19 March 2021 Volume 23 Number 2

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

PRINCIPAL

News from the Principal

From the Principal

The weeks have flown by and we find ourselves mid-term already. This is a particularly crucial time for students in Year 11 and 12 as they face a heavy assessment regiment in the coming weeks. Organisation is critical to success here - not leaving study or assignments to the last moment. Students in Year 12 should be accessing the Atomi resource package to revise key learning and undertake practice tests.

Enrolment Return

School resourcing is based upon student enrolment on Day 8 of the school year. Our return saw 1700 students enrolled at Centenary, which represents an increase of approximately 30 students on last year. Year level breakdowns are as follows.

Facilities

To cater for enrolment demand, the school will have another new build under construction from July this year. The facility will be two level with change facilities and toilets on the ground floor and will be situated between CPAC and Moolanda St. On the 2nd level there will be dedicated Drama and Dance spaces. The aim is for this building to be functional from the beginning of the 2022 school year.

The Importance of Routines

Our school pedagogical improvement is based upon the Marzano Art and Science of Teaching Model. The Centenary teaching staff has been using Marzano’s Framework as the core of our professional development delivery for six years. A key component of the ASOT Framework is the use of effective routines in our classroom environment. Research has shown that strong routines support clear expectations, enabling students to engage optimally in classroom learning.

Routine is important in maximising learning outside of school. It is important that students have a regular daily study time and a set place to complete this study in the household. The notion of routine can also be extended into sleep habits. Students will generally function at a higher level when they have set sleep and wake up times. The beginning of the school year is the optimum time to establish good routines to support learning.

The demands of the new ATAR Curriculum in the Senior School has placed strong demands on student recall of content and consequent synthesis. Success in this system will be supported through effective study skills developed through the adherence to strong routines.

Student Leadership Investiture

The school enjoyed its first signature event of the year back in February with the Investiture Leadership Ceremony. As always, it was reassuring to witness so many students prepared to contribute positively to the school community. We can look forward to a productive year with the quality of student leaders across the school. Importantly, we are developing students who will actively engage and contribute to their respective communities in the future. In particular I wish our School Captains well for the challenges ahead.

School Priorities

This year is a review year for the school. We will be seeking feedback across the year from our stakeholders regarding school practice. Schools work in four-year strategic planning cycles within which an Annual Implementation Plan is developed. The plan outlines our priorities for the year as we commit to continually improve our service provision and the education experience of our students.

Our priorities for 2021:

Curriculum Alignment and Delivery
Writing
Thinking
Inclusion

P and C Involvement

Again, I urge parents to contribute to the school community through involvement in the school’s P&C. It would be great to see good numbers at the AGM on Wednesday 17th March.

Student Success

Congratulations to Isabelle Lightbody on being awarded the school’s 2020 Dux. The selection process for Dux is now based purely on ATAR results – hence it is announced early in the year following school graduation.

Great to see the strong start to sport 2021 with 12 swimmers selected in the Northern District Swimming Team to compete in the Regional Meet

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

To read newsletter in full view, please click on the “Newsletter Print Version” button on the top left-hand corner of the screen.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

News from the Deputy Principals

Reporting Timelines

The last few weeks of term generally signals a busy assessment period for students as teachers gather evidence of student learning and prepare reports for parents and caregivers. All students will receive Term 1 interim reports, with these reports emailed to parents before the holidays. In the senior school, these reports are based on limited summative assessment and provide an indication of progress rather than finalised results.

Parent Teacher Night

Our Parent Teacher Night scheduled for Wednesday 28 April from 1:00pm to 7:30pm, will go ahead face to face this year and provide a valuable opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss student’s progress. We will plan for this night in line with current COVID restrictions for large gatherings and parents will receive information closer to the event.

We will use the same online booking system as previous years and this will open to allow parents to make bookings over the holiday period. Classes will finish at 12:40pm with students required to leave the school grounds at this time. If you are unable to make alternate arrangements for students to travel home at this different time, you will need to notify the school and students will be supervised by staff until 3:00pm.

A whole school approach to the teaching of writing instruction

Improving student writing achievement through the explicit teaching of evidence based ‘thoughtful writing’ instruction continues to be a school strategic priority in 2021. In particular, teachers are supporting students to improve the following aspects of their writing composition: clarity, audience, purpose, precision and depth.

Recently during our Twilight professional development session, teachers undertook further training in the use of the Write that Essay online writing toolbox. This online resource is a tool that students can use in and outside the classroom to plan and practise their writing, including assessment tasks. The power of the tool is that is can provide students with individualised feedback about aspects of their writing including their level of precision, fluency and writing stamina (sentences and paragraph length). Additionally, the tool provides students with tools and structures to support effective writing planning and there are modules students can interact with that promote strategies and skills of effective writing composition. More information about the website can be found at the link below:

Students across Years 7, 8 and 9 and some senior classes currently have access to the toolbox if the school has received a signed third party permission form allowing the school to provide a student’s details to the Write that Essay team to set up their account. If your child does not have access to date, we encourage you to complete and submit your third party permission as soon as possible. For further information please contact Kelsey Oakes (Deputy Principal) or Angela McKay (HOD – Junior Secondary).

The student diary is a great resource to support student writing. It contains a number of documents that support students to plan, draft and edit their work, including vocabulary lists, summarising tools and sentence starters. Another great resource is the ‘Thinking CAPP + D’ strategy, which is a checklist to help students consider the features of high quality responses and to support them to monitor and review their writing. We also encourage students to take opportunities to discuss their thinking about writing with others. Research tells us that high quality ‘talk’ including metacognitive reflection and discussion of key vocabulary can support students to improve their literacy skills. We encourage all students to engage with the above-mentioned resources.

Writing Coaches

In 2021 our Writing Coaches continue to support the work of teachers across the school in improving writing instruction and student writing outcomes. In Term 1 our Writing Coaches (Dani Ringrose, Felicity Barker and Belinda Cox) along with our Junior Secondary HOD (Angela McKay) are working closely with our Year 7 teachers to deliver literacy lessons focussed on familiarising our new Year 7s with our whole school writing strategies, including the Write that Essay program. We look forward to reading some of the great writing of our Year 7 students across the year.

Matt McDonald, Deputy Principal (Year 10, Timetable)
Email: mmcdo156@eq.edu.au

Adam Richter, Deputy Principal (Years 9 & 11, International)
Email: arich60@eq.edu.au

Deborah McIntyre, Deputy Principal (Inclusion, ATSI/EALD)
Email: dmcin49@eq.edu.au

Anna Petrie, Deputy Principal (Years 7 & 8)
Email: apetr0@eq.edu.au

Kelsey Oakes, Deputy Principal (Year 12 & Strategic Projects)
Email: koake10@eq.edu.au

BUSINESS MANAGER

News from the Business Manager

Curriculum Charges

Last week Invoices for the 2021 Curriculum Charges were processed and emailed to parents/carers. To allow parents/carers to budget and/or enter into payment plans, these invoices are not required to be finalised until 31 July.

Curriculum Charges are an additional charge for some specific areas of study which require extra, intensive resourcing. These charges cover activities and resources outside of the Student Resource Scheme.

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.

All Curriculum Charges are reviewed each year by the school finance committee which then makes recommendations to the P&C for endorsement.

As invoices are processed, you may have received multiple emails from the school. To save time and confusion, we recommend you ignore all invoices and wait for your statement to be emailed.

Statements will be emailed each term with a due date of 31 July.

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.

Clearance Forms

All students should have returned a Clearance Form for 2020. If your child has not returned a form, could you please encourage them to do so as soon as possible. This process ensures that resources borrowed from the school are returned and accounted for. These items may include textbooks, library books, musical instruments and other equipment that will be required in 2021.

Parent/Carer Contact Details

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

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

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

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

Parent/Carer Experiencing Financial Difficulties

A parent/carer wishing to participate in the Student Resource Scheme and experiencing financial hardship is encouraged to contact the Business Manager to discuss how their financial obligations can be met throughout the school year, or to negotiate alternative arrangements that may be available to accommodate their individual circumstances. All discussions will be held in the strictest confidence.

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

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

News from Inclusive Practices

Inclusion Open Afternoon

A number of important Inclusion team events have occurred in the first few weeks of term. Our Inclusion Open Afternoon took place on Tuesday 23rd February. We would like to thank parents and caregivers that attended the event providing the Inclusion team with the opportunity to share information regarding adjustments, support and extra-curricular opportunities available to students. Parent collaboration is an essential element in creating optimum outcomes for our students. The event provided us with the opportunity to advertise a Parent Support Group, co-ordinated by Dorit Goren-Daniels, to meet twice per term. Parent support groups are a wonderful opportunity to share experiences, as well as obtain advice and information from specialist presenters relating to information about disability, adjustments and support services.

At our Inclusion Open Afternoon, we were also fortunate to have the expertise of Inga Myles from Carers QLD, who shared information with parents about how they assist people with a disability to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and support them in utilising their funding. It is their role to deliver the Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program, alongside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), by supporting Australians with a disability to live fulfilling and connected lives.

Supported Lunchtime Activities

Essential to student success and well-being is engagement in school activities and lunchtime programs. This year we introduced a Games Room in JS block on Tuesdays and Thursdays at first break. This Games Room is specifically for Junior School students requiring a safe space to interact with other students. Students have the opportunity to play Nintendo Switch, board games or just sit around, chill-out and chat with friends. Other supported lunchtime activities include the Modelling club which runs every Friday at 1st break in GS block and the Inclusion sports team who practise every Wednesday at 1st break and play a Gala Day against Kenmore State High School every term in week 9. These activities provide opportunities for students who are reluctant socialisers and are often very important for students to help cope with the stresses associated with the school day.

Our wonderful Teacher Aides contribute their lunch times to student well-being by assisting students with homework or assessment in the DIAL (Drop in and Learn) room located in HE01. Such assistance can be invaluable to students if they find their homework beginning to get on top of them, or to make the leap from a C+ to a B. We invite all teachers to encourage students to come to HE01 at breaks if they need support to complete assessment or homework.

Student Enrichment Activities

On Wednesday afternoon during our Student Enrichment programs (STEP), we have once again experienced enormous interest by students wanting to taking part in our Dungeons and Dragons program. Organised by Peter Claire and Matthew Thompson, these sessions allow students to be creative and collaborative in a fun environment, while making new friends and solving problems with their imagination.

Our Indigenous Captains

Recently our Indigenous Captains, Isabella French and Sophie Whitehead were invited to the Good News Lutheran School to deliver an Acknowledgement of Country, as well as talk to their students about the significance of Acknowledging Country. The students were accompanied by Mununjali Elder, Aunty Rose Page and Deputy Principal, Deborah McIntyre.

We look forward to further collaboration with local primary schools such as Good News to work collectively on important documents such as our Reconciliation Action Plan and celebrate important cultural events. We would like to thank Good News Lutheran School for the opportunity to speak at their assembly.

Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) Celebrations

On March 5th, 2021 the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) celebrated with our Student Leaders, New Scholarship Recipients and Transurban Scholarship holders. The ceremony was held at USQ Springfield and attended by three Centenary students – Makalya Renouf year 11 (student leader, QATSIF scholarship holder), Isabella French year 12 (student leader, QATSIF scholarship holder) and Deacon Ward year 12 (QATSIF scholarship holder and Transurban STEM scholarship holder).

QATSIF offers scholarships to students in year 11 and 12 to support a student’s successful completion of year 12 and obtainment of their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

A number of year 11 and 12 students from Centenary State High School are receiving QATSIF scholarships to support their senior schooling. The scholarships are awarded to students based on attendance and academic achievement, behaviour and effort.

QATSIF scholarships make a difference! See the data below from 2019.

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

GUIDANCE

News from the Guidance Officers

To help raise awareness about bullying we’d like to provide you with some facts from the Bullying No Way website:

Australian research suggests that up to one in four students has experienced some level of bullying face-to-face and one in five has experienced bullying online. Researchers have made different findings about how common bullying is, largely due to differences in how they measure ‘bullying’. It is important to remember; most young people do not engage in bullying behaviour.

Australian research has revealed that bullying peaks in the middle primary school years and the first year of high school. This appears to be related to the rapid changes in the social skills and social demands for students at these stages.

Younger children are more likely to bully others physically or verbally, and then as they get older social bullying behaviours increase (including exclusion and manipulation). Online bullying (cyberbullying) increases when students begin to have greater access to online communication and mobile phones.

To raise awareness about bullying the Wellbeing staff and Wellbeing ambassadors will be hosting a short film across two morning tea times (Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th) in the FTV block. The film deals with bullying and what is good bystander. Popcorn will be served for those wanting to watch the film. The message we want to give you is that if you believe you are being bullied, please talk to a trusted adult or teacher who can guide you in the right direction. Please also access the Say No to Bullying website for tips. You do not need to suffer alone.

Say No to Bullying Activities running the week of 15th -19th

Nicole Collins, Guidance Officer 9,11,12 (for remainder of Term 1)
Email: ncoll1@eq.edu.au

Janet Ingram, Guidance Officer 7,8,10
Email: jingr34@eq.edu.au

CHAPLAIN

News from the Chaplain

Food for Thought

Friends – The people you spend most of your time with will have quite a marked effect on the way you live and act as you will find yourself adopting a lot of their habits and hobbies.

Peer pressure is often referred to as being a bad thing, but that’s not always the case.

If you choose peers whose ways are good, then they will probably influence you to behave in the right way. On the other hand, if you choose friends who are constantly getting themselves in some sort of strife, then it won’t be long before you find yourself being led into doing things you don’t really want to do.

Remember, it’s your choice. Think of the characteristics that you like most in people and then look for friends who display those characteristics.

A message from Chappy Bernie,

How to be Happy

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

1.Don’t wait to see if you are having a good time. Instead of going to places and seeing if it is fun decide in advance to have fun regardless of the circumstances. Enjoy the day regardless of the weather. Make the most of the occasion regardless of the company.

2. Go outside and play. You were told to do this as a kid and I’m telling you to do it again, play more. Go for walks, throw a dog a stick, skip, sing loudly or imagine yourself to be a spy passing through enemy territory. Whatever does it for you. Make a promise to play more.

3. Develop deep friendships. Your friends are your true wealth, Value them and see them regularly, let them know how important they are to you. Most people only have two close friends so don’t fool yourself into believing you are less popular than most people.

4. Increase the closeness of extended family. Keeping in close contact with your family gives you a support base for difficult times and also strengthens your sense of where you come from. Feeling you belong in a family is a powerful way of being happy.

5. Play to your strengths. Have a good long hard look at yourself. What are you good at? Make a commitment to develop your skills, talents and abilities as much as you can. If you don’t develop your own unique talents the world misses out.

6. Seek out groups that most strongly value what you have to offer.

Finding the niche where your abilities are valued is the basis of success.

7. Avoid social groups where your unique attributes are not valued. Not everyone is going to like you or think you could amount to much. Get used to it. Accept that it is so, and then get out of their way.

8. Live in the dreamtime. Find and follow your passions. Dream big dreams and make a promise to yourself to live a wonderful life.

9. Laugh a lot more. Find people, shows, books, films and situations that make you laugh and surround yourself with them.

10. Have something bigger than yourself to believe in. Think about the contribution you can make while you are on this planet and do it.

11. Love as much as you can- and then love some more.

Copyright Andrew Fuller

If you need support or want to talk contact me though email: bmcmull27@eq.edu.au.

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

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Sports Director Report

SWIMMING

31 Swimmers represented Centenary SHSS at the Northern Eagles District Trials. These trials are to select students for the Met West Championships that were held on Wednesday 24 February. 14 CSHS students were selected for the District squad, which is a huge achievement.

Northern Eagles is one of the toughest districts in Brisbane and it is a credit to all students who competed at this level.

Keeleigh Andrews
Georgina Barnes
John Bradshaw
Alex Byrne
Malakai Byrne
Tayla Byrne
Rihanna Byrne
Milan Cao-Nguyen
Daniel Cochrane
Matthew Cradick
Peter Cradick
Ryder DeGraaf
Poppy Gollschewski
Ewan Griffin
Hayden Griffin
Liam Jones
Sean Kendrick
Hannah Lewis
Evan Longmire
Neve Longmire
Bethany Morrison
Isabella Nasalio
Danielle Parkinson
Ryan Pullen
Jackson Rampton
Charlotte Roberts
Mary Swanson
Tereneah Tapuai
Owen Weaver
Lucy Williams

The following swimmers have gained selection in the Met West Swimming Team to compete later in the year at the State Championships

Neve Longmire
Rihanna Byrne
Sean Kendrick
Alex Byrne
Jackson Owen

NORTHERN DISTRICT SPORTS TRIALS

A reminder that all information regarding district trials from 10-19yrs is advertised through the student notices. Dates are also on the sports calendar that has been emailed home. Students must collect paperwork from Mrs Nasalio if they wish to attend trials. Majority of the trials are held in Term 1 and Term 2 so if your child specialises in a sport and would like the opportunity to represent their District, Met West, QLD and even Australia, then this is the pathway they must take. We have a large number of students that have been selected to represent Northern at the Regional Trials. Congratulations to the following students:

13 – 15 Years Boys Touch Football

Rico Ngatai
Jacob Richter
Daniel Taylor
Kealan Chadburn

13 – 15 Years Girls Touch Football

Isabella Nasalio
Teelah Lole
Kya Horridge

16 – 18 Years Girls Touch Football

Olivia Boyd
Alyssa Taylor
Aaliyah Taylor
Danielle Parkinson

16 – 18 years Boys Touch Football

Nathan Fitzgerald
Connor Fitzgerald
Trent Stewart
Ben Thomason
Patrick Burns
Alec Ingham

13 – 19 Years Boys Hockey

Ronan Maddocks

17 – 19 Years Boys Football

Sami Cheshm Khoroushan
Nick Cox
Trent Stewart
Zac Ahmad
Ryan Campbell
Dean Cogan
Josh Peut
Cade Whitty

10 – 12 Years Girls Basketball

Rihanna Byrne

13 – 15 Years Boys AFL

Zac Bloor
Cooper Stone
Billy Turner-Fry

13 – 15 Years Girls AFL

Sophie Dunne
Amy Vassie
Tayla Byrne

14 – 15 Years Boys Rugby League

Kofi Lutze
Wil Pati
Tyler McCarroll
Quinn Lowndes

13 – 15 Years Girls Netball

Kya Horridge
Sophie Dunne
Atina Beale

16 - 18 Years Girls Netball

Kayla Eustace
Grace Franklin
Rebecca Teremoana

16 - 17 Years Girls Football

Jess Ebzery

Met West Selection

Congratulations to Atina Beale for being selected onto the 13 – 15 Years Girls Met West Netball team to compete later in the year at the State Championships.

Congratulations to Nick Cox for being selected onto the 17 - 19 Years Boys Met West Football team to compete later in the year at the State Championships.

Congratulations to Josh Peut for being selected onto the 13 - 15 Years Boys Met West Football team to compete later in the year at the State Championships.

Congratulations to Grace Franklin for being selected onto the 16 - 19 Years Girls Met West Netball team to compete later in the year at the State Championships.

SE QLD Futsal Championships

On the 8th March six Centenary SHS teams participated in the SEQ Futsal championships. All teams were competitive in their respective divisions with the U13 Boys and U15 Boys qualifying for the following competition.

Congratulations to all teams, U13, U14, U15, U16 and Open boys and U16 and Open girls

YEAR 7, 8 and 9 Summer Sports Gala Day

Our first gala day for 2021 will be this term Week 10 – Monday 29th March. The five schools that we compete against are Corinda SHS, Kenmore SHS, Yeronga SHS, QASMT and Indooroopilly SHS. It is a one -day competition from 8am to 3.00pm.

Students have been trialling and training for a number of different sports available this Gala day - consisting of basketball, touch football, boys’ volleyball and girls’ tennis. Information letters including the permission forms will be going home in week 7 (12/03/21) and permission forms and payment must be returned by week 9 (24/03/21).

YEAR 10 & OPEN Summer Sports Gala Day

The year 10 & Open Summer Sports Gala Day is held in Term 2, week 1 – 22nd April 2021. Centenary will be participating in the sports of Touch football, tennis, badminton, Girls basketball and Boys Volleyball and Cricket. Please note that the Cricket is played over two days and concludes on the 23rd April.

Information letters including the permission forms will be going home in week 8 (19/03/21) and permission forms and payment must be returned by week 10 (1/04/21).

I would like thank all of our coaches for their hard work in training the teams and wish all our senior and junior gala day participants the best of luck for their games.

CROSS COUNTRY

The annual Cross-Country carnival will be taking place on Thursday 25th March. Physical activity is a key strategy for enhancing wellbeing, and as such, all students from years 7 – 12 will participate in the Cross-Country event. This is an opportunity for students to compete, contribute to their school house, socialise, and participate. An information letter will be emailed to all parents shortly. We are looking forward to seeing students getting involved with their school community.

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. Students can see me in Staffroom 4 or results can be emailed to: tnasa1@eq.edu.au

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

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

JUNIOR SECONDARY

Junior Secondary News

As you will see from the other articles in this newsletter, the Year 7, 8, and 9 students have had a busy term so far. It is great to see our young students take up the many opportunities available to them – from sports, to the Arts, to academic competitions, to leadership opportunities.

As this term quickly draws to an end, assessment time is looming. Students will have several exams and assessment pieces due before the end of term. Taking care of themselves at this often-stressful time has been reinforced with our Junior students. Messages have been delivered on Year Level Assemblies around being organised with their learning/study, having enough sleep every night, having a good diet, and leading a balanced life. Should your child be absent when assessment is due, or exams are scheduled, please ensure that you contact your child’s teacher.

Just a reminder that your child’s HG teacher is a great support for you and your child. Please don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns. For matters of a more serious nature, please contact the relevant Year Level Coordinator, Deputy Principal, or myself.

Angela McKay, HOD Junior Secondary
Email: amcka18@eq.edu.au

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Senior Schooling News

Year 10, 11 & 12 Parent Information Sessions

Thank you to all parents who attended the start of year information sessions. The information slides have been forwarded to all parents and caregivers. The bulk of this information centred around upcoming events as well as relevant information for individual year groups. Please remember to utilise the Career Options resources below, containing a plethora of career information including our school access code. We kindly ask that you do not share this outside of the school.

Access Code: cent2021

Year 12

All Year 12 students have now completed IA1 assessment and some subjects are working toward IA2 in the next few weeks. Exam Block was also a time for those students with incomplete coursework to finalise outstanding pieces. Most of our Year 12 cohort have now successfully completed their Certificate II in FSK (Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways). Successful completion banks 4 core learning credits into their accounts.

We strongly advise students to be checking their QCAA Student Learning Account to regularly check banked learning toward the QCE. All Year 11 and 12 students should have registered their account using their LUI at Registered with the QCAA Student Portal using your LUI at the link below:

Year 12 students have the option to engage with the Atomi online program that provides syllabus specific lessons, videos and quizzes. This fantastic resource equips students with the extra skills and knowledge needed to undertake internal and external assessment. Atomi has been provided to all students studying General Subjects in Year 12. We strongly encourage students to be using this online tool during their STEP lesson each Wednesday and as an extra support tool to consolidate content delivered in school.

Year 11

Week 8 and 9 marks the first period of assessment for our Year 11 students. These formative internal assessments are used to calculate a student’s overall result in Unit 1. When students have completed their second formative internal assessment in Term 2, they may be eligible to change subjects. Please ensure your child is aware of the exams scheduled for this week by checking their One School Assessment calendar.

Students have been asked to complete all work toward the Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways available on One Note. Successful completion of this qualification will provide students with 4 credits toward their QCE. Those students with outstanding work will be required to remain at school during exam block to complete this.

Year 11 students should have firmly established productive school and study routines. It is recommended that students undertaking an ATAR Pathway undertake at least 15 – 20 hours a week of study/homework/revision outside of school time. The priority for all students, regardless of pathway, is attaining the best result they can in each subject. Remember, core business for all students is the attainment of the QCE and successful completion of their chosen pathway.

All Year 11 students have been actively working on developing those skills that will assist them toward this goal during STEP every Wednesday. A focus has been on the development of the six main cognitive verbs that underpin the new senior curriculum and external assessments in Term 4 2021. To date, we have explored: Comprehend, Explain, Analyse, Evaluate and Justify. Next week we explore “Interpret”. These skills sit in the three cognitive systems of Retrieve and Comprehend, Analysis and Knowledge Utilisation. Students have also been exposed to the Write That Essay “12 Sentence Types”, designed to create fluency and proficiency in their writing. Year 11 Students have also been provided free access to the Atomi online learning tool’s Study Skills resources which we strongly urge them to utilise as they move toward assessment in Week 8.

Year 10

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

Year 10 Work Experience is occurring in Week 10 of Term 3 (Monday 13th – Friday 17th September). An information pack has also been emailed to all parents on Friday 5th March. Form A (outlining placement details) is due back at school before Monday 24th May. If you require any further information, please contact Benita Belsham at bbels2@eq.edu.au

Communication

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

ACCESS CODE: cent2021

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

FACULTIES

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY

Applied Technology Staffing

Shanti Reddy remains on sick leave until further notice. Her timetable has been allocated to Ms Buru.

Applied Technology Year 7/8 students

At the conclusion of term one week five, the Year 7 and 8 Applied Technology students completed either, their Home Economics textiles/cooking course or their introduction to Industrial Technology and Design (ITD). These students now progress to another Technology subject. Applied Technology reports will record the collective result from both the Home Economics and ITD units.

Stationery Requirements

Stationery requirement lists were published and distributed late 2020. It informs families what stationery items need to be supplied for each of their child’s respective subjects. Applied Technology teachers have informed me that a considerable number of students are yet to arrive to their classes with the necessary items. I would appreciate this matter being resolved. Should you require an additional stationery list, please contact me.

Consent Forms

Students enrolled in Applied Technology practical subjects have been issued with a consent form, requiring a parent’s/carer’s signature. The returned form indicates to your child’s respective teacher, that you are aware of the inherent risks associated with such subjects and permit your son/daughter to continue with the subject. Unfortunately, a significant number of consent forms remain outstanding. Please attend to this promptly. Students who have yet to return their consent form are withdrawn from the workshop and/or kitchen and assigned theory tasks.

Occupational Health and Safety Requirements

Students enrolled in practical subjects are required to comply with occupational health and safety regulation. Applied Technology staff request students wear appropriate footwear in either a workshop or kitchen and avoid wearing loose clothing.

Students can easily comply. Students are required to:

Wear their leather school shoes.
Wear supplied aprons, with the bow tied to the back.
Leave headphone/ear piece leads in their bags.

Place mobile phones out of sight unless used for a specified learning activity.

Failure to comply may result in your child being withdrawn from the workshop and/or kitchen.

Senior Assessment Tertiary Entrance (SATE)

Both, the year 12 Engineering and Design students have submitted their first piece of summative assessment for 2021. A reminder, students in each subject will be presented with four pieces of assessment this year, three designed by Applied Technology staff and the final piece by members of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). The collective results from the four pieces of summative assessment will contribute to the calculation of the student’s Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

Senior Hospitality Practices

This year, the Home Economics staff are trialling incursions to establish if they are a viable and valuable means to provide students with direct contact with industry experts. It’s anticipated the incursions will incorporate specific assessment tasks related to the experience.

During week four, term one, Mel Alafaci, director and chef of Vanilla Zulu and Alira Paff, owner of Two Hands Chef School, worked with the senior hospitality classes, introducing them to current food preparation trends and techniques. These skills will be practiced and applied each week during their practical cookery class and subsequently showcased at an assessable sit-down café and a take away meal venture.

Feedback from the participating students was extremely positive with all indicating they learnt something new and useful. Some students suggested they felt better prepared for the catering assessment simulations planned for later in the semester.

Building stronger connections with industry has the potential to prove mutually beneficial and deserves attention.

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

ELEARNING

Microsoft Teams introduced to classrooms

This year classes in years 7 to 11 have begun to use Microsoft Teams. While we are still in the early stages of adoption, through Teams we are already beginning to see increased opportunities for students to engage with learning.

What is Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a is a digital hub for all Office 365 products and tools where students can work closely with teachers and fellow students to communicate and work on assignments.

Classroom Teams is one of the tools that teachers can use to share files; collect and grade assessment; provide activities; and share resources. For example, OneNote is closely integrated into Teams, allowing efficient sharing of class notes and feedback. Teams also offers some insights into student progress, giving teachers another high-level view of what’s going on in the classroom.

While online chat is a Teams feature that can be used between staff, students cannot use chat to contact teachers or each other.

Classroom discussion in Teams

Accessing Teams

Students will access their Classroom Team with their Centenary SHS Office 365 account. This is their school email address and school password. Students can get to their Classroom Team quickly by going to https://teams.microsoft.com

Atomi for Year 12 students off to a good start

Atomi is an online learning platform with resources that cover many of the ‘general’ senior subjects. After a successful trial in science in 2021, where Atomi was a key tool in preparing students for the external exams, this year all Year 12 students studying these subjects have been given access.

Atomi works by covering key concepts with short videos and then assessing student understanding. It can adjust its questions to offer the right amount of challenge, and will also remind students when they should review these concepts, increasing retention through repetition.

Teachers can see what concepts students may be struggling with and can adapt their instruction accordingly. A real strength of the program is that it enables students to access additional support and resources beyond the classroom.

Atomi usage for term 1

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

HUMANITIES/LOTE

2020 was highly successful academically with Year 12 students in the first year of the ATAR program finishing strongly. Standout data was that 100% of students of Extension Chinese achieved an A standard, which is 20 % above the Queensland state average. A brief snapshot of year levels’ excellent results includes Year 10 QAM, (Introduction to Senior Histories), where 74% of students achieved either A or B. Year 8 Chinese Excellence results far exceeded school targets with over 94% of all students achieving an A or B standard.

Mid-term 1 and school life is buzzing along at a cracking pace as usual. Congratulations to Year 12 students, who recently sat their first assessment for Year 12 in Modern History, Ancient History, Economics, Social and Community Studies, as well as Year 12 Chinese & Extension Chinese. Year 11s sit their block exams in Week 8. In fact, most Humanities and Language classes are in assessment mode. If you have any concerns regarding assessment, due dates or other matters, your first port of call is the classroom teacher.

All Junior Humanities and Year 10 classes are currently studying History. In semester 2, we switch mode to Geography, with our Year 9’s also studying Economics for a term as well. We believe that exposure to Senior subjects at this level is of great benefit to students when making choices for their Senior Course.

The Humanities are very regular ‘field-trippers’ and excursion participants. Last year, restrictions led to many being cancelled. We are gearing up though for a busy year in 2021. Year 11 Ancient History will head to the University of QLD soon to investigate the process of mummification (in a hands-on demonstration!) Senior History students regularly visit UQ as part of their studies, in order to familiarise themselves with the campus facilities, in particular their vast library. Field trips planned for Semester 2 include coastal studies at The Spit and a visit to a sustainable farm to investigate food production.

Three amazing and very clued-up teams participated in week 6 in The OZCLO Linguistics Olympiad, a long-held tradition here at Centenary (see below). This competition is unlike many others, in that it is run in teams of four. Students use fragments of various and quite obscure languages, to de-code the meaning of set problems. It was a truly nail-biting finish when, whilst uploading responses, some team members were still debating the finer points of Gaelic or Amazonian tribal languages! If you are keen try your hand at the linguistic problems, see links below (One of our teams came first in the state in 2020!) Results will be published in a later newsletter.

(The Problems)

(The Solutions)

A very warm welcome to staff new to our faculties this year. Please see contact details below:

Levienne JONES lwarn16@eq.edu.au Junior Humanities
Alexia BAUTISTA ambau1@eq.edu.au Junior Humanities
Racheal HABERMANN rhabe7@eq.edu.au German and Junior Humanities
Jody JARRETT jjarr35@eq.edu.au Junior Humanities
Scott JOSLAND sajos0@eq.edu.au Senior Economics
Zachary ZAMMIT zzamm2@eq.edu.au Junior Humanities

Deb Mansini, Humanities /LOTE HOD
Email: dmans17@eq.edu.au

SCIENCE

ConocoPhillips Science Week Experience

The ConocoPhillips Science Experience is a fun 3 or 4 days of science activities for Year 9 and 10 students in the last week of holidays in January, 2021. The program is designed to provide students who have an interest in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work. Participants perform experiments in the laboratories, meet and hear senior lecturers, attend site visits and walk around and experience what it is like to be on campus of a university. The program also provides information about further studies in science, technology and engineering.

We would like acknowledge Centenary Rotary’s part sponsorship of the following students:

Anoria Rankin
Yen Nguyen
Tara Bui
Kim Tran
Jack Stimson
Eva Pesce

The following report by Anoria Rankin provides a snapshot of the students’ experience.

Between the 19th and 22nd of January, six bright, like-minded students from year ten received scholarships (provided by the Centenary Rotary Club) to attend a four-day Science Experience, which involved travelling to several Universities, participating in many activities exploring different areas of science, building friendships, and experiencing University Life. It is safe to say that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it is one we will not forget soon.

To break the ice and first-day jitters, we were gathered into a circle and taught how to play chicken goggles – this game would later become something everyone loved to participate in. We also partook in multiple chants, often about silly things like banana’s, and a Moose, and tried to crack the code to mind games which (even after going home and using google to try and help solve them), took until the end of the four days to figure out. These chants and games kept spirits high, and eventually became one of the many highlights throughout the day.

QUT workshops included chemistry, engineering, and optics workshops, as well as two biology workshops. During the chemistry workshops, we created a chemical clock, explored the wonders of bioluminescence, and lastly made slime. While attending the engineering class, we studied the effects of push and pull-on bridge structures, before having to make and test a bridge of our very own. Superglue was used and gloves may or may not have been glued together, leaving us in a sticky situation. During the Optics workshops, we built our very own spectrum boxes, and then investigated the different types of light, and how to identify them (using a spectrum box). Lastly, we viewed CAT scans on giant tablets, and explored the human anatomy, before examining weird but wonderful medical cases that have been found by doctors.

At Griffith University, Professor Tony Greene led the way in showing us all different types of microbiomes, bacteria cells, and even tried an experiment with yeast, during our lecture on Microbiology. After, we explored physics by creating catapults, with the intent of launching different weighted objects into buckets; modifying our catapult to achieve this. Following this, we tested sunscreens, aiming to determine which one was the best for our skin, and ran sample tests to find a poisoned drink. To finish the day off, we ventured to Toohey Forest where we had to modify a fan, by either increasing or decreasing the number of fan blades. Our Aim? To create the highest amount of energy possible.

Day three and four were both at the University of Queensland, and across these two days, we participated in an eye-opening lecture on astrology, a fun lecture on math, and participated in a DNA workshop, involving the extraction of DNA from maggots. On the last day, our groups were challenged to invent and present a group product. Using software that the mentors designed themselves, we determined which product flew off the shelves, and which did not do too well. After this activity, we attended a lecture given by a representative of Conoco Philips, and one from Santos. These were helpful, because not only did the representatives talk about their STEM experiences, but they gave us an idea of what to do to achieve the courier we want.

Overall, the experience allowed us to gain a better understanding of what university and STEM are like in the real world. The great variety of specialised sciences allowed us to learn so much in such a short amount of time, and each topic was extremely interesting and engaging. Along with this, the staff that ran the program were very enthusiastic and showed dedication and passion for science, motivating us to do the same. We could connect to others that share the same passion for Science, and to this day we are still in contact with them. We got so much out of this experience and we thank everyone who made it possible.

Science competitions

The following are Science competitions the school will coordinating this year:

Participation in the Big Science Competition is free, for this year only. Please encourage your students to participate in the above competitions. Irrespective of the outcome, participation in competitions help to raise the profile of students. More information will be provided to students at a later date.

SPARQ-Ed Research Immersion Program

The SPARQ-ed research immersion program provides students with an opportunity to work alongside a dynamic group of scientists and like-minded peers on pressing biomedical problems facing society.

Over the 5 day program students will:

• Gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratory
• Attend cutting-edge biomedical science research seminars
• Learn valuable academic research skills, and
• Showcase their findings in a research forum.

Working in a team on a real research project, students will use the latest technology to examine, test and analyse your results, then discuss your findings with world renowned university researchers based at the Translational Research Institute.

The program is open to year 10, 11 and 12 chemistry and biology students throughout Queensland.

The program dates are as follows:

Semester 1:

Semester 2:

Application information

To apply, please complete the Semester 1 Expression of Interest Form or Semester 2 Expression of Interest Form (found in the link provided) and email to sparqed@uq.edu.au by the closing date. There are sections included that need to be completed by a teacher from your school.

Students interested in this program should see Mr Moodley for more details.

Allen Moodley, Science HOD
Email: amood23@eq.edu.au

THE ARTS

The end of term 1 is fast approaching and school life is very busy in The Arts!

Year 12 students have submitted their first internal assessment items, year 11 students are about to submit their first senior task, and students in years 7-10 are busy preparing for their upcoming assessments. You can support your child by asking when the due date for assessment is (or checking it on the assessment planner) and ensuring your child is completing homework/preparing for assessment items at home. All of the task sheets and resources the students require for their classes (every Arts class, years 7-12) can be accessed on OneNote or by checking with the classroom teacher.

Student Success

Congratulations to year 11 Music group, The Cosmo Collective, who travelled again to Stanthorpe for the Australian National Busking Championships. We are thrilled to announce two young men have successfully defended their title, and have again been named the Best Band. What a phenomenal achievement!

Events

We have just finished advertising for the Lead Roles in the 2021 School Production (Shrek Junior). By the time this goes to publication, students will be auditioning for the lead roles. Students who would like to participate in some other way (cast, band, crew, set/props/costumes) will be able to sign up soon and rehearsals will commence early in term 2. Any students who would like more information about the school musical can pop down to staffroom 4 at any time to ask!

The junior instrumental music camp, for students in years 7-9 will be held in week 8. There are many benefits to camp, with the most obvious being the sheer volume of rehearsal and learning we can undertake over a few days. The camp sets up the ensembles with the repertoire they need for the year, plus it’s fun! The concert band, string ensemble and percussion ensemble will end their camp with a concert on the Friday evening in CPAC.

The senior instrumental music camp follows, in term 2 and information has just been emailed home.

This year, two of our school ensembles will perform at the Darra Community Festival, on Saturday March 20. The Liquorice Allsorts Clarinet Ensemble will perform at 11.30am for half an hour, followed by year 11 Music group, The Cosmo Collective at 12pm. The Darra Community Festival will be held at Dulcie Street Park.

Please check the calendar below for upcoming events.

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

Year 7 Report

The new Year 7 cohort have had a very busy, yet positive start to their first year at Centenary. Week 1 consisted of many activities designed to promote connectedness and familiarity within Year 7 HG classrooms. We were fortunate to have the presence of our fantastic Year 10 mentors, who ran many activities during AM breaks to facilitate new friendships. These included chess, handball, volleyball, crafts, mindful colouring as well as a huge game of capture the flag, which certainly captured the interest of the Year 7’s!

JS was decorated with Balloons and welcome banners. Our huge friendship chain, which was constructed by the students on their initial Orientation Day last year, was proudly displayed in our undercover shelter.

Shake and Stir:

On Monday of week 5, the students were invited to attend a production titled “Terrortorial” by visiting theatre company, Shake and Stir. With over 250 attending, students were treated to an enjoyable production, which dealt with issues surrounding the trials and tribulations of starting High School. Embedded in the production, were important messages surrounding the concepts of change, friendships, being yourself, acceptance and resilience.

Year 7 Camp:

Our biggest event for term 1, is definitely School Camp, which will take place at Tallebudgera Beach, Tuesday - Thursday of week 10. We are busy preparing students for this, allocating cabins, activity groups, and sending home all the documentation required to ensure our stay is positive and productive. Watch out for some fantastic photographs after this event! This camp is not compulsory and for students not attending, they will engage with a variety of activities during ‘stay camp’ here at Centenary. Past activities at ‘stay camp’ have included making damper, decorating cookies and pitching tents and are sure to be a lot of fun.

Carly Manche, Year 7 Coordinator
Email: ceman4@eq.edu.au

P&C

News from our P&C

We would like to re-commence the Arts Department Sub Committee but we can’t do this without you.

If there are any parents of children participating in Drama, Choral, Instrumental Music, or anyone who has the love the Arts, we would love you to get in touch. Meetings would only be held several times a year to discuss fundraising for our amazing Arts Department and therefore, not a huge commitment. If you are keen, please forward an email to the Head of the Arts Department, Mrs Angela Sleeman on aslee4@eq.edu.au.

Uniform shop news

The Uniform shop is now fully stocked and back orders have been completed. Please remember that if you order via Flexischools to gently remind your student to collect from the uniform shop.

Trackpants, Jackets and scarves are ready for winter!

Jackets - $80 – sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
Trackpants - $55 – sizes 6 to 28
Scarves - $10

Labelling school jackets with your student’s name is a service we can offer. This will help to reduce the number of jackets lost and handed to the office. You have two options to place the names front left or inside the jacket. Cost is as follows;

One (1) Name only $10 inc. GST (Surname only)
Two (2) Names $20 inc. GST (First Name and Surname)

Process:

Please ensure you complete one (1) form per jacket. If more than 1 jacket is required, please complete a separate form.

Ensure you drop off your jacket to the Uniform Shop on or before Tuesday of each week.

Please place jacket in a bag to protect it, and ensure garment is clean. We are unable to brand dirty garments.

Payment is required to the Uniform Shop upon drop off.

Your jacket will be available for pick up from the Uniform Shop in approx. 2 weeks. We will contact you when it arrives back to us.

Please refer to the link for the Labelling form and the current price list.

Please help us continue with the Entertainment Book Fundraiser with the proceeds going to the Student Welfare fund. There is still plenty of savings to gain from the Entertainment Book. All books are now digital. Should you wish to purchase a book, please visit the link below:

P&C meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month. Our AGM and March meeting will be held 17th March 2021 with the April meeting being held on 21st April 2021. Meetings are held in the Resource Centre with doors opening at 6:45pm for a 7pm start. Water, Tea and Coffee will be available.

For any new families unfamiliar with the school, please see below map for our meetings. We are located in the RC building, just up from the Administration block (AD).

We encourage as many families to get involved. It is a great way to see what is going on behind the scenes and hear from our Principal. There are no Fete’s, no OSHC to run, only the Uniform shop therefore, very little volunteering is required on the P&C, so please come along and have a chat!

Look forward to seeing you soon.

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

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Love to Sing? Join Voices of Birralee for their Harmony Week Celebrations – 16-20 March 2021

Queensland’s Voices of Birralee is celebrating Harmony Week with a series of Open Rehearsals for their training choirs and Previews for their signature choirs. Harmony Week is about spreading the message of ‘everyone belongs’ and at Birralee this is achieved by learning music from different parts of the world – singing is a universal language and there are so many reasons to sing. Singing increases self-esteem, provides a sense of belonging, enhances memory and boosts overall mental and physical wellbeing. Voices of Birralee nearly has a choir for everyone – their weekly programs cater from 5 to 35 years. Harmony Week is free to attend and pre-registration for COVID safety is preferred. Visit the link below for more information or call 3367 1001.