19 September 2019 Volume 21 Number 9

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

PRINCIPAL

News from the Principal

The end of Term 3 is always a critical period for our senior students. In recent weeks, Year 12s have sat the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test followed by an exam block. This was the last QCS test as the current OP system concludes at the end of this year. Student performance in this testing period will be instrumental in informing final subject achievement. During the QCS, students who did not sit the test were engaged in a Transition Program, which required them to complete outstanding coursework, engage in Work Experience and attend a mock job interview. Additionally, students with outstanding course work were required to attend school during the exam block. This process supports our 2019 school target of 100% QCE Attainment upon exit.

Year 11 students in the New QCE will conclude Unit 2 early in Term 4. Their Unit 3 results will contribute to their ATAR calculation.

Year 10 students and caregivers have recently engaged in the SETP process as a means of informing senior pathway and subject selection. I trust that the quality dialogue with Senior Staff around individual student aptitude, achievement and aspiration will realise good decision making.

Staff

Acting Deputy Principal Angela McKay will be taking leave from the commencement of Term 4 and will be replaced by Head of Inclusive Practices Dr Deb McIntyre. Angela has made a very strong contribution to the school over many years particularly in the areas of Junior Secondary and literacy. Di Huber will act as HIP behind Dr Deb McIntyre.

Production

Congratulations to all staff and students involved in the recent Beyond the Big Top production which was written by our own Cultural Coordinator Mark Watkins. As always the show, which involved approximately 150 students, was highly entertaining and enjoyed by participants and the audience alike. Behind all this was the hundreds of hours, committed by staff in the organisation and preparation of the show. Well done to all.

Work Experience

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

Learning Devices 2020

Building on the success of this year’s Digital Learning program in Years 7, 8 and 11, we will be expanding this program to all 6 cohorts in 2020. All students will be required to bring a digital learning device to school. We are becoming more reliant upon a digital textbook platform as a resource and working tool for students as well as OneNote as a collaborative learning tool. We have found that window devices work best with the school network.

NAPLAN Results

The NAPLAN testing program is one measure of school performance. It is particularly useful in gauging the specific areas or strength and weakness in individual students. Highlights include the Year 7 Upper Two Band performance of 41.4% (Grammar and Punctuation) and 37.3% (Numeracy). Writing remains our weakest performance area in both Year Levels.

The school will interrogate this data further to

• Identify students for further support
• Identify the high quality teaching practices that are contributing to these outstanding results
• Review discretionary funding to best support improvement

2019 NAPLAN SUMMARY

Student Uniform

The introduction of the tracksuit pants to the school uniform has generally been a success with the majority of students wearing them correctly. Our Uniform Code only allows the tracksuit pants to be worn in Terms 2 and 3.

Student Success

There are plenty of good news stories around the school at present. Congratulations to our Vocal Ensemble who again made it to the finals of the Australian A Cappella Championships which was held recently in Melbourne.

Our Senior Boys Basketball team has made it to the semi-finals of the Metropolitan School Sport finals.

And finally congratulations to Year 12 Students Ishaan Cheema, David Dau and Sam Muharem who have won the National ChooseMaths competition and will receive their award in Melbourne early next term.

Enjoy your Spring Holiday

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

Year 10 SETP Process and Subject Selections

All Year 10 students have now completed their SETP interviews and subject selections. We are now in the process of developing the timetable for 2020 based on these subject selections. There may be some instances where subject selection numbers do not meet minimum requirements, which may mean that we will not be able to offer that subject. If this occurs for your son/daughter we will interview them individually and develop the best option for them. If you have any questions around the transition into Year 11, please contact the school to discuss further.

Semester 2 Interim Reports

Term 3 Interim reports for Years 7 to 10 and Year 12, will be sent to all parents by the end of Week 1 Term 4. This report is designed to give students and parents’ feedback which reflects how students are progressing with regard to their result, effort and behaviour for their subject in Term 3. Year 11 students will have their report sent after the completion of the Unit 2 Exam Block in Week 3, Term 4. The Year 11 report will give an indication to students about how they are progressing at the end of Unit 2 (the mid-point of their senior subject). Year 11 students will then enter the summative phase of Unit 3 and 4 in the New QCE System.

Please make sure that your contact details, especially your e-mail address, is up to date so that you do not miss out on this important information. If any contact details have changed can you please inform the office staff.

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

2019 Fees

Thank you to the families who have paid the 2019 school fees. Your payments are greatly appreciated and go directly to enhancing the learning of your child/children.

For those families who have not yet paid, a “Debtor Statement” for school fees will be processed, and parents/carers will receive these either by email or by post shortly. 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. An overview of all fees and charges can be located on our website. 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.

Changes to the Payment of Excursion

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

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.

How to make a payment

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

BPOINT Option

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHONE OR COUNTER 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.

Lost Property

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

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

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

STUDENT LEADERSHIP COORDINATOR

News from the Student Leadership Coordinator

The student forum had a great success with RSPCA Cupcake Day, raising over $1000 to help animals. The forum is now turning the focus towards itself and the student body. We are considering what it is to be a leader elected to represent a group of people. We are forming small working committees to develop some projects for us to make improvements to the student life here at school. If you have any ideas, please talk to your student forum representatives!

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

GUIDANCE

News from the Guidance Officers

Exam Survival Tips

Sometimes the stress of upcoming exams can make you focus and get motivated to study. Other times it can make you feel overwhelmed and like the only option is to give up.

Try these tips for tackling exam study:

• Find a quiet place to study without distractions
• Set up your study space. Make sure it’s not too cluttered and has everything you might need
• Find out as much as you can about the exam so you can prepare
• Ask your teacher if you’re unsure of what will be tested
• Learn to make ‘mind maps’ and use them to collect ideas and thoughts, use bright colours to help remember important links
• Make a plan of what you want to work on in each study session. Break it down into small tasks and work on one task at a time
• Take regular short breaks – use this time to have a drink, get something to eat or play with a pet
• Ask for help - If you’re having trouble with something you’re studying ask a teacher, friend, sibling or parent to help

While studying

• Stick to a routine by eating and sleeping at around the same time each day
• Get a good night’s sleep. This gives your brain time to recharge and remember what you’ve learnt
• Give yourself mini rewards once you achieve your study goals – watch a TV show or go for a run
• Keep focused on your study – don’t let other stuff like friendship worries distract you
• Avoid junk food - it will bring a sudden burst of energy and then fall away quickly leaving you feeling worn-out
• Eat a well-balanced diet - lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts and protein are all good for the brain and energy levels
• Allow yourself time to rest – try out some relaxation activities like deep breathing, meditation or listening to music
• Cut back on energy drinks they can increase nerves. Drink lots of water instead!

On exam day

• Work out what you need to take with you on exam day and organise this the night before
• Eat a good, light breakfast – this will help with energy and concentration
• Go to the toilet before the exam starts
• If you feel yourself getting worried before your exam - spend some time focussing on your breathing
• When you sit down to do your exam, take time to slow your breathing and relax
• Read through the exam paper carefully. Underline key words and instructions
• Work out how long you have for each question or section
• Aim to have time to re-read answers through and to make any changes
• Work on the questions that you find easiest first

If you are feeling stressed about exams, you are not alone. Talk to a trusted friend, parent, teacher, or your Guidance Officer. Kids Helpline is also available on 1800 55 1800, or by WebChat or email.

Acknowledgement: Kids Helpline, https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/exam-stress

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

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

SCHOOL BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE

RU Okay Day at Centenary SHS Thursday 12 September

Launched in 2009, RU Okay day has now become an Australia-wide national campaign to genuinely change behaviour and get Aussies asking R U Okay? Their mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.

At Centenary SHS the Student Wellbeing Team organised the Breakfast event. Chappie Bernie cooked a delicious pancake breakfast outside CPAC to bring students and staff together to encourage them to meaningfully ask those around them ‘R U Okay’. Postcards, with links to on-line resources, were handed out by our student wellbeing ambassadors.

We want everyone in our school community to know that if something’s up with someone you know – there’s something going on in their life or you notice a change in what they’re doing or saying – it’s time to trust that gut instinct and ask them “Are you OK?”

The Student Support Team are very happy to offer further support and referral.

Kirsten Anstey, School-Based Youth Health Nurse

CHAPLAIN

News from the Chaplain

Food for Thought

Over the last few weeks I have talk to students whose family situation is changing because of a separation. I found this information very helpful:

Talking to kids about changes to family structure it’s important to tell your children that you and your partner will be separating as early as possible so they have more time to adjust to the change. Here is a suggested plan to help you talk to your children about separation.

1. Decide when, where and how you are going to tell the kids. Ideally, also decide ahead of time if you will tell the kids together or separately. Even if you don't have all the answers about what will happen next or how things will work, it's important to tell children what's going on before anything changes – and especially before one parent moves out. Sometimes it's hard when there's tension between parents, but this conversation can be easier to have if everyone is present. Parents can back each other up so children can see that both parents will support them even though their family structure is changing.
2. Explain clearly, and in an age appropriate way, that you and your partner won't be together anymore. Try not to blame the other parent or say bad things about them. Calmly explain that you won't be living together as a family anymore and how things will work in the future. Reassure children that even though you won't live together as a family, both parents still care about them and love them very much.
3. Give children the opportunity to ask questions. Children often want to know what it means for them and how things will be different. They might ask how they will get to school, whether or not they can bring things when they go to the other parent's new house and what will happen to family pets. Some children will want to know why their parents are separating or getting divorced. If this is the case, a calm, matter-of-fact response is often best. Before you talk to your children, consider planning how you will answer these sorts of questions.

And don’t forget to manage your own stress. Strong feelings and mood swings are part of a normal reaction when you separate, so allow yourself time to come to terms with feelings of grief and loss.

To contact me, School Chaplain, you can a) email me on bmcmu27@eq.edu.au b) Phone me on 33734531 or c) make an appointment at the Guidance reception. I am situated in the Wellbeing Hub near Admin, I am available to speak to parents and students Three days a week (Wednesday, Thursday & Friday).

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

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Sports Director Report

Interhouse Lunchtime Sporting Competition

Interhouse lunchtime competitions have now completed Basketball, Volleyball and Touch Football. The House Captains have been doing a wonderful job coordinating these competitions and motivating the students. It is fantastic to see the House Captains taking on a leadership role and also to see so many students competing and playing sport during the break times.

Sean Kendrick

Sean Kendrick represented Met West at the State Championship earlier this year and as a result qualified to represent QLD in the Nationals. Sean trains extremely hard in order to achieve at this level and it goes to show that hard work pays off. He obtained 8th place in Multiclass out of 10 for his age group 14/15 yrs for Australia. Sean came 4th in his time trial for 1 km running a 5min.27 sec. Congratulations Sean!

SEQ Met Finals

Centenary SHS Open Boys Basketball Team went through to the third round of the SEQ Met Finals. The team defeated Sandgate SHS 60 – 44 in a polished all round display. The team went on to overcome a 12 point deficit in the final to defeat Alexandra Hills by 2. Unfortunately in the third round against Dakabin SHS the Open Boys were defeated. It is a huge achievement to make it to the third round.

Congratulations to Mr Haines. He trained the team in his own time in order to further develop their skills. Mr Haines commitment to the team and his dedication to the Centenary SHS sports department is truly commendable. Teams do not make round 3 of Met Finals without a truly committed coach.

Queensland Athletics Nitro All Schools

Centenary SHS Junior Girls Team did themselves and the school proud by competing well against some of the top Athletics schools in South East Queensland. With a few late withdrawals from the team the girls had to take on additional events in order to fill the void but dug deep and gave their all. With all team members from Year 7 competing in the 13/14 years category, we gave up to two years to some other athletes and this will definitely hold the girls in good stead for future years. Congratulations to all the athletes and to Mr Haines for coordinating and running a very successful Athletics program at Centenary SHS.

Touch Football

All four teams are training for the QLD All Schools that will be held in Week 1 of Term 4. Students have been very committed to attending training sessions before school and during AM breaks. Trial games were also held at Centenary SHS against Ambrose Treacy. These games were a fantastic way to prepare for the upcoming Championship. This is the first year that Centenary SHS has entered four teams. Thank you to Mr Richter and Mrs Chadburn for giving up their time to also help in the coaching of just over 50 students. Update about the QLD AllSchools will be in the next newsletter. Good luck to all teams.

Swimming Carnival 2019

On Thursday 5 December students in grades 7, 8 and 9 will go to the Jindalee Swimming Pool for the annual swimming carnival. The students will participate in all four strokes and relays. Only 50m events will be held. Students can use these times to enter the District Swimming Carnival in Week 3 of Term 1 in 2020 or their club times. The carnival will also cater for all students and a lot of novelty events will also be held. The carnival is a nice way to finish the year and for the students to get involved and enjoy a day of dancing, singing, cheering and of course swimming.

Sports Awards

The sports awards for 2019 will be held in Term 4. Students that have achieved a gold or silver medal in sport will be recognised on this night for their sporting achievements. Mrs Nasalio has now put up on the noticeboard a list that contains your name and then your sporting achievement. This is the responsibility of all students to ensure that all of their achievements are listed and the point allocation is correct.

You get sporting points for the following:

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

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

The gremlin sheet process is now open and will close on Friday 20 September. Once again it is the student’s responsibility to make sure their achievements are accurate!

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

FACULTIES

ELEARNING

ICT competition success for Year 11 Student

On Saturday 24th August, Year 11 student Josh Beaman received a prestigious award for his innovative use of ICT. You might have seen his amazing pneumatic guitar-playing robot at Open Day. This project won the South-East Queensland senior division of Young ICT Explorers, an annual competition for students to showcase their Information and Communication Technology skills. Josh is now eligible to enter the national final held in Sydney in December.

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

ENGLISH

News from English

This year two of our Year 12 students, David Dau and Mollie Taylor, represented Centenary SHS in the Evatt United Nations Youth Forum competition. David and Mollie made it through the first round, which left them one of 30 out of the original 120 teams. After another successful round, they moved into the State Finals held at Parliament House. Representing the Dominican Republic, they did an admirable job negotiating and debating the proposal under discussion. Of the fifteen teams in the final, David and Mollie did not make the final five, but were highly commended and runners-up. It was inspiring to watch these young people and witness their skills in coping in a high-pressure situation. Students in Years 10 and 11 are encouraged to consider getting involved with Evatt next year.

Thanks to Ms Long for coaching and supporting five of our students in the English Speaking Union public speaking competition. David Dau had further success, winning the final with an amazing impromptu speech (which the judges and lecturers from the University of Queensland, stated was the best they had ever heard), “Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” (Abraham Lincoln)

Our Year 7 debaters will take part in their Round 4 debate this Wednesday night. This is a short preparation round, and our students are very excited by the idea of having only one hour to prepare their case. We wish them the best of luck.

I am thrilled that public speaking is going from strength to strength at Centenary, and I greatly appreciate the hard work of the teachers in the English faculty who coach our speakers and debating teams. Ms Long is currently working with students in preparation for the English Speaking Union junior competition.

In recent weeks Year 10 students, and their parents, completed the SET Plan process. The decision in English is whether to enrol in one of the three General English subjects (English, Literature or English as an Additional Language) or the Applied subject (Essential English) for Years 11 and 12. Students need to be aware that, in each of these subjects, they will be required to complete at least one speaking task per year. Tasks of this kind are also completed in Years 7 – 10 so, by Senior, all students should be comfortable in giving speaking presentations. Spoken communication is a twenty-first century skill that our young people need to master, so they can go out into the world with confidence and successfully interact in many different contexts; such as job interviews and dealing with customers or clients.

With this in mind, our Year 12 English students recently completed their final speaking task. The Year 12 teaching team were inspired by the range of topics and the passion shown by these wonderful young adults in their presentations.

ICAS: the results of the Writing and English competitions will be announced, and certificates distributed, early in Term 4.

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

THE ARTS

Welcome to the final newsletter of Term 3, the year is flying by so fast! Term 3 has been packed full of learning, assessment, performances, productions, exhibitions and more, and I look forward to sharing some of this with you below.

Student Success

Congratulations to Year 12 visual art student Noah Gilroy, who has had his work selected to be exhibited in the Creative Generation Excellence in Visual Art Awards. Over 400 students had works submitted during the nomination process, with only a quarter of those works selected to represent the region at the exhibition, so we are super proud of Noah and his superb artwork. The artwork is a series of digitally manipulated photographs exploring the unit concept of ‘Identity’ and Noah has intertwined his love of sport and skiing in his exploration.

Congratulations also to the members of the Centenary SHS Stage Band, who were invited to perform at the Lord Mayor’s Lunchtime Series Concert, and had the opportunity to perform on the stage of Brisbane City Hall. This lunch time series has been running for many years, and this was the first time a school group was selected to perform at the event, which had an audience of over 1000 people. We performed on the day with students from Pullenvale SS, and had one audience member comment ‘the teachers and students from both schools richly deserve the standing ovation accorded to them for their wonderful performance at City Hall’. Well done to the stage band and Mr Lougheed.

Congratulations to the Centenary Vocal Ensemble, who performed in Melbourne at the National A Cappella Championships. Whilst the girls didn’t get a place, they performed brilliantly in a fiercely competitive section in a competition attracting some of Australia’s best student musicians.

Extra-Curricular News

The 2019 production, Beyond the Big Top made its successful stage debut during August, to the delight of over 400 audience members across three shows. The students shone on stage, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all the students and staff involved. A huge thank you to all of the staff for the many hours and extra work to allow this opportunity for our students.

Twenty-two students braved the icy winds and freezing temperatures of Melbourne for the 2019 Cultural Tour. The students supported the Centenary Vocal Ensemble, by attending their performance at the AUSACA Championships, as well as enjoying a walking street tour of Melbourne’s cultural landmarks and laneways, seeing Melbourne from the sky in the Eureka Skytower, visiting Her Majesty’s Theatre for a performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, visiting the Comedy Theatre for a performance of Come From Away, playing tourists on the beach at Brighton and the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes, eating Italian on the famous Lygon Street and enjoying the wares on offer at the Queen Victoria Markets. The students were commended on their magnificent manners everywhere we went, and were a real credit to the both the school and the Arts faculty.

Classroom News

As part of the school’s strategic direction in 2019, we have been actively seeking to improve student writing in every subject, across every year level. We’d like to share some of those examples with you so you can read for yourself the types of writing students are producing in our subjects. In this edition, I share with you two junior examples. The first, belongs to Year 8 Performance Plus student Josie Ross, and is an example of a theatre review, following the class excursion to School of Rock earlier in the term.

Year 7 Music Plus has begun for 2019 and the students have been busy studying Program Music; music inspired by a stimulus. They have explored Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons (Spring and Winter) and many other pieces of music that describe a scene. In addition, the students learnt how to use the notation software MuseScore, to compose their own work that responds to a stimulus. Students have focussed on learning about the music elements and have been analysing a wide range of compositions. One of these is “Aquarium” written by French composer, Camille Saint-Saens. Students deconstructed the musical elements and then wrote an analytical essay that explained how the music represents a variety of aquarium scenes embedded in the music, including rippling water, bubbles rising and fish swimming. They have been incorporating the Write That Essay sentence styles into their writing with great results. This example comes from Year 7 student, Elizabeth.

Program music, which is music purposefully manipulated to represent a stimulus, is often used by composers. The composer Camille Saint-Saens uses the musical elements to capture the nature of animals in ‘The Carnival of Animals’. Through the use of these elements, the movement of ‘Aquarium’ captures the characteristics of an aquarium. These characteristics include appearance/size, personality/mood and actions/sounds.

The aquarium scene- dimly lit, layered and full of fish- is represented by Saint-Saens through the use of the musical elements of tonality, duration and timbre. A minor tonality throughout the composition has been used to reflect the appearance of a dimly lit aquarium. The distinct layers of the aquarium have been portrayed with the composer’s choice of timbre and duration. While the cello with constant semi-breve notes represents the ocean floor (shown in bar 1), high-sounding instruments such as piano, the glass harmonica and flute with semi-quavers show the fish and water at the top layer of the scene (can be found in bars 1-8). Deliberately utilised, the elements of tonality, timbre and duration create the images as found in an aquarium.

The personality/mood of the aquarium, which is peaceful, calm and glittering, is delineated in this piece of music using the elements of dynamics, expressive devices and pitch. A fairly constant pp dynamic as found in bars, combined with the continual slurs create a smooth and gentle sound. This has the effect of tranquillity. High notes marked with 8va commonly occur (e.g. bars 1-8) and add the glittering, shimmering of the aquarium. Cleverly, the composer has managed to balance the ever-present calm of the aquarium with the highly spirited movement of animals and water using the dynamics, expressive devices and pitch.

By selecting the elements of melody, harmony, timbre and rhythm, the composer has created the activity of the aquarium- fish swimming, bubbles rising and water rippling. The scene of fish sinking to the ocean floor at rest (as found at Figure 1), has been represented through the piano playing a descending melodic pattern. Semi-quavers have been used here to create contrast from the previous semi-demi quavers when the fish are swimming, but to keep the flow of movement. When the fish are swimming, however, faster rhythms are used. The glass harmonica plays the scene of the bubbles rising (bars 27-28 and 30-31) with ascending glissandos from E to E. Finally, the water rippling. This has been crafted with 2 pianos playing opposite arpeggios at once- piano 1 plays descending arpeggios and piano plays ascending arpeggios. In this scene, which occurs throughout the piece (including bars 11-18), semi-demi quavers show the unrelenting action of the sea. Another element the composer uses is harmony, with a lighter texture for the fish at rest and the bubbles, and a fuller texture for the rippling water. This represents the depth of the water and the solitude of the fish and bubbles. The life of the aquarium has been painted in the music through the melody, harmony, timbre and rhythm.

Camille Saint-Saens has used program music to musically represent an aquarium in the movement ‘Aquarium’ from his composition ‘Carnival of the Animals’. The appearance/size, personality/mood and actions/ sounds of an aquarium have all been captured through his careful selection of the musical elements. Tonality, duration, timbre, dynamics, expressive devices and pitch are elements that the composer has definitely used, to name a few. For this reason, this piece of music resembles an aquarium.

Instrumental Music News

Our instrumental music students were busy right until the very end of term! Students in the Centenary Swingers, accompanied by saxophone teacher Mrs Harvey, performed at our quarterly Sinnamon Village performance, which are always warmly received by the residents and visitors.

Students are busy preparing for Term 4 performances, including Presentation Evening, Jazz on the Hill and the Soiree series. Be sure the check the calendar of events for an opportunity to see these wonderful musicians.

Arts Education

This edition I’d like to look at brain training and how students can use studies in the arts (this one is specifically music based), to improve long term memory function.

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

YEAR LEVEL COORDINATORS

Year 12 Report

Firstly, I would like to thank parents/caregivers for sending me photos of the Year 12s in their younger days. It was a great introduction to my PowerPoint celebrating their five years of schools – from their first day of High School to now. Some were delighted, some surprised (or shocked) but we all enjoyed looking at how far we have come! Year 12 Home Group teachers and myself all shared photos of us in our school years. No one guessed us! My heartfelt thanks for sharing photos of your child. It was a great way to reminiscence together.

QCS and Transition interviews

• The QCS test is over and probably now seems like a distant memory for the Year 12s. I would like to thank Ms Raven and our team of teachers who prepared the Year 12s for this.
• Mr Homer organised mock interviews for our Year 12 non-Op students over the two days. I was fortunate to attend these interviews in Brisbane city. WOW, they looked incredible and impressed their interviewers. Thanks Mr Homer for providing such a valuable experience for the Year 12s.

Sleep Out

We survived! The Year 12 Social Action Project “SLEEPOUT” - to raise awareness about homelessness - was held overnight here at school. We had an incredible night in the Sports Hall and Resource Centre playing trivia, games, dance competitions (of course, the teachers WON!), watched movies and having FUN!

The Year 12s raised over $600 for Mission Australia to help the homeless. Congratulations Year 12s!

My sincere thanks to Tristan Hart and Charmaine Macaulay who stayed for the entire time 7pm-7am! Also, enormous thank you to Jennifer Elliot, Kirsten Caruso, Brandon Long and Matt McDonald for “hanging out” during the night.

Financial Strategies

Recently I organised for RACQ to present a session providing financial advice to the Year 12s. The presentation, titled Cash IQ, promoted positive financial behaviours through the provision of simple, actionable strategies, which students can implement immediately. It explored the impact of instant gratification, why it feels so good and the impact on financial control. Students worked through interactive financial dilemmas to explore the impact of their choices on finances. Throughout the session, students were involved in developing strategies to empower them to exhibit positive financial behaviour to make responsible financial decisions now and into their future. The presentation was highly engaging and interactive. The Year 12s used interactive technology to answer questions to enable real time information that was relevant to our students. Happy budgeting Year 12s!

Formal and Mystery Tour

Invoices for the Formal and Mystery Tour will be sent to parents/caregivers in Week 1 of Term 4. Payment and consent forms must be submitted by Friday, 1 November. And, don’t forget that the Graduation Ceremony is set for the morning of Friday, November 15th!

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 10 Report

With camp, SET planning and Work Experience next week, Term 3 has been incredibly demanding on our Year 10 students.

In week three of this term, our Year 10s travelled up to Camp Maranatha in Yandina. Over the 3-day event, the behaviour, enthusiasm and cooperation of the cohort was admirable. Students participated in a range of activities that focused on developing resilience, social skills and a stronger bond with their peers. Upon returning to school, the staff that attended camp have unanimously agreed that this year’s group was the best yet!

Over the past two weeks, students have been completing their SET Plan interviews, making significant decisions that will dictate what the next two years of schooling will entail. Being involved with these interviews gave me great insight into the mature young people our Year 10s have become. It is great to see them taking responsibility for their future and making informed decisions about their own education.

This Friday marks the last regular school day for the term for the Year 10 cohort, as they depart for work experience in Week 10. I look forward to hearing some positive stories from employers when we return for Term 4.

Should you have any questions regarding your child’s schooling, please get in touch.

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

COMMUNITY NOTICES

We have had some rings handed into our office. If you have lost a ring at the school, please phone the school office on 3373 4555.