4 April 2019 Volume 21 Number 3

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

PRINCIPAL

News from the Principal

From the Principal

The end of term is always a hectic time for students with a heavy assessment schedule. Hopefully most of our students have worked steadily over the term and were well prepared for the demands of the final few weeks. As we near the end of term it is timely to reflect upon the successes and challenges of the last 10 weeks. I trust that our students, have enjoyed school to date and have taken every opportunity to be involved in the extra curricula life of the school.

School Priorities

The school has five key improvement priorities in 2019.

1. Systematic Curriculum Development and Delivery with a focus on differentiation and moderation. Fine tuning our curriculum delivery in the P-10 Australian Curriculum and building and developing our senior delivery in the new SATE system with a focus on; differentiation to ensure that every student is being appropriately supported and challenged and moderation to ensure consistency in instruction, feedback and assessment, represents a significant body of work for 2019.
2. Writing for Learning – continuing the focus from recent years as our writing outcomes as measured by NAPLAN and the QCS Writing Task lag behind the other performance areas. This explicit approach appears to be gaining traction across the school.
3. Teaching for Thinking - taking a more explicit approach to teaching the skills that underpin the cognitive verbs.
4. eLearning – continuing the rollout of the BOYD program in Years 7,8 and 11 and developing teacher capability in eLearning pedagogy.

Reporting and Parent Interviews

Term 1 Reports will be sent by email on Friday 5 April. Electronic communication is the school’s preferred means of communication. Please ensure that your email address is current for school records.

In respect to the Term 1 Interim Reports, some subject areas particularly in the Senior School will be based on limited summative assessment nonetheless it is important that academic progress can be reported to parents in a timely fashion. If issues around performance and application can be addressed early enough students will have an increased likelihood of enjoying success over the rest of the semester.

The stakes are quite high for Year 11 students – unsatisfactory progress in subjects at this stage may compromise a student’s capacity to attain the QCE.

Parent Interviews will be held on Wednesday 1st May from 1pm-7.30pm.

Jinai Joshi International Visit

Our first international study for 2019 has been a great success. Over the last two weeks we have hosted a group from Jinai Joshi in Japan. Whilst our visitors have had a focus on Science in their time at Centenary, the tour has also provided opportunities for our students to develop cultural understandings. I thank the members of our community who have worked to ensure the success of the tour.

P & C News

I take this opportunity to thank the parents who work tirelessly to support and improve our school through the P & C. The adage of “many hands make light work” is pertinent as we need new parents to come on board and play an active role in the school. This support is invaluable and I encourage all parents to consider what contribution they can make to the school

Congratulations to the following parents who have been elected as office bearers for the 2019 school year.

Uniform

Centenary SHS is proud of its uniform. A full formal school uniform supports the notion of a disciplined work environment. The small stuff matters.

Students should not be wearing necklaces to school unless they have written permission from the school’s Administration. Permission may be granted on religious or cultural grounds but the item still should not be visible.

Students should be wearing navy blue socks with no logos with their formal uniform. These socks can be purchased from the uniform shop.

Food Drop Offs

Students are not to order food from external providers such as Uber Eats, to be delivered at the school. Such deliveries pose a number of challenges to the management of the school.

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Kimmi Holmes of Year 10 who has been selected to perform at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneax, France on ANZAC Day as a member of the Voices of Biralee Anzac Commemoration Choir.

Best wishes for a safe and relaxing two week Easter break

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.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

News from the Deputy Principals

Reporting Timelines

All classes are currently in busy assessment periods where information is being gathered about student progress. Term 1 Interim Reports will be completed by the end of Term 1 and emailed to parents before the holidays. This will provide all parents with information about the progress of your son/daughter. Please review the Interim Reports carefully and make an appointment with your son/daughter’s teachers to discuss the results in more detail. We strongly encourage close communication between parents and teachers as this strengthens the support and consistency for students. If you are unable to attend the Parent Teacher Night, please feel free to contact your son/daughter’s teacher directly.

Parent Teacher Night

This year we have changed our procedures for the Parent Teacher Night. Traditionally we have spread the Parent Teacher Night across two separate days over two weeks. This year we will be trialling one Parent Teacher Night over an extended timeframe. The Parent Teacher Night will be on:

Wednesday 1st May, 2019 from 1:00pm to 7:30pm.

We will use the same online booking system as previous years and this will open to allow parents to make bookings over the holidays. The change in day and length of time has necessitated some changes to the structure of the school day for Wednesday 1st May. School will finish at 12:40pm on this day, with lesson 1 to 3 being shortened by 10mins each. There will be no lesson 4 and school will finish at 12:40pm with students required to leave the school grounds at this time. If you are unable to make alternate arrangements for students to travel home at this different time, you will need to notify the school and students will be supervised by staff until 3:00pm. All parents will receive email communication with more details about these procedures. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the school to discuss.

ANZAC Day

Our school will commemorate ANZAC Day in a special assembly on Tuesday 23rd April. It will be an important day where we come together as a school community to reflect and remember those who have fallen representing our country. We have also been invited to participate in the ANZAC Day Commemorative service on the ANZAC Day holiday. Students are invited to march together with Centenary SHS. The march steps off from the Woolworths loading bay opposite the library at the Mount Ommaney shopping centre. Students are to meet at 7:35am and be assembled, ready to march by 7:45am. Ms Lynch, Deputy Principal, and school captains will be leading the Centenary SHS group to the Memorial Grounds. Formal school uniform should be worn for the occasion. The Dawn service assembles at the Memorial Gardens Cenotaph at 4.15am to enable a short reading of letters from WWI soldiers to home.

Terry Stevens from our local RSL Sub-branch has been working with us to prepare for services. Terry has provided information for families to obtain Veteran’s Memorial Plaques, whereby a Veteran can be represented by multiple family members wearing the plaques. The front office has more information if your family would like to investigate this further.

Matt McDonald, Deputy Principal (Years 9 & 12)
Email: mmcdo156@eq.edu.au

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

Kristin Lynch, Deputy Principal (Year 8, ATSI & EALD)
Email: klync54@eq.edu.au

Angela McKay, Deputy Principal (Year 7)
Email: amcka18@eq.edu.au

BUSINESS MANAGER

News from the Business Manager

Parent/Carer Contact Details

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

Our process for sending home report cards and other correspondence is now by email. By keeping your email address current we can keep you updated and informed.

If you have moved or are moving house, changed jobs, emails or mobile phone numbers, please inform the school office via email to admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au.

If you wish to receive the school newsletter, please go to our school website’s Newsletter tab to subscribe, or go directly to the link below. You will need to complete and submit the ‘subscribe’ form on the website.

Changes to the Payment of Excursions

This year excursions/camps/activities will no longer be included in payment plans. These are a user pay activity and will need to be paid in full prior to attending the event.

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 www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dete 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 contact the school office first.

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

PHONE OR COUNTER payments 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.

Parent/Carer Experiencing Financial Difficulties

A parent/carer wishing to participate in the Student Resource Scheme and experiencing financial hardship is encouraged to contact the Business 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, Business Manager
Email: cmaca5@eq.edu.au

STEAM

STEAM at Centenary

We have an exciting new pilot program starting at Centenary in Term 2, revolving around STEAM -Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics.

A variety of innovative, extension workshops will be held after school on set Thursdays in Term 2 and run by a number of external providers, all highly skilled educators with great expertise in their respective fields.

These innovative, fun programs develop analytical, creative and entrepreneurial thinking skills. Students immerse themselves in hands-on workshops and learn to explore.

And so what extension programs will be on offer? Drones in Disaster Zones, Environmental Monitoring, Artist in Residence Actors’ Workshops, Make and Code Drone Projects and more.

The cost of the workshops will vary, depending on duration and resourcing but keep an eye on emails for further details on each program and registration information. Numbers will be limited, so don’t miss out.

Anne-Marie Price, Resource Centre Manager and Promotions & Marketing Coordinator
Email: apric20@eq.edu.au

STUDENT LEADERSHIP COORDINATOR

News from the Student Leadership Coordinator

The student forum have had a flying start to the year, completing an enormously successful Valentine’s Day campaign and Harmony Day celebration. The forum meets weekly to discuss the issues faced by the student body and to organise community events and fundraisers. This year the student forum has decided to continue previous years’ fundraising efforts for charity, but to also develop a greater focus on raising funds for our own community. The proceeds from our very successful Valentine’s day campaign will go towards student wellbeing here at CSHS, while the funds raised for Harmony Day are being donated to Inala Community House.

Looking forward, the student forum has great plans to support the students at Centenary through providing a voice to advocate for student needs and a series of events designed to enhance the Centenary community. As always, the representatives from each year level plan to listen to the students in their grade and advocate on their behalf. With a great team in place, the forum is sure to smash their goals!

Elizabeth Long, Student Leadership Coordinator
Email: ejlon1@eq.edu.au

GUIDANCE

News from the Guidance Officers

At our school we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. This is why we are celebrating Say No to Bullying Day on March 19th to raise awareness that bullying is unacceptable in any space – at school or while at home interacting online

Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents or carers to know what to do when their teen talks to them about bullying. You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone playing their part. Unfortunately, not every parent will monitor their teen’s online activity so that is a good reason why you must do so with your child. The first page of this letter generally addresses what to do if your child raises a bullying issue with you. The second page reminds parents of their parental responsibilities when purchasing electronics as well as ways to mitigate risk.

We care for your children and we have a duty of care to keep them safe here at school. However, we are not able to monitor your child’s activity on privately owned devices. Only you can do this

If your child talks to you about bullying:

1. Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they have told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need to: who, what, where, when. Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid causing more distress to your child.
2. Reassure your child they are not to blame. Many children blame themselves and this makes them feel worse. You could say things like ‘That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.’ or ‘I am so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that is not fair at all’.
3. Ask your teen what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.
4. Visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.
5. Contact/call the school. Your teen may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea. Reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help. Call your child’s teacher. There are practical steps which can be taken to separate students such as a change to seating plans. If you need to, ask to talk with the Deputy Principal. Contact the school immediately if you have any concern about your child’s safety.
6. Check in regularly with your child. Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important.

Online bullying: Parental responsibilities and mitigating risk

Delay your child engaging in social media activity for as long as reasonable. Most social media websites recommend thirteen as the starting age to join their sites. However, when your child is thirteen, you will need to make a decision as to whether you feel they are ready to engage with others online. Despite what your child will tell you, not all parents allow their children onto social media at thirteen as they prefer their children to focus on other aspects of life and/or they appreciate the peacefulness of not dealing with online bullying. Let’s face it, what people say online is not what they say to each other face to face.

Devise a safety plan before purchasing smart phones, laptops and iPads. Will the screens be locked away at bedtime? Will screens be allowed in the bedrooms? Will the parent be monitoring online activity and with what frequency? Is the parent up-to-date with the technology and the ways teenagers can hide their activity? To avoid conflict, the parameters around technology use in your home need to be established before the devices are even purchased. Very few teens can set their own boundaries in place due to the addictive nature of internet use. Think about it in these terms – ask yourself “do most adults regulate their screen use well?” If you answered no to this question then this is a reason to incorporate some boundaries around technology use.

Monitor their online activity with accountability programs and apps. There are many on the market and a couple are pictured below:

How can parents report offensive online material:

Report any offensive online material directly to social media site and if they have not resolved your complaint, contact the link below. There are hefty fines for sites which do not remove offensive material.

There are pros and cons to your teen using social media and like any other risks in life, online activity needs to be managed. Your teen may not have the maturity to impose their own time limits and boundaries so they will need you to provide reasonable parameters and to talk things through when they experience online bullying. You are your child’s best advocate and the person best placed to protect them from harm over the internet

How we celebrated Say No to Bullying National Day of Action and Harmony Day at Centenary State High School

On Monday 18th March students wore Orange to school. Orange is symbolic of social communication and meaningful conversations. Student Services treated students with popcorn and poppers and a special screening of the film Wreck-it Ralph which reinforces good bystander behaviour – stand up for those being bullied. Students were asked to write positive quotes and affirmations about inclusiveness onto paper hands which will be displayed at the school.

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

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

CHAPLAIN

News from the Chaplain

Food for Thought

Earlier in the year I heard a speaker talking about the year ahead. The audience were challenged to consider giving up two things in their lives that may be having a negative effect on them.

This made me think of a couple of things that almost all of us are guilty of doing – complaining and arguing. If you think that this doesn’t apply to you, try to get through just one whole day without saying something negative either to someone or about someone. You’ll be amazed at how hard that is.

If someone or something is upsetting you, make the decision to not keep talking about the issue – without fuel the fires of anger will subside.

Why not give it a try and give up – complaining and arguing.

A message from Chappy Bernie,

How to be happy

The art of making yourself happy is something we can all learn and practice. No one is happy 100% of the time. Life has its ups and downs. Even so there are some sure fire ways to increase your happiness.

1. Don’t wait to see if you are having a good time. Instead of going to places and seeing if it is fun decide in advance to have fun regardless of the circumstances. Enjoy the day regardless of the weather. Make the most of the occasion regardless of the company.
2. Go outside and play. You were told to do this as a kid and I’m telling you to do it again, play more. Go for walks, throw a dog a stick, skip, sing loudly or imagine yourself to be a spy passing through enemy territory. Whatever does it for you. Make a promise to play more.
3. Develop deep friendships. Your friends are your true wealth, Value them and see them regularly, Let them know how important they are to you. Most people only have two close friends so don’t fool yourself into believing you are less popular than most people.
4. Increase the closeness of extended family. Keeping in close contact with your family gives you a support base for difficult times and also strengthens your sense of where you come from. Feeling you belong in a family is a powerful way of being happy.
5. Play to your strengths. Have a good long hard look at yourself. What are you good at? Make a commitment to develop your skills, talents and abilities as much as you can. If you don’t develop your own unique talents the world misses out.
6. Seek out groups that most strongly value what you have to offer.
   Finding the niche where your abilities are valued is the basis of success.
7. Avoid social groups where your unique attributes are not valued. Not everyone is going to like you or think you could amount to much. Get used to it. Accept that it is so, and then get out of their way.
8. Live in the dreamtime. Find and follow your passions. Dream big dreams and make a promise to yourself to live a wonderful life.
9. Laugh a lot more. Find people, shows, books, films and situations that make you laugh and surround yourself with them.
10. Have something bigger than yourself to believe in. Think about the contribution you can make while you are on this planet and do it.
11. Love as much as you can- and then love some more.

Copyright Andrew Fuller www.andrewfuller.com.au

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

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Sports Director Report

Term 1 has proven very busy. Already Centenary SHS has held the annual Cross Country, Senior Gala Day and had 20 students selected in a Met West team. Athletics sign on for events has also commenced for the carnival to be held in the first two weeks back after the holidays. Even though it has been a busy term it has been fantastic to see so many students from Centenary SHS achieve personal bests in their chosen sports.

Cross Country 2019

In Week 6, we held our annual Cross Country carnival, on a hot day with less than ideal conditions for running. The spirit and enthusiasm displayed by our students on this day, even in these conditions, was the best I have seen since coming to this school. Students were pushing themselves in their races, dancing in their Sports House areas, and lining the side of the home straight to cheer their peers on as they finished.

After some brilliant performances, it was Jarup House that took out the Championship Trophy. The efforts, enthusiasm, support and motivation from Jarup spectators also earned them the Spirit Shield.

Congratulations to all of our Age Champions:

Best of luck to the top six runners from each age group who will represent our school at districts next term.

Matt Redman, Carnival Coordinator

Sports Gala Day

The Summer Season Year 10 and Open Sports Gala Days was held in Week 7. Centenary had great results across the sports. Well done to all students who gave their best efforts in proudly representing the school!

The teams that won premierships and now move into the South East Queensland Metro Finals are:

Year 10 Boys Touch Football
Year 10 Girls Basketball

A number of teams also narrowly missed out, playing in tightly contested finals. Thanks to all staff who trained teams. Apart from the staff, many students also assisted in officiating duties across the days and did a great job. It is very much appreciated.

Junior Gala Day

The Junior Gala Day involving students in Years 7, 8 and 9 was held in Week 10 on Tuesday 2 April. Our school entered teams in Touch, Volleyball, Tennis and Basketball. An update of results will be in the next newsletter!

Sports Gala Day Reminders

Just a few reminders regarding student’s participation in either the junior or senior sports gala day. It is a privilege to represent Centenary SHS. You have to earn that privilege through good standing. You must ensure the following:

1. Arrive at school on time
2. You are in the correct school uniform
3. You attend any detentions given to you
4. Clearance form has been completed from the previous year

Failure to comply with Centenary SHS rules will result in you being removed from a gala day team. Centenary SHS can only send students to a sports gala day that have demonstrated that they are reliable and can follow the school rules. I will update students in weeks 8 and 9 of students that are unable to attend gala day. Make sure you are doing the right thing if you want to secure your spot in a team! It is a strictly no pay = no play. No payment plans will be accepted and payment must be made by the due date.

Northern District Trials

A reminder that all information regarding district trials from 10-19yrs is on the calendar that was emailed home and is also published in the daily student notices. Students must collect paperwork from Mrs Nasalio if they wish to attend trials. The process is simple if followed:

1. A notice is put in the student notices advertising an upcoming sport
2. Student sees me (Mrs Nasalio) in staffroom 4 to nominate and collect forms
3. I then nominate the student for the trial and sign and stamp the paperwork once it is completed
4. Student attends the trial with their paperwork
5. If selected they are given new paperwork and must pay the District Trial Levy of $20 to Centenary SHS office
6. Once the student has paid the levy, they bring the receipt to me and I will sign and stamp their paperwork to attend the Regional Trial.

It would be appreciated if all parents and students followed this process.

Cross Country Training

District Cross Country will be held in Week 1 on Friday 26 April. Training will continue until this time on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings from 7.45am until 8.30am.

Please be aware that even if it is raining training will still go ahead but will be moved into the school gym. Students are welcome to attend any of these three sessions and are not required to notify staff of their attendance in advance.

Met West

Many students from Centenary SHS have been attending District Trials and Regional Trials in order to be selected in the Met West team. Thank you to all of the parents that have been involved in this process and have been transporting students to and from the trials. Due to the commitment of both parents and students Centenary SHS is having a very successful year with 21 students being selected to represent Met West.

This is an outstanding achievement and a new record for Centenary and we are only in Week 9 of Term 1. It is fantastic to see so many students getting involved in the sporting program and achieving at such a high level in their chosen sports.

Congratulations to the following students that have been selected in a Met West team:

Anja takes on the world

Year 9 Student, Anja Nayar has had some outstanding tennis results over the past few weeks.

Anja has recently played a number of tournaments on the ITF (International Tennis Federation) circuit. She attained her best result of her young career thus far earning a finals berth at the event in Singapore, beating a number of higher ranked players on the way. These events are open to players 18 and under, so this is an outstanding result. Her world ranking is now almost in the top 1000! After the final, Anja travelled to Malaysia to trial for their Junior Fed Cup and World Cup teams, for which she was successful. To round off a busy week, Anja jetted to the Gold Coast to compete at the Queensland Secondary Schools Championships, where she went straight from the airport to the courts to spearhead the Met West Team’s assault on the titles. Against the odds, and putting fatigue and jet lag behind her, Anja played top tennis against the state’s best, earning Queensland Selection and spearheading the team’s Gold Medal performance in the final. Well done Anja!

Anja is pictured here (left) at the ITF presentation ceremony in Singapore, and with Mr Haines (Centenary SHS HPE Teacher, and Met West Tennis Coach).

Athletics Carnival

In Term 2 on Wednesday 24 April Centenary SHS students will participate in the field events. This is not the whole school carnival but will operate as follows:

Period 1 and period 2 – 15, 16 and open years participate in long jump, javelin, boys discus and girls high jump
AM break – 1500m
Period 3 and 4 – 12, 13 and 14 years compete in long jump, javelin, boys discus and girls high jump

Students have already nominated for these events and will not be attending class during their allocated periods. If a student has not nominated to compete they attend class.

The full school Athletics carnival will be held in Week 2 of Term 2 on Tuesday 30 April. All students will be involved in this carnival as either a competitor or as a spectator. This is a school day, so it is expected that all students attend. Students do not need to nominate for any running events on the day of the carnival. Students have already nominated for the field events.

Jarup won both the spirit shield and the Champion house at the Cross Country so it will be interesting to see which house will take out the 2019 Athletics Champion Trophy.

Mr Haines the Athletics Director is currently putting together a training schedule that will involve our elite coaches which will begin after the school holidays and then continue until the District Athletics Carnival.

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

LITERACY

News from the Literacy Coach

Write That Essay update

There has been a lot of action around the school this term in training teachers up in the Write That Essay program. This is rapidly building on our teachers’ capability to teach a variety of sentence types and paragraph styles. Writing for Learning has been one of our whole school priorities for several years now, and we aim to achieve our goals by using the expertise of the WTE company.

It also means we’re moving beyond the TEEL formula for paragraph writing.

Students are hearing the language of good writing more often in their classrooms, and teachers are more confident in being explicit in their teaching of writing. Writing mentors Jennifer Elliot and Felicity Barker have worked closely with The Arts, HPE and Science to support their students. Many other teachers have undertaken a Coaching process with me, and have had the Write That Essay staff work with them in the classrooms.

A tip for home: There are 12 different sentence types… how many can your child name off their top of their head?

Supporting Literacy at Home

Some general tips to help with your child’s writing at home in middle years include:

• Continue to encourage them to write for everyday skills. This includes writing recipes, family messages, shopping lists and greeting cards.
• Make sure they have an appropriate place to write, such as a desk in a quiet room. Provide stationery, such as coloured pens and pencils, and different coloured paper.
• It is always helpful to discuss the writing topic with your child before they start to write. This will give your child ideas and confidence to start writing.
• Encourage your child to write creatively in different genres, such as fantasy, realism, and adventure, or different types of literary texts such as poems, short plays or film scripts.
• Use a book your child has read as a springboard into creative writing.
• Encourage your child to write down their opinions and ideas about specific issues. Give your child a topic that has two clear sides, such as “Homework should be banned.” Ask your child to write a few paragraphs outlining their arguments for and against.
• Encourage your child to edit their work for mistakes before they show you. They should also make sure the writing makes sense.
• Getting your child to read their work out loud is a good technique to find mistakes in writing.
• Using a dictionary helps with spelling mistakes, and using a thesaurus helps to expand your child’s vocabulary.
• Some activities your child might do include: Create a website with a specific interest in mind, such as a hobby, a sports team, or an historical event that interests them, or write a blog on a hobby or interest.
• Encourage your child to keep a diary where they record their feelings and experiences. » Write a review of a book or film.
• Encourage your child to have an opinion about the relative good and bad points, and how the film could be improved. There are many places online to share reviews.
• Record family events or travel experiences in a journal or on an online blog.

Many of these tips come from Victoria Education, “Get parents involved in Literacy.”

Danielle Ringrose, Literacy Coach
Email: dring3@eq.edu.au

SKI TRIP

2019 Ski Trip – Vacancy

It is just over a term until the Snowy Mountains Ski Trip. This year the group is staying at Ski Rider Resort, a mere 10km from Perisher Valley. The venue also provides nightly entertainment, has high quality meal options and also a ski rental shop on site. Students attending will have the following inclusions:

• Return Coach Transfers from Centenary SHS to Wilsons Valley
• Daily Return Coach Transfer - Ski Rider to Perisher
• National Park Entry Fees
• 5 Nights’ Accommodation– multi share
• 5 breakfast & 5 dinners at accommodation
• Nightly entertainment
• Insurance
• 5 ½ Days Skis, Stocks & Boot Hire
• 5 ½ Days Helmet Hire
• 5 ½ Day All Mountain Lift Pass
• 5 x 2 hour All standard lessons
• Free skiing from on Sunday afternoon for intermediates or advanced from 12.00pm
• Free extra beginner lesson on Sunday afternoon from 1.30pm

Cost: $1885

Whilst the trip was originally fully subscribed, there has been some extra rooms released by the accommodation venue. Any parent who would like some further information, please email rhain0@eq.edu.au for details.

Richard Haines, Ski Trip Coordinator
Email: rhain0@eq.edu.au

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Senior Schooling News

Year 12 Parent Evening (Elevate Education)

Thank you to all parents who attended the Elevate Education Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 6 March. We hope that processes regarding the use of the Elevate Education portal was useful. Access to the portal is via the link below. Student and password is: rondo. There are numerous resources provided on this portal, including Study Tips, Exam Questions and Planning documents.

Year 12 Writing Workshop

All Year 12 students undertook Write That Essay training on Friday 8 March. These sessions are designed to improve all student’s writing fluency and proficiency by learning and using 12 different sentence types and 8 different paragraph styles.

Numeracy Study Support Group (Thursdays at 3:15pm in RC)

A reminder that Year 12 Numeracy Study Support Groups are occurring every Thursday in the Resource Centre from 3.15pm onwards. This service is funded through Senior Schooling Faculty, employing an ex-Centenary student studying at university and is specifically for those students undertaking the QCS Test in September this year. Any student wishing to improve their understanding of mathematical concepts (Maths A, B & C) in a collegial and supportive environment is encouraged to attend. The service is now being extended to all Year 11 students undertaking any mathematical subject. Please be aware however that Study Support Groups do not replace intensive tutoring that may be required.

Year 12 QCS Immersion Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April

All OP-eligible students will undertake a QCS Immersion program in the final two days of Term 1. All sessions will be conducted in the Lower JS Block. Students will be advised by letter and email to bring necessary equipment and materials used in QCS classes, along with protractor, ruler, compass and scientific calculator. We also suggest they bring a water bottle into the room. Attendance is mandatory for any student sitting the test in September and we require prior notification of any planned absence.

Year 12 Transition Students Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April

Students on other pathways (including Transition), will undertake First Aid & CPR in Upper JS. The cost is covered through the Senior Schooling levy. Those students who have already undertaken this qualification should see us in HE01 with a copy of the certificate. On Friday 5 April, students will complete the RSA & RSG etc also in JS Block.

All Transition students must continue to attend STEP (Lesson 4 Wednesday) in Term 2. Those students attending a traineeship or TAFE every Wednesday are exempt.

QCS Test – Special Provisions

Students sitting the QCS test who require ‘Special Provisions’ such as additional rest breaks, A3-sized test materials, use of a computer, alternate seating arrangements, etc., need to apply through the school before Friday 17 May. Students will be asked to consider if this applies to them and if so, consult with the Guidance Officer. If students have an emergency situation nearer the testing dates, for example an extended medical situation, they need to approach the school with medical documentation to allow for late special arrangements or exemption.

This link, https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/qcs-test/special-provision has general information about the types of special provision available, the application through schools process, and links to the 2019 Special Provision Handbook: Queensland Core Skills Test. If you have further questions, please email the Guidance Officer, Juanita Oberle (jober13@eq.edu.au).

Year 11 Processes

Year 11 students should have firmly established productive school and study routines. Those undertaking an ATAR Pathway should be undertaking least 15 – 20 hours a week of study/homework/revision outside of school time. We strongly recommend that part time work be kept to a minimum of no more than 8 - 10 hours per week. The priority for all students, regardless of pathway, is attaining the best result they can in each subject. Remember, core business for all students is the attainment of the QCE and successful completion of their chosen pathway.

All Year 11 students have been actively working on the developing of those skills that will assist them toward this goal during STEP every Wednesday. A focus has been on the development of the six main cognitive verbs that underpin the new senior curriculum and external assessments in Term 4 2020. To date, we have explored: Comprehend, Explain, Analyse, Evaluate and Justify. Next week we explore “Interpret”. These skills sit in the three cognitive systems of Retrieve and Comprehend, Analysis and Knowledge Utilisation. Students have also been exposed to some of the Write That Essay “12 Sentence Types”, designed to create fluency and proficiency in their writing.

Next term we continue delivering the Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways every Wednesday during Lesson 4. Successful completion of this qualification will provide students with 4 credits toward their QCE.

Year 10 Programs

Thank you to all families who attended the Year 10 Transition Talk earlier this year. We have added the information delivered during the talk to the school website and emailed the slides home. This includes a copy of the Presentation PowerPoint. We look forward to meeting with you again in Term 2 and 3 as we lead into Year 10 SET Planning.

All families should have received documentation regarding Year 10 Work Experience in Week 10 of Term 3 (Monday 16 – Friday 20 September). Form A (outlining placement details) is due back at school before Friday 31 May. If you require any further information, please contact myself or Jo Cunneen (Work Experience Officer) at jfirt18@eq.edu.au.

Communication

We endeavour to keep all parents and students up-to-date with events occurring, and opportunities existing in our Senior School. In the past we emailed home a copy of the “Options Career Information” bulletin every fortnight. Due to parent feedback regarding the inconvenience of receiving emails, we have now moved to an online system for checking these bulletins. Please refer to them for current information regarding courses, university entry, traineeships, part-time job opportunities, career advice, open days and general information. Members of staff will continue to email home opportunities regarding individual programs as they come to hand. To access the online Options Career Information bulletins, please go to:

ACCESS CODE: cent2019

For further information, please feel free to contact a member of our Senior Schooling Faculty:

• Angela Raven (Senior Schooling HOD)
• Adrian Homer (Transition Co-ordinator)
• Jo Cunneen (Senior Schooling Assistant)
• Juanita Oberle (Years 10, 11 & 12 Guidance Officer)

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

FACULTIES

ELEARNING

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) update

It has been wonderful to see so many students coming to school ready to learn with a digital device this year. In 2019, the expectation is that every student in Year 7, 8 and 11 will bring a digital device every day. Approximately 95% of Year 7 and 8 students, and 75% of Year 11 students are now meeting this expectation!

As teachers embrace new ways to enhance learning with technology, these devices are becoming increasingly useful for students.

Day Loans and equity

We understand that there are occasions when families cannot provide a laptop. To ensure all students have access to these great new opportunities, we have the day loan and equity programs.

Day loans

We understand that devices sometimes break. If your child’s device is being repaired, day loan devices are available in the library. All students need to do is go to the library with a note explaining how long they are likely to require a day loan. Day loan devices must be returned at the end of each day.

Equity Devices

Equity devices are new laptops loaned for a period of time (up to a term per loan) to families to give them time to arrange a device of their own. Students take these laptops home and treat them as their own for a period of time. It requires the payment of a small, refundable bond which covers repairs in case of damage to the device. Please contact Anne-Marie Price (3373 4555 or apric20@eq.edu.au) for details or to apply for an equity device.

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

THE ARTS

It’s been a busy end to Term 1 in the Arts department. Students have been out and about – viewing live performances, examining artworks, preparing for assessment, even meeting a celebrity! Happy holidays, we hope you enjoy the break!

Student Celebrations

Congratulations to the following students on their recent achievements!

Two instrumental music students have successfully been nominated and accepted into the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Program Middle School - South-East Queensland 2019. This program is for outstanding young musicians to work with nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors. Congratulations to Anoria Rankin and Brendan Knowles.

Two of our technical crew have successfully applied and been accepted into the Creative Generation 2019 – State Schools Onstage Stage Crew Props Team. This program gives students the opportunity to be involved in a professionally produced, award-winning arena spectacular. It also provides the students the chance to acquire new skills by working with some of Australia’s leading performers and to extend their networks with professional artists. Congratulations to Jordan Scott and Jacob Burbidge.

One of our senior students is heading to Europe over the holidays with Brisbane youth choral organisation, Voices of Birralee. Kimmi Holmes, in Year 10, will sing her way through Europe on this incredible tour during April, with a key focus performing at the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France, on Anzac Day. In addition to this performance, Kimmi will sing across five countries, beginning with a send-off concert in Brisbane on 31 March, followed by performances in Croatia, Austria, France and Italy. The community is welcome to send off the choir at a Dedication Service & Concert at 3pm Sunday 31 March at ABC Studios. Tickets available for purchase in the link below.

Senior Art Excursion

By Leighton Frank and Ella Loney – Arts Captains

On Monday 4 and Monday 18 of March the Year 11 and 12 Visual Art and Visual Art in Practice classes went on a day long excursion to Southbank. We attended the 9 Asian Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT9) at both the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). We explored the both gallery’s top to bottom in our own groups, at our own speed, with the freedom to comfortably experience the exhibition. We had much to explore with a rich participatory experience that explores key themes of identity, as well as kids’ projects in spaces across the galleries to keep young children (and old students) thoroughly entertained. All this and more with time for a lunch break at the GOMA café.

The exhibition includes 400 artworks surrounding ideas of identity, culture, history and society from 80 artists from Australia, the Pacific and Asia. Some unique and interesting artworks include Pannaphan Yodmanee’s installation, In the Aftermath 2018, Mao Ishikawa’s multiple photo series focussing on national identity and history in Japan and Lisa Riehana’s 34-minute-long video installation, In Persuit of Venus [infected] which investigates the real story behind The Voyages of Captain Cook. The exhibition ends on the 28th of April so if you’re planning on going, I’d do it soon!

Students on the second excursion had the good fortune to meet a real celebrity! Welsh-born actor, Loan Gruffudd has starred in films including Titanic, Fantastic Four and San Andreas. The lucky students took selfies with Loan and came home a little star-struck!

Senior Music Excursion

Year 11 and 12 Music students attended the Wynton Marsalis Jazz at the Lincoln Centre concert in early March. This afforded students an opportunity to see and hear from the one and only trumpet legend and nine-time Grammy award winner, with a band described by the Daily Telegraph London as the ‘finest big band in the world today. Wynton Marsalis has countless accolades to his name and is the first-ever jazz musician to win the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Music. It was eye-opening to hear the band and Wynton perform, and his story, detailing the life and music of Thelonius Monk was engaging and inspiring.

Senior Drama Excursion

Year 11 and 12 Drama students attended a performance of ‘Death of a Salesman’ at QPAC earlier this month, in preparation for their assessment task. The students were blown away by the performances of the actors and came away inspired to replicate the professionalism on stage in their own work. They particularly loved seeing Tony Larkin perform, whom the students knew, as he has directed workshops here at the school through the Queensland Theatre Company.

Junior Instrumental Music Camp

In Week 8, the Concert Band and String Ensemble spent 3 days at Brookfield for our annual music camp. In between the swimming, snooker, table tennis, dancing, games, trivia and meals there was a bit of music making as well. Throughout the 11 rehearsal sessions, the students engaged in a wide range of music including music for band and strings, The Kinks “You Really Got Me”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto” and “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman. Thank you to all of the teachers for giving up their own time to make the camp a huge success, and to the students for their hard work, dedication and stamina!!

Musical Auditions

By the time this newsletter is printed, we will have completed the audition process for the lead roles in our 2019 production. Stay tuned for more information! ‘Beyond the Big Top’ will be on stage August 23-24, add the dates to your diary now.

RAW Dance Workshops

Year 7 and 11 students have been working with RAW Dance Company professional dancers this term. Year 11 students have been learning the intricacies of the hip-hop genre, with a dancer visiting classes and teaching a powerful routine based on the theme of superheroes for the students assessment task. Year 7 Performance Plus students have also been working with a professional dancer, learning about the genre of musical theatre in preparation for their showcase performance in Term 2.

Vocal Ensemble Performance

The Centenary Vocal Ensemble were flying the flag for International Women’s Day as the special guest performers at the Public Safety Business Agency Women’s Day Event. The girls were applauded for their outstanding performance at the event and upon returning to school, with community members contacting the school to congratulate the students.

Angela Sleeman, The Arts HOD
Email: aslee4@eq.edu.au

YEAR LEVEL COORDINATORS

Year 12 Report

Career Pathways

Year 12 students will have the opportunity to hear from a host of guest presenters over the next few months. Representatives from University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Griffith University, TAFE, SkillsTech and Apprenticeships Qld will provide students with valuable insights into their post-schooling options.

In July, we will be assisting students through the QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) process. By September, students who wish to move toward tertiary studies (University, TAFE or other) next year will have created a QTAC account and decided upon their preferred study options. Many decisions lie ahead!

Events – 100 Days!

Our Year 12 Student Leaders and Student Council has been very busy of late. Their major focus has been the organisation of a celebration set for 27 May, signifying the fact that students will have only 100 school days left before graduation!

Support Staff

Our School-Based Youth Health Nurse, Kirsten Anstey, has introduced herself to the Year 12 Home Groups and made herself available to students in need of assistance. Kirsten and Juanita Oberle, our Senior Guidance Officer, have been busily helping students to cope with the significant pressures of their final year of study. Our School Chaplain, Bernie McMullen, has also been very active with students in need of a sympathetic ear. I truly value their support and recognise their extraordinary contributions to the Year 12s.

Date Claimer

A reminder that the Year 12 Formal is set for Wednesday 13 November, followed by the Mystery Tour. The Graduation Ceremony is set for the morning of Friday, 15 November.

Thanks as always for your support, and please contact me if you have any issues or would just like to have a chat.

Berenice Furlong, Year 12 Coordinator
Email: bfurl1@eq.edu.au

Year 10 Report

With Term 1 coming to a close, our Year 10s are starting to realise the significance of senior school. Throughout the term, Angela Raven, our Senior School HOD, has been spending a lot of time introducing our students to senior school, and getting them thinking about careers and future pathways.

Many of our students are embracing these conversations and taking action to prepare for their future. In the past two weeks, thirteen Year 10 students have signed up for a Trade Taster program which will have them trialling a variety of trades over the a period of several weeks, with hopes that they will find a trade that interests them. On top of this, we already have a number of students who have started VET courses that have them out of school one day each week to complete a TAFE qualification. It is great to see so many within the cohort displaying the maturity to take on these challenges.

As we move to Term 2, the emphasis within our Home Group program will remain on senior schooling, careers and futures. Towards the end of the term, we will begin preparing for Year 10 camp, which is running from 31 July – 2 August in Term 3.

Should you have any questions about your child’s schooling, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m looking forward to another great year with this cohort.

Matt Redman, Year 10 Coordinator
Email: mredm23@eq.edu.au

Year 8 Report

We have had quite an eventful term in Year 8! Managing the transition from Year 7 to Year 8 has been demanding; working with new teachers, in new classrooms across the school and learning to be more self-sufficient has been a challenge, particularly in relation to students bringing their devices to school. I would like to remind all parents that all Year 8 students are required to bring a device to school every day. We have a number of procedures in place to support students with this requirement so please contact the school if you require more information.

The Year 8 forum representatives have been leading our Social Action Project this term – collecting donations for the Children’s Hospital Foundation – and this project has had an overwhelmingly positive response from the Year 8 students and wider school community. My desk is overflowing with donated items, ranging from books, toys, colouring-in equipment; you name it! We will be putting the donations together on Monday of Week 9 to be delivered by the Year 8 forum reps in Week 10. I am immensely proud of the Year 8 cohort for demonstrating such a high level of enthusiasm for this project. I would also like to add a special mention to year 8 student Remy, who recently shaved her hair and collected donations for the ‘Shave for a Cure’ foundation. Her bravery and humility is astounding and I am very proud!

In our home group program, we have been focusing on some of the issues that many students in the Junior School are exposed to – namely, peer pressure and bullying in person and online. We have discussed positive strategies to use when these issues inevitably arise, and I am pleased to see that most of the students have adopted these strategies when the time has come. We are still working on making the right choices at times of stress, but overall we are heading in the right direction. In Week 10, Shake n Stir are coming to perform ‘Unfiltered Jnr’ to the Year 8 cohort. This performance will delve into these issues to further communicate the importance of speaking up and not becoming a bystander when bullying is occurring. Shake n Stir is always a great experience for our students and we are all very excited to see their performance!

As we move into Term 2, the focus will shift slightly as we move into our next phase of learning. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Resilience will be our main topics, leading towards our first Character Builders workshop in Week 7. Character Builders is an organisation whose mission is to ‘build character through highlighting core values and character strengths such as confidence, respect, self-esteem, kindness, gratitude, humility, creativity, bravery and fairness,’ and they have worked with our students for a number of years and I am extremely excited for the Character Builders team to work with the Year 8 cohort for the first time. Unfortunately, a number of negative behaviours have surfaced, particularly in relation to students speaking out of term to teachers which is disappointing. I hope that the Year 8 cohort adopt some positive strategies in next term’s Home Group program, as well as their Character Builders workshop, to improve their communication and overall behaviours in the classroom and beyond.

Claire Tuton, Year 8 Coordinator
Email: ctuto3@eq.edu.au