13th September 2017 Volume 19 Number 9

News from the Principal

The end of Term 3 is always a critical period for our senior students. In recent weeks the Year 12s sat the Queensland Core Skills Test followed by an exam block. Performance in this testing period will be critical to informing final subject achievement. During the QCS time, students who did not sit the test were engaged in a Transition Program which required them to complete outstanding coursework, engage in Work Experience and attend a mock job interview. Additionally students with outstanding course work were required to attend school during the exam block. This process supports our 2017 school target of 100% QCE attainment upon exit.

My congratulations to all involved in the organisation and running of the QCS Test. Special thanks to the school’s P&C and in particular the canteen staff for the preparation of the lunches across the two days and Jindalee Rotary who supported our Chaplain Bernie McMullen in the provision of breakfast.

I also extend my thanks to all the Year 10 families for the strong engagement in the school’s SET Planning process. I trust that the quality dialogue around student aptitude, achievement and aspiration will realise good decision making in Senior School pathway and course selection.

Prince Albert Cup

On Tuesday 15 August the Honourable Ms Kate Jones, Minister for Education, and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games visited the school to make the presentation of the Prince Albert Cup. This cup is given to the school who produces Queensland’s latest Rhodes Scholar. Our 2010 Dux Ellen Cliff is the latest recipient of this honour. Ellen’s achievements are a wonderful personal testament but also reflect highly on the quality of education she received at Centenary SHS. I particularly noted the value Ellen placed on a broad subject selection and co-curricular involvement.

Production

Congratulations to all staff and students involved in the recent Legally Blonde production. The show was thoroughly entertaining and highlighted the talents of students from Years 7 to 12. I have no doubt that the students involved will hold fond memories of the production for years to come.

Work Experience

Year 10 students undertook structured work placement in Week 10 of this term. Work experience has a valuable place in the school curriculum and is positioned in Year 10 to inform students around career options and consequent subject selections. Additionally the program forms part of the requirements of the Certificate 2 Skills for Work and Training. My thanks to the many members of the Centenary Business Community who have provided placement opportunities for students as well as the Senior Schooling team who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the program.

Data Snapshot

The Next Step survey, undertaken by the Queensland Government, targets all students who completed Year 12 and gained a Senior Statement in 2016, whether they attended a government, Catholic or independent school, or a TAFE secondary college. The Queensland Government Statistician’s Office conducted the survey between March and June 2017, approximately six months after the young people left school.

In 2017, 68.7% of young people who completed Year 12 at Centenary State High School in 2016 continued in some form of education or training in the year after they left school.

The most common study destination was Bachelor Degree (50%). The combined VET study destinations accounted for 18.7% of respondents, including 12.1% in campus based VET programs with 9.1% of Year 12 completers entering programs at Certificate IV level or higher.

6.6% commenced employment based training, either as an apprentice (4.0%) or trainee (2.5%).

In addition to the above study destinations, a further 8.6% of respondents from this school deferred a tertiary offer in 2017 (deferrers are included in their current destination).

31.3% did not enter post school education or training and were either employed (20.7%), seeking work (8.6%) or not in the labour force, education or training.

Student Success

Congratulations to Year 10 Students, Ebony Girle, Francesca Hellmuth, Hannah Ly, Angela Ngo, Joseph Nguyen and Delora Tran who have been successful in winning University of Queensland Young Achiever Scholarships.

Centenary State High School’s sporting success in 2017 continues with the school winning this year’s Brisbane West Interschool sporting competition. This achievement is the product of enormous staff and student commitment throughout the year. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership and organisation of Sports Director Tamara Nasalio and the personal contribution she has made to sport at Centenary SHS. Go the Crocs!!!

Enjoy your Spring Holiday.

John Brew, Principal
Email: admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au

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Newsletter Articles

News from the Deputy Principals

Year 10 SETP Process and Subject Selections

All Year 10 students have now completed their SETP interviews and subject selections. We are now in the process of developing the timetable for 2018 based on these subject selections. There may be some instances where subject selection numbers do not meet minimum requirements which may mean that we will not be able to offer that subject. If this occurs for your son/daughter we will interview them individually and develop the best option for them. If you have any questions around the transition into Year 11, please contact the school to discuss it further.

Semester 2 Interim Reports

Term 3 Interim reports for Years 7 to 12 will be sent to all parents/carers by the end of Week 1 Term 4. This report is designed to give students and parents/carers feedback which reflects how students are progressing with regard to their results, effort and behaviour for their subjects in Term 3. Please make sure that your contact details, especially your e-mail address, are up to date so that you do not miss out on this important information. If any contact details have changed can you please inform the office staff.

A reminder that QParents is now available to all parents/carers

QParents was launched last year with the Year 9 students and is now available for all parents/carers of every year level to access. Invitations have previously been sent to all parents/carers with information on how to register. Please follow the guidelines and contact the school if you have any difficulties.

The QParents web and mobile application provides a more convenient, easier way for parents/carers of Queensland state school students to interact with their child’s school. Parents/Carers will have secure, online access to their child’s student information, anytime, anywhere, through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

QParents allows parents/carers to connect instantly with their child’s school to access and manage their child’s student information, including:

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Academic report cards
• Class timetables
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, and making payments online
• Viewing and updating personal student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details

QParents will assist both staff and parents/carers in sharing and responding to information in an efficient and effective way. It won’t replace the traditional ways you communicate with our school, but it will provide another way to communicate with us.

This link contains an extensive question and answer section with plenty of detailed information.

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

Adam Richter, Deputy Principal (Years 10, 11, ATSI & International)
Email: arich60@eq.edu.au

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

Kelsey Oakes, Deputy Principal (Years 8, 9 & EALD)
Email: koake10@eq.edu.au

Travel with us to China next year

Centenary SHS is currently doing initial planning for a 2018 Student Tour to China, to follow our last three great tours of 2012, 2014 and 2016.

As in past years our exciting, educational tour will include all the highlights in China over its 12-14 days of travel:

• Beijing and its historical wonders, including the nearby Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
• Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors and Xi’an’s ancient city walls
• Shanghai’s amazing modern city and its cultural sites and events
• Many other great experiences of this fascinating country

The Tour is open to 2018 Year 10, 11 or 12 students, both those studying Mandarin and other Centenary SHS students. We are planning several days of language learning, in a high school or college, for our Mandarin students.

The China Tour will take place over the 2018 September/ October holidays, though we may need to depart in the last few days of Term 3. We will travel as an escorted group using China’s fast trains to travel between cities and will stay in hotels. We already have several Centenary SHS teachers keen to lead the group.

Before we can continue with our planning, we need to meet with parents/carers and students to provide further information and gain an idea of possible student numbers for the tour. We will be holding an Information Evening early in Term 4, in Week 2 or 3. Further details of this meeting will be emailed next term to all current Years 9-11 students.

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

News from the Business Manager

Changes to the way we invoice for 2018

As previously advised there are changes to the way we invoice parents/carers for 2018. In line with these changes, this week invoices were issued, for the Student Resource Scheme, to all currently enrolled students returning in 2018. An early bird discount of $20 is applicable, if paid prior to 28 January 2018. These invoices now have a finalisation date of 31 July 2018, for those who do not wish to pay before the discount date.

For more information about the Student Resource Scheme and all other related fees please refer to our website or contact the school by email at admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au.

How to make a payment

Payments can be made over the counter by cash or EFTPOS (Debit Card, MasterCard or Visa), by BPOINT or QParents. BPOINT and QParents options allow parents/carers the convenience of making payments from home and alleviates the need to pay over the counter transactions in person. For more information about QParents, please refer to the school’s website.

BPOINT Option

BPOINT is an online payment system and is the preferred payment method for the Department.

This option is accessed through an internet weblink which appears on all invoices and statements. This link can also be located in the Quicklinks section of our school’s website homepage. You will need the Customer Reference Number (CRN) which is printed on the bottom of your invoice/statement before payment can be processed.

When accessing the BPOINT weblink on individual invoices all relevant information will prepopulate. Parents/Carers will only be required to enter their credit or debit card details.

INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE (IVR) BPOINT is also available by dialling the 1300 number provided on individual invoices. This option will only accept credit cards.

ELECTRONIC DIRECT DEBIT REGISTRATION (eDDR) BPOINT is the approved payment plan option. To set up a payment plan parents/carers will be required to firstly contact the school office.

For more information on BPOINT please refer to the school’s website.

PHONE OR COUNTER payment Options

Payments can be made at the school office, Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 4.00pm. Payment options include credit and debit cards (EFTPOS); cheque and cash. Money orders are also accepted.

For payments over the phone, call the school on 3373 4555, Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 4.00pm and we will transfer you to the IVR BPOINT 1300 dedicated phone number. Only VISA or MasterCard can be used for this process. From 2018 schools are no longer able to accept credit card payments over the phone.

Enrolment Procedure

Centenary State High School has an approved enrolment management plan. This plan clearly outlines the Centenary suburbs as the catchment area. This includes the suburbs of Jindalee, Mt Ommaney, Middle Park, Westlake, Riverhills, Sumner, Sinnamon Park and sections of Darra and Seventeen Mile Rocks. Students who reside within these suburbs have automatic enrolment eligibility. A map with the precise boundary of the catchment area can be accessed from the enrolment section of the school’s website at the link below:

Prospective students who reside outside of the catchment may submit an Application for Enrolment Consideration Out of Catchment (available on the school’s website) to the Principal. Proof of residency will be required upon enrolment for all Applications for Enrolment Consideration Out of Catchment.

Exceptions to the local residency requirement include:

• Enrolment in the Centenary State High School Diverse Learning Department which caters for students with Vision Impairment or Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Placements are coordinated by Education Queensland.
• Other special circumstances, which are outlined in the Centenary State High School’s Enrolment Management Plan, available on the school’s website.

Requests for enrolment should be directed to the school’s Enrolment Officer. Parents/Carers are requested to bring appropriate documentation to any interview such as recent School Reports, proof of residency and passport and visa details for overseas students.

If your student is ceasing enrolment at Centenary State High School, parents/carers are required to notify the school in writing and to complete a Departure Form. Please ensure all school resources are returned to the school and all finances completed.

YEAR 7

Year 7 students from local primary schools (Jindalee, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Darra, Good News Lutheran and Darra-Jindalee Catholic) are guaranteed enrolment into Centenary State High School if they live in the catchment area and have the correct documentation (enrolment application, birth certificate or passport, proof of residential address and two current school reports/NAPLAN results). Those students attending Good News Lutheran and Darra-Jindalee Catholic who live in the catchment area will also need to attend an interview.

Students who attend one of the above schools, but do not live in the catchment area, will need to complete an Application for Enrolment Consideration Out of Catchment. They will need to provide the correct documentation (enrolment application, birth certificate or passport, proof of residential address and two current school reports/NAPLAN results). Interviews will be required and the Principal has the final decision.

Students who do not attend one of the above schools, and do not live in the catchment area, will need to complete an Application for Enrolment Consideration Out of Catchment. They will need to provide the correct documentation (enrolment application, birth certificate or passport, proof of residential address and two current school reports/NAPLAN results). Interviews will be required and the Principal has the final decision.

YEARS 8-12

Please contact the enrolment officer by phoning the school on 3373 4555 or visiting the school office (Monday to Friday) to discuss your application.

Lost Property

Students should check the school office for any property they believe they have lost. If property is marked with the student’s name, every effort will be made to return the property to the student as soon as possible. Parents/Carers are most welcome to visit the school and check the lost property section for items that their student may have lost.

Items of school uniform which remain unclaimed after one month will be placed in the “spare uniform” collection kept at the school for emergency situations or will be sent to the school uniform shop for sale as ‘second-hand’ uniforms. Other unclaimed items will be donated to charities.

Charmaine Macaulay, Business Manager
Email: cmaca5@eq.edu.au

News from the Student Leadership Coordinator

As Term 3 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the enormous contribution that the Student Leadership Forum has had on our school and wider community. Since the beginning of the year, student leaders from Year 7 to Year 12 have worked collaboratively to further develop the spirit of Centenary SHS and have continuously experienced success. From highlighting the talent in our school community through Centenary’s Got Talent to raising funds for organisations in the wider community, these students have always hit the ground running to ensure that our school is giving back. Through our established connection with the school’s P&C, the students in the Leadership Forum have managed to show support for a number of charities as well as enhancing the school spirit. In particular, this term the students commenced the ‘student postcard’ initiative, where students sent teachers, members of admin and non-teaching staff postcards to thank them for the hard work they do. We had an overwhelming response, and it was a really lovely way for the students of Centenary State High School to show their appreciation. Next term, we say goodbye to our current Year 12 leaders. Their dedication, drive, passion and enthusiasm has been instrumental to the overall success of the Student Leadership Forum, and it will be very sad to see them go.

Claire Tuton, Student Leadership Coordinator
Email: ctuto3@eq.edu.au

News from the Guidance Officers

Building Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is feeling good about yourself, liking yourself, feeling that you are a worthwhile person. For almost all parents/carers there are times when you worry about your child’s self-esteem. Self-esteem enables them to try new things without too much fear of failing, to reach out and make friends, and to manage problems they are likely to meet along the way. Good self-esteem builds a solid foundation for life.

An important part of self-esteem is feeling that you have a place in the world where you belong – that you are part of a family where you matter.

What parents/carers can do to help build self-esteem:

• Tell your child often that you love them and you are glad they are who they are
• Show you love them by spending time with them, listening to their point of view, being willing to help them achieve their goals, e.g. Drive them to sport, watch the game
• Support their learning – take an interest without taking over. Be involved in the school
• Encourage friendships and make their friends welcome, and get to know them
• Encourage hobbies or interests – a busy child is less likely to get into trouble
• Let your child assist you with something, e.g. Cooking, fixing the video
• Keep and cherish mementos of their success, e.g. Ribbons, trophies
• Help them to solve their problems themselves by talking through the issue, offering ideas or alternatives and helping them follow through

All children need love and support. You are the most influential person in their life. How you support your child and the skills you teach them will affect them for the rest of their life. Parenting is not easy but it can be a most rewarding job when you see that the child you have reared is a happy, capable and caring person.

(Adapted from the Parent Easy Guide “Self-Esteem”)

Juanita Oberle, Guidance Officer
Email: jober13@eq.edu.au

Janet Ingram, Guidance Officer
Email: jingr34@eq.edu.au

News from the Chaplain

Food for Thought

One of the things that all of us benefit from is encouragement. When you are feeling tired or are anxious about a situation in your life, a few well thought out words from a friend or family member can give you that emotional lift that helps you to pick yourself up and keep going.

However, it is very easy to get so involved in your own needs and wants that you don’t even notice when someone other than yourself is struggling. In a school community as large as our own, there are many opportunities for you to get alongside someone who may not be having the best of days.

If you notice that someone seems unhappy, don’t just walk away. Why not take a few minutes to talk to them, to offer your support. If they need more help than you can give, why not accompany them to talk to someone in Student Services.

Looking out for others is something that we should all be doing. Please play your part in making our school a truly caring community.

A message from Chappy Bernie

Positive Self-Talk

Self-talk can have a really great impact on your self-esteem and confidence. There is positive and negative self-talk and they both have an impact on how you feel. There are a few ways you can develop better self-talk including just listening to what you’re saying to yourself each day. It’s worth practising self-talk as feeling good about yourself is worth the effort.

This can help with…

• feeling better about yourself
• boosting your confidence
• building your self-esteem
• making friends
• feeling in control

Self-talk is basically your inner voice, the voice in your mind, which says things that you don’t necessarily say out loud. Often self-talk happens without you even realising it and can be a subtle running commentary going on in the background of your mind. But what you say in your mind can determine a lot of how you feel about who you are.

So what is positive and negative self-talk?

Positive self-talk is the stuff that makes you feel good about yourself and the things that are going on in your life. It is like having an optimistic voice in your head that always looks on the bright side.

Example – “These clothes look pretty awesome on me”, “I can totally make it through this exam”, “I don’t feel great right now but things could be worse!”

Negative self-talk is the stuff that makes you feel pretty bad about yourself and things that are going on. It can put a downer on anything, whether it is good or bad.

Example – “I look stupid in these clothes”, “Everyone thinks I’m an idiot”, “Everything is crap and nothing is going to get better!”

Negative self-talk is particularly bad as it brings you down all the time. It can impact on recovery from mental health difficulties and tends to make people pretty miserable. But being positive all the time isn’t achievable either, and isn’t helpful all the time. So how can you make your self-talk work for you?

Better self-talk

There are three things you can do that can help with changing the direction of your self-talk.

1. Listen to what you’re saying to yourself – we don’t always consciously take note of that we’re saying in our minds. The first step in improving your self-talk is to actually notice what your inner voice is saying. Take some time each day to listen, and even write down, what you’re thinking.
2. Monitor your self-talk – Is your self-talk more positive or negative? Start questioning your self-talk, asking things like:
   • Is there actual evidence for what I’m thinking?
   • What would I say if a friend were in a similar situation?
   • Is there a more positive way of looking at this?
   • Am I keeping everything in perspective?
   • Can I do anything to change what I’m feeling bad about?
3. Change your self-talk – Easier said than done, but definitely worth working on. Try by countering your negative thoughts with positive ones. For example, if you think “I’ll never be able to do this”, ask yourself “Is there anything I can do that will help me be able to do this?” Avoid speaking in finite language and try and look for things that might add a better spin to a tough situation.

Why should I practice?

The more you work on improving your self-talk the better you will get. It’s kind of like practising an instrument or going to sports training, it won’t be easy to start with but will get better with time.

It might not seem like much, but self-talk is a really important part of our self-esteem and confidence. By working on getting more positive self-talk, you’re more likely to get things done and feel more in control of stuff that’s going on in your life.

What can I do now?

• Work on ways of building your self-confidence
• Find out more about body image and how it affects your self-talk
• Start questioning your self-talk by noticing what you’re saying about yourself

Advice from Headspace

Positive Self-Talk:

The way that we talk to ourselves, that voice inside our head, has a huge impact on our outlook, our motivation and dedication to ourselves and our lives. It might not feel like it, but with practice you can change your self-talk. Positive self-talk is any thought you think, or any speech you say to yourself that uplifts your social, moral and spiritual wellbeing and results in improvement. Positive self-talk can be used for greater confidence, adopting a healthier lifestyle and reducing stress. Examples include:

• I am capable
• I know who I am and I am special
• I love eating healthy food
• I am confident around other people
• I always observe before reacting
• I know with time and effort I can achieve
• I love challenges and what I learn from overcoming them

These are just some examples of positive self-talk.

It can easily slip your mind to regularly practice positive self-talk and it might even feel a bit strange at first. Try reminding yourself with post-it notes on items or places you see or use daily, for example on the mirror, on your computer screen, inside your wallet, on your bedroom door.

Use it when you wake up, when you’re on the bus, waiting for a cup of coffee, playing sport, lying down, use it every day, in all situations.

Bernie McMullen, Chaplain
Email: bmcmu27@eq.edu.au

News from the School Nurse

Mental Health and Well Being

Evidence says that exercise has a positive impact on both your physical and mental health. This September, it is time to take the first step to exercise your mood. There is extensive evidence that shows exercise can be used to treat and even prevent mental illnesses like depression.

Everyone can benefit from exercising their mood. We all have room to build up our resilience and wellbeing. Exercising your mood is about starting at your own level - research shows that even small amounts of exercise are both mentally and physically beneficial.

Now is the time to take the first step to improve your own wellbeing.

Check out the information below and find the best way to Exercise Your Mood.

Start at your own level

Everyone starts somewhere and if you are new to exercise, set small goals and build your way up to a bigger goal like 30 minutes of exercise per day.

If you already have a set exercise regime, there is already a first step to something new. Why not try meditation? Our guided meditations can improve relaxation and concentration.

Find a time in the day that suits you

You don’t skip brushing your teeth because you’re not in the mood, there’s no reason why exercise should be skipped.

Even on a rainy day, there is plenty you can do inside – like yoga or meditation. One study found that even a single session of mindful exercise (like yoga) can improve mood and reduce stress.

Choose activities that you enjoy

Exercise doesn't have to mean going to the gym and lifting weights. Whether you like bush walking, swimming, kite surfing, Pilates or walking the dog, even 10 minutes of physical exercise daily is proven to have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health.

Remember to reward yourself for incremental changes

It won’t all happen overnight, just make sure you use this September to take the first step to a better frame of mind.

When you reach a milestone of some sort, even if it is an extra 500m on your daily walk, tell someone who you know will be able to celebrate it with you.

Give yourself a break

If you miss one session, one day or one week, don't be too hard on yourself. You can pick back up where you left off and refocus on the goals that you have set for yourself.

Take your friends or workmates along for the ride

If you are living with a mental illness, it can be difficult at times to socialise, however, asking a friend or colleague to join you in physical activity is a great way to keep motivated. It gives you the chance to share an experience with someone while keeping your plans accountable to one another.

or catch up with your Youth Health Nurse:

Dy Moxham
Monday and Friday
3373 4555

Dyanne Moxham, School Based Youth Health Nurse
Email: admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au

Sports Report

Met Finals

Congratulations to the Year 10 Boys Basketball team that went through to Round 2 of the Met Finals. The U/13 boys Rugby League team played an amazing game and had a narrow loss to Ipswich SHS. The Open Girls Tennis Team finished runners up in the Met Finals. The girls faced a tough Kelvin Grove (Excellence in Tennis program) in the final and went down 4 – 2 sets. There was some outstanding tennis, with the number ones from each team having a sub 300 world junior ranking! Special mention to Sara and Uma who were undefeated across the semis and the final.

The Year 10 Girls Basketball team won their semi finals in DOUBLE OVERTIME and have now progressed through to the Grand Final on Wednesday 13 September.

Rugby Union

The Centenary SHS Open Girls 7s Rugby Union team has had a massive few weeks. After claiming the District Premiership unchallenged, the girls were invited to Ballymore to watch the Olympic Champion Australian Womens 7s team train, followed by a meet and greet with the players. A highlight was meeting Ellia Green and getting to hold her Gold Medal!

Then, last week the girls competed in the SEQ Schoolgirls 7s tournament, also held at Ballymore. The team, coached by Mr Locke, played some wonderful running Rugby culminating in a 24 – 7 win over Mt Alvernia College!

Interhouse Competition

Every Tuesday and Friday during AM breaks students are participating in an Interhouse competition! So far we have contested basketball and we are half way through futsal. Students are competing in year levels and it is fantastic to see so many students involved in not only competing for their house but also supporting their house and friends. This competition will continue throughout Term 4 with a variety of sports being offered to the students.

Centenary SHS is the District Champion School for 2017

History has been made! 2017 has been the most successful sporting year with records being broken, Met Finals won for the first time, District Premierships won, District Athletics Champions and a record number of students representing our school at Districts and Met West! It is with great honour that the HPE team announces that Centenary SHS is the District Champion School for 2017. This is the first time in the school’s history that we have achieved this. Thank you to all of the students that got involved in the sports program and helped Centenary SHS achieve this award and the goal that we had set.

Touch Football

The Centenary SHS Touch Football teams have started their Friday night campaign at Whites Hill. This is the first year for the 15/u boys and they are learning and improving their game every week. The Open Boys team had an amazing win last Friday night 19 – 2! Both teams are playing at the upcoming ‘QLD AllSchools’ early in Term 4 which is the biggest Touch competition in Australia. The new uniforms have arrived featuring the Centenary Croc and they look amazing.

Sports Awards 2017

The school’s annual Presentation Night, which includes sports awards, will be held on Thursday 26 October in Week 4. Students receive sporting points throughout the year for the various sporting teams and/or trials that they attend. Students that have earned either a silver or gold sports award will receive their award at the Sporting Awards Ceremony. The list of students that have earned either silver or gold has been posted on the HPE noticeboard.

Mr Mills

Mr Mills is leaving Centenary SHS at the end of this term. Mr Mills has been the Head of Department HPE at Centenary SHS since the school opened in 1999. He has dedicated the last 18 ¾ years to helping our students and developing the most successful and organised HPE department in the Region! Mr Mills has inspired and helped shape the lives of so many students and teachers. The school at Lockhart River is not only gaining Mr Mills but also Ms Hoschke-Mills who has also dedicated her time and expertise to both the HPE and Home Ec Departments. Centenary SHS HPE department would like to thank you both for your dedication, hard work and everything you both have given to this school over the years. Lockhart River is gaining two of the finest teachers and the students and staff will benefit from having you both! Good luck and thank you.

Tamara Nasalio, Sports Director
Email: tnasa1@eq.edu.au

Cultural News

Welcome to the end of Term 3. I hope that everyone has a wonderful break and catches up on rest, ready for a busy Term 4.

Legally Blonde

Wow!!! What an amazing show!!! A huge effort from everybody involved to create three sold out shows across two days. The 140 plus students involved did an outstanding job in their range of roles including actors, dancers, singers, musicians, and backstage crew. Thank you to everyone who came to watch one of the performances. Big thanks to all of The Arts staff for their tireless and outstanding work. Congratulations to all involved who made our major performance for the year such a successful event.

Cultural Awards

Nominations for Presentation Night Cultural Awards are now open. These awards are given to students based on their efforts in all Extra-Curricular Cultural activities at Centenary SHS. Forms are available now from the CPAC box office, and all nominations close Wednesday 4 October, which is in the first week back after the holidays. Please make sure you get your nomination in if you wish to be considered for an award, as late forms will not be accepted.

Dementia Awareness

September is Dementia Awareness Month, a disorder that affects over 400,000 Australians. On Saturday 2 September, the Liquorice All Sorts performed at the Centenary Community Hub to help raise awareness of this condition that is second only to heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia. Thank you to the students for performing there, and thank you to Mrs Fiona Harvey for preparing this group.

Upcoming Events

Some major events are coming up in Term 4, so please check your email and notices for announcements, due dates and any required payments. Events include the Primary School Tour, Presentation Evening, Arts Shirt Embroidery and Cultural Dinner.

Look forward to seeing you at one of our events over the next couple of months.

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

Year 12 Report

What a great feeling to have been able to tick off key events for Year 12 students in the last couple of weeks. The QCS Test went smoothly for everyone, most students were smiling even before they went into the exam having had a wonderful breakfast provided by Bernie the Chaplain and his group of merry Rotary men with Terry O’Brien, John Pitt and Year 12 student Corey Scott at the barbeque. Support and acknowledgement needs to be given to Mr McDonald, Ms Raven, Year 12 Home Group teachers and QCS teachers for their professionalism and efficiency pre-exam and in running the four exams.

A huge thank you needs to be given to Mr Homer, for organising such good-quality interviewers for our Transition students. Approximately 90 students had appointments for practice job interviews at both South Bank and Ipswich, and all received really good responses. Students commented about how useful the immediate feedback was, they looked very professional. Special praise needs to be given to Berenice Furlong for attending reception and encouraging students with a smile.

Our Term 3 fundraiser for ‘Mission Australia Sleepout’ was held on Thursday 14 September: the students and I enjoyed celebrating the end of term and exams as well as doing something of service.

The Red Cross Blood Drive was cancelled due to new legislation and this was a great disappointment for students.

Naturally, Term 4 is the zenith of so many milestones. The most obvious ones are our Formal, Mystery Tour and Graduation. Many students are in the process of booking their pre-formal services. To help confirm those bookings, the following info will be useful.

Formal date: Wednesday 15 November.

Time: 7-11pm. Students may start arriving from 6pm, for the parents’/carers’ reception on the terrace.

Costs have not been finalised for these events, but the Formal will be approximately $110, and the Mystery Tour around $130.

Underlying all of these goings-on is the message for students to keep their eye on the main purpose for being here: to complete their studies to get their QCE. This doesn’t just mean making sure work levels don’t fall away in Term 4, but also making sure good self-care practices are kept in place. This means 9 hours of sleep, good quality food for brain function, a balance in their social life, and knowing who their support people are.

Enjoy a well-earned break! Not long to go!

Diana Huber, Year 12 Coordinator
Email: dhube1@eq.edu.au

Year 10 Report – “Gen10 of Centen”

It has been an extremely busy term for our Year 10 cohort. Students have been bombarded with information regarding subject selections, SET planning and work experience.

It was extremely exciting to be a part of the SET plan process. A highlight for me was to witness our young people take ownership of their senior phase of education and sit down with parents/carers and mentors to discuss their future path.

Work experience commenced at the beginning of Week 10 and I’m looking forward to hearing all the fantastic stories that filter back in from our community.

I hope everyone has a relaxing time over the September break and I look forward to starting Term 4 with a bang!

Berenice Furlong, Year 10 Coordinator
Email: bfurl1@eq.edu.au

Year 9 Report

Term 3 Home Group Program

Many thanks to Kate George, who acted in the role of Year 9 Coordinator in my recent absence. The key emphases of this term are teamwork and subject selections for Year 10.

Academic achievement for Semester 1 in the cohort was brilliant and so many young people in this cohort work really hard to achieve the best possible results, so congratulations! As Year Level Coordinator, I feel it is hugely important to recognise the effort that goes into achieving such fantastic results. Academic achievement will be celebrated in Term 4’s Presentation Night on 26 October. Some students, although maybe not achieving at the highest level academically, improved their grades as well as their behaviour through sheer effort over time. In Year 9, we recently celebrated those students, whose effort and behaviour was assessed as Outstanding. To receive a “Platinum Award”, students must have achieved an “Excellent” in BOTH Effort and Behaviour from all their teachers. There were 54 in all! An “Outstanding Award” recognised those who received a near-perfect ‘score’ in these two areas.

Our wonderful School Leaders recently held a successful Cup Cake Day. The Year 9 leaders, Amy, Dru, Sam, Imogen, Sarah, Tom, Victoria and Lily worked tirelessly for the school both in front and behind the scenes. A huge thanks to them all on behalf of the Year 9s once again. Thanks to the Year 9s involved on the day, and those who supported this fun, but meaningful event.

Starting this term and into Term 4, the focus will be on career planning and we have arranged for professional career advisors from TAFE Queensland SKILLSTECH to deliver a number of free workshops. Students will receive guidance on career options and be directed to resources that will assist them to start the thought processes involved in choosing subjects for the Senior Phase of Learning. Delivery will be via the usual Monday HG ‘lessons’. Please ask and encourage your son or daughter to bring their HG book and equipment to lessons, if they have neglected to do so, ready for the Term 4 life skills module. The TAFE module will become a great source of personal documentation of their journey into the Senior School and a valuable reference tool for next year’s SET Planning. Many thanks.

• A small exercise book (48 pages will suffice)
• Pen or pencil for writing
• Glue stick & scissors for the pasting of handouts, etc.

You will probably have been to the Parent Information evening that was held on Monday of Week 7, so you will know that this cohort will be the first non-OP cohort. In this light, the Year 12 Deputy Principal Matt McDonald spoke at length to students in Week 6 about the incoming ATAR system. He and fellow Deputy Principal Kelsey Oakes fielded many questions after the session, and no doubt over the next year and a half, there will be many more.

School is an extremely busy place (I’m sure home is no different!). The three key areas of concern in the HG Program are Personal Development, Career Planning and Wellbeing. In Week 9, students completed an on-line Wellbeing survey during HG. This is a school-wide Home Group initiative and provides students with an opportunity to consider their personal wellbeing. The global objective is to provide a point-in-time snapshot of the wellbeing of all students with an aim to direct resources toward areas of need. Please ask your son or daughter about this and the other initiatives mentioned above.

Late next term, we prepare to ‘move up’ into the senior school. We will celebrate the transition from the Junior to the Senior School in Week 9 with a special assembly.

Please contact me or Kelsey Oakes, the Year 9 Deputy Principal, if you have concerns regarding the welfare of your student.

Debra Mansini, Year 9 Coordinator
Email: dmans17@eq.edu.au

Year 8 Report

With Term 3 coming to a close, the Year 8 cohort has moved its focus to leadership. After a tremendous amount of support from both teachers and fellow students, 15 promising Year 8 students have submitted application forms in the hope that they will become Junior School Captains for 2018. On Monday 11 September, shortlisted students presented a speech to the entire Year 8 cohort on a year-level assembly. From that point, students and teachers will vote on their preferred leaders, and interviews will take place with Junior School HOD, Angela McKay, Years 8&9 Deputy Principal, Kelsey Oakes, and myself. The quality of our candidates is exceptional and I am certain that all of our applicants would make great leaders.

End of term is always busy with assessment and report cards. Please get in touch if you have any queries regarding your child’s progress or require additional support.

Matt Redman, Year 8 Coordinator
Email: mredm23@eq.edu.au

News from our Uniform Shop

Senior Shirts for 2018

It is compulsory for all Year 10 students to wear the white senior shirt. Please head down to the Uniform Shop to order/purchase your white senior shirt for next year. You must do this before the end of October because, if your size is not currently in stock, orders will need to be placed for delivery the week before school starts in January. The uniform shop is open between 8am and 11am, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Girls Senior Shirt - $44
Boys Senior Shirt - $44

Jenelle Green, P&C Uniform Shop Centenary SHS
Email: uniformsales@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au