School Newsletter Issue 10 - Friday September 4th, 2020

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Families

Reading is critical for success in high school, work and life. For a number of reasons, some students transition to high school without the necessary reading skills to be successful. As you can imagine, this significantly impacts their learning and limits opportunities. Of course, students will receive help, assistance and support. However, at Cleveland District State High School we’re going further. This term, we’ve introduced one of the world’s best reading programs - Corrective Reading. This program has over 30 years of research based evidence to demonstrate that, on average, for every six months in the program, students increase their reading age by twelve months. Already our students, who have struggled with reading, sometimes over many years, are experiencing progress.

I am grateful to the team of dedicated staff, who have spent many hours to organise, plan and launch the program. Our school vision focuses on preparing students for the future. In a technological world, being able to read well is still one of the most critical and valuable capabilities we can impart to our students. I look forward to sharing the success of this program with you.

This newsletter highlights many additional achievements in our school. I encourage you to take the time to read in order to celebrate the successes of our students and the professional commitment of staff.

Leonard

Leonard McKeown

DipT BEd GradDipMgt MEd(Res) MBA MACEL MAICD

Acting Executive Principal

Cleveland District State High School

2020 Presentation Ceremony

Our 2020 Presentation Ceremony will be celebrated in a slightly different format this year, but remains the most important and prestigious event on our school calendar. 

In preparation for our 2020 Presentation Ceremony, students are encouraged to focus on their positive contributions to school and community life.  All students are invited to nominate for a range of special awards designed to recognise excellence and commitment in various fields.

Download the necessary nomination forms (see link below) from our website, complete and return to the school administration office.  We require a hard copy of all nomination forms.

The due date for forms is Friday, 9^th October 2020 (Week 1, Term 4).

Presentation Award Sponsors

Businesses and members of our local community have generously supported many of our special awards and we are seeking a range of award sponsors again in 2020. When we are able to confer a monetary award, it supports students in their academic and/or cultural endeavours in a practical way.

If you own or are associated with a local business that may be able to assist by providing a monetary award ($100 cash gift card) in 2020, we would like to hear from you.  Please call or email the school (contact name: Rhonda Gibson) at principal@clevelanddistrictshs.eq.edu.au

Our valued sponsors will be acknowledged during the Presentation Ceremony during official speeches and in the event program.  Academic and cultural award winners receive a medallion or trophy together with a certificate. All sponsors will be acknowledged in these documents.

Education Perfect Regional Language Championship (QLD) 2020

Education Perfect conducted a regional Languages Competition for all Queensland schools from 28 July to 4 August. Cleveland District State High School came 5^th overall in Queensland out of 276 schools and 2^nd overall in the 1001-2000 students category.  Congratulations to Ms Tang’s Year 7A Chinese class who earned the most points within our school. Ms Venamore’s Year 8 Japanese student, Xian earned the most points within our school and achieved 47^th place out of 24,264 students in Queensland, a remarkable effort.  These students were presented with certificates to add to their portfolios.  Not only does speaking another language give students a competitive edge with regard to future employment prospects, but having award certificates demonstrates commitment and achievement to future employers. Students were also rewarded with a pizza party.  Well done to all students for your participation and ongoing language learning!!  Omedetougozaimsu, Jong Xi, Félicitations!!

Why Study Languages?

A reflection by Year 12 Languages Student – Trina Griffin

Research by the UK Subject Centre for Languages, has identified more than 700 reasons to study languages.  The strongest of the reasons were personal benefits and enjoyment that people gain from learning a language.  Learning a language is associated with enjoyment; personal benefits such as employability, communication and mobility; an appreciation of culture and enhanced relationships.

Year 12 student, Trina Griffin can definitely relate to these reasons to study a language as she has been learning Chinese and French for the past six years at our school.  Not only an incredible achievement through her dedication and commitment to both languages, but a wonderful learning experience for Trina. As Trina prepares for final external assessment for French and Chinese, she has reflected on her years of language learning below:

“I have really enjoyed learning a language, and in particular, learning about a new and interesting culture. I am not one to shy away from a challenge so when I started senior school, I decided to take on two languages. I found it to be great fun, but you have to work hard! Tackling multiple languages has kept me from getting bored, as it keeps my brain working all the time. It also opens opportunities for employment and multicultural understanding.

At the beginning, learning two languages seemed intimidating but as I continued to study them, it became much more manageable. After high school, I plan to continue studying languages alongside a nursing degree. It would be a shame to give them up when I have come this far. I have not travelled overseas or used my language skills yet, but in the future, I would love to if I have the opportunity. I would love to visit France one day. When going to French and Chinese restaurants, it is a great opportunity to practice what you have learnt. It has helped me a lot through the years.

My advice to students when learning a language is to work hard and practice whenever you have time, as it will help you improve quickly. Learning a new language takes a lot of work and it can be scary, but it will develop into something wonderful and most satisfying. Finally, I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without my two favourite teachers in the world, Ms Tang and Mr Potaire. They have taught me so much. They are always there to help when you need it, and they are always great to talk to about anything. I admire them very much.”

Trina encompasses everything that language teachers strive to instil in our students.  We wish Trina all the best for her future endeavours. Bonne chance; Zhù nǐ hǎo yùn!!

Languages – Your ticket to the world!

Creative Arts News

Arts Week

In Week 7 of Term 3, the Creative Arts Faculty presented Arts Week to the school community.  Our teachers hosted a number of performances and workshops, all of which were very well attended and received.  Highlights included Dance, Drama, Music & Musical Theatre Performances, student game showcases, student composition showcase, Visual Art workshops, film screenings, and a very special live mural by local artist Ben Strand (more on that below).  Congratulations to all staff and students for a wonderful week!

Creative Arts Update

On the 13^th of August, our Music Extension students presented their final concert for the year.  Mr McKeown and Mr Mitchell from our Executive Team were in attendance, and expressed their admiration for the incredibly high standard of performance, composition and musicology on display.  Congratulations to our talented students!  We will be launching the concert online soon, so keep an eye out!

Our Instrumental Music Program has continued to strive to connect with each other and enjoy playing music through this challenging time.  Our talented teachers are running a modified rehearsal schedule, with some ensembles splitting in two to maintain social distancing requirements.  We have been proud of our students and teachers, who have displayed a never-give-up attitude and are keeping the power of music alive at CDSHS.  We believe that music is vital for our students’ well-being and is a wonderful way to keep connecting with each other.  Music is a powerful release!  Watch this space for short performances coming through out the semester.

With very limited rehearsal time this year, and performance opportunities at a bare minimum, the Senior Dance Team has explored alternative methods of public performance. To that end, they have put together a wonderful Dance Film, “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels”, complete with attitude and sass!  Go to the CDSHS Facebook or YouTube page to view the video.

Our tap team’s rehearsals and performance opportunities were put on hold earlier this year, so when school returned in Term 2, the team decided to get together and put the sequence they had learned on film. This was filmed last term in about 40 mins and the team had lots of fun creating it! Go to the CDSHS Facebook or YouTube page to view the video.

This term, in our multi-cultural unit, year 9 Visual Art in practice students are skill building, working towards their final Sumi-e Japanese ink artwork. These students have been completing online Sumi-e tutorials from masters of this style of traditional ink painting. Student work has improved every lesson, learning how to use traditional ink brushes and black ink. Students have been trying to improve their mark making techniques as well as using all tones in a monochromatic black and grey colour scheme.

Our Year 10 Visual Art students are currently exploring concepts of symbolism and coding in preparation for completing their final works in the unit ‘Sense of Self’. Students are experimenting with coding their favourite songs that explore their own personal sense of self and identity. Students use a strip of paper or sgraffito scratch paper to create their own symbolic codes and interpretive mark making as they listen. This task has allowed students the opportunity to improve their abstract thinking processes when creating. Students were asked to focus the artistic elements and principles of colour, line, shape, emphasis, repetition, and pattern when completing this task. This task also provides wonderful opportunity for cross curricular learning in the arts, as we record sounds in a visual format.

Our talented grade 11 Visual Arts in Practice students have been busy learning about symbolism in Visual Art. The students have developed contemporary designs based on the history of a tradition Coat of Arms using white hand building clay; our new kiln is working beautifully and our students are developing new skills.  Over the next few weeks, students will add final details using acrylic paint, POSCA paint pens and acrylic varnish.

D Block Mural

Established local Redlands artist and alumni Ben Strand, completed a jaw dropping mural for our Visual Art block entrance on Friday. He develops mural concepts based on the client’s vision and ours is to enrich students’ sense of community connection. The mural symbolises our vision through a stunning depiction of North Stradbroke Island seascape and local flora. We thank Ben for his generosity. He worked tirelessly to complete the mural in a single day and we absolutely love it!

Rock School Auditions

Are you a student of rock?  Have the Gods of Rock blessed you with talent beyond mortal men?  If so, auditions will open soon for our Rock School! This brand-new concept will run after school on Tuesday afternoons, and is open to students from Year 9-11 who are interested in developing the skills to play rock music.  We are looking for singers, guitarists, bass players and drummers.  Places are very limited, so email Mr Watson now on swats176@eq.edu.au if you'd like to audition!

Cleveland Actors Lighting up the Stage!

Zoe (pictured below) competed in two sections at the Brisbane Speech & Drama Eisteddfod this weekend and came away with a Highly Commended for her duologue and a gold medal for her character performance which, according to the adjudicator, was an outstanding contribution.  She played Erica Yurkin from Hating Alison Ashley which is also a part of our Year 9 Drama program here at Cleveland DSHS.  Congratulations to Zoe on her achievements - we look forward to seeing her a lot more on stage both here at school and beyond!

Year 11 student Georgia Pearson, who is an avid creative and integral member of Senior Acting Extension here at Cleveland, has been chosen to take part in Shake & Stir’s Shakefest Showcase 2020.  With the process looking very different this year, Georgia recorded her monologue piece and it has been chosen to be performed live on stage at the LaBoite theatre in October.  Congrats and 'chookas' to Georgia, whose passion and talent is flourishing in her studies of Senior Drama at CDSHS.

Singing Lessons @ CDSHS

Singing lessons with the wonderful Anita Taylor are available now!  Current cost for Vocal Tuition is $35 per half hour (individual one on one voice lesson) and $15 each per half hour (2/3 person lesson).

Lessons are available for all year levels.  Lessons occur during class time on a rotating roster to avoid missing too much of any class.  If you are interested in lessons, please fill out the expression of interest form available in the Performing Arts staffroom, or email swats176@eq.edu.au with the following information:

Student Name: 

Student Homegroup:     

Parent Name:   

Parent Email:    

One-on-One or Group Lessons:

Together We Rise

CDSHS was pleased to be part of the Cleveland Centre Community Art Project.  Our students contributed a large number of decorated balloons following the theme, “Together We Rise”.  Congratulations to all involved!  If you’re in the area, pop in and have a look at this great community project.

Raising Children in Your Neighbourhood Survey – Have Your Say!

Your community has been chosen to participate in a survey conducted by the Every Family research project at The University of Queensland. This survey aims to capture parenting experiences and beliefs about parenting support and raising children within your community. Any parent or carer of children aged under 18 years can participate. The anonymous and voluntary survey takes 15 minutes to complete. You will have a chance to win 1 of 200 $50 Coles Myer gift vouchers for participating. Complete the survey online at the below link. 

Student Council News

August has been a busy month for Student Council, supporting Share the Dignity (we collected 190 sanitary items) and Shave for Cure. Our school leaders represented Cleveland DSHS in a ceremony honouring the Veterans of World War II and Vietnam.

A big thank you to William D’Arcy and Mrs Gulliver (pictured below) for leading and organising our display to honour family members who served in WWII.

Once again, Student Council would like to thank everyone who has supported us this term.

Upcoming Events

9 September – Junior Student Council

10 September – Senior Student Council

18 September – Sausage Sizzle

22 October – Junior and Senior Student Council

Student Council VP Day

A student’s perspective on the 75^th anniversary of VP day. 

The 15^th of August this year marked the 75^th anniversary of Japanese unconditional surrender in the Pacific, officially bringing the Second World War to an end. Sevent-five years on, of the 1,000,000 Australian service men and women who signed up, less than 13,000 remain today. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the leadership team and I were fortunate enough to attend a smaller service, held by the Redlands RSL commemorating those who served, and the 50,000 Australians who were either killed or wounded during this conflict. I would like to thank Mr Ian Gray for allowing us to do so, and for organising this service.  

It is of such importance we tell the stories of those who are still with us today, and that we never forget the sacrifice and service of those who aren’t. 

Lest we forget. 

Share the Dignity

Over 105,237 people experience homelessness every night and over 44% percent of these are women. Often these women don’t have access to necessary sanitary items. At Cleveland High, we are working with ‘Share the Dignity’, striving to collect and donate as many sanitary items as we can in order to help change the lives of homeless women living in shelters.  

Currently, there are collection boxes in the library and school office, and we welcome your donations of sanitary items. We aim to do our part in helping to remove stigmas around homelessness and menstruation.  

This is our second year supporting this cause. Last year we collected 320 sanitary items, which was a fantastic effort. We hope to do even better in 2020.

Student Council would like to thank everyone who has participated so far.  

World's Greatest Shave

Cleveland District State High was proud to turn one of its classrooms into an exclusive hair salon for the lunch break on the 14^th of August, as a group of seven students had their heads shaved in the name of aiding the World’s Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation. This year, the students were able to raise an impressive $2,694 towards supporting the research to find better treatments and cures in the fight against leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other related blood disorders.

Only three students, Joseph, Joel and Elijah, officially had their hair cut on Friday due to COVID-19 having delayed the event at school by several months. For three other students however, Emma , Beatriz and Erika, the pandemic didn’t stop them from participating in cutting it short earlier this year. Unfortunately, the seventh participator, Blake (pictured below) was absent Friday but is expected to join the others with their stylish buzz-cuts soon.

The Cleveland District State High School student and staff body would like to congratulate these spectacularly selfless students for their fundraising efforts, and applaud the courage and resolve these students have shown to get across the finish line despite the challenges that they have faced this year.

Written by Hannah Villani, Year 12 student at CDSHS

Senior School Update

Try-a-Trade Day

On Wednesday 26 August, six of our year 10 students were fortunate enough to attend a Try-a-Trade Day offered by the Alexandra Hills TAFE campus.  All students were given a trade starter kit including, hi-vis vests and safety goggles before participating in a range of trade activities.  The group worked together to try their hands at wiring an electric circuit, roughing in some plumbing, knocking up a frame and bricklaying.  These opportunities are vital in helping our young people make decisions around future planning and each of the boys were thrilled with the outcome, having a clear idea about what each trade  entails. 

Shout - outs:

It’s fantastic to see a number of our students taking ownership of their learning!  The following Year 11 and 12 students have recently completed certificate courses which contribute to their QCE attainment and also provide nationally recognised qualifications:

Cert II in Logistics- Daniel Pope, Matthew Thompson, Kiana Lalor, Kane Welch, Ethan Lee-Evans, Sam Oxley, Lachlan Hearn, Daniel Lalor,  Josh Lane, Callum Banim, Ryan Warburton

Cert II Foundation Skills for Work – Chuc Nguyen, Hayden Allen

Cert III Hospitality Traineeship – Imogen Bricknell, Lilly Cairns

We would like to congratulate these students for their application to extra-curricular learning and for supporting their goal of attaining a QCE.

Try-A-Trade Day

Japanese Obento Lunch

On Wednesday 26 August, 150 Japanese studying students enjoyed a delicious Japanese style obento lunch with a choice of Karaage Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken or Vegetarian Gyoza kindly prepared by Come On Mate!, Arundel. The students thoroughly enjoyed their lunch and this was a wonderful opportunity for students to experience an authentic Japanese meal. Thank you to both teachers and students who assisted with this incursion.

School Magazine - Orders Now Open

Term 3 Ignite Workshop

The Ignite program is for high achieving students in years 7-9. Students are selected for the program at the start of each year, based on the results of the previous year’s report card. Although this year’s Ignite program has looked a little different, with none of our usual excursions able to go ahead, we have still been able to hold our termly workshops.

The Term 3 workshop is always one that the Ignite students look forward to, as it is run by the year 11 International Baccalaureate (IB) students, as part of the Creativity, Activity, Service class. This year, 16 IB students presented three separate workshops to 60 Ignite students.

One workshop explored the power of language, with students asked to use persuasive techniques such as ethos, pathos and logos to convince the school to show a movie every Friday afternoon. Another group asked students to consider the question, ‘How do we know what we know in the sciences?’ and encouraged them to consider where scientific knowledge comes from and how, or if, scientific knowledge can be proven. In the final workshop, students were transported back to 1962, and had to use their knowledge of Cold War diplomacy to solve the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The year 11 IB students did a fantastic job planning and presenting three engaging and informative workshops that both challenged and entertained the Ignite students. In return, the Ignite students were respectful audience members who participated well in all of the workshops. Well done to all students involved.

Thank you to the tuckshop ladies, who provided the delicious afternoon tea which was enjoyed by all students before the workshop. Thank you also to Ms Pinto and Mr Dusinovic for their help supervising the afternoon.

Tuckshop Closure

The Tuckshop will be closed on Friday 18th September (last day of term). If your student has a recurring Friday order on Flexischools please be sure to cancel it.

International Student Program

The CDSHS International Student Program has recently updated the ‘International’ tab of the school website. We are pleased to share testamonials and images featuring current and past students. Many thanks to Ms Martinuzzo who has spent countless hours resetting text and links to make the pages reflect our fantastic CDSHS International Student Program.

P & C News

The P&C Executive sends their apologies for the late notice regarding the cancellation of the August general meeting. This decision was made for the safety of all following the change to restrictions following the latest outbreak. The P&C executive and staff continue to work hard behind the scenes dealing with the day to day running of the business.

Tuckshop

Flexischools orders: We have an increasing number of students coming up to the counter asking for their order from the previous day. Please be aware if your student does not pick up their order on the day for whatever reason, this order cannot be carried over to another day unless the Tuckshop is contacted before 9am on the day of the original order to reschedule.

Tuckshop Specials: Don’t forget to check out the school Facebook page every Monday to see what specials are available for that week.

Special dietary requirements: These can be catered for by the Tuckshop so please feel free to contact the Tuckshop to discuss meal options available to your student if necessary eg gluten free, vegan etc.

Tuckshop tel: 38249214

The Tuckshop will be closed on Friday 18th September (last day of term). If your student has a recurring Friday order on Flexischools please be sure to cancel it.

Uniform Shop

Flexischools orders: There are currently many orders waiting for pick up in the shop, some dating back to the beginning of the year. Please feel free to contact us to check if your student has picked up their order if unsure (tel:38249213).

Payment options: Debit and credit cards, including AMEX (no Diners sorry) instore. While EFT payments are preferred during this time, if cash is used, please have your student bring smaller denominations (not $50 notes if possible) as there is limited change available. Payments can also be taken over the phone if your student does not have a bank card.

Pre-loved items: A reminder that all pre-loved items must be freshly washed with no rips, stains or holes if they are to be accepted for re-sale in the shop.

Lay-by option: If you have a child starting in 2021, why not order items before the end of this year using our lay-by system. Terms as follows: 15% deposit for a period up to 90 days with $5 non-refundable service fee. This is a great way to help spread out costs over the traditionally expensive time of year.

Stock Levels: Some stock is now running low and will not be topped up until later in the year. We can usually fit your child so if they need any uniform item, get them to come in and try on first. Remember, we do have a small assortment of pre-loved items also available.

CovidSafe Requirements: With cases on the rise again in the South East, the Uniform Shop continues to follow CovidSafe requirements which include the following:

• The Uniform Shop now has a Covid Tracer code making it easier for all parents/visitors to register when entering the shop. A staff member will check the CovidTracer registration is completed before leaving.
• Hand sanitiser to be used upon entry and exit of the shop.
• No stock to be handled except by staff before it is purchased (students can still try on items).

Our next general meeting is now scheduled for Tuesday 24^th November @7pm subject to restrictions being eased. We will keep you updated closer to the time.

News from the Science Department

National Science Week was celebrated between 15-23 August.  We hope you enjoyed the daily posts on student notices and the school’s Facebook page sharing information and innovations on the theme, Deep Blue: Innovations for the future of our oceans.  Read on to see some of the fantastic things our students have been doing in Science.

On Thursday 13 August our STEM Girls representatives, Jemma, Jaleyna and Bella presented their innovative solutions to ocean issues at the STEM Girls Innovation Evening on the Gold Coast, alongside students from a range of South East Region schools, and STEM Belles in Nigeria. The students heard from several guest speakers with a passion for STEM as well as the founder for the STEM Belle initiative in Nigeria.

This event was part of celebrations for National Science Week. The Girls worked collaboratively with other STEM students from different schools to present two different solutions to real world problems. The event was livestreamed around the world and the girls received valuable feedback from panellists on site and in Nigeria, as well as the Australian Chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel on their projects.  Check out this article from the Academy for Enterprising Girls about the event https://enterprisinggirls.com.au/article/enterprising-girls-kick-off-science-week/. 

An article was released last week which shared a story of a group trying to aid the oil clean up in Mauritius. This project is very similar to the STEM girls project and highlights how practical their solution was. If you would like to read more click here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-26/sydney-salons-stockpile-hair-to-clean-mauritius-oil-spill/12589724

Jemma, Jaleyna and Bella were excellent ambassadors for Cleveland District State High School and are to be congratulated on this fine achievement. As past students, Jemma and Jaleyna have been invited to share their experience at Bayview State School next week on the school assembly.

Thanks must also go to the girls’ parents who all came to watch the presentations and assisted in the organisation for the night.

STEM Arcades

Over the past 2 weeks, the Year 9 STEM elective classes have been celebrating the end of their mathematical modelling unit. They have hosted arcade events to demonstrate the games they created using the skills developed through the unit. All the games were created in Microsoft Excel and utilise formulae and functions rather than coding which adds to the challenge of the project.

The students had to organise the whole event, from advertising and logistics, to running the event on the day. This allowed students enhance their collaboration and communication skills while taking ownership of the learning experience.

The event also provided valuable feedback on their games which they were able to use in the final component of their assessment. The students who attended had fun trying out the STEM games and enjoyed the prizes even more. Thanks to Mr Cooper and Mr Hagan for developing the skills in their STEM students to make this event such a success!

EP Science Championships 2020

Congratulations to all participants in the Education Perfect Science Championships 2020! We had some great results this year.

Overall our stats were:

Cleveland District State High School was the top state school overall in Queensland. Special mention must go to Abigail and Ruby who both achieved Emerald awards. During the week of the competition students answered a staggering 63,151 questions and earned a total of 41,103 points. Certificates will be handed out at a later date for the top performing students.

Year 7 Physics

Year 7 Science & Technology students have been learning about balanced and unbalanced forces in their Physics unit by designing and testing water rockets.  Students have been working in groups to modify the rocket design based on a water bottle with nose cone and fins, and designing a fair test to investigate the effect of changing variables on the performance of the rocket.  It is fantastic to see such great teamwork and creativity in their designs.

Science in Practice - Forensics

This term, students in Year 10 Science in Practice have been studying forensic science. They have been learning how to collect evidence, analyse it in the laboratory and match it to suspects. For their assignment, students have been analysing a mock crime scene. To the delight of our students, our Deputy Mr Porteous has kindly nominated to be our ‘crime scene victim’ where they needed to determine the sequence of events that led to his ‘attack’ and who the suspect could be. We assure you that no harm came to our Deputy during the undertaking of this assignment.

Redlands Epic Day Out - Monday 21st September

Limited 50% off Discount

Join us on the first Monday of the Spring School Holidays for the Redlands Epic Day Out. Enjoy a mega day crammed with some of the best activities you can do in the Redlands. Come along for Laser Skirmish in the Mt Cotton forest, Tubing and an Outdoor movie plus heaps more!

Between events we will chill in smaller groups, eat meals while hanging out with friends and have meaningful chats about what anchors you in life when times get tough. You will get a chance to talk about life, God, faith, values and all the things that make life awesome.

The fun will start early in the morning and only finish late into the night.

Cost: $100 (Some sponsorships are available.)

Register online at: https://sucamps.org.au/camps/redlands-epic-day-out-2020/

Parents and students are welcome to ask Chappy Neale or Chappy Sarah for more information.

Parenting in a Pandemic

Before School Playground Duties

After careful review of the two before school playground duties (corner of Smith & Russell Streets and under M Block), the School’s Local Consultative Committee has concluded these duty times could be used more effectively by increasing supervision of the playground during first and second breaks.

This change will take effect at the beginning of term 4.

Parenting & Enjoying Teenagers

Crime Prevention Corner