In The Loop
Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) @ Clairvaux MacKillop College
April 2016 Newsletter - Issue #1
Welcome to the first Newsletter!
With this in mind, the parent reps and I will collaborate to publish an ERC newsletter, monthly, that will be both emailed to parents, and a printed copy sent home with ERC students.
If there are any concerns you have, discussion points, advertising or things worth noting on the newsletter, please don't hesitate to contact one of the parent reps or myself for addition on the next edition of the newsletter.
ERC Parents Meet & Greet
Tuesday, Apr 19, 2016, 03:00 PM
Clairvaux MacKillop College, Upper Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
Important Dates & School Community Events
- Thursday 21st April - 1st Day of Seca Sport - Continuing each Thursday until further notice. Students are required to wear correct sports uniform on this day. Students should all know by now which Seca Sport they have been given. If not, see Mrs. Toon or myself.
- Friday 22nd April - Anzac Day Service at the College - All students to attend.
- Monday 25th April - Anzac Day Public Holiday
- Monday 2nd May - Labour Day Public Holiday
- Tuesday 3rd May - PST Interviews. School finishes at lunchtime on this day, in order for Parent & Teacher interviews to commence from 1.30 - 6.30pm.
- Tuesday 10th - Thursday 12th May - NAPLAN testing - years 7 and 9. Please complete 'exemption' or 'accommodations/ special considerations' forms as provided by your Case Manager for Students With A Disability.
- Friday 13th May - Year 12 Formal
Go Blue For Autism - Awareness Day - Tuesday April 12th
In The Classroom
IN THE GARDEN - As part of learning in science, a garden program is being set up so that ERC students can learn about the care and nurturing of plants, including ecosystems, stages of a plant and horticulture in general; an important life-skill also about taking care of living things and the process and role of nurturing.
This term, ERC students will be learning about the following in each subject
ENGLISH -
Yr 7/8/9 - Autobiographies and Biographies - guided reading, grammar activities.
Yr 10/11/12 - Generations - Baby Boomers, Y-Generation, Generation X etc.
MATHS - Number and operations using a calculator, money, time and measurement
SCIENCE - Mixtures and materials --> Mixing, combining, separation and solutions
LIFE SKILLS & COMMUNITY ACCESS - Daily living skills, using self-checkouts at supermarket and reading venue maps. Continued class cooking - Anzac Biscuits will be baked and discussed.
Activities In and Out of School
Disability Supports & Services
- Disability services- Parents should register with DSQ at anytime in the Secondary School years but ASAP in Year 12 as an appointment needs to be booked for an assessment of your child. Much easier to do this whilst a student is at school.
Parents, please note that in the past, there has been a cut of date in year 12 in May if you require funding for services post school. There is also no guarantee for funding. General enquires phone no:-13 74 68 ask for contact details for Disability Services regional office close to your residence or visit the website for more information www.qld.gov.au/disability
- Companion Card
www.companioncard.gov.au or general enquires phone no:-13 74 68
- Community Star Transport (Redlands Distrcit)
Can pick up and take places, similar to a taxi service, contact:- 07 3821 6699
Website:- www.starct.org.au or
- Transitcare Community Flyer (Logan and Brisbane South District)
register by Phone:- 1300463593 or Email:-admin@transitcare.com.au
TIP: In preparation for the NDIS, it is advised to keep a diary on a daily basis of your son/daughters additional needs. NDIS requires quite a detailed account of how their disability affects their day-to-day living.
In The Senior School (Years 10, 11 and 12)
- Year 12 Formal and Year 11 Semi-Formal- Parents of Year 11 and Year 12 should start looking at familiarising and getting prepared for the Year 11 Semi-formal and Year 12 Formal. Particularly booking vehicles, formal dresses etc for the Year 12 Formal. Over the next month, there will be considerable talk from the Senior School and year 11 Pastoral Leaders and administration about the upcoming events and expectations.
Yr 11 & 12 Exam Block and Work Placement - Term 2
All year 11 and 12 students will again go into Exam Block / Work Placement from the 6th June - 14th June, meaning that the last day of classes will be Friday 3rd June. Year 11's and year 12's who aren't doing the QCS will come back to school as usual from 15th June until the end of term, with year 12's going on Retreat during this time.
Regarding Work Placement, Angela Willows (School officer), Lindy Toon, myself and the rest of the team seek out to find suitable work placement (up to a full week) during this time, however, as you can imagine have some difficulty finding the right fit for some students. If you have any contacts, who are willing to take on our students, please let Angela, Lindy or myself know asap, so we can arrange the paperwork and associated follow-up.
Year 11 and 12 - QCIA News
The Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) recognises the achievements of students who are on individualised learning programs.
The certificate is an official record that students have completed at least 12 years of education, and provides students with a summary of their skills and knowledge that they can present to employers and training providers.
The QCAA has developed the following resources to help students, parents and carers and schools and teachers to understand the underlying principles of the senior phase of learning in Queensland and the QCIA.
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/qcia_info_for_parents.pptx
Year 11 and 12 - QCIA Brochure and FAQ
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/qcia_brochure.pdf
Year 11 and 12 - Sample certificate
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/qcia_certificate_sample.pdf
Homework Club
There is no need to 'sign-up' or register. Students just need to show up with the work, and stay as long as needed (The Homework Club has teaching tutors who stay up until 5pm). Please note that this is NOT afterschool care or any other type of supervision.
Student's Work
Parent's Tip of the Month
Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS)
NSSTAS provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland.
How it Works
- Check your eligibility for either:
Bus, Ferry, & Other Assistance OR Students With Disability - Make a note in your calendar to apply here each May (for travel January to June) /October (for travel July to December)
- Pay for transport throughout the semester
- Keep your public transport receipts
- Apply
- We calculate how much we can pay you
- We pay you by the end of the September / March after you apply
All the information is provided on the following website. All applications need to be made through this site.
ERC Parent Representatives
Mrs. Sharon Evans - Email: serehome@bigpond.net.au
ERC Parent Social Gathering
Sharon and Michelle also wish to invite other ERC parents to a monthly activity / get together social event, which gives parents an opportunity to get together in an informal setting for a coffee or lunch.
The April Event will be the previously mentioned ERC meet and greet on 19th April from 3-4pm at the College, however, there will be one for May and following months.
Mr. Paul Broszat - Head of Learning Support
Email: brop@cvxmck.edu.au
Website: www.cvxmck.edu.au
Location: Clairvaux MacKillop College, Upper Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
Phone: 0733479200