News from the Principal - Centenary State High School

10 August 2012, Volume 14 Number 8News from the PrincipalThanks to all parents who attended the Parent Teacher Interviewsin Week 2. It was good to have the opportunity to discuss yourchildren’s progress and aspirations. Please follow up with staff,if you have further questions or concerns through telephone oremail.On a similar note I extend my thanks to all the Year 10 Familieswho attended the Senior Subject Selection Information nights lastweek. Good subject selection in the Senior Phase is a key factorin maximising student achievement. Senior Phase pathways can be complex and arecertainly dynamic. It is essential that all stakeholders have an understanding of pathwayopportunities and requirements.Thanks to the tireless work of Anne-Marie Price the school’s new website is up andrunning. Please take the time to browse and refresh yourself with a broad range ofschool information. http://centenaryshs.eq.edu.au/wcms/Welcome back to Sharon Robertson and Pam Hanna who have returned from leave thisweek.ICAS and PISA TestingGreat to see the whole Year 8 Cohort sitting the ICAS English test.1 Moolanda Street,Jindalee, Q, 4074PO Box 321, Mt. Ommaney, QldAustralia 4074Phone: (07) 3373 4555Fax: (07) 3373 4500This Newsletter is provided toCentenary State High School with thegreat support of the local businesscommunity.Have you subscribed forour E-Newsletter?We now send the newsletterhome via email!To subscribe go to:www.schoolzine.com.au/secure/centenaryshs6481/index.htmlThe International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is a suite ofcompetitions designed specifically for primary and secondary students. ICAS areconducted annually in Australia and in over 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Pacificand the USA. The international flavour certainly adds value to the competition. The testprovided both a good opportunity for our students to be extended as well as an idealpreparation for the Year 9 NAPLAN test.A number of our students sat the OECD’s Programme for International StudentAssessment (PISA) Main Study last week. PISA is conducted every three years inalmost 70 countries, including Australia, and tests a random sample of 15-year-oldstudents. PISA is part of the National Assessment Program. Results are used to makeinternational comparisons in educational achievement.Collegial MentoringIn former times, often the sight of a second teacher in a classroom meant that the classteacher was being assessed or in need of remediation. This is not the case at CentenarySHS in 2012 where we’re adopting a collegial model of mentoring backed by currenteducational research to improve teacher capacity. Teachers are spending time in eachother’s classes as a mean of providing specific feedback to their colleagues on selectedaspects of teaching practice. Over the term your child may come home and report thatanother teacher was watching their class teacher in action... fear not … this is about usdoing our job better.Sun SafetyQueensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two out of every threeQueenslanders will develop some sort of skin cancer in their lifetime. Research hasfirmly established that adolescence and childhood are critical periods during whichsun exposure contributes to skin cancers later in life. More than two-thirds of all skincancers and melanomas occurring in Australia could be prevented if children wereprotected from the sun during their first 15 years.Centenary State High School Newsletter1

Centenary SHS is upping the ante in respect to Sun Safety. Allstudents are expected to wear a sun safe hat on the oval andcourt area. In HPE classes, in addition sun block is supplied to allstudents.Students are currently discussing the make of a new hat in theschool’s uniform.Students and CarsAs the year progresses we are witnessing an increasing numberof senior students driving to school. Whilst we appreciatethe convenience of car travel for many families there is anoverwhelming need for drivers to accept the responsibilities andschool requirements of student driving.• All student drivers need to register their car at the office,• Other students are not to travel with student driversunless parent/caregiver permission is received in writingat the office,• Students are to park in the lower car park and not in thestreets adjoining the school,• Road rules are to be followed at all times.Please discuss these responsibilities with your children.Student SuccessAlthough postponed due to the unseasonal wet weather, theschool’s athletics carnival held on Monday, July 23 was a greatsuccess. Participation was healthy across the school with someoutstanding individual performances. Importantly the tone on theday was excellent - it is reassuring that our students can enjoythemselves whilst also maintaining respect to staff and fellowstudents.My congratulations to all participants and to the medal winnerson the day.Students who have chosen not to sit the QCS Test arerequired to attend on the two days.Year 11The Year 11 Leadership Camp runs from Wednesday-Friday, 22-24 August. Approximately 114 Year 11 students will be attendingand everyone is looking forward to this adventure including theteachers who will accompany them.Year 10On Wednesday, 22 August, Year 10 students will have their SETPday. Parents and their student will attend school ONLY for theinterview with their mentor in order to finalise their subject choicesfor Senior. These interviews are taking place in the ResourceCentre. Considerable time has been given to appraising studentsand parents of the wide range of options available in Years 11and 12.If you still have any questions or concerns regarding these choices,another information session is being run on Saturday, 18 Augustat 8.45am in Centenary’s Performing Arts Complex (CPAC).Laptop One2One Enrolments for 2013If you are interested in either commencing the One2One LaptopProgram or continuing in this program for 2013, please obtainan ‘Expression of Interest’ form from the school office. Pleasecomplete this form and return it to admin. The school has extendedthe deadline on the return of these forms however you will needto return them as soon as possible in order to guarantee a placein next year’s program.Centenary SHS is in the beginning stages of implementing thesetup procedures for this 2013 program including the allocation offunds and purchasing of equipment. The return of this informationurgently is essential to enable us to provide you with a well-runand effective program.Ekka Public Holiday and NO Student FreeDayWednesday, 15 August is the Brisbane holiday for the RoyalNational Association’s Exhibition Wednesday. This year, due to thechanges at Easter, there is no student free day on Thursday, 16August. All students will be required to attend school.Judy Hodes, Deputy Principal (Years 9 & 11)Email: jhode1@eq.edu.auAnn-Marie Kelly, Deputy Principal (Years 8 & 10)Email: akell20@eq.edu.auSallyann Griffith, Deputy Principal (Year 12)Email: sgrif88@eq.edu.auInternet Safety Talks at CentenarySHSJohn Brew, PrincipalEmail: admin@centenaryshs.eq.edu.auNews from the Deputy PrincipalsYear 12The Queensland Core Skills Test for Year 12 students will be heldon Tuesday-Wednesday, 4-5 September. During Terms 2 and3, there has been an extensive preparation program to honestudents’ skills. All staff and students wish the Year 12s well.As part of our school commitment to student well-being, CentenarySHS will be hosting Internet Safety talks for students, staff andinterested parents. The student talks will be conducted on August27 & 28. The Parent evening will be on Monday 27 August at6.30pm in the Resource Centre. There is no cost to studentsor parents for the talks. We have been very fortunate in that theQueensland Teachers Mutual Bank has provided sponsorship forthese presentations.The presenter is Brett Lee, who worked as a Queensland PoliceOfficer for 22 years, 16 of those as a Detective predominately inthe field of Child Exploitation. In the last five years of service,he was a specialist in the field of undercover internet childexploitation.Centenary State High School Newsletter 2

His talk will include:• Dangers faced in cyberspace• Protecting information and photographs• Legal responsibility – real life consequences• Identity Theft – sexting – You and the Law – Cleaning upyour digital footprint• Protecting your digital reputationFeedback from staff and parents who have attended these talksat other venues has been extremely positive and very worthwhilefor parents of teenagers.Ann-Marie Kelly, Deputy Principal (Years 9 & 11)Email: akell20@eq.edu.auOpti-Minds Regional Final andCLASS Gala Day on Sunday, August26On Sunday August 26, Centenary SHS will be hosting the regionalOpti-Minds final. This means over 80 teams and 1500 peopleattending our school, participating in a day of competitions andentertainment.It provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase both our talentedstudents and great facilities to many students and parents fromall around the western suburbs.This event is also our CLASS Gala Day. So, apart from spotlightingour students through the Opti-Minds competition itself, there willbe a range of free entertainment running in the Performing Artscomplex and around the school.Add to this great food and activities provided by the P&C, CLASSprimary schools and year level groups and it’s sure to be afantastic day.So come along, enjoy the competition, food and entertainment.Entry is free.• cultural or religious reasons.Full details on School Exemption Policy are available onhttp://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/education/management/Pages/Exemptions-from-Compulsory-Schooling-and-Compulsory-Participation.aspx2012 School MagazineEach year Centenary SHS produces ‘The Sentinel’, our SchoolMagazine which chronicles the variety of activity across the school.It is a great way to keep all those memories of the current year sothat when your student looks back in the years to come, they canplace faces and names they may have forgotten.Articles are submitted from the teaching staff and departments.Photographs are taken of excursions, sporting, semi-formal,formal and cultural events, to name a few.If you wish to purchase the 2012 ‘The Sentinel’ School Magazine,could you please complete the attached order form and return it,together with your $22 payment, to the admin office.Through the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, Section51(4)(a), the school magazine falls under the edict of‘services, materials and consumables not defined as instruction,administration and facilities for the education of the student at theschool’. This has meant a change to the way we make the schoolmagazine available to our school community at Centenary SHS.This Act mandates that the purchase of the school magazine is onthe basis of user pays therefore this year all those families wishingto purchase the school magazine must be charged a separate feeaccordingly.Mystery Money Deposited on 3 MayThursday, May 3We have received a direct payment into the school bank accountwith a MR PETER ROBERT payment reference. If you havedeposited money on April 30, May 1 or 2, could you please contactour Business Services Manager to clarify who made this deposit.Parents interested in helping on the day, even if just for an houror 2, are asked to email the P&C on pandc@centenaryshs.eq.edu.auExemptions from SchoolingAn exemption from compulsory schooling or the compulsoryparticipation phase is available when a child or a young personcannot attend or it would be unreasonable in all the circumstancesfor them to attend school or participate in an eligible option for aperiod of more than 10 consecutive school days.The exemption excuses parents from their legal obligation toensure that their child:• of compulsory school age is enrolled at or attends aschool, or• in the compulsory participation phase, is participatingfull-time in an eligible option.A parent may apply for an exemption from compulsory schoolingfor their child. Either a parent of a young person may apply for anexemption from the compulsory participation phase. Applicationsfor exemption must include signed consent of a parent. Ifapplications are for 12 months or less they should be directed tothe School Principal.Situations where exemptions may apply include, but are notlimited to:• illness• family reasonsCharmaine Macaulay, Business Services ManagerEmail: cmaca5@eq.edu.auAustralian Jobs 2012Did you know that all industries, except for manufacturing, areprojected to increase their employment over the next five years?Three main areas are expected to provide half of the new jobs– the areas are Health Care and Social Assistance, Constructionand Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. Do you wantto find out more about the current Australian Jobs Market? Wehave found a brilliant document produced by DEEWR. It is asummary of national, state and territory labour markets, anIndustry Overview and Industry Specific Information, Occupationsand Skills (Prospects, Education and Employment) and UsefulWebsites. Please find it under “Quick Links” on our CentenaryState High School Website. It is a PDF file and you can also findit by googling “Australian Jobs 2012”.Leeanne Gray, Guidance CounsellorEmail: lgray26@eq.edu.auJulie Hammer, Guidance CounsellorEmail: jhamm26@eq.edu.auUSQ Parent Information Evening2012 REMINDERUniversity of Southern Queensland Parent Information Evening2012Centenary State High School Newsletter 3

Please note there is an evening for parents at the SpringfieldCampus, on Wednesday September 12 from 6pm to 7.40pm.More information is available on http://www.usq.edu.au/schoolliasion/events/parent-info-eveningLeeanne Gray, Guidance CounsellorEmail: lgray26@eq.edu.auJulie Hammer, Guidance CounsellorEmail: jhamm26@eq.edu.auChaplaincy @ Centenary HighI thought I would tell you about myself.My name is Bernie McMullen and I am the Chaplain at CentenarySHS and have been serving here for the past three years. I am anexperienced professional in youth services and have been workingwith adolescents for over 20 years.Over the last three years, I have become a respected and lovedmember of staff at Centenary assisting children in all aspect oftheir lives. I support students if they are in distress and needurgent assistance to overcome difficult personal situations. I amalways available for a word of encouragement and some wisecounsel as students navigate the complex journey of being ateenager. I am also great for a laugh and good company at school,on camp or for a piece of toast and a glass of juice at his regularChappies Brekkie mornings.But I am not just there for the kids; I support teachers and parentstoo. A father myself, I understands the ups and downs of raisingchildren from experience. I am here to support all the families atCentenary High.I embody the message SU want to bring to our community andthat is to, “bring hope to a young generation,” and maybe a fewof the oldies too!That’s me! Below is a great article from Michael Grose relating toAdolescences, I hope it helps?Adolescence is a long transition period between childhoodand adulthood. It is a period of change... for their body andtheir brains. Teens battle their physiology as moods can swingwildly, sleep patterns change and assessing risk becomes moredifficult.It’s also a period of challenge as they frequently question parentauthority, and can go to great lengths to remind you that youaren’t the font of all wisdom as they once thought!Raising an adolescent is exhilarating, excruciating andanxiety-inducing.I’ve seen each of my three children enter the fog of adolescenceand wondered what happened to the once-compliant and easygoingkid. It’s been a relief to see them come out of that fog,all at different stages and all having experienced adolescencedifferently.3 phases of adolescenceThere are three distinct adolescent phases:• Early adolescence lasts from 10 to 13 years of ageand comes as a shock for many parents. Peers ratherthan parents are important in a young teens’ mind. Theylike to have more privacy, and their vocabulary starts toshrink as well.• Middle adolescence, 13 to 16 years of age is a trickystage all around. Boys take more risks and girls canbe downright cruel to each other in times when socialsuccess, is far more important than academic success.• Late adolescence starts at around 17 years of age andcan last until well into the twenties. It’s an easier stageas teens begin to negotiate different relationships withtheir parents. Still they are emotionally and financiallydependenton their parents for longer than pastgenerations.Raising teens today takes some savvy, some attitude and somebackbone.Teens need parents who know how they tick and can handle themeffectively at each stage of development during these high-risk,volatile times.By Michael Grosehttp://parentingideas.com.au/Parents/TeenagersIf you have any feedback or concerns to do with the chaplaincyservice, or if you would like to discuss anything with me, I wouldbe more than happy to hear from you. I am available Mondays,Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. My contact details are:Bernie McMullen, ChaplainPhone (Work): 3373 4531Mobile: 0432 339 160Email: bmcmu27@eq.edu.au or bernie.mcmullen@gmail.comSports UpdateIt has been a busy start to Term 3 with plenty of sport and lots ofoutstanding results for both school and district competitions.AthleticsDespite some rainy weather and postponing of the track athleticscarnival, we had an excellent turn out on both the field and trackdays.Our Age Champions for 2012 were:• 13 years: Alliyah Sirriss and Javier Tran• 14 years: Tahlia Deen and Thomas Tran• 15 years: Charlotte Beguely and Grecians Uelle-Hurrell• 16 years: Ashleigh Condon and Alex Greaves• Open: Eloise Schultz and Joe WilsonCongratulations for your outstanding participation on the days.Well done to Dwaine King, Ashleigh Condon, Luke Nerdal and JeshStone for setting new records for 2012. Some will be difficult tobeat in years to come.Those competitors who came first or second in their field or trackevents have been selected in the Centenary SHS Athletics Team.The details of the two carnivals are below:• The District Field Carnival is to be held at IndooroopillySHS on Tuesday August 07, 2012, during school hours.Bus transport will be provided to and from the venue, forwhich there will be a cost of $12 for each student. Buseswill leave school at 8.00am on this day.• The District Track Carnival is to be held at UQ at StLucia on Friday August 17, 2012, during school hours.Bus transport will be provided to and from the venue, forwhich there will be a cost of $12 for each student. Buseswill leave school at 7.45am on this day.Good luck to all of our competitors and I look forward to reportingon the results in the next edition.Centenary State High School Newsletter 4

Interschool District Finals DayAfter two days of tough competition in both the Years 8 & 9 and10 & Open competitions, we have two teams progressing to theMetro Finals for the Winter Season.Congratulations to Miss Suede and her year 10 Girls’ Volleyballteam and Mr Mills and his Year 10 Boys’ Basketball team.Well done to all of the teams who represented the school on thesedays.Information and permission slips for the next round of competitionwill be passed on to the students when details and are finalised.Outside School CompetitionsWe have had two teams successful in winning non-district sportingdays. They are the Open Boys Rugby League Team and the OpenGirls AFL Team. Reports from their coaches Mr Kosanovic and MrWebber are below. Well done and good luck in your next phase ofcompetition.• The Open and Year 9 Rugby League squads headed outto Ipswich to contest the ARL 9-a-side gala day. It wasan excellent event that allowed the boys to play lotsof matches against schools from all over South EastQueensland. The Open side managed to go throughundefeated and won the final in a close match withIpswich State High. Throughout the day the boys playedgreat footy to score some amazing tries as well as put onsome big hits. The referees and conveners thought ourteams played in great spirit – one opposing player likedSam Rabaka so much he left his tooth in Sam`s head.Well done to Timi Peck who played every minute of thecarnival and to Jahdyn Smith who was named player ofthe tournament.• The Open Girls AFL team won the Met West regioncompetition. They now represent the region againstthe winners of the Gold Coast and Darling Downscompetitions. Results were Centenary SHS defeatedKenmore SHS 160 to zero. This was an outstandingachievement scoring a goal every two minutes for the45 minute game. They then played Park Ridge SHS whoare an AFL school of excellence. After a slow start theladies came from behind to run out winners 47 to 36. Theteam had representatives from all year levels and playedhard fast skilful football. All girls played well with someexceptional performances from Jordan Zanchetta, KateMoffatt, Chelsea Rizzoli, Taylor Ede and Jules Moffatt.Upcoming EventsThe Senior Girls Volleyball team will compete in the State SchoolCup Competition in Toowoomba from the 3-5 August. Goodluck girls and I look forward to reporting on results in the nextedition.Reporting Results• To enable me to report on student results and to keepaccurate records for sports awards, I need to knowhow participants went in their school competitions. Iencourage all students and parents to advise me of theirresults immediately after they have competed.• Students can see me in Staffroom 4 or results can beemailed to: jport106@eq.edu.auSports CalendarUpdated version of the Centenary SHS Sport Calendar can nowbe downloaded from the download section of the school website.It contains all the latest sporting events and dates. Please takesome time to have a look at this to keep up to date with all thelatest happenings in sport.Jess Porter, Sports DirectorEmail: jport106@eq.edu.auNews from SCRAMWelcome all to Term 3 of SCRAM for 2012. We are well and trulyunderway with a big term ahead of us with a number of newand exciting activities. Also our Suzhou students have joinedin the SCRAM fun and the activities they have chosen include:Photoshop, Construction, Cooking, Felting and learning about oursport in Rugby League.We have a couple of new and exciting activities running this termand include: Felting– where students can be creative and maketheir own Huggy Bear and Cycling – where students have theopportunity to exercise and ride the local bikeways.Whilst little has changed for SCRAM this term, with the exceptionof a couple of activities being cancelled due to lack of numbers, itis looking to be a fun and exciting term. Students must rememberonce they have chosen an activity, they must remain in thatactivity until the end of term. There will be an opportunity tochange these in Term 4.I hope everyone has a great Term 3!Sharen Turvey, SCRAM CoordinatorEmail: swarr75@eq.edu.auCultural NewsCreative GenerationWell Creative Generation has now come and gone for anotheryear, with our biggest contingent of students ever participating.The gruelling show week rehearsals and performances took alot out of all of our participants but the overall result was fourfantastic shows. Congratulations to all of the following CentenarySHS contributors to Creative Generation.• The school choir directed by Mrs O’Brien• Core choir member, Rheanna Serrano• Featured Backing Vocalists, Alex Van den Broek and KalanTalefenua• Dancers, Emma Dwyer and Tara Speck• Orchestra members, Rachel Olsen (violin) and Amy Speck(cello)• Film crew member, Ellenor HofflerI would like to make special mention of Amy Speck, who was theleader of the cello section, and was also featured twice on stageas a soloist in ‘When Somebody Loves You’ and ‘Bapa’. You did usproud Amy.Upcoming EventsThere are a number of important events coming up in the next sixweeks to finish off the term. Please come along to any and all ofthe following to support our students and their efforts.• Sunday August 26 Optiminds/CLASS day featuring theInstrumental Music Ensembles and Music Extensionstudents• Wednesday September 5 Performance Plus presents CATS• Saturday September 8 Stage Band performance at ‘Jazzon the Hill’ at St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane (Seeattached flier for address, costs and further information.)• Saturday September 15 Music Extension Concert 2Centenary State High School Newsletter 5

Hope to see you about the school at one of our events.Till next time, keep cultural.Mark Watkins, Cultural DirectorEmail: mwatk16@eq.edu.auNational Year of Reading: Reader’sProfile: Mr Mark WatkinsThere’s no doubt about it – when you read,you can be anyone, go anywhere and doanything. Just ask one of our avid readerson staff, Mark Watkins. For Mark, reading iseasy. He enjoys the way reading takes himto new worlds and allows his imagination tocreate images in his mind. In fact, findingthe time to do the amount of reading thathe would like is the only difficulty Mark faceswhen it comes to reading.How does this magnificent Music teacher figure out what booksto read? “Mood mainly,” says Mark. “What I feel like readingat the time. Although he chooses his books carefully, Mark hasactually stopped reading a book mid-way through. “It was theJames Patterson novel, Violets are Blue. I had quite enjoyed themovies based on his books and thought that I would give one ago. I found it terrible - awful grammar, awkward turns of phrase.About a third of the way along I just thought, why I am persistingwith this?”During his leisure time (knowing how many hours he puts in atschool, it’s surprising he has any leisure time) Mark reads a widevariety of books. It is interesting to note that he reads differenttypes of books depending on the amount of time he has available.“Usually I enjoy crime novels on holidays (particularly MichaelConnelly, John Sandford, Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen).Through the term, Mark reads anything. He is currently readingThe Rest is Noise by Alex Ross about twentieth century music,and he has just finished the Hunger Games trilogy.When it comes to Mark’s favourite types of books, he enjoys crimefiction and classics. His favourite literary era is twentieth centuryAmerican literature: E.L.Doctorow, John Updike, Don Delillo andPhilip Roth. His least favourite genre? Romance! Thinking backto his school days, Mark identifies The Great Gatsby by F.ScottFitzgerald as a memorable book. “(It) just really captured myimagination,” comments Mark. He also remembers The ChocolateWar by Robert Cormier as a novel that teenage boys could relateto.But what is it about these books that make them favourites? Markpoints to “a range of emotions and experiences, strong plots andcharacters, exploration of the human condition”. He goes on tosay, “I love the process of entering the mind and thoughts ofa character who is nothing like me, to cathartically experiencedifferent sides of humanity (sometimes lighter, sometimes darker)safely and controlled”. It’s clear that characters are an importantpart of the enjoyment of reading for Mark, “be it Hannibal Lecterin the Silence of the Lambs, Humbert Humbert in Lolita, JohnYossarian in Catch 22, or Ignatius J. Reilly in A Confederacy ofDunces. It also allows me to hold a mirror to myself, to see thingsI do and don’t like about myself in the characters I read.”Of course books can do many things for us as readers. Forexample, they can teach us about ourselves, our community, oursociety and the world. They can even change our attitudes, orlead us to question our beliefs, how we act and how we treatpeople. Mark remembers one such experience. The book wasCatcher in the Rye by J.D.Salinger. “I had just turned 21 andwas on a train back from Sydney to Brisbane after attending theNational Music Camp. I learned to see young people, includingmyself, as fragile and unsure, as delicate and in pain. And that weare all like that to varying degrees.”These days, we do much of our reading on computer. There is newtechnology that allows us to download books to mobile devices.Does this result in a different reading experience than having thebook physically in your hands? Mark thinks it does. “I have yet tomove into the e-reader, and I know I am resistant to it. I like thefeel of holding a book, of your hand getting tired, of thumbing thepages”. Whether reading e-books or paper books, Mark believesit’s still reading, “and if kids are comfortable with e-readers andare reading with them, that’s fine. The mental processes are stillthe same.”Finally, we asked Mark to identify a book that should be part ofa list, Ten books you must read in your lifetime. It’s notsurprising that he cannot decide on only one. In fact, Mark hasprovided all ten! Here they are, in no particular order:• The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald• Catch 22 by Joseph Heller• A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole• Ragtime by EL Doctorow• Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens• Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee• The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Klay byMichael Chabon• Catcher in the Rye by JD SalingerThanks for your time, Mr Watkins. You are an awesome reader!Applied Technology and HomeEconomics NewsYear 11 Subject SelectionStudents presently in Year 10 are receiving lots of informationand advice about subject considerations for Year 11. It wouldbe appreciated if parents peruse the subject handbook whenreceived and spend time with their son/daughter discussingoptions for 2013. The handbook contains a significant amountof information relating to the variety of subjects offered by eachfaculty and explains the content, assessment requirementsand any prerequisites associated with each offering. A numberof new subjects will be offered in Home Economics for the firsttime in 2013, in an endeavour to better cater for the interests ofstudents.Applied Technology continues to offer practical type subjectswhich develop skills that can be directly transferred to vocationalor tertiary pursuits.• Graphics – Students interested in architecture, interiordesign, building, drafting, graphic design, industrialdesign, landscape design, mechanical/electricalengineering or surveying should seriously consider thissubject.• Industrial Graphics – Students interested in pursuing atrade vocation in the building, construction, furnishing ormanufacturing industries, should regard this subject asmandatory.• Technology Studies - Students interested inarchitecture, interior design, building, drafting, graphicdesign, industrial design, landscape design, mechanical/electrical engineering or product design would benefitfrom selecting this subject.Centenary State High School Newsletter 6

• Certificate I in Furnishing - Students interested inpursuing a trade vocation in the building, construction,furnishing or manufacturing industries, should regard thissubject as mandatory.• Home Economics – Students interested in a careerin design, fashion, food or textiles should consider thissubject.• Certificate III in Children’s Services – Studentsconsidering any career working with young childrenshould seriously consider gaining this nationallyrecognised qualification.• Hospitality Studies - Students interested in workingwithin the hospitality industry, specifically, food andbeverage, catering, accommodation, entertainment, orwithin resorts, tourist attractions, casinos, festivals andevents, should enrol in this subject.• Certificate I in Hospitality – This qualification willassist students gain employment in a hospitalityestablishment as a waiter, kitchen hand or apprenticechef.I encourage parents to spend time with their son /daughteranalysing each subject offering to ensure that their child’ssubsequent subject choices are based on knowledge andunderstanding. Parents and students are also encouraged tocontact teachers to seek clarification.Year 8 Home EconomicsNew classes have been formed for term 3 and students areinvolved in a number of practical cookery lessons to developmenttheir basic cooking skills and experience the tastes associatedwith a variety of different cuisines. The crepes have proven tobe extremely popular and I have witnessed students enjoyingthe fruits of their labour. It is pleasing to see students displaya genuine enjoyment for a class activity. Don’t be surprised ifyour son or daughter offers to cook a meal for you in the ensuingweeks.Senior Early ChildhoodMichael Tobin, Applied Technology HODEmail: mtobi6@eq.edu.auScience NewsWell it has been a busy start to Term 3 with a number of eventshaving occurred or about to occur within the Science Department.The Year 8s recently had the opportunity to participate in the“Case of Conspiracy” which enabled them to use their forensicscience skills to analyse evidence from a simulated crime anddetermine who had committed a murder. The students seemedto thoroughly enjoy the presentation as can be seen from thefollowing student review from Alex Gu.On Friday the 13th for our science lesson we went to aworkshop where we had to solve a crime, in this casemurder. We entered the auditorium, sat down andlistened to what would be our case briefing. We weredetectives, observing, recording, examining and thenpiecing together the information to solve the crime.We were given a case briefing which stated all theinformation that we knew before further examination.The suspects were; the accused, the Drug Dealer and acouple (male/female). Afterwards we went to find ourclues and collect information; they had many stationssetup, each with information which would help us solvewho was the murderer. These stations were excitinglittle puzzles ranging from matching DNA, figuring outa bullet trajectory, to, matching handwriting, examiningtire treads, and looking for gunshot residue dust onclothing.We learnt and improved many new science skills, thebiggest thing we learnt and perhaps the most devastatingwas that in real life one person doesn’t do everything likeseen on NCIS; the jobs are all separated, one detectivedoes not do an autopsy, collect information, and DNAanalysis. After this exciting workshop many reconsideredtheir ‘science is boring’ point of view, and reconsideredtheir future job.A reminder that students enrolled in the Senior Early Childhoodcourse are due to participate in their second work placementexperience on 30-31 August, 2012. Students need to contact theirrespective work placement supervisor to confirm arrangementsre: operating times, dress code, duties and responsibilities,transportation options. Work placement constitutes part of thecourse assessment; consequently all students are expected toparticipate. Concerns need to be directed towards your child’sEarly Childhood teacher.This workshop left many people with new passion forscience and a sense of curiosity to discover more. Thescience workshop was very entertaining and at the sametime informative, each station also had information aboutthat topic. Overall everyone enjoyed the workshop, and Ilook forward to attending more of them!Alex Gu (Year 8 Student)The Year 9 Students are extremely busy and currently completingtheir QCAT (Queensland Comparable Assessment Task) titled “OnSCRAMShaky Ground”. This explores the topic of Seismology (StudyFelting is offered again in term 3 as a SCRAM activity, due to itspopularity. Students will be required to tease raw woollen fibreof Earthquakes) and gives students the opportunity to test theirskills in analysing data and determining Earthquake location,to produce a piece of material. The material will be cut, stitched, severity and building damage. On August 23 they also haveembellished and finally filled with wadding to create personalisedhuggy bears, ready for lots and lots of cuddles.the opportunity to explore the area of sustainable energy whenthe group “Wipeout” come to the school during National ScienceWeek. This hilarious interactive presentation explores the modernCentenary State High School Newsletter 7

energy evolution and in particular clean energy technology and itsimpact on our Australian ecosystems currently under threat.Angela McKay, Year 9 CoordinatorEmail: amcka18@eq.edu.auThe Year 10 Science students have also had the opportunity toparticipate in a presentation from the QUT Extreme Science Van.In this presentation they were given the opportunity to delveinto the exciting and innovating field of Nanotechnology. Thisgave students the opportunity to detect and identify virus usingspecialised microscope techniques.The Senior Science subjects are all quickly approaching their nextblock of assessment with the QCS occurring in Week 9 and theYear 12 Exam Block in Week 10. All our senior students shouldbe managing their time well and preparing for these tasks. Year11 Biology students also have their Ecology Field Trip in the 2ndWeek of 4th term and permission and medical forms should soonbe making their way home to parents.So as you can see it is extremely busy in the Science faculty!Brad Lambert, Acting HOD ScienceEmail: blamb37@eq.edu.auYear 9 NewsLife is never dull at Centenary SHS, and that is particularly truefor our Year Nine students! Although we are only four weeksinto the term, many students have availed themselves of thenumerous opportunities which have been offered this term. Lifeat school definitely extends beyond the walls of the classroomand it is wonderful to see so many students involved in a varietyof activities.Congratulations to the following students, who, as part of CreativeGeneration, have worked hard over the past few months andparticipated in some long days of rehearsals, culminating in aspectacular show at the Brisbane Convention and ExhibitionCentre - Jamie Alvaro, Briarley Coppens, Tahlia Dean, JodeciCoulter, Johnny Dutton, Brooke Gehrke, Caitlin Hirini, ElizabethHunt, Charlie Kay, Amie Kriel, Celestine McGregor, Brad Osborne,Natalie Pickering, Amy Reynolds, Lachlan Sands, Laura Scott,Kalan Talefenua and Maddi Willmot. I am looking forward toseeing more of our talented Arts students later on this term in theCats production.With our visitors from Suzhou here this term, the Year 9shave had a special role to play. A group of over 30 studentsvolunteered to act as buddies for the visitors – a job which theyhave very capably filled. I often pass groups of our students onthe pathway, chatting away to the Suzhou students. It has beena learning experience for them as well, as they have learnt abouttheir friends’ lives in China. I know they are looking forward tosharing a Brisbane experience with the Suzhou students whenthey accompany them to the Ekka.There are a number of Year 9 students involved in the upcomingOptiminds Challenge being held here at the school on SundayAugust 26. The teams have been meeting regularly to work ontheir challenge. We certainly have a lot of creative thinkers inthis grade! I am looking forward to seeing them perform on thechallenge day.Congratulations to the following students who have beenacknowledged on one of our “Nine Stars of the Week” assembliesthis term: Nikhita Govender, Harsheena Cheema, ImojeneEdwardson, Jayden Nunn, Emma Farrell, Zac Harvey, TadaJankovic, Cohen Sizemore, Ranah Ahmad, Lockie Tebble, LeahFitzgerald-Quinn, Thomas Tran, Michelle Nish, Caitlyn Cassidy,Paige Huet, Chloe Vandermaat, Tahlia Dean, Georgia Wilson,Jennifer Vu and Alex Strong.Whether it be in the area of sports, arts, community or theclassroom, I urge all of the Year 9 students to get involved in thewonderful activities here at Centenary!BEING CYERSAFE – Please bevigilant as parentsOver the past few months I have been dealing with a numberof issues regarding the use of social networking sites (such asFacebook).During this term in the Monday HSG program, the Year 8s will bediscussing cybersafety. We aim to help children understand thebest choices in keeping them safe. Also the Year 8s will be listeningto a talk by Brett Lee. I recently attended a seminar conducted byMr Lee. He has a powerful message for students on the risks ofusing social network sites. Mr Lee (a former undercover internetdetective) explains the hidden face of the cyber world and coverstopics such as chatrooms, predator methodologies, protectiveand preventative safety measures, the real life implications ofcyberbullying for everybody.On Monday September 17, the Year 8s will attend an anti-bullyingprogram performed by Shake ‘n Stir. This production delves into amyriad of internet additions including Facebook, Twitter, Google,emailing, blogging and photo tagging. Based on true stories, thisproduction was the result of in-school research and dishes out aserious thought provoking twists.The internet has become an integral part of life. It is a powerfulresource and enables students to learn and communicate innumerous ways. But there are risks. Knowing how to use theinternet safely is essential to having a positive online experience.As a parent, you DO have a right to know your child’s password andview your child’s account. Privacy can wait until they are adults.The answer is not to stop our children from using online tools...isolating or over-protecting our children can make them morevulnerable. I am not suggesting we expose children deliberatelyeither. The only way we can keep our children safe is to educatethem and ensure they feel comfortable to communicate withoutfear of being in trouble.If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact mebfurl1@eq.edu.au or 3373 4555.Keep safe.Berenice Furlong, Year 8 CoordinatorEmail: bfurl1@eq.edu.auMother and Daughter PersonalSafety SeminarCentenary SHS & its P&C Association invite you to a FREE Motherand Daughter Personal Safety Seminar (Sponsored by BrisbaneCity Council, Delivered by SDVMA).This Seminar is offered FREE to CSHS female students (over 13years) and a female caregiver. Book early as seminar participantsare limited in number.Seminars are gender specific and cover:• Myths & facts relating to violence• Confidence / self-image / self esteem• Assertiveness / dealing with confrontation• Fear management• Environmental awareness• Threat assessment• Personal safety strategies• Physical self defenceCentenary State High School Newsletter 8

• Options to physical self defence• Question & answer timeWhilst these seminars deal with serious topics with the potentialto save your life, they are delivered with humour, real life storiesand in an entertaining manner.DATE: Tuesday 28 AugustTIME: 5pm – 8.30 pmThis will include a short break & the opportunity to purchasedrinks & snacks.LOCATION: CPACTo book or find out more information – contact your P & CEmail: pandc@centenaryshs.eq.edu.auPhone: (07) 3373 4555Fax: (07) 3373 4500Geertje Parrott, P&C President CSHSEmail: pandc@centenaryshs.eq.edu.auUniform Shop SpecialsWhite senior shirts, blue shirts and girls’ skirts are all on specialat the Uniform Shop for approximately $5.00 less than the normalprice FOR THIS TERM ONLY! It’s a good time for Grade 10 studentsto get their senior shirts for next year. The Special applies only toshelf stock.Centenary SHS & Second-handUniformsAs a service to the school community, P & C volunteers havecreated a website for parents to buy and sell second handuniforms. Please see the attached flier.Teen Group Triple P 12+ Years –The Power of Positive ParentingOn Saturday, September 15, New Directions Psychology areholding a workshop from 9am-5pm at Centenary State HighSchool in the Resource Centre.Baby & Kids Market held atCentenary SHS on Sunday, 19AugustOn Sunday 19 August, a Baby & Kids Marketwill be held at Centenary SHS. For moreinformation, please contact Lyn Zammit,Facilities Hire on lzamm1@eq.edu.au or 33734562.Martial Arts Classes inthe GS Block at Centenary SHSMartial arts teacher of Miao Miao Chinese School Western Branch,Mr Zhou, is a very experienced and enthusiastic professionalmartial arts trainer. All students in his class have been with himfor many years. Mr Zhou runs both Adult Tai Chi Class ( 成 人 太 极 班 )and Children’s Martial Art Class ( 儿 童 武 术 班 ).Children’s Martial Arts Class for children between 7 y.o. to 18y.o. runs from 1pm to 1:50pm each Saturday at Centenary SHS.Boys and girls whether speaking Chinese or not are all welcome.Besides martial arts moves, self-defence techniques ( 自 卫 术 ) willalso be included along the training.The class for adults runs from 12:00 to 1:00 at noon each Saturdayat Centenary SHS and it opens to people of all ethnic backgroundsand must be older than 18. It teaches basic Tai Chi and advancedTai Chi.Children or adults who are interested in martial arts or fitness areencouraged to try for one lesson. Those who decide to continue onwill need to pay $10/lesson or $90/term to the Miao Miao West.Our contact details are: mobile phone: 0432084510 and emailaddress: miaomiaowestern@gmail.comDr Nicole Arthur and Dr Carrie Rainbow are presenting topicsincluding:• Manage undesired behaviour• Understanding how your family works and to identifycauses of teenager’s behaviour• Creating a positive parenting relationship• Promoting your teenager’s development• Encouraging desired behaviour and emotional regulationPlease see the attached flier for more information.Homework ClubCome along to the headspace Homework Club which is a freeservice for students of the local community. We help young peoplewith their schoolwork in a safe space, all while building teamsupport, confidence and self-esteem.The club is to be held weekly from 29 August 2012 at 4.00pm atthe headspace Brisbane South Centre. We are located at Shop53, (facing Kittyhawk Ave) 156 Inala Avenue in the Inala Plaza –just look for the big green wall!So if you are a young person wanting help with school, or know ofsomeone interested, please contact Mel Shay our Youth EngagementCoordinator on 3727 5000 or mshay@headspacebrisbanesouth.com.au or turn up on the day!Centenary State High School Newsletter 9