Chev Need to Knows
3 November 2023
Learning from home on a Monday
As we work our way towards 2024 Best Use of Time, there are continuing developments on a number of fronts. The development of the 2024 College timetable continues, so too, the ongoing professional development of staff and the recent launch of the Flipped Learning Micro-credential for all students.
Further to the above and other developments, there has been much discernment regarding the option of learning from home for some students on some Mondays. As part of the work of the Leadership Team we engaged with solicitors to ensure the effective implementation of 2024 Best Use of Time. Through this work, we were encouraged to reconsider the option for Year 9 students to learn from home, based on maturity and age. The Leadership Team considered this advice, as well as the ongoing concerns expressed by some parents at forums and through surveys, about Year 9 ‘learning from home’.
In balancing the above, the Leadership Team, with the support of the College Board, has made the decision for all students in Years 7, 8 and 9 to be onsite for all Mondays in 2024.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will be invited to learn from home on some Mondays, commencing Term 1 if:
- they complete the Flipped Learning Micro-credential by Week 8 of this term,
- they maintain a strong commitment to adhering to deadlines and completion of work in Semester 2, 2023,
- they maintain a commendable level of behaviour as reflected by the College Merit system,
- their parents attend an in-person or online seminar in Week 9 of this term, outlining the requirements and expectations of learning from home,
- their parents sign an acknowledgement and permission form for their child to learn from home in 2024, and, finally
- the students themselves attend a workshop in 2024 so they too are aware of the expectations of learning from home.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who have not completed the micro-credential by Week 8 of this term will have the opportunity to complete it during Term 1, 2024. If they are successful, they will then be provided with the option of following the above steps to commence learning from home on some Mondays in Term 2, 2024.
Please note: Throughout the year, students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will be required to be onsite on a Monday for whole school events such as College carnivals, liturgies, and subject-based excursions. These dates will be communicated to parents when the 2024 Calendar is published.
We will continue to keep you updated on all aspects regarding our preparation for 2024 over the coming weeks. We do acknowledge there is a lot of information to keep up with and are therefore excited to launch a new explanatory microsite within the next two weeks. The microsite will bring together much of the information we have already shared with you in one place and will outline with clarity the plan and vision for the future, including timelines and experiences by year group.
The importance of parent engagement for student outcomes
Recently, I have been reminded about the importance of parent engagement and its positive impact on student learning. Parent engagement is paramount for student success in any Australian school. Research conducted by organisations such as Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT, and Learning Creates Australia, has shown that when parents actively participate in their children's education, it has a profound positive impact on learning outcomes. ACER's studies indicate that strong parent-teacher partnerships foster improved communication, greater student motivation, and enhanced academic achievement, echoing the sentiment of parents being a fundamental part of a child's educational journey.
Parent engagement at Chevalier College is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters a strong sense of community and partnership between parents, teachers, and the school. When parents actively participate in their child's education by attending parent forums and teacher meetings, it enhances communication and collaboration between all stakeholders, leading to better academic and personal outcomes for the students. Additionally, parent involvement supports a positive school environment, reinforcing the school's values and culture. This engagement allows parents to better understand and support their children's development, contributing to improved student motivation and performance. Moreover, by attending various school events like musical performances and weekend sports matches, parents demonstrate their support and strengthen the Chevalier’s sense of unity and pride.
I want to express my gratitude to Chevalier parents and carers for being present at major events, including community forums, parent/teacher meetings, weekend sports, and attending musical performances like Beautiful and I'm with Cupid. Your active involvement is invaluable in creating a supportive and vibrant Chev community. Your presence not only enriches the learning journey for your children but also reinforces the sense of belonging and unity at Chevalier College. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support, as it plays a crucial role in our students' growth and achievements. Your engagement is deeply appreciated and cherished by the staff of the College.
Greg Miller
Principal
ISA Sport
ISA Round 3 is on this Saturday 4 November. Team fixtures and bus information can be found here. All buses will be leaving from the bus zone on Charlotte Street. All students should be dropped off in the JFC car park.
ISA Open Boys Cricket Trial 2023/24
Any student wishing complete an expression of interest to trial for the ISA Open Boys Representative Cricket team must do so by 5.00pm Thursday 9 November. Note: students must be playing in the 1st XI team.
The expression of interest form can be found in Canvas:
Canvas/Student Central/Extra-Curricular/Sport & ISA/ISA/Expression of Interest Form
Further details will be forwarded once the expression of interest form has been received.
Coach Phillips
Extra Curriculum Administrator
Year 7 ‘G Day’ Celebration
Chevalier College and Year 7 students invite Grandparents and other ‘Great’ people to our very special ‘G’ Day celebration.
Join us for a liturgy/blessing, music concert, and delicious afternoon tea as we celebrate the great people in our Year 7 students’ lives. Grandparents, parents, carers, and other special people such as aunts or uncles of our Year 7 students are very welcome to attend what will be a wonderful afternoon.
- Thursday 9 November
- 1.15pm – 3.00pm
- John Fahey Centre
Book your free tickets by 2 November: Year 7 G Day Tickets
Chevalier Past Students ‘Back To Chev’ Weekend
We invite all Chevalier Past Students to our 2023 Back 2 Chev Reunion Weekend Friday 17 November – Sunday 19 November!
We have a number of reunion celebrations over 3 days, including golf, college tours, a special oration by Dr Andrew Browning AM (CPS 1987), and a cocktail party. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Chevalier College!
Follow this link to see the full list of events and to book your tickets!
If you would like more information please contact our Development Officer, Averil Cutroni on 4861 0519.
Dr Andrew Browning AM Oration, Cocktail Party and College Master Building Plan Launch
Dr Andrew Browning AM Oration, Cocktail Party and College Master Building Plan Launch As part of our Back To Chev weekend celebrations, the wider Chevalier community are invited to hear an oration by Chevalier Past Student Dr Andrew Browning AM.
Dr Browning AM is an obstetrician-gynaecologist who has devoted his life to improving maternal health in Africa, with a particular focus on fistula surgery. He has collaborated with Dr. Catherine Hamlin and is the founder of the Barbara May Foundation.
After Dr Browning’s oration, drinks and canapes will be served, and our College Building Masterplan will be unveiled.
Tickets for this unmissable event are $25.00 and can be booked via this link Dr Andrew Browning AM Tickets
Save The Date – Carols on The Meadow
Our Carols on The Meadow evening is on Thursday 30 November 2023 at 5.00pm. We are looking forward to the Chevalier community coming together for a fun-filled evening of student performances, delicious food, and Christmas spirit!
Chev Shop – Summer dresses have arrived!
For those who have been patiently waiting for a new or additional dress, thank you for your patience – they have arrived. Please follow this link to the College website for shop opening hours, prices, and any additional information you may need.
Year 11 2024 Uniform
Year 10 Students moving into Year 11 in 2024 will require some uniform changes, as per the Principal's Message in the 31 March edition of Need to Knows.
To prevent families having to come in January, we strongly advise you visit the Chev Shop during Term 4, prior to 30 November, to purchase senior uniforms. Students are welcome to come to the Shop during their breaks on Thursdays and Fridays.
Please note the shop will be closed as of 30 November for stocktake. Holiday opening hours can be found on the College website.
Senior Female Summer uniform:
- Summer dress
- Tab (to be worn with dress and winter blouse)
- New maroon blazer (this item will be required for school photos in the first week of Term 1)
- College White socks
Senior Female Winter Uniform:
- New white blouse (short or long sleeve)
- Tab
- Winter skirt (short or long)
- New woollen jumper
- New maroon blazer
- Black tights
Senior Male Summer Uniform:
- New white shirt (short or long sleeve, please note the long sleeve must be tucked in with a tie all year round, short sleeve can be worn all year round, untucked no tie in summer and tucked in with a tie if worn in winter)
- New dark grey shorts
- New blazer (this item will be required for school photos in the first week of Term 1, students will also be asked to bring their Blue Senior Tie on this day for the photo)
- College grey socks
Senior Male Winter Uniform:
- New white shirt (short or long sleeve, please note the long sleeve must be tucked in with a tie all year round, short sleeve can be worn all year round, untucked no tie in summer and tucked in with a tie if worn in winter)
- Blue senior tie (this item will be required for school photos in the first week of Term 1, just for the photo)
- New dark grey trousers
- New woollen jumper
- New blazer
- Grey socks
Senior Sport
If your child has selected SLR, Extracurricular or ISA representative sport they are required to wear the current College sport uniform.
- Maroon Polo
- Maroon quick dry sport short
- Maroon sport jumper (Winter)
- Maroon track pant (Winter)
Vaccination consent
If you have a child in Year 7 or 10, please don’t forget to fill in your immunisation consent online before 17 November 2023 if you have not already done so, using this link. For more information on vaccination, visit NSW Health’s website.
Enrolments
If you have a child in Year 7 – 11 who will be leaving the College at the end of this academic year, please send a notification email to enrolments@chevalier.nsw.edu.au.
Bike Racks
Now that the weather is a little warmer, a reminder that bike racks are available for students to secure their bikes if they wish to ride to school. The racks are located in the centre of the College in the walkway between the library and the Main Office building.
- Year 9 Exams – 2 November to 6 November
- Microsoft Work Experience / Skills Program – 6 November to 10 November
- Year 11 VET Work Placement – 6 November to 17 November
- Year 7 Science Excursion – 7 November
- Year 9 Wilderness Swim Test – 7 November (9WIL01) and 15 November (9WIL02)
- ‘G’ Day – 9 November
- Bandemonium Concert – 15 November
- Back to Chev weekend – 18 November to 19 November
- Year 11 Extension English Incursion – 21 November
- Catch up vaccinations – 22 November
- Year 10 Showcase – 23 November
- Twilight Tours – 23 November
- Year 9 / 11 Wilderness Excursion – 23 November to 24 November