture will affect their attitude towards learning.
• Next time you think 'I'm just going to do this work myself because my child just isn't getting it.'
  I ask you to consider what this is teaching your child? How is this helping them?

Education isn't about ticking a box. It isn't about doing the papers because it is a legal requirement. It is about lighting a fire and helping shape children to become the best adults they can be. I beg you to value education. I beg you to give your child the very best that you can. But from the bottom of my heart, I beg you to do all of this for your child.

For most of you, you don't see Distance Ed as a burden or something 'that you just have to do'. For many of you, our setting is one that grows and nurtures your children. It is an experience that helps children become confident and successful adults. It isn't easy, but I've heard more than once that 'it is worth it.'

I stand beside Malala in the hope that one day education will be freely available to all. That students will grow to be educated and passionate individuals who want to change the world for the better. That boys and girls alike will have access to a quality education that is valued by students, teachers, parents and the wider community. While we work towards that day, I will leave you with these questions to ponder…

What are your beliefs about education?

How does this impact your life as a Home Tutor?

And more importantly…

What does this mean for your child/children?

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday!

Thanks
Zoe Farrer

Digital Discoveries

Handwriting on the Computer?

Handwriting skills are an expectation of the content descriptions in the Australian Curriculum: English. The Curriculum describes how students develop a fluent, legible handwriting style, beginning with unjoined letters, in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2, then move to joined letters in Years 3 and 4. Beyond this, the focus is on developing and consolidating a personal style that is legible, fluent and automatic, to help them write for an extended period.

In the early years, students benefit from regular handwriting lessons of 15 to 20 minutes, four times a week. Monitoring students as they write ensures students consolidate good practice. Throughout the years of schooling, written work in other learning areas offers multiple opportunities for mastering skills and developing a personal style.

Queensland students have access to a font, called QCursive, that can be placed on your computer that allows you to type and print in the correct handwriting style. The program includes the beginners alphabet introduced to students in the Prep year and also the Queensland cursive script taught to students from Year 2. The QCursive package is available on the Learning Place at https://students.learningplace.eq.edu.au/early/pages/pathwayviewer.aspx?ids=33028&accesskey=72833028 or go to the Student Space and use the Access Key 72833028 or follow the link in any lower school eLearn Course —>Computer Help —> QCursive

This is a fabulous resource that allows you to create documents and resources on the computer using the QCursive font. There is also a range of resources such as Alphabet Charts, warm ups, guides to sitting correctly and holding a pencil correctly.

Avatars

An avatar is defined as an incarnation, embodiment, or manifestation of a person or idea. However, in computing, an avatar is the graphical representation of the user.

Avatars are used to protect a computer user's identity when online, are often used rather than a photo and are FUN!

Students are asked to make an avatar to represent themselves when they use the new Student Space on the Learning Place at:

Click on the avatar picture in the top right and then create your avatar using the options. Once finished click the save button (old floppy disk icon).

Avatars can also be used to label a student's work or to add to the bottom of emails to be part of a signature.

Other sites you can use to make an avatar include:

You can even have avatar's that uses your voice. Some include:

or use the software that came with your webcam.

Here are a few ideas on how to use talking avatars in the schoolroom:

• Reflection of a task
• Reflection of an excursion or camp
• Research task
• Book review
• An alternative to an oral presentation for students who are not comfortable
• Read a book to share with younger year levels
• Read out a story they have written
• Use to practice speaking languages other than English
• Use as an introduction to a movie or animation

P & C News

Sports Muster

CONGRATULATIONS NARUNGI!!!!

Seems like eons ago that Sports Muster was on the 13th and 14th August. I hope you all recovered without too much washing, pulled hammies or tired kidlets. What a great couple of days!

A HUGE thanks to all those who helped Tracy Sargent and Julie Hawker to volunteer in the canteen. It was wonderful to see our own friendly faces behind the counter and because there were so many helpers there was still plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sunshine & spectator sport. We raised $1293.56 and welcome any suggestions for next year. Well done team and especially to Tracy and Julie!

On Thursday morning the P & C hosted a feast for hungry eyes with our annual Meet and Greet and smoko challenge. Think the teachers would have to agree, they have their work cut out for them at Swim Muster to beat us! Hats (and aprons!) off to Anne-Marie Flynn and Christy Bredhauer for all your co-ordination and help.

Who's been enjoying their pies from the Roma Bakery via the P&C pie drive? Yummo! Thank you so much to each and every family who has supported the P&C and a huge shout out to Eunice Campbell, Di Hansen, Doug Hansen and Lexi Morgan for all those hours spent organising and being there to help out the parents with the pie drive and the souvenirs and uniforms stall. We raised $2014.84

Battery Drive

The battery drive is continuous, so please ask your family and friends if they have any old batteries and contact Sally and Damian Campbell on abc_campbell@harboursat.com.au .

Grant Funding

Di Brand has been successful in securing $5000 from South West Natural Resource Management for the CSDE Resource Centre. Be sure to check ask Jenny Juniper for "What's new?" next time you contact her!

Fundraising

The P&C have set a new goal - to help fund a playground at the school. Got an idea how we can raise the cash? We'd love to hear from you!

NEXT meeting
OCTOBER 21ST @ 7.30 pm

Via Teleconference O7 31815999
Conference Code; 2901452267#

GOT AN IDEA? BRING IT TO THE MEETING AND LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN!

REMINDER……

All memberships are NOW DUE

If you have not been receiving the documents for the meetings, your membership is not current for 2015. Please email the secretary on psecr4@eq.edu.au .

5B Poetry Term 3

In term three 5B have turned into awesome poets. I would like to thank all of 5B for their excellent work ethic, persistence, creativity and for having fun along the way. They have produced some amazing pieces of poetry.

Charleville School of Distance Education Anthems

By Jaye Radel, Samantha Douglas and Cameron Delforce

Poem Analysis by Matilda Bryant and Jessica Langley

Have a safe, happy and well-earned holiday 5B. Miss Cooper

Introducing Miss Kirby…

Dear Year One Parents,

My name is Alex Kirby and I am going to be your child's new year one teacher. I have been working at Charleville School of Distance Education since the beginning of term 3 this year and I was teaching year 4. I absolutely love Distance Education and I am looking forward to getting to know all of your children and finishing off the year with the highest achievements possible.

I am always available to talk to parents and your children to provide additional support, information and resources. I strongly believe that every child is different and has their own individual style of learning, so I will endeavour to support your child's learning through on-air lessons, face-to-face contact, contact lessons and feedback on their send-in tasks. I believe that teacher and parent communication is vital as it provides the child with the best chance of succeeding so I would love to hear your own individual goals for your children. By providing me with this information, we can work together to improve your child's learning and acknowledge their accomplishments.

Trial and error is a major part of a year one's learning journey, and I strongly recommend encouraging your children to 'have a go' as you can only fail when you do not try. I believe that when a child 'has a go', they should be congratulated on their efforts, so they feel successful within their achievements. This success can lead to a sense of independence as the children can learn to gather their materials and lessons booklets independently as they are required. By encouraging independence, the children will develop the skills necessary to become a lifelong learner.

I look forward to meeting your children on-air and seeing you face-to-face at Mini Schools

Alex Kirby
Email: ajkir0@eq.edu.au

Introducing Miss Cooper …

Dear Year 4 and 5B Parents,

My name is Rachel Cooper, I am teaching Year 4.2 Mathematics, Year 4 CLC and Year 5B Mathematics and English. I have been at Charleville School of Distance Education since the beginning of Term 3 and will be here for Term 4. I am loving my experience here so far and I would like to thank all of the students and parents who have welcomed me whole heartedly. I am aiming to finish the year well and hope the students enjoy having me as their teacher.

I am always a phone call or email away, please do not hesitate to get in touch when you need clarification, ask questions or for a chat. I have an open door policy and there is no such thing as a silly question. I aim to support your children's individual learning styles, make the classes enjoyable and entertaining for all. I always love to hear what the students have been up to and look forward to our Monday catch-ups.

I strongly believe that all students should have a go and always aim to do their best! I also encourage independence with the students having all the required materials before the lesson, watching or completing work prior to the lesson and being on time where possible. I am looking forward to continue working with you all next term. Have a safe and happy holidays.

Kind Regards,
Miss Cooper

Western Alliance News

Multischool; a highlight on the Western Alliance calendar, a week where the hello's and goodbye's seem to follow each other so quickly, and a time when our secondary students shine. The hum of excitement grew quickly as the last bus pulled into the gates of LSODE, where some new faces and some familiar were able to catch up for the first time in months. 42 students made the trip to Longreach, for the biggest and best Multischool yet!

3 days may not seem like many, but the amount of learning and laughter that the teachers are able to fit into this time seems impossible (and probably would be without coffee). Miss Nolan's dissections are always one of the biggest highlights of the second Multischool, and this time they were studying the reproductive system. Unfortunately there are only photos from the first half of that activity, as Mrs Knudson's stomach couldn't handle it. It is lucky that students got a good night sleep, as they had Let's Get Physical with Mr Morris each morning to look forward to. You might not have expected your child to be locked up in the Watch House during a school function, but that is exactly what happened when Year 7 English went down to the Court House to do a mock trial of Ned Kelly. Year 8 students found the dressup corner, and learned about film making and editing with their short movie that Bill was so happy to have shared at the Formal Dinner.

An action packed week was topped off with the much-anticipated Formal Dinner and Disco. A celebration of the last Multischool of the year, and the last Multischool ever for many of our students. The girls were looking glamorous and the boys very dapper, as we enjoyed amazing food, and great company. The festivities were just beginning, as DJ Bling made her debut along with DJ Mac at one of the biggest disco's held at LSODE.

Friday morning, buses were packed, goodbyes were said and another fantastic Multischool had come to an end. Thanks to everyone that helped make the week happen, and we look forward to seeing you all at camp!

Miss Kling

Yr 3's on Camp!!

Ms Jennyns and the Year 3's had an amazing time on camp at Burleigh Heads. Some of the amazing new water skills we learnt included paddle boarding, dragon boating, raft building, tubing, body boarding. We also ventured into the beautiful national park around Burleigh Heads and didn't get lost!! Lots of fun was had by all and rumour has it tubing was the most fun!!