Welcome back to Caloundra City Private School and Term 4, traditionally our busiest term of the year!  In athletics terms, it is a short sprint to the end. Major happenings in the term include: Voting for 2020 School Captains and Vice Captains (all students in Year Seven – Eleven and staff are eligible to vote which takes place this Thursday October 10) Year 12 Formal and Valedictorian Dinner at Pelican Waters Sebel October 18 Year Seven 2020 Orientation Day Monday October 28 Speech Night Tuesday November 12 Year 12 Final Assembly Friday November 15  Music Students Performance Thursday November 21 Last Day of School Activities Friday November 29.  This year these activities will be based at school for Senior School students The New Zealand Expedition departs on Saturday November 30th Academic Awards for Presentation at Speech Night Currently the staff are working out which students will receive awards at Speech Night (Tuesday November 12).  The following criterion has been used in making judgements about eligibility for: Dux of each Year level, Academic Distinction, Academic Endeavour and Individual Subject Prizes (Years 11 and 12). For Year 11 and 12 it is important to note that these prizes are based on school performance using the students’ best five subjects; with each subject weighted equally.  Results have been calculated using Verification data and for Year 11 the Term 3 report card which is inclusive of the fullest and latest information at that point in time (the end of Term Three). For years Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten prizes are awarded on the results achieved and recorded on the Term Three report card. Semester elective results have also been added. Dux of each Year level: Awarded to the student with the highest aggregate mark or grade point average from Semester One and Term Three report. Academic Distinction: Awarded to students in Years Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten who have achieved an A result in four or more subjects on the Term Three report. Academic Endeavour: Awarded to students who receive ONLY High or Exemplary in Work Ethic on the Term Three report and MUST NOT have any Needs Improvements on the report. Year 11 and 12 Subject Prizes: Awarded to the student who has achieved the highest result in that subject. Mobile Phone Usage at School Many parents would have seen the School prominently featured in local and state media as a result of the presentation by Associate Professor Michael Nagel and the School’s decision to introduce the “Turn It Off at The Gate” initiative in Term Three this year.  In-general, the younger students have taken up the challenge of leaving their phones in their lockers, bags or having them turned off in their pockets.  It has been a bit of a different case with our older students, with many still believing that it is necessary for them to be connected to the outside world at all times.  This attitude is slowly changing as it is difficult to change habits quickly.  The staff will continue to gently encourage the Year 11 and 12 students to follow this very important initiative.  Parents can assist the school here.  If you drop off and pick up your son or daughter from school, is there any need for them to have their mobile phone at school?  If you need to contact them, this must be done through the administration office in any case.  Please have the talk with your children about this initiative.  Challenge them to leave their phone at home or get them to turn if off as they get out of the car. Noteworthy Student Achievements Tyson Kelley-Comb has been voted by his peers to receive the Valedictorian Award for 2019.  Tyson will accept his award at the Year 12 Formal and Valedictorian Dinner on Friday October 18. Harry Bartram has gained representation in the Australian School Boys Rugby Team to play Fiji and New Zealand later this year.  Harry has been an influential player at both school and club levels.  This is an excellent achievement by Harry. Morgan Stanfield gained a 2nd place in the Queensland Schools Equestrian event in the September/October holidays.  Morgan’s long training hours in the saddle each week paid off with this excellent result. Brianna Keegan has been nominated (and reached the final five students) for Young Sportsperson of the Year at the Caloundra Community Awards.  Briana’s commitment to her training and her improving personal and swim meet results are a testament to her nomination. The School had many students play in various sporting finals over the last weeks of the term.  It is great to see our students achieving across many fields of competition both in school and outside of it. Peter McMahon – Acting Head of Senior School