School Newsletter Issue 13 - Friday November 6th, 2020

IB News

Congratulations to former Cleveland District State High School Captain, and International Baccalaureate student Claire Moman, who has been recognised by The University of Queensland as 2020 Dean’s Scholar. Each year, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences identifies and recognises the top 100 undergraduate students who complete a full-time semester study load comprising at least 6 units of study. Claire completed her 2020 university studies with a grade point average of 7; a remarkable achievement for a first-year university student.

Claire earnt her IB Diploma at the end of 2019 ultimately being awarded the CDSHS Year 12 IB Dux Award, Outstanding Citizenship Award and The University of Queensland Academic Award. She attributes her recent success at UQ to the outstanding education she received through the CDSHS International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Claire shared that the IB program prepared her brilliantly for university study. The skills developed in her senior study years, including those of reflection, inquiry, communication, open-mindedness, risk-taking, and global mindedness delivered her a distinct advantage as an undergraduate. In addition, Claire is quick to acknowledge a great portion of her success is underpinned by the exceptional teaching she received from her CDSHS teachers and mentors. Not only did her teachers deliver the IB curriculum to a very high standard, they deeply committed to extending extraordinary pastoral care ensuring a wholistic education experience.

Claire recommends the IB Diploma study pathway to any senior student looking for an excellent education that thoroughly prepares you for university and is recognised by tertiary institutions, organisations and employers across the globe.

Chinese Karaoke Competition - 中(zhōng)国(guó)卡(kǎ)拉(lā)OK比(bǐ)赛(sài)

Language engagement through music and song is often incorporated into our Languages lessons and recently we embraced this medium by holding a lunch time Chinese Karaoke Competition supported by the Confucius Institute QUT (CIQ). Our four judges, Antoine Barnaart – Director of CIQ, Dr Phillip Sun – Visiting Chinese Deputy Director of CIQ, Lisha Song – Business and Education Coordinator of CIQ, and Grant Mitchell – Deputy Principal, had the pleasure of listening to our eight contestants battle it out, showcasing their vocal range, Chinese clarity and audience engagement. 

Congratulations to our winners: 1^st Prize – Limkyung Choi; 2^nd Prize – Kyan Hill and 3^rd Prize – Greta Deng.  Thank you to all our amazing contestants: Sarah McKeown, Ruby Abbott, Arabella Guidi, Jessica Guidi, Rori Macnamara, Ruby Murphy, Caitlyn Johnston, Gracie MacFarlane, Izabella Bolzonello, Ellie Sepecan, Jude Rako and Kim Wattanapan for not only singing in front of their peers but also in another language! Thank you to our fantastic audience who supported the contestants with much enthusiasm and respect.  Finally, thank you our Chinese teachers, Ms Tang and Mr Hu for their organisation and making this event such a success. Xie xie!

Konnichiwa Genki?

This term, Year 8 and 10 Japanese students have been taking advantage of our sister school relationship with Kani Technical High School in Japan through regular weekly video calls. Both sides have been enjoying the experience and the awkwardness of overcoming language barriers in intercultural communication.  Authentic opportunities like this really help students to develop their confidence in their speaking skills, one of the most difficult to embrace.  With the amazing support of Japanese teacher, Mr Hanson and his terrific technical skill-set, we’re witnessing more successful and happy student video calls each week. (See below for excerpt from Kani Technical High School newsletter.) Arigatou gozaimasu Sensei!

Online Sister School Exchange - Kani Technical High School Newsletter article, Kani City, Japan

10 Biology – Busy in the Laboratory

This semester, students in Year 10 Biology have been studying Genetics and have been busy in the laboratory studying Osmosis. For their Genetics unit, students gained an understanding of genes, DNA, chromosomes and heredity. They learnt to extract DNA from fruit and later, how to create a DNA profile in the laboratory (pictured). They are now learning about the concept of Osmosis and are thoroughly enjoying the experiments to understand the process.

Recycling E-Waste – Mobile Muster

Year 8 students have been learning about Materials from the Earth, and E-Waste in their Science & Technology unit.  Class 8C took the initiative to extend their learning by running a Mobile Muster recycling drive over the last two weeks.  If you have any devices you would like to provide for recycling, please send them in with your student to N Block staffroom. We will continue to collect for the rest of the term.

Mobile Muster will collect phones in any condition, chargers and accessories, headphones/earbuds, and fitness trackers. All data is destroyed in the process so there will be no security issues.

The students are also investigating recycling other forms of E-waste and will advertise this in the future.

Thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause and supporting our students.

Student Council News

Last Friday, Student Council worked with Chaplaincy, fundraising for “Bandanna Day” by holding our first Gold Coin Day. Students were allowed to wear bandannas with their uniform, red to support “Wear Red for Daniel Day” or free dress. Thank you to everyone who supported this event.

On November 10th, we will once again be working with Redlands RSL for their Honour the Fallen Project, where we place an Australian Flag on every Australian Veteran’s final resting place at the Cleveland Cemetery. Our 2021 Senior and Junior Leaders will also be representing our school at the Redlands RSL Remembrance Day Service on November 11^th.  

We are holding our last Student Council Meeting on November 4^th. At this point in time, the school would like to thank the Student Council Representatives and the school community for their outstanding efforts and support in 2020.

Upcoming Events

4^th November – Combined Student Council Meeting

10^th November – Honour the Fallen (date may change, waiting on confirmation with RCC)

11^th November – Remembrance Day

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Homework Centre

Australia-ASEAN Youth Forum

On 21st October, Ben Mason, Olivia Chissell, Kim Tran, Zoe Wilson, Limkyung Choi and Richard Qin proudly represented our school as the delegates of Australia at the online Australia-ASEAN Youth Forum. The Forum, facilitated by the Asia Education Foundation, was supported by our teacher Vanessa Blackburn and Head of Department Languages Kylie Venamore.

With high schools across Queensland as participants, the forum focused on the crucial topic of Education and aimed at sharing Education’s benefit on economic growth, social equity, and advancements in digital technology across ASEAN countries and their partners. Our students had a precious opportunity to study regional dialogue, intergovernmental cooperation, and conflict resolution by discussing key issues facing Southeast Asia from the perspective of Australia. Although the forum was held completely online, our students remained keen in negotiating operational clauses of a Forum Declaration with 11 other schools representing the interests of ASEAN nations, and achieved fruitful outcomes.

The forum saw meaningful dialogue and negotiation between our participants and other groups. Facing the complicated international socio-economic landscape and global issues, our participants precisely summarised Australia’s present positions in response to the forum’s focus and aim. While the uncertainties and limitations of the current international politics and economy became a major topic of the delegates in their heated debate, our students were able to articulate Australia’s viewpoint in a mature and concise manner. Moreover, as members of the global community, our participants actively advocated the benefit of education and encouraged the sharing of such benefits with the ASEAN member states through contributing to the operational clauses and the Forum Declaration.

Next Step Survey

Book Week 2020

Taryn Bashford, Brisbane based writer and author of Young Adult Fiction novels The Harper Effect and The Astrid Notes, visited our school as part of our Book Week 2020 celebrations. She encouraged our young students to enjoy writing and to find inspiration around them. Taryn taught them tips of the trade such as showing not telling and had students involved in dialogue language games. Students heard about the story behind her novel The Harper Effect, inspired by her meeting of a famous 16 year old international tennis star. CDSHS students gained insight into the writing process and learnt there are no limits to our imagination.

We also celebrated Book Week with a Creative Creatures and Wild Minds drawing competition. The winners were; 1^st prize – Ashlyn, 2^nd prize – Elizabeth, 3^rd prize – Adrian. Congratulations to our creative students.

Book Week wouldn’t be the same without a costume dress-up or two. Our annual CDSHS staff dress-up day was another successful event whereby the staff came dressed as characters from novels such as The Wizard of Oz and The Secret Garden. Thank you to the staff who let their imaginations run wild to celebrate Book Week and all things literary.

Ignite Writers Program - Book Week Lunch

The Ignite Writers Program, which started this term, is open to all Year 7 Ignite students. The program offers students the opportunity to hone their writing skills in several genres. This term we are working on narratives, with the students delving into their imaginations to create fantastical short stories set on far-away planets, secret gardens, and ordinary high schools.

As part of our Book Week celebrations, students in the Ignite Writing Program were treated to a special lunch with author Taryn Bashford. Ms Bashford shared her tips for not only crafting great stories, but for also getting these stories published. The students also shared their own story ideas with Ms Bashford.

Thank you to the library staff for organising this worthwhile event, and for ordering the delicious lunch.

Red Bag Appeal

Cleveland District SHS is proud to be supporting Wesley Mission with its Red Bag Appeal again this Christmas. 

From Monday 2 November – Friday 20 November we will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items, Christmas treats and toiletries, to give to families in need all across South East Queensland.  Students can take their donations to their homegroup room or to the library.

Now more than ever is the time to help each other!

Performing Arts News

In a year that has been very lean for performing opportunities, four of our current percussion students, along with one of our Alumni percussionists, were invited to form part of a nearly forty strong drum line, joining iconic Brisbane band ‘Sheppard’ as part of the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final Half Time Show. They performed a specially arranged version of the band’s hit song, ‘Geronimo’ and were a part of a history making event, as it is the first ever AFL Grand Final played away from the MCG. This year’s half time show is being hailed by many as one of the best productions in AFL history. The students had the opportunity to meet with the band and were all incredible ambassadors for Cleveland High.

Creative Arts News

Creative Arts Update

On the 18^th of November, after the major Presentation Assemblies, we will be holding our Instrumental Music Awards.  This will take place at 3.30pm in the Paul Bancroft Centre.  Please keep a close eye on communication from our Instrumental Music Team for further information.

Year 11 Art are creating their second folio of the year, exploring the concept, "Art as Code". Students have created their own codes, symbols and visual signifiers throughout their folio. Students are expected to explore their personal and contemporary context in this unit of study.

Students completed clay sculptures as a part of their, ‘Just Keep Swimming’ unit where students explored the natural environment while at home learning. When students returned at the end of Term 2 they completed this sculptural work, with each work paying homage to a part of the natural environment. Analysing the shape, form and texture of natural objects has been of most importance when creating these works.

Recently, the annual Yurara Youth Art Awards opening took place. The judging panel found it most difficult with such a brilliant display of engaging and highly skilled artwork exhibited across grades 7-12. Congratulations to all our Visual Art students who entered work into the exhibition. Six of our students received awards on the night. Kierli Pilkington received both the Curator’s Prize for Painting, and First Prize Painting. Evie Sprite also received two awards; the Curator’s Prize for Miscellaneous and First Prize Miscellaneous. Daria Estera Rezner received the Tania’s Arthouse Encouragement Award, Darcie Lloyd was awarded Highly Commended for Painting, Jessica Coe received Highly Commended Miscellaneous and lastly, Rhianne Kimlin was awarded the Encouragement Award for Painting. A massive well done to these students. We look forward to seeing more of your work on display in the future.

Year 7 Creative Arts allows CDSHS students an enormous variety of experiences, from Music to Drama, Dance to Visual Art.  One of these experiences is creating a stop motion, and we have seen some brilliant examples this year.  The school Facebook page has a lovely example from Ayvie and Hannah.

Music Extension Concert

The Creative Arts Faculty is very excited to premiere the first of our 2020 showcases - our Music Extension Concert!  This concert was jam-packed with incredible talent, and was a highly memorable evening.  Shot and edited by former student Julian Lily-Howe, you don’t want to miss this hour of entertainment! 

The full-length video will be available for a limited time from 12pm Friday 6 November until 10pm Sunday 8 November.  So, have a viewing party, invite your family, sit back and enjoy some wonderful music.

On the 11^th and 12^th of October, the Creatives Arts Department recorded Music Showcase and Dance Fusion.  Our editor, Julian Lily-Howe, is hard at work on the video edit, but in the meantime enjoy some photos from this wonderful event.

International Student Program

The CDSHS International Student Program has been in celebration mode over the past two weeks with several significant events making us smile widely with pride.

Recently, Cleveland District State High School conducted their rigorous selection process for the 2021 senior student leadership positions. Our International Student Program is pleased to report three of our graduate students, Richard Qin (China – International Baccalaureate Diploma Program), Limkyung Choi (Korea – International Baccalaureate Diploma Program) and Kim Tran (Vietnam – ATAR program) were shortlisted for Year 12 leaderships roles, and attended interviews with our school executive leadership team. In a cohort of over 300 eligible students this is no small achievement. To add, the contenders for leadership positions this year were of an extremely high standard, with roles being hotly contested by many suitably qualified applicants.

We are proud to share, Richard and Limkyung were successfully elected as members of the eight strong, Cleveland District State High School Year 12 leadership team for 2021 - Richard as Student Council Executive, and Limkyung as International Liaison Officer. Feedback from the selection committee indicated Richard and Limkyung were outstanding in their written applications and formal interviews. Congratulations are extended to Kim who also interviewed strongly.

The CDSHS International Student Program actively encourages, supports and nurtures the leadership potential in all of our international students. On this special occasion we celebrate the success of Richard, Limkyung and Kim with their peers, teachers, homestay family and natural families in their home country.

At the International Student Program, we cannot believe the time has come to farewell some of our long-term graduate students. With the inclusion of external exams this year, our farewell program has been brought forward to share special memories, and award certificates of achievement and personal references that support a successful pathway to university. Goodbye to: Chloe, Chuc, Greta, Sheminta, Sinjini, Raymond and Thai (Year 11/12 ATAR). It has been our pleasure to support your education journey here at CDSHS. You have all played valuable roles in our school community bringing great culture, diversity and friendship to our classrooms and homes. We wish you all the very best for your future university studies. We sincerely hope you choose to stay in contact with your teachers and friends. You will be sadly missed. Until we meet again… 

*Keep an eye out in the next newsletter as we farewell even more of our international students

Lost Property

P & C News

As the weeks tick down to the end of the 2020 school year, the Uniform Shop is our primary focus as we prepare for our busiest period providing for the 2021 Year 7 cohort, as well as returning students needing uniform upgrades, and especially current Year 9 students requiring their senior uniforms. Procedures relating to uniform fittings and numbers of people allowed in the shop are a little different this year (eg appointments only - no walk-ins). It’s very important you read the Uniform Shop information below.

UNIFORM SHOP

NOV/DEC/JAN APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE

An appointment schedule for all uniform fittings will be running this year for new and current students. Appointments are available in the two full weeks at the end of Term 4, 2020 and again in the two weeks prior to the commencement of Term 1, 2021.

APPOINTMENTS ONLY - NO WALK-INS from Nov 23^rd - Dec 4^th 2020 and Jan 11^th - 22^nd 2021 (see exception below regarding current Year 9 students requiring senior uniforms).

The link for making an appointment will be available on the CDSHS Uniform Shop webpage and Facebook page, and can be copied from the notice on our door. This will be live and available for bookings from 9 November 2020.

IMPORTANT: To reiterate, you can come into the shop with your student only if you have an appointment and only 2 people are allowed into the shop per appointment eg parent/guardian + student. Any other family members must remain outside the shop.

ATTENTION: YEAR 9 PARENTS / CAREGIVERS - If you have current Year 9 students needing senior uniforms for 2021, GET IN QUICK! Please encourage your student to come into the shop before school or during first break (no appointment necessary) this term to try on what they need. Payment can be made either instore by your student, over the phone with you or we can write down the sizing so you can order online via Flexischools for your student to collect.

CASH PAYMENTS - We have had some students bringing in large denominations of cash e.g. $100 and $50 notes which we are struggling to change as we carry very limited cash instore. If you do not have smaller notes available for your student, or they do not have a bank card, we can take payments over the phone.

FLEXISCHOOL ORDERS – We currently have a large amount of orders sitting in the shop awaiting collection . These will have to go back in to stock if they are not collected by the end of term. Please ensure collection is completed by Friday, 4^th December at the latest.

LAYBY - If you have another child starting in 2021 or know of someone who does, items can be ordered before the end of year using our layby system.  A 15% deposit for a period of up to 90 days is required along with a $5 non-refundable service fee for setup.  This is a great way to help with spreading the cost out especially at this time of year.

SECOND-HAND CLOTHING - We are currently receiving many items that are no longer current uniform, are not cleaned, or are marked. We cannot accept these items and we cannot dispose of them for you either. Any items that we cannot resell or donate will need to be taken away with you. Items brought in for resale will only be accepted if they are in good to excellent condition, are clean and dry with no stains, paint marks, rips, broken zips etc. If you do have acceptable items, please bring them in and we will cost them for you. There is a 30% fee taken off the total for the P&C and the rest will be refunded either directly to your bank card that you have purchased items with previously (if the total is under $70), or direct to your bank account (if over $70, we run this cycle each Monday of the school terms). You do not have to wait for the items to be sold instore.

GENERAL & COVID19 - It has indeed been a very testing year for everyone. We are here to help you as much as we can, so please just come and talk to us.  We also would like everyone to use our hand sanitiser on entry and exit of the store. A CovidTracer code is available, which ALL parents/guardians need to register with and show their check-in to a staff member before leaving. These are at each Point of Sale and on the door. If you do not want to do this, you can sign the register, but we must have a note of ALL parents/guardians who come into the store.

Please be advised absolutely NO stock is to be handled except by staff before it has been purchased. 

TUCKSHOP

Planning is well underway in the Tuckshop to offer more variety to the students next year in the way of snacks and meals. We are working hard to figure out ways to ensure the students do not have to queue for longer than necessary.

WE’RE HIRING!

The P&C Association is looking for a new team member to join our amazing Tuckshop team starting Term 1, 2021. The role in customer service and food preparation is for 3 days/week (9.45am-1.15pm Tues/Wed/Thurs). If this interests you or maybe someone you know, email Kellie James kjame212@eq.edu.au for more details on this role. Applications will close Wed 18^th November.

Our next and final general meeting for 2020 is scheduled for Tuesday 24^th November at 7pm.

We will keep you updated closer to the time to confirm this meeting will proceed as normal.

P & Cs Qld Parent Talk Publication

P&Cs Qld is the peak body supporting and representing more than 576,000 state school parents and wider school communities throughout Queensland. We support the achievement of quality educational outcomes for students through fostering parental and community engagement in a thriving and successful education system. Through our state-wide network of over 1200 P&C Associations and School Councils, we have the localised presence and voice to lead and enact change.

Our Parent Talk magazine is a parent focused publication and published on a quarterly basis. It is circulated throughout Queensland state schools and P&Cs as a resource to provide parents and school communities with regular news and information on a wide range of topics relevant to parenting and education. Research confirms that where parents and community are engaged in their children’s education the outcomes vastly increase. Help us ensure Every Child has Every Chance to a successful education.  All editions of Parent Talk can be viewed here - P&Cs Qld Parent Talk Publication.

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