7 December 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Awards Day Speech

John Clark

Good afternoon students, parents, tutors, school staff, ladies and gentlemen

Thank you for being here this afternoon with many of you travelling some distance to join with us – we have families from Tasmania, Chinchilla and Kingaroy to name a few.

This afternoon we have seen the strength and breadth of our students’ achievements, both academic and in the broader fields of life. The success of each of our students reflects on the endeavours and pathway opportunities of our school. The academic success that each of our students has achieved in the past year is but one part of the story of their education: the real element of their success is their journey in developing their character, values, understanding of the world and the framework that will govern their behaviour and actions in their future endeavours.

Last night, at our traditional small gathering of senior students graduating from our school – it is not a formal affair, but more like a dinner party where students, their families and their teachers gather together to share a meal and talk about the past year and the future ahead – the valedictory address was given by one of our departing students, Jacob. His address, as would be expected from a young man who has been accepted into a tertiary institution to continue his studies in multimedia animation, was delivered via a video recording supported by soundtracks and appropriate animation. It was quite a professional presentation. But that is not what made the address so memorable. Jacob spoke of the journey of education and what each of his fellow students should take into the next phase of their life – the courage to do something they care for, the need to hold to their values, the sense of strength that remains hidden in each of us until we can call it out when needed, the need to be generous to others in both spirit and deed, and the importance of surrounding oneself with people that support us rather than diminish us.

Now for a young man, it was both perceptive and courageous because you cannot deal with those things unless you share something of yourself.

Jacob’s address set the scene for the closure of our school year. Our school is not about elitist celebration of a few individuals nor is it about an over-zealous celebration of a school culture that is unrelated to the real world in which we all live. There is enough of that in our Australian society to meet the needs of the people who desire such tinsel in their world. Rather, our school looks to contributing to the construction of well rounded, self-aware future young citizens who know that the value and joy of life is their journey and that life long learning is the tool which will ensure that they remain productive and engaged with the communities around them.

There are four myths about distance education that annoy me. Now we know that myths and legends are the traditional stories that people use to try and explain a practice, belief, or state of prejudice that has grown up around something or someone; especially embodying the ideals and institutions of a segment of society. Well, the four myths of distance education I face daily are based firmly on stereotypes, prejudice and lack of facts.

The first is that students from distance education are academically not “quite up” to the level of those from mainstream schools. This myth seems to come from those persons vainly trying to defend the traditional schooling structures. These traditional school structures represent an eighteenth century form of industrialised education, first designed to produce factory workers and a small academic elite. The reality, if we actually look at the evidence, is that students from distance education perform academically at the same or slightly above students from mainstream school – this is across all levels of schooling ranging from early primary through to tertiary graduates. I hear this myth or see the covert actions supporting its intent from a wide range of persons and groups; from members of the government education authorities, state and private schools, persons in the community who have no connection to education and perhaps even failed their own…it is pervasive, yet it is so wrong. The only way to diminish this false story is to challenge it at every opportunity. Our students do as well or better as those in mainstream schools.

The second myth is that students from distance education are socially immature, have limited social interaction and perhaps a “little backward” in social discourse. Again, this myth reflects the prejudices of the tellers rather than the evidence of the world. Our students, perhaps due to the longer periods of time that parents have daily influence upon them, are generally more mature in their outlook of the world; are able to converse with adults and their peers in comfortable and non-threatened ways; and better understand the ways of the world within their moral and ethical framework. Peer pressure in schools and the broader society in which we live is not an easy element to contend with, so the continued influence of parents within a distance education setting, is a thing to be celebrated not diminished with unfair criticism. The challenge for parents, of course, is to ensure their child has a balanced life. This means engaging in the broader community through sports, perhaps even church or other community bodies. I often feel that many people use mainstream schools as a substitute ‘parent’ by expecting the school to construct the world for the young person to grow in, rather than the family taking this responsibility.

The third and fourth myths of distance education can be moulded together as there are similarities in the myths – it can be summed up as being that distance education is easier than mainstream schooling. In these myths somehow the efforts of the tutor or parent are submerged under the broad statement of “you are working with your own child”. We must acknowledge that regardless of the tensions and occasional difficulties that may arise from this situation, spending more time with your children is precisely one of the major benefits of this form of schooling – how else will they take your values, ethics and family life to create something new and wonderful – their own journey through life.

Coupled to this mashed myths is of course the mantra that…’distance education teachers don’t need to work hard’. Again the prejudices and ability to jump to positions of judgement without evidence amuses me; well to be honest, these once appalled me, but now I look upon the perpetuators of such myths the same way as we look upon a very young child learning to walk – it is amusing to watch, sometimes dangerous for the individual concerned but with luck they may at some time in the future grow up and be able to do things in the real world. The reality (and evidence) show something quite different regarding this myth. The world of a distance education teacher is different – it requires longer hours of work than a mainstream school; it requires the teacher to work in partnership with other adults; it requires the individual to be willing to be emotionally engaged with not just the student but the family or caregivers; and, it requires diligence and a willingness to forget it is a job and treat it like a vocation. There are many great teachers who may never make a great distance education teacher. Our teachers work hard; they care for the young people in their care; they value the work of the parents and tutors; and perhaps most of all, they want their students to be prepared for an enjoyable and exciting journey through life. My thanks to the teachers and support staff of our school for their efforts throughout this year.

I suppose it is time, when I should direct some of my comments to the students who are leaving our school today. Whether they are in Year 6 and moving to a boarding school, are students who have achieved the educational outcome they came to us for or have completed Year 12 and are setting out into tertiary education or the world of work, there are a few things that I may share with you.

As you leave your school, whether to go to boarding school or the wider world, remember that the world is a complex and wonderful thing. It does not revolve around you – we all like to think that we are important and that the rest of the people we come into contact will do as we wish and make us feel good. This egocentric view of the world (it is not selfish, but simply being unable to see that other people have roles, goals and priorities) may enable you to live at home where your parents and caregivers value and dote on you, but in the real world, you are one of many and your views, while important, must be considered in the light of others. Not everything will go your way; get used to it and find what is good in the world rather than moaning about what did not happen for you.

There will be times when other persons will say or do things to hurt you; it may be in person, it may be to others behind your back or it may even be through social media. At the time it may appear that this behaviour (and let’s call it bullying for that is what it is) is the end of the world as you know it and you are upset and angry about what has or is occurring. Remember though, sometime in the future (it may be weeks, months or even years) their comments and behaviours will mean nothing to you as you move into new opportunities, excitement and relationships. It is hard to take and accept abuse, but the abuse says more about the person giving it than it does about the person being set up as a target. Remember, bullies seek a response from their victims – it somehow gives them a perverse reward. Ignore these people and move on – their impact on your future life will be so very small, so treat it with the disdain it deserves. It will not be easy, but do not let it define your world or how you interact with others.

Not everyone will like or love you! For heaven’s sake, not even all the teachers love me! You cannot expect everyone to like or love you, nor is that healthy. All you really need is a few good people to like you and if you find a very few who love you, then you have won the jackpot prize. Cherish the friends that are good to you and care for you; treat other people with respect and tolerance; and, do not chase those that appear socially ‘cool’ but express values that are at odds with your’s or your family’s moral and ethical frameworks. If you have a few people who like you for what you are, love you and respect you, then you are indeed a ‘rich’ person throughout your life. Not everyone will like you!

And finally, be hedonistic. Hedonistic means that you find joy and happiness in everything you do. In whatever pursuit you undertake, whatever job you do, regardless of what it is, there is always something to celebrate. So, regardless of what learning pathway you undertake, whatever jobs you end up, remember to find the value and joy in each moment of your day. You are only here once, enjoy it now, because that is better than being miserable. Learn to laugh at the world, at yourself and the way your life goes – if you can find joy in the world around you and things to laugh at, you will live longer.

Thank you for your time in your school – each of you leave something of yourselves behind as you leave to go into new adventures and you will take something of our school with you. Best of luck and enjoy the journey…

John Clark
Principal

Deputy Principals Comments

In spite of the threat of rain, it was great to hear so many people had attended our school’s end of year celebration. Unfortunately, I was unable to be there this year for family reasons; however, I am assured it was a great success. This event, which is a standard in our school, is a time not just to recognise the remarkable achievements of our students but is also a time to recognise our entire school community for the amazing job that they do.

Unlike their counterparts who are able to attend mainstream schools, many of our students must overcome isolation to complete their schooling. This is no small feat considering the challenges of juggling the technology, the competing demands of studying from home and the stress of home tutors needing to be both parent and teacher.

To see so many of our students recognised for their achievement on Celebration Day must surely be one of the highlights of the school year. It is also a great social gathering and a nice way to say thank you to our school community.

As the holiday season is about to start, I would like to wish everyone all the best for the festive season and safe travels, and I look forward to working with you again next year.

Cameron Burke
Deputy Principal

Celebration Day

Celebration day was such a success! Here are a few photos from the night…

Lesley Griffin

Hi Everyone

Tutor School will be held from Monday 19 February to Friday 23 February. The Tutor School booklet will be emailed out along with other 2018 documents. Please make sure that you send the form back by the due date. You will receive the school photo envelopes in your mail early next year. School photos will be taken on Wednesday 21 February – children will need to wear their blue school shirt.

Don’t forget to complete your pizza order form for the P&C meet and greet. This is a time when new and experienced tutors can get together to socialise and ‘let their hair down’. A flyer and booking form will be emailed to you soon. Bookings are essential for catering purposes. This is a child friendly activity. Please consider attending this function – it promises to be fun.

Nominations for the P&C Executive have been called. If you would like to nominate for a position on the 2018 executive, let me know and I will send you a nomination form.

I welcome new families to our school and look forward to meeting you all soon if I have not already done so. Goodbye to those tutors who have been with the school for many years. Thank you for your support and friendship and I wish you best wishes for 2018.

Finally, I wish you and your families a happy Christmas and a great relaxing holiday. I look forward to seeing you next year.

Building Fund

$$

Did you know the school has a DEDUCTIBLE GIFT RECIPIENT BUILDING FUND? This means your donation is tax deductible. If you would like to donate to our Building Fund, here are the bank details:

• CBA Charters Towers
• BSB 064-805
• Account Number 10084019
• Account Name Charters Towers SDE Building Fund
• Put your name as the reference.
• Inform the school you have made the donation and your receipt will be issued.

Lesley Griffin
Parent Liaison Officer

FLIQ (Flexible Learning Initiatives Queensland)

Students Meet Teacher For the First Time:

Recently at KMG, we had a visit from Miss Ros, one of the teachers from the FLIQ program. It was an unexpected surprise for the students at our centre.

She has been a voice on our Collaborate sessions and has established a natural learning environment for our students. Being able to meet her face to face was an enlightening and wonderful experience.

The young people we have enrolled with Charters Towers School of Distance Education, have previously had negative experiences with education systems and are generally reluctant to engage with teachers.

It was evident that strong relationships affect student engagement, as our young people comfortably interacted with their teacher and shared many stories. It was wonderful to see.

Everyone has gained a great deal from the visit and we hope there will be more to come. Thank you for the ongoing support for our students.

Miss Ros with the student group during her centre visit

Justin Giblett - Program Manager
Yuibera Aboriginal Corporation – Kutta Mulla Gorinna Alternative Learning Program - Mackay

Library

Twelve Days of Christmas

Have you ever heard of an Aussie version of Twelve Days of Christmas? So many different types of exciting animals dancing and having fun! With the fantastic effort from Jenny Currin in the library, she was able to bring this song to life with her marvellous display.

On the first day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me….A Platypus up a gum tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. five rusty utes, four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. half a dozen snags, five rusty utes, four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. seven cheeky chooks, half a dozen snags, five rusty utes, four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. eight jolly jumbucks, seven cheeky chooks, half a dozen snags, five rusty utes, four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. nine daggy dingos, eight jolly jumbucks, seven cheeky chooks, half a dozen snags, five rusty utes, four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. ten sweaty swaggies, nine daggy dingos, eight jolly jumbucks, seven cheeky chooks, half a dozen snags, five rusty utes, four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. Eleven cricket legends, ten sweaty swaggies, nine daggy dingos, eight jolly jumbucks, seven cheeky chooks, half a dozen snags, five rusty utes, four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my best mate gave to me…. twelve surfing Santas, eleven cricket legends, ten sweaty swaggies, nine daggy dingos, eight jolly jumbucks, seven cheeky chooks, half a dozen snags, five rusty utes, four footy fans, three meat trays, two jackaroos and a platypus up a gum tree.

Jenny Currin
Library

P & C

Finally Schools Out For Another Year

Good afternoon special guests, students, ladies and gentlemen.

This year hasn’t been as busy as usual however we are planning to organise a major fundraiser in 2018. Get your thinking caps on as we are throwing around ideas.

At home tutor school the P & C held the annual Meet N Greet BBQ at the Big 4 Aussie Outback Oasis. The evening had a relaxed atmosphere where Home Tutors new and old had the chance to mingle and catch up. Thanks to Cathy & Paul for hosting the P & C again this year for our annual Meet N Greet.

The Schools of Distance Education Alliance (SODEA) has continued to meet via teleconference and face to face meetings in Brisbane. This year SODEA have continued to meet with principals from the seven SDE schools across QLD, the IT branch and the Assistant Director General of Rural and Remote Schools to continue trying to improve education and services provided to children enrolled in distance education. SODEA continues to voice concerns that impacts our children’s learning.

The P & C celebrated World Teachers Day in October by giving a bag of chocolates to all staff. I am sure Foodworks think I have a chocolate addiction with the number of boxes of ‘favourites’ we had to order. Thank-you to all staff of CTSDE who assist in the education of our children. Your hard work and dedication is much appreciated.

Our two cookbooks, “Generations of Bush Cooking Hints and Remedies” and “Another Helping of Generations of Bush Cooking” have continued to sell well this year. Thank you to all outlets selling cookbooks and to Jenny Currin for assisting P & C in coordinating cookbook sales.

The P & C were bequeathed money from Ms Norma Harding’s estate. Ms Harding worked at schools of distance education in the early years and left funds to the regional distance education schools. The P & C have set up two bursaries to support geographically isolated students with their education. The first bursary, the Norma Harding Year 6 Bursary for dedication and engagement in learning will be awarded to a Year 6 student. The second bursary, the Norma Harding Primary Bursary for service to, and engagement in the broader school community will be awarded to a primary school student. Both P & C bursary recipients have been chosen by the primary teaching staff. These two bursaries will continue to be awarded each year and assist students with their future educational needs.

Congratulations on the year 6 cohort who are have finished their primary school journey and the Year 12s who have graduated. Remember to reach for the stars and follow your dreams. All the best as you move onto other endeavours. The grey hairs that you have given your Home Tutors will be a fond memory in years to come.

Each year we acknowledge our Home Tutors that have been at CTSDE for 10 or more years. This year Cathy Pullella will be leaving after 18 years and Miranda Ryan will be leaving Distance Ed after completing 12 years as a home tutor. Both Tutors will be acknowledged later on this evening back at the school. Congratulations to all other Home Tutors that have completed their journey with our school this year. We wish you all the very best of luck in your future endeavours. Your children have been lucky enough to have you as their Home Tutor or very closely involved in their education. Although your journey has finished with SDE remember fondly the good times, forget the trying times and enjoy the future as your children move onto the next phase of their education.

Due to distance, the P & C would not be able to function effectively without the assistance of the staff at Charters Towers School of Distance Education and especially Lesley Griffin. Thank-you for the wonderful work you do.

To the 2017 P & C Executive - Julia Broad, Caralyn Caspani, Kate Ashton, Mel Knuth, Christy Moller and Nicky Bickerstaff. Thank-you for your endless support this year. Nominations are open for next years, think about coming on board as part of the executive. Volunteers don’t necessarily have time, they just have the heart.

I look forward to seeing you all tonight at the BBQ back at school to celebrate our successes from the year. The Cape River Outreach will be running the bar tonight, thank-you. There will also be a jumping castle funded by the P & C and live entertainment late into the evening. I am sure the dancing queens will have their shoes ready and thirsts will be quenched over many a tale. Please enjoy our end of year celebrations and take time to reflect on yet another year of educating your children through distance education.

I wish everyone a relaxing break over the holidays and a Merry Christmas. May green grass be in abundance and an extended wet season to all. See you all next year at Home Tutor School in 2018.

Amanda Clark presenting a gift to Home Tutor Miranda Ryan

Amanda Clark
President of P&C

Student Council

On Thursday 30th November, the 2017 Student Council leaders and representatives handed over their responsibilities to the new Student Council leaders and representatives for the incoming year.

2017 Student Leaders wearing the new formal uniform.

We would like to thank our 2017 Student Council who have performed their duties attentively throughout the year. Our school community acknowledges the efforts, team spirit and leadership these young people demonstrate when representing our school at community and formal events. You have done us proud.

To our current 2017 Student Council leaders and representatives thank you for your dedication and hard work throughout this year. Congratulations to Montana Spurdle, Shontel Bickerstaff, Grace O’Brien, Dempsie Moller, Reese Wilkinson, Chloe Collins, Logan Scott, Emily Cuffe, Bonnie Spurdle and Izabelle Appleton.

Student Council Recipients

Congratulations to the following students joining the Student Council in 2018. Best of luck for your upcoming duties for the year.

Miss Micallef
Student Council Teacher

VET

BUSINESS MUST BE BOOMING!

Students in all levels of the Certificate courses in Business has been extremely busy over these last few weeks. At Certificate I in Business level – for Year 11 and 12 – ALL students in the group have been successful in completing the course and achieving their Certificate. They are all to be congratulated on their outstanding achievement, both personally and as a member of the team. Congratulations to Pascal, James, Melinda, Bree, Emily, Cheyenne and two others.

With Certificate II in Business over 50% of the class have also completed their Certificate and considering this is a two-year course that is an amazing outcome from the Administrative Assistants in this team. Congratulations to Carmella, Bridget, Charlee, Erin, Shaianne, Nicole and one more.

Last, but not least, Certificate III in Business also has an impressive success story with three of the Year 12 students completing their course this year. Congratulations are in order for Patrice, and two others, who have all proved themselves worthy of the title Assistant to the Directors.

With such a high standard set by these students, it is fully expected that others will want to follow in their footsteps and also achieve their Certificates in 2018. Aim high and just keep on making progress one activity at a time and the goal will be reached.

Mrs Ailsa Leach
Senior Business Teacher

Year 10 – 12

Year 10 – 12 Wrap Up For 2017

As 2017 charges onwards to the end, it is hard not to look at the social diary, sigh and wonder when anyone really truly gets a break. While the formalities of Celebration Day mark a special occasion for the entire school community, the Senior Graduation Dinner held the evening before was an intimate occasion for our older students to reflect on their year of hard work, and the new beginnings that lie ahead for some. The commitment that the families made to attend the event reinforced our school motto: distance is no barrier. The senior teaching team were proud to spend the evening with the scholars and their families. As we shared the stories of our hard-fought battles of the year, our victories and successes emerged more proudly.

Awards received the following day are an ornamental reminder of hard work; they are the recognition of effort and dedication. It is not the sparkle we applaud, but the conscious determination. As busy as our schedules are at this time of year, these events give us the social grace to show pride and strengthen our esteem. Even for those year 10s and 11s who may not have crossed the stage on Celebration Day, the Senior Dinner was a reminder that their self-efficacy and determination does not go unnoticed. The prospect of graduating in the not too distant future glows ever brighter over the horizon.

The theme of endurance certainly was the message reinforced by the principal, Mr John Clark and our Valedictorian, Jacob Rose. Jacob’s valedictory presentation reflected the school’s values and displayed an insight beyond his years. His use of animation and his prowess with multi-media technology proved that the young men and women graduating as the class of 2017 have both the 21st Century skills and moral virtue to thrive into the future. We will also say farewell to other members of our school community. Whether they are headed to employment or to another educational option, we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

We also farewell some of our teaching staff. Regardless of whether they are moving to other schools to be closer to their families, undertaking further study, or beginning a new profession, their presence and dedication will be missed in our school community, and we wish them all every success.

Graduating Class of 2017

Sarah Jenkins
10 – 12 HOD

ICPA Information

Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association

Queensland Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Information Brochure:

ICPA Qld is a volunteer, apolitical organisation committed to ensuring equity of access to education for regional, rural and remote students. ICPA Qld aims to seek equitable access to an appropriate education for children who live in geographical isolation. IPCA supports all students who attend small rural and remote schools, boarding schools and those attending hostels. Below is a copy of the Queensland ICPA Information Brochure.

Queensland Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Allowance Brochure:

Both state and federal governments provide allowances to assist with the cost of educating children in regional, rural and remote Queensland. Below is a copy of the Queensland ICPA Allowance Brochure.

Choose how to add this event to your calendar:

Apple Calendar iPhone, iPad, Mac - Download .ics file

Outlook Desktop Outlook - Download .ics file

Android Calendar Android devices - Download .ics file

Other Calendar Google Calendar, Yahoo, etc. - Download .ics file

Download Event