Middle Senior School Communications, 14 March 2024

Term 1 - Week 8

Upcoming Event

18 March: NAPLAN

Term 1 - Week  9

Wednesday 20 March: Cross Country
Friday 22 March: College Bush Dance

Coming Up

27 March: Easter Chapel
28 March: Last Day of Term, Crazy Hair day, Leadership Development

15 April: First day of Term 2

Dear Parents and Carers

Just a short thought for this communication – how present are we in the moments we spend with our children?  The Pew Research Centre in the United States just released a study into American adults and screen time usage, and while the data was clear that teens were spending too much time on screens, unsurprisingly it also indicated the same for adults of all ages. Having a read through the graphs/results, I was convicted by some of the commentary around the question ‘how often are parents distracted by their phone when talking to their teen?’

I know I can easily fall into this category. Ironically, I was reading this survey while my son was plying me with a range of questions, that I wasn’t answering well for him (it was about what snacks he could eat – but he was feeling ignored).

31% of American adults surveyed admitted to being distracted by their phone when talking with their children. Interestingly, when teens were asked the same question, they suggested that 46% of parents fell into this category.

Anyway, I thought this was worth reflecting on – it challenged me to be more aware of not using my phone when my children are speaking to me. I have attached links to two recent surveys that you may find interesting (they are not dense research papers – I promise!).

Screen time research (released March 2024)

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/03/11/how-teens-and-parents-approach-screen-time/

Social media research

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/12/11/teens-social-media-and-technology-2023/

Mr Josh Wilson
Head of Middle & Senior School & Innovative Learning Design

Sport Notice

Cross Country

The Middle and Senior School (MSS) Cross Country will be held on Wednesday 20 March (Week 9).

A reminder that the event is only part day, and classes will be running for part day. Students not wanting to compete at a competitive level will have an alternative activity to complete. All students are expected to be at school this day.

Please review the letter below for the event details. 

NOTICES : Mr Arraiol (Head of Wellbeing and Community)

Subway and Free Dress for the end of Term

We are hosting a Subways order day for the last day of Term 1 on the 28 March. Any students that wish to have some delicious subways delivered to the College at 11:00 (in time for first break) can use the flyer attached to complete their online orders. Please note that all orders should be completed by Monday 24 March 2024 and that there is an ice-block party for the class that has the most subways orders. 

Parents of Stage 4 or 5 students (Years 7 - 10) will need to use the following class allocations to complete their orders:

• For Years 7 & 8: please select class 4 and the relevant letter that corresponds to your child's form class e.g. 4A
• For Years 9 & 10: please select class 5 and the relevant number that corresponds to your child's form class e.g. 5-1

On the last day of term our free dress will follow the theme of crazy hair and students are encouraged to have various crazy and innovative hairstyles for this day. Those participating in the free dress event (crazy hair or not) will be asked to donate a gold coin.

All proceeds from these initiatives will be used to support our Children of Compassion.

Bush Dance

On Friday the 22^nd of March the College is hosting it's annual Bush dance. Proceeds of this event will be going towards our Year 9 service trip to Chinchilla and more specifically Drought Angels. Parents and students from both campuses are welcome to join us from 6.30pm until 8.30pm on the ANZAC Lawn. We are very fortunate to have the very experienced and enthusiastic band for the evening Beefa's Bush Band performing and hosting the event for us again.

Please note that there will be food and drinks on sale and a photo booth to take some memorable pictures of friends and family on the night. Please use the link in this communication to purchase your tickets this week to assist with catering for this event.

Please book your tickets online: https://www.trybooking.com/COLHF

Leadership Development Day

On the 28 March 2024 the Year 10 - 12 students will be participating in a leadership development day with Character Builders (our external service providers). This is an initiative the College has undertaken to help equip our senior school students for their future roles as leaders in and outside of the College. Last year was the first of these and we are very excited to see how our students may grow their personal leadership skills and connect with their peers across the Senior school. 

General Notices

Bus Transportation

Intercampus and College Service Buses to Carbrook

The College transitioned to a new bus management system called Rollcall at the start of 2024. Please click on the button for more updated information.

School Locker Notice

School Locker Loganholme will be temporarily closed for maintenance from Wednesday 13^th March 2024 until further notice.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our Partner School communities in this location.  We will provide free shipping for all online orders, for schools affected by the closure. For assistance with online ordering, please contact School Locker at service@theschoollocker.com.au

If you have any questions or concerns please contact School Locker at support@theschoollocker.com.au

Carpark Safety

During drop off and pick up windows the carpark is a busy area. To ensure the safety of everyone in the carpark, please maintain the speed limit and follow directional arrows in the carpark. Please use the pedestrian crossings when walking in the carpark.  

Cafe Specials - Week 9

Calvary Coffee Cup Design Competition

We are excited to launch our Calvary Coffee Cup design competition!!

All students can get creative and submit a hand drawn design of their choice! Check out the video by our students for the details!

Students can collect the template from the office or café at each campus. Parents, could you please assist in making sure the students artwork is protected and doesn’t get damaged when submitting.

There will be three $50 Gift Card winners across our campuses. Two Junior Schools winners, and one Middle Senior Winner.

Artwork MUST be completed and submitted (with name and student number) to the office by Friday, end of Week 1, Term 2. Please ensure you have read the rules of participation.

GOOD LUCK and we can't wait to see our students at work!

MSS Musical Sponsorship Opportunity – “Shrek The Musical”

Musical Sponsorship Opportunities are still available for our upcoming musical.  Please email our Marketing Team for information, marketing@calvarycc.qld.edu.au

Sport Sponsorship

Be part of the winning team with Calvary Sports Sponsorship 2024! Elevate your brand visibility through our banner or team sponsorship opportunities.

Apply online today https://zfrmz.com.au/zy6Poa2oGuAiQi3zAtL1  Please email any enquiries to sponsorship@calvarycc.qld.edu.au

Events at Calvary

Our current College events can be found on our website: https://www.calvarycc.qld.edu.au/events/

All of our Parent Information can be found on our Website: https://www.calvarycc.qld.edu.au/parent-information/

Free 'Catch-up' Immunisation Clinics

If your child missed their immunisation in Year's 7 and 10 please book into the Free Clinic.

Easter @ Real Life Christian Church

Real Life Christian Church warmly invites you and your family and friends to join with us as we celebrate Easter!

We will gather at 9:30-10:30am on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday for worship followed by morning tea in our courtyard.

Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday

Donuts (empty tombs!) on Easter Sunday