8 September 2022
Volume 24 Number 6

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

PRINCIPAL

Dear parents and carers,

This is our last newsletter for the term. It has been an amazing term of achievements, well-being, cultural events, sporting endeavours and academic success. If you do not already follow our Facebook page, I would encourage you to do so. This is where we celebrate our variety of student achievements and also where we showcase our learning in classes. I would like to thank all of our community for their ongoing support as we continue to improve the learning and opportunities for our students.

Our new Practical Learning Centre (PLC) is now online and the landscaping is settling in, with the pathways restored for entrance from Moolanda Street. Our official opening will be held in Term 4. If your student is driven to school, please drop your student at the drop off zone and encourage them to walk up the pathways. We want to ensure safety and discourage students walking up the vehicle driveway at the entrance.

We are in the midst of Mock Block Exams for our seniors and heading into assessment for our other year levels. These Mock Block Exams are essential – they allow the students to connect their learning and practice for the conditions of the external assessment. These Mock Block results allow teachers to refine and hone students’ learning and assessment practices before heading into their final exams.

After the holidays, our seniors head into their External Exam Block. Parents/carers are able to assist to reduce exam stress by helping their students establish and maintain focus in this phase of learning. Some simple suggestions are below:

• Establish a quiet place for study away from distractions, ensure the desktop is clear and uncluttered so your student can be organised.
• Ensure your student knows what the upcoming test involves, requirements for equipment, style of assessment, knowing what to expect and having a clear approach to the paper. If they are not clear on the assessment, they need to ask or email their teacher to seek this clarity.
• Establish a study schedule so that they have a routine planned before external exams commence, break the schedule for each subject into achievable chunks of revision of their learning.
• Take breaks from revision, encourage them to grab a healthy snack and move around. Try to limit the distraction of mobile devices, which can become time wasters and break focus, while they are in the study schedule hours of their day.
• Offer assistance or help if needed. Sometimes it is useful or helpful to have someone rehearse their learning, ask questions or just listen to them explain.
• Remember that sleep hygiene is important - ensure your student is well rested and has clean sleep – encourage removing devices at night, encourage limiting social media and screens at sleep time.
• Maintain the required hours of sleep to be alert and positive. A clear, well-rested frame of mind is essential.
• Encourage your student to draw on their character strengths to maintain a positive focus on the task ahead.
• Remember that we are here to support – encourage your student to maintain contact, attend regularly and ask for help and assistance if necessary.

I wish you all the best for a wonderful holiday and look forward to Term 4.

Jo Hughes, 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 PRINCIPALS

Semester 2 interim reports

Term 3 interim reports for Years 7 – 10 students will be sent to all parents/carers by the end of Week 1, Term 4. This report is designed to give students and parents/carers feedback that reflects how students are progressing with regard to their result, effort and behaviour for their subject in Term 3.

Years 11 and 12 students will have their report sent after the completion of the Unit 2 Assessment.

The Year 11 report will give an indication to students about how they are progressing at the end of Unit 2 (the mid-point of their senior subject). Year 11 students will then enter the summative phase of Units 3 and 4 in the new QCE system.

Year 12 students will receive a report before they enter the External Exam Block, indicating where they are positioned before the external exams. The school is scheduled to receive confirmed results for Year 12 students early in Term 4.

Please make sure that your contact details, especially your email address, is up to date so that you do not miss this important information. If any contact details have changed, please email admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au .

Parent Teacher Interviews

A big thank you to all parents/carers who participated in the recent Parent Teacher Interviews conducted via phone. Although it was not ideal that we were unable to meet face-to-face, we hope that parents/carers were still able to receive valuable feedback on their student’s progress. The research clearly shows that these vital networks, which are established between parents/carers and teachers, have a very big influence on student achievement. Please feel comfortable to contact any teacher about your student’s progress or concerns you may have at any time of the year, not just through formalised Parent Teacher Interview evenings.

Students – a reminder that there are a number of teachers who can help you with your assessment items. The first place to start is with your subject teacher. Have a conversation with them about what you can do to improve or maintain your results. You can also seek assistance from the Head of Department, Year Coordinator, Deputy Principals and Guidance Officers. A wide range of other support staff are also located in the Wellbeing Hub.

Year 10

Term 3 reflections

Term 3 was filled with learning, engagement and wellbeing initiatives in Year 10. I would like to publically acknowledge our students, Home Group teachers and student leaders on their excellent participation at our assemblies. Term 3 had a number of key dates on the calendar, most notably, Year 10 Camp, Subject Selection and SET Planning. It was fantastic to see so many families engaging in the SET Planning process and having the important conversations with teachers regarding their student’s future pathways. If you would like more clarity on the process of follow up before next year, please feel free to contact me.

Be a learner

Currently, students are well entrenched in the assessment period of Term 3. This can be a very stressful time for students. If your student requires any support with how to cope with exam stress, planning for assessment or general organisation, we are very fortunate to belong to a school with an outstanding support network.

I would like to remind our parents/carers and students of the support available to our students:

Guidance Officer – Year 10: Gayle Rausch
Youth Support Worker – Year 10: Kylie Arnold
Year Level Coordinator – Year 10: Elizabeth Long

Extensions due to illness

If a student requires an extension for an assessment task due to illness, please provide a medical certificate to the Head of Department of that learning area prior to the due date.

Term 3 – let’s connect

If you have any questions regarding SET Planning, future pathways or general wellbeing of your student, please contact me on cwebb2@eq.edu.au or the school on (07) 3373 4555. I have an open-door policy to all students and parents/carers.

Have a great final week and holiday break!

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

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

Brooke Davis, Deputy Principal (Year 8)
Email: bldav0@eq.edu.au

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

Cameron Webb, Deputy Principal (Year 10)
Email: cwebb2@eq.edu.au

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

BUSINESS MANAGER

2022 fees due

A “debtor statement” for school fees has been processed and parents/carers will have received this by email or by post. This statement is an overview of previous single invoices that have already been forwarded.

Please note that no action is required for a credit adjustment – this will appear as a negative amount on a statement. If you have not received a statement, this indicates that there are no outstanding fees.

All fees relating to the 2022 calendar year were due July 31st, 2022. An overview of all fees and charges can be located on our website from the link below. These documents provide a detailed explanation (by subject) of Curriculum Charges and Student Resource Scheme fees and what the school provides for each of these charges.

Please note that some subjects are only timetabled each term or semester. For these subjects, invoices will be generated as required with an email advising parents/carers of the fee. For invoices generated after the due date, a 30-day account will operate.

For more detailed information, please contact the individual Head of Department or Business Manager by emailing admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au.

How to make a payment

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

BPOINT Option

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

This option is accessed through an internet weblink from the link below which appears on all invoices and statements. You will need the Customer Reference Number (CRN) which is printed on the bottom of your invoice/statement before payment can be processed.

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

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

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

PHONE OR COUNTER payment options

Payments can be made at the school office, Monday to Friday, between 8:00am and 3:30pm. Payment options include credit and debit cards (EFTPOS), cheque and cash. Money orders are also accepted.

For payments over the phone, please phone the school on (07) 3373 4555, Monday to Friday, between 8:00am and 4:00pm and we will transfer you to the IVR BPOINT 1300 dedicated phone number. Only VISA or MasterCard can be used for this process.

Families 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

INTERNATIONAL

On Friday August 12th, the school welcomed a visiting delegate from Mita International School (Tokyo Japan), who came to participate in a school tour to consider future Study Abroad students attending Centenary SHS in 2023. We are starting to receive more international student applications as the international student program (ISP) recovers following on from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is very exciting to see! We look forward to meeting the next group of students, expected to arrive in January of next year.

The International Office is now processing homestay family applications for existing and new homestay families for next year. If you or someone that you know is interested in participating as a homestay family, please contact Gemma at international@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au to receive an application form.

International students are expected to complete a Waterskills Certificate to ensure that their swimming skills are sufficient to participate in any water activities during their stay in Australia. Surf Life Saving Queensland will be holding awater skills assessment sessions soon. The water skills assessment gives you the opportunity to show us your basic water skills in a swimming pool. Any student that does not already have their Waterskills Certificate will be required to obtain one in preparation for the warmer weather. Please see an International staff member to register.

Session – South Bank Lagoon, Streets Beach
Saturday September 3rd, 2022, 8:00am – 10:00am

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

Diana Huber, International Student Coordinator
Email: dhube1@eq.edu.au

Gemma Parry-Jones, International Homestay Coordinator
Email: gparr28@eq.edu.au

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

Students in our Year 7 Junior Pathways Program recently enjoyed learning cooking skills, making blueberry, apple and cinnamon muffins.

Mentored by Year 12 student Sylvie, students were introduced to health and safety practices for working in a kitchen, as well as the step-by-step process-involved in following a recipe from start to finish. Much to their delight, students returned at AM break to taste their wares!

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

GUIDANCE

RUOK? Day is Thursday September 8th, 2022!

RUOK? Day is a national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life. No qualifications are required to ask this question, and remember, a conversation could change a life!

Centenary SHS is recognising this day with student events throughout the day, supported by the Student Forum, Chaplain, School-based Youth Health Nurse, Youth Support Coordinator, Positive Ed Squad and Guidance Team.

Tips for supporting your teenager with social media

One topic which teenagers (and adults) find challenging on a daily basis is social media. It seems like some teenagers are using social media almost all of the time. It can be hard to support your teenager if you don't know where to start.

ReachOut.com offers parents/carers and young people a range of resources on topics relevant to the challenging years of adolescence, and has a great selection of topics on technology and social media, including:

• Why do young people use social media?
• Should I be worried my teenager is making friends online?
• Help your teenager manage their social media usage
• Encouraging positive online behaviour
• Looking after privacy and how to stay safe online
• Self-esteem and social media
• Cyberbullying and teenagers
• Building trust and teenagers
• Getting help for your teenager.

If you would like to discuss concerns you are having with your young person, reach out to the Wellbeing Team at school, including your young person’s Year Level Coordinator or Guidance Officer.

 

Gayle Rausch, Guidance Officer Years 8, 10 & 12
Email: gsutc2@eq.edu.au

 

Nicole Trembath, Guidance Officer Years 7, 9 & 11
Email: ntrem1@eq.edu.au

CHAPLAIN

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.

Why good friends so important

Research has shown that the better the quality of your relationships, the more likely you are to be happy.

Signs of a good friend

Friends will come and go in your life. No matter how long your friendships last, the most important thing is your friends’ acceptance of you for who you are. A good friend walks the talk and shows that they care by their actions – big and small.

A good friend:

• is there for you, no matter what
• doesn’t judge you
• doesn’t put you down or deliberately hurt your feelings
• is kind and respectful to you
• is someone whose company you enjoy
• is loyal
• is trustworthy and willing to tell you the truth, even when it’s hard for you to hear
• laughs with you
• sticks around when things get tough
• makes you smile
• is there to listen
• comforts you when you cry.

How to be a good friend

If you treat the people around you in the ways described above, then you’re already a good friend to them. But it’s not always easy to know how to be there for your friends.

Listen to them

Try to understand a situation from your friend’s point of view. Ask questions to get a sense of the problem or issue, but the main thing is to listen to them. You don’t have to have all the answers, and don’t assume that your friend wants advice – they might just want to talk so that they can work it out for themselves.

Get the facts

If your friend has a medical or mental health issue, a good way to offer support is to learn about what they’ve been diagnosed with. Being interested in what they’re going through shows you care, and that you plan to stick around no matter what’s going on.

Ask them what they need

If you’re worried about someone and you want to be there for them, ask them what they need. You’ll then know what they find helpful during tough times, and you can offer them support in a way that’s genuinely helpful.

Get physical

If you’re a hugger, ask your friend whether it’d be okay to hug them. Once you get the thumbs up, hug away! Hugging your friends can be a great way to show you care for them. Physical contact can be comforting, especially when someone feels alone.

Keep in touch

Even if you don’t live nearby, show your friends you’re there for them by making an effort to keep in regular touch through social media, texts or calls.

Tell them how you feel

You don’t have to make a big deal about it all the time, but you can make a real difference to how someone is feeling just by letting them know how important they are to you. So, go for it!

Be willing to make a tough call

If you think your friend’s safety is at risk, you might need to act without their consent and get help. It can be a tough call, particularly when you’re worried about how they’ll react, but remember that good friends care enough to step up, and that you’re doing it to protect them from harm.

If you need any more information, check out the Reachout website.

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

SCHOOL NURSE

National Child Protection Week – 4th – 10th September

National Child Protection Week is a good time to reflect on how we all play a part in creating a safe and supportive community for children and young people.

The theme for Child Protection Week is ‘Every Child in Every Community Needs a Fair Go’ because we know that not all children and young people have the same opportunities to live in safe and supported families and communities.

Children thrive when parents/carers have the support they need. Parents/carers can’t provide the best care when they are overloaded with the financial, emotional and societal burdens that life can bring. When we foster healthy childhoods, we in turn create healthier communities.

Resources

A great, free resource for parents/carers and other family members is the Australian parenting website from the link below. The site offers free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help families grow and thrive together. The articles, videos and interactive resources are suited to different ages and stages, taking families from nurturing a newborn to raising a confident, resilient teen – and helping parents/carers to look after themselves too.

You might like to view this special National Child Protection Week video from author and parenting specialist Maggie Dent , where she talks about the importance of ‘micro-connections’ with your children.  

History

NAPCAN began coordinating National Child Protection Week (NCPW) across Australia, 30 years ago, to engage and educate all Australians to understand they have a part to play in keeping our children and young people safe. As it stands today, NCPW aims to engage, educate and empower Australians to understand the complexity of child abuse and neglect and work together to prevent it.

Source: National Child Protection Week – NAPCAN

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

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Spotlight #1 – national swimming championships success!

Centenary SHS had two students represent Queensland at the recent School Sports Australia Swimming Championships in Brisbane. Congratulations to Jackson and Neve for donning the maroon swimmers and doing their best for Queensland.

Jackson competed in the Nationals in late August and it is official – he is the 9th fastest in Queensland for Butterfly. Congratulations Jackson!

Neve had one individual event and was selected in two relays. In a hectic schedule, she made the final of the 50m freestyle. Her 4 x 50m relay team finished with the silver medal and in the 4 x 100m relay, the team finished 4th.

Great PB’s, great placings and an awesome experience to compete at this high level in school sport.

Each of these students has put in countless hours per week honing their craft and it is awesome to see them reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Centenary SHS is very proud of these students for swimming for our school, Met West and Queensland.

Well done Neve and Jackson!

Ice skating champion

A big congratulations to Centenary SHS student and ice skater Sienna, who will be representing Australia in early September in Singapore in the SEA Open Trophy Competition.

Sienna has also been successful in being selected to represent Australia in the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Gdansk, Poland in late September. This is a series of 7 competitions held in various countries in Europe to competitors all over the world.

The absolute best of luck Sienna!

Spotlight #2

A big congratulations to Year 12 student Olivia on her recent success in Adelaide. Olivia had a fantastic 4 days representing Queensland.

On Olivia’s Saturday 6km event at Oakbank racecourse in the Adelaide Hills, the second last event for the day, Olivia placed 21st. Olivia battled cold, windy weather and a very muddy course. Queensland picked up the bronze team medal in the 18/19 Years Girls.

On the Monday, Olivia headed out to West Beach for relays. Olivia ran in the 18/19 Years Girls 5 x 2000m. All the girls had a great race and finished in 2nd place, taking the silver medal.

Recently, Olivia was invited to Milton Dick’s Electorate Office as an awardee of the 2022 Sporting Champions Grant. Olivia applied for this, having to fill out a lengthy application, which included future goals, financial impacts and training regimes.

Well done Olivia!

Metropolitan Finals Competition

With premiership success for Centenary SHS at the West Brisbane District Gala Day, a multitude of teams qualified for the Metropolitan Finals Competition:

• The Open Boys Basketball team had strong competition against Citipointe Christian College at home, and with a slow start to the match, they couldn’t find their way back into the game, just going down.
• The 10 Girls Basketball team were competitive but lost to Cavendish Road SHS.
• Centenary SHS’s Volleyball teams have had a strong season and are continuing to develop under the guidance of some great coaches. The Year 7 Boys played against Holland Park SHS and took them to three sets, unfortunately just losing.
• The Year 9 Boys had strong competition against The Gap SHS – they came through with a fantastic win and will now compete in the semi-finals.
• The Year 10 Boys played Kelvin Grove College – they came through with an awesome win and will now compete in the semi-finals.
• Netball was played as a Gala Day against a tough pool of teams of – Cavendish Road SHS, Albany SHS, Glenala SHS and Wavell Heights SHS. The team won two games and lost two, just missing out on the semi-finals.

Thank you to all the fantastic staff who coached the teams – Mr Haines, Ms Jarrett, Mr Bray, Mr Gibbs, Mr Redman and Ms Tesch. Thank you to all the student helpers for umpiring and scoring games, and lastly, to the dedicated students who worked very hard!

South Queensland Schools Championship Regatta Rowing

Centenary SHS was represented by Milan (Year 8), Emma and Jessica (both Year 9) at the South Queensland Schools Championship Regatta at Wyaralong recently. This is a state-level regatta against some very strong competition from well-established rowing schools like All Hallows, Trinity Lutheran, Brisbane Girls Grammar, Rockhampton Grammar, Lourdes Hill, Brigidine, Somerset, Stuartholme and St Peters.

Milan was in the Year 8 single scull. There were 48 entries in this category. Not only did she progress through the heats, but she made the final – top 10 out of 48! She placed 7th in the final, only 14 seconds behind the winner.

Milan also rowed up a grade to partner Jessica in the Year 9 double scull, and again these girls progressed through to the final where they placed 6th – an amazing result given the strength of the competition.

Emma competed in the Year 9 single scull – she put up a great fight to finish 6th in her heat, only just missing out on progression through to the semi-finals. The Year 9 singles are very competitive – a field of 34 competitors – so well done to Emma!

Jessica competed with Milan in the Year 9 double scull, as noted above, and also in the Year 9 single scull – where she progressed through heats and semi-finals to get a place in the final, where she finished 9th against a very strong field of competitors.

Although no medals, to progress through to finals in 2 out of 3 entries was amazing! The girls are hungry to ramp up their training now for the whole of Queensland Schools Championship Regatta which takes place in Bundaberg over 3 days in the September school holidays.

Congratulations to Milan, Emma and Jessica on a huge effort over a long tough weekend and amazing performances.

Athletics – district track and field

Congratulations to the 35 Centenary SHS students who have been selected in the Northern Eagles District Track and Field Team to compete at the Metropolitan West and Track and Field Regional Championships being held later this month. Students who earn selection in the Met West team will compete at the State Championships in Term 4. Well done to all students for their selection.

Mr Haines has dedicated 3+ hours each week since Term 2 in order to facilitate and coach our students before and after school. His commitment is the backbone to the success of our students and why Centenary SHS is one of the best schools in the Northern District region. Centenary SHS is lucky to have such a committed staff member that goes above and beyond.

Queensland All Schools Touch Football Championship

In Week 1 next term (October 5th – 9th), teams will compete in the Queensland All Schools competition for touch football. The four teams competing are U13 boys, U15 girls, U15 boys and Open Mixed. This touch football competition is the largest school event of its sort, with just under 500 schools competing. Students have been very committed to attending training sessions before school. We wish all participating students the best of luck for the tournament!

Sports awards

The sports awards for 2022 will be announced late in Term 3. Students that have achieved at a high level in sport will be recognised and awarded a sports award. A list will be posted on the HPE noticeboard that contains students’ names and then their sporting achievement. This is the responsibility of all students to ensure that all of their achievements are listed and to see Mrs Nasalio if a sporting event is missing.

You get sporting points for the following:

• Gala Day teams and if you won a premiership, you receive more points
• District sporting teams
• School swimming, cross country and athletics teams
• District swimming, cross country and athletics teams
• Age Champion in cross country and athletics
• Met West in any sport
• Represented Centenary SHS in an ALL schools event

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

The gremlin sheet process opened Week 8, Term 3 and will close on Friday September 16th (last day of term). Once again, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure their achievements are accurate!

Date claimer

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

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

eLEARNING

Our eSports club is finding its feet, with the Resource Centre becoming a hive of activity every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. With a focus on healthy gaming habits, professional conduct and teamwork, the eSports club works to improve gaming culture and personal connections, as well as to prepare students for careers in the emerging eSports industry.

We are preparing for our first competition in September, with 3 teams of 4 students representing the school in Rocket League and Smash Bros at the FUSE Cup, an Australia-wide competition for school students. Our teams have competed in tryouts for the honour of representing Centenary SHS, and have commenced training in preparation for the event. The competition is hotly contested, with local, state, and national finals leading on to international level play.

The program is still accepting members, so students interested in representing their school, preparing for a future in the eSports industry, and having a lot of fun along the way can apply by picking up a form in the Resource Centre from Mr Whittle.

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

JUNIOR SECONDARY

Year 5 Writer’s Day

Our annual Year 5 Writer’s Day took place on Wednesday July 27th. We welcomed 14 x Year 5 students from Darra SS, Jamboree Heights SS, Jindalee SS and Middle Park SS and spent the day with them as they participated in in a writing workshop. Following the ‘Seven Steps to Creative Writing’ plan, the students worked hard to plan and produce a complete short story by the end of the day, complete with orientation, rising action, climax and resolution.

Their work was collated and sent to a publishing house for printing. We welcomed the students and their parents/carers back to Centenary SHS on Thursday August 25th after school (during book week) to present the students with a professionally bound copy of their work and a certificate of attendance.

Special mention to the following Year 9 students who supported the Year 5 students as writing mentors: Lucy, Kahlia, Ben, Gabriella and Charli. Thanks also to teacher Nicola Kelly for her support in the running of the day.

Spotlight on Thinking

In our last Faculty Meeting, our JS Thinking Champions ran a segment that focused upon thinking cognitions, through the lens of the golden tetrad and NASOT design questions 3, 4 and 5. Our session goals were to map thinking strategies and objectives to NASOT using analysis as an exemplar. Our focus question was ‘how do we explicitly teach thinking, in particular, analysis?’ We agreed that when you analyse something, you examine it closely and identify important features, in order to decide or answer a question. We practiced this skill as a faculty by examining the pictures shown below. Our job was to describe what we thought had been happening here, starting by going into specific detail about what we could see, and justifying our conclusions. Analysis across our JS learning areas changes in context, complexity and specificity. The fundamental concept and process of analysing, however, remains the same. By our next meeting, JS staff will create a segment that requires students to analyse and share it within their teaching areas.

Carly Manche, Junior Secondary HOD
Email: ceman4@eq.edu.au

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Year 10

In Week 7, our Year 10 cohort completed their SET Plan – the individual learning pathway through the senior phase of learning in Years 11 and 12. A SET Plan supports students in working towards their QCE or QCIA, attaining their Senior Statement and/or a viable work option post-schooling. A big thank you to all of our students and families who attended on this day.

Our next focus in Senior School for our Year 10 students is that they complete their Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (FSK). Completion of this qualification will give students 4 core credits towards their QCE. By the end of Term 3, all Year 10 students should have uploaded Cluster 1, 2, 4 and 5 to their OneNote.

Years 11 & 12

Our Year 11 students have been working hard towards completing Unit 2 of their current curriculum subjects. Final assessment items will be due in the next few weeks – so it is important that students continue to apply feedback to their written assignments and prepare for their upcoming exams.

Our Year 12 students are completing their EA and QCE preparation block in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term. This will require students to attend school to complete practice exams to prepare them for their External Exams next term, or complete any outstanding work to ensure they achieve their QCE. It is important that all students attend during their timetabled sessions and contact the school/provide a medical certificate if they are absent due to illness. Information about equipment required for the exams, as well as the timetable, has been emailed to all students.

ATOMI

ATOMI is a fantastic resource that all Years 11 and 12 students have access to. ATOMI is an online platform that has curriculum-specific content for a variety of subjects offered at Centenary SHS. In addition to this, there are quizzes specific to Years 11 and 12 content. Students can create tailored revision documents for their subjects in order to prepare for their upcoming exams.

2023 TAFE@Schools

If your student is in Years 10 or 11 and is wanting to enrol in a TAFE course in 2023, applications are still being accepted by TAFE QLD. Hard copies of the 2023 TAFE@Schools guide can be obtained by speaking to a member of the Senior School team in SL15. If your student needs assistance with this, please tell them to speak to Ms Nolan or Mrs Chadburn in SL15.

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

POSITIVE EDUCATION

Let’s dive into one of our Character Strengths, Curiosity, to see how it can enhance a person’s wellbeing:

Curiosity

This strength sits within the Engagement element of our PERMAH wellbeing framework. Curiosity involves wanting to find out more about people, places, things and ideas. Those with high levels of curiosity are interested in many things, and like to explore and discover new things.

Curiosity encourages and sustains interest. As described by well-respected researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, “If you are interested in something, you will focus on it, and if you focus attention on anything, it is likely that you will become interested in it. Many of the things we find interesting are not so by nature, but because we took the trouble of paying attention to them.”

Curious people ask interesting questions, read deeply, explore how people think, feel and behave, take risks to have new experiences and stick with challenging tasks. Research shows, those with high levels of curiosity tend to be happier and more satisfied with life. Curiosity can be fostered in children by creating a safe space, noticing feelings of discomfort and helping them understand that these feelings are normal, asking questions rather than giving answers and being curious yourself. This encourages young people to feel safe and supported to ask their own questions, explore things for themselves and take risks with their learning.

Try this at home: Ask your young people three questions about themselves, using such words as ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘why’ and ‘how’. Then give them the chance to ask three questions about you!

Melissa Chamberlain, Positive Education HOD
Email: mcham55@eq.edu.au

TEACHING & LEARNING

Thinking Routines in Literature

At Centenary SHS, students engage with Thinking Routines to scaffold their critical thinking. Recently in the Year 10 Introduction to Literature class, Miss Hyndman’s students used the Routine of Identities, Values and Actions to analyse and interpret songs of protest. Students listened and watched protest songs then collaborated to discuss, debate and record answers to thought provoking questions such as, ‘does this work affirm or challenge these values?’. These critical thinking skills prepare students for their assessment of reflecting on the values of a fictional character. Well done to Miss Hyndman and to her class of thinkers!

Vanessa Duschka, Teaching & Learning HOD
Email: vdusc1@eq.edu.au

STUDENT SERVICES/STEP COORDINATOR

Years 7 – 10 engagement profiles

In Week 8, all Years 7 – 10 students received their most recent Engagement Profiles via email. These profiles give a snapshot of a number of key elements of a student’s progress at school, including attendance, achievement, effort and behaviour. They are a fantastic goal setting tool for students and provide a good launching point for conversations between students and their parents/carers or teachers. I’d encourage every student and parent/carer to take up this opportunity to discuss some S.M.A.R.T goals relating to these profiles. Linking some rewards to student progress in certain areas might also stimulate these desired changes. Let’s set some ambitious goals and finish the term and the year on a high note!

Marty Begbie, Student Services HOD
Email: mbegb1@eq.ed.au

FACULTIES

ARTS

Welcome to the last newsletter for Term 3. In just a few short weeks, we will have finalised our preparation for the Year 12 students and they will be ready to complete their external exams. Year 11 students will have submitted their FA3 tasks and be preparing for their first exam in readiness for Year 12. Students in Years 7 – 10 will finish their assessment tasks for this unit prior to the holidays, with students in Years 7 and 8 rotating subjects one more time before the year is done. We’ve also had a busy end to the term with many more students to celebrate and events to check out. Don’t forget to check out the school Facebook page for up-to-date stories and news!

Classroom news

A few weeks ago, we acknowledged our Year 12 students who achieved 100% on task two. This is an amazing achievement and something to be very proud of. Congratulations to all of the students and staff on your results. In addition to this, we also recognised a group of students, whom after two tasks, are sitting on 100%. Outstanding! We look forward to receiving our confirmed results back for task three in a few weeks.

100% cumulative subject result (IA1 and IA2)

Visual Art

Madison & Jordyn

Drama

Bethany

Film, TV & NM

Han & Riley

Music Extension Composition

Cyrus & Matthew

The Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice students have just finished a unit which tasked them with designing and creating a piece of wearable art in small groups. With a focus on sustainability, the students explored the capabilities of conventional and unconventional materials and experimented with a myriad of application methods to create their masterpieces. Each artwork is based on the concept of ‘opposites’. Can you guess what they might be?

Year 8 Music Plus students finished their semester course of study, with some of the students receiving their Grade 1 Theory of Music certificates from the Australian Music Examinations Board. This is an internationally recognised achievement and the students have really excelled. A special mention goes to two students, who achieved the perfect score of 100%

High Distinction (100%)

Year 7 Performance Plus students are working on their end of semester showcase, and have had the opportunity to work with RAW Dance Company on the finale for their show, and might I add, it looks amazing already! I look forward to seeing their talents on show!

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 Music headed to QPAC recently to view the musical ‘Cinderella’. All students in Senior Music study Music of the Theatre, and viewing live shows is a great opportunity to see our studies in real life. The students thoroughly enjoyed the show, with the costume transformations creating much intrigue, discussion and analysis!

To celebrate Book Week, renowned illustrator Marc McBride ran a workshop for all of the current junior Visual Art students; with the budding young artists watching and listening as Marc created a fictional character of a dragon live in front of the audience. Students learnt about his thinking and making processes, his use of visual language and his career as an illustrator. The school is now the proud owner of a Marc McBride original! It will be displayed in the Resource Centre as part of Book Week 2022. Well done to the Years 7, 8 and 9 students who also created their own fantasy and dragon illustrations during the workshop!

Student success

Congratulations to Year 10 student Pranavi, who entered her captivating artwork into this year’s Zart Art Student Competition. Pranavi’s artwork, ‘Kenya Connections’, includes animals to symbolise her home town of Kenya. It represents the beauty of African animals, including the elephant and the lilac breasted roller, which is the national bird of Kenya. Students can find out information about current and upcoming art competitions by listening to school notices and viewing the Art and Film notice board to keep up to date! Well done Pranavi!

Extra-curricular news

The Centenary SHS dance troupes have finished their local performances for this year, capping off a great year of work at the Ipswich Performer’s Festival.

Contemporary Troupe – 2nd place
Jazz Troupe – 3rd place
Lyrical Troupe – 3rd place
Hip Hop Troupe – Highly Commended

The culminating event for the year will be the National Finals in Sydney, after we successfully qualified at our last competition. Three of the troupes (Contemporary, Lyrical and Jazz) will spend time over the September holidays participating in a number of workshops and of course, competing at the national competition. Good luck dancers!

Instrumental Music news

It’s been another busy Term 3, with many performances and a busy schedule for Term 4 for all of our ensembles.

The Four-Leaf Clovers were successful in placing 3rd in a national online competition, run by music store ‘Engadine Music’. Thank you to all of you who voted for us! The girls have won $1500 and have already spent it a few times over in their heads! If you haven’t yet seen their performance, you can check it out here !

Three of our Woodwind Ensembles, under the direction of Mrs Harvey, have performed in a series of concerts we titled ‘Livening Up the Library’. We are very proud of our partnership with the Mount Ommaney Library and thank them for their support. The concerts were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all in the audience.

P&C Subcommittee news

Thank you to the Subcommittee for running the canteen at the recent Jindalee Jazz Orchestra Performance. This was another opportunity to raise funds for students and the faculty. Our next meeting for the Arts Subcommittee will be held in CPAC at 7:00pm on Tuesday November 8th. All Arts parents/carers/family members are welcome to join us.

Educational reading

It’s been a little while since I included a reading, but this one is very interesting! I hope you find some meaning – ‘music is for all’.

Date claimer

Please note the following events for Term 4, including the Cultural Dinner. This is an opportunity for students and staff to come together and celebrate another fantastic year, with Year 12 students awarded a special memento of their time at Centenary SHS and two special faculty award winners announced. Another highlight for students at the Cultural Dinner is the announcement of the whole school musical (to be held in 2023). Please see the information sent to students from Mr Watkins.

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

ENGLISH

Our Year 10 students are at an important phase in their education, making decisions about their senior subjects through the SET planning process which occurred recently. The decision in English is whether to enrol in one of the three General English subjects (English, Literature or English as an Additional Language) or the Applied subject (Essential English) for Years 11 and 12. Students need to ensure that they select the strand of English in which they believe they will experience success. It is important to note that students must pass their English subject – whichever one it is – in order to be awarded an ATAR, so it is very important to make the most appropriate choice.

Students also need to be aware that, in each Senior English subject, they will be required to complete at least one speaking task per year. Tasks of this kind are also completed in Years 7 – 10 so, by Senior, all students should be comfortable in giving speaking presentations. Spoken communication is a twenty-first century skill that our young people need to master, so they can go out into the world with confidence and successfully interact in many different contexts; such as job interviews and dealing with customers or clients.

There is an opportunity for our current Year 11 English and Literature students to study English and Literature Extension as an additional English subject. Students study Extension offline in Units 3 & 4 only. While there might be some adjustment made to their timetable to accommodate Extension, they must continue to study their current English subject. English and Literature Extension is incompatible with English as an Additional Language and Essential English. If students are interested, they need to see me before the end of this term.

COVID-19 has continued to cause some disruption to public speaking competitions, but fortunately, many of them have been able to proceed. Our six debating teams competed in the Queensland Debating Union competition this year, and our Years 11 and 12 teams were successful in making the finals rounds. The Year 11 team made it through to the semi- finals, where they were unfortunately knocked out. This is a brilliant achievement.

Once again, this year we had success in the English Speaking Union (ESU) public speaking competition. In the Senior competition, all four of our entrants made it through to the finals, with Centenary SHS taking out first and second place. Congratulations to Ebony and Seth on these achievements. In the Intermediate competition, Eli won second place. We will once again be entering the Australian Independent Debating and Public Speaking Championships - Speakfest, with two of our students taking part. Four students are also entering the My First Speech competition, which involves presenting a 90-second maiden speech to Parliament. We were very fortunate to have Milton Dick MP visit our school recently to meet with our entrants and offer some advice and feedback. I wish our students in the coming competitions the best of luck – they will be wonderful ambassadors for our school. I want to extend a huge thank you to Ms Long, our Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator, who has worked tirelessly throughout the year to make opportunities happen for our students.

We are only a few weeks away from the External Assessment period. Our Year 12 students have been working hard to prepare for these exams and I am confident they will do themselves and our school proud. I have every confidence in our wonderful young people as they move towards this final phase of assessment.

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

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics classes 2023

Classes for 2023 will be allocated by the end of the year.

Results of students in Year 8 will be reviewed at the end of the year to determine if students are appropriately placed with regards to being in the Extension or Core classes for Year 9 in 2023. Students will be notified of their class by the end of the year by email.

Year 9 students are currently undergoing JET Planning for their 2023 classes and the Mathematics Department makes recommendations for Year 10 Mathematics courses of study being offered, i.e. Extension, Core or Foundation. Each of these three programs prepare students for their future studies in Year 11. The final selection is up to students and parents/carers having a discussion around what pathways they wish to select for the beginning of Year 10 in 2023 for their future studies in Senior Schooling.

Year 10 students have selected their course of study for Year 11. I am currently reviewing their selections and will advise students of any concerns for their Mathematics subject for next year. There will be a review done of students at the end of Unit 1 in the middle of Term 2, 2023, to check on student’s progress.

Year 11 Unit 2 results will be reviewed at the beginning of Term 4 to check on student progress in their subject. If there are concerns, an interview will be arranged for the beginning of Unit 3 in Term 4 this year to discuss options for their Units 3 and 4 studies.

As we end Term 3, conversations start happening for 2023 around, “Is my student in the correct class?”

Some conversations are based on students completing Unit exams and Semester exams in Senior i.e. Years 10 – 12 and others are around students relying on previous results and retained knowledge from their earlier years to get them through the current work.

For some students it is a matter of they may be incorrectly placed, but for a lot of students, it is about developing appropriate study habits to help develop their increasing knowledge base.

The habits and work skills they develop now will not only impact their high school career, but also their adult life as they will use these same skills in university and/or the workforce.

Listed below are a few of the best ways to develop healthy, strong study skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Establish a study zone at home

Designate a specific area for homework and studying. This location should be comfortable and free of distractions, such as mobiles. Stock the study space with the appropriate school supplies your young person needs and a good dictionary, which is an essential study tool. Some teenagers need absolute quiet when doing homework, while others work better with soft music. Contrary to the opinions of many young people, studies consistently show that loud music and/or TV are highly distracting to students.

Establish good time management skills

Get a large wall calendar that allows space for jotting down things in the daily boxes to place in your designated study space. Have your young person use the same subject to mark exam dates, reports and other assignments for each subject. The calendar will also allow you, as the parent/carer, to periodically review your young person’s assignments. Ask them to describe what each assignment requires, its current status and what’s needed for completion.

Teach your young person to build regular study time into their schedule. Most tests are scheduled well in advance, and 20 minutes of review each night will produce much better results on Thursday’s exam than pulling an all-nighter on Wednesday.

All assessment dates for the Mathematics Department can be accessed through QParents and for the students via their OneNotes and OneSchool.

Junior students (Years 7 – 9) should be reviewing work for their exams at least one week prior to the set date and senior Students (Years 10 - 12) – at least two weeks prior to exams.

Establish a regular study time

Determining a consistent and specific time to do homework has been shown to increase academic success. Consider your young person’s style and together decide if they work best cracking the books as soon as they get home to get it out of the way, or taking a break and studying after dinner. Additionally, students should schedule study breaks. Every hour – or whenever they feel frustrated or angry – they should get up and walk around, get a snack and let their brain recover.

Establish good follow-through

Doing the homework is only the middle stage of the overall process. First, the student must understand and write down every assignment given at school. Then, they must complete the assignment on time. And finally, they must actually submit their assignment to school. Getting through this entire process is essential to success.

Establish good listening skills, paying attention in class and note taking abilities

Explain to your student that note taking is one of the best ways to keep their mind focused on what the teacher is saying and/or what they are reading in their textbook. Emphasize that they do not have to write down every word the book says, but rather develop some sort of outline that highlights key points or important facts.

Establish good personal habits

Remind your student that taking care of themselves – eating healthy (including breakfast!), getting enough sleep and exercising – is just as essential to their ability to get good grades as any study habits they keep.

The above points are just a few I have gleaned from my research and personal experiences but I think they are the essential study habits that our young adults should aim to acquire as they progress through their years at Centenary SHS.

Year 12 in the home stretch

Year 12 students recently completed their final internal assessment for General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics. We now turn our focus to preparing for the external exams, with Mock Exams being held in Weeks 9 and 10 this term. The Year 12 mock exams and the valuable feedback given by their teachers provides students with the information they need to help them organise and focus their study and revision for the external exams.

Year 12 Essential Mathematics students will complete their journey in Week 2 in Term 4 with their final, internal assessment piece.

Good luck to the Year 12 students for their final assessment pieces in Term 4.

Darren Teale, Mathematics HOD
Email: dteal4@eq.edu.au

YEAR LEVEL COORDINATORS

Year 12 Report

And just like that it’s the end of another term!

The end of schooling is getting closer for the Year 12 students. We are now in the official count down. This week sees Year 12 students undertake mock EA exams, getting them familiar with what to expect next term, when they undertake their real EA exams. Students should be using this time over the next two weeks to continue to work on their revision for their subjects. We know the motivation is starting to crumble for a lot of our students right now so can we please ask you to encourage your student/s to stay focused during their remaining time at school.

We were finally able to take our Year 12 photo earlier this term. Thank you to the Year 12 Council for your assistance with this. As you can imagine, marking out a ‘22’ on the oval with markers was a bit difficult. But the end result made it all worth it.

I want to say a sincere thank you for your support and your generous donations for the Year 12 sleepout event that happened recently. We raised over $2000, $1000 over our target amount! The event was a huge success and the students were fantastic, as always. I love seeing how this cohort work together and support each other. The futsal competition was expertly run by the boys on the Year 12 Council. The ‘Just Dance’ and karaoke that was happening in CPAC was brilliant, even with the brief intermission to sing the full length of the Australian National Anthem. They did the school proud.

By now, the students would have received the information letters and consent forms for the upcoming main events – Formal and Mystery Tour. I emailed the forms out to parents and carers – please let me know if you did not receive them. Consent forms need to be returned along with payment by no later than Monday October 17th, 2022. I thank you for your understanding with the price increases with both events.

Also, a heads up, I will be emailing all parents/carers for a favour in the next couple of weeks. I am organising a surprise for the Year 12 cohort for their last couple of weeks of schooling and I need your help. Thank you in advance.

Any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kate George, Year 12 Coordinator
Email: kgeor38@eq.edu.au

Year 8 Report

The Year 8 cohort began their leadership journey early in Term 3. Students were able to apply for Junior School Captain and Student Forum positions. Applicants have a 3-step journey before selection – written application, speeches and an interview. On Monday in Week 8, our 10 applicants had the chance to address the cohort and plead their case. Students showed their desire to lead their year level with pride and passion. They accompanied this with a plethora of innovations which they plan on implementing if they are to be selected. I believe all students show great qualities which are required by strong leaders and it will be hard to select our captains!

Within our HG lessons this term, students have been focusing on resilience, core values and self-control. One particular activity which students enjoyed involved having core values on the whiteboard and writing names of people they know who display these values. Students have also been stepping out of their comfort zone by learning a ‘Just Dance’ in their HG groups. This is an opportunity for students to develop a sense of comfort, belonging and enjoyment within their HG group, whilst having some fun. In Week 10, HG classes will compete in the ultimate Just Dance ‘dance off’!

Kate Tesch, Year 8 Coordinator
Email: ktesc0@eq.edu.au

Year 7 Report

We have made it three-quarters of the way through the first year at high school. Only one term remains and then our Year 7 students will transition into Year 8. This year has flown by very quickly.

Throughout this term, our Year 7 cohort have been generously rewarded with PERMAH points for displaying any of our 6 elements of PERMAH in classes. At the end of each term, one lucky Year 7 student with the highest earned points receives a $50 gift card in recognition of their achievements. A big congratulations goes to Ai-My in MO07B who was our lucky recipient of the $50 gift card for being the Term 2 Year 7 PERMAH point winner.

Commencing this term, our Year 10 Mentors have spent every Monday morning with their Year 7 HG classes focusing on our PERMAH elements of Positive Emotions and Relationships. As well as spending time in the classes, our mentors have also begun to run some lunchtime activities for the Year 7 students. The students have enjoyed origami making, Minute to Win It team challenges, Science Week cahoot challenges and dodgeball. I would like to acknowledge the commitment of the Year 10 Mentors who have been giving up their lunch times to spend time with our youngest cohort. These relationships are what make long lasting memories of their time at school.

Our Home Group program has had a primary focus of Positive Emotions. Students have learnt how developing and harnessing positive emotions can improve their thinking and attention, as well as enhancing their social and physical wellbeing. By focusing on positive emotions students are able to create an upward spiral of emotions. Using their Character Strength of Creativity, students were able to display positive emotions by creating a pair of positivity glasses. When wearing the glasses, the students should be focusing on the positives in life instead of the negative. There is always hope, even in the most difficult of times. Remembering your positivity glasses, especially at these times, is a great way on focusing on the good things around us.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your student. Have an enjoyable and relaxing holiday and we will see you in Term 4.

Rachel Habermann, Year 7 Coordinator
Email: rhabe7@eq.edu.au

P&C

Ladies formal pants have arrived at the Uniform Shop!

The new Uniform Shop price adjustment comes into effect in Term 4 and will see a consistent profit margin applied to all products. You will find that some items will increase in cost and other items will be cheaper.

In relation to the Uniform Review, Centenary SHS has engaged an external consultant and we look forward to the consultation process commencing in Term 4.

The September P&C meeting has been cancelled due to it falling within the school holidays.

Our next P&C meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm Wednesday October 19th in the school’s Resource Centre. We intend to take nominations for the position of P&C president at this meeting. If you would like to nominate for this position, please request a nomination form at pandc@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au.

If you’re interested in attending the meeting virtually, from the comfort of your own lounge room, please let us know and we’ll send you the relevant link.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

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

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