TERM 1 2019

FLEXI MOTTO

“Every student matters –

find the greatness within”

Be safe

Be respectful

Be a learner

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT UPDATE

Term 1 has started well. Flexi has welcomed many new students and

two new teaching staff Michael Bancroft and Wendy Ellem. Flexi also

welcomes Linda Bourke in a shared Head of Campus role with Jo

Brennan. Linda is well known in our Flexi community and is bringing

her personal touch and expertise in working with young people to the

role. Please enjoy the following articles that have been put together by

staff and students for you to keep up to date with life at Flexi.

Parent / Teacher Interviews

In the first week of Term 2, parents and carers are required to attend an

interview with your child’s Pastoral Care teacher. This opportunity

allows you to discuss the learning journey your child has selected and

his/her progress. The teachers will outline behaviour, effort and

achievement for subjects as well as how your child responds to

teaching and learning. A Pastoral Care teacher is important to

encourage students to take advantage of every opportunity that comes

their way over the year; whether it is participating in their school camp,

helping with fundraising events, enjoying the company of friends and

teachers, or planning their learning program. I do hope parents and

carers enjoy the interviews as much as the staff enjoy the time with you.

New Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Curriculum

Queensland is introducing a new QCE system starting with Year 11

students in 2019. To support the new QCE system and ensure the

QCE keeps pace with the changing nature of senior schooling, some

minor changes were made to QCE eligibility requirements. The

changes will apply to students who will graduate from Year 12 in 2020

or continue to work towards their QCE after leaving school. Under the

new QCE system, students in year 11 English Essentials will be

expected to complete four pieces of assessment for the subject. Three

will be internal assessments and one will be externally set and graded.

All four assessments will count towards a student’s final result.

21st Century Skills

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has

reviewed all senior syllabuses to ensure they reflect the knowledge and

skill sets required for further study and employment in the 21st century.

These skills are intended to help students keep up with the lightning-

pace of today’s modern markets. Each skill is unique in how it helps

students, but they all have one quality in common, they are essential in

the age of the Internet.

continued

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday 22nd April Public Holiday Easter Monday

Tuesday 23rd - Wednesday 24th April

Flexi Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

Thursday 25th April ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Monday 29th - Tuesday 30th April

Year 10 Flexi Camp, Emu Gully Adventure Camp,

Helidon

Wednesday 1st -Friday 3rd May

Year 12 Flexi Camp, Camp Drewe, Lennox Heads, NSW

Monday 6th May Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 21st May Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA)

Day Year 11

Thursday 30th May USQ Toowoomba Student Experience Day Year 12

FLEXI ‘TAKES A STAND TOGETHER AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE’

CHSHS Toowoomba Flexi School joined the nationwide movement to celebrate the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Thursday 14

th March 2019. Our young people, staff,

leadership team and mentors gathered together to ‘Say No!’ to bullying and to maintain a commitment to bullying prevention throughout the rest of the school year. Our community celebrated this event by coming together for a shared lunch, open-air photo booth and give away wristbands and student and parent information cards. Thank you goes to our support services staff, Mel Priddin and Rachael Maughan who educated and helped raised awareness of this issue, along with the Year 11 Hospitality class for providing exceptional catering.

- Linda Bourke

Without understanding proper communication, students in the 21st Century will lack a pivotal skill to progress their careers. Staff at Centenary Heights SHS Toowoomba Flexi School have been reviewing programs to include these valuable skills to prepare students for the future.

Stymie - An anti-bullying tool beginning Term 2

One in four kids are bullied at school. Every day more than 100,000 students

stay at home from school because they feel worried, scared or threatened.

Persistent bullying has been proven to lead to increased cases of depression,

reduced academic achievement, social exclusion, self-harm and suicide. Stymie

is a way of harnessing help for our young people and providing a solution for

school communities. Working together and allowing bystanders to make

anonymous notifications, promotes empathy, social responsibility and allows free

and unlimited access to young people who are targets of harmful action; they will

know that they are not alone.

Stymie allows bystanders to send anonymous notifications to our Principal and CHSHS Toowoomba

Flexi School Head of Campus Linda Bourke and myself about someone who they believe is being

bullied or harmed. The notification interface allows bystanders to upload evidence like screen shots of

Facebook discussions, Snapchats, text messages or instant message conversations and an outline of

the incident(s). The messages are automatically forwarded to the appropriate staff here at CHSHS

Toowoomba Flexi School. The first conversation we have will be with the student who is experiencing

harm - they will know they are not alone.

CHSHS Toowoomba Flexi School is committed to harnessing the power of bystanders to change the 'culture of acceptance' of bullying in our community; a problem even the government admits is endemic amongst our youth. Stymie complements Toowoomba Flexi School’s existing focus on the Department of Education’s learning and well-being framework.

Best wishes for the holidays

- Jo Brennan, Head of Department

CAREER PATHWAYS AT FLEXI SCHOOL 2019

Welcome to 2019. All students are now participating in a program or career development

pathway.

Students have demonstrated their enthusiasm in organising their chosen career development pathway.

Kellie Selby is our Industry Liaison Officer at Flexi School. All students are encouraged to discuss any

career pathway developments or opportunities they wish to pursue. Students may engage in a School-

based Traineeship, Work Experience, TAFE or the Construction program. If you wish to discuss your

child’s career pathway please contact Flexi and request to speak with Kellie on 46 144 100 or

alternatively mobile 0438111562.

Congratulations to Lexi in attending her work experience at Sew Handy. Flexi School appreciates

Sew Handy for hosting Lexi and providing her the opportunity to develop work place skills.

Congratulations to Mathew for obtaining work experience at The Motor Shoppe. Mathew has the

opportunity to experience his chosen field. Appreciation is extended to The Motor Shoppe for providing

Mathew this valuable opportunity.

Well Done Chantel for participating in the Flexi School work experience program. Thank you to

TARGET Toowoomba for hosting Chantel.

Well Done Dan for engaging in work experience each Wednesday. Thank you to Home Style

Bakery for hosting Dan and providing experience in the bakery Industry.

Congratulations to Zachary for obtaining a School-based Traineeship in Roof Plumbing with

Roofing All Over. Zach attends his SBT each week learning the roof plumbing industry. Well done Zac.

Congratulations to Katelyn. Katelyn obtained a School-based Traineeship in Individual Care with

Endeavour. Katelyn will have a Certificate III in Individual Care which provides Katelyn with excellent

qualifications for her future pathway.

Golden West Representative Rob Bradford, Zac with parent Krissy.

Noel Woolard and Katelyn

continued

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO SUESETTE SMITH (Industry Liaison Officer)

Suesette, after many years of dedicated and high quality service to our Flexi students, has decided to

finish. She has, every day, had the best interests of all students at least caring for them with a mixture

of wonderful support while at the same time expecting them to be the best they can be. Suesette has

also been the best of colleagues — hard working, resourceful and loyal. Her wonderful personality and

the difference she made to us all — daily — will be missed.

Welcome to Kellie Selby (into the role of Industry Liaison Officer)

Kellie comes to us with a depth of experience in this role and a wonderful way of interacting with young

people. I have no doubt she will carry on the great work of Suesette.

- Maryanne Walsh, Principal

Congratulations to Chelsea who has secured a School-based Traineeship at Cobb and Co. This will provide Chelsea with a Certificate III in Hospitality and her employment with the Queensland Museum will be of great advantage for Chelsea future career Pathways.

Congratulations to Talia for securing a School-based Traineeship at EMERGE new Café. Well done on your involvement at EMERGE. Flexi School wishes you every success.

Mighty effort from the Flexi students. Nine students obtained a School-based Traineeship with McDonalds. Thank you to McDonalds and HR representative for the opportunity for Young people to start the working life. An excellent way to start.

- Suessette Smith

Jen Shaw, Talia and Erin Hose

Diane, Suesette, Chelsea, Kristy & Linda

FLEXI SNAPSHOTS

DOWNS GROUP TRAINING

FLEXI DRAMA CLUB

Welcome to Drama Club Term One at Flexi, where our students are learning not only the pizazz of

acting but also the art that is ‘drama’. Where the spoken word comes to life through expression of face,

and tone of voice. Where our students are free to be other than they normally would be. The Flexi

Drama Club has been blessed to have one of our amazing mentors Ken come on board to share with

our students all he knows of drama and acting. Ken, himself with many years of performing in theatre,

has been able to ignite a passion in our students.

They have come to life, first performing without dialogue and through expression only, and then

gradually adding lines as the weeks have gone on. There have been moments of sadness and loss,

anger and frustration, laughter and happiness, all in the name of drama. Our students have shown

themselves to be ready learners, eager to practise new parts at every opportunity. With whispers of a

performance being planned for the end of the year, keep your eyes and ears open, this will be

something you do not want to miss!

- Natalie Mayers

DGT (Downs Group Training) Great work by the students who are partici-pating in the DGT construction I Certificate.

Each student is to be commended for their attendance, punctuality and commitment.

- Suesette Smith

Phoenix Jason

Ricky and Josh Michael

Ricky

HPE TERM 1

Health and physical education with our young people in year ten has been a lot of fun and a learning

experience for all throughout term one. Our young people have been exploring different ways to keep

active, playing cricket, handball and soccer among other activities. Looking forward to next term and

finding new ways to stay active.

- Dan Giles

TAFE UPDATE

TAFE has had excellent start to 2019. All students have committed to their TAFE program. Students are requested to speak with Kellie Selby Flexi School Industry Liaison Officer if there is a need to discuss the individual course. Well done to the TAFE students.

TAFE is an important part of the students Flexi School program. Commitment and attendance is required to ensure completion of the chosen course. It is Important to remember to contact Flexi School of absence and to notify TAFE. Attendance is monitored closely to ensure the student has the best outcomes. TAFE provides excellent learning facilities where students can learn and grow in another educational setting.

A note to all students:

Please check that you have received your Certificate for your completed course in 2018. A number of students have not received their Certificates and this is being rectified. It is important to have a Certificate for your completed course for use in applications, resume and proof of your achievement.

Please see Kellie if you require assistance.

- Suesette Smith

WORK EXPERIENCE

The world of work. Flexi School offers the opportunity to students to enter the world of work. The work experience program allows each student to discuss his/her chosen career field with the Industry Liaison Officer. Collectively the student and Industry Liaison Officer work toward securing a work experience placement.

Often networking with valuable businesses and often parent/carer contacts can bring work experience placements. Consideration is given to the student to ensure the work place is a safe and comfortable environment. Each student who participates in work experience has the opportunity to develop soft skills which build confidence to take on greater challenges throughout the learning journey at Flexi School.

Work experience often leads to part time work or School – based traineeships. Flexi School program works together to provide educational and career pathway outcomes for each student.

- Suesette Smith Thank you TARGET for hosting Chantel.

STUDENT SPEECH FOR ANTI BULLYING DAY

Ladies, gentleman and students welcome.

My name is Raymond. I am a year 12 student at Centenary Heights State High School Flexi School. I

am standing here to address the fact that today Thursday the 14th of March, is Flexi School’s day to

celebrate National day of action against bullying and violence.

I am here to empower each and every one of you to have and to use your voice to stand as a school

and as a community to say, no to bullying and to violence.

We as a school know that Bullying is wrong, but what is Bullying and what does it look like?

At times we may not realise we are bullying, so it is important to be considerate of people’s feelings.

Sometimes bullying occurs because of different beliefs or because another person may look or act

different. Well I am here to tell you bullying has a significantly huge effect on people, I speak from

personal experience.

Bullying has an effect not only straight away, but can also affect people later on down the track. It hurts

not only the individual being bullied but

also the people who love them, as they

often have to watch on without the

ability to stop it from happening.

- Raymond

CONGRATS TYLER!

AccelR8 is a new initiative for the Darling Downs District.

DESBT (Department of Employment Small Business and Training) have

successfully launched this pilot program. To gain a position in one of the

local supportive Automotive Industries such as West Star Motors was

competitive.

It is with much pride to announce that Tyler conducted himself at all the

three interview processes at the highest of levels. Good work Tyler!!!

- Suesette Smith Tyler is pictured with Tanya

MENTORING

It has been lovely this term to meet and introduce a number of new mentors into our Flexi Community.

Welcome to Kevin, Tony, Susan, John, Geraldine, and Leonie! After a long break, it was great to see

everyone again and welcome back a number of Yr 11 and 12 young people who are keen to continue

mentoring on a Monday morning. Our new year 10s have been getting to know our mentors and we will

see our mentoring pairs develop over the rest of the term.

The focus this term has been on getting to know everyone and sharing time together. We have had a

number of discussions on the issue of bullying which has culminated in our school community coming

together on the 14th March to highlight the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. The

discussions have been rich with content and ideas on how we can encourage and support each other to

be kind and take (safe) action against any bullying or violence we may witness. It is wonderful to hear

the room full of conversation and see the face to face contact that is often lacking with social media.

Mentoring not only supports the development of healthy relationships, it also provides opportunity for

young people to learn the skills of conversation which include active listening and engaged body

language. We value our mentors in their ability to support and encourage conversation and help our

young people to feel at ease. Thanks to all our school community for their support of this program and

we look forward to many more mentoring days.

- Mel Priddin

FLEXI POLO SHIRTS

Flexi polo shirts have now been distributed to all young people. As part of our Flexi

School Standards and Expectations, our young people are to wear these shirts to all

external events. Displaying a sense of unity and pride. A quality shirt, that looks great

too!

- Linda Bourke

TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL YOUTH CONNECTION LEADERS

At the end of 2018 Brianna, Jared and Tarence submitted applications and attended interviews to be-come Youth Leaders for 2019.

All three students were successful in gaining the pres-tigious role of representing the youth of Toowoomba.

Thursday the 7th of March the students were present-

ed with their Certificate to acknowledge their position. Rebecca Schroder said all student were exceptional and looks forward to working with the students throughout 2019 on the many youth orientated projects that will be delivered to the youth of Too-woomba.

- Suesette Smith

FLEXI SNAPSHOTS

YEAR 10 TERM 1 REFLECTION

Thank you to all the staff, parents and young people for welcoming me to CHSHS Toowoomba Flexi

School. My roles are; Pastoral Care Teacher and Case Manager for Year 10 and teacher of, Year 12

Social and Community studies, Certificate II in Business, Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational

Pathways, Year 10 Visual Arts and Year 11 and 12 Art Skills and Development. I am enjoying being a

part of a vibrant learning community; one that supports and challenges young people to become

confident, lifelong learners and valuable contributors to our society. I have a strong interest in

community engagement and empowering young people through education to attain their career

pathways.

This year, I have the privilege of being the Pastoral Care Teacher and Case Manager for Year 10. It is an honour getting to know these young people and seeing how much they are becoming valuable members of CHSHS Toowoomba Flexi School, in such a short period of time. Each morning I look forward to our catch ups, to have a chat and to learn of the various opportunities that they have been gifted to them as Flexi Young People. I enjoy hearing the stories of their work experiences, their learning at TAFE and other learning organisations as well as the plethora of learning that takes place at Flexi. The young people are enjoying the variety of subjects such as Hospitality and Industrial Technology and Design at the main campus, as well as Numeracy, Literacy, Health, Physical Education and Visual Arts at Flexi.

Each Thursday they are involved in the Mentoring program and have met each of the mentors of which they will select one mentor to work alongside by the end of this term. On Friday afternoon 1st March, we participated in the Clean Up Schools event where we collected rubbish in and around Queens Park followed by a sausage sizzle and cake. Another event that we will be involved in is the compulsory camp with the Emu Gully Adventure Education Group at Helidon on the 29th – 30th April. All activities will focus on the core character values of courage, mateship, perseverance and sacrifice. The program is delivered by qualified instructors. I look forward to seeing our young people grow as individuals but also as a team.

- Wendy Ellem

Rotary Club Catering at the Glen Postle Intergenerational Mentoring Hub

This term has seen our Certificate I hospitality young people cater for Toowoomba East Rotary Club.

Forty members and their special guests held their weekly meeting in our Hub on Thursday 21st April,

where they were served packed gourmet lunch boxes prepared and presented by students. We thank

the Rotary club for the opportunity to cater this event and providing our young people the opportunity to

immerse themselves in kitchen hygiene, preparing and presenting food, basic food safety and

customer service skills. We look forward to collaborating further with Rotary club and booking more of

these catered events into our calendar.

- Linda Bourke

YEAR 11 TERM 1 REFLECTION

I am happy to take this opportunity to introduce myself via this newsletter to the CHSHS Toowoomba

Flexi School community. Since moving to the region from Brisbane at the beginning of term, I have

been pleasantly surprised with the welcome that I have received, both from within the school and the

wider community. As I began to meet Toowoomba locals, it quickly became apparent that Flexi School

is held in high esteem and considered an excellent place where young people can be successfully

guided towards achieving both academic and personal success.

Within Flexi School, my roles include teaching English, Short Course Literacy, Physical Education,

Sport and Recreation, Social and Community Studies and I also oversee the Year 11 Pastoral Care

Group. In what has been a busy start to the term, our Year 11 students have already been actively

involved in several community initiatives including the ‘Clean-Up Australia Day’ and our ‘Bullying - No

Way Day’. It has been a pleasure to witness, first hand, the community minded spirit that exists within

our young people.

In the short time that I have been involved with the school, I have been impressed with both our

student cohort and the available supportive network which is truly dedicated to assisting our young people. I feel privileged to hold such a fulfilling and rewarding position and hope to be a positive influence on our young people during these vitally important, formative years. I look forward to being a part of the team and to helping our young people establish and achieve their personal and professional goals.

- Michael Bancroft

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY EVENT

A big thank you goes out to all of the young people, mentors and staff from within our community who participated in making a positive impact on our environment. Friday 1st March, saw us chip in and make a real difference to our environment and local communities through participating in Schools Clean Up Day. After our Queens Park clean up, we came together for a shared sausage sizzle.

- Linda Bourke

AllevE8 & GenR8 2019

AllevE8 is a program which is offered to students in the Toowoomba District and provides student the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Health Support. The students will participate in twenty days’ work experience in the Health field. Well done to the students who are participating the program.

GenR8 is a program which is offered to students in the Toowoomba District. This program provides students with a Certificate II in Transport and Logistics and to participate in twenty days’ work experience in a field where the student can experience the Transport and Logistic field. Five students have nominated for the program for 2019. Flexi School wishes them every success.

If there are any queries or concerns for your child who is participating in the above programs please contact Kellie Selby Industry Liaison Officer.

- Suesette Smith

What should parents do to protect their children online?

The Office of eSafety encourages parents and carers to coview, co-play, ask questions about the games and apps their children are using, and let them know you are there to support them if they are upset or uncomfortable about anything they see online.

Five top tips to help limit your child’s exposure to harmful content online:

Engage in your child’s online activities – ask what apps, sites and games they are using and make sure they are age-appropriate.

Use parental controls on devices to help limit what your child is exposed to.

Let them know not everything they see online is real or true. In the case of “Momo videos” help them understand that people are making these to get more ‘likes’ because they get paid money for the ‘likes’ they get.

Help them report and block upsetting content they see on social media sites or apps.

Let them know they can come to you about anything upsetting they see online, and contact Kids Helpline or Headspace if they need further support.

Parents can visit www.esafety.gov.au/iparent for information and advice on keeping your child safe online.

- Jo Brennan

TOOWOOMBA AND DISTRICT WOODCRAFTERS CLUB

Over the past twelve months, CHSHS Toowoomba Flexi School has had the

unique opportunity to collaborate with the Wood-Crafters of Toowoomba.

For a few hours a week, over the course of the year, this amazing club took

some of our young people who were keen to learn the tricks-of-the-trade. Our

budding wood-crafters acquired skills such as woodturning, furniture making,

woodcarving and fretwork, and produced some truly exceptional pieces of

their own.

In addition to mentoring our young people, the club worked with Flexi School to design a café sign for our Hospitality space. Kerry, presented this to Flexi School earlier in the term - please, when next on campus, take the time to admire the design expertise that has gone into this piece of work, now proudly hanging over our Flexi Café window! A huge thank you has to go to club secretary, Kerry Smith, who was instrumental in coordinating this programme, and our sincere appreciation goes out to all of the club members who contributed to our sign- we love it!

- Linda Bourke

HELLO FROM CHAPPY JAS

Hi Chappy Jas here.

I am one of the many support staff at Flexi and every Monday I come in and do all things that help foster an environment of encouragement, authenticity and courage.

One of the greatest highlights for me is getting to know each student and what makes them individually remarkable! I was once a student of Centenary Heights, so I count it a huge privilege to be able to come back, supporting this wonderful school through whatever way I can.

I am looking forward to being able to attend all three Flexi Camps this year, facilitate new programs and get more opportunities to get to know these amazing students.

Thank you Flexi!!

- Jason Berry

Welcome to Year 12 students at Flexi

This year has seen twenty Year 12 students begin their journey here at CHSHS Toowoomba Flexi

School. We have spent considerable time thus far building on positive relationships, getting to know

others further and sense of belonging through Pastoral Care groups and our Mentoring program.

Additionally, our new year 12 young people have been getting to know our school and working to

understand our Three Principles of ‘Being a Learner’, ‘Being Respectful’ and ‘Being Safe’.

I would like to welcome all our new families to Flexi and I hope your child has begun the year with

positivity, an open mind and optimism about the year ahead. Please do not hesitate to contact me

should you or your student require assistance in any area of school life.

- Linda Bourke

GET WELL SOON

Allan Jones, over many years has supported Flexi School through our kitchen canteen program, volunteering many hours per week towards preparing delicious and nutritious lunches for our young people. We wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to your return.

- Linda Bourke

Questions to ask your young person at the end of a school day:

1. What did you eat for lunch?

2. Did you catch anyone doing something funny?

3. What was the funniest thing that happened today?

4. Did anyone do anything super nice for you?

5. What was the nicest thing you did for someone else?

6. Who made you smile today?

7. Which one of your teachers would survive a zombie apocalypse? Why?

8. What new fact did you learn today?

9. What challenged you today?

10. What would you rate your day on a scale of 1 to 10? Why?

- Rachael Maughan

ADMIN UPDATE

QParents:

Have you registered for QParents?

QParents provides parents with a secure online mode to access and update student information. All

parents will have received an invitation for QParents with an administration code. If you have not

already accepted and activated your QParents account, I encourage you to do so as Term 1 Report

Cards can only be accessed through this online mode. Please note: we will not be posting or emailing

Report Cards. If you require any further clarification around the QParents system or have missed your

personal invitation, please phone the Flexi Office so I can assist with this process.

School Fees:

A reminder that all school fees are required to be finalised by June 30, 2019. The school fees for 2019

are $324 with an additional $50 required for the mandatory Bring Your Own Device Program (BYOD).

As always, please contact the Flexi Office if you have any concerns regarding your payment plan.

Absences:

At CHSHS Toowoomba Flexi School attendance is closely monitored. It is paramount to your child’s

learning, and to maximise their experience at Flexi School that they are present on all required days. Of

course, circumstances arise whereby attendance at school on the odd occasion is not possible. In these

circumstances we ask that as legal parent/carers, you communicate with the Flexi Office to ensure any

absences are appropriately recorded. It is important to keep in mind, to remain enrolled in their chosen

program of study, all young people are required to maintain an attendance percentage of 80%. On

behalf of all staff, we thoroughly enjoy seeing the growth in our young people at school and this can only

occur if they are present – everyday matters!

Thank you for your ongoing cooperation.

- Nicole Atkinson

Contact Details

Postal Address: 60 Ramsay Street, Toowoomba

Ph: (07) 4614 4100

Fax: (07) 4614 4110

Toowoomba Flexi School wishes to thank supporting businesses and organisations!

Toowoomba Flexi School

14-16 Chalk Drive

Toowoomba

Positive Relationships Value the importance of connection and strong relationships

Positive Emotion Value an environment built on joy, gratitude and contentment

Positive Health Value mindfulness and resilience to develop broader health

behaviours

Positive Engagement Value learning to find sources of interest and passion is

student lives

Positive Accomplishment Value challenges with determination to learn from

experiences

Positive Purpose Value the welfare of others and the wider community