16th February 2024

Important dates

Werte, Hello!

Werte, and welcome to 2024

Dear Families

We welcome everyone in our school community. It has been great to meet all our new students and catch up with our returning students in the first couple of weeks.

For our Year 8 and 9 students, returning means getting back into those learning routines essential for students to progress and achieve. Things like making sure they are getting enough sleep, making sure that they are prepared with all materials and making sure that they are in the right place at the right time are essential. Most students have made this transition back into school successfully, and most home groups have focused quickly on the learning in front of them.

For Year 7s, starting at a new school is more involved. This week, we have been doing much work on key learning like understanding the school, getting to know the staff and whom to talk to in different circumstances, where things are and how the timetable works. We have also been doing much work this week on developing relationships within the school. There have been many activities during home group and lesson time to help our students learn names and more about the students and the staff in their learning community this year.

Settling into the school year with new people is exciting, but also comes with anxiety for some students. Through our School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS), CMS staff explicitly teach students about creating and interacting within safe and respectful learning environments. We appreciate the support from families to reinforce these messages, including the importance of walking away from conflict and telling a trusted adult at school about any concerns.

This year we are excited to introduce The Resilience Project, a wellbeing program which students will do with their Home Group teacher for one lesson each week. The focus is on teaching gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. Evidence from other school who use this program shows that is adds to the wellbeing of students and their ability to deal with difficult situations.

As well as welcoming new students into the school, we also welcome some new staff. We are delighted to welcome the following to the school:

• Ben Forbes – Year 8 Assistant Principal

• Joel Morrison – Year 8 English and Humanities
• Delean Holtze – Year 8 English and Humanities
• Matthew Stephens – Year 8 Small Group
• Carey Foley – Year 7 and 8 Science
• Rebecca Stephens – Year 7 and 8 Health/PE
• Leigh Stanton – Home Liaison Officer

• Gordon Mallard – Home Liaison
• Honey Pearson – Front office

We have a few important events coming up.

• Meet the Teacher – Tuesday 20th February from 5:00-6:00 pm
• Annual General Meeting (following Meet the Teacher) Tuesday 20th February, 6.00 -7.00 pm. If you would like to nominate for school council before the AGM, please collect a Nomination form for the front office or email glenda.mccarthy@education.nt.gov.au 
• Year 7 Immunisations Tuesday 5th March
• Interschool Sports Secondary – Secondary Basketball
• NAPLAN

This is our first newsletter of the year. These newsletters will come out three times per term (generally in Weeks 3, 6 and 9) and contain important information about the school. Newsletters are sent electronically via our text messaging system, as we find this to be the most effective form of communication with families. Alternatively, you can pick up a paper copy from our front office. Please ensure you read them carefully. We also have a Facebook page which we use to share stories – liking our page will help to get school information posted on your feeds.

In 2024 we hope to engage more than ever with our families. We encourage you to come in and say hello to your young person’s teachers or other staff in the school. Consider joining the school council or helping our school community in areas of interest to you. Alternatively, you can give us a call on 8955 2333.

We are looking forward to an exciting year of learning!

Introducing our 2024 teams

School Leadership 

Glenda McCarthy - School Principal 

Josh Mapstone - Assistant Principal Year 7 (Inclusion)

Ben Forbes - Assistant Principal Year 8 (also Attendance and Wellbeing)

Wellington Pasi - Assistant Principal Year 9 (also SWPBS)

Emma Forrester - Senior Teacher, Teaching and Learning 

Sarah France - Senior Teacher, Arts/HPE 

Emily Webster - Senior Teacher , Operations 

Year 7 Team 

Josh Mapstone - Assistant Principal

Emma Pegg - English and Humanities 

Emma Hurley - English and Humanities

Natasha Mavec - Maths and Science

Cameron Say - Maths and Science

Carey Foley - Science

Vicky Howie - Special Education Teacher  

Junior Lijanga - Special Education Support Officer

Ibu Darmini - Special Education Support Officer

Daisy Tinker - Tutor 

Isabelle Ross - Tutor 

Year 8 Team 

Ben Forbes - Assistant Principal

Emma Forrester - English and Humanities 

Joel Morrison - English and Humanities 

Delean Holtze - English and Humanities 

Bridy Baney - Maths and Science 

Carey Foley - Science 

Sarah France - Home Group 

Rajinder Uppal  - Special Education Teacher

Matthew Stephens - Special Education Teacher 

Angela Flahive - Special Education Teacher

Barry Georgopoulos - Special Education Support Officer

Nola Hunter - Special Education Support Officer

Maureen Van Heusden - Special Education Support Officer

Tenneil Wark - Special Education Support Officer

Gayatri (Guy) Saraswati - Tutor 

Year 9 Team 

Wellington Pasi - Assistant Principal

Emily Webster - English and Humanities 

Brad Gill - English and Humanities

Ricki Willis - Maths and Science

Sarah Colomb - Maths and Science

Jemma Seddon - Special Education Teacher

Robbie Smith - Special Education Support Officer

Reese Curtis-Stanton - Special Education Support Officer

Tenika Greig - Tutor 

Kim Leyland - Tutor 

Arts and HPE Team 

Sarah Wall (France) - Senior Teacher and Food Technology 

Stone Lee  - Visual Art 

Ed Gould - Music 

Stephen Ryan - Design and Technology 

Marcus Druce - Health and Physical Education

Rebecca Stephens - Health and Physical Education

Gatkuoth Kueth - Health and Physical Education

Sarah Shilling - Tutor, Food Technology 

Jasper Barrett - Tutor, Design and Technology 

Instructional Coaches

Georgie Sutton - Numeracy Coach 

Sue Killingbeck - Literacy Coach (Fresh Start) 

Emma Forrester - Literacy Instructional Coach

Wellbeing Support for Students 

Leigh Stanton - Home Liason Officer

Gordon Mallard - Home Liason 

Rachel Abbott - Home Liason

Brenda Simms - Health Promoting School Nurse

Mel Dunnage - Authorised Engagement Officer 

Sally Axten - School Counsellor (Monday, Tuesday)

Viliami Ahokava - School Counsellor (Thursday, Friday)

Administration and School Support 

Brenda Savage - Business Manager 

Julia Pearson - Attendance & SAMS Administrator 

Honey Pearson - Front Office 

Leah Emery - Executive Assistant 

Carolyn Bindle - Lab Technician 

Georgia Barlow - Executive Assistant 

Mark Hildebrandt - Maintenance 

Ralene Hildebrandt - Cleaning Supervisor  

Richard Riley - IT Support 

Caroline Cavalho Santos - Canteen Manager 

Sara Shilling - Canteen and Food Tech 

Clontarf Academy 

Cheyne Miles - Director 

Clontarf Operations Officers/Mentors: 

Liam McDonald

Joe Roberts 

Stars Founation Program 

Lara Harding - Program Mentor 

Keomi Ross - Program Mentor

Polly Farmer Foundation 

Hamish McLoughlin - Regional Manager 

Ashley Smeal - Program Coordinator 

Welcome Messages from our Leaders

Year 7 

It has been an incredibly busy start for our year 7 students to begin the year. New teachers, new peers, new timetables and new classroom environments. There are many new things for all of our students to manage as they begin their middle school journey.

Learning has begun in all classrooms and I have had the privilege of visiting many classrooms to see students engaging meaningfully with English and Humanities, Maths, Science, Design and Technology, PE, Health, Art, Music and Cooking.

Our School Wide Positive Behaviour System is also in full swing and students have been working toward the completion of Merit Cards for displaying our school values of respectful, responsible and fair. Most students have all completed one and a massive shout out goes to Nesia Ford-Wineera who has already completed 6 Merit Cards in three weeks!

All year 7 classes have begun our school-wide wellbeing program the Resilience Project. The program teaches and supports positive mental health in the classroom. The Resilience Project is emotionally engaging, practical, proven to have impact through evidence-based evaluations, and is delivered in 800+ schools. It focuses on four elements of positive mental health – gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and emotional literacy.

Finally, huge gratitude and empathy to all of our year 7 families. The transition between primary and middle school is a big process for many students and I know that all families are supporting their young people through this change. Many, many thanks and if you wish to contact me please feel free to call the school on 0889552333 or e-mail josh.mapstone@education.nt.gov.au

With gratitude,

Mr. Josh Mapstone

Assistant Principal

Year 7 Coordinator and Inclusive Practices Leader

Year 8

Moving into a new year level can be both an exciting and anxious time for students. After spending 2023 settling into Centralian Middle School, forming new friendships and becoming familiar with classrooms and teachers, last year's Year 7 cohort have now needed to adjust to new class groupings, unfamiliar classrooms and a different team of teachers. On the whole, students have adjusted well, overcoming initial nerves and adapting to their new spaces. The Year 8 teaching team have been working hard to support the students establish routines and understand expectations. We will be gathering together each Friday during homegroup for a Year 8 community meeting to celebrate student progress and achievements. We are also in the process of planning for our Year 8 Camp later in the year. The Year 8 Common Area will be open each Thursday for lunchtime club activities (board games, chess, etc.) and a 'Green Room' has been set up near the Common Area for students who need a regulation break or a wellbeing check-in. The team look forward to working with you and your young person over the next four terms as they navigate their way through Year 8. 

Ben Forbes 

Assistant Principal Year 8 

Year 9

Hello-Werte

My name is Wellington Pasi. I have been at CMS since 2009. I am going to be your child’s team leader for 2024.I would like to acknowledge the work done by the Year 8 team in preparing these great young men and women for Year 9. I am excited to lead a team of tried and tested professionals who are passionate about education.

I am passionate about several issues among which are.

1. Diverse and productive classrooms
2. Students’ wellbeing
3. A rich and challenging curriculum which supports low level students and extends the high achievers.

I believe:

1. Every student has the right to learn.
2. No student should stop/disrupt other students’ learning.
3. Every student has the right to feel safe.
4. Parental and stakeholder involvement in students’ education results in a strong partnership with the school resulting in better outcomes for students.

In the 2024 I will be expecting:

1. All students to be in school uniform including closed in shoes.
2. Be in possession of adequate stationery. (Back to school vouchers can be used for this)
3. Your support in making sure that all homework/assignments are handed in on time. Assistance will be provided for students who will be seen to be struggling.

4.Upholding of the school values which are RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and FAIRNESS

Big things to look forward to in Year 9

1. A rich curriculum which prepares Year 9 students for successful years of senior school. The Year 9 teachers have ‘hit the ground running’. Students are engaged in rich and engaging learning activities.
2. The Resilience Project (TRP)

• This is a timetabled Pastoral Care program whose core values are Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional literacy.

1. VET programs

• As they move towards Senior school our Yr 9 students will participate in VET programs. One of the programs will be offered through the Department of Education and the other will be offered through CDU. The DoE program will be starting in Week 3. The other program involves students going to CDU for a week. This is spread throughout the year. Families will be informed of the dates. Meanwhile families can ensure their young person has a USI by visiting the following portal Get your USI | Unique Student Identifier .Keep this number and provide it when engaging in the VET course.

1. Year 9 transition visits to CSC
2. Year 9 camp (TBA)
3. Year 9 formal

I am looking forward to a rich partnership with all stakeholders to ensure a successful 2024.

Regards

Wellington Pasi

Assistant Principal/Year 9 Coordinator (2024)

Stars Foundation Update

What a wonderful start it has been to 2023!

We have been so excited to welcome back last year’s Stars students as they become the leaders of the school, and it has been great getting to know our new Year 7 Stars students as they begin their middle school journey with us.

Our Stars team is comprised of Lara Harding and Keomi Ross. We are committed to supporting our students and their families throughout their middle school years to ensure they are not only attending school consistently but are enjoying it and making the most of the opportunities it provides!

In contact times we have reintroduced our Stars values of Respect, Commitment, Pride and Honesty and the four key pillars we focus on: Wellbeing, Healthy Lifestyles, Community, Culture & Leadership and Education, Training & Employment. All our Stars students have created Stars Plans with goals related to our four key pillars, such as spending more quality time with family, having a sleep routine to ensure they are refreshed for a new day, learning their languages, and finding employment opportunities. To ensure their success they have also included how they can be supported by Stars staff, family, and friends to achieve these goals throughout the year.

In the weeks to come we will be facilitating team building sessions and lunch time activities.

If there were any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.

Lara Harding, 0467 826 485

School news and updates

Ethics Olympiad 

CMS will have a team of students competing in the international final of the Ethics Olympiad on Wednesday 21 February. The competition is held online and sees the students competing against schools in India, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and from around Australia.

The Ethics Olympiad promotes respectful, supportive, and rigorous discussion of ethical issues among thousands of high school students throughout our region. The format is based on ongoing dialogue and deliberation. It is designed to get students thinking, talking, and ultimately working together on some of the toughest moral issues of our time. Some of the topics being discussed in this competition include issues around peer pressure, the complexities of group work, and the differences between authenticity and artificiality in the modern age.

CMS entered two teams in the competition. Both teams were awarded honourable mentions by the judges and one CMS team won the silver medal. The top two teams from each regional competition qualify to compete in the international final.

The Resilience Project 

We are proud to partner with The Resilience Project to assist our students in their wellbeing journey. In order to gain an accurate understanding of our students’ strengths and challenges, we will be conducting a resilience survey developed by Resilient Youth Australia and the University of South Australia. In recent years, they have surveyed more than 500,000 Australian school students.

We will administer the Resilience Survey this year online in class time. Students typically take 30-50 minutes to complete the survey. The data from the survey will be reported in aggregate descriptive form only, by year level and gender, and no individual student responses can be identified.

The Resilience Survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. The survey will provide valuable information to assist us to create and maintain the best culture of wellbeing and resilience that we can.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s participation in this survey project, please contact Emma Forrester on 8955 2333.

We thank you for your support.

Meet The Teacher Night 

Whole School Professional Development Days

The NT Public Sector Non-Contract Principals, Teachers, and Assistant Teachers’ 2021 – 2024 Enterprise Agreement now states that compulsory professional learning and development days occur:

• One day before students commence the school year.
• On the first day of the second, third and fourth terms.
• On the last day of Term 4 of each year

This means Monday, 15th April, will be a student-free day. Students return on Tuesday 16th April from holidays.

NAPLAN Information 

Sports Voucher 

Semester 1, 2024 Sports Vouchers are now available. Parents and carers will need to apply each semester at the following website. 

Please note if the details of the young person are already on the system, a voucher will be available to print or save straight away, if the details are not found by the system a voucher will be sent to the email address you have provided within 7 days.

More information is available at the link below, alternatively you can also contact the Sport Voucher team by phone on 1800 817 860 or by email sport.voucher@nt.gov.au .

NT Music School

Community Announcements

Pop Up Parks - Lunar New Year Pop Up Party 

Come and celebrate at the Lunar New Year Pop Up Party on the 23rd of Feb in the Todd Mall from 5-8pm with the Alice Springs Town Council, proudly supported by SBS!

Netball 

Austswim

International Women's Day 

Library Lovers' Week 

Pack a Healthier Lunchbox 

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