25 October 2017

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal’s Comments

What success looks like!

When we think of success in the context of school, most of us think of high achieving students reaching high levels of academia. I would argue, that while this is definitely one definition of success, there are many more that are just as equally valid.

So then, if we accept the premise that success is more than academic performance, exactly what does success look like?

The answers are varied and diverse and can change depending on age, starting point, prior learning, stage of development, goals, cognitive ability, social interactions and many other topics too diverse to name.

Too often students and even school performance is measured in terms of pure academia. How many students achieved an A grade? Well, in simple terms, who really cares? Perhaps a few bureaucrats and politicians who seem to think success can be calculated by some magic formula that is irrelevant to entire cohorts.

If schooling is about meeting the needs of each student and assisting them in their social, emotional, and well-being and not just academic performance, why do we continue to measure performance in purely academic terms?

A student who will not leave their room for fear of bullying or because of anxiety and depression, success may be making a small step to engage with some of their peers or to actively participate in a lesson with others.

A student who struggles academically but excels on the sporting field is surely just as successful. So too, a student who through no fault of their own has missed considerable chunks of their schooling, yet engages with a curriculum and demonstrates progress in their literacy is equally as valid.

Likewise, the student who struggles academically but performs admirably in drama, dance, music, art or numerous other pursuits. Or perhaps the student who can strip down a car engine with ease, build a substantial feat of engineering or just clicks with business concepts or even personal interests and pursuits.

What about a student who struggles but continues despite the setbacks of lower than average grades. Surely these students too deserve our admiration and respect. They are by all definition, achieving success through perseverance.

It is a sad reflection on society that in schools and even schools themselves are ‘measured’ in terms of grades. This blunt instrument tells us nothing about students, their goals, successes and achievements.

Teachers, parents and students are for the most part caring individuals who want nothing but the best for their students whatever this may look like. The pity is that systems and processes do little to reflect this.

It seems that politicians and others measure success in terms of surviving the next election. This seems to filter down to create a poisonous culture at all levels where success is short term and narrowly focussed and does little to instil confidence

Regardless of our student’s academic achievement, I trust that we can all reflect on what defines success, rise above short term politics and celebrate the myriad of achievements that mark the success of each and every one of our students.

Andrew Smith
Deputy Principal

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Sports Assets Legacy Program

The Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games recognises the significant positive impact the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will have on Queensland communities. The Queensland Government is committed to maximising this impact and optimising the positive legacy of hosting this event.

Approximately 20,000 items of sport equipment will be gifted to sporting organisations and communities throughout Queensland in a bid to leverage this investment and support future growth in participation and high performance success, well after the Games has concluded.

Schools, community and grass-roots organisations through to high-performance programs will benefit from the equipment being gifted across Queensland.

The Queensland Government will invite eligible organisations responsible for the leadership and delivery of sport to apply for GC2018 sports assets and take on the “once-in-a-generation” challenge to use those assets to create a long lasting legacy for Queenslanders.

Applications from eligible organisations will take the form of an “Embracing 2018 Legacy Pledge” – a description of how the organisation intends to create a long lasting Games’ legacy utilising the assets to promote community and/or high performance sport across the State.

Year 5 DIRT Article

The Year 5’s have been busy in English this term reading ‘Storm-Boy’ by Colin Thiele. After Mini School, the students are going to compare elements of the text to the characters and events in the movie of the same name. Students are already developing strong opinions about the storyline already.

The Year 5’s are keenly looking forward to Mini School this week. With a range of fun sports, art, science, languages, Maths and English activities we’re sure they’ll have heaps of fun.

Kate Ruthenberg and Sheree Heath
Year 5 Teachers

FLIQ (Flexible Learning Initiatives Queensland)

Pathway to Success

This year has been a year of change for FLIQ students with the introduction of Collaborate sessions. As a result of their engagement in online lessons with FLIQ and with the continued support from both teachers and centre tutors, students are steadily progressing through their curriculum work, and reaching their education goals.

Students have excelled themselves by achieving small goals along the way or by succeeding in their ambitions to move into further training or employment. Accomplishments include; a commitment to education by successfully engaging in the FLIQ program, the securing of positions to study with TAFE, the attainment of traineeships in hairdressing and construction, and both part-time or full-time employment across a range of occupations.

Student engagement in Collaborate sessions has helped to produce very positive student outcomes. As we approach the end of the school year, the FLIQ Team is looking forward to having more students who were previously disengaged from mainstream schooling, successfully engage in their individual educational pathway and kick some goals!

Collaborate has also been an effective tool in providing additional support to centre staff who in turn can pass on the benefits to students. In 2018, FLIQ teachers will kick off Term 1 by conducting a week of training sessions delivered via Collaborate, specifically designed for centre staff.

Tracy Burke
FLIQ Teacher

Students engaging in Collaborate sessions

Senior Secondary School

To the frustration of many parents, children discover the miracle of mud from an early age. Those of you who have witnessed the curtains of rain that have doused thirsty fields over the past week could probably testify to the strong attraction between children and mud. In hidden crevices, the pockets of mud reside often longer than the rain. But even for kids, being stuck in the mud can quickly turn from fun to frustration. While most teenagers are able to exhibit some self-control, resisting the urge to belly flop in a puddle, by this time of the year they find themselves trudging forward slowly – legs stuck in the mud. As term 4 hulks on, both students and parents (and teachers too!) can feel the weight of the year’s work cling to them. “Not another assignment! Not another exam!” But this is not the time to give in to that overcast voice. Because, as they say “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

That sense of relief after winching a 4x4 out of an Olympic-sized bog is a reflection of the hard-work put in. Being supportive of one another, cheering everyone on as they head down the final straight with the finish line in sight. With every applause and ‘c’mon’ the work feels lighter, the legs move faster and heads are held higher. To those of you feeling stressed we say, “Don’t stop until the finish line!” Whether first or last it does not matter, the pride you have from finishing is earnt, and that extra gasp of air a relief.

To mark the achievements of every student at CTSDE we have celebration day. For our year 12s’ significant effort and accomplishment, the school hosts a Senior Graduation Dinner. Soon invitations to the dinner will be sent out to all year 12s. For the students and their cheer-squad this is a special, memorable occasion. Those who have been able to attend in the past have certainly had a good time.

To avoid tumbles along the way, make sure you are aware of all the assessment items you have and when they are due. If you have changed contact details or exam supervisors, be sure to notify your PC teacher.

Celia North
Senior School Teacher

Library News

A BIG thank you to all the students who helped decorate the Reading Rainforest library. The CTSDE Reading Rainforest looks spectacular complete with a glistening waterfall. Students enjoyed having their face painted and dressing up. Final day for purchasing books at the Book Fair display is Friday.

Jenny Currin,
Librarian

Four butterflies in front of the waterfall

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