29 July 2021
Volume 23 Number 5

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

PRINCIPAL

News from the Principal

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Centenary Supporters,

I am excited to be joining the Centenary State High School community this term and would like to thank students, staff and parents for the warm welcome I have received. Over the past two weeks, I have been meeting with staff and students and getting a feel for the inclusive and warm environment we have at our school.

I am familiar with the Centenary area, having spent my final school years living in Middle Park and attending another state high school, years before Centenary SHS was built. A little of my history – I am an experienced principal, having previously led schools including Kenmore SHS, Rosewood SHS and most recently Bundamba SSC. I had the opportunity to meet some parents at the P&C meeting last week and I look forward to meeting many more of you either at our next P&C meeting Wednesday 18 August, 2021 or as the year progresses.

The Administration Team – Semester 2, 2021

Active Learning Offsite

Our Year 7s returned from camp in Week 1, having participated in a variety of challenge activities and team building tasks. Their Year 7 teachers returned with many stories of individuals pushing themselves out of comfort zones, students supporting others to try something new and excellent participation by all involved. Year 10 students are currently on camp for three days of challenge and enjoyment. I would like to acknowledge the work our teachers undertake out of hours and away from their families to make these camps enjoyable and educational for our students.

Excellence in Writing and Speaking

Our public speaking achievements are going from strength to strength with four of our senior students competing in the ESU Public Speaking Competition last week. The topic was “I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.” Plutarch. Congratulations to Matthew, Evan, Ebony and Seth for representing our school so well. Ebony and Seth move on to the finals on Monday 9 August and I look forward to hearing them speak.

Last week, 67 students participated in the “Write a Book in a Day” competition. Across 12 hours, students planned, wrote and illustrated their book, writing within the set parameters for their story. All participants maintained their energy and enthusiasm across the 12-hour period and worked seamlessly in their teams – we certainly have some talented writers and illustrators. We eagerly await the competition results and opportunity to read their books in our library.

Primary Cluster Engagement

Our Writing Masterclass saw students from Jindalee SS, Jamboree Heights SS, Middle Park SS and Darra SS create short stories. These stories will form part of an anthology which will be displayed in the library at each school for others to read and enjoy.

Our Years 8 and 9 band students worked as tutors for a Jindajam beginner band workshop day, assisting Year 4 instrumental music students at Jindalee SS and Jamboree Heights SS.

Gala Day & District Track & Field

Congratulations to all students, teacher coaches and parents who have been involved in the variety of sporting events over the past week. We look forward to recognising and celebrating our students’ achievements over the next week.

Shrek Jr the Musical

Tickets are on sale for the musical with performances on Friday 20 August and Saturday 21 August. The ensemble is rehearsing and it looks like it will be a fabulous show.

School Review

In Week 9 of this term (6 – 9 September), we will host four reviewers from the Education Improvement Branch as part of the four-year cycle of school planning. During their visit, the reviewers will speak with staff, students, parents and community members about the school and student learning. The reviewers will also visit classrooms and see learning in action. If you would like the opportunity to have a phone conversation with a reviewer, please email me at principal@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au to indicate your interest. Please include your name, best contact phone number and the name and year level of your student. The purpose of the review is to track our progress over the past four years and affirm our direction for the next four years of work and inform the development of our 2021 – 2024 Strategic Plan.

COVID-19 Restrictions

With the extension of the current restrictions, including face masks for the general public, I would like to remind students and parents of the following:

• students are not required to wear a face mask at school, or while travelling to and from school on dedicated school transport;
• school staff are not required to wear a face mask when working with children;
• adults are required to wear a face mask if they cannot maintain physical distancing from each other at school.

I thank you for your continued co-operation with our COVID-safe practices. In line with all medical and government advice:

• please stay home if you are sick;
• get tested if you have any symptoms, no matter how mild they may appear;
• wear a face mask when you cannot socially distance; and
• use the Check in Queensland app when you visit businesses, including our school.

Kind regards, stay well

Jo Hughes, Principal
Email: principal@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

School Opinion Survey

Thank you to all parents who have completed the School Opinion Survey. We value your feedback.

Friday 30th July is the last chance to complete the School Opinion Survey that was emailed to one parent or caregiver earlier this month. The subject line was School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2021 and it may have gone to you junk email folder.

All learners in Years 8 and 11 were sent an invitation too. Please encourage your young person to respond to the survey if they received it.

Working as a team

Parent-teacher communication is so important and is the most proven and dependable way of assisting students to apply themselves consistently. Parents and caregivers were encouraged to have discussions with their students’ teachers on Thursday 22 July 2021 about the progress in the subjects. It is so important for the school and home to have open, trusting and transparent communication lines so a learning partnership can be formed. This enables the students, parents and teachers to be striving for the one purpose that is, the very best opportunities and outcomes for the students. We encourage students and parents with any specific subject concerns to contact the students’ teacher or Head of Department first. Please contact the Inclusion Team at dmcin49@eq.edu.au if you have concerns regarding your student’s learning or educational adjustments.

Teachers provide feedback to students and classes after each assessment item. Students’ are encouraged to seek further feedback and clarification of the assessment results from their teachers either during class time or later at a time convenient to both. At this meeting it is good practice to write notes on the areas to improve. This enables the student to refer back to these before undertaking the next task, if relevant. This process is so important, particularly in Years 11 and 12, in explaining areas for improvement on the ISMG (Instrument Specific Marking Guides).

Assessment planners for Semester 2, 2021 will be available shortly for students. We encourage parents to engage in conversation with students about setting up an assessment schedule. In addition, this term, the Year 12 students will have the opportunity to undertake mock exams and receive valuable feedback. These exams will take place in Weeks 9 and 10 of Term 3. Feedback will be provided to students in Week 1 of Term 4. Students in Year 12 undertaking general subjects are strongly encouraged to utilise the Atomi Program, available to all students enrolled in General subjects. Atomi is a powerful learning and revision tool, preparing students for the external exams in October/November this year.

Recently, there was the Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO) in Brisbane which was an excellent opportunity for students and parents to explore careers and courses offered by a range of Australian-wide and international universities, private education providers, TAFE institutes, graduate employment, Defence Force recruiting and other providers. There are other opportunities coming up which we would encourage both parents and students to attend, especially in Years 10, 11 and 12. Year 12 students should also be aware that QCAA and QTAC have worked in partnership to bring forward the 2021 release date for Year 12 results and Queensland ATARs. This year, students' final subject results and Senior Education Profiles will be released via the Student Portal on the  myQCE website  from 8:00am on Friday 17 December while Queensland ATARs will be released at the same time via the  QTAC website . This move allows additional time for students to reassess their QTAC application and, if required, make changes to their course preferences prior to the Thursday 23 December offer round. 

Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan) is another opportunity which enables parents and caregivers of Year 10 students to be involved in conversations about the future; career planning and subject selection. SET Plan interviews will occur during the week of 23 – 27 August and all Year 10 parents have been invited to make an appointment. Staff members trained in SET Plan will be matched with students and Year 11 subject selections will be confirmed during this interview.

Students in Years 7 – 9 will also be undertaking the subject selection process this term in preparation for 2022.

Furthermore, if there is any wellbeing concerns, please contact the relevant guidance officer to discuss these matters further – Juanita Oberle (Years 9, 11 & 12) or Jules Cottone (Years 7, 8 & 10). Working as a team produces the very best outcomes for all involved.

Should you have any queries or concerns that you would like to follow up with the Year Level Deputy Principal, please do not hesitate to contact.

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

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

Adam Richter, Deputy Principal (Year 8, International)
Email: arich60@eq.edu.au

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

Anna Petrie, Deputy Principal (Year 10)
Email: anpet0@eq.edu.au

Angela Raven, Deputy Principal (Years 11 & 12)
Email: arave7@eq.edu.au

STUDENT LEADERSHIP COORDINATOR

News from the Student Leadership Coordinator

The main event run by the Student Forum in Term 2 was Multicultural Week. Throughout the week, we held a number of activities, including a free dress day, a multicultural food banquet (“Try a Plate”) and cultural dancing to demonstrate Centenary’s multicultural inclusivity. The food banquet was very popular, and we ended up raising $322.95 which will go towards our long-term forum project. It was great to try foods from around the world, created by our peers. Thank you to everyone who got involved and contributed! Free dress day was a chance to express our unique cultural identities, whether that be with cultural clothing or even with a sporting team. The dance showcased was an Eastern Asian dance and was choreographed and performed by international captains Thu Ngo and Vicky Zhang, along with other international students. Finally, students from across the school contributed to a giant world map to indicate their cultural heritage. This activity proved how diverse our school community is, with dots appearing all over the globe. Overall, Multicultural Week was a chance to share and celebrate the wide cultural diversity within our school.

By Elizabeth Pitt and Pranavi Halai (Year 9 Captains)

Vicki Spicer, Student Leadership Coordinator
Email: vspic1@eq.edu.au

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

News from Inclusive Practices

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy. A parent/carer fact sheet is available at the link below.

Centenary State High School Diversity Policy

Centenary SHS is creating a working party consisting of staff, students, families and community representatives to develop a CSHS Diversity Policy that will make explicit the expectations of the school community with respect to celebrating, respecting and supporting diversity. The Diversity policy will provide examples of the actions that will be taken to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) students are supported in the school environment.

To indicate your interest in being part of the working party please email Deborah McIntyre @ dmcin49@eq.edu.au.

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

CHAPLAIN

News from the Chaplain

Food for Thought

Planning for the future – it’s something we all do. We plan for school formals, for holidays, for retirement etc. There’s certainly nothing wrong with looking ahead but sometimes we forget to take time to appreciate the present.

Each new day brings 1440 minutes for us to make the most of. We can waste that time complaining about life’s problems and disappointments or we can be determined not to let anything steal our joy.

If you really think about it – there’s not one of us who can guarantee that we will be around for the next formal, the next holidays or our retirement. All we can be certain of is right here and now. Appreciate the opportunities today can bring, use your time wisely and look for ways of bringing joy to the lives of others.

If you can be ‘joyful’, it won’t affect whether you have a long life or a short one, but it will certainly give you far more peace of mind.

Good sleep habits include:

1. Regular bedtimes – Kids may fight this, but make sure kids keep regular bedtimes during the week and allow them to stay up a little later on weekends. Children need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep each day, while teens need a minimum of 9 hours.
2. A 45-minute wind-down time before bed – This includes: removing TV and other stimuli, calming the child down and limiting food intake (and caffeine for teens). The wind-down time informs the body clock that sleeping time is near.
3. A bedtime routine – Have a bedtime routine, such as story reading and teeth cleaning, that signals psychologically that it is time for sleep. A set routine means that kids can predict. It also means that some children will fight bedtime so you need some good strategies in place to get kids to bed and make sure they stay there.
4. Keeping bedrooms for sleep – Bedrooms that resemble caves are recommended. It gets tricky with mobile phones and other information technology, but it’s smart to keep devices and laptops out of bedrooms at sleep-time. This goes for parents too. I’ve noticed most parents sleep in technology-free bedrooms (apart from a clock-radio) yet their kids will have technology-full rooms. Also, don’t let kids do schoolwork on their beds. If so, they’ll begin to associate bed with work, rather than sleep.
5. Maximise the three sleep cues – These include: darkness (maintaining a cave-like bedroom); lowering body temperature (baths can be good for this); and melatonin (work within their cycle).

If your kids get less sleep than they should, check out the five habits above and work out which of these you can adjust to move things in favour of them getting more sleep.

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

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Sports Director Report

Sporting Success

In late May, Keira McCarthy (Year 9) competed at the Australian Gymnastics Championships for Queensland at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre. Across an intense weekend of competition where the best gymnasts in Australia were vying for supremacy, Keira produced some outstanding results. Not only did she qualify for the final across all apparatuses, she finished third on beam, fifth on bars and seventh all around. Congratulations Keira, truly a fantastic achievement.

QLD All Schools Touch Football

Touch Football is one of the most successful sports at Centenary SHS. Centenary SHS has entered four teams into the QLD All Schools Touch Football Championship and will be held in Week 1 of Term 4. This touch football championship is the largest school event with just under 500 schools competing. Teams are now being finalised and training is every Friday morning 7:30 – 8:30am on the school oval. Good luck to all teams in their preparation.

Northern District Athletics Trials

Over 100 students have qualified for District Track and Field. Centenary SHS is one of the highest represented schools at the Northern District Trials. The students’ determination and commitment to training multiple times a week with Mr Haines both before and after school has paid off. It is fantastic to see so many of our students getting involved and achieving success on the athletics track.

Northern District and Regional Sport

It has been fantastic to see students from Centenary SHS trialling for Northern District Sporting Teams and being selected. The students’ that have been selected to represent the district then attend regional trials. From regional trials, students have the opportunity to be selected in the Met West team.

Congratulations

Recently six Centenary SHS students represented Met West at the QLD Secondary Schools Touch Football Championships. All students played to an outstanding level and achieved great results. Additionally, four of our Year 7 students have also been selected in the upcoming 10 – 12 Years Touch Football Championship in Townsville.

Junior & Senior Gala Day

Last term in Week 10, juniors participated in their Gala Day. In Week 1 of this term, seniors participated in their final Gala Day for the year.

Centenary continues to have the most teams participating in Gala Day and this is credit to the students’ engagement and effort and the coaches’ commitment.

Centenary also came away with some premierships from these Gala Days:

• Year 7 Boys Rugby League
• Year 8 Boys Rugby League
• Year 9 Boys Rugby League
• Year 8 Girls Netball
• •Year 9 Girls Netball
• Year 10 Girls Netball

These winning teams will participate in Met Finals, starting in Week 6.

Dates

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

STEP

News from STEP

Cash for Containers off to a brilliant start

The CSHS Cash for Containers Project is off to a great start. The Manager of The Exchange Depot in Sumner - where our containers are sent for recycling - Mr Anthony Sherry said: “capturing about 75% of the sales (canteen sales of drinks) is a brilliant result so early! We’re aiming for 85% across the state so 75% is far above what other schools or sites are achieving”.

In just 5 collections across 10 weeks, our GREEN TEAM has collected well over 7000 containers – diverting them from landfill – while raising over $400. This money is already going towards costs of the new student seating made from recycled materials being built by the Manual Arts team.

Students are doing a good job of depositing their aluminium and steel cans, glass bottles, clear plastic bottles, clear and solid coloured plastic bottles, poppers and other cardboard drink containers in the 35 blue bins positioned around the school. Contamination remains low so students are generally doing the right thing and not putting food waste and general rubbish in the blue bins.

This term the GREEN TEAM are encouraging students to ensure that all drink containers are put in the blue bins and that none are put in the red bins. Drink containers from home are very welcome if families don’t already take them to their nearest Containers for Change depot. Every container sent for recycling helps to reduce our community’s environmental footprint.

Two weeks-worth of containers from CSHS ready for pick up by The Exchange Depot

By Deb Bambrook, Cash for Containers Coordinator

Kathryn Ellwood, STEP Coordinator
Email: kellw0@eq.edu.au

JUNIOR SECONDARY

Junior Secondary News

Term 3 for the Junior School is exciting – from enrichment activities to subject selection events. We started the term with a bang, heading to Tallebudgera Recreation Camp with approximately 220 Year 7 students for a 3-day camp. It was a pleasure to watch the students build positive relationships with their home groups through a series of teambuilding activities – including some that I would never dare try! I particularly enjoyed watching the students (and some teachers!) face their fears on the ‘Giant Swing’ – an activity where you are pulled up in the air by a pulley system, and then free-fall from a great height. Students who did not attend camp were definitely not forgotten; they participated in many activities designed to encourage creativity and critical thinking, such as theatre workshops, brainteaser competitions and protein ball making. These activities could not have been successful without the hard work and dedication of the staff at CSHS, who gave up their time to make sure that our students were engaged in meaningful activities. One particular staff member who I would like to acknowledge is Carly Manche (Year 7 Coordinator). It is hard enough to organise one camp, but after having the first camp postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, Carly had to start all over again to make this second camp happen. She should be congratulated on the enormous effort she put in for her students.

Year 8 students have been participating in High Resolves workshops – a program designed to educate students on how to make the world a more positive place through award-winning citizenship and leadership learning experiences. The students will use their learnings from High Resolves to create social action projects in their home group classes across the term.

Years 8 and 9 students are heading into the process of selecting their subjects for 2022. Heads of Departments will be visiting these year levels to provide students with important information about the subjects available to them, and they will make their selections in the coming weeks. This is particularly exciting for Year 9 students as they will need to think about their aspirations for Senior School and aligning their subject selections to them. At Centenary, we ask our students three questions:

1. What do you enjoy?
2. What are you good at?
3. What subjects might you need for any further education or training?

By asking these three simple questions, students find that the entire process is less stressful, and they look forward to their Senior Schooling.

We have a number of primary school transition events coming up this term, including a Year 5 Writer’s Masterclass, an Under 8’s Day at Jindalee State School, and an Arts and Technology Extravaganza in the final week. We also commence our transition interviews with Year 6 families this term.

The Junior Space is always alive with activity, and this term will be particularly busy. I am fortunate to have such a hard-working team of teachers who are dedicated to the education and wellbeing of our young people.

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

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Senior Schooling News

Welcome back to Term 3. This term promises to be the busiest so far for our Senior School cohort.

Year 10

Our Year 10 cohort has a number of key events this term, in preparation for the subject selections in Year 11 and 12 at SET planning.

Future Options Evening was held on Monday 26th July. This event was for all Year 10 students, regardless of which pathway they are choosing after Year 10. A number of tertiary organisations were in attendance (local universities and TAFE), as well our external providers of certificate courses and apprenticeships/traineeships.

Camp is currently being held at Maranatha Recreation and Education Camp on the Sunshine Coast. This is an excellent opportunity for students to foster confidence, resilience and excitement about their future and is a long-standing tradition for our Year 10 cohort each year. Students who are not attending camp are required to attend school.

SET Planning will take place in Week 7. SET Planning gives students an opportunity to finalise their subject selections with a parent and member of staff from Centenary. At this juncture point, we will ensure that students have selected the correct subjects for their chosen pathway post Year 10 schooling.

Work Experience will take place in Week 10. Students attending work experience will have returned Form A and be in the process of completing Form B with their chosen workplace. This will ensure that the proper insurance documentation has been completed before commencement of work experience. Students who remain at school will complete a community project under the supervision of school staff. If your young person has found a work placement and would like to return their Form A, they can come and see Ms Belsham in SL01 at AM/PM breaks.

Year 11

Our Year 11 cohort has been working hard to complete a number of curriculum-based assessment items. They are currently undertaking Unit 2 in their subjects here at Centenary, and their Unit 1 results have been reported on in the latest reports sent home. In addition to this, Year 11 students are also finalising their work in Certificate II Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. This certificate course will give students 4 Core QCE credits towards their Queensland Certificate of Education upon successful completion. We aim to have all students completed this certificate by the end of Term 3.

On Tuesday 10th August our Year 11 cohort will be attending the semi-formal. This event will begin with a fashion parade at CPAC at Centenary SHS before students are transported via bus to Eagle Street Pier to board the “Voyager” cruise boat.

Year 11 students will be completing their content and first assessment item of Unit 2 this term. Unit 2 for all subjects will be finalised at the beginning of Term 4. More information about these timelines for Year 11 students will be communicated home at a later date.

Year 12

Our Year 12 students are busily preparing to submit their final internal assessment items before external exams (for general subjects) in Term 4. Students studying Applied or Vocational (VET) subjects will be submitting their final assignments during this time as well. A number of school-based talks are occurring for these students to help them plan their pathway for Year 13 post-schooling. They have received information from our local universities, QTAC and Ms Oberle around applying to tertiary institutions. Other institutions such as the Defence Force, providers of apprenticeships/traineeships and vocational providers have all delivered seminars as well for those students who are wanting to directly enter the workforce post-schooling. These will continue to happen in selected HG lessons on Monday, and during STEP lessons on Wednesday.

As Year 12 students get closer to completing their education with us at Centenary, it is important that they continue to strive to maintain their academic progress. This means they must continue to attend school every day and ensure they are completing their assessments on time. Based on their IA1 and IA2 results for all subjects, QCE tracking has been completed for all Year 12 students at this time.

A ‘mock block’ of exams will be held in Weeks 9 and 10 to prepare students for the upcoming external exams. More information about this will be communicated to parents closer to this time. If your young person has outstanding assessment, particularly for certificate (vocational) courses, it will be mandatory for them to attend catch-up sessions during this time. This will ensure that all students remain on track for their QCE by the end of the year. Now is a fantastic time to talk to your child about this and encourage them to complete as much work as possible before Week 9.

Atomi

All of our Years 11 and 12 general subject students have access to Atomi – an online learning platform with resources for our general subjects. Atomi is a key resource in preparing for the upcoming end of year exams and works by covering key concepts in short videos and then assessing student understanding. This enables students to access additional support and resources beyond the classroom. Students should utilise ATOMI in their Wednesday afternoon STEP lessons as well as in preparation for any upcoming assessments that they may have.

Amiee Nolan, Senior Schooling
Email: axnol0@eq.edu.au

FACULTIES

THE ARTS

Welcome back to Term 3. We have been very busy in the Arts since the last edition of the newsletter! I hope you enjoy reading about what our Centenary Arts students have been up to over the last few weeks and we look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon.

School Production – Shrek!

We are super excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for our Term 3 production of Shrek! The biennial whole school musical debuts in August, with only three shows over the weekend of August 20 and 21. Students in Years 7 – 12 are involved in the musical, from being on stage, to performing in the band, to running the sound and lighting, prop and set design and costuming. Traditionally, the three shows sell out very quickly, so get your tickets fast via the link below. Adults are $20, children under 12 are $10 and toddlers are free.

Student Success

Congratulations to Year 10 student Brendan, who has been successful in his nomination for the State Honours Ensemble Program at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Brendan will attend the prestigious music event over 3 days in the September school holidays.

Congratulations to the Centenary SHS Dance Troupe, led by Year 12 Arts Captain and Dance student Caitlin, who in their debut performance at the Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge, were awarded a very highly commended (equal to 4th place). This eisteddfod is very competitive, and the students were absolutely impressive on stage. You can enjoy watching the performance here.

Students in our extension program Music Plus in Years 7 – 9 are given the opportunity to achieve national accreditation in Theory of Music, through the Australian Music Examinations Board. We were very proud to award the certificates to students in the Year 9 Music Plus class at the end of term, for completion of their Grade 2 theory of music exam. We would like to especially commend Rowan, who received a High Distinction with a score of 99/100 and Elizabeth, who impressively was awarded a High Distinction for 100/100. Congratulations to all of the Music Plus students.

Instrumental Music News

At the end of Term 2, students in the Centenary SHS Vocal Ensemble performed for NAIDOC Week celebrations and the official opening of the Centenary SHS Yarning Circle. The students, along with vocal ensemble director Ms Alex Van den Broek, performed a version of ‘I Am Australian’ that included lyrics in traditional language.

At the end of Term 2, we farewelled Ms Alex Van den Broek. After 8 years, Alex is moving on from Centenary SHS and we sincerely thank Alex for everything she has done for the choral students at Centenary SHS and wish her the very best of luck with her new roles. Alex has been replaced by Mr Josh Clifford. Josh is taking the choir and vocal ensemble, and also offers vocal lessons. The vocal lessons are available for any student, and work in a similar way to Instrumental Music; a half hour lesson on a rotating timetable each week. If you are interested in vocal lessons, please come to Staffroom 4 to see Ms Sleeman or Mr Watkins to collect some information.

In Term 3, a small group of Years 8 and 9 students went to Jamboree Heights SS to act as tutors for a beginner band day for Jindalee and Jamboree Heights students (JindaJam). They assisted students in Year 4, in their first year of learning, helping with understanding the music and playing technique. The students were an absolute credit to Centenary SHS and represented us proudly.

Classroom News

Year 9 Drama students concluded their semester of study, performing self-written plays for children. The students thoroughly enjoyed this unit of study and the opportunity to perform in front of their peers.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Centenary SHS are lucky enough to have their own tech crew, a committed group of students who run all of the behind the scenes action in CPAC. They run the specialised, professional, industry-standard sound desk and lighting board for the auditorium, as well as assisting with maintaining the facilities and equipment. They volunteer help with all of the events in CPAC, including weekly assemblies, as well as for many of the events held at the school by outside hirers. Thank you to the tech crew and Mr Johnsen for your excellent work backstage and in the box. Students can get involved in backstage by choosing it as a STEP activity. Some of the most committed members of the tech crew are pictured here after our thank you lunch in term 2.

Finally, an updated version of the 2021 Date Claimer is below. We look forward to seeing you at our next event.

Centenary State High School Cultural Date Claimer 2021

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

YEAR LEVEL COORDINATORS

Year 11 Report

Semi-formal is fast approaching. It is great to hear the students’ ideas and planning happening. The students are going to look fantastic. I have been able to negotiate a bigger boat for the night. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the previous boat that we had booked was going to limit the number of students who could attend. With the new boat, it allows all students who wish to attend the option of doing so. Best part is that the new boat is bigger and I think prettier than the previous. Due to the changeover of boats, the final date for payment has now had to be moved forward a week, which means that payments are now due by the end of Week 3. Permission forms are due back as soon as possible.

Semi-formal is being held on Tuesday 10th August. It starts at school with a fashion parade in CPAC at 4:30pm. Family are welcomed to attend the fashion parade (depending on further COVID-19 restrictions). At 6:00pm, the students will board the bus to head to Eagle Street Pier to board the boat for our 3-hour cruise around Brisbane. Students will be returning to school at 10:30pm for pick up. It is going to be a fantastic night with a great group of students.

Senior jerseys are getting close to finalisation. The students have done a great job in meeting the required deadlines. I cannot wait to see the students wearing them next year.

Applications for 2022 school captains and vice captains will be advertised soon.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on kgeor38@eq.edu.au with any questions.

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

Year 8 Report

High Resolves and Social Action Projects

Our Year 8 cohort enjoyed visits from High Resolves in the first couple of weeks of this term undertaking the ‘Just Society Program’. We had really fascinating discussions about some of the social issues that exist in both our local community and on a wider global scale. The students were able to get a new understanding of the imbalance of fairness within the world (with some students experiencing that first hand during the activities), as well as the language and tools to not only identify injustice but to then do something about it.

Students also learned about the importance of listening to different voices, and hearing the opinions of others. They were taught how these differing points of view may give them some new perspective, or they might clash with their view and help them solidify their personal belief giving them a solid understanding of why they think that way.

Student comments on why the session was valuable and what they learned from it included:

To educate upcoming generations to make 'different' normal so people can become more accepting and understanding
I hadn't realised just how much of the world lived in extreme poverty or what that meant for everyday life
How many people can't afford basic rights, opportunities and resources
How not only me, but families and friends can make a change

For the rest of this term, students in Year 8 are spending their HG lessons working on a Social Action Project where they get to work in groups to raise awareness and make a difference in an area that they feel passionate about. In my conversations this week with these incredible young people, i have been told to look forward to, among others, projects addressing gender inequality, racism, pollution and body image in young people and an anti-bullying campaign. I, for one, cannot wait to see what they come up with.

Jo Moon, Year 8 Coordinator
Email: jmmoo3@eq.edu.au

Year 7 Report

We started strong in Year 7 this term, with our revised school camp from Monday to Wednesday of Week 1. The majority of the year level travelled to Tallebudgera Recreation Camp, where they participated in activities such as bodyboarding and canoeing, the team rescue challenge and archery. They faced their fears on the giant swing and quick jump, and abseiled their way to victory. Surprisingly, the food was also delicious – from meatball subs for lunch to roast for dinner!

The students who did not attend camp got the opportunity to partake in fun activities at school, for example – creating bush craft, making protein balls and participating in theatre, singing and dancing workshops.

Special thanks to all of the staff who made all of this possible – from the HG teachers and volunteer teachers who facilitated activities, to the admin staff for their valuable support with timetabling and logistics. It was a great experience for all of the Year 7 students, and they will carry fond memories of their time well into their future.

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

P&C

News from our P&C

Welcome back to term 3! The year is certainly flying!

We would like to welcome Jo Hughes as our new Principal whilst John is seconding for the next 6 months. Jo joins us from Bundamba SHS and we look forward to working alongside her.

Lock in the date! The “Shrek” musical is coming to CPAC. Our students will showcase their talents to our community and we hope to see you all there. Three shows will be performed over the 20th and 21st August. The P&C will be running the canteen for this and require many hands to help. We are not asking you to help for all three shows, just one. Please do not sit back and assume “others” will put their hands up. We will be sending an email out soon and advertising to fill spots through the parent page.

Attached is a school map with parking available immediately around the school grounds, which has been released by Councillor Sarah Hutton’s office. Take your time to know where you can drop off/collect your child in a safe environment. It is also never too late to have a conversation with your student about crossing the road safely. There are many distractions faced by our teenagers these days with the use of mobile phones, headphones etc. Reminder that a “no standing” sign means you cannot pull up for your child to enter or disembark the vehicle. These signs have been strategically placed to ensure our students can have a clear view of the road so they can cross safely. Please don’t park in these areas.

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.

The next P&C meeting will be held on Wednesday 18 August 2021 commencing at 7:00pm 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 or 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

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