CDSHS Newsletter - Issue 7 - 8 December 2023

From the Executive Principal's Desk

Dear Families

Thank you for your support of our school during 2023 as this greatly contributed to the success of our school’s programs throughout the year. Our end of year events recognised this success and it was wonderful to celebrate with so many families and community guests. This newsletter highlights many of these events and successes that we can be proud of as a strong school community.

I wish all our students and families all the best for the new year.

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

Honour the Fallen

On the Thursday 9th November, 28 Cleveland District State High School students assisted the Redlands RSL by participating in the long-standing Honour the Fallen project. Australian flags were placed on the graves of veterans to honour them in their final resting place at Cleveland Cemetery.

We would like to pay a special thank you to Ian Gray and John Butler from the Redlands RSL Sub branch for organising and coming to assist us.

Lest We Forget

Mehedi

2024 Leader

Remembrance Day

On Saturday, November 11^th on Remembrance Day, the 2024 Student Leadership team of Cleveland District State High School actively participated in remembering our veterans. On behalf of the school, wreaths were laid at the Cleveland RSL cenotaph, to pay our respects to veterans and fallen soldiers, and express gratitude for their sacrifices.

Lest We Forget. 

Jackson 

2024 Student Leader

Lady Elliot Island Excursion

To start their holidays, 31 year 11 and 12 marine science, biology and ESS students, along with five teachers, headed to Lady Elliot Island, the southern-most island of the Great Barrier Reef (only accessible by small plane). On the island we snorkelled a variety of sites, and were able to see many turtles, reef sharks, fish and a range of invertebrates. There was an opportunity for students to go scuba diving, many for the first (but likely not last) time, during which some also were able to see manta rays and view the reef from a new perspective. At night we saw the reef through the glass bottom boat, where nocturnal species were viewed and the use of UV lights enabled us to see the fluorescing of corals which was very cool! When not in the water, we were introduced to some of the lesser-known inhabitants during a low tide reef walk, with one group even having a Honeycomb Moray Eel swim amongst them and between the legs of one of the students! We were taken on an island discovery tour, learning about some of the many species of bird who come to the island at this time of year to nest, the history of the formation of the island itself and the resort. Learning about the resort's journey in eco-tourism and its self-sufficiency was eye-opening – they desalinate all of their own water, generate their own power and treat all of the waste water to a standard that is good enough to drink (but we didn’t test that out). A guided night time walk enabled us to see some of the night time residents such as large hermit crabs, mutton birds and green tree frogs. Some students were even lucky enough to see female turtles digging their nests in preparation to lay their eggs. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Queensland Government, through the Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program, provided a subsidy to the school of $85.00 per student who went on the excursion. This subsidy enabled our students to participate in the night-time glass bottom boat tour, as well as an additional daytime glass bottom boat or snorkel safari tour which enabled more time in the water with the GBR Master Reef Guides sharing their expert knowledge and experience. The students expressed what a great time they had and shared the following quotes:

“Seeing such pristine environment and wildlife has made me realise the importance of preserving and protecting for future generations” Adrian

“No other place where you take a few steps out from your cabin into a reef with sharks swimming inches from your feet” Jude

“I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences Lady Elliot has given me. It was an incredible and inspiring trip” Alice

“It was so good to disconnect and realise all the amazing opportunities that were right in front of me” Jade

“Lady Elliot has given me an unreal experience. I loved being able to disconnect, discover beautiful places and finding new things to be passionate about” Tiara

“It has been a wonderful experience getting shown different things about Lady Elliot while also having an unreal amount of opportunities to see the Great Barrier Reef” Phoebe

“Lady Elliot Island allowed me to visualise the marine work we did at school, to actually see and experience what I’ve been learning about was very cool. I learnt new things on top of that too!” Alana

“Lady Elliot has given me opportunities of a lifetime, while keeping everyone informed of the eco-friendly sustainable life with their staff's powerful knowledge” Teagan

“I feel extremely blessed for the opportunities of this trip. Once in lifetime experiences were made possible and even more enjoyable by the staff and locals. The buffet was also a highlight!!” Sophie

“The Lady Elliot trip has to be one of the best opportunities of my whole schooling life. It had so many highlights like swimming with sharks and turtles, scuba diving and snorkelling. It is definitely worth the money” Kailie

Chinese Takeaway

Week 6 Friday’s Chinese Takeaway for our Chinese language students was a hit!
The menu featured a delightful array, from sweet and sour pork to savory black bean beef and succulent honey chicken, providing a true taste of Chinese cuisine.

What made the event even more special was the active involvement of some of our dedicated students. A big shout-out to those who lent a helping hand in organizing and delivering these mouth-watering delights to our teachers. Their enthusiasm and support added an extra layer of joy to this flavourful journey, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and community within our language program.

We're grateful for everyone who contributed to making this cultural and culinary experience a success!

'Away for the day' mobile phone policy

From the beginning of 2024, all Queensland state school students will have their mobile phones switched off and ‘away for the day’.

'Away for the day' will support our school to maintain a strong focus on educational achievement, and student wellbeing and engagement by:

• providing optimal learning and teaching environments
• encouraging increased face-to-face social interactions between students
• promoting the health and wellbeing of students through increased physical activity at break times
• reducing the potential for students to be exposed to the negative impacts of the digital world, resulting from unsafe or inappropriate technology use.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the department’s “away for the day” website.

Click on the link below.

Year 9 Outdoor Education

The Year 9 Outdoor Education classes joined on an expedition to Moreton Island for 3 days as a culmination of their work for the year. Students put into practice the entirety of the subject course work on the island, from planning and cooking their own meals, packing their own bags, to fishing and snorkelling. 39 students and 4 teachers hiked 28 km between camps, beach games, fished off the beach, sand boarded down the dunes, watched the dolphins come in at Tangalooma, and snorkelled off the Tangalooma wrecks.

Students reported that this trip was the perfect way to put into practice what they had learned throughout the year and to end the year.

Year 11 Design Studies

Following the completion of all assessment in term 3, Design students in year 11 were challenged by Ms. Cosovan and Mr. Brown to propose a redesign of the space between J Block and G Block. Students surveyed and analysed the space, took photographs and measurements. Individually, they then employed the design process to develop ideas to be included in the redesign. Students then worked in small teams to synthesise ideas and develop specific areas such as planting, seating, displays, tables, shading etc. The two classes then worked towards presenting a prototype, scale-model incorporating each classes ideas.

The final presentation of both models occurred in week 8 and a lively and animated class critique of both models led to the conclusion that there were strengths in both designs and a combination of ideas from both design concepts would produce an even stronger final concept. Here are some photos of the resulting models. Well done Year 11.

News from our P & C

The P&C Executive and staff wish all the students, school staff, caregivers and wider community a safe and very enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to 2024 with much excitement and anticipation with new projects to focus on and continued support for the wonderful students of CDSHS.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Tuesday February 20^th 2024 from 7pm followed by the first General Meeting for the year. Both meetings will be held in the Innovation Centre F9 - F10 located behind the language block. Entry is via Russell Street

Tuckshop

A reminder that the tuckshop is looking for volunteers to join our wonderful team in 2024. If you would like to come in and help for a day to get to know how the Tuckshop runs, meet the amazing ladies who keep the students coming back for more every day and have a day to spare every week, few weeks or monthly do get in contact with Tina Hauser at the Tuckshop on 3824 9214. We’d love to meet you.

Uniform Shop

Parents / Caregivers – By Appointment ONLY for all new students started from Mon 27^th Nov.

Appointments will be open for January 2024 from December 5^th onwards. All details can be found on the CDSHS website under ‘Uniform Shop’.

Returning Second Hand Uniforms during the busy times- Please be aware that when we are very busy it is difficult to find the time to process second hand items for a refund. Please do bring them in though as we do need second hand items to sell during the busy times but we will ask you to fill in a form and we will then contact you asap in order to sort your reimbursement.

Student Council News

Student Council would like to thanks the Student Council Representatives, Leaders and the school community for their support this year.

Once again, the team has done a fantastic job. This year we have supported Leukaemia Foundation, Love Ya Sister, Honour the Fallen, Cancer Council, Share the Dignity, Wear Red for Daniel, Bandana Day and The Smith’ Family. We also assisted with the fundraising Chaplaincy and the Year 12 Formal.

At this time, I would like to acknowledge this year’s Junior Leaders – Anika Anderson, Jai Pitcher, Layla Inns and Sveva Bianco Prevot. They have been outstanding leaders and I wish them all the best for 2024.

Student Council wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and safe and happy 2024.

News from our Creative Arts Department

It has been a busy and fulfilling final term in Creative Arts, filled with performances and creative energy.  We have farewelled our wonderful Year 12 students with some sadness, and wish them all the very best in the future - we are keen to hear about their next adventures.  Best wishes to our Creative Arts community for a happy holiday season – we look forward to another great year with you in 2024!

Arts Awards

On November 14, Creative Arts kicked off a week of Awards presentation evenings with our annual Arts Awards.  It was a wonderful night of celebration and performances, acknowledging the excellence and commitment of our students and recognising our amazing Year 12 students.  Congratulations to all of our award winners and performers – you are awesome and we thank you for your contribution to the Creative Arts!

Cultural Tour of Europe:

Nearly 60 Creative Arts students are experiencing the trip of a lifetime as they travel through the UK and Europe!  For four weeks our students will be exploring cultural highlights in York, London, Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Italy, as well as presenting performances to schools in the UK.  They are having a fabulous time and enjoying the cold weather, which is such a contrast to our summer! They return on December 18 and you can follow their exciting adventures on Facebook.

Junior C-Club Performance

Last week our Junior C-Club visited the Infinite Aged Care Centre at Cleveland and performed for an appreciative audience of residents.  The students sang a series of songs as a culmination of the repertoire they had learned throughout the year, as well as spreading festive cheer with some Christmas carols.  The students also enjoyed chatting with the residents after their performance. The visit was a highlight amongst our performances this year and it was lovely to see our students sharing their talents with our local community.

Creative Arts in the Classroom

Year 7 and 8 Music Extension Concert

Last week our Year 7 and 8 Music Extension Creative Arts students presented a showcase of their work to family and friends.  Our audience was wowed by the talent on display – students produced beautiful and thoughtful Art works, short films, dance performances, vocal performances, original music compositions and, of course, their impressive orchestra performances.  Congratulations Year 7 and 8 students on your wonderful work – we look forward to seeing your creative journey over the next few years!

Year 9 Drama: Fractured Fairy Tales

This term our Year 9 Drama students presented a performance of Fractured Fairy Tales to an excited group of Year 2 and 3 students from Cleveland Primary School.  The reality of the energy required to entertain and manage excited children was an eye-opener for our students, who rose to the occasion with aplomb.  They did sing-alongs and exaggerated characters to appeal to their audience, who loved the humour and the twist on the traditional tales.  Congratulations to our Year 9s and their teacher, Ms Leigh Markotanyos  - well done on an amazing, authentic performance and experience!

Student Point of View, by Zoe Bennett - Junior Creative Arts Ambassador

This semester has been busy for everyone involved in the Creative Arts. There’s been Eisteddfods, F.A.M.E.D, Dance Fusion, Music Showcase, Multi-Cultural day, Addams Family, Arts Awards, Jazz under the Stars, and more. These events were a huge success for everyone involved, with amazing outcomes for all. There have been endless rehearsals, early mornings, and late afternoons, hours of practice. This hard work was not put to waste as showcasing our hard work has been an amazing experience. Some of my personal highlights were F.A.M.E.D which displayed some of the drama, film, music, and art that was created by truly talented people. It was a wonder to see what our students have worked so hard on. Dance Fusion was also fantastic to be part of, and it displayed the hard work and dedication of our dancers from years 7-12. It was amazing to see the choreography that has been created and the teamwork that goes into it. Our Music Showcase was another spectacular night, with all the bands, and choirs performing. They were stunning, and it was a perfect night.  My most memorable show was our Addams Family showcase – it was so fun to be part of a show that involved collaboration with all of our Creative Arts ensembles. None of it would have been possible without our dedicated teachers who hold us together. Thank you to them, and the students who made all this possible. We can’t wait for next year’s adventures.

Library News

Thank you!

It has been another fantastic year in the library, a place where many students read, printed, studied, researched, played chess or simply found a quiet place for calming their thoughts. Our Year 7 volunteers were the highlight of 2023! What an amazing and generous group of young people, willing to help out any way they could. Our Library promoted a healthy reading culture at CDSHS through our varied spectacular displays and activities organised by our dedicated Library team. We have loved getting to know your student and wish you and your family a happy Summer holiday filled with lots of books and reading time.

We horrified the Library!

At the end of October, in the spirit of Halloween, and to promote the Horror genre, we once again ran a Horror writing and drawing competition in the library. This is a popular genre with our teenage students and we received some outstanding entries that were displayed for staff to vote on. This year each entry had to include a black cat in their artwork or story. Thank you to the students who entered our creepy Horror story and artwork competition.

Outstanding Resources

Thank you for encouraging your student to return their Library books. We received many books after sending emails home as a reminder. There are still some students from Year 7 to Year 11 who have outstanding Library resources. Please note these students won’t be allowed to borrow resources until their Library books have been returned.

Lost and Found

Please note that at the end of each year we donate any uncollected items to charity and/or the Engagement Centre. If your student is missing an item, please contact the library or ask your student to search the lost property boxes located at the front of the library.

Redland City Libraries

Our local libraries have many Summer Holiday activities for your student. From Christmas crafts to Science shows, there are plenty of opportunities to entertain your student. Please use the link below to find out more about these activities.

Happy holiday reading from the CDSHS Library Team!

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander News

Celebrating with our Year 12s at graduation, is always a special time.  We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing about their future successes.

It was rewarding to see the outstanding sporting achievements that were celebrated at the Sports Awards event. Congratulations goes to Sita Hola who received a Silver Award in Touch Football. We certainly have some talented sportspeople in our midst. Congratulations to our students, who had their successes in the academic, cultural and citizenship arena recognised at the 2023 Presentation Event. Many of our students earned excellence awards in a number of areas. Senior and Junior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries were awarded to Brianna Morrison and Anika Anderson in recognition of their high attendance rate, their willingness to engage with studies and co-curricular activities and to share and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Anika served the school and community well as a 2023 Junior School Leader. Brianna also received the QATSIF Young Indigenous Leader Award, that is awarded to students who have demonstrated great leadership and have made a significant contribution to their community. She has been an excellent role model for her peers and a valued member of the EATSIPs committee. She is an inspiration to others with her Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Vocational and Education Training Award,  that recognised her success in completion of a VET Marine Placement Program called "Healing Sea Country" and a Certificate II in Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration. Congratulations to Jonathan Myers who received the Vocational Student of the Year Award.

Senior students have received some very valuable experiences through the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders In Council School to Work Transition Program. On Country mentoring by elders and guests, who shared culture and their success stories, was well received. A recent trip to Griffith University expanded students’ awareness of courses and support available. We would also like to thank the Elders for their support of our students and of our Jandai program, that was expanded into the Year 8 curriculum this year. We thank Ms Dawkings and wish her well as she heads to the Torres Strait next year.

Some Year 7 and 8 students had the opportunity to participate in the Deadly Choices Healthy Lifestyle program this term. Students extended their knowledge and enjoyed some fun fitness activities.

We recently welcomed our 2024 Year 7 students at our Orientation Day. Students reported that they had a great day and they are looking forward to joining us next year.

We wish our students and families a relaxing break.

JANDAI ROUND-UP

It has been a full semester of learning in Year 8 Jandai. In Term 3, students engaged with First Nations’ stories from around the world, Australia and more specifically the Peoples of Quandamooka Country. Their unit finished with students creating their own bilingual stories to share with their siblings and younger students. This unit allowed students to develop an understanding of the role that storytelling plays in the sharing of language, knowledge, lore and traditions in Aboriginal cultures.

In Term 4, students undertook the unit, ‘Quandamooka History’ which saw them explore the history of Quandamooka Country and its people from Deep History, through Invasion, the Frontier Wars and massacres, the roles that Quandamooka People played in providing hospitality to those who settled on their Country and finally to life as a contemporary Indigenous person. The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum is currently exhibiting classwork and arts created in this unit.  This work was shared with the Elders from Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council Aboriginal Corporation and community on Friday and will be on show at the museum, drop in any time – community members free!

Last week, students participated in the On-Country learning to complement their in-class learning. Students were guided on a walking History tour of Goompie (Dunwich) with Elisabeth North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah (NSIHM). Students were then spoken to by Elder, Dale Ruska from Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council Aboriginal Corporation (MMEIC) about the history of Quandamooka Country and its peoples. Finally, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins demonstrated the ways she uses traditional materials, twining and weaving in her art. Students had learned about how woven objects were traded from Quandamooka Country and saw a basket, woven over 100 years ago by Delvene’s Great Grannie at the Museum.

Students enjoyed learning some of the weaving techniques used to create this basket. We would love to thank Dale, Aunty Maureen, Delvene, Elisabeth and the other volunteers at the museum, the wider community for the support and involvement in our excursion and learning. Special thanks also to Jason Kitchener and Ms Dawkings for making this day possible!

Little Friends Scholarships

Back to school time is an exciting time for many children but for some families it can be incredibly stressful trying to find the funds to provide their children with everything they need for school. Book lists, school stationary, uniforms and school fees – it all adds up. Our Little Friends Scholarship has been established to ensure all children have the ability to either further their education and/or be able to participate in extra-curricular activities that they may not be able to pursue due to the financial impact of Domestic and Family Violence within their family environment.

Like every other child, these children want to feel safe, secure and loved, but they also don’t want to unexpectedly stand out from the crowd. Made to feel different because they don't have the right uniform, or school shoes, or their parent can’t afford to pay for a laptop, school excursions, the long-awaited school camp, or they’ve had to drop out of the music lessons or sporting competitions they once attended. 

The Little Friends Scholarship Program provides support to our youngest Australians who have been through so much. An initiative of Friends with Dignity, these scholarships fund education and extracurricular activities for five to 18-year-olds (up to a maximum value of $500 per child).

Applications open on Monday 22nd January 2024

Applications close 4pm (QLD Time) Friday 16th February 2024 

More information about the Little Friends Scholarship and access to the online application can be found on the link below

Or mailing address is: scholarship@friendswithdignity.org.au

School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)

To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government is providing up to 30,000 eligible families with no internet at home a free National Broadband Network (NBN) service. Originally a 12-month commitment, the initiative has been extended meaning:

• The period in which a family can nominate to receive a free service is up to 31 December 2024.
• The duration of free services will continue until 31 December 2025 for all existing and new families.

The Government has invested $8.8 million to support NBN Co's implementation and delivery of this targeted affordability measure. This includes an additional $4.3 million from the 2023–24 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) to extend the free services to 31 December 2025.

What are the eligibility criteria for the initiative?

To be eligible, a family must:

• Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school.
• Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.
• Live in a premise where they can access a standard NBN service.
• Not have had an active NBN service during the previous 14 days.

Families can directly contact the National Referral Centre to have their eligibility assessed or be referred by a participating nominating organisation.

How can I check my eligibility?

To check your eligibility, follow these simple steps.

• Contact the National Referral Centre, operated by Anglicare Victoria, on
• 1800 954 610 (Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm AEDT), www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.
• The National Referral Centre team will help assess your eligibility for the SSBI, by checking several things including your residential address and current financial situation.
• If eligible, you will be issued a voucher which can be redeemed at any of the participating SSBI retail service providers. The National Referral Centre will also be available to assist with contacting your SSBI retail service provider of choice and providing follow-up support.

'Tis the Season to look out for each other