NOVEMBER 2017 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the years pass. So here we are at the end of 2017… a year where Wallsend Campus has excelled in so many areas. I would particularly like to mention the last set of results we received: the Year 10 VALID results (Science). In ,this exam Wallsend was above average in all 6 tested areas, whilst in the extended writing response, 38.9% of all students achieved the highest band. This is an amazing tribute to the work done by students and the preparation afforded them by not only their Science teachers, but by the teachers at the school in general. I am sure it will come as no surprise to the school community that this is my last newsletter as Principal because I will finish my role here at the end of the year and retire in early 2018. It has been my privilege to work with such a remarkable, energetic and supportive community. We, together, have created a Campus which is the envy of many other communities. I have really had the best gig in town So where to from here… I challenge you to continue to work together to be the best you can be, not settle for second best, always aim for the stars and celebrate because Callaghan College Wallsend Campus continues to be a showcase for student achievement. My sincere thanks to you all Mr Paul Tracey, Principal ENGLISH FACULTY NEWS FUTURE STARS OF RADIO ‐ On Thursday 2 November, some Year 8 students from CCWC participated in an excursion to the 2NUR FM radio station to pre‐record song introductions for their very own radio show, titled Billy Shaker's Hot Hits. This was part of a unit on the importance and relevance of Shakespeare. All Year 8 students wrote a persuasive letter arguing for their song's inclusion based on how it reflected Shakespeare's universal themes (including love, passion, betrayal, jealousy and revenge). Needless to say, Tay‐Tay scored many nominations! We hope you tuned in on Tuesday 21 November and heard the future stars of radio: Dominic Graham, Torah Griffiths, Ella Jones, Shanaye Mallory, Ella Moriaty, Connor Perrett, Isha Prasad and Grace Whitehorn. Thank you to 2NUR FM and programming director, Todd Sergeant, for providing our students with this fantastic opportunity and for supporting Callaghan College. Thank you also to Miss Pellow for her organisation of this wonderful event. MEN'S SHED EXCURSION ‐ On Wednesday 8 November Mrs Muller took a group of Year 10 students on an excursion to the Newcastle/Waratah Men's Shed. For most of 2017, some members of the Men's Shed have come to a fortnightly English lesson. The purpose of this was for students to gain some mentoring but also for our students to assist the Men's Shed with their website, Facebook page and other publications. The students were treated to a tour of this impressive and important community facility and met many interesting men with various skills and backgrounds. All students represented our school with pride and took great interest in the projects being undertaken at the shed. POCKET FILM FESTIVAL ‐ On Thursday 23 November we held our inaugural CCWC Pocket Film Festival which showcased the best pocket films as part of the Term 3 unit on Social Justice. Students were required to produce a 60‐second pocket film (a film made entirely using a smartphone) on a social justice issue of their choosing. As teachers, we were very impressed with the issues students chose to advocate for and it really was a credit to their maturity and sense of social responsibility. It was fantastic to have Year 9 as part of the audience and Year 10 really set the bar for next year's Film Festival. The winning film, as judged by pocket film professional and extraordinaire, Jason Van Generden, was by Bianca Strauss and Lucy Zemitis. Jason very generously donated a prize pack full of film‐making equipment valued at over $400 to the winners. The winner of the Teacher's Pick were Jade Gallogly and Cooper Gillespie who each took home a JB Hi‐Fi gift voucher. And finally, the People's Choice winner, as voted by Year 9 and 10 students, was Zoe Avellino and Chelsea Fisher. We hope they each enjoy their canteen voucher. Thank you to Mrs Sommerlad for putting the films together for the festival. Well done to all DATES FOR YOUR DIARY involved and congratulations to our winners. We 29 Nov – 1 Dec Swim & Survive 7D, L, E & N can't wait to see next year's films. 5 – 7 Dec. Swim & Survive 7W, A, C, P, S & T ROMEO AND JULIET – On Tuesday 7 November, a group of students from Years 7‐10 5 Dec Year 6 Orientation Day were treated to a live performance of "Romeo 6 Dec CCWC Presentation Evening and Juliet" at CCWC by the Sydney‐based theatre company, Bard on the Beach. 7 Dec Year 10 Final Assembly 9 – 10.30am This special opportunity was linked to the study First in Class Assembly Yr 7 – 11.30am of Shakespeare's play in some Year 9 classes this First in Class Assembly Yr 8 – 12.30pm year, and was also open to any student with an interest in performance. First in Class Assembly Yr 9 – 2.00pm Our students enjoyed an entertaining show and 14 Dec End of Year Movie Excursion were commended for being such a respectful 15 Dec Last day for staff and students and engaging audience. A special Q&A session with the performers even revealed some 29 Jan Staff return to school budding actors amongst our own CCWC 30 Jan First day for Year 7 students students! 31 Jan Years 8 – 10 return to school HEALTH AND WELLBEING FOR GIRLS The girls have been enjoying many different learning experiences in this Year 8 elective in 2017. They have taken part in exploring the concept of gratitude and how acknowledgement of the wonderful things that we do have in life, and identifying those instead of what we don’t have, can have a significant impact on happiness levels for all human beings. Also, learning to manage stress, anxiety and a vast array of emotions through the practice of mindfulness has assisted many of the girls to recognise their future potential in regards to academic performance, leadership possibilities and a more achievable level of peace and contentment on a daily basis. We are proud to have been working in partnership with the University of Newcastle in 2017 on the important issue of student wellbeing. Please see the link below to some mindfulness practices from ‘Smiling Mind’ – developed by Dr Craig Hassed and Dr Richard Chambers from Monash University. There are many different practices to choose from, for all age groups on their website: www.smilingmind.com.au The girls enjoyed the ‘Retreat Day for Girls’ in the school library where they were presented with a variety of workshops addressing the needs of a teenage girl in the 21st Century. These included Mindfulness and Wellbeing – Charlotte Thaarup from ‘The Mindfulness Clinic’ Accessing tertiary Education – Dylan Beaumont Rock and Water – Samantha Wong Body Image Challenges and Management ‐ Karen White Yoga for Peace and Calm – Emma Walker / Lisa Dorahy This was a lovely day for the girls as they worked collaboratively to work through problems and had many discussions that assisted their sense of wellbeing and confidence. We look forward to a very special day on Tuesday 28 November when the girls will explore Tomaree Lookout and the marine park at Port Stephens, on the search for pods of dolphins and other marine life. Mrs Karen White PDHPE Faculty 2017 CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY – A letter from The University of Newcastle Thank you and congratulations to all students who were in attendance at the 2017 Children’s University graduation. It was truly a night to remember. My team and I would like to firstly congratulate all students for their behaviour and enthusiasm shown throughout the evening. We planned for this evening to be a great celebration and recognition of the effort and time you have placed into the learning opportunities provided to you all throughout the year. Thank you to all families that were in attendance: we appreciate your presence on the evening. Children’s University continues to encourage children and their families to keep learning in their communities during the Christmas holiday period. Holiday workshops hosted by Children’s University will recommence in Term 1 2018 in each of our three geographic regions – Central Coast, Newcastle and Cessnock. This program is an annual commitment. Students have the capacity to opt into the program each year. If you would like to be involved, please see Mrs Shedden in the Kudhiliba (library). For our 2017 students, your passport hours continue across into next year. To be eligible for graduation in 2018 you need to have moved up into the next award category. For example, if you reached 30 hours this year you would have to make it to 65 hours to get the Silver Award. Once again, thank you to all students for your enthusiastic learning and to your parents for their support. Graduation is a large undertaking with many moving cogs and as such, we will be evaluating the successes of the evening. If you would like to make suggestions for improvements or place a comment regarding the evening, please do so at [email protected] or call 49218739. Hope to see you all in 2018. Children’s University Team University of Newcastle SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR 2017 On Friday 24th & Saturday 25th of November, students from both Wallsend & Jesmond Campus performed at the 2017 Schools Spectacular 'Own the Moment' at Qudos Bank Arena.