21 March 2025

Executive Principal’s Report

As Term 1 draws to a close, this is our first point of reflection for leadership, staff, parents, and students.  Contributing to that reflection are the forthcoming Term 1 Interim Reports and shortly after, our first parent/teacher interviews for the year.

Interim Reports will be published via email on Friday 2 May in Week 2 and parent/teacher interviews on Tuesday 13 May in Week 4. Bookings will be open for parent/teacher interviews on Friday Week 2 at 3pm. These reports indicate teacher perceptions and professional judgements of how students have assimilated and to a limited extent performed, because of a limited number of assessment items that fall within the first term. Curriculum programs over the past number of years have worked towards “de-cluttering” the assessment demands made on students, striking a balance between workloads, and assessing the essential elements of coursework.

A “no surprises” approach. Teachers provide a lot of developmental feedback to students and parents/carers receive essential communications from teachers each term. Students are encouraged to grow. Great starts should end with great finishes. As the curriculum demands and rigour increases each semester and year on year, which is what learning is all about; being more knowledgeable, developing critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving, more effort is required to maintain achievement. It should be no surprise that where students put in the consistent efforts, they maintain or even improve their A to E results at end of semester. There is strong correlation at Cav Road where each year we record 98-99% or more A-C for Effort and Behaviour and 98% A-C and almost 80% A-B results.

Some key questions might assist in “setting the compass” and “navigating” Term 2. Does your child have good self-management and are they organized? Do they need help? Do they have healthy routines outside school? Do they have a personal goal that “sets the bar” a little higher? How do they take on board those moments of falling short? Do they take a moment to enjoy the “glow of success” and confidence? Our Guidance officers, Heads of Student Services and Psychologist are great resources for advice.

“Away for the Day” has now been in place for a year and continues to be a statewide and nation-wide policy in all school jurisdictions.

Please remind and expect of your child that their mobile phone and ear buds must be away for the day when at school.

At Cav Rd, we know this rule has had positive impact on matters of student engagement and social interaction that makes for a vibrant, safe place to be. Conversation with friends and making use of the playground are healthy pursuits. Reported cyberbullying is rare and the managed environment provided at breaks for school use of devices works.

Each morning however, it is still necessary to remind, instruct and in some cases temporarily confiscate a mobile phone, despite broadcast messages every day at 8.15 and 8.30 to students to avoid the latter as consequence. This practice is not going away.

I trust your child has great learning experience at Cav this year, progresses better than expected and happy.

Richard Usher BA LLB Dip Teach - Executive Principal

Head of School – Darren Beebe

Inclusion at Cavendish Road State High School: A Commitment to Every Student's Success Our dedication to inclusion is foundational to our educational philosophy. The school believes that every student, irrespective of their background or abilities, deserves equitable access to quality education. Our implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) reflects this commitment, aligning with contemporary educational frameworks that promote both equity and excellence.​

Understanding MTSS at Cavendish Road MTSS is a framework in development, led by Deputy Principal Jane Larsen, and designed to address the diverse needs of all students through a continuum of evidence-based practices and interventions. It integrates multiple support systems to ensure that academic, behavioural, and social-emotional needs are met effectively. This approach is based on principles of equity and social justice, aiming to provide equal learning opportunities and participation for all learners. 

Inclusion at Cav starts with Tier 1 support, where every student benefits from high-quality teaching and evidence-based practices in the classroom. Cav Rd teachers use differentiated instruction and subject-specific strategies to engage all learners. Our broad curriculum, extensive extracurricular offerings, and vocational education pathways ensure that every student can find success in a way that suits their strengths and future goals.

For students requiring additional assistance, Tier 2 offers targeted interventions. These supports are designed to address specific academic or behavioural challenges identified through data. This includes literacy and numeracy programs, access to academic coaching, vocational pathway opportunities, and specialised programs. Our Case Managers work closely with students, teachers, and families to personalise learning plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.

For students with more intensive needs, Tier 3 support offers highly individualised interventions. When students face significant challenges that are not adequately addressed by Tiers 1 and 2, Tier 3 provides intensive, individualised support. This may involve one-on-one instruction, specialised programs, or collaborations with external specialists. Our goal is to ensure that every student receives the necessary resources and support to succeed. The Cav Rd leadership team, along with expert staff including Guidance Officers, Psychologist, and Inclusion Case Managers, work together to provide tailored solutions that help students overcome challenges and stay engaged in their learning.

Looking Ahead As we continue to refine our inclusive practices, Cavendish Road State High School remains focused in our commitment to every student's success. By embracing the principles outlined in contemporary educational research and frameworks, we strive to create an environment where all students can thrive.​ Our journey towards comprehensive inclusion is ongoing, and Jane Larsen and the Inclusion Team is dedicated to evolving our practices to meet the ever-changing needs of our student community.

On Monday 24 February 2025 the school celebrated and recognised the 2025 Senior and Junior student leaders at a full school assembly. The Senior Prefects, Vice-Captains and Captains as well as the Junior Leaders received a certificate of recognition in the presence of family members and special guests.

The morning was attended by Max Chandler-Mather (MP for Griffith), Joe Kelly (MP for Greenslopes), Krista Adams (Councillor for Holland Park Ward) and Kevin Woodforde (P&C President).

Congratulations to our 2025 leaders. We look forward to all of you making a great contribution during the year.

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The process for 2026 Year 7 enrolments has commenced with expressions of interest to-date indicating that, once again, a significant number of applications will be received for our limited vacancies.  Enrolment interviews commence on Tuesday 25 March focussing on the in-catchment applicants at this first round. Subsequent rounds of interview afternoons will occur on Tuesday 20 May and Tuesday 10 June.

Invitations to these interviews for the out-of-catchment applicants will start arriving, via email, early in Term 2.

Invitations to participate in trials for the academy programs (iMEX, Football, Netball, Touch Football) will also start arriving early next term. These trials typically occur in May and June each year.

The school plans to make enrolment offers to applicants at the end of Term 2 in June followed by the additional “catchment” applicants in Semester 2. Students applying from Out-of-Catchment must submit applications prior to 31 May 2025 to be considered for this end of Term 2 enrolment offers.

If you have a child to enrol for Year 7 2026, whether it be the sibling of an existing student or a new enrolment and you are yet to express interest, please contact Maree Ashcroft, our Enrolments Officer on 3394 0777, as soon as possible.

Head of Student Services - Junior

We are incredibly proud of our Year 7 students who have been working diligently through NAPLAN this year. They have exemplified our school values of Challenge and Commitment. Our Year 7 students have shown impressive focus, determination, and resilience in every aspect of their preparation and participation - they have embraced the opportunity to push their academic boundaries and grow, tackling each section of NAPLAN with a positive mindset.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we believe that this will go a long way in contributing to positive outcomes.

This is such a busy time of year for our Year 7 students, and when they finish NAPLAN, they will continue with their school-based assessments. I want to take a moment to wish them the best of luck and remind them to keep up the great work, stay calm, and to reach out for help if they get stuck!

To ensure you’re fully supported in helping your child navigate their assessment period, we want to remind you that you can access your child’s due dates via QParents. This platform allows you to stay up to date with their assessment schedule and monitor important deadlines.

Additionally, the Semester 1 Assessment Calendar has already been emailed to your student. This calendar is a great tool to support both you and your young person stay organised and manage time effectively throughout the semester.

Thank you for your continued support. Our Year 7 students have shown great growth and resilience as they’ve settled into high school, and I’m excited to see how they continue to progress!

Jessica Dolan - HoSS Year 7 & 8

Head of Student Services - Middle

As we approach the end of Term 1, the Year 9 and Year 10s are well and truly into their assessment period. To ensure you’re fully supported in helping your child navigate their assessment period, we want to remind you that you can access your child’s due dates via QParents. This platform allows you to stay up to date with their assessment schedule and monitor important deadlines. Additionally, the Semester 1 Assessment Calendar has been emailed to your child.

For the Year 9s, many have just completed the NAPLAN, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. I congratulate them all for the way they have prepared and attempted these tests. As they transition into the next phase of their learning, the focus during our YLC lessons has been on improving study habits and organisation skills.

Meanwhile, Year 10 students are designing their individual Rite of Passage. This annual tradition requires students to undertake either a personal or community challenge and marks the next step in their educational journey. It is very pleasing to hear so many students talking about their Rite of Passage and I encourage you to do the same at home. When done right, this is an extremely valuable program and I’m looking forward to celebrating all the incredible things these students achieve.

Thank you for your continued support throughout Term 1. Wishing students all the very best in their assessments.

Mitch Baker - HoSS Middle

Head of Student Services - Senior

Leadership Induction Ceremony 2025

On Monday 24 February, Cavendish Road State High School proudly hosted the 2025 Leadership Induction Ceremony, a momentous occasion celebrating the official appointment of our Year 12 student leaders. This event marked a significant milestone in our school community, as these students step into their roles as role models, mentors, and representatives of our school's values.

The ceremony, held in the school hall, was attended by students, staff, and special guests who came together to acknowledge and support our newest leaders. Our School Captains, Vice Captains, House Captains and Prefects were formally inducted, pledging their commitment to leading with integrity, respect, and a focus on making a positive impact on the school community.

Throughout the event, inspiring speeches reinforced the importance of leadership, responsibility, and service.

As these students embark on their leadership journey, we look forward to seeing them inspire their peers, contribute to school initiatives, and leave a lasting legacy at Cav Rd. Congratulations to all our inducted leaders—we are excited to see the difference you will make in 2025!

Upcoming Assessment Period

As we move further into the term, students are reminded that the assessment period is upon us. Senior students should be using their study time effectively, revising consistently, and seeking feedback from their teachers to ensure they are well-prepared. Time management and organisation are key to balancing responsibilities with academic success.

We encourage all students to check their assessment planners, meet deadlines, and utilise the available school resources, including the Senior Study Hub and teacher support sessions. Let’s work together to make this a successful term for all!

Leonard Lai - HoSS Senior

Parents and Citizens Association (P&C)

The P&C had it’s AGM on Monday 17 March where amongst other things, the election of the P&C Executive Committee for 2025 was held. I am happy to announce the new committee.

I’d personally like to thank Michelle Connery, who stepped down from the committee, for her time and efforts over the last three years in the role of VP Events and VP Community. Comedy Nights, Special Guest Speaker Rebecca Sparrow and multiple Trivia Nights have been some of the highlights from Michelle’s time with the P&C.

I’d also like to welcome Gabriela, Natalie and Mark to the committee. We are still in need of someone to assist with our communications and social media activities. If you have an interest in volunteering some time and working with a great bunch of people please reach out to Catherine at secretary@cavroadpc.com.au

Canteen

Without stealing Madonna’s thunder I’d like to announce the opening of our new food trailer. The team have done an amazing job getting it up and running and have even managed to deal with a Tropical Cyclone. Please see below for more information.

Canteen News

New Food Trailer, Fresh Menu, and More!

We have some exciting news from the canteen to share with you! This term has been full of new developments and improvements, and we’re thrilled to keep you updated on all the latest happenings.

New Food Trailer Now Up and Running! We are excited to announce that our brand-new food trailer is officially up and running!  The trailer will hopefully enable us to serve more students in less time. We are open 1^st & 2^nd Break (snacks and drinks only 2^nd). The trailer brings a fresh, exciting addition to our canteen service, offering a variety of delicious new menu options. Whether you're craving a hot meal or a quick snack, the food trailer has something for everyone. From gourmet sandwiches to fresh wraps and tasty hot options, be sure to swing by and check it out.

New Food Trailer Menu – Fresh Flavors, More Choices! Along with the new trailer, we’ve rolled out an updated menu packed with exciting new flavours and dishes. Our goal is to provide students with a wider variety of healthy, tasty, and satisfying meals. We’ve incorporated student feedback and have added several new items, including more plant-based options, so everyone can find something to enjoy.

Student ID Glitch Fixed We know there were some recent issues with the Student ID system especially in the trailer, we're happy to report that the glitches have now been resolved! Students can now easily use their ID cards to make purchases at the canteen without any hassle. If you encounter any issues in the future, don’t hesitate to let us know before school (8am – 8.45am) so we can assist right away.

Cyclone Alfred Power Outages – Minimal Disruption As you know, Cyclone Alfred caused some power outages in our area. Thankfully, we suffered with minimal disruption, and stock loss. Big thank you to Mr Usher and Mr Beebe for helping to mop up the water.

Always Looking for New Volunteers The canteen team is always in need of friendly faces to help! If you’re a parent or community member with a little spare time, we’d love to have you volunteer. Whether it's helping prepare meals or sticking labels, your support makes a big difference. Please contact the canteen if you're interested in lending a hand—we truly appreciate all our volunteers!

Thank you for your continued support of the canteen. We’re committed to providing students with quality meals, and we’re so excited for all the positive changes this year. We look forward to seeing you at the food trailer and canteen!

Best regards,
Madonna & The Canteen Team
33940723 (7am – 2pm)
canteen@cavroadpc.com.au 

CRIMS

On behalf of the P&C Executive, I would like to welcome all new and returning parents and students.

AGM - The CRIMS 2025 AGM re-appointed the 2024 Sub-committee for the upcoming year: 

• Chair – Sarah Atchison
• Secretary – Sonia Beattie
• Treasurer - Meenu Radhakrishnan

The meeting also approved our regular spending:

• Up to $2500 bus subsidy for Music Camp
• $750 bus subsidy for Dreamworld

It was lovely to see some new faces at our meeting.  Welcome!

Soiree – scheduled for Tuesday 4 March, this event was an early casualty of Cyclone Alfred.  A big shout out to Sonia who shopped for canteen supplies in advance of the cancellation and earned the ire of local shoppers for being a panic buyer! 

A Night of Music – Tuesday 27 May (Term 2, Week 6) will be our next concert.  All ensembles, including choirs, will perform.  All welcome.

Our next meeting will be held at the Holland Park Hotel on 12 May at 7pm.  To get in touch, send apologies or join our mailing list, please contact us by emailing CRIMS@cavroadpc.com.au (existing members – please note new email address)

Chookas!
Sarah Atchison – Chair of CRIMS

Finance

2025 Student Resource Scheme (SRS)

How the Scheme operates under the annual participation fee of $350.

The Queensland Government supports students’ education by providing funding for:
Instruction, e.g., teachers
Facilities, e.g., buildings, amenities, furniture
Administration, e.g., staffing and resources to administer the operations of the school.

Funding does not extend to individual student resources such as textbooks, computer or musical equipment for personal use, and many items used/consumed by the student in the classroom. Supply of these items is the responsibility of parents.

To provide parents with a cost-effective alternative to purchasing textbooks and/or resources elsewhere, Cavendish Road State High School will operate an SRS for 2025.

The scheme ensures that students have the resources required for them to engage with the curriculum for their education, and saves parents time and money in sourcing the prescribed materials elsewhere. Savings are gained through the school’s bulk purchasing practices and hiring arrangements. The scheme is not used to raise funds for other purposes, and revenue collected through the scheme is applied only to the resources and operation of the scheme.

The scheme’s operation, resource inclusions and participation fees were approved by the school’s P&C Association on 2 March 2023.

SRS Participation

The objective of the scheme is to provide a convenient and cost-effective way for students to access the educational resources necessary to enhance their learning experience at school. The Department encourages parents to participate in the scheme. Participation in the SRS is optional, and no obligation is placed on a parent to participate. Participation is for the duration of your child’s enrolment at the school.

Student is new to the school.….

Parents are required to complete and return the SRS Participation Agreement Form when joining the scheme for the first time. If no participation form is received the school will take the view that the parent has chosen to opt out of the SRS. The parent is then required to provide the educational resources listed in the SRS for their child. A parent can opt in or out of the scheme in subsequent years by completing another Participation Agreement Form.

Continuing student of the school….

A parent’s participation or non-participation in the scheme will continue as per their previously completed Participation Agreement Form. A parent can opt in or out of the scheme in subsequent years by completing another Participation Agreement Form.

If a parent has opted out of the scheme the parent is required to provide the educational resources listed in the SRS for their child by the start of the school year.

Resource Inclusions

All resources included in the SRS are listed on the Student Resource List available on our website. This is a comprehensive list of all resources included in the scheme and their associated estimated costs.

What is not covered under the Scheme

The scheme does not cover students’ personal requisites such as stationery and writing materials.  Resources not covered under the Student Resource Scheme are included on the Stationery Requirements List for each year level.  These items are to be purchased by the parent.

Any unpaid invoices, will be managed according to the department’s Debt Management Procedure and may result in the student being excluded from the scheme and/or from participating in these activities until payment is made.

• excursions / incursions / competitions and enrichment activities and attending trips as a team supporter, elective sport admission and transport, and transport costs for interschool sport.
• work experience placements
• TAFE courses
• courses / certificates offered by external providers
• camps – all year levels and departments
• Senior Jersey and Senior Formal
• other resources / services that may be recommended for purchase
• Programs of Excellence
• Year book
• Other activities that are deemed optional

Type of Resources provided

Generally, the three types of resources that could be included are:

• Owned – these items are retained by the student and used as required (e.g., workbooks, student diary).
• Used – these items are used/consumed in class by the student (e.g., industry technology/cooking/art supplies).                   work/items produced from these resources will remain the property of the student.
• Hired – these items are hired to the student for their personal use for a specific period of time (e.g., textbooks, musical instruments).
• • Hired items must be returned to the school in good condition at the end of the hire period or if the student leaves the school.
  • A repair or replacement cost may be charged to the parent for any hired items that are damaged or not

Costing Methodology

The schools SRS fee is calculated based on:

A flat fee for all students in the school, OR

A flat fee for a cohort group of students (e.g., a year level), OR

A fee determined by the subjects selected by the individual student. Please refer to the SRS Resource list for the associated costings.

The Textbook and Resource Allowance

The Department of Education provides a Textbook and Resource Allowance (TRA) to assist parents with the cost of textbooks and other education resources for eligible Years 7 to 12 students. For those students who are eligible to receive the TRA, the TRA will be applied to reduce the cost of participation in the SRS. Information on the TRA can be found on the department’s website 

Financial Hardship

Parents experiencing financial hardship who are currently participating or wish to participate in the SRS should contact the school to discuss available options in confidence. Financial hardship arrangements do not continue from year to year and parents experiencing financial hardship must contact the school each school year to discuss available options.

Payment Arrangement

Several payment options are available, including a single payment for the full year’s fee or term instalments, an individual payment plan negotiated with our finance department or we also offer Centre pay to all our families. Should you wish to utilise any of these options, please make contact with our Finance Department on finance@cavendishroadshs.eq.edu

Any unpaid invoices, will be managed according to the department’s Debt Management Procedure and may result in the student being excluded from the scheme and/or from participating in non-curricular activities until payment is made 

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Keep up to date with upcoming events for the whole family from the link below.

Guidance Corner

Mr Ben Niland-Rowe, Mrs Alycia Wilkinson, Miss Jessie Hamill and Mr Michael Lynch – Guidance Officers

Wellbeing and Inclusion

The Learning Space: Embracing the Journey from Not Knowing to Knowing

The Learning Pit (2025) Created by James Nottingham 2004.

Learning is a journey, one that takes us from the unknown to the known, from confusion to clarity (Kennedy, B. & Huberman, A. 2024). But this journey is rarely a straight path. In fact, it is often filled with frustration, confusion, and moments of doubt (Nottingham, J. 2004). These emotional ups and downs are a natural part of the learning process, yet many students and parents may feel overwhelmed or discouraged when things don’t come easily.

It’s important to recognise that struggling with new information or skills is a normal part of learning. In fact, it’s essential! When we learn something new, our brains form new connections, a process that requires effort, time, and patience. The discomfort of not knowing something is actually a sign that our brain is actively working to understand and adapt. It is in these moments of struggle that true learning occurs (Kennedy, B. & Huberman, A. 2024).

For students, managing frustration is key to resilience in the learning process. Here are a few skills that can help students navigate the ups and downs of learning:

Growth Mindset: Embrace the belief that abilities and intelligence are developed through hard work and dedication. Remind yourself that challenges are opportunities for growth, not signs of failure.

Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: When a concept feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. Tackling smaller pieces can build confidence and make the process less daunting.

Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to not get everything right immediately. Recognise that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and an important part of growing.

Celebrate Small Wins: Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate every step forward, no matter how small it seems. This helps maintain motivation and reinforces a sense of achievement.

For parents, supporting your child through frustration and helping them build resilience requires patience and understanding. During the learning process at home, it can be challenging and can cause some discomfort for parents – it doesn’t feel good when your child is frustrated – but if you sit with your child in that discomfort, you are supporting the learning process. Giving your child the answer to avoid the frustration and the feeling it causes you as a parent creates an adult dependent learner (Fisher, D. 2025). Think of yourself as the cheer squad, encouraging your child to value the challenge, celebrate learning that comes from the failures and above all be patient with the process!

Here are some strategies to foster a positive learning environment:

Encourage Open Communication: Create a space where your child feels comfortable talking about their struggles. Acknowledge their feelings of frustration but help them reframe these emotions as opportunities for growth.

Be a Role Model for Perseverance: Show your child that you, too, face challenges and frustrations. Share how you cope with difficulties, whether it’s taking a break, seeking help, or trying again.

Praise Effort Over Results: Rather than focusing solely on grades or outcomes, praise your child’s effort and persistence. Reinforce that learning is about the process, not just the result.

Set Realistic Expectations: Be mindful of your child’s individual pace and learning style. Encourage consistent effort but avoid putting excessive pressure on them to succeed immediately.

Take an Interest in your Child’s Learning: Research has shown that when parents engage in their child’s learning, student achievement and wellbeing are increased (Hattie, 2023).

The journey from not knowing to knowing is an enriching, albeit challenging, experience. By managing frustration and fostering resilience, students can develop the tools to not only overcome obstacles but also embrace learning as an exciting adventure. Parents play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting their children through this process, ensuring that the path to knowledge is one of growth, perseverance, and achievement.

Mrs Jane Larsen – Deputy Principal – Wellbeing and Inclusion

Senior Schooling

The beginning of the school year is a busy time in the Senior Schooling offices/K16. Here is a snapshot of what is happening.

Year 11 Work Experience

In Week 2 of Term 2, a selection of students will participate in five days of work experience. These students will have opportunities to work in a variety of industry areas such as retail, trades (electrical, plumbing, engineering, mechanical ventilation), childcare, allied health services, education, property staging, veterinary, publishing media, dentistry, architecture, interior design, law, fine arts, lighting design, real estate, finance, warehouse systems, aged care, and events management.

Last year, feedback from students showed they were able to make clearer decisions about their pathways after their work experience. They reported learning new skills and developing rapport with their employer and co-workers. The school received lots of positive feedback about our students, too.

Year 11 Life Skills Program

Students not attending Year 11 leadership camp or work experience will participate in the Life Skills program run by ADAPT Education. They will gain practical knowledge and skills necessary in their transition to adult life including responsible service of alcohol, purchasing a car and road safety, budgeting, and first aid.

Traineeship/Apprenticeship Opportunities

Students are reminded to check their school emails regularly as there are many opportunities coming our way in various industries that students may apply for. If students find an opportunity they are interested in, they should see Mrs Anderson in K16.

Shout out to George M in Year11 who secured a school-based apprenticeship in Carpentry and Josh L in Year 11 for his electrical apprenticeship.

Year 10 Trade Taster/TAFE

Students who have registered their interest with Mrs Anderson for the TAFE Trade Taster will complete their application Wednesday 19 March. They need to be in B08 at 8.45am, ready for when the portal opens at 9am.

Students will select 3 from these programs at Acacia Ridge:
Automotive – Light Vehicle
Automotive – Heavy Vehicle
Carpentry
Electrical
Engineering
Furniture Making
Plumbing
Recreational Vehicles (RV’s, Caravans, Campers)
Finishing Trades (may include Tiling, Painting & Decorating, Bricklaying or Plastering)
Casting & Moulding

Holiday workshop opportunity

Queensland School of Film and Television is running School Holiday Filmmakers Bootcamp by industry professionals in the next break. It is designed for high school students in Years 10 – 12; they will learn basic photography, video and editing techniques in a fun and challenging environment.  Participants will get on-set experience and collaborate within a small group on short film production.

TrackEd profiles – Year 11 and Year 12

On Monday, students received their TrackEd profiles. The profiles show how a student is tracking with their achievement, effort, behaviour and attendance in a given time frame. The profile contains their school-based subjects and any Certificate or Diploma courses being completed. In Senior school, the TrackEd profile also includes information about a student’s QCE and whether they are on track to receive the minimum of 20 credits.

Aviation and Tourism certificate courses

Congratulations to the students enrolled in Certificate III Aviation (remote pilot) and Certificate II Tourism courses which run on a Wednesday afternoon. You are not only learning industry skills but potentially banking important QCE credits.

QCAA Internal and External Assessment Resources for students

All Year 12 assessment is SUMMATIVE (counts towards your ATAR/rank/QCE)

Units 3 & 4 are a ‘pair’ – must successfully complete both units for QCE credit (C standard or better)

NO ASSESSMENT IS TO BE MISSED OR NOT SUBMITTED!

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 have access to a wide range of assessment resources on the QCAA website. These resources include:

• Samples of internal assessment instruments (including IA1, IA2 and IA3 assignments/exams)
• Annotated sample responses – both high and mid-level for IA1, IA2 and IA3 assessment tasks
• External assessment resources – (including marking guides and question books) and sample assessment items
• A factsheet for students/parents regarding the sample external assessment items.

Students can access information and resources at: https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/

AARA – Access Arrangements & Reasonable Adjustments

Parents and students should be aware of possible AARA arrangements which can be made for some assessments. The QCAA recognises that some students may have disability, impairment and/or medical conditions or experience other circumstances that may affect their ability to read, respond to and participate in assessment. Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (AARA) are designed to assist these students.

Access arrangements are action/s taken by the school so that a student with an eligible impairment that may not be covered by the definition of disability can access assessment.

Reasonable adjustments are action/s taken by the school so that a student with an eligible impairment as a result of a disability and/or medical condition or experiencing other circumstances creating a barrier to the completion of assessment can be assessed on the same basis as other students.

The school website has the full details at https://cavendishroadshs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/assessment-policy including the Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) application.

Intentional Planning for success:

1. Students should use their Assessment Planners to manage their subject demands.
2. Work efficiently in all subjects and achieve the best result out of 100 in all subjects.
3. Complete all VET competencies in the courses enrolled in and complete the Certificate by the required date.
4. Work with your subject teachers and course trainers – early communication and request for help is essential.
5. Make contact with Mr Ben Niland-Rowe, senior Guidance Officer, Senior Schooling HOD and Mrs Anderson, Industry Liaison Officer for extra support and advice.
6. Most importantly, STAY POSITIVE and WORK HARD.

Cavroadians never give up!

Mrs Robin Martin –  A/HOD Pathways and Performance, Senior School

International Homestay

Creative Industries

Drama

WELCOME TO OUR NEW DRAMA STAFF

Please make welcome our wonderful new Drama Teachers who are taking Year 7, 8 & 10 Drama this semester.

We welcome Josh Brandon as a new teacher having graduated last year. Josh is an active performer and lover of musical theatre. Josh will be managing Musical Theatre Club this year in preparation for Arts on the Green in July. Josh brings a fantastic energy to the Arts Staffroom.

We also welcome Harry Wallace to our faculty teaching Year 7 Drama and Media Arts this semester. Harry has worked at Cav Rd for two years already, where he teaches senior English and runs the Opti-MINDS program. Harry loves teaching Drama, and it is great to have him join us and share his wonderful skills and knowledge.

Year 7 & 8 Drama

Our junior students will begin their first assessment in Week 8 and 9. Students will complete a performance wearing Theatre Blacks, a prompt book and a video reflection task. All three assessment items will be completed by Week 9. We are looking forward to watching our new drama students knock their first piece of assessment out of the park. The students have used class time to rehearse and hopefully siblings and parents/carers have been able to assist at home!

We cannot wait to see what the Year 8s bring to Commedia Dell’Arte next term, and how the Year 7s apply their newfound acting skills to Media Arts. Congratulations to all!

Year 10 Drama

Year 10 Drama students have been rehearsing and exploring shadow screen within their Children of the Black Skirt Gothic theatre study. Students will perform their creative ideas during Week 8 and I look forward to seeing these students shine on stage.

Year 11 Drama

Year 11 students have completed FA1, their first assessment for Senior Drama and they performed in an outstanding manner. The play Blurred by Stephen Davis was clearly re-created on stage. Well done everyone.

Students are now embarking on their Concept unit, which is working from the new syllabus. I look forward to embarking on some story telling with the students whilst sharing the real-life story of a young Toowoomba boy and his family whilst reading the play Aprils Fool by David Burton.

Toni Worger – Drama Coordinator

Visual Arts

Year 7 Artwork

Year 8 Artwork – Exploring Identity through Heritage

Music

Music at Cav has made a solid start to the year. Music extension students have now submitted their first IA1 assessment which includes a selection of compositions and performances at a very high level. The year 12 Music in Practice class and year 11 Modified Music in Practice class have been working hard to plan, produce and perform their assessment for their classroom concert. This will be occurring on Thursday this week. Whilst the juniors have been studying the elements of music and discovering what makes music tick, years 9 through 12 are now all in the drafting phase of their assessments and we very much look forward to the final. Everyone’s hard work will pay off shortly.

Due to TC Alfred we unfortunately had to cancel our annual Soirée Concert. To help make up for this, we look forward many of these students performing their pieces at year level assemblies and lunch time mini concerts in the coming months.

Owen Arnold - Classroom Music Coordinator

International Languages

Year 9 German Food Tasting

As part of their Lifestyle Unit, Year 9 German students engaged in a German Food Tasting Activity in Week 5.  Students sampled a range of German Foods and drink including Knackwurst sausage with traditional German Ketchup, Quark (cheese spread) on German sough dough bread, Sauerkraut, Kinder Surprise chocolate and Apfelschorle (mineral apple drink).  After completing a survey and writing sentences on their preferences in German, the Kinder Surprise chocolates followed by the Knackwurst were clear winners!

Year 7 German Karneval Masks

In Week 5, Year 7 students delved into the cultural traditions surrounding Karneval, a widely celebrated tradition throughout Germany. Students actively engaged in the art of crafting masks. The experience proved to be both educational and enjoyable and annual favourite amongst the Year 7s with some creative and impressive designs with the following class winners:

7A – Ayse, Dexter and Mathilde

7B – Samika, Jules and Zawiia

7F – Charlotte, Lincoln and Adele

German Youth Choir

The German Consulate and the German Language Roundtable are continuing the free joint initiative.

German Youth Choir (GYC) and all interested students at secondary school age are invited to join now.

Gain confidence in German and in performing in front of a crowd through singing in a comfortable, interactive yet professional environment. This is a unique opportunity that offers students with a passion for Music and/or German, free voice training by a highly skilled professional. Conductor Bea Klepper is a classical singer with a PhD in Elementary Music Education & Early Childhood Teaching.

You may have the opportunity to perform current German songs at significant events such as graduation ceremonies, official delegation visits, the German National Day reception, exchange student events. You will be able to connect across schools, meet and mingle with like-minded peers, native speakers and friends of the German community here in Brisbane in a special and engaging way.

The highlight performance will be during Brisbane German Week on 3 October for the formal Day of German Unity Reception, where the Choir will perform two of the rehearsed songs, and the German and Australian national anthems together with young musicians of the Queensland Youth Orchestras.

Rehearsals will be fortnightly on Sundays at noon at the Coorparoo School of Arts beginning in March, ending 1 October. The practice schedule will be sent once registered, join free at any time.

• Registration: Student to please email claudia@hkbrisbane.de with full name, name of school and the grade you are in. Add one parent (or guardian) name, email and mobile for emergencies.
• Please promote the opportunity to join the German Youth Choir among your friends, any language skill level or musical skill level is welcome. Here is your unique chance to grow confidence and receive free voice and language training outside of school.
• Our office will issue a Certificate of Participation to every committed student of 2025.

Japanese Omiya Visit – August

This year, we are pleased to announce our Sister-School, Omiya Koryo Senior High School will be visiting Cavendish Road State High School in Term 3 from Tuesday 5 August to Tuesday 12 August.

We are seeking families to host a student.  Homestay can be a fun and rewarding experience to develop language and communication skills, broaden horizons and develop lifelong friendship and connections. The success and continuation of our program depends on the generosity of host families and their commitment to supporting this long-standing sister school relationship. Especially for families who are hoping for their children to have a homestay experience in Japan in the future, this is a fantastic opportunity to make close friends in Japan. This could lead to a long-lasting friendship between your child and their host, and their families.  Please contact Mr Oike (yxoik0@eq.edu.au) if you are interested in hosting a Japanese student from Omiya Koryo SHS.

Griffith University/Nagoya University of Foreign Studies

Cavendish Road State High School was once again proud to participate in the student exchange program between Griffith University and Nagoya University of Foreign Studies. As part of this initiative, Cav welcomed a Japanese teaching student for a two-week volunteer work experience, providing valuable support in Japanese classes.

The program's primary goal was to give Japanese students firsthand experience in an Australian classroom, allowing them to practice their language skills and develop their teaching skills. This year’s volunteer actively contributed by assisting teachers in delivering a variety of engaging cultural activities while also encouraging students to develop their Japanese speaking skills in an immersive setting.

We are grateful for this ongoing partnership with Griffith University and Nagoya University and look forward to continuing these enriching cultural exchanges in the future.

Senior Japanese Tutoring

Senior Japanese Tutoring is continuing.  Session times are as follow:

またね ! Bis später! See you soon!

Mrs Manda Cop – Acting Head of Department Languages

Business and Humanities

Year 12 Geography – Port of Brisbane

Last Wednesday, the Year 12 Geography class went on a field trip to the Port of Brisbane to explore land cover transformations and the impact on mangrove ecosystems. The day included data collection in the mangroves, an informative talk from the Environmental and Sustainability Leader at the Port of Brisbane, and a boat trip around the Port to observe the functions and layout of the space. All students behaved impeccably, showing active engagement and participation throughout the day, as well as not being afraid to get a little muddy.

A message from our guide for the day -  "We would like to congratulate the students on their critical thinking abilities, behaviour and enthusiasm, a credit to you and your school."

Year 7 Artefacts

As part of the Deep Time History Unit, Year 7 students participated in an engaging artefact incursion at our iCentre. They had the unique opportunity to examine 17 precious artefacts from the University of Queensland, exploring a diverse collection that included ancient arrowheads, stone tools, and objects crafted from materials such as sandstone, flint, quartzite, obsidian, and chert. Students enthusiastically hypothesized about the origins of these artefacts, considering which civilizations they may have belonged to and their possible uses.

Junior Hum-roadians!

This month we are celebrating the efforts of some of our hardest working Humanities and Business students. These students have caught the attention of their classroom teachers for going above and beyond. Congratulations to:

The students are as follows:

• Violet R (10B)
• Rose J (10G)
• Max M (9D)

Ms Laura Signorini – HOD Humanities and Business
Ms Belinda Grech – HOD Humanities and Business

Science

International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025

What are big and blue, store approximately 70% of the global freshwater on Earth and are the subject of the new display in the Science block foyer? If you answered glaciers, then you are right!

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation to raise awareness of the vital role glaciers, snow, and ice play in the climate system and water cycle, as well as the far-reaching impacts of rapid glacial melt.

The display in the L block foyer outlines the twelve key messages from the United Nations highlighting the importance of glaciers. Other displays include Glacier FAQ (Why are glaciers blue? Are there any in Australia? Is a glacier the same as an iceberg?) and a short story about a father/daughter art and science project.

One key United Nations message in particular highlights the role of future scientists and may hopefully include some Cav Rd students now and in the future “Youth are a driving force for societal change, pushing for climate action, sustainability, and dignity for all. The meaningful engagement of young people in decision-making and policymaking processes can ensure greater diversity, inclusion, and representation.” (United Nations, 2025).

Bronwen Jones – Science Technician

Indigenous Program News

Beyond the Broncos Program

On Wednesday 5 March, our First Nations students participated in the Beyond the Broncos (BtB) Program Term 1 workshop facilitated by Broncos Ambassadors Darius Boyd and Ryan James. The topic for this workshop was ‘Kicking Goals’. Students learned about the importance of goal setting and were given a handbook providing practical tools to help write and achieve 2025 goals for school, career, health and wellbeing.

This year we welcomed back Emily Dufficy to Cav Rd as our BtB Schools Support Officer (SSO). In addition to working for the BtB Program, Emily is currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching degree. Emily will work one day per week (Wednesday) at Cav to support and mentor our BtB students, and is located in the Indigenous room (T3).

QATSIF Scholarships

The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation, known as QATSIF, is an independent public trust established to provide young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders with a secure funding source to assist students in their senior years of education.

QATSIF's initial capital was created through the toil of previous generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders. This capital has been invested by QATSIF's Trustee, the Public Trustee of Queensland, and the annual interest provides an income stream for scholarships and bursaries. QATSIF’s QCE Scholarship Program provides scholarship funding to support students undertaking Year 11 and 12. 

Congratulations to Year 11 students – Jack, Frankie, Arnika and Anthony - who have been awarded Round 16 QATSIF QCE Scholarships for 2025/2026!

Yarning Circles

First Nations students continue to engage in weekly Yarning Circles this year during Roll Marking.

The idea for Yarning Circles came about following a previous Broncos workshop, where Indigenous students identified they would like to establish and maintain regular connection with their peers. The purpose of these Yarning Circles is to provide a harmonious, collaborative way of communicating (with, and to, students); building respectful and trusting relationships; and providing a safe place for students to be heard and discuss any concerns. It has especially been a wonderful opportunity for our new Year 7 students to connect and build rapport with other First Nations students in older grades.

2025 Leadership Induction

Congratulations to First Nations students – Mya, Eloise, Amelia and Kendall – on being awarded positions in the 2025 Student Leadership Team. These students were acknowledged at the recent Leadership Induction Ceremony, which was also attended by parents and our School First Nations Elder, Aunty Pat Williams.

Kym Ford – Indigenous Liaison Officer

Student Services

Community News

Student Opportunities

Future You Summit 2025

The QUT Future You Summit is an exclusive opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to engage with leading researchers, explore career pathways, and connect with like-minded peers.

The week-long program will take place in the first week of the June/July school holidays, 30 June - 4 July 2025.

Students will experience university life firsthand, accessing QUT’s world class facilities across both Brisbane campuses and participating in an immersive program covering all QUT study areas. Students will participate in four practical experiences from one of eleven discipline streams (see discipline stream options below).

Applications close Monday 31 March - encourage your students to apply today!

School Holidays - 5 April to 21 April