27 June 2019 Volume 21 Number 6

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

PRINCIPAL

News from the Principal

It is hard to believe that the first semester is nearly over. The end of Term is always a busy time in schools with assessment, moderation and reporting taking centre stage. I hope that your students have applied themselves well over the last 20 school weeks and realise their academic goals set earlier in the year. Whilst our Year 11s sat their end of unit assessment a few weeks ago, the rest of the school completed final assessment in the last two weeks. Year 12 students in particular have just completed high stakes assessment with results critical to OP and QCE outcomes. We will be reviewing results closely to ensure all students have a QCE attainment plan leading into the final semester.

I’d also like to acknowledge the work of families over the semester in supporting students in their academic endeavours. The importance of parental engagement with student work cannot be understated.

Uniform

This year we introduced a school tracksuit as part of our uniform. Generally speaking it has been a success, proving popular with students and in the most worn in adherence to the school’s uniform policy. As is the lot of uniforms and teenagers we do have some students who are not following the uniform code.

Key aspects of our Uniform Code in respect to tracksuits are:

• Only the official school tracksuit pants can be worn. (These can be purchased from the uniform shop)
• The tracksuits pants can only be worn as part of the sports uniform as per the existing policy
• The only exception to the above point is that the official school tracksuit pants can be worn with the formal uniform before school (to provide warmth in cold mornings)

With the onset of winter and the cooler weather we are witnessing an increase in non-uniform jumpers around the school. The uniform expectations of the school are that students will be in school uniform at all times. Students may borrow a school jumper for a day from the office but under no circumstances are they to wear a non-uniform jumper in the school grounds.

Students are requested to wear plain navy socks with no logos. White socks with no logos are also accepted for sport. The navy socks can be purchased through the uniform shop.

Our uniform standards help facilitate a disciplined learning environment. It is in disciplined environments that students are more likely to learn.

Mobile Phones

Technology can be a powerful learning tool but it also can be a distraction to learning. My belief is that mobile phones have a place in schools … they are used in some classes for internet access for learning as well as providing a communication tool outside of class time for parents and their children.

On the negative side however many students “play” with their phones during class time and are not fully engaged in learning. Consequently the general school rule is that phones must be out of sight and switched off during class time unless instructed by the teacher that the phone can be used for learning. Consequences for non-adherence include confiscation of the phone. Persistent misuse may lead to a student losing the right to have a phone at school.

Senior Pathways

The new term will see the Year 10s engaging in the Student Education and Training Planning [SETP] process. The school staff have planned a thorough and supportive program. It is important however that parents take full advantage of information sessions as Senior Schooling has become more complex over the last few years. Essential to the success of this program is that staff, students and parents alike have a clear understanding of the requirements of QCE attainment, course options and their impact upon post school pathway decisions.

Our current Year 10 students will be our second cohort to complete senior under the ATAR system. It is important that all stakeholders have a good understanding of the new system to allow students to make the best possible decisions in their course selection.

Cars

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

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

Student Success

Thank you to the 200 students who provided support in so many varied ways on the school’s Open Day. The students were wonderful ambassadors for Centenary and a testament to the combined nurturing of home and school.

It is always reassuring to witness students throwing themselves into the co-curricular life of the school. In the Arts, recent weeks have seen both the Instrumental and Choral Music Gala Concert as well as the Choral Fanfare. In sport we have had good numbers of students representing the Northern District in Track and Field. Our debating program continues to gather momentum with an increase in participating numbers this year. Our teams have developed in skill and in confidence over the year with an increasing number of victories to their credit.

A hardy collection of staff and students continue to train for the Kokoda event. These students have displayed amazing commitment as they prepare for the arduous challenge in a few weeks.

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.

BUSINESS MANAGER

News from the Business Manager

2019 Fees due date 31 July

A “Debtor Statement” for school fees has been processed and parents/carers should have received these either by email or by post. This statement is an overview of previous single invoices that have already been forwarded.

Please note that no action is required for a credit adjustment, this will appear as a negative amount on a statement. If you have not received a statement this indicates that there are no outstanding fees.

All fees relating to the 2019 calendar year are due by 31 July 2019. An overview of all fees and charges can be located on our website below. These documents provide a detailed explanation (by subject) of Curriculum Charges and Student Resource Scheme fees and what the school provides for each of these charges.

Please note that some subjects are only timetabled each term or semester. For these subjects, invoices will be generated as required with an email advising parents/carers of the fee. For invoices generated after the due date, a 30 day account will operate.

For more detailed information please contact the individual Head of Department or Business Manager by emailing 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 found below 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.

Changes to the Payment of Excursion

This year excursion/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.

Please note for existing payment plans, excursions will not be automatically included, you will need to contact the office to make arrangements for any activity outside of the SRS to be included.

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.

Lost Property

We currently have a large number of jumpers and jackets in lost property located at the office. If your student has lost a jumper/jacket or another other item, please encourage for them to come to the office.

It is highly recommended that all school items be clearly labelled so that we can return any lost property to students as they are handed in.

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

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Teaching and Learning

UQ Philosothon

Two teams participated in the senior division of the UQ Philosothon on 10 May this year.

This is how philosophers roll….

The famous Greek Philosopher Socrates once said, that the unexamined life is a life not worth living. Beyond my personal thinking, this thought-provoking statement has brought people around the world including me, to have an attempt at evaluating our lives – to have an attempt at finding truth and meaning. Interestingly, in Philosophy we ask an abundance of profound questions, like what is even truth or meaning? Embracing Philosophy is one of the many ways that our finite minds can have a gentle attempt at grasping the ungraspable. When I entered this realm of knowledge, I entered with plentiful questions, but instead of leaving with answers, I had significantly more things to ask. This sequence of events has led me to an interschool competition; the Philosothon.

Above all certainty, Philosophy is not about the conclusion – rather the journey of how the conclusion was made. Socrates founded the first form of cooperative argument, wherein several interlocutors engage in a continuing exhange of information. This system of argument is now known as the Socratic Method. During the Philosothon, the potential of the Socratic Method was exploited, stimulating critical thinking out of each participant’s mind. To me, the beauty of the Socratic Method is not exactly found in competition, but rather in collaboration. What I discovered, however, is that many others and I are only confused beings finding an answer – but we find purpose and passion in that constant pursuit of truth. Although we cherished competition, we all supported one another to find truth.

Although us in Philosophy are in a spontaneous state of doubt and confusion, we might have the crystal-clearest understanding of the universe and its substance. Lastly, Philosophers have a common tendency to disagree with each other, but out of this prevalent discord, we find unity – which can really be seen in the Philosothon. I am truly happy to be a part of this event.

Seth Marinduque, Year 9

Is your phone hampering your learning?

Your mobile phone may be controlling you even when you can’t see it and are not using it.

We can generally hold a conversation or listen to music when performing routine tasks, but we definitely need to draw on all our available resources when we are learning; in other words in every class, every day.

Our cognitive resources only stretch so far. A group of researchers have found that we are slaves to our smartphones (Ward et al 2017). Their mere existence drains our cognitive capacity and the closer, or more salient, they are, the more significant their impact. Even if they were switched off, face down on the desk, not touched and students claimed that they were not thinking about their phone; working memory capacity was lower and academic performance was impaired. When phones were out of sight and in pockets, performance was slightly better but phones needed to be switched off and be in a bag in another room in order for performance to be maximised. Even then, researchers still believed that phones were occupying some valuable cognitive resources in some people; those with a high dependence on phones and an inability to go a day without using them.

What should we do about this? Smartphones, or more specifically their applications and access to information, can connect students with the world and potentially enhance learning experiences, but when problem solving and thinking are required in our lessons, phones are best placed out of sight and out of mind.

Ward, AF Duke, K Gneezy, A Bos, MW, 2017, ‘Brain Drain: The mere presence of one’s own smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity’, Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, Vol 2(2), pp140-154.

Anna Petrie, Teaching & Learning HOD
Email: anpet0@eq.edu.au

LITERACY COORDINATOR

I’d like to continue our showcase of excellent writing being demonstrated across the school. Mrs Duschka’s Year 8 Visual Art class has been targeting specific Write That Essay sentence types, to show analysis and evaluation.

The painting - "Swimming Before School" - was created by the artist Ian Abdulla in 1995. Painting is the material he used to create this piece. The genre that illustrates this artwork is landscape and still life as it involves people, birds and nature everywhere. The river was mainly the subject point of this artwork as it's named - "Swimming before School." Surprisingly, this painting is stylized because there are some elements that make it look realistic such as the humans walking and birds, but, there are also some elements that make this work look abstract such as the unbroken grasses and how there is different shades of grass.

Organic lines and color dominate this work. There are different types of lines used in this artwork such as broken, straight and curvy lines, but also simplistic. Colours blue, white and different shades of green are used in this work. Both pattern and variety are important in this work as it shows the mixture, arrangement and assorted types of grass used.

The meaning of this work is to recall his memories of his childhood of the life of Ngarrindjeri people of the Riverland region in rural South Australia. Abdulla's richly detailed paintings depict a community despite the hardships of working for a subsistence livelihood on the fringes of a wealthy, white, farming community.

Overall, this is an interesting piece of work as it looks like the countryside. There are roads in the middle of grasses. It looks like a farm and there is a river flowing. This is proof that the artwork - "Swimming Before School" is a similar place to the countryside.

Have you spotted:

• Em-dash sentence?
• Very short sentence?
• Power sentence?
• Red, White, and Blue sentence?
• Adverb start?

Happy writing!

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

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

News from Inclusive Practices

On Tuesday 11 June, fourteen students and four teachers from the Inclusive Practices Department headed to Kenmore State High School for a day of competing in Touch Football. For the last 3 years, the Special Education Departments of Kenmore and Centenary State High Schools have organised Gala Days of sports that have included Futsal, Touch Football and Basketball. These days have been a great opportunity for students with disabilities to represent their respective schools. There have been some fierce and exciting battles between the students participating, however the games have always been played with a tremendous spirit of sportsmanship and friendship.

It was a particularly exciting day as Centenary had almost half of the students playing touch football for the first time. Congratulations to all students who participated, especially Henry Sparkes (a Gala Day first timer) and Kane Rose who were acknowledged for their sportsmanship, team spirit and game performances. We look forward to continuing our rivalry with Kenmore SHS next term when we will compete against them in basketball.

Deborah McIntyre, Head of Inclusive Practices
Email: dmcin49@eq.edu.au

GUIDANCE

News from the Guidance Officers

Kindness

Kindness is not an everyday word these days. We use words like `respect’ readily but even this does not contain most of the attributes that `kindness’ does. Religions highlight the importance of kindness and love as virtues we must strive to achieve, and if these virtues were universally practised, we could guarantee a world free of crime and violence, and everyone looking after each other. It seems hard to imagine.

So what is kindness? Kindness has been defined as:

• the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane, sympathetic
• tendency to be kind and forgiving
• a kind act - marked by charitable behaviour, marked by mild disposition, pleasantness, tenderness and concern for others; a recognized value in many cultures and religions

Research has shown that acts of kindness do not only benefit receivers of the kind act, but also the giver. This is the result of the release of neurotransmitters, which are responsible for feelings of contentment and relaxation, when such acts are committed.

How to teach kindness to our children

• Be a good role model - Children observe our behaviour, and are likely to copy the ways we treat others (and ourselves)
• Use the word `kindness’ to describe acts of compassion, care, empathy, forgiveness
• Provide simple, clear explanations about how other people feel when they are sad or hurt. Give examples of how kindness can be used in these situations to uplift a person’s moods.
• From an early age praise early acts of kindness - When your toddler gives up his favourite toy to a younger sibling who's crying, make sure he knows you acknowledge his action
• Encourage your child to help others – at home and in the community. For older children encourage participation in social justice programs, like helping feed the homeless. Not only will this act of kindness feel good but also will give an understanding of what others have to endure to survive
• Say you're sorry – Admitting that you are wrong, or did not act appropriately can be very hard, but often the act of humility is a show of kindness in itself

If we all practiced doing a few acts of kindness every day the results would be twofold – not only would others be uplifted, but also we would receive the health benefits that come with doing good deeds.

In giving we receive.

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

In recent weeks I have been amazed at the generosity of both individuals and organisations in our region who have come together to assist and support people who have been affected by recent natural disasters.

Can you imagine how great it would be to live in this area if we were all looking out for people’s needs at all times, not just in times of turmoil? Today, try opening your eyes to the needs of others around you and whenever you can, offer to help. You will discover that there is a real feeling of fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have made a positive difference to someone’s day.

Consider the idea that – the more you care for others, the more they care for you.

A message from Chappy Bernie

How to Study mindfully.

Have you ever been reading a book and found that you’ve just read an entire page without digesting a single word – or caught the train home and been staring blankly out the window only to realise that you’ve missed your stop? Now what about doing two hours of ‘study’ while managing to check Instagram 11 times, contributing to three different Facebook group chats and finding yourself deep down the rabbit hole of YouTube? If you can relate, you’re certainly not alone.

These are all examples of ‘mindlessness’ – when you’re awake and functional, but distracted and not capable of giving 100% attention to a single task. People can often find themselves in auto-pilot mode however, when it comes to study, this is not a state you want to be in.

As the name suggests, the ideal state to be in is a ‘mindful’ one. A mindful person is focused and grounded in the present moment. The good news for students is that mindfulness can be used as a powerful tool to boost your study efficiency and get you energised and ready to go come exam day. Here are some tips to bringing the mindful edge to your study sessions:

1. Meditation and breathing exercises: Meditation brings you into the present by forcing you to focus on your breath. Before studying, practice breathing techniques that block out distractions and energise your mind. Mobile Apps such as Smiling Mind are great for helping you do this. Don’t worry if you’re not good at it to begin with!
2. Get in the (study) zone: Creating a space for study where you know you’ll be free from excessive noise and distractions will help you get more done. For some, this is a desk at home, for others it’s a library or a quiet cafe. Sitting on your bed staring at your messy room, not so much.
3. Switch off: It might be difficult in this day and age, but turning off your phone (or putting it on ‘do not disturb’) and staying clear of tv or Netflix is super important to helping you stay focused. Remember, mindfulness is all about the here and now – these technologies take you away from the present.
4. Break up your study sessions: It can be hard to stay in a state of mindfulness for over an hour – even people who have been practicing for years still find it difficult to keep the concentration. Take regular breaks to refresh and re-energise. If possible, get outside during these breaks and have a healthy snack.
5. The usual suspect: You’ve heard it a million times – ensure you get a good night’s sleep. But it’s especially important when it comes to mindfulness and study. You’ve probably realised by now that if you’re going off two hours sleep, it becomes a whole lot harder to concentrate. Try cutting down on caffeine and energy drinks, especially after 4pm.

Think about walking into an exam room. Now imagine walking into a sports arena with 100,000 screaming fans. The situation might seem scary to most but many athletes work on making sure they feel energised and ready to perform at their peak. A key reason behind this is a secret performance-enhancing weapon – mindfulness. Some sports teams even employ a mindfulness coach, something previously unheard of in the ‘macho’ world of sport. Players are taught to be ‘right here, right now’ in high-pressure situations. As with anything, this takes time to develop and a big part of the process is about acknowledging when your concentration is drifting and bring it back to the present.

The challenge is to see your exam as an opportunity to thrive, not to fail. Mindfulness can help you get there.

Downloaded from BeyondBlue website on 16/10/18:

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

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Sports Director Report

It has been a very busy Term 2 with teams training hard every week for upcoming Junior and Senior Winter Gala Days. Centenary has now completed the Met Finals for the Summer Season and we are now focusing on the upcoming Winter Season. Our goal we are trying to reach is 2019 West Brisbane School Champion and we are well on our way to trying to achieve this after the Summer Season.

Student success in Met West

Jake Knight represented Met West in the 16 – 18 Years Boys Touch Football State Championships in Brisbane. This is Jake’s final year representing Met West and he had an amazing Championship. Playing in a Sate Championship enabled Jake to play Touch Football at the highest standard.

QLD All Schools Touch Football

Centenary SHS has begun preparation for the 2019 QLD AllSchools Championship that will be held in Term 4. This is the first time Centenary SHS has entered 4 teams. U13 Boys, U15 Girls, U15 Boys and Open Mixed. Teams will be finalised by the end of this term and preparation will continue into Term 3. Permission forms and information letters will be sent home to successful students.

Gala Days

The junior Winter Gala Day for Years 7-9 will be held on Friday 22 June in Week 10. The students have received permission letters outlining the details and cost involved. Teams are training hard in order to prepare. Good luck to all coaches and students competing. Please be aware that he junior boys soccer venue has changed and is now being held at Indooroopilly SHS.

The senior Winter Gala Day for Years 10 – 12 will be held in term 3 on Wednesday 7 August. Forms will be given out to students in Week 2. Good luck to all teams that have already commenced training in order to win the Premiership Flag.

Dates:

June

August

September

Reporting Results

• To enable me to report on student results and to keep accurate records for sports awards, I need to know how participants went in their competitions. I encourage all students and parents to advise me of their results immediately after they have competed.
• Students can see me in Staffroom 4 or results can be emailed to: tnasa1@eq.edu.au

District Track and Field

Across two days of District competition our students battled it out against 27 other schools including big independent schools of St Peters and BBC. Centenary SHS had one of the highest representations of all of the schools (107) in the district and competed strongly to dominate many events. Overall Centenary SHS finished with the following results:

1st place – 28
2nd place – 28
3rd place – 21
4th place – 8
5th place – 16

The following students were then selected to compete at the Met West Regional Championships:

Samuel Berkeley
Olivia Boyd
Dru Callaghan
Julie Callaghan
Matthew Dunne
Sophie Dunne
Ismahan Elsair
Alisi-Keti Fangaloka
Ruby Gibbs
Noah Gilroy
Christian Gordon
Kya Horridge
Sean Kendrick
Jake Knight
Allan Le
Sienna Pritchard
Faith Letiu
Isabelle Lightbody
Evan Longmire
Kiera McCarthy
Jasmin McCormack
Nevaeh Ninyette
Matthew Osborne
Kai Peacock
Brady Peut
Itu Sakimi
Rahul Sanjiv
Alex Turner
Raijieli Vaakai
Cole Pirrit

Met West Championships

Centenary athletes did themselves proud with their effort and performance over the two days of competition.

The success of course was not earned on the day but in the many hours of training leading up to the championships, and students are to be congratulated on this commitment.

Result snapshot:

• 26 medals, including 8 Gold
• 10 Students qualifying for State Championships (more potentially to be added)
• Countless PBs

There were many emotions seen over the event, with elation to disappointment, and that is the nature of sport.

Training has been offered four times per week at school with a variety of guest coaches and school staff. Thanks to Des Davis (Australian Throws Coach), Alexandra Roberts (Australian Javelin Champion), and Marty Stolberg (Jumps Coach) for their work with the squad. Credit to Mrs Nasalio for her tireless work behind the scenes on the administration of the team.

Congratulations on the following students for earning Met West selection to compete at the State Secondary Schools Championships:

Olivia Boyd
Sophie Dunne
Alisi-Keti Fangaloka
Ruby Gibbs
Kya Horridge
Sean Kendrick
Kiera McCarthy
Nevaeh Ninyette
Kai Peacock
Raijieli Vaakai

*further students may earn selection prior to States in selected event.

Training will continue on a modified schedule towards states.

Well done to all students involved in Athletics through the season. Everyone has shown improvement in skills and performance!

There are various photos that can be found uploaded on the CSHS Facebook page.

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

JUNIOR SECONDARY

Junior Secondary News

On the 24 May, I escorted seven Darra SS graduates back to their old stomping grounds, to participate in the Under 8s Day. The students were thrilled to give back to their former school, helping younger siblings, running an activity, and even having the opportunity to check in with their Year 6 teacher. This was a valuable and worthwhile experience and we’ve been invited back in 2020, with the challenge of creating and running an entire session. Challenge accepted.

On 21 or 22 of May, the Year 7s participated in a session with High Resolves, focusing on an array of real-world scenarios, with a strong stance on inclusivity and anti-bullying tactics. It was highly engaging and rewarding for all.

On Monday 3 June the Year 8s participated in Team Building Day, followed by the 9s on 10 of June. Run by an external provider, Character Builders, the day promotes unity, determination, team spirit and brings together an array of personas with common goals and drive. It was amazing to see the costumes, face paint, banners and décor created especially for the occasion. Look for a report elsewhere in this newsletter from two of the Year 9 students.

Open Day was a terrific success for the Junior School, as we meet and greet the future candidates for our superb school. I am looking forward to getting into the four Feeder Schools next term, as I find out more about our 2020 Year 7 cohort. Additionally, we have our Arts and Technology Transition Days commencing 19 June and carrying through until October, showcasing our incredible staff and subject areas, as a sampler for the Year 6 cohort of the smorgasbord they receive upon arriving into the world of high school.

Brock Germain, HOD Junior Secondary
Email: bgerm1@eq.edu.au

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Senior Schooling News

Year 10 - Date Claimers

On Tuesday 6 August the school is hosting a “Future Options & Transitions Evening” for all Year 10 students and their parents. Career and subject advice will be provided by speakers from Brisbane TAFE, Skillstech TAFE, UQ and USQ. Industry groups have also been invited to attend. Ms Juanita Oberle will provide an overview of the QTAC process. This will be an important and key event in the lead-up to SET Planning in August.

Work Experience

Please read carefully the work experience information sheets sent home early last term. Students need to return “Form A”, providing details of their placement as soon as possible. If you require new paper work, or need to speak with a member of staff, please ask your student to visit the senior schooling office in HE01.

Year 12 - Date Claimers

Our scheduled QTAC Talk hosted by a speaker from QTAC has been moved to Thursday 25th July in CPAC. The talk with start at 6pm. All students looking at tertiary entrance are expected to attend. QTAC books will be provided on the evening.

To improve academically, it is important to have a plan. This includes:

• Current LOA for each subject
• Goal LOA for each subject
• At least 3 practical strategies (discussed with your teacher) to reach the goal
• Know the criteria you are weakest in for each subject (find out in your class who is strong in this area and ask to work with them)
• Be willing to help each other to improve

Techniques that assist academic progress:

• Form an after school class – share better techniques to learn or address problems together
• Ask teachers for appropriate and relevant websites, books etc to help your learning and address weaknesses
• Ask teachers for the format, criteria, test structure and topics for your next assessment in every subject
• Construct your own assessment piece which you can then swap and complete with the other students. Aim to do this twice for every assessment and make it as difficult as possible!
• If you subject is problem based (like maths), aim to complete at least 200 difficult questions prior to the actual test. Ask you teacher for old questions, books etc that can help you. This creates automaticity and fluency

QCS Extra Support Classes

OP-eligible students have the opportunity to participate in extra support classes. These classes start at 3.15pm and conclude by 4.30pm, every Thursday in the RC. We strongly encourage all students sitting the QCS test to attend.

I will be sending home a schedule of Writing Task Master Classes that all Year 12 students are expected to attend.

Please ensure you are checking the Careers Options Bulletin for upcoming events and Open Days. School access code is: cent2019

School based Traineeships/Apprenticeships

Please continue to check for opportunities that are advertised through the student notices. Students should email Mr Adrian Homer in the first instance for more information, or visit this website:

Year 11

Thanks to all Year 11 students for their dedication and diligence in completing the Certificate II in FSK (Foundation Skills for Learning and Vocational Pathways).

We expect that students will have completed Clusters 1, 2 & 3 before the end of Term 2. All materials are via the class One Note “Success in Senior” page. Those students wishing to change to Math or Chemistry tutorials should see Ms Raven for an Expression of Interest form. This will not be considered until all 3 clusters are complete.

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

FACULTIES

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY

Open Day

The Applied Technology staff thank those parents and children who recently attended the Open Day. We were very pleased with the attendance and were delighted to be offered the opportunity to meet prospective students and their family members. It was our intention to provide interested parties with an insight into what our subjects offer and showcase some of the students’ work.

Congratulations is extended to Ian Peng who displayed an accurate eye and steady hand with the peg crossbow to knock the Chaotic Koala off its perch, while the refined hammering technique of Matthew Rolfe brought the marauding hamster to an abrupt halt.

I extend my gratitude to the students who assisted the Home Economics staff on the day.

If you have questions arising from the day, I encourage you to contact any member of the Applied Technology staff to answer your enquiry.

Subject Change

The end of this term, marks the conclusion of all junior Applied Technology subjects for the current classes. A new cohort in each year level will commence, week one, term 3. Students in year 7 and 8 will enrol in a five course of Industrial Technology and Design, followed by five weeks of studying Home Economics. Students in year 9 and 10, will enrol in their respective Applied Technology subject for the duration of the semester.

Engineering

The Industrial Technology and Design faculty is currently investigating the prospect of offering Engineering as a senior subject in 2020. A teacher has been sourced and programme writing will commence in semester two. It’s anticipated that an introductory level Engineering subject will be developed for year 10 students. This subject would provide students with an introduction to the skills, knowledge and understanding required to succeed in the subject. The current year 10 cohort will be periodically advised of the subject’s development.

Bricklaying Course

Adrian Homer recently secured the services of Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd, a company that offers a free one day “try a trade” experience for students who have an interest in bricklaying, as a possible vocation.

The instructor, provided eleven interested students with an opportunity to:

• Set out the area for the bricks to be laid
• Position a string line
• Mix the mortar (mud)
• Practice basic trowel skills
• Butter the brick with mortar
• Lay a course of bricks, checking that they were level and plumb
• Use a mortar rake to produce recessed mortar joints

As you can appreciate, the course is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the work of a bricklayer, what tools they use and what physical and cognitive attributes you require. Students found the course challenging from a physical and skill perspective but expressed gratitude for being offered the opportunity.

Gardening Guru

Those who visited Home Economics during the Open Day activities would have noticed a most impressive garden at the building’s entry.

Lots of flowering colour and a few health looking vegetables were on show. The garden can be principally attributed to the efforts of Anita Ace and a few dedicated helpers. The ability to pick fresh vegetables and herbs for cooking classes is a fantastic addition to the faculty.

Michael Tobin, Applied Technology HOD
Email: mtobi6@eq.edu.au

ELEARNING

OneNote update

A sample of Years 7, 8 and 11 students were recently surveyed about their use of OneNote. As many parents would know, OneNote is becoming a central part of how we use technology at Centenary, and allows students to seamlessly access materials, collaborate and get feedback.

The results of the survey has been encouraging with most students using OneNote for 4 or more of their subjects. Students also rated their own OneNote skills and that of their teachers quite highly (3.5/5 and 4/5 respectively).

Some results from the recent survey

Comments from students were also very encouraging. According to one student,

OneNote is a fantastic tool to use for school and when I am away, I can catch up easily with the work because it is on OneNote. OneNote is extremely efficient and very handy when it comes to school work. I can create books that can be shared with others in my group for assignments and for committees too. Overall OneNote is amazing tool to use.

How can parents get involved with OneNote?

Some parents have asked to how they can best support their students to use OneNote. The easiest thing to do is to ask your child for a tour of their class OneNote notebooks. By using the OneNote app or by logging in at the website below your child can show you what is available and the work they have been completing.

Example student notebook in the OneNote App

Look for these 3 areas in each class notebook:

Organisation of a OneNote Class Notebook

Content library

This acts like a textbook, where the teacher has complete control and students can read and copy. Presentations, overviews and assessment guides will usually be found in the content library.

Collaboration Space

Students and teachers can work together in the content library. This is most used for group projects and idea-sharing

Student notebooks

This is a private space between the teacher and the student. Students complete their work primarily in the area. Teachers use it to set work, review progress and give feedback.

Live OneNote demonstration and Q&A – Wednesday 17 July at 4.30pm

For parents and caregivers interested in knowing more about OneNote, there will be an online web-conference on Wednesday, 17 of July. To register your interest, please send an email to jwhit732@eq.edu with the subject line: OneNote web conference. I look forward to meeting you there.

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

ENGLISH

The newly introduced SATE ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL) course offers our students texts that are more accessible to second language learners along with explicit language and literacy instruction. EAL is a general senior subject which is accepted in Universities across Australia.

Unit 2 addresses the issue of “Belonging” with a specific focus on refugees and foreign adoption. Classes have just completed a study of Khaled Hosseini’s Kite Runner, the story of friendship between two Afghani boys of different ethnicities. To further enhance their studies, lead teacher, Sue McDonald invited a former student to come and address the EAL classes. Sue first taught Raziq Qasimi at Milpera in 2010. Raziq entered Australia as an asylum seeker from Afghanistan and was ultimately granted refugee status. He attended Coorparoo State College and won a scholarship to Brisbane Boys Grammar through the Queensland Program of Assistance for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT), an NGO organisation. Raziq is about to graduate from QUT with a dual degree in Justice Studies and Law but before he does that, he is off to Geneva, Switzerland as QPASTT’s representative to the United Nations Refugee Commission (UNHCR).

Sue organised a visit to the EAL classes in Week 9 where Raziq was welcomed. He shared his journey with our students, explaining how the world is currently experiencing an unprecedented refugee crisis as a result of conflict, war and persecution. At present, over 70 million human beings are displaced persons, a figure not seen since World War II. Raziq is a proud Hazara who likewise boasts he is a proud Aussie. He willingly answered our students’ questions and discussed the contributions refugees make to their host nations.

We thank Raziq for his visit and hope he will be back to talk to our Essential English students as well.

Jennifer Elliot
A/HOD English jelli374@eq.edu.au

HUMANITIES/LOTE

German News!

Our super clever Year 7 German students really ‘stepped up’ this term studying the eating habits of Germans and other cultures around the world. They created dialogues, in which they spoke in German about their likes, dislikes and heathy food choices. We had the good fortune to have a German student here on exchange to assist them during the practise phase. Alina was very impressed at the standard of their ability to converse with each other.

Und was essen Sie gern zum Frühstück? (What do you like to east for breakfast?)

Year 8 German students also had speaking assessment this term. They created a dialogue they might use on a virtual shopping trip to Germany. Was hätten Sie gern bitte? (What would you like please?) They learnt much about German culture and were able to replicate the formal language used in this situation, in their scripts.

Unfortunately, the Year 8s had their last compulsory semester of language, as many showed a real aptitude for the subject!

Both classes were able to incorporate a number of grammatical structures, which they revised and reflected upon in English including:

• Definite and indefinite articles
• Compound & the personal pronouns
• Modal verbs & infinitives of the verbs used for eating/ drinking/ shopping etc.
• Polite conversation and the formal register
• Correct use of singular & plurals
• Prepositions of location and contractions
• Why and how the word order changes (in German), when using subordinating conjunctions.

Wiewiel davon wissen Sie noch? (How many do you still know?)

I look forward to teaching different Years 7 & 8 German classes again next semester, as students in the junior school rotate through other elective subjects.

Los Fùtbolisimo

On Tuesday the 14 of May, we were privileged to attend an excursion to the Palace Cinema, in Fortitude Valley, where we watched Los Futbolisimos, a film part of the Spanish Film festival, celebrating Hispanic culture. It was about a junior soccer team from the school Soto Alto, who investigated why their referees are falling asleep mid game. The movie had us falling out of our seats with laughter and was a wonderful insight into Spanish football and youth culture. We found ourselves heavily invested in the characters’ lives and affairs, cheering loudly for their successes, and booing whenever a problem arose. This really created a great atmosphere in the movie theatre. La película fue super chévere! This excursion was available to students in the Hispanic Appreciation STEP program or in Year 8 Spanish.

Ahora en español,

Los Fùtbolisimos

Martes el catorce de mayo, fuimos privilegiados de atender una excursión al Palace Cinema, en Fortitude Valley, donde nos vimos «Los Futbolisimos», una película que fue parte del festival de películas españolas, celebrando la cultura hispana. Se trata de un equipo juvenil de fútbol de la escuela, Soto Alto, quienes investigaron porque sus árbitros se dormían durante sus partidos. Nos caímos de las sillas de la risa durante la película, Fue una maravillosa demostración de la cultura española de fútbol y juventud. Nos vimos muy interesados por las vidas y los asuntos de los personajes, aplaudiendo duro por sus triunfos, y renegando cada vez que hubo un problema, esto creó una atmósfera en el teatro. La película fue super chévere. Esta excursión fue disponible a los estudiantes del programa STEP de Apreciación Hispana o aquellos haciendo español de octavo

Muchas gracias,
Jake & Juanjo
Year 9 Students

Luminous Lantern Parade - By: Georgia McGrath

On the 7 of June 2019, Centenary State High School participated in the annual Luminous Lantern Parade Festival held in Southbank. The parade was organised by Multicultural Development Australia and was held in support of new Queenslanders and refugees. The event, celebrating multiculturism, involved many dancers, musical performances, and wonderful entertainment acts.

While we joined other schools and multi-cultural organisations in the parade, our school group carried a bright, goldfish lantern, created by the organisers of the Lismore Lantern Parade in the carried high in the night sky. Tyler Hogdkiss, a Year 8 student, had the honour of carrying our awesome goldfish lantern the entire length of the parade. Within the crowd of families and children who came to enjoy the night’s incredible events, there was much amazement of just how spectacular the lanterns looked in the sky. Along with our lantern, many schools and organisations were given posters with inspiring cultural messages to carry and show off while walking in the parade as well.

The night was spectacular and I enjoyed every minute of it. Seeing the excitement of the children’s faces as they watched the magnificent lanterns stream by, made me feel overjoyed. Every person I saw was either smiling or laughing, having a fabulous time. There was a strong feeling of acceptance within the community and the fact we were seen as one made the night even more special. I would definitely recommend attending this amazing, culturally inviting event next year as it was a night I will never forget.

Adrian Skerritt, Humanities /LOTE HOD
Email: asker6@eq.edu.au

THE ARTS

It has been a massive month for the arts department with many major events and successes.

More Choral Success

Following on from our success at Choral Fanfare last month, our choirs have had even more success. At the end of the heats our Jazz Choir was selected one of the 8 secondary school metropolitan region finalists who performed at the Old Museum on Thursday 13 June. Our students performed brilliantly, looked wonderful, and most importantly had a great time up on stage. While they did not progress to the next round, they upheld Centenary to the highest level and absolutely did us and themselves proud. Thank you to all of our singers, and of course to our amazing choir conductor, arranger and alumni, Alex Van den Broek for all of her hard work and dedication.

We also received the news that the Vocal Ensemble has once again been chosen as a national finalist in the Australian A Cappella Awards. They will be competing in Melbourne in September against seven other schools, flying the flag for state education and Queensland! Well done to all involved!

Open Day

Our annual Open Day was a great day to showcase the many wonderful areas of the arts. We had musical performances, media and arts activities and many engaging and meaningful conversations with prospective parents across the afternoon.

Gala Concert

On Wednesday 12 June we held our Instrumental and Choral Music Gala concert at Riverlife Baptist Church. More than 230 students across nine ensembles performed a range of music right across the musical spectrum, from Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss, to Jimi Hendrix, Queen and Kimbra. The performances were brilliant, and a culmination of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Congratulations to all of the staff and students involved in this magnificent event!

Public Performance

Natesha Lovell, one of our Year 12 students joined with students and staff from Kenmore SHS to form a Flute Ensemble for a recent public performance. They performed a program of Mozart, Bach and Tchaikovsky as part of the Pro Musica choral Concert on 2nd June at St. Mary’s Anglican Church Kangaroo Point. She was joined by our woodwind teacher Mrs Fiona Harvey and 2018 graduate Jenna White.

Drama Workshops

The Year 10 & 12 drama classes have recently completed working with Kellie Lazarus, a Queensland Theatre Company practitioner, on two different styles of theatre – Documentary Theatre and Epic Theatre. Throughout their two week workshops, they worked with different stimulus (news articles, images, poems, songs and documentary footage) to create drama based on global issues, for the purpose of delivering a strong message to their audience. The students were heavily engaged in the workshops and it was a great experience for them to be exposed to a professional workshop with someone in the Arts industry!

MOST

Earlier in the year we reported that Joshua Rosen had accepted a place in the Education Queensland MOST program for Musically Outstanding students. We were thrilled to get notification last week that year 11 bass player Cooper Le Brocq has received a late call up to the week-long camp in Week 10 of Term 2. We wish Cooper and Josh a great week of music making!

Finally, an article on the benefits of singing and the science of singing.

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

YEAR LEVEL COORDINATORS

Year 12 Report

The time is passing so quickly this year, I thought it is now an opportune time to explain the end of year celebrations – the Formal followed by the Mystery Tour and the Graduation Ceremony.

Formal

The formal is a closed event for Year 12 students only. It will be a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate the end of their secondary schooling in a fun and sophisticated environment. Traditionally, many students like to show up in a flashy car and then stroll down the red carpet linking the drop-off area to the entrance… we have had students arrive in sports cars, fire engines, hummers, motorcycle cavalcades and vintage roadsters. Dinner begins at 7pm. The package includes a two-course meal, non-alcoholic drinks, photobooth, DJ and security.

Mystery Tour

The Mystery Tour commences shortly after the Formal. It is an organised way for students to extend their evening’s celebration with a truly memorable event. Year 12s will have to change out of formal attire and meet at the school by 11.30pm. Students should carefully plan transport and changing arrangements to avoid missing the bus. Buses will collect us from the Yallambee Rd bus stop, then we will tour several ‘surprise’ locations throughout the South East. Teachers and employees at the various venues will provide supervision. We will arrive back at School at around 10.00am the next morning.

Graduation

The Year 12 Graduation Ceremony will be held on the morning of Friday the 15 of November. The invitation for this event is for Year 12s parents/carers and family members to attend. A morning tea will follow the Graduation Ceremony for Year 12s and their family.

I will be providing more information regarding these events later this year. Thanks as always for your support, and please contact me if you have any issues or would just like to have a chat.

Warm regards

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

Year 11 Report

Term 3 is just around the corner!

Good Study Habits: The second of two “Elevate” sessions “Study Sensei” was delivered in Week 6 to all students in their HG classes. The material provided by this company, which specialises in preparing students for senior, lends itself to small group delivery. Please access materials designed to assist in supporting solid study habits at home, via Elevate’s website. A presenter from the company spoke to this at the last parent information evening on May 27. Please email me for the password if you would like to log in.

Student Mindfulness: Our Senior Guidance Officer Juanita Oberle and Kirsten Anstey, our SBMHN presented a session on mindfulness to all HG classes over the last three weeks of term. HG teachers followed up with sessions in HG. We hope these sessions were of benefit to students, by providing a number of excellent resources.

Containers for Change: (C4C) recycling program is running along smoothly. We have been collecting around five bins of plastic and other recyclable waste each fortnight, with funds from the program going to P&C.

Semi-Formal is planned for the evening of August 13, which is the evening before the Exhibition Wednesday holiday. Traditionally, students (and teachers!) dress in costume around a theme, voted for by the cohort for this event. A fashion show here at school is held prior to loading into buses for the evening cruise on the Brisbane River. A permission slip with details should be in your email box by the time you read this newsletter. Please encourage your son or daughter to attend and bring their permission slips, along with payment by the due date to ADMIN. If you pay electronically, permission slips can go straight to their HG teacher or myself.

Jerseys are the next big ticket item…Students have told me they are really looking forward to this traditional milestone. I hope to have orders in for 2020 by October, so that Jerseys are available by the beginning of Term 1 next year.

On the issue of money... I have arranged for the RACQ to return to present a seminar to all Year 11s called “ Cash IQ” This will take place during HG Lesson 3 on Day 1 of Term 3. (Monday July 15)

Personal Safety: Please remind your son/ daughter not to leave valuables in their school bag, but to keep wallets/ purses / laptops with them.

Please contact your student’s HG teacher (or me) if you have concerns regarding the welfare of your son or daughter. Our deputy principal for the year is Adam Richter. arich60@eq.edu.au

Debra Mansini (Year 11 Coordinator)

• Last Day of Term 2
• Day 1 Term 3 July 15
• *Semi-Formal August 13

Debra Mansini, Year 11 Coordinator
Email: dmans17@eq.edu.au

Year 9 Report

Year 9 Team Building Day

Last Monday (June 10), the year nine cohort had their annual team building day at the Jindalee Jags Oval. This day was all about coming together, as a cohort, to take part in team building activities, which were completed in our HG groups. The element of this day that was the most fun was getting to see the themes and hear the war cries that all the other HG’s had come up with. We had themes ranging from political parties to hippies and even horses! And the war cries were all so unique. It was amazing to see all the creativity everyone had put into their themes.

The activities we all took part in were challenging in a fun way. My favourite activity was the pipeline. This involved my class and I working as a team to get a ping pong from one cone to another, using pipes in the quickest time possible. Believe me it’s a lot harder than it sounds.

Team building days are an awesome day to dress up, get to know your cohort, and bond with your HG. Sadly, this is the last team building Day the current year nines will attend, as next year we move into senior schooling, but the memories will be something I’ll have forever.

Olivia Boyd, Year 9 leader

Kate George, Year 9 Coordinator
Email: Kgeor38@eq.edu.au

Year 8 Report

On Monday the 3 of June, the Year 8 cohort participated in their first Team Building Day. The aim of the day was to build a strong sense of team cohesion between students and their HG teachers, as well as assisting our young adolescents in their social and emotional development. In my humble opinion, the day was an amazing opportunity for some of our underdogs to rise as leaders throughout the sessions and I could not be more proud of this group of young people.

Our Home Group teachers worked with their classes for weeks leading up to this day, and without their enthusiasm and dedication to create a sense of team spirit with their students, the day would not have been the success that it was. Mr Germain and Ms Lynch also showed their support for this year level and their presence made the day even more special.

Our groundskeepers, John Pitt and Terry O’Brien, graciously assisted us with setup and pack up, as well as organising some volunteers from the Rotary club to help cook and serve lunch to the hungry young leaders. We could not be more thankful for the support of these wonderful gents.

Moolanda 8A, led by the fantastic Ms Tesch, won the spirit award and a Pizza Party prize for their efforts. One student from each HG also received the ‘Players Player’ award, based on their engagement and spirit, and received a certificate and tuckshop voucher for their hard work.

But, enough from me. Here’s what Year 8 leader, Nathan F, had to say about the day:

On Monday we had the Year 8 Teambuilding Day. The purpose of the day was to work with your HG and complete activities as a team, as well as encouraging team members and other HG’s on throughout the day. Points were awarded to HGs for winning activities and for their team spirit. Team building day was a day of bonding with your HG’s and having a bit of fun. Team building day was a massive hit as students enjoyed a day of fun and de-stressing whilst taking home team work and leadership skills provided by the Character Builders Team.

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

Year 7 Report

On 21 and 22 May, our Year 7 students participated in the Identity & Purpose experience as part of the High Resolves Citizenship Program. Our students were enthusiastic representatives of our school and rose to the challenge to explore the role that our own personal identities play in how we interact, and how to respond to harmful divisions and create more inclusive communities.

Find Your People

How do you decide where you belong? That’s exactly what our students had to do – but for a totally different identity! Each student was given a new identity and challenged to ‘find their people’ by interacting with others in a series of rounds. It was amazing to see our Year 7s moving around and trying to figure out where their new identity fit best into the group, and then reflect on the choices they made during the activity. This led them to comparing the idea of ‘unity with diversity’ to what happens in their own communities.

Perception and Reality, Inclusive or Divisive and One People

What is a bias? And how does it affect the way we think and act? What could happen if we don’t take bias into account?

The students worked in small groups to really understand how our perceptions of ourselves and others can escalate to discrimination and extreme violence. It was eye opening for many of them to realise how common it is to see acts of bias, and inspiring to hear their reflections about the possible impact and their desire to create change.

Have you ever asked yourself what one person on their own could do to create a more inclusive community? Our students did! They got to practice how and when to respond to divisive views and behaviours and to envision what a truly inclusive community might look like.

What do you resolve to do?

Change doesn’t happen without action, and our students wanted to create change! At the end of the experience, each student was asked to complete their own ‘I resolve to’ card, taking up the challenge to commit to an action they could take to make their school, community, neighbourhood or the wider world a more inclusive place.

At the end of the workshop, we asked them: What is something new that you are thinking about because of this workshop? Here are some of their replies.

"I am thinking how similar everyone actually is and how everyone should be inclusive"

"That we are like light bulbs. It doesn't matter about the outside (the bulb) but our character (the light) is what makes a difference"

"I'm thinking that brain priming is or could be dangerous"

"That I can actually do something to make a difference"

"I am now thinking whether or not if I have said something wrong"

"How many people are being left out and how this affects the way we act"

"How people are so different but similar, however people can care so much about the differences and that can be mean"

We also asked them to rate how important they think it is that other young people do the same workshop (the average rating was 8.5/10), and here are some of their justifications for why others should experience it:

"Because in this world, young tweens need to remember we are equals"

"Because it is very important that people know not to judge people and that they know what to do when something like this happens"

"It gets young people thinking insightfully about themselves, others, and the world. It is inspiring and you learn many valuable things"

"Students my age need to understand how to handle these situations and how to prevent them"

"I think that kids like us should realise how sometimes we could be judging someone different from us without knowing or that not everyone is the same and I think having this workshop is really important and is very effective and enjoyable"

"Because it is important that we learn about this, so us as the next generation can be motivated to bring change"

Student Leaders, Elizabeth and Ashton wrote the following summaries of their experiences:

High Resolves - By Elizabeth

Can you make a difference in the world? Can you do anything to help stop the judgement and division that is still going on in the world? What is your vision for a better community?

These are just some of the questions Year 7s had the opportunity to ponder over and discuss. On the 21 of May I had the opportunity to experience a workshop called ‘High Resolves’. At the start of the session, 2 kids in the group of about 60 responded ‘yes’ to these questions, while most- including myself- said ‘no’. By the end of the day, every single person felt like they could change the world. How did this happen? Carrie from the ‘High Resolves’ organisation led through a multitude of meaningful games and group activities. We had heaps of insightful discussion about ourselves, our generation, how we view the world, and how we interact with others. We were inspired by real-life examples of how people have impacted society. My favourite part about the whole thing was the perfect silence at the end when we were asked to make self-reflections about our discoveries. You could just tell that everyone was thinking hard. I personally am still thinking about some of the things Carrie said 24 hours later!

Thank you for allowing us to do this. It was so valuable. I hope many more young people get to do this, too. I know that we all feel incredibly empowered and we all have made high resolves!

High Resolves - By Ashton

Recently, I had the privilege to see the High Resolves presentation! It was an amazing thing to see because it gave us the chance to sit down and think that in other places, people are getting brutally bullied and being disrespected because of their skin colour. The presenter (Carrie) was really helpful because she taught us fun and unique games that helped with our teamwork and getting along! Overall, this was an amazing experience and I really appreciate having the chance to do this!

Karyn Abraham, Year 7 Coordinator
Email: kabra21@eq.edu.au