19 September 2025

PRINCIPAL

Centenary SHS has been a busy place during Term 3. This is aligned with our core values of Aspiration, Commitment and Community. Our students, staff, parents and carers are very committed to a well-rounded education focused on the whole student. We are very strong in The Arts, cultural and community activities as well as sport and academics.

It is not unusual to see a Centenary SHS student who excels in sport, is getting incredible academic results and at the same time is a part of Arts events such as the school musical. The school’s production of The Wizard of Oz was a great success and a brilliant showcase of many Centenary SHS students’ talents. It was also a display of the commitment of The Arts teachers and other staff who contributed a huge amount of time and effort into the show. Well done to students and staff and thank you to the community for coming along.

The school’s Leadership Team has been working hard on analysing the school review and our current progress towards existing Strategic Plans, Annual Implementation Plan and associated datasets. Centenary SHS is a high performing school. It is my job as a school leader to push for continued improvements for our students, ensuring that they are well prepared for a quality future as they progress through their secondary education.

It is not long until our current Year 12 cohort will finish and we look forward to the celebrations that come with these. Having said that, we need to keep in mind that there are still many pieces of work to go, ensuring that students work hard all of the way to the finish line. We don’t want to celebrate too early and take our foot off the throttle.

Finally, I hope that everyone takes some time over the spring holidays to rest and refresh and prepare for some quality learning in Term 4.

Ross McNichol
Principal
Email: admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au

To read newsletter in full view, please click on the “Newsletter Print Version” button on the top left-hand corner of the screen.

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS

From Pia Leinonen

Welcome!

Firstly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new families and students who have joined our Year 9 cohort this term. We're delighted to have you as part of our community family. I hope you have enjoyed your first few weeks here at Centenary SHS!

Reflecting on Engagement

This term's focus on Engagement has been truly inspiring, with our Year 9 students demonstrating exceptional commitment across all areas of school life. From active classroom participation and academic pursuits to outstanding contributions on sporting fields and stage performances, our students have shown what meaningful engagement looks like. As we approach the crucial Week 10 period with drafts and assessments due, it's vital that students maintain this engagement in the classroom. Active listening, participating in discussions, and applying these skills directly support academic success during this important assessment time. These engagement skills are essential preparation for future leadership roles and becoming valuable, contributing members of society.

Looking Ahead Into Term 4

Next term, we'll be exploring our next PERMAH focus area: The Ultimate Health Hack: Looking after you!  This pillar is particularly relevant as our students transition from Year 9 into Year 10, entering their senior phase of learning. We'll examine what health means for teenagers at this crucial stage, with particular emphasis on developing effective study habits and understanding the critical importance of good sleep patterns.

As students’ progress into more demanding academic territory, these health skills—physical, mental, and emotional—become essential for developing into effective, resilient members of society.

Social Media Changes

As you may be aware, the proposed social media ban for children under 16 is expected to come into effect December 10^th this year. Given that many of our students currently use social media, this represents a significant adjustment for families and schools alike. We encourage families to begin preparing for this transition by gradually reducing social media use ahead of the ban. To support you through this change, we recommend exploring resources the below resources. If you need guidance or have concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team; Angela McKay (DP), Mel Chamberlain (HOD PosEd), Pia Leinonen (DP/YLC) or Sandi Wright (GO).

Suggested resources for parents/carers:

• Headspace
• E-Safety Commissioner
• Black Dog Institute – Summary of Findings

Upcoming Events

Year 10 Leaders and Mentor Applications for 2026

We encourage all current Year 9 students to consider applying to become Year 10 mentors for our incoming Year 7 students in 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership skills whilst sharing their knowledge and providing guidance to younger students as they begin their secondary school journey.

Year 10 Camp Planning (Term 1, 2026)

Planning is underway for our 2026 Year 10 Camp, which we're moving to Term 1 to maximise the benefits of warmer weather and sunshine. This timing will enable students to actively engage in positive experiences and build meaningful relationships at the start of their senior phase of learning, fostering engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.

Shout-Outs

• International Study Buddies: Outstanding representation with pride and leadership 
• Year 9 Netball Girls: Congratulations on your fantastic efforts in your recent netball competition 
• Wizard of Oz Cast: Congratulations to all students who represented our cohort. You did great and we are so proud!

Thank you parents and carers, as always, for your continued support in helping our students thrive.

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

Pia Leinonen, Deputy Principal (Year 9)
Email: plein0@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

BUSINESS MANAGER

What To Do If…

I am running late for school and arrive after morning HG?

• Report to the Front Counter in the Administration Building with communication from your parent/carer explaining why you are late
• Present your late pass to your class teacher

I need to leave school for an appointment?

• Report to the Front Counter in the Administration Building before HG with communication from your parent/carer
• You will be issued with a leave request that needs to be presented to your teacher at the departure time
• Report to the Front Counter in the Administration Building to sign out

I am having trouble finding my class?

• Check student notices on your device for any room changes
• Check your emails to see if your teacher has emailed you room changes
• If you still cannot locate your class, report to the Front Counter in the Administration Building for assistance

I ride my bike or scooter to school?

• Walk your bike/scooter into the school grounds
• Use the bike racks outside Junior Secondary Building to secure your bike/scooter

I drive my car to school?

• Park vehicle in Yallambee Road carpark
• Follow safe driving practices
• Complete a Student Driver Registration Form, which can be collected from the Front Counter in the Administration Building.

If I witness or experience inappropriate behaviours?

• If during a break time, report to staff member on playground duty
• If during class time, report to teacher
• Send a Stymie notification

I am feeling unwell during class?

• Teacher to fill in the ‘Movements’ page in your diary
• Report to the Front Counter in the Administration Building, where you will be signed into Sick Bay
• Your parent/carer will be contacted

I am feeling unwell during a break time?

• Report to the Front Counter in the Administration Building where you will be signed into Sick Bay
• Your parent/carer will be contacted

I have a problem with my IT Device?

• Teacher to fill in the ‘Movements’ page in your diary
• Report with your device to the IT Department in the Resource Centre

I have lost something at school?

• All received lost property is kept near the Front Counter in the Administration Building
• If you have lost your ID card, report to the Front Counter in the Administration Building to organise a replacement

I need to go to the toilet during class time?

• Teacher to fill in the ‘Movements’ page in your diary

I want to get a locker?

• Report to the Front Counter in the Administration Building to pay the $10 locker hire charge

Karyn Lord, Business Manager
Email: klord25@eq.edu.au

CONNECTIONS

From Chappy Paul

Well, it’s been an enjoyable and a big learning curve in my first term as a School Chaplain. 

I have been fortunate to spend approximately two lessons each day in student support with teachers who work with some of our students who experience diagnosed learning difficulties, and I feel I am well placed to say that these teachers are doing a terrific job – they go above and beyond in how they interact with and tutor these kids.

I have found the Centenary SHS staff very welcoming and encouraging and this seems to flow through to their interactions with the students. The students are the prized possession of this school and with the many opportunities available to them at Centenary SHS, I’m sure we will see the majority flourish and grow to become outstanding young people.

A special thank you must also go to the Connections Team who have taken me under their wing and given me the opportunity to get to know some of the great people that make up this wonderful school community.

We also have some wonderful volunteers, like the Jindalee Rotary, and some of the teacher aides that have also worked tirelessly to help bring the before school breakfast club to the students, so they are fuelled for the day ahead.

The school community was blessed to have the Riverlife Church Community Blitz team come in on Saturday August 30^th and do a makeover of our Connections garden. This area and some seating under the Humanities Building are looking fresh and alive again. Thank you Riverlife.

I think Centenary SHS is a very relevant and contemporary school that is positioning itself well to handle the needs of our community’s young people into the future.

Leanne McBrien, Guidance Officer
Email: ljmcb0@eq.edu.au

Nicole Trembath, Guidance Officer
Email: ntrem1@eq.edu.au

Sandi Wright, Guidance Officer
Email: swrig273@eq.edu.au

Sarah Kelly, School Nurse
Email: nurse.centenary@health.qld.gov.au  

Lu Ware, Psychologist
Email: refer to Guidance Officers

Paul Stewart, School Chaplain
Email: pstew79@eq.edu.au

INCLUSION

Congratulations to our eSports Competitors!

Centenary SHS has brought home another victory in the eSports space, this time in the Junior Rocket League Division tournament!

Lukas and Oli smashed the opposition 4 to 1 in the finals.

That makes three teams through to State Finals in November, for Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. and our strongest team yet in Just Dance (our team last year came second at Nationals – this year we expect to do better)!

In the Senior Rocket League, Emma was bestowed Most Valuable Player, awarded for upholding the FUSE Cup ideals of Integrity, Strength, Inclusion, and Teamwork. We work hard with our students to grow strength of character and instil morals and sportsmanship, and Emma exemplifies these qualities.

Computer Parts Recycling

Our students have been busy exploring their inner technician by pulling apart old computers to see how they work. This hands-on activity has sparked curiosity and problem solving as they identify parts, learn about their functions and practice using tools. It is a great way for thes students to build practical skils while giving old technology a new purpose in learning.

Nicola Kelly, HOD Inclusion
Email: nkell139@eq.edu.au

INTERNATIONAL

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 AND SPORTS

Student Spotlight

Year 9 student Zander recently competed in the Oceania Inline Hockey Club Wars in Hamilton New Zealand. His team, the Aussieroos, won the U15 Gold medal!!! Congratulations Zander on your incredible achievement.

QLD All Schools Touch Football Championship

From October 8^th – October 12^th (Week 1, Term 4), teams will be competing in the Queensland All Schools Touch Football Championship. The four teams competing are U15 Boys, U15 Girls, Open Boys and Open Mixed. This competition is the largest school sporting event, with just under 500 schools competing. Students have been very committed to attending training sessions before school. We wish all participating students the best of luck for the tournament!

Senior Schools Cup Volleyball

From August 9^th – 11^th, Centenary SHS  sent four teams to complete in the Senior Schools Cup Volleyball tournament at the Gold Coast – our largest representation at this event to date. This event is the biggest school volleyball competition in Queensland, hosting hundreds of public and private school teams from across the state. The four Centenary SHS teams displayed exceptional sportsmanship and competed fiercely over the 3-day tournament, supported by their coaches Mr Bray, Mr Dinh, Josh Politi and Scott Mackay. At the end of the event, the school achieved the following placings:

Year 12 Boys (Div 1) – Finished 2^nd in Division 1 – 17^th out of 110 teams in Year 12 boys
Year 11 Boys (Div 1) – Finished 9^th in Division 1 – 21^st out of 67 teams in Year 11 boys
Year 12 Girls (Div 2) – Finished 2^nd in Division 2 – 34^th  out of 112 teams in Year 12 girls
Year 11 Girls (Div 1) – Finished 6^th in Division 1 – 14^th out of 65 teams in Year 11 girls

Sports Awards

The sports awards for 2025 will be announced late in Term 3.  Students that have achieved at a high level in sport will be recognised and awarded a sports award. A list will be posted on the HPE noticeboard that contains students’ names and then their sporting achievement.  This is the responsibility of all students to ensure that all of their achievements are listed and to see Mr Gibbs if a sporting event is missing. 

You get sporting points for the following:

• Gala Day teams, and if you won a premiership – you receive more points
• District teams
• School swimming, cross country and athletics teams
• District swimming, cross country and athletics teams
• Age Champion in cross country and athletics
• Met West in any sport
• Represented Centenary in an All Schools event

If any students are missing achievements, they must go to Staffroom 4 to collect a gremlin form. Once they have listed their missing sporting achievements, they must complete this form and hand it back and the list will be updated.

The gremlin sheet process is open (beginning of Week 8 Term 3) and will close on Thursday the 18^th of September. Once again, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure their achievements are accurate!

Met Finals

Netball

Massive congratulations to Our Year 8 Girls Netball team!

Last term, our talented Year 8 girls took out the win at Gala Day and earned their place in the prestigious Met Finals — a huge achievement in itself!

On Friday the 22^nd of August, they faced off against the best of the best from across the Metropolitan region — schools who had all won their own Gala Days. In an incredible display of teamwork, determination, and skill, Centenary SHS came out on top, defeating Wavell SHS (a netball excellence school) by 5 points in the Grand Final!

This is a phenomenal achievement for our girls and a proud moment for our school!!!

Congratulations to every player involved with this success.

Volleyball

Congratulations to our Year 9 Boys and Open Boys Volleyball teams who qualified for the Met Finals Gala Day!

The Year 9 Boys progressed to the Grand Final where they were narrowly beaten two sets to one. The Open Boys managed a very impressive third place finish.

This achievement highlights not only the individual talent within each team but also the hard work, commitment, and teamwork that the players have demonstrated throughout the season. Thanks, too, to Mr Bray for all of the time he put into both teams.

SSNL Netball

Keep an eye on our Facebook page as we report on yesterday’s final round of SSNL Netball.

Met West Track and Field Success 

After two big days of competition on the main stadium at QSAC, a fantastic 10 x Centenary SHS students earned Met West invitations to compete at the Queensland Representative School Sport Championships in Townsville.

Apart from these selections, many other students earned podium finishes, personal bests, and valuable elite level experience at Regionals. We are proud of all students who gave their all!

In terms of podium finishes, Centenary SHS students earned:

5 x firsts
7 x seconds
8 x thirds

Many students have been attending the two times per week trainings held at school since early in Term 2, taken by highly-experienced teacher coaches, and elite level external coaches, and athletes have seen massive improvements over this training block. These trainings are available to any student who attends.

Students are also encouraged to compete at the QA All Schools at QSAC - 

Well done to everyone who has participated in Track and Field over the season, whether just at the school carnival, or further along the representative pathway!

Podium finishers:
Jackson 2 x 1sts
Rowan 1st + 2 x 2nds and a 100m Record!
Maya 1st + 2nd
Kieran 1 x 1st
Gerald 3 x 3rds
Phoenix 2 x 2nds
Lila 2nd + 3rd
Phong 2nd
Elijah 3rd
Mia 3rd
Mikayla 3rd
Thomas 3rd
Sam MW Selection

Thanks to the staff involved in the comprehensive Track and Field Program to support our students: Ms Heintze, Ms Stolberg, and Australian Coach, Des Davis.

For the full albums, see the links:

Lachie Gibbs, HPE HOD
Email: lgibb23@eq.edu.au

James Garrard, West Brisbane Sports Director
Email: jgarr57@eq.edu.au         

Richard Haines, HPE Teacher
Email: rhain0@eq.edu.au

MARKETING AND EVENTS

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook to stay in-the-loop on what’s been going on and what’s coming up within our school community: 

R U OK? Day

On Thursday last week was R U OK? Day and is our national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life. R U OK? is calling on all of us to let the people you care about know you're here, to really hear them.

At AM break on the day, we hosted an awesome (and free!) pancake morning tea for students, along with fun photos, friendship bracelet making, conversation bingo, R U OK? Day wordsearches and, of course, great tunes!

A massive thank you to the Rotary Club of Jindalee for all their support –  purchasing pancakes, volunteering their time and flipping pancakes.

Check out the photo gallery here: 

Big Walk For Little Kids

We're participating in Camp Quality's Big Walk for Little Kids!

Every day, 2 Australian families are given the heart-breaking news that their child has cancer.

This September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we're taking part in the Big Walk for Little Kids to bring fun, positivity and laughter back into the lives of little kids facing cancer.

Leading this incredibly powerful initiative are our Year 10 Leaders Josh and Kasper.

Camp Quality was there for Josh (a cancer survivor) and his family when they needed it most, so we are so proud to see Josh continue to champion the work of Camp Quality.

To donate to our school's fundraising efforts, head to: 

So far, we’ve raised over $15,000!!! Thank you for all of the support!

Student Celebration

A warm reminder to all parents and carers that we love celebrating the successes of our students, big or small. Please don’t hesitate to share any exciting achievements happening outside of school too, from sports to arts, community involvement or personal milestones. These stories inspire and motivate our whole school community.

Sponsorship

Become a sponsor

Later in 2025, Centenary State High School looks forward to welcoming sponsors on board to support our school, who, alike to us, are committed to fostering positive relationships so that all learners can flourish and feel a strong sense of belonging. 

We will be reaching out to like-minded partners within our community who share our passion for education and providing enriching experiences and opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. 

To meet the needs of our inclusive and diverse school, Centenary State High School relies on the support of our community. We warmly invite you to be part of this journey by becoming a valued sponsor of Centenary State High School. 

Why Partner with Us?

As a sponsor, you will have the opportunity to align and integrate your brand across our extensive and engaged school community. With a reach that extends to thousands of engaged families, alumni, and business networks, your sponsorship will increase brand exposure and community engagement in a way that benefits both your business and our Centenary State High School community. 

Let’s Connect

We are committed to developing partnerships that provide genuine value to both our school community and our partners. Whether you're seeking social media exposure, on-site branding opportunities, or meaningful engagement with students, parents, and carers, we look forward to building a thoughtful and strategic partnership with you. 

Please keep an eye on our website and our Facebook page to keep up-to-date as to when we officially launch our sponsorship packages.

Caitlin Wallekers, Marketing, Events and Executive Services
Email: cwall328@eq.edu.au

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Celebrating Term 3 in the Junior School

Term 3 has been a wonderfully busy and uplifting time in the Junior School, with our Primary Transition Programs thriving and creating a sense of belonging and positive relationships for our incoming cohort. These programs are such an important part of the Centenary SHS journey, ensuring that our incoming students feel welcomed, supported, and excited about their next steps.  At Centenary SHS, we understand that moving from primary to secondary school is a significant milestone in every young person’s life. Our transition programs embody our school’s Moral Purpose: To foster positive relationships so that all learners can flourish and feel a strong sense of belonging. They are also carefully designed to provide not only information but also a sense of positivity, connection, and wellbeing. By fostering strong relationships early on, students are empowered to flourish academically, socially, and personally.

Year 6 Enrolment Interviews

On Friday September 5^th, we were delighted to welcome our incoming 2026 Year 7 students and their families to Centenary SHS for our annual Enrolment Interview Day. This special day provided students with the chance to meet our Year 7 teachers and begin forming positive connections within our school community.

Our dedicated Junior School staff worked with great energy and purpose, conducting over 140 enrolment interviews during the student-free day. These conversations were deeply valuable, allowing us to learn more about each young person, their favourite subjects, hobbies, learning goals, and the friendships that are important to them. Parents and carers also had the opportunity to engage with staff, ask questions, and gather practical information on transport, uniforms, BYOD, and upcoming key dates.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many families sharing how much more confident and reassured they felt after the experience. For our students, this day was not just about enrolment – it was about building relationships, feeling a sense of belonging, and beginning the exciting transition into high school.

Year 6 Elective Experience Days

This week, our Year 6 students from cluster schools (Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Darra, and Jindalee State Schools) joined us for the Annual Elective Experience Days. This engaging program invites students to explore a variety of elective subjects they will soon encounter in Years 7 and 8. These days spark curiosity and enthusiasm, giving students the chance to discover new interests while imagining the possibilities of their high school journey.

Adding to the richness of the experience, many our Year 9 students volunteered to support the younger students as they move through the activities. Their involvement over the three days highlighted their Character Strengths of leadership, kindness, and teamwork. For the Year 9 students, this was also an opportunity to grow in confidence, experience the meaning and accomplishment of mentoring others, and to model the welcoming spirit that makes our school unique.

Rachel Habermann, Junior School HOD
Email: rhabe7@eq.edu.au

SENIOR SCHOOL

Year 10 SET Plan Interviews

In Week 7 of this term, our Year 10 students took an important step in their learning journey by completing their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan Interviews. These conversations provided students with the opportunity to reflect on their strengths, interests, and career aspirations while mapping out a pathway for their final years of schooling and beyond.

We were so impressed by the way students approached their interviews – arriving prepared, engaged, and open to guidance. It was fantastic to see them considering a wide range of post-school options, from university and TAFE to apprenticeships, traineeships, and direct entry to the workforce.

A huge thank you to our dedicated staff who guided students through these meaningful discussions and offered their expertise and encouragement. We also extend our gratitude to parents and carers, whose support and involvement play a vital role in helping students make confident and informed decisions about their future.

Together, these interviews highlight the strong partnerships between students, staff, and families that ensure our young people feel supported as they look ahead to their senior years.

If you have any questions about Senior Subject selections, please contact Ms Scull – Senior Schooling HOD.

Year 13 Interviews

Over the past two weeks, all Year 12 students have taken part in their Year 13 Interviews. These one-on-one conversations with a staff mentor provided an important opportunity for students to reflect on their goals and explore their options for life after school.

Whether planning for university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce, the interviews helped students clarify their pathway and identify the steps needed to achieve their aspirations.

We would like to thank our staff mentors for the guidance and encouragement they provided, and our students for approaching the process with maturity and focus. With strong support from school and home, our Year 12 cohort are well placed to make confident choices about their future.

Please contact Ms Scull if you have not yet completed your Year 13 Interview and she will organise one for you.

Industry Liaison Officer Update

Planning Your Next Steps After School

Whether you want to study, work, start a trade, or join the Defence Force, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Here are key resources and programs to help you plan your future.

School Leaver Information Kits

The Australian Government has created easy-to-read information kits to support students leaving school. They provide practical advice, ideas, and links to support services.

What You’ll Learn:

• Ideas for when school ends
• Taking time to think
• Learning more about your options
• Studying at TAFE or university
• Doing classes while learning a job (apprenticeships/traineeships)
• Financial help to study or live
• Finding a job
• Steps to get a job
• Who can help if you’re struggling

Support for Young People with Disability

• Options after school
• Studying or working
• Support to get a job
• Support to study
• Who can help if you’re struggling
• Useful websites and resources

School Leaver Information Kit: 

Brisbane City Council Apprenticeships

The Brisbane City Council Apprenticeship Program provides skills, training and experience to graduate as a qualified tradesperson.

Program Highlights:

• On-the-job training in your chosen trade
• Training in leadership, communication, negotiation, resilience, and career management
• Support in mental health and wellbeing

Apprenticeship Areas:

• Automotive
• Construction
• Horticulture

Find Out More:

Brisbane City Council Careers Information: 

Note: Council’s bulk intake for apprenticeships is usually advertised in September each year. Join their Talent Community to stay updated.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Career Information Sessions

The ADF offers a range of information sessions across Queensland for students interested in full-time or part-time roles in the Navy, Army, and Air Force.

Key Dates:

• 22 Sept – Brisbane Army Careers Information Session
• 23 Sept – Ipswich A Night in the Army Reserve
• 25 Sept – Brisbane Combat and Security Information Session

Some sessions are during the school holidays – plan ahead!

How to Register:

• Visit: ADF Careers Events Page - https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events-and-experiences
• Find your event (date & location)
• Click Register and fill in your details
• Check your email for confirmation
• Whether you’re looking to study, work, start a trade, or join the Defence Force, these guides, programs, and sessions provide the support, information, and pathways to help you succeed after school!

Julie Scull, Senior School HOD
Email: jscul19@eq.edu.au

Beck Morris, Industry Liaison Officer
Email: rmorr311@eq.edu.au

ELEARNING

Centenary SHS recently welcomed 24 outstanding primary school students, the top entrants in our annual Minecraft Build Challenge, for a day of hands-on STEM learning. This year’s challenge theme, “Schools of the Future,” invited participants to reimagine and rebuild elements of their own school environments in Minecraft, demonstrating strong creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.

Across the day, students rotated through a targeted program that included Robotics, Virtual Reality, and 3D design and printing, along with drone flying with code and a short eSports session. The schedule also featured time for students to present and reflect on their Minecraft designs before a final build activity.

Eight Centenary SHS student volunteers supported learning throughout the day by guiding activities, troubleshooting technology, and sharing their own STEM experiences with our guests. We were also pleased to host Ric De Luca, Principal Planning Officer (Infrastructure Services Division, Department of Education), who joined us to celebrate student achievements and assist with judging our Platinum Award winners.

Events like this reflect Centenary SHS’s commitment to future-focused learning and strong real-world connections. By engaging young people in authentic, technology-rich experiences, we help build skills that will serve them well in secondary schooling and beyond.

James Whittle, eLearning HOD
Email: jwhit732@eq.edu.au

ARTS

That was an action-packed end to Term 3! You’ll read later in my article about our amazing production of The Wizard of Oz, but in addition to this, we had many other things going on both in and out of the classroom. For the most up-to-date news, make sure you’re following the school Facebook page: 

Cultural Dinner 2025

Arts students have received their invitation to this year’s Cultural Dinner. This special, student-only (non-compulsory) event is open to students in Years 7 – 12 studying an Arts subject or involved in extra-curricular Arts activities. It’s a chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of the year and enjoy an evening together. Please ask your Arts student to see the email with the information. The Arts Faculty is excited to celebrate with our students in Term 4!

Student Success

Congratulations to Year 11 Visual Art student Salma! She has been selected as a finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize: Next Gen competition! This prestigious recognition celebrates the creativity and skill of young artists across Queensland. Salma’s watercolour on wooden board, a portrait of her uncle Ahmad – a refugee from Afghanistan – is a powerful and original work that beautifully captures his story of growth and optimism. Being named a finalist is an outstanding achievement and a testament to her dedication and artistic voice. The exhibition will run between September 20^th and November 9^th in the State Library of Queensland. We wish Salma the best of luck at the Opening Night and Winners Announcement!

Years 11 and 12 Film, Television & New Media students swapped the classroom for the showgrounds, taking part in the Ekka Creative Clips Competition. This exciting challenge allowed students the opportunity to put their class learnings into a real-life activity:

🎥Exploring the structure and features of short films
🎥Experimenting with camera angles, movements, and shots to build a narrative
🎥Developing practical production and editing skills
🎥Strengthening teamwork, time management, and planning

We were lucky to submit three entries and are thrilled to announce that one of our groups has won first place! Congratulations to Aum, Mitch and Tri! Check out their winning entry here: 

We are fortunate to partner with the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, who offer our students an opportunity each year to participate in the State Honours Ensemble Program. The Honours programs are educational programs for music students that help extend and encourage their pursuit of musical excellence. So far this year, we have had a huge number of students successful in their nomination and have attended the program. On recent assemblies, we congratulated students who have attended the Brisbane and South-East Queensland versions.

Over the September holidays, more of our amazing musicians will participate in SHEP QLD. The top level of the SHEP program, is the Australian Honours Ensemble Program, which requires students to nominate and audition to be successful. Three of our outstanding musicians - Ava, Eva and Liam – have their opportunity to work with national and international conductors and like-minded musicians this October. We look forward to all our students returning with renewed passion and vigour and sharing their learnings with all of us!

Congratulations to Year 12 Visual Arts students – Axe, Xavier, Noah and Rhianna –  who have been selected to represent Centenary SHS in the 2025 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art! The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art recognise and promote excellence in senior visual art education throughout Queensland state and non-state schools. To be selected, the artworks had to demonstrate highly developed imagery, skilful application of knowledge and the critical understanding of media and techniques – which each one of these certainly do! The artworks will be on display at the Superordinary Gallery from early October. We wish our students the best of luck in the next round of the selection process.

Congratulations again to our Creative Generation State Schools On-Stage stars, who lit up the stage back in July. We can’t wait to rewatch the show when it hits our TV screens soon! The students were presented with their CGEN certificate and cast photo on a recent assembly.

Curriculum News

The Year 12 Music class have had two careers’ visits in the last month, to talk about opportunities for musicians after school. Our first visit was from professional musician and Army reservist, Andrew Kopittke. Andrew spoke of his career touring the word performing in different orchestras and then spoke of the performance opportunities he has been afforded since joining the Army Reserves. So many of our students were interested, that they’ve been invited to an upcoming rehearsal, where they can observe and even sit in and play with the band! We are very appreciative of Andrew’s time in visiting our class and organising the rehearsal experience. Additionally, the class also had the privilege of hearing from Dr Mark Scholtes, Program Director (Bachelor of Music) and Lecturer in Contemporary Music – Songwriting and Production at UniSQ’s School of Creative Arts. Mark shared insights into pathways for university study in music, what a typical week as a university student can look like, and the importance of effective time management and scheduling. One of our Year 12 musicians was also able to audition for UniSQ’s music degree here at school and has been successful in gaining a position for 2026! We are grateful for this connection between UniSQ and Centenary SHS.

It’s important for our students to see their classroom learning in a real-world environment, and our Years 8 and 9 Performance Plus classes had the opportunity to view live theatre recently. The smash-hit Olivier and Tony-Award-winning, The Play That Goes Wrong, is a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes. Our students came back to school with renewed excitement for their upcoming showcases in Term 4.

Extracurricular News

In our final local dance competition this year, the Ipswich Performers’ Dance Festival, our dancers experienced great success! Congratulations to:

Contemporary A – 2^nd Place
Hip Hop – 2^nd Place
Lyrical A – Very Highly Commended
Contemporary B – Highly Commended

This holidays, our amazing Dance Troupes head to Sydney to compete in the Dancelife Unite Nationals – Australia’s premier national dance competition! We are so proud of their hard work and dedication and look forward to sharing their achievements next edition.

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Wizard of Oz News

Wow. What an incredible journey down the Yellow Brick Road! Our Wizard of Oz musical has now finished, and we couldn’t be prouder of our cast, crew, teachers, parents, carers and volunteers who brought this magical production to life. There are many people to thank for their support of our show:

• Lacey Perrett from Broomsticks and Barrows
• Mr Homer
• Mr Duncan, Mrs Hanby, Ms Erin and our visual art students
• The Arts Subcommittee volunteers, led by our chair Angela Rivera
• Our raffle sponsors – Everhomes, Grill’d Mount Ommaney, The Jindalee Tavern, Jess Pugh MP and Councillor Sarah Hutton

Finally, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported the show – whether you were on stage, behind the scenes, supporting our students or cheering in the crowd, your support was truly invaluable.

See more here:  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16xkJ8gWhG/

Instrumental Music News

The Instrumental Music students have had a quieter end to Term 3, due to the musical performances. We have performed locally in the community, at our Livening Up The Library series. Our Centenary Swingers also performed exceptionally at the Queensland State Schools Principals Conference.

Term 4 sees a full calendar of events for our Instrumental Music students as we prepare to perform at many school and community events. Please see the date claimer below for where you can see our musicians in action!

The Arts Subcommittee of the P&C hold their Term 4 meeting on Tuesday November 11^th 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

Excursion News – Year 10 Business & IKEA!

On August 11^th, Year 10 Business students spent the day learning about how global businesses work by studying IKEA!  Starting the day off with a guest speaker to gain a better understanding of the various strategies used by the business, students then travelled to IKEA to collect primary data about strengths and weaknesses while looking for opportunities for future expansion.  A great day was had by all and the meatballs were awesome!

Kirsten Caruso, Business Technology HOD
Email: kcaru11@eq.edu.au

SCIENCE

Year 7 Biology Excursion – Nudgee Beach

Early in the term, our Year 7 Science students attended a field trip to Nudgee Beach Environmental Education Centre. During the excursion, students collected data for their biology unit, exploring ecosystems and observing the diverse plant and animal life in the mangroves and intertidal zone at Nudgee Beach. This hands-on experience helped students connect classroom concepts to the natural world in an engaging, memorable way.

National Science Week

This year’s National Science Week was a huge success, thanks to the efforts of science staff, Year 11 UQ Science Ambassadors and Year 12 STEM Captains. Students across all year levels were involved in fun activities, including Spaghetti Towers, Elephant’s Toothpaste, trivia and quizzes.

We were also thrilled to host Year 5 students from Darra SS, Jamboree Heights SS, Jindalee SS and Middle Park SS, giving students a taste of high school science through investigations involving water rockets, microscopes, pendulums and bubbles!

Year 6 Primary Links Science Program

Continuing our strong connection with local primary schools, the Year 6 Primary Links Science Program welcomed students from Darra SS, Jamboree Heights SS, Jindalee SS and Middle Park SS throughout the term. These students joined us to engage in the scientific method through experimentation, working alongside our high school science staff and students.

Thank you to our dedicated science teachers, science technicians and students for making all these events a huge success!

Elizabeth Nicolson, Science HOD
Email: enico12@eq.edu.au

YEAR 12 REPORT

This is a very tough time for Year 12 students. It is something that we who have been teaching for several years have seen repeatedly. After 13 long years of schooling, with the finish line just over the horizon, it is hard to keep that motivation sustained. But, we should not shy away from acknowledging this, and pretend that it does not exist. As the great Fred Rogers once said, “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable”. So, we can manage those times when we have low motivation, when we are ‘over it’, when we are done. Whether we are at the start of a task, or near the end, until we have completed it all, it is not over.

There are a few things we can do to help when our motivation is low. Some of these include:

• Break tasks into manageable chunks
• Write down each positive thing you experience throughout the day
• Give yourself credit for the small things you do
• Have some 'me time'
• Be gentle with yourself
• Ask for help

Senior Sunrise

To celebrate the end of most internal assessment, the Year 12 cohort gathered on Friday August 22^nd to share the sunrise experience and a pancake breakfast. Unfortunately, the weather meant we had to move the location to the school from Rocks Riverside, and we had a few less students than anticipated, but it was still a great time to join together before heading into the External Exam preparation period. Thank you to the student leaders and all of the staff who came along to assist in the event.

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Mock Bock Exams and Year 13 Interviews

The last two weeks of term two have been an extremely important period for preparing our students for not only External Exams, but also life beyond schooling. Two very significant events have been taking place simultaneously, with the Mock Block Exams and Year 13 interviews occurring across the fortnight. The Mock Block Exams gives our general subject students the opportunity to sit a practice exam very similar to their upcoming EA’s, in order to acclimatise them to the experience, as well as obtain valuable feedback on where they need to best place their efforts going forward. The Year 13 Interviews are an important checkpoint in the senior pathway to ensure that students are planning for their future beyond Year 12, be it with university, employment, TAFE, apprenticeships or a combination of these to build their post-schooling life on. I would like at this point to acknowledge the incredibly hard work and long hours that have been put into organising both of these very valuable undertakings by our Year 12 Deputy Principal Angela Raven, and HOD of Senior Schooling Julie Scull.

Looking Ahead

Term 4 is BIG!!! We have a lot of highly significant events and functions occurring, so please take careful note of the table below for dates, times etc.

So as you can see, a very busy couple of months ahead. Make sure you have a very restful break over the September/October holidays, because you will definitely need it.

All the very best!

Mark Watkins, Year 12 Coordinator       
Email: mwatk16@eq.edu.au

YEAR 11 REPORT

Term 3 has been a fantastic and memorable one for our Year 11 students. A highlight of the term was the much-anticipated Semi Formal, which proved to be a huge success. Students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to come together as a cohort, celebrate their achievements, and create lasting memories with friends.

We concluded the term with another milestone — the Year 11 Captain speeches for 2026. All candidates presented themselves with confidence and passion, and it was inspiring to see the leadership potential within our cohort. The process of selecting our future School Captains and Vice Captains will certainly be a challenging one given the outstanding quality of all applicants.

As always, our Year 11 students are finishing strong, with their exam block beginning Wednesday of Week 10. This will be an important step as they prepare to transition into their final year of schooling.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all students and families a safe, happy, and healthy break. We look forward to returning in Term 4, where the focus will turn to beginning the important journey of Year 12.

Kate Tesch, Year 11 Coordinator
Email: ktesc0@eq.edu.au

YEAR 9 REPORT

Teambuilding Day

Our Year 9 cohort recently competed in ‘Outlast’ – a teambuilding event facilitated by Banana Life. With more than 250 students taking part in a full day of challenges, the enthusiasm was evident with many students arriving in themed costumes and throwing themselves into activities such as the table maze, block stack, slingshot and a blindfold maze. It was an absolute privilege to watch ‘kids be kids’ and the smiles on their faces as they competed for the grand prize – the tiniest trophy in the entire world! Students who did not participate had their own day filled with fun activities, and the feedback I received back from supervising staff was very positive. Congratulations to ‘Team Yellow’ for winning the day, and ‘All the Single Ladies’ for being the best dressed team on the day.

2026 Subject Selections

Year 9 is such a busy year, and we are currently working on our next big job for Semester 2 – selecting subjects for Year 10 in 2026. We have almost had 100% of students submit their selections through One School, and I thank you for your enthusiasm and support during this process. It’s a very exciting time, and their first real step in becoming independent with their learning pathway. This stage is also a fantastic opportunity for students to experience engagement by exploring subjects that spark their curiosity, challenge their thinking, and allow them to immerse themselves in learning experiences that feel meaningful and enjoyable. When students choose subjects that align with their interests and strengths, they are more likely to experience a sense of flow – that feeling of being completely absorbed in an activity – which is a key part of engagement in the PERMAH framework.

Year 9 to Year 10 Mentor Process

In Week 10, Centenary SHS will be hosting the Year 6 Elective Experience Days, where students from our feeder primary schools will come and try some of the amazing subjects we offer. We have an astounding 45 x Year 9 students who have volunteered their time to support these students throughout the week, and we commence training next Monday. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their leadership skills and develop confidence in working with younger students. It also serves as excellent preparation for next term, when students will have the chance to apply for Year 10 mentor positions for 2026 – another exciting step in their leadership journey.

Celebrating Success

One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is celebrating student success – and our Year 9 cohort is certainly giving us plenty to cheer about! Whether it’s sporting triumphs, cultural accomplishments, or academic excellence, our students are representing Centenary SHS with pride. If your young person has achieved something special, I’d love to hear about it. Please feel free to share their story with me at ctuto3@eq.edu.au.

Claire Masters, Year 9 Coordinator         
Email: ctuto3@eq.edu.au

YEAR 8 REPORT

It’s hard to believe we are already at the end of Term 3! Year 8 students have been working tirelessly through their assessments and are no doubt looking forward to a well-earned break.

This term in HG, Year 8 students were focused on the pillars of health with the catch phrase ‘fuel your body and power your mind’. Concepts included: Nutrition; Movement; Sleep Hygiene; Mindfulness; Internet Use and Screen Time.

In Nutrition, the main focus was on junk food advertising and how this directly affects the food choices particularly of teenagers. Many students acknowledged they eat too many discretionary food items, as described by the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, and were keen to change this. Follow the link for more information. 

In Movement, students learned about the positive impacts of movement on their physical, social and emotional health. They also participated in a range of movement activities with the dance options proving very popular. You should try this one at home.

Just Dance Waka Waka:

School Nurse, Sarah, presented students with the facts around Sleep Hygiene with key concepts including the importance of a consistent schedule (same bed time/same wake up time), removal of blue light (phone, laptop, tv, etc.) in the lead up to bed time, and setting their room up as a comfortable place for sleep. Alarmingly, a large proportion of students shared that the last thing they do before sleeping is scroll on their phones. As Nurse Sarah explained, the use of blue light before sleep interrupts the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone, and affects the quality of our sleep. You can find further information here: 

Students worked through The Black Dog Institute’s ‘Teens and Screens’ lesson to learn about ways to engage safely on the internet and to be aware of the strategies companies use to gain their attention.

‘The Mindfulness Buffet’ provided students with an understanding of the importance of mindfulness in a health and wellbeing plan and the types of mindfulness activities they can participate in. Mindfulness eating was a popular one.

Students were asked to choose two things they have learnt that they could implement to have the greatest impact on their own health and wellbeing. Ask your Year 8 student what theirs are.

As you can see, it has been a jam-packed term but also a very appropriate one for our Year 8 students. Next term, we turn our focus to ‘Meaning – discover your purpose, ignite your passion’. Students have already begun this focus in learning with subject selections for Year 9 occurring in Week 10 of this term. An exciting time for many.

On a personal note, I have really enjoyed the term working with Year 8 in a YLC capacity. What started as a 5-week role extended to a term. I’m hopeful I can keep working with this fantastic group of students into Term 4. 

Matt Mitchell, Year 8 Coordinator
Email: mmitc112@eq.edu.au

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Jindalee Girl Guides

The Benefits of Girl Guides

Girl Guides provides a safe, inclusive, and fun environment where girls can develop essential life skills such as confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Weekly programs include outdoor adventure, STEM activities, community service, arts, and global awareness projects – equipping girls with practical experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.

For students in Years 10 to 12, we are also seeking to grow our team of Junior Leaders. This role gives older girls the chance to mentor our younger Guides, build their leadership and communication skills, and make a meaningful contribution to the community. It is an excellent opportunity for personal growth, resume-building, and future career pathways, and can also complement senior school service learning requirements.

Future-Proofing Girl Guides

By encouraging younger girls to join and older girls to step into leadership, we aim to “future proof” Girl Guiding in our community. Our goal is to empower girls of all ages to grow into confident, capable young women who are ready to take on the world.