School Newsletter - Issue 7 - 17 September, 2021

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Families

We’ve had a very productive term with students and staff really enjoying being able to run many of our usual school events. This newsletter highlights a number of these as we come to the end of term.

I wanted to celebrate some exceptional student leadership from an unfortunate event earlier in the term. About a month ago, there was a bus accident involving a number of cars. Luckily, no one was seriously injured. I received a significant number of very positive phone calls, emails and letters from the public to recognise the actions of many of our students who helped and supported community members during a critical incident. At such a difficult time, it was wonderful that our students’ actions were appreciated and that our school’s values were on display.

Last week, two of our students were acknowledged by Mark McKenzie, Managing Director of Transdev. He presented Zac Shennan (Year 12) and Lisa Philipsen (Year 11), with letters of commendation, along with vouchers, for their leadership role in supporting students and members of the community. I thank Mark for his time in meeting with the students to personally thank them.

I wish all students a very productive end of the term and a very safe and enjoyable break.

Leonard McKeown
DipT BEd GradDipMgt MEd(Res) MBA MACEL MAICD
Executive Principal

2021 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year Awards

Congratulations to Jaqueline Boumford who is the Queensland winner of the 2021 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards.

Jacqueline supports Year 12 “at risk” students to reach their potential and achieve a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Since taking on the role in 2018, Jacquie has personally assisted over 700 Year 12 students to graduate with a QCE. Working with staff in the Senior Engagement Hub, Jacquie understands that students are individuals, and tailors her approach to meet their needs and wellbeing. She monitors the academic progress of students across the Essential English and Maths classes in Year 12, and provides in-class support as well as group and individual tutoring sessions to improve outcomes for these students. This year, Jacquie supports 168 Essential English and 157 Essential Maths students. All of these students are currently on track to meet the Literacy and Numeracy requirements of the QCE thanks to Jacquie’s organisation, patience, and commitment to her students. Jacquie also manages the practical modules for some vocational certificates, and works with vocational students to catch up on work that they have missed.

Congratulations Miss Jacquie and thank you for all that you do for our students!

Business Department News

 Year 10 Business – Repurposing Activity

This term the students have been learning about Environmental Practices and one of their tasks was to choose an item and find two alternative ways it could be used. The aim was to reinstate the importance of the 3R’s (Reduce, Recyle and Repurpose). Students were to think outside the box. Students had some fantastic ideas for example re-using crutches into bookcases and lamps, cars into bbqs and pool tables, pianos into garden beds and book shelves, globes into hanging baskets and light shades. See some of their great ideas below.

Year 9 Business – Sundae & Spider Venture

This term The Year 9B Business class ran their Sundae and Spider Venture. Students had to plan, budget and run a Sundae or Spider stall with all profits going to a charity of their choice. This year they are supporting Bravehearts with a $150 donation.

Well done Students.

Language Department News

Japanese Intercultural Understanding Through Art 鯉

To celebrate the completion of block exams, Year 10 Japanese students had an opportunity to channel their creative skills through an Art Project, ‘Koi in a Lily Pond’ using oil pastels and watercolours.  In Japan, Kodomo no hi, or "Children's Day," is celebrated every year on May 5. On this national holiday, children are respected and honoured for their individual strengths and happiness is wished upon them.  The koi was chosen as the symbol of Children's Day because the Japanese consider it the most spirited fish, full of energy and power to fight its way up rapidly-flowing streams.  Our students were enthusiastic in creating this piece of art and thoroughly enjoyed sharing their classmates’ interpretation of the scene.

Chinese Competition

Last week, Year 7, 8 and 9 Chinese students had the opportunity to participate in the 2021 Confucius Institute, QUT (CIQ) Student Incentive Awards through an Education Perfect Chinese Competition.  Thank you to CIQ for their support in encouraging our students to develop their Chinese language skills.  We congratulate the following students on their brilliant performances:

Year 7: Kristy Glindemann (1st place); Dallas (2nd place); Jackson Glindemann (3rd place)

Year 8: Rori Macnamara (1st place); Jessica Guidi (2nd place); Zan Song (3rd place);

              Sarah McKeown (4th place); Isabelle Hunt (5th place)

Year 9: Lauder Briggs (1st place); Charlie Matthews (2nd place)

 ‘En ville’ (in town)

This term, Year 7 French students have been learning about towns in France. As an ongoing goal, they have also been working on developing their Intercultural Competence by comparing cultures through reflection paragraph writing. Students wrote paragraphs in their test to discuss typical homes, towns and shopping habits in France. They then applied their knowledge of French towns to create cityscape drawings and maps. We were so impressed with the work students created, that we wanted to share with you!

“France has a larger population than Australia with less land. This means that population density in France is much higher than in Australia. Most people in Australia have a 4-bedroom house with a big back yard and open living area. In France, the most common housing is apartments with no backyards. Many people in France have pets but no space for them, so parks are important! All parks in France are like our botanical gardens with playground equipment and well-managed gardens. In Australia, parks are less important because we have backyards. Land in Australia is sometimes wasted, but in France it is occupied with useful things.”  - Neha

“When shopping for groceries in France, people usually buy things from small businesses. Most people also buy what they need for each day, every day (saving food and not wasting). French people usually live above shops and shops are close together, making it easier to shop for things each day. I would much rather live in France due to these shopping habits!” – Tilly

Year 9 Japanese Brochures

This term, the Year 9 Japanese students have been learning about the differences in Japanese and Australian schools. Their assessment for this topic was to create a brochure that invites Japanese students to come and study at CDSHS. Their creativity and artistic flair have been shown in their works, to express the best parts of this school. Take a look at the pictures below!

Library News

Book Week – change of date

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we decided to move Book Week celebrations to Week 1, Term 4. Fortunately, our visiting author Gary Crew, and Scholastic Book Fair, were able to accommodate the date change.

We look forward to celebrating Book Week at the start of Term 4 and dressing up in our ‘Old World, New World, Other World’ costumes on Friday 8^th October. Students can also dress up as part of the Student Council Gold Coin Day.

The Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards were announced on Friday 20^th August. Congratulations to the wonderful Australian authors who were honoured. Our school has copies of some of the winning novels. Please encourage your student to come to the Library to borrow one. I can highly recommend them, especially Davina Bell’s The End of the World is Bigger than Love.

Indigenous Literacy Day – visiting author Scotty Prince

On Wednesday 1^st September, we welcomed Indigenous author and footy player Scotty Prince to the Library to speak to students about his writing and to read some stories from his Deadly D series. The students were inspired by his life experiences and had plenty of questions for him, especially about his footy career.

End-of-year: Outstanding Books

Please note students in Years 7 to 11 who have books outstanding will receive a reminder to return their books by Week 6 in Term 4. Students who have books still outstanding after that date will receive an invoice for replacement costs.

Year 12 students are encouraged to hold onto their textbooks and novels until after their external examinations. Once they have finished their exams, students will be asked to return all textbooks and English novels to the Library before Graduation Day.

New Non-Fiction books added to our Library

We have recently purchased a range of non-fiction books for students to browse. These books vary in topic, layout and depth of information. Students can read these books for enjoyment, or use them as resources for research projects. They can be great choices for reluctant readers.

Lost and Found

We have a large amount of school jackets and jumpers, hats and pencil cases. Please encourage your student to collect their lost items from the library.

Homework Centre

We are very pleased to announce CDSHS was one of only 300 schools in the state to be successful with our submission to receive funding for an extended Homework Centre.  With this additional funding we are able to employ extra teacher aides to support students in our Homework Centre Tuesdays and now, Thursdays. The extra day has been well received by the school community.

"Homework Centre is open until 4pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, allowing students to complete homework and assignments under the guidance of a number of teachers, until parents pick them up. Teachers are kind and willing to help, creating a quiet space of productivity. Students are also treated to afternoon tea. It is really a great solution for busy parents and students alike."

Sam Patterson, Junior School Leader

Some additional comments from students

“It is great getting extra one on one time with teachers.”

“It helps you to better understand the topics that you didn’t quite get in class”

“You are able to get more work done without the distractions at home. Teachers remind you to stay focused on your school work.”

“HW Centre is a place where anyone can catch up on their learning with the help of experienced teachers.”

“HW Centre is a great place to work on school assignments and tasks with the aid of teachers from many subjects.”

If you would like more information, please contact Wendy Ingram at wingr1@eq.edu.au

Student Council News

Student Council has had another successful term and would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Share the Dignity drive. We surpassed our goal of 2oo sanitary items collected (see photos above). Well done to the Junior and Senior Leaders for organising this event. What a  fantastic effort, Cleveland! We also held our Aussie BBQ at the Athletics Carnival and supported collection for homelessness. We held our monthly meetings, organised our Aussie BBQ and started planning for Honour the Fallen and our Poppies Garden for Remembrance Day.

Upcoming Events:

8 October – Gold Coin Day – Theme Book week
15 October – Combined Student Council Meeting
29 October – Gold Coin Day – Bandana Day
November – Honour the Fallen
November – Poppies Garden Project – Remembrance Day

2021 UBUNTU - School Magazine

Indigenous Literacy Day

This year’s theme is Celebrating Stories and Language. We celebrated Scott Prince’s popular Deadly D and Justice Jones books with a visit and, a book reading by the author himself, Scotty Prince. The Beyond the Broncos Program released Scott for a few hours and; as well as being enthralled by Scott’s reading of the “wedgie scene”, students made the most of the visit by asking Scott questions about the writing process and his experience as a successful NRL player.

Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) is hosted by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, an Australian not-for-profit charity that aims to improve literacy in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Taking place on the first Wednesday of September each year, the event raises awareness of the educational struggles facing many Indigenous groups in Australia, while also serving as a fundraiser to collect literary resources for children living in more isolated areas of the country.

Providing more than just books, Indigenous Literacy Day celebrates Aboriginal culture and the stories and languages that helped to build the country we know today. Indigenous literacy is important not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but for everyone who believes in preserving our unique heritage and creating opportunities for fellow Australians.

There are many ways to contribute and there is more information on https://www.ild.org.au/

Beyond Broncos Program

CDSHS is pleased to welcome new Beyond Broncos staff to our school. We welcome  Todd McDonald (two days a week) and Jadeen Chisholm (5 days a week) Beyond Broncos Staff work directly with secondary schools and communities to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and boys to achieve their full potential from years 7-12 and, into young adulthood. The Beyond the Broncos Mentoring Program provides culturally safe mentoring support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through a range of in school and off campus activities dwsigned to support students to stay in school, complete their senior studies and, transition into further education or employment. Students will receive weekly support from Todd and Jadeen including; support in our Tuesday and Thursday Homework Centre and, regular visits from Ambassadors including; Justin Hodges, Scott Prince, Beryl Friday, Darius Boyd and Ali Brigginshaw.

World Tree Day

NAIDOC theme “Heal Country”, has recently inspired CDSHS students to do just that. Ms Noble’s Environmental Group has planted species indigenous to the Redlands in the school gardens. We are grateful to Redland City Council’s Indigiscapes for their donation of 40 plants as part of National Tree Day. Co-founded in 1996 by Planet Ark and Olivia Newton-John, it has grown into Australia's largest community tree planting and nature protection event as the goal to see over one million new trees, shrubs and grasses planted each year is met. National Tree Day is a call to action for all Australians to put their hands in the earth and give back to their community. Each year, about 300,000 people volunteer their time to engage in environmental activities that educate individuals about the world around them.  The Environmental Group, who also does a great job recycling each week, joined that group of volunteers healing country.

Creative Arts News

Arts Subject Selections

As the time of selecting subjects for next year looms closer, we recommend Year 8 and 9 students consider the range of Arts subjects available.  Creative Arts subjects offer a practical, expressive opportunity for students to engage meaningfully with creative ideas whilst developing a range of skills they can enjoy throughout their entire lives.  Students can choose from both General and Applied subjects in the Arts.  In the new ATAR system students can now have receive an ATAR if they satisfactorily complete 4 General subjects and 1 Applied subject, which is great for students who want to immerse themselves in a range of Creative Arts options.

 Applied Arts Subjects

Many of our students enjoy the more practical making experiences offered by our Applied Arts subjects.  We offer Media Arts in Practice, Music in Practice and Visual Arts in Practice from Year 9 to Year 12, and these students experience a range of hands-on Arts experiences, without the increased responding component of the General subjects.  These students have loads of fun in their classes whilst developing technical skills and creative thinking that can be applied across different settings and work environments.  For example, our Year 12 Media Arts in Practice have just finished developing their own computer games and, in Week 8, our Year 12 Music in Practice students presented their final “Music Industry Concert” (MIC) to an audience of proud and impressed family and friends.  Congratulations to all of these students on the high quality of work they are producing!

FAMED

On Monday, September 13, we held our annual FAMED Exhibition, showcasing the work of our talented Film, Art, Media and Drama students.  It was a wonderful display of Creative Arts and one of our Creative Arts Ambassadors, Chiara Thomson was there and wrote the following Student Point of View reflecting on the event:

"Wow!!! What an incredibly brilliant night filled with so much creativity and individuality!

Firstly, the night began with Visual Art and Media. We had music students Caelan, from Year 10 and Jakemo, from Year 12, on entertainment whilst students, teachers, parents and friends wandered around our two art galleries and classrooms in the art block. We saw delicate woollen installations, groovy zine magazines, acrylic paintings exploring contemporary issues, beautiful coral clay structures, eucalyptus printmaking and more. I was so impressed by the level of talent, skill, detail, uniqueness and patience in these amazing installations.

To continue F.A.M.E.D night, we commenced with the Film and Drama component. Once we invited all performers and guests in, I introduced this section with what Senior Drama involves and what acting means to me. First up we had two Year 12 drama students, Asiya and Liam, performing a scene from Medea, a Greek theatre text recently studied in class. Each performance took so much courage, preparation, risk taking in order to play and focus, which is something that really shone through. We saw dramatic comedies, epic and mysterious physical theatre pieces, expressive and emotional mother-daughter troubles and more.  Each performance was broken up with music videos and films that have been created in Film, TV and New Media subject. We saw comically clever films, indie music vibes, nostalgic tales, and heartfelt COVID lockdown stories in this portion of F.A.M.E.D.”

Thank you to all the students and teachers involved with this awesome exhibition of student work – it was so impressive to see the thoughtful intent behind the work produced and the diversity of creative expression on display.

AV Tech Team

Supporting all of our extra-curricular activities is our awesome Tech Team.  Under the guidance of Mr Simon Watson, this group of committed students manages the technical needs of all our events, from sound and lighting to photography - ensuring that our events run smoothly.  No event is too big or too small for these students. In the last 3 weeks alone, they have supported our Music Industry Concert, FAMED Exhibition, Showcase rehearsal, Multicultural Day and RUOK Day.   These students are always willing to help out and we couldn’t manage without them! 

Photo: Some of our Tech Team in pack-up mode (below)

Date Claimers:

We are hopeful our students get a good rest over the holidays, as the beginning of next term is looking huge for Creative Arts!

Friday, October 8, 6pm (Rescheduled date!): Creative Arts Showcase, Wendy and Peter                 This Showcase features all of our Instrumental Ensembles, Choirs, Dance Teams and Senior Acting Extension, with production design by our Visual Art and Media students.  Please book your tickets at:  https://www.trybooking.com/BTHSL

Wednesday, October 13, 6.30pm: Dance Fusion This is always a Dance extravaganza not to be missed!  Please book your tickets at: https://www.trybooking.com/BTVZK

Friday, October 15, 6pm: Instrumental Music Showcase – A Tribute to Paul Bancroft   This event showcases the impressive musical talents of our numerous Instrumental and Choral ensembles.  Our retiring Executive Principal Mr Paul Bancroft, has made an enormous contribution to the success of the Cleveland District SHS Music Department over the decades of his leadership and, it is an honour to present this event as a tribute to his legacy. Please book your tickets at: https://www.trybooking.com/BTVYR

Tuesday, October 19, 6.30pm: Arts Awards  Come along to celebrate our graduating Year 12 Arts students, and to pay tribute to the excellence and commitment evident in our ensembles.  Invitations will be issued to families of award winners, but all of our Arts community are welcome and encouraged to attend this celebratory event, which will feature performances by some of our ensembles.   Please book your seat (tickets are free) at: https://www.trybooking.com/BTWAF

Sunday, November 7, 1-5pm (Rescheduled date!): Jazz on the Green If you enjoyed our Concert on the Green in June, or missed that event, please come along for another fun outdoor concert featuring our Jazz Collective, Jazz Orchestra and singers.  More information to follow next term.

Senior Schooling News

Good News:

We’ve had some fantastic news for one of our Year 11 students. Courtney Taylor has been selected to take part in the Young Endeavour Youth Development Program. This program is internationally recognised in the field of sail training.  The experiential program is delivered on board STS Young Endeavour by Navy personnel specifically selected for the program.  Over the course of eleven days, youth aged 16 – 23 learn the skills required to sail a tall ship.  At the same time, they develop attributes that make them more effective leaders, communicators and team members. There is an extremely rigorous selection process to be a part of this program and, the learning undertaken is recognised internationally. Congratulations Courtney!

Well done to Holly Strang from Year 12 who has received early placement into a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith University. This course will allow her to pursue a career in counselling, guidance, health management, social research, rehabilitation and other related fields, as well as postgraduate pathways. Her acceptance into this course is based on solid results in Semester 1 and we wish her all the best with her endeavours next year.

Congratulations to Jacqueline Boumford who is the Queensland winner of the 2021 Australian Teacher Aide of the Year awards.

Jacqueline supports Year 12 “at risk” students to reach their potential and achieve a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Since taking on the role in 2018, Jacquie has personally assisted over 700 Year 12 students to graduate with a QCE. Working with staff in the Senior Engagement Hub, Jacquie understands that students are individuals, and tailors her approach to meet their needs and wellbeing. She monitors the academic progress of students across the Essential English and Maths classes in Year 12, and provides in-class support as well as group and individual tutoring sessions to improve outcomes for these students. This year, Jacquie supports 168 Essential English and 157 Essential Maths students. All of these students are currently on track to meet the Literacy and Numeracy requirements of the QCE thanks to Jacquie’s organisation, patience, and commitment to her students. Jacquie also manages the practical modules for some vocational certificates, and works with vocational students to catch up on work that they have missed.

Congratulations Miss Jacquie and thank you for all that you do for our students!

Interesting:

The selection process for Year 11 Leaders for 2022 is well and truly underway. This is a great opportunity for students to have a lasting impact on the school community that has been their home for the last 5 years! We have been thrilled with the calibre of the candidates who have submitted excellent applications and look forward to engaging in the next step of the process.

Year 12 students and parents/carers are reminded to check their emails carefully as we start preparing for External Exams for General ATAR subjects in Term 4.  You will be sent information about exam schedules and required equipment.  Students need to familiarise themselves with these times and requirements so that they are well prepared for success in the exams. 

From the Finance Department

Due to changes in our Financial procedures all Invoices, Credit Adjustments and Statements are now automatically being emailed. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE BY REPLY EMAIL. 

All valid enquiries can be directed to accounts@clevelanddistrictshs.eq.edu.au

In regard to expected refunds, please note there is a process and know that your refund will be received within the allocated 3-4 week window after your form has been received.

If you have received an account statement and it is showing a negative amount, this is a credit on your account. You are welcome to use this towards any further payments by sending an email to accounts@clevelanddistrictshs.eq.edu.au and we can apply these for you. 

If you require a refund to your bank account, you will find our refund form on the school website. These can be returned to the school office or the above email.

Just a reminder that QParents is a valuable tool particularly for financial information.  You are able to access details of all invoices on your student accounts as well as make payments through the BPOINT portal.

Internet Banking details:
Account Name: Cleveland District State High School General a/c
BSB Number: 064 138 CBA Cleveland
Account Number: 00090051
Reference Details: Student Name, Year Level and payment detail (ie. B.Smith 11 SRS) in the details section so that your payment can be recorded correctly.

When paying via internet, BPAY or BPOINT, please also send an email to accounts@clevdistshs.eq.edu.au with full details of payment.

Please note:
In regard to making payments via BPay or the internet please note; due to the large volume of payments we receive, we are unable to reply to emails. This also applies to requests for receipts to be mailed. If you require proof of payment, please send your student to the payment window to collect a receipt.

Thank you for your understanding.

Payment window hours:
Monday & Wednesday: CLOSED
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday:  7:45am – 11:00am

P & C News

The CDSHS P&C Association Executive and Staff wish the students and school staff a safe and enjoyable break and, we look forward to returning for the final term after some well-earned time off.

UNIFORM SHOP

Parents/ Caregivers – Please remember to sign in on the COVID register upon arrival. We have a QR code available on the door and inside the store.  Please note; while masks remain mandatory, you are required to wear one when in the store.

Flexischool Orders – If your student has not picked up their order, it will still be here for pickup next term. Please ensure it is picked up ASAP when Term 4 commences.

Layby – Always available in store only, please come in and talk to us we are happy to help.

Second-hand Clothing – Term 4 is the time we see a lot of second hand clothing coming back into the store so a reminder that to be accepted for resale, please ensure all items brought in are in good to excellent condition, freshly laundered and dry with no stains, paint marks, rips, broken zips etc. Any items that do not meet our resale criteria will need to be taken away with you. Accepted items will be costed with a 30% fee taken off the total for the P&C and the remainder refunded either directly to your bank card if the total is under $100 or direct to your bank account if over $100. You do not have to wait for the items to be sold instore before payment is received.

TUCKSHOP

General – The Tuckshop is ticking along nicely with no issues to report as it continues to be busy everyday with the meal and snack options offered to the students remaining as popular as ever.

NEXT P&C GENERAL MEETING

Next meeting is on Tues 23^rd November @7pm in the F9-F10 Innovation Centre and this will be the last one for the year.

School Nurse

School Based Youth Health Nurses work in secondary schools across Queensland, with their focus being on preventative healthcare, early detection, and brief intervention for all the students in Year 7 to 12.

Confidential Student Appointments
Students can make an appointment with the SBYHN in person, by emailing nurse.cleveland@health.qld.gov.au or via the student counter, to discuss any questions they may have about their health and wellbeing. These appointments are confidential, and the nurse will not share any information without the student’s consent, unless there is a significant risk to the student’s health or safety.

In most cases, the SBYHN encourages students to talk to their parents or carers about their health and wellbeing issues and often the nurse supports students to do this.

Individual health consultations may include:

• Early detection of actual or potential health problems.
• Providing information, options, or referrals to relevant health services to provide them with further assessment, treatment and/or support.
• Providing brief interventions and/or referrals to other services as appropriate.
  

Some of the main issues for which students have accessed the SBYHN this year have been mental health, including social and emotional wellbeing, relationships, family issues, stress, eating issues; sexual and reproductive health; drug use (including tobacco and alcohol) and, growth and development.

Please encourage the young person in your care to contact the nurse if they require any information or support for any health-related issues. The SBYHN can also take referrals from teachers and parents at nurse.cleveland@health.qld.gov.au . Lisa is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.

Lisa Davies
School-Based Youth Health Nurse
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800 RESPECT

Presentation Night Nominations

The presentation night forms are now on the school website – link is below. Students need to download, print and hand in completed forms to the front office by the 15^th of October.

Next Step Survey

The Queensland Government is seeking the support of the school community for the annual survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school in 2020, before completing Year 12. This short confidential survey collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school. The results of the survey help provide valuable information to improve services available to school leavers in the future.

Between August and September, these school leavers can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of Next Step post-school destination surveys in 2021.

For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587

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