17 June 2021
Volume 23 Number 4

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

PRINCIPAL

News from the Principal

We are enjoying being back to normal routine as most of the COVID measures have been relaxed. It is certainly refreshing to enjoy a full co-curricular program again with sport, public speaking, cultural events and curriculum excursions all running strongly. I encourage all students to engage in these opportunities…as well as being healthy and beneficial pursuits in themselves, they assist students to connect to the school and feel a sense of belonging.

As we enter the final weeks of the school term, assessment, moderation and reporting take centre stage. With the advent of the Senior ATAR system, our Years 11 and 12 students are working slightly different timelines to the traditional semester model with many facing a number of assessment demands in the next few weeks. We wish them well – particularly our Year 12 students whose assessment contributes directly to their ATAR score.

Parent Survey

The school’s quadrennial review will be undertaken in September this year. As part of our review process, we have gathered survey data from stakeholder groups. I have provided a summary of the Parent Survey results below. With 250 parents responding to the survey, the results hold a reasonable degree of validity.

Whilst the general feedback affirms school practices, there a number of areas which require review.

The management of student behaviour requires a deeper analysis to ascertain exactly what parents see as problematic.

It was reassuring to see the majority of parents supporting the school’s uniform policy. Like the vast majority of high performing public schools, we hold high expectations on a uniform based upon the formal uniform. I note concerns about changing rooms – we are having a purpose-built change room for Year 7’s constructed in the coming months. The Moolanda Street new build, which will begin construction early next semester, will also contain further change rooms. The concerns raised about students not having enough time to change due to long canteen lines appears groundless – average time from the back of the canteen queue to being served in peak times is 5 minutes.

Energy Drinks

I have increasing concerns about students consuming energy drinks before school. Emerging evidence has linked energy drink consumption with negative health consequences in youth, like risk-seeking behaviours, poor mental health, adverse cardiovascular effects, and metabolic, renal, or dental problems. Whilst I don’t wish to become the “lunch box police”, it is worth considering how we can dissuade students from this behaviour.

Vaping

Like all schools across Brisbane we are experiencing an increasing number of students vaping. Under no circumstances do we accept this behaviour and students caught vaping or in the possession of vaping instruments will face consequences such as suspension as outlined in our Student Code of Conduct.

Positive Education

Positive Education is our school wellbeing approach. It is evidence-based and initiated with the work of Martin Seligman and others. We use this approach predominantly in our Junior School Home Group Program and incidentally in the Senior School. A core component of this approach is the use of the PERMAH model, which consists of the elements of Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health.

Integral to this approach is the embracing of a growth mindset – that through deliberate practice we can change our behaviours and emotional states to enhance our sense of wellbeing and live a fulfilling life.

The student diaries, which should be used as a means of communication between home and school, provide a wealth of information on Positive Education.

Cars

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

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

On the topic of cars, I also remind parents to be respectful of our neighbours. Parents who are illegally parking adjacent to the Curragundi Road school exit in the afternoons are increasing the likelihood of an accident in this area.

Congratulations to the following sporting teams who won Summer District Premierships:

Best Wishes

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

2021 Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey

In weeks 7, 8 and 9 students in Years 7 to 12 will be asked to take part in the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey. We know that wellbeing and engagement are important parts of your child’s life at school. The department and Centenary State High School are looking at ways to collect information on these important areas so we can support our students in the best way possible. The QEW Survey is designed to measure how state school students view their wellbeing and engagement. It covers topics such as: resilience, school climate, relationships with peers, teachers and at home, sense of belonging, motivation and perseverance, academic self-concept, personal social capabilities, future outlook and aspirations, general life satisfaction and general health.

Results from this survey will tell us about students’ levels of wellbeing and engagement. This information will allow us to better support our students and meet their needs. In 2021, the QEW Survey will take place between these dates:

An information letter has been sent out to parents and carers. If you have any questions, please contact the school.

Bus Travel Update

A significant number of school students travel on buses to attend school in Queensland. A new Code of Conduct for School Students Travelling on Buses was developed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and published in January 2021. This Code applies to all school students travelling to and from school as well as utilising buses for excursions, camps and other activities like sport. The Code is attached for your perusal. The Code also addresses fare evasion and details the roles and responsibilities of bus operators, parents, schools and other stakeholders in the safe travel of school students. The Code is supported by the Safe Travel of School Students Guiding Principles.

Unfortunately, there may be times when students do not have their bus card or insufficient funds to be able to pay, but students, parents, Centenary State High School and bus operators need to work in partnership to ensure safe bus travel at all times. According to TransLink (2021) “Some students have exploited the framework for safe travel of school students by not paying the correct fare, thinking that they will not be refused travel. As a parent/carer, you need to let your children know that they cannot expect to travel on the school bus unless they pay their fare and that there are consequences for fare evasion (which can include refusal of travel for a period of time). Therefore, you must ensure that they have the required bus fare for their school bus travel.”

Please read the attached Code and Guidelines for school students travelling on buses in Queensland.

Vaping

Studies have shown that the number of young people vaping (click here for information of what vaping is), is increasing. Social media (including Tik Tok challenges), and companies glamourising it to seem cool and fun are thought to be contributing to this increase. Despite it being illegal in Australia to sell vape liquids with nicotine, this is still happening, and products can be bought from overseas companies on the internet which contain nicotine.

The following tips on how to bring this subject up with your young person is from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

Talking about vaping with young people

Are you concerned about a young person who may be vaping? Having a conversation about it might feel tricky, but it’s always a good idea!

Start with information

Get the key facts, learn the basics about vaping products and think through what you want to say. Consider some questions you might be asked and how you want to respond.

Approach it calmly

You might want to start the conversation when you’re doing an activity together, such as driving or preparing a meal. Keep things casual and relaxed. You might want to use something you saw in a TV show or on the news as a chance to bring up the issue.

Don’t make assumptions

If you think they may have tried vaping, avoid making accusations. Going through someone’s space looking for evidence isn’t recommended because it can undermine trust.

Avoid judging or lecturing

Listen to their point of view and keep it a two-way conversation. Being mindful to keep your body language and tone respectful can go a long way. If they have tried vaping, try asking questions like: ‘what made you want to try?’ and ‘how did it make you feel?’

Don’t exaggerate

Make sure you are honest with them about potential harms and avoid exaggerated statements.

Focus on health and explain your concerns

Focus on how you care about them and want them to be healthy. For example, if they are vaping nicotine you can say that you are concerned about the evidence that this can affect adolescent brain development.

Reference: Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Just do it - go to school!

Every day counts! School attendance should become a habit for every student, and parents and carers play a significant role in making this happen. At Centenary State High School, attendance is very important and the school has set the target for students’ attendance to be greater than 92%. The state average is 95% attendance, and at the moment the school is at 91.2% overall attendance. Currently, each year level’s attendance rates at the start of Week 7 are:

Why is attendance so important?

If a young person misses one day of school each week, this adds up to being up to two months missed over a year. Just a day a fortnight can mean a young person misses more that a year of learning over twelve years.

It is so very important that parents and carers encourage students to attend, reminding them of all the possibilities; the link to achieving their future career goals and work possibilities. It is about students being able to fulfil their dreams, and attending school can assist them in achieving this.

There are a few important strategies for assisting students to attend school, and these are to:

• Ensure the young person has enough sleep. Help them to establish routines that enable them to have a good night’s sleep.
• Stress the importance of attending school every day and explain how important it is later in life to have regular attendance at work.
• Make any medical or other appointments (where possible) after school or during the school holidays.
• Access the school website for the assessment calendar and assist in making a study plan that enables all checkpoints, drafts and final assessment to be met in advance. This will then reduce the likelihood of working late and being too tired for school. Communicate with the school when there is an absence and explain this absence. If the absence is likely to be longer, then liaise with the relevant Year Level Coordinator or Guidance Officer to seek school work so the student stays up to date.

Refer to the following website for further strategies for teenagers:

Explaining absences

Any time a student is not attending or participating in a school related activity, it is considered an absence and must be explained. Justified reasons for a student to be absent from school may include being sick, having an unavoidable medical appointment, being required to attend a recognised religious holiday and exceptional or urgent family circumstances (e.g. attending a funeral). If the absence is going to be more long-term then it is important you discuss this with the relevant Deputy Principal and Guidance Officer.

Years 11 and 12

Students in the compulsory participation phase of education must attend no less than 85% of school. Those students who do not meet this expectation jeopardise their involvement in extra-curricular activities e.g. school formals, camps etc.

Those students with regular attendance at TAFE or other off-campus activities must notify both the school and institution (TAFE, Employer or RTO) in the event they are absent from this activity.

Students in Years 11 and 12 who are absent on a day that assessment is due must notify the Year Level Deputy, Head of Department and provide the relevant documentation (e.g. medical certificate). Students who do not attend scheduled assessment without first applying for AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments) may not be resulted in this subject.

It is not reasonable nor school policy for students to apply for extensions on the day that assignments are due. A student must make every effort to consult with the Year Level Deputy Principal and/or Guidance Officer in advance of the due date (5 days before). In an emergent situation, students and/or parents are asked to contact the Year Level Deputy Principal as soon as practicably possible and you will be guided through the necessary steps and informed of any required documentation.

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

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

Angela McKay, Deputy Principal (Years 7 & 8)
Email: amcka18@eq.edu.au

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

Angela Raven, Deputy Principal (Year 11, International)
Email: arave7@eq.edu.au

Belinda Walker, Deputy Principal (Year 9)
Email: bwalk53@eq.edu.au

TEACHING AND LEARNING

How do you evaluate?

Evaluate: examining and judging the merit or significance of something.

Evaluation is a thinking skill that we use regularly in combination with the skills of analysis, explanation and justification. When students are learning these skills, it is important that they are not only exposed to problems and experiences that require thinking but that they understand the processes involved so they can apply them to unique situations.

I asked just a few students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to explain how they evaluate.

Year 10 student writing code for a drone to deliver an object

“I don’t really know how to explain it; it is a successful project if there is no misfunction in the code.”

Year 11 students working on a problem solving and modelling task in Essential Maths

“Basically, you have to answer ‘why’ and ‘how’; why you did the calculations and how you did them. You also have to link it back to the problem. To perform well you definitely have to put in time and effort outside of class time.”

“You have to identify strengths and weaknesses and explain what it means.”

Year 12 Legal Studies students

“You have to explain consequences and implications of all possibilities and ‘weigh them up’.”

“You make judgements against criteria. In science that is – is it reliable and is it valid? In legal studies – is it just and is it equitable?”

All students knew what was required of them in the context of the problem they were working on though Year 11 and Year 12 students were able to be far more articulate about their approach. Conversations about how students approach their learning can also occur at home and can encourage deeper understanding and transfer of learning from one context to another. Asking students to explain why they did what they did may elicit grunts of frustration from some students but ultimately will support our students to become competent and flexible thinkers.

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

GUIDANCE

News from the Guidance Officers

Building Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is feeling good about yourself, liking yourself, feeling that you are a worthwhile person. For almost all parents there are times when you worry about your child’s self-esteem. Self-esteem enables them to try new things without too much fear of failing, to reach out and make friends, and to manage problems they are likely to meet along the way. Good self-esteem builds a solid foundation for life.

An important part of self-esteem is feeling that you have a place in the world where you belong – that you are part of a family where you matter.

What parents can do to help build self-esteem:

• Tell your child often that you love them and you are glad they are who they are
• Show you love them by spending time, listening to their point of view, being willing to help them achieve their goals e.g. drive them to sport, watch the game
• Support their learning – take an interest without taking over, be involved in the school
• Encourage friendships and make their friends welcome, and get to know them
• Encourage hobbies or interests – a busy child is less likely to get into trouble
• Let your child assist you with something e.g. cooking, fixing the video
• Keep and cherish mementos of their success e.g. ribbons, trophies
• Help them to solve their problems themselves by talking through the issue, offering ideas or alternatives and helping them follow through.

All children need love and support. You are the most influential person in their life. How you support your child and the skills you teach them will affect them for the rest of their life. Parenting is not easy but it can be a most rewarding job when you see that the child you have reared is a happy, capable and caring person.

(Adapted from the Parent Easy Guide “Self-Esteem”)

Our Youth Services co-ordinator will be facilitating a girls group – “GROW” – as part of our Junior Secondary Wellbeing program over five fun and interactive 70-minute sessions starting Week 4, Term 3 during STEP time on a Wednesday. The girls group focuses on common issues that affect teenage girls. The purpose of the program is to provide young girls with the skills to deal with these issues as they arise.

Girls group focuses on common issues:

• Growth mindset
• Self esteem
• Appropriate friendships
• Communication
• Goals

If your daughter is in Years 7 – 9 and you believe she would benefit from this program, please contact Dina, YSC by Friday 25th June at YSC2@icys.org.au.

Juanita Oberle, Guidance Officer Years 9, 11 & 12
Email: jober13@eq.edu.au

Jules Cottona, Guidance Officer Years 7, 8 & 10
Email: jcott55@eq.edu.au

SCHOOL NURSE

News from the School Nurse

At the end of 2020, eight students across Years 8 – 10 attended our first Peer Skills 2-day training workshop. At the end of this term our Student Forum leaders in Years 7 – 9 will have the chance to attend the workshop and be trained in Peer Skills. This workshop will be run by our School Youth Health Nurse, with support from our Chaplain Bernie and New Guidance Officer on June 21st and 22nd.

The workshop aims to provide our students with the confidence and skills they need to respond in the best possible way when a friend turns to them with a concern and/or problem.

Peer Skills is based on research that suggests that while many young people share their problems with their parents, often they turn first to their peers and friends. Research supports the idea that young people view their peers as an approachable and credible source of support, and that young people can successfully help each other. Help seeking and help giving skills are also significantly increased through training.

Topics covered in the program include:

• Values and attitudes
• Listening and responding
• Problem solving
• Identifying individual strengths and self-care
• Finding out about helping roles and services within the school and broader community

More information on the benefit of Peer Skills can be found at the link below.

The students will be supported by Kirsten Anstey (School Nurse), Wellbeing Hub staff and Mrs Vicki Spicer (Student Forum Teacher Coordinator). Next term all of our trained students will meet together for support as they utilise their new skills within their year levels. We look forward to their initiatives in building on our positive and supportive school environment.

Kirsten Anstey, School Nurse
Email: nurse.centenary@health.qld.gov.au

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Sports Director Report

Cross Country District and Regionals

Over the last two weeks, 40 students from Centenary SHS have competed at both the Northern Eagles District event and MET WEST Cross-Country Championships held at Limestone Park, Ipswich.

At the district championships at Rangakarra Recreational Reserve, 9 Centenary runners finished in the top 10 which is an outstanding result. Special mention goes to Olivia Boyd who came 1st, beating runners from St Peters, Stuartholme, Kenmore, QA and Indooroopilly.

Joining Olivia at the Regional MET WEST Championships a week later were Dylen Blyth and Jack Stone. In another brilliant display of long distance running, Olivia finished 2nd and Dylan 4th to gain selection in the MET WEST team to compete at the State Championships later this month. Congratulations.

Met West Competitors

Congratulations must also go to the athletes below for being selected in the MET WEST team for their respective sports:

• 10 – 12 Years Boys Touch Football – Cezahn Te Namu
• 10 – 12 Years Boys Touch Football – Isaac Richter
• 10 – 12 Years Boys Touch Football – Cooper Smith
• 10 – 12 Years Girls Touch Football – Aria Chadburn

Gala Day

Centenary SHS is the reigning champion of the West Brisbane Sporting Association and currently sits on 268 points – 68 points ahead of second place. This is an excellent start to the year and puts Centenary in good stead to hopefully regain the trophy. Go the Crocs!

Years 7, 8 & 9 Junior Gala Day

Years 7 – 9 students will compete at the Junior Winter Gala Day on Thursday June 24th (Week 10). Students will be participating in the sports of football (soccer), netball, volleyball, tennis and rugby league.

Permission forms will be distributed this week and payment will be required at the office.

Year 10 & Open Summer Gala Day

The Year 10 & Open Summer Sports Gala Day will be on Wednesday July 14th (Week 1) next term.

Information letters including the permission forms will be going home in Week 8 and permission forms and payment must be returned by Week 10.

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

Athletics Carnival

Day 1 of pre-carnival events was a great success, with excellent participation and performances. There were at least five records broken! More information to come next newsletter!

Yours in sport,

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

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

JUNIOR SECONDARY

Junior Secondary News

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I have recently taken over the position of Acting Head of Department for Junior School, with Angela McKay filling the position of Deputy Principal. Coming from a Year Level Coordinator position previously, I am privileged to be looking after the wellbeing of all students in Years 7 – 9, as well as organising many extra-curricular opportunities for our young people in the coming terms.

This term, we have been busy with primary school visits, enrichment projects facilitated through our STEP program and many extra-curricular events in Years 7 – 9. Year 7 students have completed their first term of High Resolves – a program created to engage students and bring awareness to real-world problems close to their hearts. A select group of Year 7 students have also started the IMPACT Project – a STEP activity led in conjunction with the University of Queensland – which will educate our young people on the powers of entrepreneurial thinking. Years 8 and 9 students have attended Character Builders – a teambuilding day designed to foster positive relationships both within their home groups as well as their year level as a whole.

As we reach the end of the first semester, I encourage you to take some time to measure your child’s overall wellbeing at this time. In the senior school we regularly remind our students to do things that ‘fill their well up’; activities that make them feel good. With assessment due dates looming and the cold weather settling in, it’s more important than ever that our young people are looking after their overall health and wellbeing. This week’s PERMAH focus in the Junior School is Engagement and Mindfulness, with a specific focus on being optimistic, polite and courteous. Look out for the PERMAH Post on our Centenary State High School Facebook page to find out how you can embed PERMAH strategies at home.

Claire Masters, HOD Junior Secondary
Email: ctuto3@eq.edu.au

FACULTIES

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY

Hot Shot Café

The Year 12 Hospitality students conducted a sit-down café on Tuesday April 27th to experience the pressures and expectations associated with operating a business within the hospitality industry. To compound the anticipated demands associated with the simulated café, students were required to comply with COVID requirements relating to the wearing of personal protective equipment, the preparation and serving of food/beverage and ensuring patrons honoured social distancing obligations.

Staff were required to pre-order from the accompanying menu to merely ensure their meal was delivered within the usual lunch break period.

Under the guidance of Ms Clarke, students are to be congratulated on the presentation of the room, including table decorations, their hospitable, prompt service and the delicious, generously portioned food.

Staff are eager to experience the takeaway venture planned for Term 3.

Barista Training

Years 11 and 12 Hospitality students recently participated in a barista training workshop. The instruction was provided by a private training organisation and introduced students to the following units of competency:

• Organise and prepare work areas
• Provide customer service and advise customers on espresso coffee
• Select and grind coffee
• Extract coffee
• Texture milk
• Serve and present espresso coffee
• Clean and maintain espresso machine

The course consisted of many practical experiences, challenging students to produce the illusive perfect coffee.

Students completed the course with a greater appreciation of the skills and ability associated with a talented barista.

Junior Subject Changes

The end of this term marks the conclusion of all junior Applied Technology subjects for the current classes. A new cohort in each year level will commence in Week 1, Term 3. Students in Years 7 and 8 will enrol in a five-week course of Industrial Technology and Design, followed by five weeks of studying Home Economics. Students in Years 9 and 10 will enrol in their respective Applied Technology subject for the duration of the semester.

Project Completion

The Year 12 Furnishing Skills class are in the process of completing the assembly of their Adirondack chair. The students are generally constructing structurally sound products with the back-slat size and arrangement, providing them with an opportunity to individualise their chair. The chairs are being well-tested with their respective makers, who are often found in a reclined position enjoying the comfort on offer. If the chairs are to be painted, that will occur at home to ensure the selected colour complements the existing décor.

Home Economics News

Term 2 has been a busy term for all classes in Home Economics. There is a new group of Years 7 and 8 students learning about food and nutrition as well as textiles, fibres and the environment. The Years 7 and 8 textile students have enjoyed creating mobile phone cases from felt (Year 7 Textiles) and their personalised key rings (Year 8 Textiles). They found themselves in the “stitchers flow” where they have been completely absorbed in the creative process. This definitely has an impact on student happiness and aligns with our PERMAH pillar of Engagement – living in the present moment and focusing entirely on the task at hand.

The Year 9 Home Economics students are currently working on their recycled bags. All of the students are creating some amazing designs.

The Year 10 cohort are experiencing high teas and ice cream! Year 10 Introduction to Hospitality students have just completed their high tea platters. The final result was achieved through preparing their food products over a number of weeks. They all looked amazing! Year 10 Introduction to Food and Nutrition students have been learning about the food system and also focusing on food trends, and in particular, product development. Students have loved creating and trialling new ice-cream flavours. There has been much excitement around the Home Economics building with lots of tasting and sensory analysis occurring.

Year 11 Hospitality students have been creating main meals and desserts using Indigenous ingredients for their assessment task. They are keeping a digital folio of their food presentation each week and their work is also displayed in the classroom on the Engagement Board. Year 12 Hospitality students obtained “real world” experience by planning, preparing, presenting and serving main meals, desserts and beverages to 25 lucky staff members. So much positive feedback and experiences for all students.

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

THE ARTS

Centenary on the Radio

Centenary is partnering with Switch Brisbane, a youth-focussed radio station, to put our students on the air! You can listen at the link below or tune in to 1197AM on traditional or digital radio.

Our "virtual studio" takes over the airwaves on Thursdays and Fridays from 11:30am to 12:00noon (coinciding with our lunch break). You'll hear students introducing their favourite songs, offering music trivia and making dedications to friends and family.

Students will not be broadcast unless a parental permission form has been returned.

We've been broadcasting for several months now and the students love it. Go on, have a listen!

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

IT

Are you missing important school emails?

Some Gmail users have reported that emails from the school are being sent to their spam folder. Unfortunately, there is little that we can do as a school to prevent this from happening, but you can setup filters yourself by following the instructions in the below photos.

Note that this can only be set up via a web browser. The Gmail app does not allow you to create filters.

Michael Mackenzie-Ross, Computer Systems Administrator
Email: mmack38@eq.edu.au

YEAR LEVEL COORDINATORS

Year 11 Report

The Year 11’s have now completed their first unit of work under the new senior program. The students’ have done a great job in ensuring all their assessments were submitted on time and attendance for exams were high.

Moving into Term 3, there are two big ticket items for the Year 11.

Semi-formal will be held on Tuesday August 10th (Week 5). This year, the semi-formal will be held on the ‘Voyager’ cruise boat with a three-hour cruise along the Brisbane River. The night will begin at school in CPAC with a fashion parade. Family is invited to come along and enjoy the show. The students will then move down to Yallambee Road to catch buses to Eagle Street Pier to board our cruise. The cruise will end at 10:00pm, with students returning to school by 10:30pm for pick up. The theme for the night is ‘Costume’. The night will cost $89. This includes bus transport to and from the venue, venue hire, DJ entertainment and the food and drink package. Assorted canapés, burgers and beverages will be served on the boat. Students have received permission forms. Payment and permission forms are due by Tuesday August 3rd.

The other item is the 2022 senior jersey. As a Year 12 student in 2022, your child will have the opportunity to wear a senior jersey. Most students view this as a highly desirable item! It is a souvenir representing the end of their journey through secondary school. The 2022 senior jersey is being produced by Dynasty Sport and costs $80.85. The process is moving along nicely with students currently sending me their choice of name for the back of their jersey. Payment for the jersey is required by the August 20th.

Attendance at the semi-formal and the purchasing of the senior jersey is dependent upon all school financial obligations being met. The school fully recognises the need to be sensitive to families who may have financial difficulties and is only too willing to organise, in total confidence, alternative payment arrangements. Please contact the school’s Business Services Manager. Students will also need to have submitted their 2020 Clearance Form and have Good Standing in order to attend.

Any questions about the semi-formal, 2022 senior jerseys or anything concerning the Year 11 cohort, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kate George, Year 11 Coordinator
Email: kgeor38@eq.edu.au

Year 7 Report

Year 7 Leaders

At the start of Term 2, the selection process began to appoint four Year 7 student leaders that would represent the cohort for 2021. These candidates had to pass through four stages. The first was a written application where the candidates identified their reasons for wanting to be considered for Leadership. Then ten students were chosen to go through an interview with Mrs Manche and Mrs McKay and had the opportunity to deliver a speech to the Year 7 cohort. This final stage was the most important as the speech was based upon ideas for school improvement and personal leadership qualities. After this process, staff and students voted and the four leaders were chosen. Congratulations to our Year 7 leadership team this year: Lachlan Knowlton, Cody Roys, Eva Acfield and Charlotte Watson.

Kindness Rocks

In Week 5 of Term 2, the Brilliant Kindness Week took place, where we did a lot of fun activities to celebrate kindness. One of the best activities were the kindness rocks. Years 7 and 10 students came every AM break of the week to paint kind messages, positive affirmations or a nice picture on the rocks. A lot of people came and painted the rocks to make our Junior School garden brighter and more colourful. It’s also important to mention the grand effort the Year 10 mentors put into helping make the garden more beautiful! This garden is a great reminder that kindness really ROCKS.

Year 7 Kindness Cards

As part of Kindness Week, the Year 7 captains visited all the Year 7 classes and handed out 10 kindness cards. Students were then asked to nominate a fellow student who had displayed an act of kindness. These students went into the draw for a $5 canteen voucher as part of our kindness competition. The winner of the draw was Sophie Sherlock from Moolanda 7B. The kindness cards were a great way to improve positivity and participation in Kindness Week!

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

P&C

News from our P&C

We would like thank the parents, students and staff that took time out of their personal weekend to help us with the Bunnings BBQ. We could not have done this without your support. At the time of writing I am unable to provide a figure on how we went, however, will do this for the next newsletter.

As a parent of the school myself, student safety is a big part of why I took on this role. Unfortunately, in the past 12 months, we have seen two students hit by cars and a near miss.

This is a timely reminder to ALL parents – please be vigilant whilst driving around the streets near the school. In all of the accidents, it was the students who walked out in front of the cars. Please be mindful NOT to park in the ‘No Standing’ areas. The reason these areas have been marked as ‘No Standing’ is to make the visibility clear for our students to cross the road safely. With parents parking in these areas, it forces the students to walk out onto the road to look before crossing. This is putting them in a dangerous situation.

The parking bays on Moolanda Street are a 2-minute loading area. If your child is not standing waiting, please do not park and wait – do a lap and pull up once your child has arrived. We have parents arriving at 2:30pm and parking in the 2-minute zone to wait for their child to arrive. This is causing those students and parents who are waiting to stop in the middle of the road for the student to hop in the car. This has a flow-on effect to traffic not moving and causing traffic jams.

We also have parents pull up on the round-a-bout to drop/pick up students. This is not acceptable. We have had teachers and school staff trying to enter and leave school premises who can not due to cars parked across the driveway. This is also a yellow line.

Council and police will be patrolling the areas over the coming months.

It was great to attend the Winter Picnic and see the talent of our Arts students. The music was amazing and congratulations to all, especially the teaching staff, for their commitment to our students.

The P&C have been asked to run the canteen for the upcoming “Shrek” musical in August. We will require many volunteers for these 3 sessions. More information will come out closer to the time.

Please help us continue with the Entertainment Book Fundraiser, with 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 at the link below.

The next P&C meeting will be held on Wednesday, 21st July 2021 commencing at 7pm in the Resource Centre.

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 fetes, no OSHC to run – only the Uniform Shop, 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