20 August 2020 Volume 22 Number 7

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

PRINCIPAL

News from the Principal

The school continues to operate with a sense of normality, in what are abnormal times. The COVID pandemic restrictions and guidelines have curtailed many of our planned co-curricular activities, whilst some are going ahead within the parameters of the COVID Safe plans.

On a positive note, it is pleasing to see that the Junior Music camp went ahead and by all accounts was highly successful. Over the next few weeks, we will be able to enjoy our Athletics Carnival and 10-12 Gala Sports Day. Events such as these, allow students to connect to the Centenary SHS community and to show case their skills beyond the classroom.

Facility Update

The infill project component of the ground floor of the Senior Learning Centre is underway. Although we lose a great gathering place for our senior students, the additional classrooms will be required to meet our growth forecasts. The Resource Centre refurbishment is complete and the facility is now operational.

P & C

I urge parents and carers to consider being involved in the school community through having a voice on the P&C. The school has enjoyed a long history of active parent involvement though the P&C. Meetings are on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Student Diaries

We continue to promote the Student Diary as a key publication in the school and a valued paper and print resource to support our technology focus. Students should be using the diary to record homework, key events and well as the completion of Positive Education activities. Parents can use the diary for uniform pass requests etc. We expect that students bring their diary to every class.

SATE/New QCE

The implementation of the new SATE system in the Senior School represents the most significant curriculum change in Queensland in 40 years. We have worked closely with local high schools to ensure we have high standard and consistent delivery across our schools. Whilst our learning curve as a school is steep, having a significant number of staff appointed as Confirmers and Endorsers in the new system provides us with confidence in our decision making. Years 12s will have their assessment completed to date, confirmed at a state wide event later in the term.

Students in Year 11 will be completing the formative Unit 2 early in Term 4.

2020 Early School Leavers survey

The Queensland Government is seeking the support of the school community for the annual survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school in 2019, before completing Year 12. This short, confidential survey collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school. The results of the survey help provide valuable information to improve services available to school leavers in the future.

Between August and September, these school leavers can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of Next Step post-school destination surveys in 2020.

For more information, visit the below website or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Students and Cars

As the year progresses we are witnessing an increasing number of senior students driving to school. Whilst we appreciate the convenience of car travel for many families there is a need for drivers to accept the responsibilities and school requirements of student driving.

• All student drivers need to register their car at the office.
• Other students are not to travel with student drivers unless parent/carer permission is received in writing at the office. Permission will not be granted to students who need to attend Genesis Gym or other local providers unless a reasonable medical reason is supplied.
• Students are to park in the lower car park and not in the streets adjoining the school. The local police are aware of this issue.
• Road rules are to be followed at all times.

Please discuss these responsibilities with your children.

Sincerely

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

Be Responsible

One of the three key expectations of student behaviour at Centenary is ‘Be Responsible’. This expectation is built upon our students taking a role in their own learning by being prepared for classwork and bringing the appropriate equipment.

For all students this means having the correct materials and uniform to be an active participant in the classroom. This expectation also includes bringing their BYOD device to access their digital textbooks and OneNote Class Notebooks for learning.

By meeting the ‘Be Responsible’ expectations, students across all year-levels will give themselves the best opportunity to succeed in their classes.

Assessment Planners

Semester 2 assessment planners are available for all students through their OneSchool account. Parents who have registered for a QParents account can also access these assessment records

If you would like to register for QParents, please visit the QParents website or speak with our Administration Office staff.

Updated Senior Internal Assessment Policy

The school has published an updated Internal Assessment Policy to reflect updates made by the QCAA to the QCE & QCIA Handbook. Students in Year 11 will be directed to key elements of this document prior to the submission of FIA2.

This document is available on the school website at

Preparing students for external assessment in 2020

The introduction of external assessment in General subjects is a key feature of the new QCE system. To give school communities a sense of what external assessment will be like, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has published sample papers for all students and parents to access on its website below. They can be found in the Assessment tab on each syllabus page.

We will incorporate these sample resources in our teaching and learning program to help our students prepare for the upcoming external exams. Students and parents are encouraged to view the sample papers. We will also conduct a ‘Mock Exam Block’ from Wednesday 9/9/20 to Friday 18/9/20 where students will be exposed to the conditions and rigor of the external exam procedures. Students will also receive valuable feedback about their results which they can use to hone their preparation for the ‘real’ external exam block which starts on Monday 26 October 2020.

An information sheet for parents and students is also available on the QCAA website.

Semester 1 Parent Teacher Feedback

Thank you to those parents and carers who participated in the recent Parent Teacher Feedback process held across week 3 of this term (Monday 27/7/20 to Friday 31/7/20). It was unfortunate that we were not able to meet in person due to the current COVID situation but we hope that you were still able to access feedback and information about your child’s progress.

A reminder that you can always contact teachers and any other support staff at school if you have any concerns about the progress of your child. We welcome this contact and have found that the earlier the contact is made, the better the outcome for students. A supportive environment where teachers and parents are working together is the most conducive for success.

Year 7 Investiture 2020

On Monday 27 July 2020, Year 7 Leaders were finally inducted as a part of a COVID-delayed Investiture Ceremony. We welcomed Nancy Dinh, Dabria Rankin, Mary Swanson and Lucy Williams with their badge, pledge, and the Principal’s address. We were privileged to witness a performance of Break My Heart by Dua Lipa, performed by the Centenary State High School Vocal Ensemble and conducted by Ms Alex Van den Broek. Students and parents were invited to celebrate the occasion with a special morning tea. Having engaged with their peers for the past term by hosting weekly Friday Virtual Assemblies, and joining other leaders and captains on the Student Forum, these students really have hit the ground running, with plenty of opportunities awaiting them across the remainder of the year.

Deadly Choices

This term we are excited to be able to invite back Joseph Guenzler, a past Centenary student, into our school to run the ‘The Deadly Choices Lifestyle program’ with a second group of ATSI students. The program is coordinated by Angela Duncombe (Coordinator of EAL/D and ATSI support) and supported by Rose Page (Aboriginal elder and teacher aide). To kick the program off, we held a special presentation ceremony to congratulate our QATSIF QCE scholarship holders who are students in the senior phase of learning who have been able to maintain their attendance rate (85% and above) and achieve above “C” standard results. We also acknowledged the attendance results of future QATSIF scholarships holders. The highlight of the day was the presentation of jerseys to our ‘Deadly Choices’ graduates.

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

Adam Richter, Deputy Principal (Year 12 & International)
Email: arich60@eq.edu.au

Deb McIntyre, Deputy Principal (Years 7 & 8, ATSI & EALD)
Email: dmcin49@eq.edu.au

Anna Petrie, Deputy Principal (Years 9 & 10)
Email: apetr0@eq.edu.au

Kelsey Oakes, Deputy Principal (Strategic Projects)
Email: koake10@eq.edu.au

BUSINESS MANAGER

News from the Business Manager

2020 Fees are now due

Thank you to the families who have paid the 2020 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 2020 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.

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

Term 2 was as eventful as ever, keeping our school Forum on its toes with back-to-back action. Our team had been very busy throughout the holidays - coordinating the student leader Schooling-from-home Videos and Isolation Pic challenge – but were thrilled to be back working together in person.

In celebration of World Environment Day, the Forum coordinated a small “Plant Pal” to be placed into each HG classroom. Junior classes received two, and had the opportunity to write a note to their corresponding senior HG class (the plants and cards were then given as presents). The project was a huge success, thanks to the hard work of the Forum and the generosity of our wonderful Deputy, Mr Richter, and his family for their donation of the plants. World Environment day also tied in well with the schools annual Clean Up Australia day, run by the Junior Captains on the Monday of Week 8. This involved an HG session and a rubbish collection competition, with the class who collected the most receiving a special prize.

Centenary’s free dress day for Term 2 (Week 9) raised money for those suffering from Scleroderma, a rare and chronic disease involving the tightening of the skin and connective tissues. The event was coordinated by Claire Ingham, one of the Year 9 Captains, and was themed yellow in recognition of the diseases Sunflower symbol.

Our jam-packed term ended with Positive Postcards, where students of any grade got the opportunity to write their teachers a message of thanks. These were “posted” at the office and were sorted into each teacher’s pigeonhole, to encourage a sense of community and appreciation for our wonderful staff!

Throughout Term 3, the school Forum is very thrilled to be running many exciting events like the annual RSPCA cupcake day and NAIDOC week! Our Cystic Fibrosis Crazy Hair Day fundraiser (run on Monday 10 August) was a huge hit (if not a little wacky!)

Carly Manche, Student Leadership Coordinator
Email: ceman4@eq.edu.au

LEARNING ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR

News from Learning Assistance

The beginning of Term 3 is off to a great start, our Learning@Home period seems a distant memory and we are enjoying the presence of all students on campus. Getting back into the classroom means more practical lessons and hands-on assistance with our students. Supported by a few of our Aides is the Year 11 SIP assessment, where their task is to construct energy efficient house models with working features that include elements such as solar panels. Aside from student engagement, Learning Assistance Aides enjoy helping in design features and encouraging realistic and useful components in assembling an energy efficient household (some of which could inspire our own homes).

Continuously, Learning Assistance works with students to build relationships and strengthen transitions in the classroom and the playground. Although it is Term 3, encouraging positive behaviours and creating safe, comfortable and welcoming spaces for our students is ongoing. After the Learning@Home period, Learning Assistance staff have noticed that students are recognising and utilising our assistance inside and out of the classroom. For example, PSMT is being completed throughout the year levels and students are making the most of our DIAL (drop in and learn) program to complete their personalised, goal orientated assessments.

Diana Huber, Learning Assistance Coordinator
Email: dhube1@eq.edu.au

GUIDANCE

News from the Guidance Officers

Minimise risk around online friendships

Who are your kids chatting to online?

The internet today contains many sites that are designed to encourage children and teenagers to communicate by messaging each other in real time. While many of us yearn for a return to good old days of no social media, the reality is this is the way our young people communicate so what can you do to manage this aspect of parenting and keep your child safe?

When I was a teenager good manners dictated that a phone call could not be made to a friend after 8:30PM. The reasoning was simple – the other family would be preparing for bedtime and unwinding from the day so therefore they need not be disrupted. This seemed to be an accepted boundary amongst families which made parenting easier. Furthermore, the telephone was in the main hallway so covert conversations about clandestine meetings were simply not possible. Times have changed and the risks are greater than ever. A person who you see in the street who gives you the creeps, could be the very same person you are allowing access to your child while you and your family sleep behind locked doors.

Recently, I’ve become aware of how many parents do not know that their teenagers are communicating with friends (online and school friends) very late into the evening and disrupting their sleep patterns. This has prompted me to ask, do you know what your child is doing online once you have gone to sleep? While your teenager may seem more tech savvy than you, they lack the life experience to discern what is safe and what isn’t. They also need assistance in creating time boundaries around internet use to find that balance between the real world and the online world.

Please take some time to discuss these on-line safety tips with your children:

• Never give out personal information on the net, like your full name, address, phone number or school.
• Ensure your screen name does not reveal personal information about you.
• Review your online profile. Predators can use this personal information to find you.
• Only allow your friends to view your personal blog and profile.
• Never send your picture to someone you do not know.
• Don’t accept invitations to view webcams from unknown internet users.
• Remind your child that they could be speaking to a forty year old man pretending to be fourteen. How do they really know?
• There is no scenario where it’s necessary for a teenager to arrange face-2-face meetings with people met online so do not do it.
• Understand predators ask personal questions and attempt to become friends quickly.
• Time chatting online to a person does not equal trust or knowing the person. It’s fine to discuss hobbies and likeminded interests with a person your age but “don’t go too deep”.
• Remind children that while they may feel a real connection to a friend they meet online, the friendship is arguably based on fantasy.
• The late night chats impact on their sleep and they must stop. Tired children cannot learn effectively. The best teacher in the world cannot make a sleep deprived child learn.

Recommendation: Remove their technology at bedtime or install software that cuts off internet access at a time of your choosing (8 or 9PM). From personal experience the latter is the best option because it eliminates verbal conflict. I use software with my children which allows me to monitor what they are searching online, block sites and cut off the internet at 8PM on a weeknight. I feel better knowing I’m doing everything I can to keep my children safe and in the frame of mind to learn each weekday. Ultimately you are the parent and you decide who and what comes into your household. Not making a decision about how you manage internet usage is a decision. Inaction is a decision. Hope is not a plan.

I’m unable to make recommendations in this newsletter article about “accountability” software for your child so please ask friends via social media which software they use to keep their children safe online. There are plenty on the market and the time organizing this is time well spent.

Further reading below (3 minute read) about friendships in the time of technology and the importance of finding the balance between real life and online friendships:

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

Isn’t it true that we all like to have plenty of friends, and we all love to feel that people care for us? What can you do though to make people like you?

Some people shock others into noticing them, through crazy behaviour or outrageous hair styles or clothing, but being noticed has nothing to do with being liked or loved.

I believe that there is only one sure way that guarantees you that you will never be short of friends. If you make a point of always looking for ways of helping those around you, and if you’re quick to lend a hand when it’s needed and willing to comfort someone who is experiencing tough times, then I am certain that love and friendship will flow back to you in abundance. To receive love you must first learn to give love.

A message from Chappy Bernie

Following the above theme, Beyond Blue has this great article, please read.

5 ways to Wellbeing Connectedness

The Beatles taught us many things through their music, including that we can get by with a little help from our friends. But did you know that social connectedness is absolutely critical to our resilience and overall wellbeing? Surrounding ourselves with people who not only offer a perspective and emotional support, but also reflect back our values and strengths, can help us maintain our resolve during tough times. Life can be super-stressful, but nurturing a diverse array of relationships can make even the most challenging circumstances more bearable.

Did you know?

Research has shown that social connectedness is at least as important for your health as regular exercise or eliminating nasties such as smoking.

How to build social connectedness:

• Make the effort to schedule quality time with family and friends. Clear space in your diary for a meal, a movie or a marathon (running or Netflix) with the people you love
• Find your tribe! Joining a community group to meet people with common interests is a fast way to make meaningful connections. Volunteer for a charity or a cause that’s close to your heart, or try a group fitness activity
• Tend to your existing relationships. Maybe check in on someone you haven’t spoken to for a while. Checking in on loved ones, no matter the (physical or emotional) distance, can help keep you grounded and connected to your support network
• Learn more with ReachOut’s guide to the 7 different friends you’ll have in your life, 5 steps to talking to someone you trust and find out how to ask a friend if they’re okay
• Social media has made the world much smaller, and it’s now a simple matter to keep tabs on your people. The downside is that it’s too easy to substitute a quick click for a more personal and meaningful connection. Commit to spending time with others offline and in real life

I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship."- Brene Brown.

Taken from the 5 ways to wellbeing website on the 05/08/2020.

Thanking you for your support. I can be contacted on email: bmcmu27@eq.edu.au or Phone the school and they will put you through. I am available Mondays, Wednesday and Thursday.

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

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Sports Director Report

Senior Schools Volleyball Cup

Mr Gibbs has been training the Open Boys Volleyball team over the last term in order to prepare them to compete at the Seniors Schools Volleyball Cup on the Gold Coast from Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August. The team performed extremely well in their first ever Senior Schools Cup. We played teams from Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane across three days of competition finishing with three wins and three losses after the pool matches. After losing a very close gold medal qualifier against Woodridge we played off against Toowoomba Christian College for the bronze medal in Div 2.

The boys played their worst ever set of the competition to be down one nil in the best of three match. After regrouping and showing plenty of grit and determination, they won the second 25-21 and then went on to complete the job, winning the final set 15-11 to take home third place. A great weekend and all credit should go to the boys who were terrific ambassadors for our school. Thank you to Mr Gibbs on behalf of Centenary SHS for training this team and dedicating his own personal time in order for them to have this opportunity.

Northern District and Regional Sport

It has been fantastic to see student’s from Centenary SHS trialling for Northern District Sporting Teams and being selected. The student’s that have been selected to represent the District than attend the Regional Trial. From this Regional Trial students have the opportunity to be selected in the Met West team.

Congratulations to the following students:

Jacob Richter represented Northern District at the 13-15 Boys Volleyball Regional Trials
Sara Masoe represented Northern District at the 13-15 Girls Volleyball Regional Trials
Marcus Desouza-Wills will represent Northern District at the 13-15 Boys Basketball Regional Trials
Bailey Worstencroft will represent Northern District at the 13-15 Boys Basketball Regional Trials
Charlotte Worstencroft will represent Northern District at the 13-15 Girls Basketball Regional Trials

Dates:

August

19     Met Finals Round 1
20     Winter Senior Gala Day (10, 11 and 12)
26     Met Finals Round 2 and Senior Athletics Track Carnival (all day) nominations only

September

2     Met Finals Round 3
9     Met Finals Round 4
14     Year 7, 8 and 9 Spring Sports Gala Day

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

Matalena Daniels, Sports Director
Email: mxdan5@eq.edu.au

STEP

News from STEP

Students have been enjoying a return to STEP activities. Sporting teams, badminton, AFL and Ultimate Disc, are looking forward to a successful GALA day at the end of the term. Term 4 STEP activities will be advertised prior to the end of this term, and selections made before commencing school holidays.

Stephanie Corless, STEP Coordinator
Email: scorl10@eq.edu.au

JUNIOR SECONDARY

Junior Secondary News

On Monday, 3 August, 20 Year 5 CLASS students descended upon CSHS to undertake the Year 5 Writing Masterclass. After a brief revision of the structure and ingredients of a narrative, each student was randomly assigned a character trait, location and conflict for their narrative, before drafting, editing, typing and proofreading their masterpiece. The stories were compiled and sent to printers to be bound into a collection as a keepsake.

In other news, Year 8 and 9 students participated in the always brilliant and rewarding High Resolves Program, with the opportunity to think outside the box and outside their world to provide solutions and determine how they can play a role in the world around us.

Enrolments for 2021 are underway, with Excellence Program applications due last month. If you have a student (or know of potential applicants) intending to enrol for next year, please ensure all completed paperwork is submitted ASAP, so we can determine numbers and allocate resources. Furthermore, we have our CLASS school Transition Days scheduled for Week 10 and on Monday 30 November we’ll hold our Orientation Day for the incoming cohort.

Thanks for your continued support,

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

FACULTIES

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY

Faculty Walks

Recently, Mr Richter accompanied me on a series of classroom visits in both the Home Economics and Industrial Technology and Design faculties.

The development of the Australian Curriculum has been a strong focus of the school for the past two years, therefore we were interested to experience how the curriculum translates into action in the classroom. It was pleasing to observe such strong engagement in the practical lessons suggesting students genuinely enjoy the “doing bit” of learning.

Writing has also featured soundly in the school’s curriculum development. The faculty walks provided us with an opportunity to view samples of student work. It proved apparent the writing was relevant and of a good standard.

Subject Selection

Students in Year 10 have received presentations from the various faculty HODs to inform them of the subjects on offer for Year 11 in 2021.

I appreciate that they have been inundated with information and it might prove a little difficult to process.

Students will receive a subject handbook which lists the subjects offered for selection. Additionally, important information relating to prerequisites, course content and types of assessment is included.

The handbook is a fantastic reference document and I would strongly encourage students and parents to refer to the content because it does provide responses to many of the concerns initially encountered by the students.

On Monday, 10 August, students in Year 9 participated in a “subject selection fair” involving the respective faculty HODs. Prior to the fair, students were provided with basic information relating to all subjects on offer in Year 10. Students processed the detail and subsequently formulated questions which they presented to the HODs who attended the subject fair. Students received direct and immediate responses to their initial questions and it also enabled them to ask further clarifying questions.

Feedback from the Year 9 cohort, suggested they appreciated to opportunity to discuss subject concerns with the relevant HODs.

Endorsement

Teachers of Year 11 Design and Year 11 Engineering and currently involved in the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) internal assessment endorsement process. This requires the teachers to write the first two assessment pieces for Year 12, ensuring they comply with strict QCAA guidelines. The assessment pieces will be forwarded to the QCAA for scrutiny by an approved endorser. Instruments with identified concerns will be returned to the school for review and subsequent amendment. Essentially, all Year 12 assessment instruments will be approved by the QCAA prior to them being administered. The process has been initiated to ensure that all assessment instruments display the attributes of quality assessment viz. validity, accessibility and reliability.

Year 10 Active Volunteering

Year 10 students are enrolled in an active volunteering course consequently, they are required to volunteer their time to participate in a community programme/project.

Eighteen students are using their Wednesday STEP time with me constructing P-3 furniture for our neighbouring primary schools.

The table, with incorporated bench seat, will accommodate six students and will be used for reading, craft, intervention and/or eating activities.

Students are interpreting details from a plan, preparing materials, producing components for assembly and applying paint to produce an attractive and functional surface finish.

The painting is proving to be a little time consuming, however, assembly will commence Week 7 with components bolted and screwed together. The anticipated delivery date of Week 10, remains achievable.

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

THE ARTS

It has been so lovely to hear music flooding the rooms here in CPAC in Term 3! With some of the restrictions around school activities now lifted, we have been able to get a little bit more back to normal, with assembly performances and even a camp! It’s business as usual in all of our class rooms, in particular for Year 12 students, who have just submitted their final internal assessment items! We have had dance students choreographing and performing their final works, the foyer of the main office and CPAC are adorned with the exhibited works of Year 12 visual art students, drama students have been utilising the professional lights and sound in the CPAC auditorium to present their final dramatic works, the musicians and music extension students have been performing and composing some masterpieces, and finally, the film students have produced some Oscar awarding winning movies! Congratulations to the Year 12s on what has been a different year – just your external exams to prepare for now!

Classroom News

Next time you’re in Mt Ommaney, pop into the Brisbane City Council Library to check out the Centenary SHS Visual Art exhibition! Mrs Goodwin spent the last Friday of term hanging the student works for the local community to view, and the feedback so far has been brilliant!

Year 11 Film, Television and Media students have been experimenting with some newly purchased lighting equipment, undertaking a series of workshops with their classroom teachers to ensure they have the best knowledge of how to use lighting to enhance their storytelling and best suit their productions.

Instrumental Music News

The Junior Music camp was recently held at the QCCC campsite in Brookfield. The camp provided the opportunity for students to consolidate the work done in their instrumental lessons and weekly ensemble rehearsals. Camp affords us the time to commit many hours to getting the ensemble working ‘as a cohesive team’ in order to produce top quality performances. The ensembles involved in the camp were concert band, string ensemble and junior members (Years 7-9) of the percussion ensemble. We are hopeful to be able to perform for parents and our Centenary community soon! A very special thank you to Carly Manche for her organisation of the camp, and to music staff Fiona Harvey, Damon Lougheed, Matthew Hoey, Josh Johnstone and Mark Watkins for their dedicated involvement.

A reminder that rehearsals will continue as normal for term 3 and the schedule is as follows:

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

YEAR LEVEL COORDINATORS

Year 11 Report

The year is vanishing quickly and it is hard to believe that, in six months’ time, our Year 11s will be the leaders of the entire school!

This year has presented many challenges for the student body at Centenary, and the Year 11 cohort have managed these challenges exceptionally. Results from Unit 1 demonstrate that the majority of students are highly engaged learners. The unique schooling environment that students have navigated this year has not made this an easy achievement, and they are to be commended on their efforts thus far.

Over the past several weeks, students have been making important decisions regarding their Senior Jerseys for Year 12 in 2021. This has included jersey design artwork, voting on preferred designs, trying on sizing samples, and selecting names for the back of jerseys. The Year 11 Student Council has done a tremendous job in leading this process. More information regarding jerseys will be sent to families in the near future.

The remainder of the year will be very busy for our Year 11s. Some of the important items students will engage with between now and the end of year include:

• Year 12 leadership applications
• Unit 2 exam block
• Semi-formal

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this cohort grow since the beginning of Year 8, both as students and people, and am excited to see them transition into Year 12 as school leaders. Should you have any questions regarding your student’s learning, please get in touch.

Matt Redman, Year 11 Coordinator
Email: mredm23@eq.edu.au

Year 9 Report

High Resolves

This week, students from Curragundi, Jarup and Moolanda participated in High Resolves for the last time in their schooling career at Centenary. Their session was called ‘Social Progress’ and allowed students to:

• realise the importance of understanding what is motivating someone’s behaviour to help them see the impact of their actions
• draw upon a wide range of interpersonal techniques to create an inclusive environment and influence a critical mass of people to take positive action
• not allow the fact that other people are free-riding to stop them from making a positive contribution to the long-term collective interest.

This program allowed students to work in groups to address collective action problems across different areas of their life, as well as committing to an action that will make a positive difference in their communities or the world. Some of those commitments can be seen below:

“I resolve to think about what others think about my actions”
“I resolve to not be a free rider, in order to make a positive change to the world in the future”
“I resolve to prepare for the future and take care of my mental and physical health”

Unfortunately, we have had to reschedule Yallambee’s session for an afternoon in the near future.

Year 10 Subject Selections

Next Monday, students will have the opportunity to talk to the Heads of Department in order to gain some knowledge on the subjects being offered to them in Year 10. While students will complete the four core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities, students are to select 6 electives which they will study for a semester each. In order to prepare them for this event on Monday, students are completing preliminary activities to ensure that they understand the subjects on offer, as well as the questions they still need answered. They have been studying the subject selection handbook, which has also been emailed to all of our Year 9 parents. I look forward to seeing our young people look toward their futures!

Around The Grounds

I have the pleasure of teaching Year 9 Dance this semester, which is on the same line as Year 9 Performance Plus. Both Mrs Lodder and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching our students flourish as they learn routines in the style of Jazz and Musical Theatre. The students have supported each other through the process of learning their respective routines and I can’t wait to see their final performances in the next few weeks!

I also had the opportunity to supervise a Year 9 Art class this week, where we learnt all about Merran Essen, an extremely talented ceramics artist from NSW. We finished the lesson with a competition on who could recreate one of her artworks in only 10 minutes and I’d love to share some the winning entries.

Claire Masters, Year 9 Coordinator
Email: ctuto3@eq.edu.au

Year 7 Report

Welcome to Mid Term 3! After what was a very strange Term 2, it has been wonderful to have the students back into the swing of learning and the Centenary SHS community.

This term, the Year 7 HG program has been using our diaries to support the Wellbeing Framework. The framework looks at the core elements of psychological well-being and happiness and that by considering these elements we can support our students to work towards a life of fulfilment, happiness, and meaning.

With these in mind, students have also been engaged in creating Videos for Change. The Year 7s have been busy making one-minute videos on social issues that they care about. It is a real world, project-based learning experience that enables students to build capabilities and confidence in social advocacy. We also hope that this experience will engage and empower students during this time of uncertainty.

Later this term, students will participate in the High Resolves program. One person acting alone may not be able to transform a society or combat global trends, but we believe that if a critical mass of individuals aligns their everyday actions with the long-term collective interest of society, a tipping point will be reached where we will create a more inclusive, just and optimistic world. This program will provide a 140 minute experience for each of our Year 7 students where they are given the opportunity to see themselves as change-makers.

Finally, we were able to welcome the Year 7 Student leaders and their families to a badge ceremony and morning tea recently. Mary, Dabria, Lucy and Nancy are incredible young people who have already made a genuine difference in the Year 7 community by running virtual wellbeing assemblies each week. They have also worked with the school leadership team and very much reflect the school the values of Aspiration, Commitment and Community.

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

Jo Moon, Year 7 Coordinator Assistant
Email: jmmoo3@eq.edu.au

P&C

News from our P&C

P&C August News

It has been lovely getting to know the staff and meeting parents over the past month.

We welcome Cindy Franklin as the new P&C Secretary. Congratulations and thank you for volunteering in a rewarding position. We look forward to working with you over the next 9 months.

The P&C are currently looking to upgrade our computer software in the Uniform shop. We are currently using MYOB Retail Manager as our point of sales (POS) system. Unfortunately the Retail Manager is no longer being upgraded by MYOB. We need to source a compatible system to run various reports, stock inventory, POS, undertake stock management etc. If any family within CSHS can provide any insight on other systems, we would love to hear from you at pandc@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au

This year we are continuing with the Entertainment Book Fundraiser with the proceeds going to the Student Welfare fund. With the pressure on businesses to remain viable during COVID-19, this is a great way to support those businesses and raise funds for our children in need. You don’t need to spend a lot to save. All books are now digital. Should you wish to purchase a book, please visit:

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 15 September at 7pm in the Resource Centre. Tea and Coffee will be available, so come and have a chat! We will be looking to include online attendance (to be confirmed) for those who are not able to attend in person on the night. Should you wish to log in from home, please email on the above email, in order for us to send you a link.

Just a reminder, membership is free, we only meet several times a year and you are not required to be at them all, just when you can! Other than the AGM, you must be in attendance, at a general meeting for your membership to be accepted.

We look forward to seeing you all soon.

Sarah McDermott, P&C President Centenary SHS
Email: pandc@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au