3 April 2025
PRINCIPAL
It has been a great term, even with the extraordinary weather events that have challenged us as a school community. I was very proud of the Centenary SHS community with the manner in which we got back to business as usual as fast as possible. I’d like to thank parents/carers, staff and students for ensuring that minimal disruption to learning occurred.
The school calendar had to be edited quickly and we worked really hard to ensure that the opportunities that staff work so hard for were still available for students. While we couldn’t ensure that every single thing could be replicated, most events were able to carry on.
Our moral purpose at Centenary SHS is: To foster positive relationships so that all learners can flourish and feel a strong sense of belonging. This week I spoke to the Junior and Senior assemblies about how it is important to me that every student at Centenary SHS is flourishing and what flourishing means. I used the analogy of how when you train at the gym is not when a muscle grows and strengthens but when it is resting – in the same sense I want to encourage students to rest over the holiday break. They require some down time from their learning so they can come back ready to learn again in Term 2.
Our School Review is coming up in Week 7 of Term 2. This review is an important opportunity for our community to be heard, and for us to reflect on the progress we've made and the direction we are heading. The review team will assess our school’s strengths and identify areas for improvement, and it’s vital that our parents/carers, students, and staff are engaged in this process. This will not only help us make informed decisions but also ensure that our collective vision for the future of Centenary SHS is clear and aligned with the needs of our students and families. We will be making contact with some parents/carers to arrange times for the review team to speak with them.
It’s been a very positive and calm start to the year. Let’s work together to make 2025 a year of growth, learning, and achievement for all of our students. I look forward to seeing our school community flourishing together.
Ross McNichol
Principal
Email: admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au
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DEPUTY PRINCIPALS
From Deborah McIntyre
QATSIF Scholarships
On February 21st, our QATSIF Scholarship recipients were acknowledged at the official award ceremony held at USQ Springfield. The day featured speeches from previous QATSIF scholarship holders, cultural dancers and presentations by distinguished Elders.
Year 11 students India and Sienna were awarded scholarship certificates, along with Seth, who could not be present at the event.
Family members were in attendance to view the ceremony and celebrate their student’s accomplishments.
QATSIF scholarships are significant as they represent a First Nations student’s commitment to attendance, achievement and cultural participation. QATSIF scholarships are funded through the interest held in the Public Trust of Queensland from the Stolen Wages or Unpaid Wages of First Nations workers.
First Nations Attendance Ceremony
Last week, our First Nations students were acknowledged for fantastic attendance at school. For the first 8 weeks of this year, 50% of our First Nations students achieved 95-100% attendance. All evidence-based data demonstrates that students being present at school is crucial for academic success, fostering engagement and belonging at school, and building a strong foundation for future opportunities. Centenary SHS school students have started the year strong and given themselves every opportunity for success.
Active Volunteering
This year, a few of our senior students undertaking the Certificate II in Active Volunteering have been supporting our wonderful canteen staff to ensure that pre-ordered lunches are delivered fresh and hot to our students. The students are developing their literacy and numeracy skills and learning essential skills for work, such as customer service and communication skills.
The students really enjoy working in the canteen and are growing in confidence each week whilst engaging in opportunities to expand their skillsets.
From Matt Smith
Sports Uniform
To provide greater flexibility in the delivery of Health and Physical Education (HPE) lessons, we will be making a change to sports uniform expectations at the start of Term 2.
Currently, students are required to wear their formal uniform for theory lessons. As this requirement has presented several challenges, we will be allowing students to wear their sports uniform for all three scheduled lessons each week. We believe this adjustment will enhance the effectiveness of HPE delivery and ensure a better overall learning experience for our students.
To prepare our community for this change, we will be communicating with all key stakeholders over the next few weeks. We have advised our staff and are in the process of informing our student body. Additionally, the Centenary SHS Student Dress Code will also be updated to reflect this change.
We look forward to the implementation of this change at the start of Term 2. Please come back to us if you have any questions or concerns.
Partnering with parents/carers to keep our young people safe online
A key part of our school’s Moral Purpose is the vision that ‘all learners can flourish’. This vision not only applies in the real world: it is equally as relevant in the virtual (or online) world.
Through the Years 7 – 12 HG curriculum, our students have opportunities during the year to learn more about how to be safe and how to flourish when online. Activities include cyber-safety presentations, QPS talks and a Brainstorm Production show called ‘Wired’ that addresses cyber-bullying and mental health.
Parents/carers play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting young people to navigate the content they watch. Our research indicates that it is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than simply monitor it. Young people tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use to ensure you keep a balanced attitude.
We believe in partnering with parents/carers to strive towards achieving the best possible wellbeing and learning outcomes for our students. By being effective role models/mentors for your young people, you are supporting our school’s Wellbeing Framework.
As the Framework articulates:
- The success of whole school wellbeing will depend to a large degree on how it is communicated to, and supported by the parent/carer body.
- Parents/carers play a critical role in the shared education of their student through open, ongoing and proactive communication.
- We believe parents/carers are powerful role models for our young people and continued commitment to lifelong learning as adults is important for our young people to observe.
We encourage parents/carers to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time at home. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a young person’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent young people from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content. Parents/carers need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on social, emotional, educational and behavioural development.
For more information, please consult the eSafety Commissioner parent resources: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
On this page, you can also subscribe to a newsletter so you can be regularly informed and educated about online safety and cyber-bullying.
From Carly Manche
Year 10
It has been fantastic to see our Year 10 students embracing their role in the Senior space this term. I have very much enjoyed seeing them thrive and look to their own personal futures as they undertake their preferred elective subjects. It is important to me that we recognise and acknowledge positive behaviour, effort and engagement and as such I have begun a weekly initiative whereby I ask all Year 10 teachers to tell me who deserves recognition in their classes. The teachers have completely embraced this opportunity to shout out students who have been working hard, personally and/or academically. Each week, I visit the classrooms and individually hand each student a certificate outlining which teacher has recognised them and for what reason. Students are then able to pick a sweet treat from my prize box. Last week, we had 82 students recognised for their hard work and personal success. In addition to this, each student receives a positive behaviour entry and a shout out at our weekly Year Level Assembly. I love having the opportunity to email the parents and carers of our award winners to allow them to share in their student’s success.
I am very proud of their efforts; great effort and preparation will support them in their upcoming assessment, allowing them to achieve to the best of their abilities.
From Amiee Nolan
Year 11 Exam Block
Congratulations to all of our Year 11 students who sat exams during Year 11 Exam Block during Weeks 8 and 9 of this term!
Deborah McIntyre, Deputy Principal (Inclusion, EALD)
Email: dmcin49@eq.edu.au
Matt Smith, Deputy Principal (Year 7)
Email: rsmit925@eq.edu.au
Brooke Davis, Deputy Principal (Year 8)
Email: bldav0@eq.edu.au
Angela McKay, Deputy Principal (Year 9)
Email: amcka18@eq.edu.au
Carly Manche, Deputy Principal (Year 10)
Email: ceman4@eq.edu.au
Amiee Nolan, Deputy Principal (Year 11)
Email: axnol0@eq.edu.au
Ange Raven, Deputy Principal (Year 12, QCE)
Email: arave7@eq.edu.au
INTERNATIONAL
Centenary SHS recently hosted 16 students from Jinai Joshi High School in Japan for the 7th time. In addition to English lessons, the visiting students participated in a range of integrated activities alongside their Centenary SHS student buddies!
Become a Homestay Host Today!
Are you looking to experience new cultures while being renumerated on a fortnightly basis for your care?
As a host provider, you provide a safe and secure family environment with a bedroom, study area, three healthy meals a day and contribute to the brilliant reputation Queensland has of providing the perfect Aussie cultural experience within your home.
Homestay families are a smorgasbord of diversity. And you can play a huge part in making international students experience an enjoyable one. Host families can be married couples with or without children, singles, singles with children, and grandparents too. Placements for study tours, short-term and long-term students of various ages from Japan, Vietnam and beyond are needed, all applications are welcome.
Find out more http://bit.ly/eqi-homestay-host
For more information or to start the application process, contact the International Office:
Email: international@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au
Direct Office Line: (07) 3373 4553
Homestay Mobile: 0414 689 303
International Team
Email: international@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au
HPE & SPORTS
MET West/Northern District Representative Pathway
It is only Week 10 of Term 1 and Centenary SHS has had amazing success in the representative sporting pathway.
Over 190 students have trialled or are trialling this week for a Northern District Team. Out of these students, 101 have been selected in a Northern District Team.
We have created some lofty goals at the start of the year and Crusha (our mascot) is on the move up the ladder. Go CROCS!
It is fantastic to see so many students from Centenary SHS accessing this pathway.
MET West Swimming
21 students represented Centenary SHS at the Regional Swimming Trials at the Sleeman Sports Centre in Chandler, with 6 students successfully gaining selection into the Met West Team.
Congratulations to:
Ben
Isaac
Liam
Mary
Owen
Raphael
Northern District Sport Trials
A reminder that all information regarding district trials for 10 – 19yrs is advertised through the Student Notices. Dates are also on the sports calendar that has been emailed home. To attend the trials, students must nominate at Staffroom 4 with Mr Gibbs, after which he will email paperwork to parents/carers and students. The majority of the trials are held in Term 1 and Term 2, so if your student specialises in a sport and would like the opportunity to represent their District, Met West, Queensland, and even Australia, then this is the pathway they must take.
We have already had a large number of students that have been selected to represent the Northern District at the Regional Trials.
Congratulations to the following students who have recently been selected to represent Northern Eagles in their chosen sport:
13 – 19 Years Boys Hockey
Noah
Kasper
13 – 15 Years Girls AFL
Samara
Lulu
Ella
Chloe
Alicia
Khemjira
Shanae
13 – 19 Years Boys Golf
Myles
13 – 15 Years Boys AFL
Raiden
16 – 19 Years Girls AFL
Lila
Rihanna
16 – 19 Years Boys AFL
Liam
13 – 15 Years Girls Touch Football
Eve
Lilly
Lulu
Deva-Mariah
Amelia
Chloe
16 – 18 Years Girls Touch Football
Isabella
Aria
Alessandra
Bella-Rose
Caitlin
Milan
13 – 15 years Boys Touch Football
Carter
Oli
Phong
Gamaliel
Isaac
Daniel
Isaiah
Emmanuel
16 – 18 years Boys Touch Football
Kealan
Rico
Elie
Kayden
Liam
Long
Cezahn Te Namu
11 – 12 Years Boys Rugby League
Louis
14 – 15 Years Boys Rugby League
Daniel
David
Isaiah
Raiden
Isaac
15 – 16 Years Girls Rugby League
Leela
Armani
Charlotte
16 – 18 Years Boys Rugby League
Will
Kayden
Toni
Myles
Isaac
17 – 18 Years Girls Rugby League
Arahi
Charismah
MJ
17 – 18 Years Boys Rugby Union
Kayden
Rico
13 – 15 Boys Football
Lukas
Kellan
13 – 15 Girls Football
Addison
16 – 19 Girls Football
Johane
16 – 19 Boys Football
Nick
Oliver
Andy
Elie
Daniel
Sam
Hugo
Rohan
13 – 15 Girls Netball
Chloe
Melayah
13 – 15 Girls Volleyball
Rozeena
Tiffany
Maree
Miracle
13 – 15 Boys Volleyball
Michael
Kadence
Myque
Bond
16 – 19 Boys Volleyball
Jozio
Nate
16 – 19 Girls Volleyball
Ava
Phoenix
Jordyn
Lila
13 – 16 Girls Basketball
Rihanna
13 – 16 Boys Basketball
Daniel
17 – 19 Boys Basketball
Ricky
Congratulations to Maree and Miracle for being selected in the 13 – 15 Years Girls MET West Volleyball team to compete later in the year at the State Championships in Caloundra. Additional Congratulations to Kierah who has also been selected in the 13 – 19 Girls MET West Softball team to compete at Redlands later in the month.
Congratulations to Ava and Nate for being selected in the 16 – 19 Years Girls/Boys MET West Volleyball to compete later in the year at Bondall.
Congratulations to Rihanna for being selected in the 13 – 16 Years Girls MET West Basketball team to compete later in the year in Mackay.
Congratulations to Callum for being selected in the 13 – 19 Years Boys MET West Baseball team which competed in far north Queensland.
CROSS COUNTRY / COLOUR RUN – Friday April 4th
There are two levels of participation:
- Age championship race for competitive runners (must nominate prior to the event)
- Colour Run for ALL other students (PERMISSION REQUIRED)
Age Championship Races – Lessons 2 and 3
Students who have nominated for the competitive age championship races will move directly to the oval at the beginning of Lesson 2 to prepare for their race. They will remain on the oval until the end of Lesson 3 where a presentation will occur at the conclusion.
Colour Run – Lesson 4
All students will participate in a Fun Run, where they will walk or jog the 2km course and if permission is gained, participate in a Colour Run across the last 400m on the oval. There is no cost attached to this event however students must bring a WHITE SHIRT and get changed at PM break prior to the Colour Run. To ensure there is enough time for the entire school to participate in this event, Lesson 3 will be shortened by 15min and Lesson 4 will commence earlier at 1:35pm.
At all other times of the day, when not participating, students must attend their normal timetabled classes.
Families are more than welcome to join us at school to support their student/s while they compete. Should you have any questions, please contact us.
The top six runners will receive paperwork inviting them to represent our school at the upcoming District Cross Country Trials in Term 2. The paperwork must be completed and returned on the first day back after holidays or an email sent to formally withdraw.
Centenary SHS Hosts Inaugural SSNL Round
Centenary SHS had the Honour of hosting the first-round game in the newly established SSNL netball competition. Our teams faced off against Wavell State High School’s renowned netball excellence squads in a highly competitive start to the season.
Our girls fought hard in the Years 7/8 team and Open team, showing great determination despite going down in both games. However, our Years 9/10 team delivered a dominant performance, securing a convincing win against Wavell SHS. It was a fantastic opening round, with plenty of positives and valuable learning experiences for all teams.
We now look ahead to our next challenge in early Term 2, where we take on Marsden SHS. Stay tuned for more exciting netball action!
Junior Gala Day
Due to predicted weather, Junior Gala Day has been postponed to Wednesday April 23rd (Week 1, Term 2).
Senior Gala Day
The Senior Gala Day is on Thursday May 1st (Week 2, Term 2).
All students selected to participate need to organise permission through QParents or hardcopy and make payment.
Please contact Lachie Gibbs via email lgibb23@eq.edu.au if you would like to discuss any issues in relation to Northern District or Representative sport. If you have questions regarding school sport, please contact James Garrard via email jgarr57@eq.edu.au.
Dates to know: upcoming sporting events in Term 2
Please check the calendar for all trial dates.
Term 2
Junior Gala Day – Wednesday April 23rd
Senior Gala Day – Thursday May 1st
Yours in sport,
Lachie Gibbs, HPE HOD
Email: lgibb23@eq.edu.au
James Garrard, West Brisbane Sports Director
Email: jgarr57@eq.edu.au
PUBLIC SPEAKING & DEBATING
2025 is off to a smashing start in the land of public speaking and debating!
Our first event of the year saw Alvin and Anne attend UN Youth Queensland’s State Conference. They participated in guest speaker sessions, workshops and tried out Model United Nations (MUN) for the first time. Alvin and Anne had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The Queensland Debating Union competition kicked off mid-Term 1, with all teams now having completed their first (and some their second) debate of the season. Particular congratulations to our Year 10 team who brought home our first win for the year, and our Year 7 team, participating in their first ever debates. We are so proud of you!
Brisbane Girls Debating Team (left to right: Tiffany, Winter, Anne (Year 11), Lucy (Year 12)
For the first time in 2025, we have entered a composite Senior team into the Brisbane Girls Debating Association Competition. Our 6 young women have thoroughly enjoyed this experience, having extra opportunities to upskill and have thrived in this inclusive environment.
Lions Youth of the Year (left to right: Lucy (Year 12), Ms Maguire (English HOD), Liam (Year 12)
Following the disbandment of the local Lions Club, Centenary SHS sought a new home for 2025, finding new companions in the Lions Club of Brisbane Oxley-Sherwood. Two of our captains, Lucy and Liam, represented Centenary SHS in the Lions Youth of the Year Competition in early March. They both participated fantastically in the rigorous competition, which involved an interview, 2 impromptu speeches, and a 5-minute prepared speech. Lucy’s speech was incredibly moving (not a dry eye in the house) and Liam was awarded as the best Public Speaker.
Just when it seems like we can’t fit anything more in, students have started preparing speeches for the English Speaking Union Competition which will run throughout Term 2. I look forward to updating you on their progress in the next edition.
Finally, 2024 School Vice-Captain Eli was invited to a function at Government House, with Her Excellency the Governor The Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD to celebrate his success in winning the English Speaking Union Competition in 2024. We are incredibly proud of Eli and are so grateful that we had the opportunity to celebrate his fantastic achievement and contribution to Public Speaking at Centenary SHS. Eli was also the winner of the 2023 competition and has left a strong legacy at Centenary SHS.
Emma Salmon, Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator
Email: esalm20@eq.edu.au
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Term 1 has flown by, and what a fantastic start to high school it has been for our Year 7 students! It has been wonderful to see them embrace the challenges and opportunities of high school life, forming new friendships, engaging in learning, and developing a sense of belonging within our school community. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to personal growth have been truly inspiring.
As we reflect on the term, we want to acknowledge the perseverance and resilience shown by our Years 7 and Year 9 students during NAPLAN testing in Weeks 7 and 8. Their positive mindset, dedication, and willingness to give their best effort were commendable. We were especially proud of their focus and maturity, demonstrating both confidence and a growth-oriented attitude.
Looking ahead, Term 2 brings exciting opportunities for connection, adventure, and personal development, with the highly anticipated Year 7 Camp at Tallebudgera (and Stay Camp at school). These experiences are designed to strengthen friendships, build resilience, and create lasting, joyful memories. They encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace teamwork, and develop a deeper sense of self-confidence. Please keep an eye on your emails for important updates as these events draw closer.
As we head into the Easter break, we encourage our students and families to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments together. We hope this holiday brings happiness, laughter, and a sense of well-being. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another term.
Rachel Habermann, Junior School HOD
Email: rhabe7@eq.edu.au
POSITIVE EDUCATION
The Power of Sleep: Why good sleep habits matter these holidays
As we head into the holiday break, it is the perfect time for students to recharge – not just by taking a break from school, but by prioritising quality sleep. Research shows that consistent, restful sleep improves focus, mood, and overall wellbeing, helping students return to school feeling refreshed and ready to learn.
Why sleep matters for students
🔹 Boosts memory and learning: Sleep is critical for consolidating new information and improving problem-solving skills (Walker, 2017).
🔹 Regulates mood and reduces stress: Lack of sleep is linked to increased anxiety and difficulty managing emotions (Killgore, 2010).
🔹 Improves focus and attention: Well rested students perform better academically and have higher levels of concentration (Lo et al., 2016).
How much sleep do adolescents need?
According to the Sleep Foundation (2023), teenagers aged 14 – 17 should be getting 8 – 10 hours of sleep per night, yet studies show that many fall short of this recommendation. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to:
- Increased stress and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating in class
- Reduced immune function, making students more prone to illness
- Increased risk of anxiety and depression
Tips for maintaining good sleep hygiene over the holidays
✅ Stick to a routine – Going to bed and waking up at consistent times helps regulate the body's internal clock (National Sleep Foundation, 2021).
✅ Limit screen time before bed – Blue light from devices suppresses melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep (Chang et al., 2015).
✅ Get some sunlight and movement during the day – Exposure to natural light and physical activity help regulate sleep cycles (Leone & Sigman, 2020).
✅ Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening – Caffeine can stay in the system for hours, reducing sleep quality (Drake et al., 2013).
Encouraging students to prioritise sleep over the holidays will help them return feeling rested, focused, and ready for a great new term! For further information, take a look at this comprehensive eBook on Teenage Sleep: https://vuir.vu.edu.au/467/1/teenagesleep.pdf
Melissa Chamberlain, Positive Education HOD
Email: mchamm55@eq.edu.au
APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
This year’s Year 12 Hospitality Practices students, our first group in the revised applied syllabus, completed their project for their Casual Dining unit in Week 6 as part of the Exam Block. Recently, Ms Keepa’s two classes catered for and ran a Greek street food market stall outside of HE Block. Ms Clarke’s class gave us a taste of Vietnamese street food, selling out within the first half of break. The stalls included a range of traditional and modern sweet and savoury dishes celebrating these cultures. Both days went incredibly well thanks to the hard work all term put in by the Home Ec team, organising, ordering and teaching the students how to run such an event.
The biggest congratulations and appreciation to the subject teacher’s Ms Pagona Keepa and Ms Carla Clarke for making such as successful event possible, with a huge thank you to Ms Anita Ace for stepping in to provide support to both classes for Ms Keepa’s classes and to Ms Maria Meakin for managing the orders, preparing the kitchens and supporting the teachers and students. Thank you to our grounds staff for assisting with set-up.
As an added celebration, a portion of the profits from these stalls funded all of the Year 12 Hospitality Practices students receiving a hospitality Buff. A Buff is designed to be used instead of a hairnet when working in the kitchen. They are more sustainable, and the Home Ec Staff chose to use our school’s indigenous design from the recently commissioned mural. The Buff can be worn in many ways, is more comfortable than the hairnets and rather than generating waste can be washed and worn all year. You can see some very happy students trying them out!
This term, Mr Donald’s Year 9 Graphics and Design class have been applying the skills they have learnt in class to create the best dragster they can. Students have then gone into the workshops and made their designs out of balsa wood. While some students focussed on speed, others chose their designs based more on aesthetics. In Week 8, the class raced their designed dragsters, powering them with C02 canisters. The students had a great time launching and racing 1 on 1, with some very close match ups!
Torston Williams, Applied Technology HOD
Email: tcrei0@eq.edu.au
ARTS
Term 1 has been busy and successful. We hope you enjoy The Arts Faculty stories!
Student Success
Creative Generation—State Schools Onstage (CGEN) is Education Queensland’s professionally produced, award-winning arena spectacular, involving over 2000 students across the state. It is nationally renowned for its outstanding and vibrant display of state school talent.
Over the last eight weeks, Centenary SHS students have been nominating, auditioning and attending call back auditions for drama, dance, music and musical theatre. Some of our students produced amazing videos or live auditions, but due to the sheer volume of applicants, some have missed out this year. However, we are thrilled to share that we will have six students in the show this year! Congratulations to all of the students who applied and auditioned, we can’t wait to see the Centenary SHS students on the big stage!
Dance – Jaida (12) and Piper (9)
Musical Theatre – Jaida (12)
Company Choir – Jada (12) and Eva (11)
Symphony Orchestra – Ava (12), Elsie (12) and Liam (12)
James Morrison Big Band – Liam (12)
The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Instrumental Music (MOST) is a biennial event offering a residential extension program for musically outstanding students from Queensland state secondary schools. It is a very prestigious program which requires students to audition for a position. The MOST program extends musically gifted and talented students in a 10-day program of musical development in large and small ensembles, tutorial groups, aural musicianship and a range of music and cultural activities. We are incredibly proud to announce that out of only 80 students state-wide, one will be from Centenary SHS! Congratulations to Year 12 French Horn player Ava, what an extraordinary achievement!
Curriculum News
Year 11 Visual Art and Visual Arts in Practice students visited the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Art Gallery earlier in the term, as part of their curriculum studies. The exhibitions served as a source of inspiration for the students, who engaged in research to develop their own artistic creations. We look forward to sharing their artworks early next term!
Students from Jinai Joshi High School in Japan were recent visitors to our school. The Arts Faculty offer our International students two fabulous opportunities – in dance and visual art. The girls loved both of their lessons and were able to take their hand painted boomerangs home as a memento of their time at Centenary SHS!
Year 12 General students have completed their first assessment items and are eagerly awaiting QCAA confirmation of their results. We look forward to sharing their successes early next term!
Extra-Curricular News
The forecourt area in between CPAC and the SRC is getting a makeover thanks to some keen visual art students during STEP. Year 9 artist Aurora has had her design selected to be painted as a mural. The creative and clever artwork features a combination of sports and arts. We can’t wait to see the finished product!
The Year 12 Arts Captains are proud to present Centenary Stars! The talent show will run in early Term 2, starting with heats, and the grand final will occur during Week 5, in Arts Week. We are excited to see the skills Centenary SHS students have to offer! We are grateful to the Arts P&C Subcommittee for their financial contribution to the winners of the show!
The Wizard of Oz News
We were blown away by the number of students who auditioned for a lead or featured role in the 2025 Centenary SHS production of The Wizard of Oz. This year’s show will have a cast of over 100, with the actors, musicians, artists and tech crew coming together to put on the show. Congratulations and thank you to all students who auditions, we are excited to announce the 2025 lead roles.
Instrumental Music News
We were very sad to have to postpone our Junior Music Camp due to the cyclone, but we still get to go, albeit in June! Just last week, our senior students attended their camp, and worked hard over the three days to prepare repertoire for many of their upcoming performances. Camps give students the chance to hone their skills, receive expert instruction, and grow through valuable mentorship from our talented staff. Music Camp offers a focused environment that not only boosts students’ musical abilities but also helps them develop discipline and concentration – skills that benefit them in every part of life! We are very thankful for our wonderful staff who organise camp for our students – thank you.
We finish the term with more performances in the school and in the local community. Week 10 saw two assembly performances, as well as a performance for the residents of Dovetree. We have a busy schedule of performances coming up in Term 2, starting with Anzac Day performances in Week 1. An updated date claimer is below.
The Arts Subcommittee of the P&C held their first meeting and AGM during Term 1. Thank you to the many parents/carers who have joined our hard-working group, and to the new chair Ange Rivera, treasurer Sarah McDermott and secretary Melita Beckhouse. Our next meeting will be Tuesday May 20th at 7:00pm in CPAC. Our meetings are short and sweet, please let me know if you’re able to attend: aslee4@eq.edu.au.
Angela Sleeman, Arts HOD
Email: aslee4@eq.edu.au
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Term 1 has been busy for our students, with Year 12 Accounting and Business students both attending QUT days to give them some ‘real world’ experiences in each subject.
Report from Year 12 QUT Accounting Forum by Deb Sauer
On Monday February 10th, students were excited to get their “swag” bags from the QUT Business School with some useful goodies. We were engaged with a panel of successful business professionals who shared about their experience working in the field of Accounting.
We enjoyed lunch in the garden on campus and then headed into some smaller group activity sessions, including a Lego job costing activity, where they had to build a Lego bridge, taking into account the budget, design, costs per brick, overheads and markup. One of our groups won the challenge in their session!
Groups also engaged in sessions about creative accounting (fraud) that happens in Hollywood, “Green Washing” strategies that businesses use for meeting sustainability targets, and smart budgeting strategies for future planning. We were reminded and encouraged that a career in Accounting can take you many places in life as all types of businesses need accounting, and “Accounting is the language of business”.
Report from Year 12 Business – Adventure Workshop by Kirsten Caruso
On Wednesday March 19th, Business (General) students experienced engaging workshops from the QUT Business School. They considered the difference between marketing and advertising, collaboratively considered multiple perspectives when proposing a strategy and pitched their ideas to the class. Some students even went above and beyond to film their pitch on campus in-front of the public! Students were able to tour the campus, find their ‘ikigai’ and use virtual reality to explore various careers and occupations.
Kirsten Caruso, Business Technology HOD
Email: kcaru11@eq.edu.au
HUMANITIES
The Premier’s Anzac Prize – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity!
Are you passionate about history and the Anzac legacy? The Premier’s Anzac Prize offers Queensland high school students the incredible chance to embark on a 2-week tour of Europe, visiting key WWI memorials and attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Return international & domestic flights
Research workshops & historical site visits
Accommodation, meals & travel insurance
A life-changing educational experience!
Applications open in April 2025 for the 2026 program! If you’re a dedicated student in Years 8 – 11, and want to be part of this prestigious opportunity, see Ms Hussain in Staffroom 1 for more details.
Online information sessions will be held next term - see Ms Hussain in Staffroom 1 to find out how to join!
Don’t miss your chance to explore history where it happened!
Zeenat Hussain, Humanities HOD
Email: znhus0@eq.edu.au
YEAR 12 REPORT
As we near the end of Term 1, we can look back on a pretty busy beginning to the school year. This also brings us to a completion of all IA1 tasks and reports to come early next term. I am looking forward to seeing some amazing results from this great cohort.
PEEC in Focus
Our Monday HG program had a few disruptions over the term due to exam blocks, and a little weather event called Alfred. But we did get some meaningful time in nonetheless. The big event of the term was having RACQ out to talk about road safety, passenger behaviour and breakdowns. As more and more of our students get their licences, this information is extremely valuable to help keep our young people safe as they move to being young drivers on the road. Should you like more information about ways you can help your young person in their driving journey, the Queensland Government has material on their Street Smart page for parents/carers of young drivers.
Events
Term 2 will see a ramp up of events for the Year 12 cohort, with the first major celebration happening in Week 2. On Monday of Week 2, we will be holding our 100 Day Celebration, which acknowledges that we have only 100 school days until the end of Year 12 (don’t check my maths, it is not exactly 100 days, but it is close enough!).
On Wednesday May 28th, the Year 12 cohort have the chance to get together to watch the first State of Origin match together in CPAC, for what is a fun night of friendly rivalry.
Then at the end of the term, very are very excited to reintroduce the Year 12 Senior Sleepout to the senior calendar. This event stopped during COVID-19, and providing a number of factors can fall into place, we hope to confirm early next term that Friday June 13th will be a great night of fun!
Leadership Conference
On Wednesday March 19th, our school captains and myself attended a Youth Leadership Conference at Brisbane City Hall presented by Youth Leadership Academy Australia. Below are two reflections of the day from our leaders.
Attending the leadership conference was an incredibly inspiring experience. Daniel Flynn’s journey of turning vision into reality showcased the importance of persistence and innovation. His insights into taking bold risks, even in the face of uncertainty, reinforced the idea that failure is part of the growth process and an essential step toward success.
I left the event not only feeling inspired but also equipped with practical strategies to enhance my leadership. I plan to integrate more empathy into my approach, striving to better understand the motivations and concerns of those I lead. Additionally, Daniel’s advice on setting bold yet achievable goals has motivated me to embrace challenges with greater confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
Humaidah, School Vice-Captain
On Wednesday the 19th of March, the Student Forum attended the Youth Leadership Conference. It was such an inspiring and empowering experience for us all. We had the privilege of hearing from incredible speakers, including Daniel Flynn, co-founder of Thankyou, Chanelle Morris, and Wil Massara, CEO and founder of YLAA. Their messages reminded us that our age does not determine our ability to achieve extraordinary things—we are the change-makers of today. We were challenged to think differently, knowing that to get a result the world has got before, you have to be prepared to do something the world has never seen before. Most importantly, we were encouraged to take bold steps toward our dreams, because fear of failure has killed more dreams than failure ever will. This conference ignited our passion for leadership, and we are excited to take action and make a difference.
Lucy, School Captain
Students in Focus
Congratulations to the following students for their wonderful achievements that have occurred recently.
Year 12 Debating Team
Congratulations to Joel, Oriana and Lucy (assisted by Josh from Year 10) on winning their first debate for the season against Brisbane SHS.
Arts Achievements
As will have been reported within Ms Sleeman’s Arts report, I would like also like to congratulate the following arts students with their fantastic recent achievements.
The Wizard of Oz Cast
Year 12 students have featured strongly in the casting of our major school musical this year, The Wizard of Oz. Congratulations to the following students for their roles.
Charli as Dorothy
Ben as Tinman
Liam as The Lion
Kahlia as The Wicked Witch
Lucy as Aunt Em
Jaida as Henry
Marcus as The Wizard
Creative Generations: State Schools on Stage
A large number of students from across the grade have auditions for a range of roles in this years CGEN. The following Year 12 students have been successful in gaining places in their respective fields.
Jada – Company Choir
Jaida – Musical Theatre
Ava – Symphony Orchestra (French Horn)
Liam – Symphony Orchestra and James Morrison Big Band (Tenor Saxophone)
Creative Generation: Musically Outstanding Students
And just announced, we have found out that our amazing French Horn player Ava, has been accepted into the Musically Outstanding Students (MOST) program through Creative Generation. This bi-annual event is an opportunity given to less than 80 state school students across Queensland, and is a highly competitive and sought-after experience. Congratulations Ava!
Mark Watkins, Year 12 Coordinator
Email: mwatk16@eq.edu.au
YEAR 11 REPORT
Year 11: A Strong Finish to Term 1!
As we approach the end of the first term, Year 11 students have demonstrated exceptional commitment and resilience in their studies and extracurricular activities. The second half of Term 1 has been a busy and exciting time, filled with learning opportunities, achievements, and preparations for the challenges ahead.
Academic Progress and Preparation
With assessments and coursework ramping up, students have been working hard to stay on top of their studies. Teachers have been impressed with their dedication, and many students have taken advantage of extra support sessions and study groups to consolidate their learning. This term, students also experienced their first exam block, providing valuable insight into exam conditions and preparation strategies. We encourage all students to continue using these resources to ensure they are well-prepared for upcoming assessments.
Weekly HG focus’s
A key focus this term has been on Respectful Relationships Education (RRE), particularly exploring power dynamics in relationships. Students have engaged in meaningful discussions and activities to deepen their understanding of healthy relationships and personal boundaries.
Additionally, students have been working on building their resumes and learning how to apply for jobs. These practical skills will support them in securing part-time work and preparing for future career pathways.
Looking Ahead
As we transition into Term 2, we encourage Year 11 students to maintain their momentum. It is crucial to stay focused, seek support when needed, and make the most of every opportunity. A huge well done to all Year 11 students for their hard work this term – we are proud of you! Enjoy a well-deserved break and come back refreshed and ready for the next stage of your journey.
Kate Tesch, Year 11 Coordinator
Email: ktesc0@eq.edu.au
YEAR 10 REPORT
It has been an absolute pleasure stepping into the role of Acting Year Level Coordinator for the Year 10 cohort for the rest of Term 1. Having taught many of these students before, it’s been great to reconnect and see them thriving as they embrace life in the Senior space.
This term, our Year 10 students completed their very first Exam Block, a big step in developing the study habits and resilience needed for the years ahead. They handled the challenge with maturity and focus, and should be commended for their efforts.
Looking ahead, students will soon begin preparing for Work Experience in Term 2. This is always a highlight of the school year, offering students the chance to step outside the classroom and get a real taste of the working world. It’s an exciting opportunity to explore career interests, build confidence, and gain valuable experience that will help shape their future pathways.
I would also like to acknowledge and celebrate the 135 students who have achieved 100% attendance so far this term. Each of them has received a certificate in recognition of their outstanding dedication and consistency—well done!
Daniel Trevatt, Year 10 Coordinator
Email: dtrev29@eq.edu.au
YEAR 9 REPORT
As we reach the end of Term 1, it’s important to reflect on what the Year 9 team has explored.
This term, we’ve focused on the ‘Relationships’ pillar of PERMAH, examining how our interactions shape the school environment and, in turn, influence the success of our Year 9 team. As a cohort, we looked at the importance of having clear roles and expectations in both learning and social settings. When students and teachers understand the value of their contributions, it fosters a more organised and respectful environment, ultimately building a stronger team. We’ve also discussed how teamwork, communication, and accountability help us support one another. Much like a crew on a ship, we each have a role to play (teachers and students alike). Though these roles may differ, everyone’s contributions are valid and add value to the functioning of our ‘ship’ (cohort).
Students also participated in their first session with Together for Humanity, where they heard powerful stories about diversity, inclusion, and the impact of our actions. They learned that words and actions – whether intended or not – can hurt others and create divisions. The session emphasised the importance of empathy, understanding, awareness, and mindfulness in cultivating a respectful environment for everyone. They were reminded that their individual actions can impact the wider group and whether in class, during lunchtime, or in our interactions outside, small choices like listening and showing respect can shape a powerful environment where everyone feels valued and part of our amazing cohort.
What’s Ahead:
Looking ahead to Term 2, we’ll be shifting our focus to the ‘Meaning’ aspect of the PERMAH model, with the theme "From Vision to Victory: Making Your Future Happen." This will be an exciting opportunity for students to explore career development and future planning, setting the stage for 2026 and beyond. We’ll guide students to reflect on their aspirations, understand career options, and begin shaping their future pathways. It’s all about empowering them to take ownership of their goals and make informed decisions about the next steps in their journeys.
As always, thank you for the role you play as families in supporting your student’s Year 9 journey!
Student Shout Outs:
Sage, Christabel, Kiana and, Chloe and Piper for being selected in the cast this year’s musical The Wizard of Oz.
Aurora for creating the winning design for the platform wall outside the SRC.
Piper for her selection in the CGEN dance spectacular involving students from across Queensland.
Puru for being selected for the Micro Mathematicians program at The University of Melbourne.
And all of our Northern Eagles District and Met West Region selected team members across a variety of sports.
Well-done and congratulations!
Pia Leinonen, Year 9 Coordinator
Email: plein0@eq.edu.au
YEAR 8 REPORT
We would like to thank Ms Zeenat Hussain for acting as Year 8 Deputy Principal (while Ms Davis was on long service leave). We’d also like to thank the Year 8 cohort for welcoming Ms Hussain to our year level. We’ve had a strong start to the year and we feel confident that our students will continue to show respect, determination, and dedication to their learning into Term 2. Walking around the classrooms, we can see students finalising assessment. One of our take-aways is that students are beginning to manage their time to ensure that assessment are being completed to the best of their abilities. We’ve had a lot to celebrate this term, including the leadership conference, First Nations Attendance Ceremony, and a lot of learning and fun activities in our HG program. Before we say goodbye to Term 1, we would like to take an opportunity to reflect on what it means to belong in Year 8. We are proud of our students as they clearly demonstrate growth, developing and adopting essential skills. Through their focus on relationships, they have strengthened their communication, empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills – foundations that will support them as they now begin to explore the concept of accomplishment. We would like to take this opportunity to wish our Year 8 families a safe and relaxing holiday and we look forward to seeing them in Term 2.
(Dr) Brooke Davis, Year 8 Coordinator
Email: badav0@eq.edu.au
(Ms) Brooke Davis, Year 8 Deputy Principal
Email: bldav0@eq.edu.au
YEAR 7 REPORT
A Message of Pride and Celebration
As teachers, we could not be prouder of our Year 7 students. Their first term of high school has been nothing short of remarkable. They have faced enormous challenges—transitioning into a new school environment, navigating friendships, managing increasing academic demands, and tackling the pressures of NAPLAN testing—all while adapting to the changes and expectations that come with high school life.
Despite these obstacles (including impending natural disasters), they have shown incredible resilience, determination, and growth. Every student has stepped up, demonstrating courage in the face of uncertainty, perseverance in the face of difficulty, and a positive attitude in the face of disruption.
Rising to the Challenge
High school can be a daunting transition, but our Year 7 students have proven they are more than ready. They have:
✅ Adapted to new routines and expectations with maturity and enthusiasm.
✅ Formed strong friendships and support networks to help each other along the way.
✅ Balanced schoolwork, assessments, and NAPLAN preparation with focus and dedication.
✅ Embraced new learning opportunities and actively participated in school life.
The strength, perseverance, and character displayed by these students in just one term are a testament to the bright futures ahead of them. They have built solid foundations—not just academically, but in resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork – that will serve them well in the years to come.
As students continue to thrive, flourish and build a foundational sense of belonging, we will see them rise again to the challenge as they complete a busy end of term with exams and assignments galore. Cross Country and the Colour Run are tomorrow. Looking ahead for them is a well-earned Easter break, with Year 7 Camp to look forward to in Week 3 of Term 2. Excitement and anticipation continue to build and we are so looking forward to sharing this incredible experience with our wonderful Year 7 students. Running alongside this integral part of our Year 7 program is the Year 7 Stay Camp for those students not joining us at Tallebudgera. Further information around these events will continue to be relayed to parents and carers as we approach these key dates.
To our Year 7 students: we see your hard work, your courage, and your determination. You should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished. This is only the beginning, and we have no doubt that you will continue to grow, flourish, and thrive throughout your high school journey.
Congratulations!
Keep aiming high, keep supporting each other, and most importantly—keep believing in yourselves.
- your proud teachers!
Jim Joliffe, Year 7 Coordinator
Email: jjoli0@eq.edu.au
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