23 May 2016, Volume 18 Number 5

News from the Principal

From the Principal

Student connectedness to school is a strong contributing factor to school success. The school prides itself in providing quality opportunities for students and it is always rewarding to see students enjoying themselves on the academic, sporting, cultural and civic fronts. As I state regularly on assembly – the more you get involved, the more rewarding your schooling will be. Centenary SHS is certainly busy as we move into mid-term with students engaging strongly in both their academic programs and co-curricular activities.

Before and after school I see students working hard in the Resource Centre or attending tutorials across various faculties. This academic diligence is replicated in the sporting field. The school’s achievement in winning the percentage trophy at the Brisbane West Cross Country is a testament to the dedication of both the teachers and students involved. Similarly our representation in Brisbane West sport is amongst the highest of all schools. In Performance, students from Years 7 to 12 have begun rehearsals for the school’s August production of Ferris Bueller.

It is fantastic to see that the students have organised a 2016 Centenary’s Got Talent competition. The lunchtime performances will no doubt be extremely popular over the rest of the term. It is always great to see both the talent and student good will on display.

The school has made some significant advancements this year in respect to STEAM with a number of after school clubs running. Additionally we have our STEAM Tech crew made up of Year 9 and 10 students who have a passion for robotics. This crew operates outside of normal class hours and builds and maintains the school’s robotic fleet.

Interim Report Data

The interim data published earlier in the term provides a good opportunity for students to gauge where they are at in respect to their learning and academic achievement goals. Importantly with the bulk of assessment sitting in Term 2 there is time to rectify shortcomings.

A key target for the school this year is to have 60% of our students achieving at an A or B level in their subject results. At 55.3% we are still short of the target however with further application I am convinced we can “move the middle”.

Teaching and Learning

As a staff we value the power of quality feedback to improve performance. Over recent years we have operated a Collegial Feedback program in the school to enhance the quality of our teaching and learning outcomes. We continue to refine our practice with a number of staff this year filming their classroom practice for later analysis. We are now in a collegial feedback window where staff will be frequently visiting each other’s classrooms providing feedback on identified areas of teacher performance. Your child may report back that there were a number of teachers in a particular class on a given day. This is simply part of our commitment to improving teaching practice and ultimately student outcomes.

Pathways

Within the school environment of multiple excellence opportunities there is a clear focus on individual student needs. Particularly from Year 10, students are exposed to decision making in regards to pathway options. This process is formalised through the Student Education and Training Plan [SETP] whereby students determine what subject offerings will provide them with the best pathway to achieve their school exit objectives. The key decision in this regard is OP eligibility.

About 60% of Centenary SHS students decide to be OP eligible in their senior course of study through their studying of 20 semester units of Authority subjects. All students with tertiary aspirations and students who do not wish to close the door on this option are not always best served in selecting this pathway. A genuine alternative is the ranking option which also provides an entry point in tertiary education. The completion of a Certificate 3 is invaluable in improving a student’s rank. The ranking path allows greater options in subject selection through access to the non- Authority as well as the Authority subjects.

Senior Schooling and SETP talks will provide more information about this option.

A student’s Overall Position at the conclusion of their senior studies determines tertiary entry. To assist in decision making in this regard the school will again use the OP Analyser program. The program, using student progress results and past school data, provides a predictive OP range for each student. It is certainly not absolute as there are numerous variables impacting upon OP allocation however it has been found in other schools and in our data over the last three years to be reasonably accurate. If Year 11 and 12 students are willing they will be given the option of receiving a predictive OP range in the first few weeks of Term 3. This information will certainly assist in ensuring good decisions are made in respect to senior subject choices, pathways and tertiary course selection.

Open Day May 28

Spread the word – our Open Day is on Saturday May 28 from 2-5pm. Please feel free to come and experience a slice of Centenary SHS education.

Rowing

A number of our students represent the school in rowing through the local Centenary Rowing Club. Rowing is a great sport and certainly promotes both discipline and a healthy lifestyle. We are most fortunate to be bounded by the River and rowing is a great way to use it. If students are interested in joining Centenary Rowing please see me and I will put them in contact with the club.

Cars

We are getting to that time of the year where an increasing number of our senior students are driving to school. I remind all members of the community about the responsibilities of student driving:

• Students are to register their car with the school’s administration.
• Student cars are to be parked in the bottom school car park not in side streets.
• All passengers must have lodged written permission from parents/carers with administration.
• Drivers are to obey road rules at all times.

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Sarah Olsen who has been selected in the Creative Generation Symphony Orchestra

John Brew, 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.

Newsletter Articles

News from the Deputy Principals

Leaving the School Grounds

Students are not permitted to exit the school grounds during the school day without permission from the Principal or relevant year level Deputy Principal. The school has a very clear process for students who may present a need to exit the grounds during the day including the scheduled AM and PM breaks. This process is outlined in the 2016 School Diary on the following pages:

• For Junior School parents and students, this process is outlined on page 132 of the 2016 School Diary.
• For Senior School parents and students, this process is outlined on page 133 of the 2016 School Diary.

Students who leave the school grounds without following this process are in breach of the school’s ‘Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students’ and can face disciplinary consequences.

Senior School Attendance

It is important that in the Senior Phase of Learning, the focus is on the educational program offered at Centenary SHS. This program is based on a student’s subjects but is also enhanced by the school’s HG program and STEP (Wednesday Lesson 4). Across the two (2) years of the Senior Phase, the HG program and STEP provides enhancements such as attainment of VET certificates, QCS preparation, transition activities and access to external presenters.

It is essential that students are present in all scheduled HG and STEP lessons as part of the school’s educational program. These lessons are valuable and repeated scheduling of appointments or leave passes is not an acceptable approach to these lessons.

Submission of Assessment in the Senior School

The timely submission of assessment is essential to student success in the Senior School regardless of learning pathway. The school’s Assessment policy and procedure is located on pages 128 – 131 of the 2016 Senior School Diary. This policy and procedure is guided by key policies from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).

The failure to adhere to this policy and procedure may have a negative impact on a student’s attainment of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) as well as Overall Position (OP) and/or VET Certification. This message is repeated and reinforced across the classroom, HG program and whole of year. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of a senior student to know the requirements of this policy and procedure at Centenary SHS and to fulfil their obligations as a learner and young adult.

Matt McDonald, Deputy Principal (Years 11 & 12)
Email: mmcdo156@eq.edu.au

Adam Richter, Deputy Principal (Years 9, 10 & International)
Email: arich60@eq.edu.au

Sallyann Griffith, Deputy Principal (Year 7, 8 & International)
Email: sgrif88@eq.edu.au

News from the Business Services Manager

Parents/Carers Contact Details

Parents/Carers contacts details are a very important to us. Up to date and current school records enable us to send you messages, contact you when your student is ill or if there is an issue that needs resolving.

If you are moving house, changed jobs, emails or mobile phone numbers, please inform the school office via

• email to admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au or
• a note

State School Consent Form

The State School Consent Forms have recently been mailed home. This form has recently been updated to include the school’s Facebook, YouTube and Twitter profiles. It is school policy to only use first names on any social media site. This form can also be downloaded from our website.

It is not compulsory for you to provide consent. If you decide not to provide consent, this will not adversely affect academic achievement, or any relationships with teachers or the school.

Changes to Payment Options

Payment of the participation fee may be made over the counter by cheque or cash or EFTPOS (Debit Card, MasterCard or Visa) or by direct deposit (internet banking), BPOINT. The direct deposit and BPOINT option allows parents/carers the convenience of making payments from home and alleviates the need to pay over the counter transactions in person.

BPOINT

BPOINT is an additional payment method which is available to all parents/carers to pay school invoices. The internet web link enables you to authorise to have your credit or debit card in a secure environment. BPOINT offers several payment options including:

• Internet payment via web link
• Single direct debit
• Re-occurring direct debit

All future invoices and statements will display this payment option. You will need the Customer Reference Number (CRN) which is printed on the bottom of your invoice or statement before payment can be processed.

For more information and the link to BPOINT please see our website.

INTERNET BANKING

For payments made by direct deposit (internet banking), use the details that are indicated on the front of the invoice or statement. The reference space provided for these payments is only 15 characters long. Please ensure that either the Debtor ID or Invoice number is recorded in this space.

BPAY

BPay is no longer a payment option.

Parents/Carers Experiencing Financial Difficulties

A parent/carer experiencing financial hardship is encouraged to contact the Business Services Manager to discuss how their financial obligations can be met throughout the school year, or to negotiate alternative arrangements that may be available to accommodate their individual circumstances. All discussions will be held in the strictest confidence.

Charmaine Macaulay
Email: cmaca5@eq.edu.au

Centenary SHS Open Day

On Saturday May 28, Centenary SHS will open its doors to prospective parents/carers and the community at large.

The afternoon will provide an opportunity for parents/carers to speak to staff and students, enjoy performances, participate in workshops, view academic and co-curricular displays and enjoy guided tours around the school. Parents/Carers will learn more about Centenary SHS and the extensive range of learning experiences offered to students.

This event is open to current and prospective parents/carers and we look forward to celebrating Centenary SHS’s many success with families in is this informative and entertaining afternoon.

Open Day is on Saturday May 28, 2016 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

Anne-Marie Price
Resource Centre Manager / Promotions and Marketing Coordinator

News from Education Adjustment Centre

This term has been very productive for our Senior students. Many of the Year 12s have registered with the Department of Communities and Disabilities and are applying for Post-school funding. Students are also meeting with Disability Employment Services to register for support in finding part-time or full-time work. Two students have also signed up with ASBT for traineeships which is a great opportunity. Our Year 10 students are in the process of writing their SET Plans and deciding on their senior pathway. If parents/carers have any questions about SET Plans or would like support in finding work or work experience please contact your child’s Case Manager.

The DLD has undergone some significant changes this term, with a new staffroom being created to house all DLD staff. As part of this renovation we have created an extra classroom and are also creating a specialised area which will become a Vision Impairment Support Centre. The DLD also has an extensive library with resources that parents/carers may borrow from. If you would like to come and browse our titles, please contact Nicole.

Many students have had their ICP completed this term to determine how they will be assessed in each subject. The ICP process replaces the IEP process that many parents/carers may have had experience with in the past. The ICP aims to identify and document the level at which students will be assessed, and curriculum goals for each subject. If you have any non-curriculum goals you would like the DLD to work on with your child, please contact their Case Manager.

Finally, it has been fantastic to see a large number of SWD involved in a wide range of school activities, including representing the school at ANZAC ceremonies, competing at District Cross Country, participating in Centenary’s Got Talent and signing up for school sport teams and the school production. It is through involvement in school activities that students develop a sense of belonging and also learn new skills and make new friends. I encourage all students to be involved in as many school activities as possible.

Nicole Donaldson
Email: ndona5@eq.edu.au

News from the Guidance Officers

Demystifying Adolescence

Understanding your teenager starts with an understanding of their development. Teenagers come in three fascinating stages of development- early, middle and late.

Early Adolescence - Physical changes, normal anxiety about body shape and growth, sexuality, teasing about appearance, most often friends with the same sex, school change, breaking childhood ties, tending toward adult thought processes.

Middle Adolescence – Family focus shifts to peer focus, identify with particular forms of music/youth icons, risk-taking behaviours common, seek individualisation by spurning adult control and support. Caregiver relationships can become most strained, they need a guide who can help nourish their uniqueness.

Late Adolescence – Time of facing up, the time to confront their identity crisis, they used to leave home – some fall into a social abyss, they seek to define and understand their functional role in life, relationships with parents become based on mutual respect and affection, they need help in associating effort with outcome, set clear objectives and strategies to achieve what they want.

Alongside these stages there are specific developmental tasks of adolescence developed by American psychologist Robert Havighurst. The most important of these are:

1. The adolescent must develop a personal sense of identity.
2. The adolescent must establish adult vocational goals.
3. The adolescent must establish emotional and psychological independence from his or her parents.
4. The adolescent must develop stable and productive peer relationships.

Some keys on how to interact with your teenagers more effectively:

• Don’t enter into arguments with them - it is guaranteed to cause angst and become a slanging match
• Spend time with them
• Keep calm
• Don’t talk too much and do try to listen more
• Keep it short- only two sentences at a time
• Remind them of what they do well
• Use humour- never sarcasm
• Set very clear boundaries and have both positive and negative consequences

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Socially Anxious Children or Adolescents

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a tool used for children, teens and adults who experience social anxiety. It equips the person with skills to manage their anxiety within social interactions and thereby increase confidence. Group therapy gives the opportunity for adolescents to face their anxieties and practice their skills within a safe environment. It targets relaxation strategies and positive thinking strategies. If you are interested in helping a child, teen or adult who experiences social anxiety you may like to seek a psychologist who specialises in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Robyne Kruske, Guidance Counsellor
Email: rkrus2@eq.edu.au

The Importance of the Positive Parent

Children, no matter how old they are, always look to a parent to know what to do next. This includes knowing how to behave, respond and engage with the world around them in different situations and at different times. And for children, even older teens, a parent’s interaction with them can have a profound effect on their outlook on life.

There are a couple of simple things that parents can do that build strong positive family connections and develop healthy and balanced children and teens. You can build positive relationships by:

• Being in the moment with your child
• Working on family management
• Spending quality time with your child

Being in the moment – allows you to tune in and think about what is going on for your child. Paying attention to what is happening around them and simply accepting them and their perspective, letting your child be and not giving directions all the time. Being in the moment includes rephrasing to make better understanding, smiling and making eye contact, active listening and spending time doing something they enjoy and having fun together.

Working on Family Management – Strong family relationships are helped by looking at how your family members interact on a day-to-day basis.

• Plan some one-on-one time on a regular basis with each of your children. Some children are quieter and don’t demand as much attention but they may be left out. Ensuring that each child has regular time is very important for every child.
• Setting aside one-on-one time with your partner allows you to invest in a strong loving relationship and extends then to your child. It can take effort, but it’s well worth it. If you’re a single parent, you could try setting aside time with an extended family member or a close friend. Maintaining your relationships with adults will help you feel supported.
• Think about ways to organize the household routine so it’s less stressful. Even simple changes like getting up 15 minutes earlier to give yourself extra time to ensure it’s a calm morning can bring about positive changes. Giving set chores that are manageable for the young person can help provide feelings of belonging and contribution to the family wellbeing.

Spending quality time with your child – This can be one of the most rewarding parts of the family bond. Quality time can happen anywhere and anytime. Simply taking time to do small things together can be very meaningful and important for a young person. Positive conversations, activities and enjoying what you’re doing with your child can show that you value and appreciate your child. Smiles, laughter, eye contact, hugs and gentle touches are powerful ways to give positive messages.

Mark Voigt, Guidance Counsellor
Email: mxvoi0@eq.edu.au

News from the School Nurse

Respectful Relationships Education as Violence Prevention

“It’s time we talked”

As a Youth Health nurse over the years I have noticed the impact of pornography on our young people and the expectations in their relationships. If we are to address respectful relationships and violence towards women it is also important to address Pornography.

You and your family are the most important source of sexuality and relationship information for your children. More than anyone else, you will lay the foundations for well adjusted, confident and healthy children who go on to experience positive healthy respectful mutually consenting relationships.

At the recent “Respectful Relationships” conference that I attended it was highlighted that even some Primary School children are being exposed and influenced by Pornography.

“If your child has access to a mobile phone, laptop, tablet or any other internet-enabled device – or if they have any friends or siblings that do – then it is very likely that they will see pornography, even if they never seek it out. They may even make their own pornography – because they’d like to or because they are pressured to do so by a partner or peers. For many young people, it’s now harder to avoid pornography than to see it.”

More than 90 % of young men 13-16 have viewed pornography and 60 % of young women.

As parents it’s important you are aware of the changing world (pornography won’t go away) and how you can help your young person navigate this challenge by giving them solid values and reject scenarios that conflict with their personal values.

We can’t afford to allow pornography to be young people’s most prominent sexuality educator.

We need to be able to help young people to see that sex and relationships can be better than what pornography portrays.

Please take the time to view the parent information tips and support from this comprehensive website.

or from a great new report recently out, entitled “don’t send me that pic”

Dyanne Moxham, School Based Youth Health Nurse (Monday & Friday)
Email: admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au

News from the Sports Director

Junior and Senior Interschool Sport– District Finals Day

Well done to all of our teams who competed in the summer trimester of district finals day. Congratulations to the following teams who had progressed and competed in semi-finals or finals of Met Finals: Year 7 boys volleyball, Year 8 girls softball and volleyball, Year 10 boys volleyball, open boys volleyball and open girls softball. I will do a full wrap up of Met Finals results once all competitions have finished.

Thank you to all of the coaches for your hard work and dedication towards training each week, without you we cannot have such successes! A big thank you to all the parents who contributed to providing transport for the games.

District Cross Country Carnival

Congratulations to all of our cross country representatives who participated in the district cross country carnival. For the first time ever, Centenary SHS fielded a full team of 80 runners. This was due to the hard work from Mr Gibbs and Mrs Nasalio who have been training them three times a week and working hard on improving their fitness. In 2016, Mr Gibbs had the goals of taking a full team and becoming champions of the percentage trophy. Both of these goals were achieved!! Centenary SHS was awarded the percentage trophy and this is due to the dedication of all of our runners. Well done Centenary Crocs and we look forward to going back to back next year.

Regional Cross Country

The 2016 Regional Cross Country Carnival is being held on the 2nd June at Limestone Park.

Students must remember to take along all signed paperwork and their nomination fee on the day.

Competitors must make their own way to venue. Please see Mr Gibbs or contact Miss Porter if you have any concerns regarding transport.

School Field and Track Athletics Carnivals

Field Athletics Carnival is being held on June 10 and the full school Athletics carnival is in Week 1 of Term 3 after the school holidays. Javelin, discus and long jump will be held on the Field Athletics carnival day on Friday 10 June. Students will remain in class for the day UNLESS they have nominated for an event. The remaining field events: high jump, triple jump and shot put will be on the same day as the Full School Athletics track carnival on Friday 15 July. All students attend the track carnival on Friday July 15. You do however, still need to nominate for the field events only.

Nominations commence Monday 23rd May at AM break in the sports foyer. Nominations will continue throughout weeks 7 and 8. If students do not nominate for the field events then they will not be able to participate in the event on the day of the carnival.

West Akuna, District and Regional Trials

A reminder to parents and students that all notifications for district and regional trials are uploaded on the school calendar and are available for students to view on the sports noticeboard. Students must collect paperwork from Miss Porter before attending trials.

Sports Calendar

The Centenary SHS Sport Calendar can now be viewed on the school website -

It contains all the latest sporting events and dates.

Reporting Results

• To enable me to report on student results and to keep accurate records for sports awards, I need to know how participants went in their competitions. I encourage all students and parents/carers to advise me of their results immediately after they have competed.
• Students can see me in Staffroom 4 or results can be emailed to: jport106@eq.edu.au

Jess Porter, Sports Director
Email: jport106@eq.edu.au

Cultural News

ANZAC Day

Weeks 2 and 3 of this term saw a great number of our students participating in ANZAC Day services both here and in the greater community. The Symphonic Band conducted by Mrs Harvey again provided the music for the school ceremony, as well as the Mt Ommaney community service. As usual they performed with sensitivity, vigour and solemnity that befitted this important day in our calendar. Special thanks go to Andrew Haigh for performing the Last Post at our school and a number of other schools in the area, and Jewel Csanyi-Vo who sang the Australian National Anthem at Mount Ommaney. Thanks also to John Pitt and Terry O’Brien for organising our chairs, and to the Chandler, Minnett and Smith families for their services with transporting of equipment.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Wednesday of week 5 saw the beginning of a new trimester for STEP, and the official start of the musical this year, an adaptation of the 80’s teen classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. More than 150 students have signed on in various roles to make this musical a smashing success. The show will take place on August 19 and 20 and tickets will go on sale early in Term 3. We are thrilled to announce the casting of the major roles below:

Ferris – Nathan Merry
Cameron – Jemima Moore
Sloane – Lauren Hooper
Jeanie – Jewel Csanyi-Vo
Dean Rooney – Brendan Ham
Grace (Rooney’s Secretary) – Rebecca McMahon

Busy Times Ahead

This term is turning out to be a very busy time for the cultural program, with a variety of performances and rehearsals happening across the school. It is extremely important that students regularly check their email, as well as catching up on any school notices that they may have missed. Below is a summary of upcoming events for the remainder of this term.

Upcoming Term 2 Dates

Until next time, keep cultural!!

Mark Watkins, Cultural Director
Email: mwatk16@eq.edu.au

Junior Secondary News

It was wonderful to see a large number of our Junior School students recognised recently for their excellent behaviour and work effort at Year Level Assemblies! The Year Level Coordinators presented certificates to their respective year levels. The vast majority of our students across Years 7, 8 and 9 have engaged well with their learning across this semester. It really is pleasing to see how many students receive either “Excellent” or “Very Good” for their behaviour and effort in every class.

Our Junior students have also participated in a variety of extra-curricular activities. The School Calendar has been jam-packed with a great variety of learning and extra-curricular opportunities. These have included participation in the school’s Cross Country team, district gala day for numerous sporting teams, Maths and Science Challenge, National Geography Competition and numerous subject related incursions and excursions. The rest of the term and Semester Two will see more opportunities for our students to learn outside of the classroom.

Well done to the Years 7 and 9 students who sat the recent NAPLAN tests. The students are to be congratulated on their behaviour and efforts over the three testing days. Parents will receive their child’s NAPLAN results later this year.

As we approach the end of semester, the students will be undertaking assessment in all of their learning areas. It is important that your child is well organised with their Student Diary and have their assessment dates recorded. Great organisational skills are a key factor in developing successful students. If you have any questions regarding your child’s upcoming assessment please don’t hesitate to contact their teachers via email. All teachers’ email addresses are printed in the back of the Student Diary.

Angela McKay, Junior Secondary
Email: amcka18@eq.edu.au

News from Business Technology

This is an extremely hectic time for all of our students (and parents/carers/teachers) – assessment and study schedules and for Year 10’s beginning the process of subject choice for their senior years. So many choices, and the pathways available allow for flexibility for students.

If you have any questions re the choices from my faculty or concerns feel free to contact me on 3373 4550 or email jkerr172@eq.edu.au . Students can ask their own business or ICT teacher or talk to students who are already part of our faculty. We offer from Cert I in both Business and Information, Digital Media and Technology to Cert III, Cert IV in Justice and even a full Diploma of Business. Regarding authority subjects, we offer Accounting, Business Management and Information, Processing and Technology.

In the Junior school our 3-year STEAM strategic plan is through the first implementation stages. By the end of year, Year 7s and 8s will have had the ability to generate designs in Tinkercad and 3D print and to code assembled robots. Year 8s will have had their first Robot Sumo Challenge! Currently Year 9s and 10s have been solving complex problems and 3D printing solutions, and are beginning their coding to create the “best” fighting robot.

As part of our STEAM Tech Team our inaugural PIT Crew have begun their maintenance schedule of our first fleet of robots (under the tutelage of Mr Foster), and are also busily assembling the second. This group of Year 9s and 10s will be integral to our program and keep up with their learning experiences through the school’s twitter feed and Facebook page. See these students in action in our STEAM Tech Room on Open Day!

Mr Dahms continues to provide exciting and engaging STEAM Club activities after school, and this month I know is focused on creating Virtual Reality Glasses and using old CD cases for amazing purposes.

Watch this space – as our MakerSpace is also about to launch – What is a MakerSpace? A creative environment with space and resources available to students of all ages to be able to consider a problem/issue and create …. either by hand or digitally.

Business Management students in Year 12 have also had the opportunity to see Operations and Event Management in action through their observations at XXXX Brewery and Suncorp Stadium and Year 11s are pondering the potential of doing business globally after their excursion to IKEA. Year 10 Business students have also begun their tours of our local McDonalds to observe first-hand much of the content we are teaching!

Many thanks and I will hopefully see you on Open Day.

Janelle Kerridge, Business Technology HOD
Email: jkerr172@eq.edu.au

Business Students Going GLOBAL

On Friday April 22, Year 11 Business Management students attended an excursion to IKEA Logan to investigate Global Corporate Management of a business. The excursion began with a presentation by a representative of IKEA, who provided students with facts about IKEA and how the business operates. Students were given a 36 page booklet and a space of 3 hours to complete it.

Students walked through the entire 1.6km store and answered questions about IKEA’s operations and management. They were also required to use their own knowledge of Business Management to apply it to IKEA’s management practices. Students dined at the IKEA food court and then wrapped up the day at the Swedish market at the IKEA exit.

The students are continuing their investigations of global corporate management by completing a research assignment.

Berenice Furlong, Senior Business Teacher
Email: bfurl1@eq.edu.au

News from English

Hello Centenary. My name is Mrs Maguire and I have been appointed as Head of Department, English, replacing Ms Ivett-Hawes who has recently retired. I have been here for four weeks now and I am greatly enjoying meeting you all and becoming part of this school community.

My first project to move the English faculty forward has been to reintroduce debating to Centenary SHS. I have registered two Year 7 teams in the Queensland Debating Union Junior Competition. Students in Year 7 have been auditioning for a place in the team, and those selected will participate in four preliminary rounds during Semester 2. Should they win three out of four of their debates, they will move into the knock-out final round. I am encouraged by the number of students who have shown their interest in participating in this activity. I am also very excited by the enthusiasm and dedication of Ms Van Soelen who has volunteered to be the Year 7 coach and will commence training the students on Wednesday afternoons as part of the STEP program.

On Friday, April 29, our Year 10 and 12 English students enjoyed performances by the Shake & Stir theatre company. The Year 10s enjoyed their interpretation of Romeo & Juliet, while the Seniors saw Smile and Be a Villain, a juxtaposition of Macbeth and Hamlet. Smile and Be a Villain included key scenes from these two great plays which will be very valuable for the students in their exam in Week 10. It is a valuable experience for young people to see Shakespeare in performance, as it shows the plays in an entirely different context than simply reading them in class.

Students, as you move through your studies this year, please remember that you should be identifying your learning goals and always be thinking of ways to help yourselves to improve. There are some good websites which can help you to work on your problem areas in English. BBC Skillswise is fun and interactive, and pitches literacy activities at a range of age levels. Take a look!

Angela Maguire, English HOD
Email: amagu7@eq.edu.au

Senior Schooling News

Work Experience

Please read carefully the work experience information sheets sent home in Week 5. Students need to return “Form A”, providing details of their placement before June 17. If you did not receive the paper work in hard copy from your Year 10 child, it has been emailed home to parent emails.

Subject Talks and Subject Handbook

Year 10 students have been encouraged to think about their subject selections for Years 11 and 12. Week 5 kicked off the Subject talks delivered by Heads of Department. English HOD Ms Angela Maguire and Business HOD Ms Janelle Kerridge delivered their subject information. We strongly encourage you to start discussing these options with your child.

Students have also received a summarised ‘student’ version of the Senior Schooling Handbook. Please note that this handbook is an accurate description of the subject details we anticipate will be delivered. Please note that course costs etc., have not been finalised.

Year 12

QCS Master Classes

OP-eligible students have the opportunity to participate in QCS Master Classes every Tuesday, from Week 5 onward. These classes start at 3:30pm and conclude by 5:30pm, with afternoon tea provided. The sessions are delivered by educators from Mighty Minds as well as school staff. The Master Classes are based around advanced concepts in Numeracy, Literacy and Visual Literacy. We strongly encourage all students sitting the test to attend.

Please ensure you are checking the Career Calendar on the school website for upcoming events and Open Days. An overview of May and June is below:

May 2016

16th May - 20th May

16th May

17th May

18th May

18th May

20th May

21st May

27th May - 28th May

29th May

30th May

30th May

31st May

June 2016

1st Jun

3rd Jun

3rd Jun

7th Jun

8th Jun

8th Jun

8th Jun

10th Jun

17th Jun

17th Jun

20th Jun

26th Jun - 30th Jun

26th Jun - 1st Jul

27th Jun - 1st Jul

27th Jun - 30th Jun

30th Jun

Angela Raven, Senior Schooling
Email: arave7@eq.edu.au

News from The Arts

Recently, several of the Arts classes attending excursions to a variety of events designed to complement the class work and extend students’ learning. These have included:

• Senior Music students attended the Mastering the Symphony concert by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra
• Year 8 Music Plus attended the Meet the Symphony concert by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra
• Senior Film, TV and New Media classes attended the SAE QANTM College
• Selected Senior Film students attended the QUT Open Day.

There are performances coming up by some of the Arts classes. These include the Year 7 Performance Plus and Music Plus showcase, the Year 8 Music Plus concert and the Year 12 Music Extension assessment concert. Details about these events will have been sent home with students.

I would also like to acknowledge the hard work put in on the mural outside the Art Block by our Visual Art teachers, Ms Teh and Mrs Duschka, the Year 8 and Year 10 STEP students, and pre-service teacher Miss Kynock. Also a special thanks to Year 10 student Callum Cox for creating the design for the mural.

Daniel Philippe, The Arts HOD
Email: dphil31@eq.edu.au

News from Year 10

We are currently in the middle of an extremely busy term where our Year 10s are starting to prepare for the important SET planning process in term 3. Throughout the next 6 weeks the cohort will listen to important HOD talks during year level assemblies where they will receive critical information regarding senior subjects in 2017. Furthermore, work experience preparations are underway, where students will have a great opportunity at the end of term 3 to gain some practical experience in the work force. Every parent should have received paperwork and this needs to be filled out accurately and returned to the office.

Other highlights and dates to remember:

• The High Resolves leadership team are in the middle of preparing their action plans to tackle social exclusion. There have been some amazing connections made in the community and I’m really excited to see the results later this term.
• We had record numbers participate in the school cross country with the Year 10s leading the way. Congratulations to Curtis Campbell, Michael Melvin and Alyssa Kearney who will compete at Regionals.
• Year 10 Camp – July 27-29

Our amazing Home Group (HG) teachers are currently delivering a unit of work using the R U OK? resources put together by the Australian government. Hopefully this vital information will develop lifelong skills that seek to reduce mental health issues. Please don’t hesitate to email or call them or myself if you have any concerns regarding your child’s welfare.

Lachie Gibbs, Year 10 Coordinator
Email: lgibb23@eq.edu.au

News from Year 9

Welcome to CU09B

We have formed another Home Group in Year 9 Curragundi 9B and welcome Ms Claire Law as the HG Teacher. The formation of this class was due to the increasing student numbers in each home group. I was extremely impressed by the number of students who volunteered to move into this new class – thank you Year 9s.

Welcome also to Mr Peter Michelmore as HG teacher for CU09A. Mr Michelmore has replaced Mr Rossouw who is on leave for the remainder of the year.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN is now over for Year 9s! The behaviour of the Year 9s was commendable and it was very pleasing to see the students focused and working so well. Great job Year 9s.

Upcoming events for Year 9s

High Resolves leadership program will commence next term. I will be asking students to volunteer to be part of this valuable program. Also we will have some international student visitors and I will be asking for Year 9s to be “buddies” to them during their stay.

Finally …

If you have any concerns or issues regarding your child, please don’t hesitate to email or phone me.

Warmest Regards,

Berenice Furlong, Year 9 Coordinator
Email: bfurl1@eq.edu.au

News from Year 8

Dear Parents and Carers,

Term 2 is well underway. Already there have been many events. The cross country was held on April 21 and the standout runners for Year 8 were Aaron Berkeley, Sam Berkeley and Ismahan. The ANZAC Day assembly is always a moving ceremony and an important event here at school. This year, I accompanied a small group of students to the student service, held on ANZAC Square each year prior to the actual day. The focus of Home group this term is ‘Career Building’. Students are looking at, on a rudimentary level, the types of jobs ‘out there’ and will be undertaking a number of activities during Monday’s HG lessons from a globally successfully program called “The Real Game”. Please ask them about it.

A record number of students were recently awarded ‘Certificates of Excellence’ for their behaviour and effort last term. We feel it is very important to recognise this aspect of their learning, as well as academic success. In order to achieve this award, students must have achieved no less than ‘excellent’ for effort AND behaviour in no less than five of their six subjects. It is very pleasing to see so many students meeting this strict criteria.

The role of Home Group is of course to acknowledge the positive, but it also involves looking after student welfare. Some students are using the ‘freedom’ of mixing in the general school area this year to act in a less than desirable manner. Instances of a physical or verbal nature that do not comply with the school’s Responsible Behaviour Plan (RBP) are passed on to the Deputies for consequences. Thankfully, this involves only a small number of students. The majority of the Year 8s seem to be enjoying their year.

We do also know that there are times when students need a little help in dealing with feelings and emotions. If your son or daughter ever feels in need of ‘a kind ear’, we have a number of fantastic staff here whose key role is to assist in these matters - Robyne Kruske, the Junior Guidance Officer, Bernie the ever-friendly ‘Chappie” and of course myself. Home Group teachers play a vital role, often identifying issues before they become a huge problem and they spend considerable time each year, safeguarding the emotional wellbeing of their students. Angela McKay, the Head of the Junior School is an amazing and very caring person, who students can also turn to, should they feel in need.

Upcoming events include “High Resolves”, which I will report on after the event. The four Student Forum Leaders, Jade, Aaron, Dru & Diana work tirelessly behind the scenes to think up ways of improving the school experience and we now have two students from each Home Group as well, our Student HG Reps, who have committed to representing their ‘HG’. I am lucky that all these young people make my role of coordinating the year level just that much easier and it is a pleasure working with them. We are working on a few Interhouse Challenges for the end of this term and into term 3, which will be great fun.

A list of Year 8 HG Teachers

CU08A - Bree HUDSON
CU08B - Vanessa DUSCHKA
CU08C - Siew Lin TEH
JA08A - Alison WILLIAMS
JA08B - Shanti REDDY
MO08A - Amy KITTER
MO08B - Peter WINN
YA08A - David FREELAND
YA08B - Tony NAIDOO

Deb Mansini, Year 8 Coordinator
Email: dmans17@eq.edu.au

News from our Canteen & Uniform Shop

Canteen

This term the Canteen will be cooking a lot more healthy and hearty meals although I am still waiting for the colder weather to come so I can start cooking some homemade soups.

The Canteen is always in need of volunteers so if you would like a coffee and a chat please call in or give me a call on 33734527.

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop still has ample supplies of poly-cotton jumpers available at $70.00. Uniform Shop opening hours are now 8.00am - 11.00am Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Any orders can be emailed through to Jenelle on jgree661@eq.edu.au together with payment details for collection at the Uniform Shop

Cheryl Mulcahy, Canteen & Uniform Shop Convenor
Email: cmulc11@eq.edu.au

NEWS FROM THE P&C

P&C News

Our main focus this year, as it was last year, is on upgrading and increasing the size of our Canteen and Uniform Shop to accommodate the extra students and increased demand. We also supply a large number of outside catering jobs through the canteen. This year again, all contributions to the P&C Annual Levy will go to our Building Fund to boost our Canteen upgrade efforts.

The State Government provides funding for the education basics - classrooms, staffing and resources for educational programs. All other needs of the school to further enhance your child’s education and school environment are funded by the P&C Association. Therefore, we have to raise the extra funds and one of the ways of doing this is to have a levy scheme.

The P&C Levy letter has gone home via email this week with details of how to pay. Last year we had donations from only 74 of over 1000 school families. This year we hope to increase the number of families making a contribution. We are looking to send home a paper copy as well. We look forward to your support with this. Donations to the Building Fund are tax deductible.

We are still in need of someone who is willing to take on the role of Vice President of the P&C. We were unable to fill that vacancy at our recent AGM. Please contact me at pandc@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au if you feel this is something you can offer our school community. I am happy to outline the duties of this role or answer any questions you may have.

FACEBOOK page

The P&C have a Facebook page called Centenary SHS Parent Group. You can do a search in Facebook and it will come up. / Please send a request to join and Lucinda or Jenny (our administrators) will check that you have a current or future student at the school. It’s a forum where parents of children attending Centenary SHS can seek and share information regarding local school events, daily general information, reminders about events coming up within the school, uniform sales, lost property at school, etc. No negative posts at all will be tolerated.

Uniform Shop – Jumpers

We now have stocks of jumpers at the uniform shop, so come and get yours in time for winter.

Jumper embroidery service – never lose your jumper again!!

The P&C offer a service where we embroider your child’s jumper for just $5.

Your child’s surname will be embroidered on the outside of their school jumper as a way to easily identify it. The student’s name will appear embroidered in red capitals on the bottom right of the jumper above the waistline ribbing. Enquiries can be made at the uniform shop.

Second Hand Uniforms - Second hand uniforms can be donated to the uniform shop or you can advertise what you have to sell or would like to buy on our Facebook page (see details above). We are no longer operating the second hand uniform section on the school website.

The next P&C meeting will be Wednesday 15th June at 7pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Helen Shogren, P&C President CSHS
Email: pandc@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au

Jindalee Dental Clinic

FREE dental check-up and dental treatment

At the Jindalee Dental Clinic

We’ve improved our School Dental Service - We have made changes to our school dental program to give all parents the opportunity to be involved in their child’s dental care.

What’s changed? - We now ask that a parent or guardian attend dental appointments with their children. To fit in with busy families, we are offering FREE dental treatment at any of Metro South Health’s public clinics across the region

How can I make an appointment?

• drop in or simply call 1300 300 850
• to arrange an appointment at a time convenient to you. Request an appointment at Jindalee Dental Clinic.

Who can now attend?

• ALL students 4 years of age through to year 10

• Students in years 11 & 12
  who have a current Centrelink Card, Healthcare Card or Pension Card

• 0-3 year olds
  whose parents have a current Centrelink Card, Healthcare Card or Pension Card

• 2 - 17 year olds
  who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). To check your eligibility visit the website at my.gov.au or phone 132011

We look forward to welcoming you and your family soon.

For more information, visit –