School Newsletter - Issue 5 - 6 August, 2021
From the Principal's Desk
Dear Families
I hope that you and your family are safe in these challenging times. I’m happy to announce two pieces of great news, following submissions for grants by our school.
Homework Centre
First, we are one of only 190 schools across the state to receive funding for an extended homework centre. We already have a successful centre and the additional funding will allow extra hours to support students.
New Tuckshop
Second, we were successful in our School Subsidy Scheme (SSS) submission to the Queensland Government and have been awarded $500 000 for a new tuckshop! Our P and C has done a mighty job over the last few years and managed to save a significant amount of money. Additionally, with some school facilities funding, we will be able to create a new student hub with a tuckshop based on Brisbane State High School’s state-of-the-art design and an outdoor area. This development is a key component of our campus plans that are summarised in our Strategic Plan.
Architectural plans are now being drawn up, so I look forward to sharing these with the community when completed. This will have a positive impact on the student experience on our campus.
New Head of Departments
I would also like to announce two new members of our school’s Senior Leadership Team. Adam Carmichael is our new Year 10 Dean and started earlier this term. Adam brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our school as he’s been a Head of Department for 17 years in two schools, with a number of portfolios. Adam will play a key role in the Senior Engagement Team to support students to achieve their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) in order to successfully graduate Year 12.
Starting next week is Clair Doevendans, who will be our new Year 7 Dean. Clair has been a Head of Department at Kenmore State High School for the last six years. She brings significant capabilities and experience in supporting students to achieve their learning goals in order for them to be on a successful pathway through school and beyond.
Learning at Home
I thank our school community for their continued support during remote learning. Staff have worked professionally and diligently to create meaningful and relevant learning that contributes to ensuring continuity of education. Our IT staff have worked long hours to assist students and families.
A large number of personalised learning packs have been provided to students who do not have computer or internet access at home. A system of collection and delivery has been implemented adhering to COVID guidelines. Our engagement teams are working conscientiously to communicate with students and families which, importantly, includes supporting vulnerable students.
If you require additional support, please contact our school.
Leonard McKeown
DipT BEd GradDipMgt MEd(Res) MBA MACEL MAICD
Executive Principal
Library News
Digital Books
If you are looking for something to read, remember you can access digital eBooks through our online book platform Wheelers. Students can find the link on the Oliver Library dashboard via Student SharePoint. I have also attached the link here;
https://cdshsdigitalbooks.wheelers.co/
Username: school username
Password: Library1
Readers Cup
In 2021, Cleveland District State High School participated in the Queensland Children’s Book Council of Australia Readers Cup. This is a state-wide competition for young readers. Teams of four to five students read a set of books, and then compete with other teams to answer questions. This year we entered three teams into the competition. Our Year 7 and Year 8 teams competed in June, with our Year 7 team coming equal third. In a nail-biting tie breaker, Moreton Bay Girls College just beat our team by half a point. Our two teams did an excellent job of representing our school and they are keen to participate again in 2022.
On Thursday 29th July, our Year 9/10 Readers Cup team competed against 14 teams from various schools in the Brisbane Bayside/Brisbane South region. Again, it was a tough competition and our amazing students came in equal fourth with Ormiston College. Well done to all students!
Our Year 7 team: Maya, Stirling, Kobi, Isabella, Gabrielle
Our Year 8 team: Toby, Sophie, Jack and Ava
Our Year 9/10 team: Kayla, Mehedi, Ivan, Madison and Francesca
Book Week
Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds
The 2021 Book Week theme is Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds, and we are very excited to announce that our visiting author for Book Week is the renowned children’s author, Gary Crew. Gary will visit CDSHS on Monday 23rd August and will spend time talking to our students about his writing inspiration and processes. In the afternoon, he will run a writing workshop with some of our student writers.
We will also be celebrating Book Week with fun activities throughout the week, including our annual Scholastic Book Fair, where students will be able to purchase books and cool stationery.
On Friday 27th August, we will be holding our dress-up day where staff and students will be able to dress up according to the Book Week theme. This is always a fun way for people to express themselves and be creative. In 2021, students have been invited to dress up as part of the Student Council Gold Coin Day. We look forward to seeing some outstanding and imaginative costumes.
New Books
We have some wonderful new novels and non-fiction books on our shelves. Students are always welcome to borrow up to three books at a time.
My New Gallery
Library Hours
Please note Term 3 CDSHS Library opening hours are as follows:
Monday: 8am – 3pm
Tuesday: 8am – 4pm (Homework Club is on from 2.45pm to 4pm)
Wednesday: 8am – 3pm
Thursday: 8am – 4pm (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Homework Club is on from 2.45pm to 4pm)
Friday: 8am – 3pm
Lost and Found
We have a large collection of CDSHS jackets (both old and new). If your student has misplaced their jacket, please remind them to check with the Library. We also have many drink bottles, lunchboxes and hats/caps. Please ensure your student’s name is written on all belongings.
Languages Department News
Benefits of Learning a Language
On 20th and 21st of July, our French studying students had the opportunity of listening to a very special guest speaker, Ms Ella Biss. Ella is currently a 4th year student at the University of Queensland (UQ), studying Social Science and Arts as well as an Education Officer with the UQ French Society. Ella presented to our Year 7-12 students about studying and travelling in France and New Caledonia and, funding opportunities available through UQ such as the New Colombo Plan. Ella provided some great advice to the students about persevering with their language studies and tips on how to improve their skills. The students were most inspired and some of their comments are as follows:
“It was wonderful to actually see that learning a language has so many possibilities for the future and opens up a range of potential experiences after high school. Having a speaker come to talk to us, even at grade 11 level, is really motivating and inspiring to see.” Lily Shannon – Year 11IB student
“Learning of the places where a language can take you was very informative. Even though I was not planning to continue French into a university level she did inspire me to continue French so I do not lose the ability to speak multiple languages.” Jake Douglas – Yr 11IB student
“Learning about the benefits and opportunities available to us if we continue our studies of French into University was very interesting. It was great to have someone who has studied French in high school and continued in Uni to share her experiences travelling in French speaking countries which encouraged us to think about continuing our studies of French.” Baeleigh Fisher – Yr 12IB student
We thank Ella for taking the time to come and talk to our students and wish her all the best with her final semester of university.
Australian Olympic Connect | ともだち2021 Program Update
The Australian Olympic Connect Tomodachi Program has officially concluded and our students have really enjoyed the experience, igniting their interest in learning more about the language and customs and traditions of each others countries. The Olympics enables us to bring people together, bridging cultures and promoting communication and understanding through sport and we were so pleased that our school could be a part of this wonderful Program.
Our students have been fantastic ambassadors of Australia and were presented with Certificates of Participation on year level parade last week. Even though this program has come to an end, we will continue our special connection and friendships with the students and teachers of Tsuda Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, Japan.
International Student News
In this newsletter article, we highlight the special education journey of our international student from Vietnam, Kim Tran. Kim is currently studying Year 12 through our Education Queensland International Graduate Program. Last year, Kim approached the International Student Program (ISP) staff inquiring how she could undertake volunteer work whilst studying at CDSHS to help build her community involvement profile and, we were happy to help out!
In recent years, Cleveland District State High School has fostered a tremendous partnership with the Rotary Club of Cleveland. This partnership has seen mutual benefits for both the school and club in terms of fundraising and community engagement. Due to Covid-19, the Rotary Club of Cleveland were unable to host their regular year-long Rotary International exchange student. The ISP team quickly recognised the opportunity for Kim to be ‘adopted’ as their international student for 2021.
Pictured below: Rotary Club of Cleveland President Mr Robert Wesener, Kim and, Past Rotary Cub President Mr John Simpson
Since their collaboration, Kim has become a much loved and highly valued member of the Cleveland Rotary Club family. Kim has regularly attended Tuesday night club meetings, delivered presentations and, volunteered at countless fundraising ventures. At the recent Rotary Changeover Dinner, Kim was awarded the Rotary Club of Cleveland, ‘Tong Master of the Year’ plaque. This is a fun annual award voted on by the club members and awarded to the person who has shown excellent commitment to fundraising. This year, the vote was unanimous. Our ISP department is very proud of this recognition. Congratulations, Kim!
Kim is planning to study at Griffith University next year with view to obtaining a scholarship that acknowledges her academic excellence and community spirit. We have no doubt she will be right in there with a chance judging by her current levels of commitment. Great work, Kim! CDSHS is so proud to be a part of your educational journey.
Congratulations to Kim (Vietnam), Leon (China), Olivia (CDSHS School Captain) and Limkyung (South Korea – CDSHS International Student Liaison Officer) who were recently awarded leadership certificates from Education Queensland International for their role in the 2021 Virtual Agent Tour that presented live to more than 100 international student recruitment agents across the globe. Their role in helping to promote international education during the Covid-19 pandemic is critical in sustaining and building communication pathways for when the border reopen to international students. (Also pictured, Senior Schooling Deputy principal, Mrs Abraham)
Congratulations also to Richard (CDSHS student Council Executive), Owen (China), Leon (China) and Vanessa (China) for their further involvement in a second EQI Virtual Agent Tour presentation to China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Once again, our students were praised for their excellent presentation to scores of agents viewing our presentation online. Congratulations, students!
Student Council News
Student Council has had a busy time in Term 2. We held our Aussie BBQ which was a hugely successful. Thank you to everyone who supported us. This term we have some of our annual events scheduled but please note, events will be subject to change at short notice due to Covid 19 lockdowns restrictions.
- 18 August – Vietnam Day – leaders will be representing the school at the Redlands RSL Vietnam Service
- We are once again supporting Share the Dignity. We will be collecting sanitary items which can be deposited in the donation boxes in the library.
- Our Monthly meetings – JSC 18 and 20 August SSC.
- Friday 27 August – Gold Coin Day this year we are working with the library during Book Week.
- 17 September – Aussie BBQ at Multi Cultural Day.
Share the Dignity is a cause we have supported for the last three years where we ask for donations of sanitary items for homeless women and girls. They distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who needs support. When someone is doing it tough, the last thing on their mind should be dealing with their period. We have two collections boxes in the library, and if lockdowns continue you can donate at your local Woolworths. Last year, we donated over 170 items; our aim at this stage is 200. For more information about the drives click on the following link: https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/dignity-drive-2021.
Upcoming Events (Depending on Covid–19 and lockdowns)
2-30 August – Share the Dignity Drive
8 August – Junior Student Council Meeting
10 August – Senior Student Council Meeting
18 August – Vietnam Day
19 August – Junior Student Council Meeting
20 August – Senior Student Council Meeting
17 September – Multi Cultural day – Aussie BBQ
High Performance Learning News
DEBATING
Year 8 Finals
After a hard-fought preliminary round of debates, Team 8.2 made it to the finals of the Queensland Debating Union’s secondary school competition. In their first debate of the Finals Round against Somerville House, the team were exemplary representatives for our school, demonstrating fantastic preparation, persuasion, and public speaking skills. Unfortunately, Somerville House came away with the win in what was a very close and well-fought debate. A massive congratulations to Team 8.2 on a brilliant season! We cannot wait to see how these young debaters continue to develop – they are certainly a force to be reckoned with!
Year 7 Debating:
The Year 7 debating season has begun with our students eagerly developing their skills in both preparing and presenting debates. In their first debates, both teams debated the topic “That we should ban contact sports”. Team 7.1 defeated Clairvaux McKillop College, whilst Team 7.2 was narrowly defeated by the Brisbane Chinese School. Both teams were praised by the adjudicator for their confidence and persuasive arguments.
In their second debates, both teams debated the topic “That we should ban NAPLAN”. Team 7.1 triumphed over Kimberley College whilst Team 7.2 was narrowly defeated by John Paul College, losing by only 1 point. Both teams were praised by the adjudicator for their excellent arguments, out-of-the-box thinking, and public speaking skills.
Even more importantly however, both teams demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship, encouraging not only their own teammates but also the opposing team. In particular, Team 7.2 demonstrated our school value of Ubuntu through their encouragement of their opposition who were quite nervous to present their arguments in their second debate. All students represented our school with an integrity and kindness of which they should be proud.
Subject selection:
Year 9 HPL students have been eagerly weighing up their options regarding subject selection for Year 10. All students are encouraged to seek out information from their teachers and Heads of Department regarding their progress and plans for Year 10 and beyond. We also encourage students to consider their aspirations in addition to the subjects they excel in and those they enjoy.
We wish all Year 9 students all the best in selecting their pathways and subjects!
Creative Arts News
Creative Generations News
After months of practice and rehearsals, the Creative Generation team performed over three days and nights in the first week of this term. This performance extravaganza featured more the 1500 students from across the state, but more importantly, also 30 of our own talented Arts students and, three of our talented teachers conducting and mentoring ensembles - Mrs Rebecca Purnell, Mr Shane Purnell and Mr Ash Higgins. This show was an amazing experience for performers and audiences alike and, our involvement in this prestigious event confirms Cleveland District SHS as a leading school in the Arts.
NAIDOC Week
The Creative Arts faculty was pleased to contribute to the school’s NAIDOC celebrations last week. The Year 7 Music Extension class presented an incredible musical performance of an original piece called “Yura – Straddie”, composed by our own Mr Shane Purnell. The original composition drew inspiration from the sounds, seas, and skies of Minjerribah. Year 8 student Archie Moore, played the Didjeribone and the audience was treated to the sounds of whales, the oceans, storm and wildlife from Quandamooka Country.
Our Creative Arts Ambassadors also led a beautiful project for our school celebrations of NAIDOC week with the creation of a, “Heal Country” banner. Students contributed to the banner by adding leaf prints and the names of Queensland and northern NSW nations; as well as quotes and advice about sustainable practices. Thanks to Ms Saraya Stewart for her guidance with this project.
Dance Curriculum News
Year 10 Dance is beginning a unit on Contemporary Dance exploring Indigenous perspectives through dance. Students have spent a week and a half researching a Dance work by Bangarra called Patyegarang. The dance work explores the relationship and connection between astronomer and explorer William Dawes with a young woman Patyegarang; who was his language teacher through the early colonialization period between 1788 and 1791. The class has researched values, attitudes and beliefs, their relationship and, also discussed the process of creating the dance work itself. Students watched the dance and developed group PowerPoints to discuss the choreographic intention and, manipulation of technique and elements, to communicate the purpose and meaning of the work. The students are designing a visual response to the main themes in the Dance piece, in preparation for the movement work to follow.
Extra-Curricular Dance Teams and Music Theatre Troupe
Our Dance teams and Music Theatre Troupe have been working enthusiastically after school to prepare for our, ‘Wendy and Peter’ Showcase – fairies, pirates and lost boys abound in these extra-curricular ensembles. There are over 170 students in these ensembles, which is a testament to the passion the students have for the Arts. Thanks goes to the guidance of Ms Eleni Symeou, Mrs Lisa McDuff and Mrs Ainslie Murray for their work with these groups.
Pictured below Junior and Senior Dance Teams in Action:
Music Theatre Troupe is one of our ensembles to incorporate both Junior and Senior Students. The combination of students across year levels is great in terms of role modelling and building a sense of community across the year levels in Creative Arts. This is an auditioned group and in this ensemble, students participate in harmony singing, as well as dancing and acting activities. The collective talent in this group creates a powerful vocal sound in 4-part harmony. The Music Theatre Troupe are looking forward to sharing their performance with audiences soon.
Pictured below: Music Theatre Troupe in Action
Student Point of View
Hello! My name is Lucy Montgomery and I am one of the Junior Creative Arts Ambassadors at Cleveland High. I am in Year 9 and have been participating in many of the wonderful Creative Art extracurricular activities offered since Year 7. I currently am a part of Band, Choir and Art Club as well as taking Drama and Visual Arts in Practice as subjects; all of which I deeply enjoy. The past couple of months have held many events and opportunities for the Creative Arts students to perform and more events to display the Arts are happening in the upcoming months.
On Sunday the 20th of June, we hosted our Concert on the Green, an event where parents and friends all came together for an afternoon of live music performed by our many choirs and bands. The afternoon was a great success and provided many people with the chance to have some afternoon tea while listening to live music even in these hard times due to Covid. The concert received heaps of positive feedback and was a fun, chill afternoon for all who watched and participated.
My classes and I have been exploring many new and exciting things in my Creative Arts subjects, Visual Arts and Drama. In Visual Arts recently we have been learning about weaving and I have been able to have many wonderful opportunities to make my own rope and weave my own objects with my friends such as baskets, friendship bracelets and dream catchers. In Drama we are exploring physical comedy through slapstick. Slapstick has been extremely fun to do as my class and I have learned how to fake slip, trip, stumble, faint and fall, as well as fake hitting, fighting and slapping. We have learnt how to exaggerate all our movements to provide a laugh and create a performance the audience can enjoy.
In Band, Choir and Art Club, we have been preparing for the 2021 Creative Arts Showcase. This year’s performance is Peter Pan themed and I am very excited for it. I participated in the 2019 Alice In Wonderland Creative Arts Showcase through Band, Choir, Drama and Dance and it was a truly wonderful, exciting and fun experience that I can’t wait to do again this Showcase. In Band and Choir, we have been learning and practicing news songs that we can’t wait to perform and in art club with have been creating background props as well as props for the dance teams. Soon we will be organising outfits and learning the timetable for the event. I can’t wait to perform and see how spectacular all of my and my friends’ hard work looks on the night.
In conclusion, it’s never quiet in the Creative Arts, whether that be with performances, weekly events or simply in class work. But while it is very busy, it’s never tiring as everything I participate in is fun, relaxing and a great thing to do with my friends. I can’t wait to see what more wonderful things we will continue to do in the Creative Arts. 😊
Date Claimers: (pending COVID-19 lockdown impacts)
Arts Week
During Week 5, the Creative Arts faculty is planning to run a series of workshops and activities at lunchtimes for the entire school, promoting involvement in the Arts. We encourage all students to participate and enjoy a range of Arts experiences.
Weekend Rehearsal for Creative Arts Showcase – Sunday, August 22, 10-4pm
All students involved in this Showcase will be required for a Sunday rehearsal in the week before Showcase. A note has been sent home to students and parents.
Creative Arts Showcase – Friday, August 27
With a Peter Pan theme, this year’s Creative Arts Showcase features performances from all of our Drama, Dance, Music Theatre, Choral and Instrumental Music students, with art works and set design by our Visual Art and Media students. More information about ticket sales to follow.
Jazz on the Green – Sunday, September 12, 1pm
After the great success of our Concert on the Green at the end of Term 2, our Jazz ensembles will present another outdoor concert in September. More information to follow.
Track and Field Carnival Report
The Cleveland District SHS interhouse track and field carnival took place on the first Friday of Term 3, having been postponed from our traditional date of the last day of Term 2 due to wet weather. The carnival was extremely well attended and there was a high level of competition across all age groups. There were several records broken on the day and students are to be commended on their positive attitudes and participation. The Cleveland Gift race was a highlight of the day, with Summer Thomson winning the girls event off a handicap of 4.2m, and Preston Cockatoo-Collins winning the boys event off a scratch handicap. Another highlight was the successful student – teacher relay, which resulted in a resounding victory for the staff team of Pryde, Crew, Gibson and Siebenhausen.
The Age Champions for 2021 were as follows:
These Age Champions above made up a large part of our Cleveland District Track and Field team that competed at the Bayside District Carnival which was held on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th July, at QSAC. Approximately 60 students across Year 7-12 attended this two-day carnival. Our students represented the school very well and, we ended up finishing in 3rd place overall. Three of our athletes featured in Age Champion presentations, including Will Higgins (Open Boys, Runner Up Age Champion), Andy Josefski (U/15 Boys, Runner Up Age Champion) and Lachlan Sparkes (U/14 Boys, Runner Up Age Champion). CDSHS also has 10 students registered to compete at the 10-12 Years Bayside District Athletics Carnival. At the time of writing, this event had been postponed due to a community lockdown. Congratulations to all of our student athletes for the way that you represented our school!
NAIDOC Week Celebrations
In week two of the term, the Cleveland District State High School community celebrated NAIDOC week. The theme for 2021 is, ‘Heal Country’- Healing Country was explored in many ways.
Students had an opportunity to engage in a range of cultural events and activities across the week. Bush Tukka was on the menu on the first day, with kangaroo sausages, damper and native berry jams sampled by many. Students also explored the ‘Heal Country’ theme in their ICare lesson. Thanks go to Ms Stewart for preparing a great lesson for teachers to explore with their classes. Art activities aplenty were enjoyed. Ms Stewart could hardly fit the weavers in her art room, and Delvene Cockatoo Collins’ screen printing work shop was equally popular as students screen printed Quandamooka creatures. A 'Heal Country' banner was facilitated by the Creative Arts Ambassadors, Mrs Lisa McDuff and Ms Saraya Stewart. Students wrote the names of Queensland and Northern NSW nations and some inspirational words of advice about healing country. Students reflected on the importance of sustainable practices like: shopping local, planting native plants, learning from country, reducing your waste, leaving no trace, and picking up rubbish. Some students who contributed to the banner took home native plants to heal some country in their own back yard. Lunch time activities in the library (from grass skirt making to bookmark making) were also popular.
Outside, the sporty students enjoyed a traditional game of Idor led by some of our Aboriginal students. The Year 7 Music Extension class gave an incredible musical performance of an original piece called 'Yura - Straddie' composed by Shane Purnell. The original composition drew inspiration from the sounds, seas and skies of Minjerribah. Year 8 student, Archie Moore, played the Didjeribone and the audience was treated to sounds of the ocean, storms, whales and other wildlife from Quandamooka Country.
Our NAIDOC celebrations culminated with a wonderful event for our Year 7 students. Incredible traditional dance was performed by a large group of student performers from Years 7 to 12 and it was heartening to see the leadership, spirit and culture inspiring our young minds. Year 12 student Preston Cockatoo-Collins explained the meaning of the dances, which helped the students gain an understanding of the Quandamooka people’s connection to the land, sea and wildlife. Ms Stewart, with help from student dancers, gave an insightful presentation about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and how we can 'Heal Country' together. We thank Wendy Ingram, Jason Kitchener, Kelsey Parkin, Jackie Yarwood and Saraya Stewart for their hard work in organising a diverse range of meaningful activities for our NAIDOC celebrations. Students certainly learnt that ,“Together we can heal country.”
Parenting and Enjoying Teenagers
Redfest
Community Policing
