Chev Need to Knows 

Greetings to all Parents and Carers 

Welcome back to Term 3 at Chevalier College! I trust your children, our students, had a restful and enjoyable break with you and the family. As we embark on this new term, I am excited to continue our journey of learning, growth, and formation of students. Our dedicated staff will continue to work diligently to ensure an enriching and supportive environment for all our students. I look forward to the many opportunities and experiences that Term 3 will bring, and I, along with all staff, am grateful for your ongoing support and partnership in your child's education. 

A theme for Term 3 

We begin each term with all students and staff gathering in the John Fahey Centre with a mini-assembly. As part of that, I attempt to provide some guidance or framing as to how we can see the term ahead. As part of this for this term, I introduced Kath Koschel to the students. 

Kath Koschel has endured nearly inconceivable challenges. In her mid-twenties, she suffered a broken back and was informed she might never walk again. Soon after, she tragically lost her beloved partner to suicide. Then, as she was beginning to rebuild her life, she was struck by a drunk driver while cycling, necessitating the need to relearn to walk.  Her story can be found in her book, Kindness. 

As I said to the students on Tuesday, I could talk for the whole day about the many lifelong lessons that come from Kath’s book, but one of them can serve as a guide for us for this term. Kath encourages her readers to “turn up every day”. Interestingly, this is the single piece of same advice given by many who are deemed successful in life. She also states that in turning up, you should put your best foot forward, knowing that some days will be better than others. 

Ultimately, and as I shared with the students on Monday, Kath provides this uncomplicated piece of advice for us all: 

“Here’s what I think. Everything we do in life is a choice.  Every interaction we have with ourselves and with others has the potential to change the course of someone’s day – to lift them up or drag them down. That is the power we hold as human beings. It is both a tremendous opportunity and a tremendous responsibility. When we appreciate this, we come to see that it is our choice whether these interactions are positive or negative. Life really can be that simple.” 

So, may Term 3 be about turning up, putting our best foot forward and occasionally changing the course of someone's day by lifting them up. 

Action Research Update 

Since the final week of Term 2, over the holidays and throughout this week, the Action Research Team has spent 120 human hours reviewing the student, teacher and parent surveys. An analysis of each of these surveys, and an analysis of observations and 1:1 student interviews conducted by the Action Research Team have been forwarded to Dr Cummins. Furthermore, parent feedback provided to the College via the actionresearch@chevalier.nsw.edu.au email address was de-identified and forwarded to Dr Cummins.  

Yesterday, Dr Cummins hosted separate focus group interviews with small groups of students, staff, and parents. From here, Dr Cummins will provide an Interim Report to the College in the week leading up to the Board Meeting on Monday 19 August. Consideration will be given as to how best to share the report and accompanying documentation to students, staff, and parents soon after. 

Best wishes for the week ahead and I look forward to seeing many of you at Winterfest tomorrow. 

Kind regards 

Greg 

Years 7 to 10 Semester 1 Reports

Semester 1 reports for Years 7 to 10 will be available to view and download via Parent Orbit and Parent Lounge today Friday 26 July.

Important information about Year 10 Mathematics Reports

Due to the changes in the NESA Mathematics Syllabus, Year 10 Mathematics students in 2024 will be reported on in one of two ways. The content the students have engaged with this semester will determine which option they are reported on.

1. A grade for the Core content of Stage 5 which prepares students for a Stage 6 Standard Mathematics pathway  OR
2. A grade for both the Core and Path content of Stage 5 which prepares students for a Stage 6 Advanced and Extension 1 pathway.

Years 8 to 11 Parent/Teacher Interviews 

Parent/teacher interviews for Years 8 to 11 will be held on Monday 5 August from 4.00pm to 7.30pm.  The booking system will open at 4.00pm Monday 29 July and close at 9.00am Monday 5 August.   

Please use the link below to book from 4.00pm Monday 29 July:

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/ububc

Year 11 2025 Subject Selection Process

Year 10 parents and carers will have received a communication this week regarding subject selection for Year 11 2025.  As part of this process, sessions will be held for Year 10 students as listed below.  Please note that both sessions will be on a Flipped Monday and all Year 10 students are expected to be on campus on these days.

Year 10 SIM Bootcamp - Monday 29 July

On Monday 29 July, a SIM (Strengths, Interests, and Motivation) Bootcamp workshop will be held to support students in their upcoming subject choice selections for 2025. It will also be invaluable for those students who will be transitioning to the workforce.

Year 10 Course Information Incursion - Monday 5 August

On Monday 5 August, Leaders of Learning will speak with students to provide information on the specific courses offered at the College, as well as information regarding UAC and careers.

Download past academic reports from iGloo (2019 to 2023)

Academic reports from 2019 to 2023 are currently stored in iGloo.  You will be able to access these via iGloo for the remainder of 2024.  We recommend you download any reports you wish to have a copy of, as iGloo will no longer be available to parents/carers after 2024.

Go to iGloo and enter the username and password you use for Canvas and Parent Orbit/ Lounge.  If you require assistance, please contact the main office office@chevalier.nsw.edu.au.

Rebecca Graham

Senior Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Year 11 Student Leadership - Save the Date!

The date for our 2025 Leaders Investiture has changed and will now be held on Wednesday 11 September.

Further details regarding the Student Leadership process will be provided next week.

Year 11 Presentation Ball - volunteers required

A small group of parents have been working hard to transform McGrath Hall into a magnificent venue for the Presentation Ball.  Additional help is required in the week leading up to the Ball (Saturday 24 to Thursday 29 August) and to pack up after the Ball (Saturday 31 August).  

Please complete the Volunteer Helper form to indicate your availability.  Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide!  

Kelly Clunn and Natalie LaGarde

Assistant Principals - Wellbeing

Term 3 Retreats

Year 9 Retreat @ Fitzroy Falls

Students in Burford, Giles and Osborne will be attending on Monday 5 August.

Students in Clancy, Reid and Riversdale will be attending on Monday 12 August.

If you have not already done so, could parents please complete the online permission and registration which was sent via email and through portal ASAP.

Year 8 Retreat @ Douglas Park

Students in 8.1 and 8.2 – Monday 2 September

Students in 8.3 and 8.4 – Monday 9 September

Students in 8.5 and 8.6 – Monday 16 September

Students in 8.7 and 8.8 – Monday 23 September

Further information will be sent home in the coming weeks.

Sandy Abbey

Assistant Principal - Faith Formation and Mission

Winter sport and extracurricular group photos

Winter sports teams, extracurricular, Year 12, and Year 11 Buddy Leader group photos will be taken on Tuesday 30 July.  

The schedule for photos will be posted in Daily Notices on Monday 29 July.  

• All students: Full Winter Uniform
• Year 12 students:  Full Winter Uniform + blazers

Athletics Carnival - important information

Due to numerous limitations within the school calendar, the Athletics Carnival will not be rescheduled for 2024. Consequently, there will be no Age Champions or Athletics House Shield winner named in 2024.

Students will be given the opportunity to compete at the ISA Athletics Carnival for potential higher selection opportunities via nomination. Students must submit a nomination form by 3.30pm on Friday 2 August.

If more than one student applies for an event, they must provide one of the following:

• A copy of a verified result from an official event within the 12 months prior to 31 December 2024  (ISA, CIS, All Schools, Little Athletics, NSW Athletics or Athletics Australia sanctioned events may be used)
• A copy of their result from the 2023 Chevalier College Athletics Carnival as documented on Sports Tracker.

Please be aware that the 1500m event was successfully completed before the College carnival was cancelled. Therefore, these results will determine ISA selection for this event. Results from the 2024 College Cross Country will be considered for entry into the 3000m event.

Only students who meet the following criteria will be given the opportunity to participate in a trial on Monday 12 August.

• Are in Year 7 or enrolled at the College since Term 3, 2023 and
• Have nominated for an event with more than one nominee and
• Cannot provide a verified result from a sanctioned event.

Students can complete the online nomination via the link included in the Daily Notices on the following dates:

1. First notice: Tuesday 23 July – Thursday 25 July
2. 2nd notice: Monday 29 July
3. Final notice: Friday 2 August

Please note that nomination forms must be completed by a student Canvas login. Parents will not have access to the form via the Daily Notices in Parent Orbit.

Willo MTB Race and MTB Training

The Willo MTB Race has been rescheduled for Sunday 4 August.  Permission notes have been resent to all MTB participants via Parent Orbit. The first 20 registrations will be paid for by the College.  In preparation for the event, training will be held on Wednesday and Thursday of Week 1 and 2.  Regular procedures for dropping off and picking up students' bikes will apply.

Coach Phillips

Extra Curriculum Administrator

Sports Winterfest - tomorrow!

We are looking forward to welcoming Chev families, visiting teams and the local community to Sports Winterfest tomorrow. A reminder to rug up, although we will have a marquee and some heaters to help keep you warm. 

Sport competition will start at 8.00am. Winterfest will start at 3.00pm, with fireworks at 6.30pm. 

Those that have completed the free registration will have already received important event information. 

The key points are as follows: 

Game Times

• Final game times have been loaded to School Links in Parent Orbit. Please check your child's game schedule this evening.  
• All student competitors are to attend in full winter uniform (hair, makeup and jewellery guidelines included), and all College rules apply.

Parking and drop off for sport

• Gate 1 on Moss Vale Rd for onsite parking. Off-site parking in surrounding streets. 
• Gate 5 on Charlotte St for disabled parking. Follow directions at gate. 
• Gate 4 on Charlotte St for parents to drop off children for sport (please allow additional time to enter parking areas and meet players).
• Gate 6 on Eridge Park Rd will be closed all day and only opened at 6.45pm at the conclusion of the fireworks for student collection. 
• Gate 5 bus zone on Charlotte St must be kept clear all day for the buses of visiting teams.   

Food and Beverages 

• 8.00am to 2.30pm – Coffee vans and BBQ.
• 3.00pm – Winterfest food van services commence
• Following sport conclusion – Alcohol sales in designated bar area commence

Important Safety Information  

• Parents are responsible for their children at all times. 
• No smoking and vaping.  
• No dogs. 
• Alcohol service for over 18’s only (no students over 18) and in designated bar area. 
• First Aid will be onsite. 

We look forward to igniting the Chev spirit tomorrow!

Picton Town Talks - Wednesday 14 August

We understand it is not always convenient to make it to the College for events, especially for those in our outlying towns and villages. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to our ‘Town Talks’ with our Principal, Greg Miller.

Greg will be making a special visit to Picton on Wednesday 14 August, and he’s looking forward to sharing a drink, some nibbles, and most importantly, a conversation with you.

To make the most of our time together, we’d love to hear from you in advance. Please take a moment to share up to three areas you’d like to discuss with Greg via the booking link. He will be preparing a brief presentation covering points of interest, followed by an open Q&A and conversation.  Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival and some nibbles while we chat. Please let us know if you can make it by booking a free spot here. 

Wednesday 14 August

6.00pm for a 6.30pm start

Picton Bowling Club

We look forward to catching up with you!

• 29 July - Year 8 CAPALoT Festival
• 29 July - Year 9 PASS Incursion
• 29 July - Year 10 SIM Bootcamp - all Year 10 students to attend 
• 29 July - Year 11 U-Turn the Wheel
• 29 July - Year 12 Physics Excursion
• 30 July - Winter Sports and Extracurricular group photos
• 3 August - ISA Round 9
• 5 August - Year 9 Retreat (Burford, Giles, Osborne)
• 5 August - Year 10 Course Information Incursion - all Year 10 students to attend
• 5 August - Year 11 Student Leadership Interviews
• 5 August - Parent / Teacher Interviews
• 8 August - Year 11 2025 Subject Selection Information Evening
• 13 to 15 August - Year 11 2025 Subject Selection Interviews
• 10 August - Greater Sydney Schools Cattle Competition
• 10 August - ISA Round 10
• 12 August - Year 9 Retreat (Clancy, Reid, Riversdale)
• 12 August to 23 August - Year 12 Trial HSC exams
• 14 August - Principal Town Talk - Picton
• 17 August - ISA Semi Finals
• 22 August - Year 9 2025 Subject Selection Information Evening 

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