19 February 2021

Newsletter Articles

Executive Principal’s Report

Welcome to the 2021 school year. I extend a special welcome to new families to Cav Road this year across all year levels.

Total enrolment for our school this year on our first census was 1987 students with 310 new Year 7s welcomed to our school. This number will touch 2000 students should international enrolments mid-year proceed with our school under our enrolment cap of 2050 as required. Our enrolment is unaffected by the opening of the new Inner City South State College. This year also continues a pattern of enrolments being sought in Years 9 to 11 from both in-catchment students and those seeking entry via our Programs of Excellence.

I mean most sincerely that at Cav we see every child with their own skills and aptitudes and to inspire their awe and wonder. Progress at school is a complex of care, discipline, opportunity, encouragement, challenge, and sometimes struggle. School experience can shape our lives, and our outlook into adult life. We work at Cav in pursuit of success by design, strive for optimal learning and opening up possibilities and potential.

4 Pillars of learning are lived and breathed at Cav Road. We started this year with students presenting resplendent in their Cav uniforms, demonstrative of the pride we take in our identity as ‘Cavroadians’. Schooling is not only about attending to gain instruction. Schooling is a life experience and sticks with us. It should be a positive experience and full of joy and one that we seek to ensure is happy and productive for every child. Expressed as four pillars of learning, Tradition, Innovation, Community and Excellence; of those four pillars, Community is first and foremost. Our aim at Cav is to ensure a deep sense of belonging and pride, and where we look out for, include and celebrate the learning journey and growth of each and every student. This is how our school achieves great outcomes for our students, year on year. It is also how we do our part in the tradition of State schooling to grow responsible, productive and community minded citizens.

Nothing without effort is the maxim of our school motto stretching back to 1952. So while we have deep roots we are a forward looking school in our preparation of young people to complete their schooling with distinction. 2020 Seniors equalled Cav Road’s best year, despite Covid, new syllabuses, new teaching methods required and a new tertiary entrance system. This credits teachers for their professional agility and expertise and our young people for their tenacity. Nothing without effort. A snapshot of 2020 results for a cohort of 271 young people:

Senior education outcomes

• 100% of the cohort achieved their QCE, with 2 their QCIA
• 192 students added vocational qualifications and 18 completed school based apprenticeships or traineeships
• 95 students completed Certificate 3 or Certificate 4 qualifications
• 198 students completed other vocational certificates
• Every international student achieved a QCE

Tertiary entry. Of the top ATAR score possible of 99.95, 189 students eligible,

• 6 students achieved 98.9 or better. Equivalent to OP1 in the previous system.
• 45 achieved 91.5 or better. Equivalent to OP5. That equates to almost 1 in 4 eligible students

Parent partnerships matter in this formula for success. Necessarily parents and carers are invested. Not only the work of our wonderful P&C as a point of contact with our parent community, but on a daily basis parents and carers dialogue with, and teachers are proactive in communicating, just enough, to ensure that partnership is strong and also productive. I encourage families to enrol in the QParents application, or if you have that application on your smartphone, to add the QSchools application and update your ‘favourites’. We are always working on improving our communications and client service and enjoy very high levels of engagement and satisfaction.

Leadership structure for purpose. The last 3 years I have taken opportunity in reviewing how we go about our core business at Cav and how the “extras” and “add ons” contribute to student success in their core learning. Doing the ‘right’ work ‘right’ is the focus of instructional leadership by me and the executive and senior leadership teams in 2021.

Our core business is curriculum and teaching & learning. These priorities are reflected in the permanent appointment this year of Mr Beebe and Mrs McCarthy as Heads of School for each of those portfolios. I have appointed an additional curriculum Head of Department this year in Humanities, and making better sense of the roles of our non-curriculum Heads of Department, specialists in the differentiation of teaching & learning for students across the entire range of abilities, and phases of learning. Non-curriculum Heads of Department and specialist teachers are integral to ensuring true inclusion, adjustments, extension and enrichment according to student needs. Welfare is a foundation to learning success and makes up another ‘spoke’ in the wheel. Pastoral and peer support and programs are embedded in daily life at Cav.

My ambition for Cav road is to ensure our school is an exemplary school. Not elite. Not exclusive. But exemplary. Teaching for best impact is the key. To this end I have been working on forming the right teams, and identify exactly what needs to be addressed for our students to maximise their learning. If I can possibly mis-quote legendary coach Wayne Bennett ‘we focus on the game and let the scoreboard take care of itself’. As our scoreboard gets better each year, ‘the game’ is being played well and we look always to playing it better. I couldn’t imagine having a better team of associate school leaders and teaching and support staff for that to continue to be a reality.

New staff to Cav road this year number 14 teachers in total following the retirement of several long serving staff and a couple of transfers. I extend a warm welcome to these ‘new to Cav’ professionals.

As we adjust to the ‘new normal’ I trust families if affected by the disruptions imposed by Covid, are coming through the other end of a difficult time, and we look forward to a much better year ahead.

Richard Usher BA LLB Dip Teach
Executive Principal

Head of School (Curriculum)

Darren Beebe

ATAR Celebration Parade

Congratulations deservedly go to our 2020 Year 12 students on achieving the best year EVER at Cav in senior outcomes. Students, teachers and parents are to be congratulated on these outcomes with not only excellent ATAR achievement but also a wide range of vocational outcomes achieved for students will all eligible students achieving the Queensland Certificate of Education.

On Monday 8 February, we welcomed back the ATAR 91.5 and above students (equivalent to OP 1 - 5) to a whole school parade to congratulate them on their achievements and to wish them well as they move onto further education.

Each past student received personal acknowledgement for their achievements whilst the Senior Prefects shared with the audience the 2020 successes of the past Year 12s as well as 2021 plans for university. It was great for the 2021 CavRoadians and teaching staff to hear about the wide range of University courses being taken this year.

We look forward to continuing this new “Tradition” in 2022 with our next group of students exiting Year 12 with the New QCE and ATAR result.

Lions Youth of the Year

The 2021 School Captain, Codee C, was recently crowned the Holland Park branch Lions Youth of the Year. Congratulations Codee! Codee competed against six other school leaders from local high schools in this first round event. On Saturday 13 February, Codee participated in an interview in the morning followed by delivering a prepared speech in the afternoon. Participants are also given a very challenging task of responding to two additional “impromptu” questions to the audience without time to prepare a response. The two questions were

• The pandemic has presented a series of challenges and opportunities and given us a time to reflect. What are your major discoveries during this period?
• Australians have always been very enthusiastic travellers. As the outlook improves and travel returns, where would you like to go and why?

Codee provided a range of thoughtful and insightful responses to these impromptu questions.

Congratulations Codee!

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day was celebrated at Cav Rd on Friday 12 February with the Student Council delivering roses and serenades across the school. Students (and some teachers) were able to purchase a serenade. Teams of enthusiastic singers then travelled the school during break times playing and singing to students and teachers. I took the photo below when the students sang a serenade to me (Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars!), courtesy of Mr Cox. Thank you, students that was a lot of fun!

The Student Council had a great day and performed wonderfully contributing to an amazing spirit on the day as well as raising funds for the important causes that our students support.

Darren Beebe – Head of School

Head of School (Teaching and Learning)

Catherine McCarthy

Welcome to 2020

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all new families who have joined the Cav Rd community in 2021 and a welcome back to all those who have returned. I hope that the start of the New Year has gone smoothly for your families and that students are now in a routine with school and other commitments.

This year we continue with our focus on building a strong culture of wellbeing and community at Cav Rd. Mr Nick Faulkner, the Head of Department Wellbeing spent time with staff on the student free days outlining the key themes and messages of our PSC and PS programs, which are at the core of our wellbeing program. PS and PSC occur at different times during the year, so you may find your student talking about PSC during Term 1 but later in the year, PS may be the topic of conversation. PS and PSC can be quite confusing initially but I hope this explanation helps you to know what your student is talking about or provides you with some language to ask them about the program.

PSC – Pastoral Care

Horizontal Wellbeing (Year level)

Pastoral Care is a year level based program promoting the growth and wellbeing of each student. It focuses on cultivating an environment and culture that supports the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of every student. The program uses evidence based learning activities of ‘The resilience project’ with focus areas of gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and overall Emotional Literacy.

PS – Peer Support

Vertical Wellbeing (7 – 12)

Peer Support is a vertical house based program promoting connectedness and community spirit. It focuses on explicit teaching of the 5C’s and what it is to be a Cavroadian by Peer Support leaders (trained senior students). Our peer support program aims to empower students with practical skills and strategies to positively navigate life and relationships, improve resilience and engender a greater sense of responsibility. They provide real life context and guidance to students, add value to classroom discussions, activities, and emphasise a real life approach.

Supporting these programs and our student body as a whole are our Deans of Year Level. If you ever have questions, need clarification, or are unsure of who to speak to, please reach out to the relevant Dean of Year Level and they will be able to assist you.

Road Safety

One part we can all play in keeping our Cav Rd community safe is adhering to the parking signs in and around our school. Before and after school can be extremely busy times but please take the time to consider where you are dropping off and picking up your student.

Elgar St offers a dedicated drop off and pickup zone. Cavendish Rd has a range of signage depending on the time of day and bus routes, so check carefully.

At no time should you stop on a yellow line, even if just for a moment. Similarly, please do not drive in to the school grounds or use school driveways to collect your student. If there is an accessibility issue because of injury etc, then please contact Student Services to make arrangements. If you are using surrounding streets, please pay careful attention to our neighbours driveways and do not obstruct their access.

Catherine McCarthy – Head of School

Parents and Citizens’ (P and C) Association

Meetings

Welcome to 2021 at the P&C! It was wonderful to be able to meet face to face in the Resource Centre again for our first meeting of the year on 16 February. After successfully running online meetings through Teams last year, we got really fancy this time and combined in-person with Teams. We are happy that so many parents and carers were able to join either in person or online.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 16 March at 7pm with our AGM first, followed by the General Meeting. Details will be on Facebook closer to the date.

Wanted…

• Your interest in getting connected – complete our volunteer registration form -

• Two P&C Executive positions that must be filled at the March meeting
  - Secretary – maintains membership list, minutes, correspondence. A great way to get started on the Executive. No experience required, and it is not overly time consuming.
  - Vice President (Communications) – this is a fun role if I do say so myself. It involves updating Facebook, writing these P&C newsletter items once a month, liaising with the school admin team, canteen and uniform shop and keeping the web page updated. It is a great position for anyone who enjoys social media and/or writing and is a great way to keep up with everything that is happening.
• Volunteers in the Canteen and Uniform Shop - whatever time you can give is appreciated.
• Helpers to support our community events.

Uniform Shop and Canteen News

• We had a cracking “Back to School” period this year. We’ve received some really great feedback about the process and will be looking to continue improving throughout the year.
• Remember that second hand uniforms are always in high demand.
  - Donate (to those who can do with some assistance) at the Uniform Shop or Student Services.
  - Excess donations are sold via the Uniform Shop (face to face).
  - Buy and sell second hand uniform items via the private Cav Rd SHS Second Hand Uniforms Facebook group (P&C administered, but we do not take responsibility for transactions).
  o Apply for membership via Cav Rd P&C Facebook page, look for the 2nd Hand Uniform group under “groups”, click “join group” and answer the questions. An administrator will approve as soon as possible.
• The Canteen is back in full swing serving our students and staff delicious breakfasts, lunches and snacks every day. Remember, lunches can be pre-ordered before school to save time during breaks.

Other P&C News

• This year we once again donated a senior tie to each Year 12 student on the first day of school. This is the second year of what we hope will be an ongoing tradition to thank the students for their contributions to the school over the years and in recognition of the cost of uniforms to families throughout the school years. The tie is a symbol of leadership and we are already proud of the Year 12’s again for stepping up as the school’s senior cohort.
• Follow us on Facebook to stay abreast of all the latest news.

We are looking forward to a great year in 2021.

See you all at the next meeting!

Melanie Rieger
Vice-President Communications
Cav Road SHS P&C Association

Canteen News

Welcome to Cav. Road Year 7’s and all our new and old students. Hope you have had a chance to come and check out the Canteen.

Forgotten your Breakfast or lunch then don’t panic we have you covered, we are open for Breakfast and Pre Ordering for Lunch from 8.00am every morning…avoid delays getting your lunch so come and place an order and we’ll have it ready for you. We have lots of wonderful choices on offer with our Summer Menu.

We’ve had a really busy start to the New Year, but don’t be deterred by the queue at first break. The line moves very quickly and once you are inside the air-con is great to cool you down while you make your choice. A reminder for new students that first break is our main break for hot meals, so please make sure that you grab your first choice during this break as there are no guarantees that we will have it available at 2nd break.

To make your Canteen experience even smoother we suggest linking your Student I.D. card to the Canteen via the MSA link below. This will enable you to auto top up and there is no minimum spend limit in the canteen. It also prevents the need for your child to carry cash or Bank Cards to school.

Some of the older students may have noticed that we have changed milk supplier from last year, this is due to a more extensive range available to us from the new supplier.

For the new Students we would like to remind you of a few rules in the canteen:

• NO BACKPACKS ALLOWED IN CANTEEN
• HATS TO BE WORN ON HEAD AND JACKETS ON PROPERLY IN CANTEEN
• SANITISE HANDS UPON ENTRY

As with all school canteens we could not function without our valuable volunteers and we are always looking for more. If you have a spare few hours during the term and would like to be involved in the school community please contact us as we appreciate any time you are able to help us out. No previous experience necessary.

To our new volunteers, we are very excited to welcome you to our team and hope you all enjoy your time with us!!!

Here is to a great 2021.

Roberta & Madonna - Canteen Convenors (Ph: 3394 0723)

Finance

Cavendish Road State High School is a cashless school.

How to Make Payment at Cavendish Road State High School

DET Preferred Payment Method - BPoint

Please use the CRN (Customer Reference Number) located on the bottom left hand side of your invoice. Payment can be made through the Payment Portal:

This is a secure site and receipts are issued immediately. Our records are updated within 24 hours.

Copies of invoices and receipts are available on your QParents Portal. Payments can also be made in QParents.

Payment Plan Via eDDR (Electronic Direct Debit Registration)

Contact finance@cavendishroadshs.eq.edu.au or phone 07-3394-0777 to speak to our Finance Team to discuss a payment plan.

By Phone with a Credit/Debit Card

Please phone 1300 BPoint – 1300-631-073.

When making a payment please have your invoice ready as you will need your CRN (Customer Reference Number) and Invoice Number.

In Person at Cavendish Road State High School

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8.00am to 1.30pm on school days.

Payment can be made by EFTPOS. American Express not accepted.

CentrePay Deductions

Please contact our Finance Team to discuss this option.

Finance Team

Guidance Support Services

Welcome to the 2021 school year. After the crazy year last year we hope that you are getting back into the routines of school and have been off to a flying start. We would like to take this opportunity to outline our service and introduce ourselves.

The Guidance Support Services assist students to maximise their potential and allows concerns to be addressed with care and dignity. The Guidance Officers (GOs) at Cavendish Road State High School endeavor to provide and assist in the delivery of a broad range of services that contribute to support and wellbeing interventions responsive to the school community needs. Therefore services are broad and include; support and counselling on educational, social, behavioural, careers, family, mental health, and general wellbeing issues. In addition we assist community members to utilise external service providers allowing provisions for a range of support avenues. As there are new members to the team we would like to use this opportunity to introduce ourselves to the community and advertise that appointments can be made by contacting the Guidance Officer via email or students can make an appointment by dropping into our offices in B block. Although year levels are attached to the below GOs there may be existing connections or availability issues that may necessitate involvement from different GOs. Please do not hesitate to email if you have any questions or concerns.

General enquires can be made to 2025_GuidanceOfficer@eq.edu.au

Guidance Team – Jane Larson, Alycia Wilkinson, Rob Stewart and Michael Lynch

Senior Schooling

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Karyn Trapp and I am the Senior Schooling Head of Department.

I look forward to working with you and your student this year to ensure they achieve success in their senior programs.

We have started the year by making some changes to students’ programs to ensure that they are on a successful pathway to achieving their QCE (Queensland Certification of Education) which is the certificate that Year 12 students receive on exit to state that they have successfully completed their senior studies.

Year 12 students have commenced their summative assessment for many of their General subjects this term. Students need to ensure that they have organised a workable study schedule for this year and have that in place by now.

Year 11 students have also been making many changes to their programs this year. It is important that the students are studying subjects that they enjoy, are good at and know that they will be able to achieve good results in.

The opportunity to change subjects has now ceased for Term 1 and students wishing to make any further changes must speak to myself or one of the Guidance Officers.

I encourage all Year 11 and 12 students to consider taking up the opportunity to have a teacher mentor this year to assist them with managing their school program and outside commitments this year. Many students are already involved in the program. Students are invited to contact me to link with a suitable teacher to work with in 2021.

Tutoring Sessions 2020

This year, many of our faculties are offering free tutorial sessions after school. We strongly encourage students to attend the tutoring sessions for the relevant subjects. It is an excellent opportunity for students to receive extra assistance from our staff to help them with their homework or assignment work or prepare for exams.

The schedule is below for your convenience and is also located on our school website.

Year 12 ATAR Estimate Interviews

Over the next coming weeks, I will be seeing our Year 12 ATAR eligible students to share their ATAR estimate range with them. Students will be informed at the interview that the ATAR range provided is only a possible range that they may be capable of achieving at the end of Year 12. The calculations have not taken into consideration the summative assessment that the students have started to complete this year. It is only the summative assessment results (and that of the external exam in Term 4) that will contribute to the students’ ATAR so the information that I will share with students is purely a guide at this early stage. It will provide me with an opportunity to reinforce with the students what strategies they need to be adopting and what conversations they will need to be having with their teachers in order to achieve the highest result out of 100 for each of their subjects that may contribute towards their ATAR. We will also be able to investigate possible career pathways should a student feel that the ATAR program is not the most appropriate pathway to follow to ensure success.

Senior School Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Year 11 and 12 students – School based traineeships are regularly advertised on student notices (SOBs). Traineeships are starting to come available. If hear of a traineeship you are interested in please see K16 Senior School staff.

Year 10 students – The Trade Taster program is scheduled to occur in Term 3. Trade Taster is a program hosted by TAFE SkillsTech where students have the opportunity to sample an area in the trade industry e.g. Automotive, Electrical, plumbing. The Trade Taster program allows the students to experience what it would be like if they were to attend a TAFE course during year 11. Applications for the program are being taken now. Students who have been successful in gaining a place in the program will have been notified via email.

Year 11 Work Experience – Thank you to all the students and family support for students registering for work experience by the due date. Work experience is taking place from 27 April to 30 April. Students will receive their placement details by week 8.

For more information, please contact Jodie Anderson on 3394 0784.

Karyn Trapp – HOD Senior Schooling

Year 10 News

Year 10 Deputy Principal News

It gives me great pleasure to welcome 388 Year 10 students to the new school year.

I am already impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and attitude towards their school life. Our boys have embraced the wearing of the white shirt and the girls the senior tie. So, well done everyone.

During the lunch breaks I hear conversations around the Rite of Passage, Kokoda Challenge, the possibility of work experience and the Trade Taster program in Term 3 - all of which encourage our young people to remain engaged in their learning. I know many have already established routines for learning at school and at home which is sure to put them in good stead for their preparatory subjects for Year 11.

Year 10 is also the year of the SET Plan. Our Guidance Officer, Ms Wilkinson along with our PSC teachers, look forward to delivering the Career Education program during PSC lessons in Term 3. This will culminate in your son or daughter putting their SET Plan in place and selecting their subjects for senior studies in Years 11 and 12.

Until next time.

Liz van Genderen - Deputy Principal

Year 10 Pastoral Care Programme 2021

This year in Year 10 PSC, we are building on the foundation that was established last year with our new Rites of Passage programme. Year 10 is a time when our students transition from junior school to senior school and also take those first important steps from childhood to adulthood. As such, we recognise that it is imperative that we acknowledge this important period in these young people’s lives.

Furthermore, here at Cavendish Road State High School, we believe that it is also essential to provide our students with an opportunity to further develop characteristics that they will need to navigate their way through their senior studies and beyond. We strive to provide a holistic approach to education and this includes encouraging our students to be productive and well-intentioned citizens.

With this in mind, our Rites of Passage programme requires students to commit to and embark on a journey that involves setting themselves either a personal challenge or contributing to our school or local community. Some students have already committed to participating in the Kokoda Challenge or completing the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Others may decide to contribute to at least one charity that our school is involved in this year whether that be in the form of personal participation such as shaving their hair for Shave for a Cure or raising a certain amount of funds to help one or more charities. They may also decide to contribute to the advertising campaign of a charity event run at school such as The Fred Hollows Foundation which our school supports through our Silly Socks Day. Other students may commit to working towards improving their effort, behaviour or academic achievement in one or more subjects and seek to highlight their efforts through results attained in their Semester 1 report. These are only some examples of the goals our students can set for themselves and it should be noted that they are not limited by what will take place in our school. Some may choose to design their Rites of Passage programme around something they are passionate about that they do outside of school such as acquiring a coaching ticket in a sport of their choice.

Ultimately, it is hoped that the outcomes for all students result in them acquiring or further developing important personal characteristics whilst positively contributing to both our school environment and the wider community. Our executive and senior leadership teams, as well as our teaching and non-teaching staff, are very keen to support our Year 10 students in attaining their goals through this programme and we hope that parents and carers will also encourage their child to participate in, commit to and complete this important milestone.

Sarah Potter – Year 10 Dean

Year 7 News

As we reach the end of week 3 we have already we have achieved so much in such a short time. The Year 7 students seem to be finding their feet in their new environment. For many, they are running around, making friends and enjoying the experience of high school and being a Cavroadian.

Our Orientation Week was a roaring success, with students enjoying all the activities and programs that were on offer. All classes participated in a variety of team challenges and PSC programs that focused on developing resilience, relationships and courage.

On the Thursday of week 1, students participated in the inflatable incursion that occurred during class time. Students had the opportunity to race each other and bounce around in a relaxed environment, which saw many of them stepping outside of their comfort zones and making new friends. Along with this, students were also provided with a sausage sizzle, with many students being able to have seconds (much to their delight).

As I have walked around during the past few weeks, I have seen many happy faces and heard many interesting conversations take place between students. By all accounts, I think our Year 7’s have assimilated into high school life seamlessly.

The next challenge that your children will have to face is in Week 5 - the Year 7 ‘Resilience’ Camp. As you know, we are taking our newest Cavroadians to Noosa North Shore, where they will participate in stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, archery, indoor climbing, laser tag, hiking and a variety of team challenges that promote our students to develop resilience.

This camp will run throughout week 5, with 7A – 7F attending Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, whilst the second group, 7G – 7L, will be attending camp Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

I have listed below some further key information related to each group:

When students arrive at school in the morning they should provide their PSC teacher with any medication that was listed on their medical form. This medication must be presented in a clear zip-lock bag that is clearly labelled with their first and last name. Any additional information in regards to the medication should be clearly written on a piece of paper and placed in the bag.

Students will also be receiving an additional equipment list in PSC on Monday 15 Feb (Week 4). However, there is also a copy of the equipment list on the original camp form if you wish to start shopping or organising earlier.

Finally, it was so wonderful to meet so many parents at our Year 7 Information Night last Thursday. Again, should you have any concerns in regards to your child’s wellbeing or camp, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jessica Roberts - Year 7 Dean
jcrob0@eq.edu.au Direct staffroom phone: 3394 0731

The Arts

Media Arts @ Cav Rd

The Creative Arts department is excited to have two new classes of Year 9 students choose the elective of Media Arts this year, and see this subject grow within the school. The junior curriculum elective subject of Media Arts is a pathway (but not a prerequisite) to the general senior subject of Film, Television and New Media.

In Media Arts students examine media texts such as film, television, news, documentary, social media, advertising, apps, video games, multiplatform projects, music video, photography and digital art. Similar to Visual Art, learning and assessment in Media Arts is divided into the two areas of:

1. practically designing, making and producing texts, and;
2. responding to texts.

Year 9 students who chose the semester elective this year are studying two units. The first unit is titled “Binge Breakdown” and students are examining how popular media texts hook audiences and creatively explore, make and interpret stories about people, ideas and the world around us. The second unit is “Culture Jamming,” and students will examine how and why organisations and individuals use media to express issues and viewpoints.

For students choosing Media Arts in Year 10 in 2022, the units covered will be “Genre Re-booted,” examining how and why genre is used and manipulated to create representations in media texts. “Virtual Worlds” examining how physical, digital and virtual spaces are influenced by societal, cultural, political and economic factors.

Media Arts teaches essential 21st century skills like using technology, teamwork and creativity. Pathways from senior Film, Television and New Media can lead to careers in advertising, arts administration and management, communication, design, education, film and television, and public relations.

To compliment Media Arts, a Film Club will run each Thursday afternoon from 3pm-4pm in PAC35. Any student with an interest in media is welcome to come along for some additional tutelage and to share their ideas and projects.

If you have any questions or queries about this new subject in the school or can offer your professional expertise as a guest speaker, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kindest regards,
Tracy Laidlaw, Media Arts Teacher - talai0@eq.edu.au

YEAR 7 MEDIA ARTS

Students have begun the term gaining an understanding in design and photographic elements as they have been exploring the techniques of how to take a good photograph, which will assist them in their major task titled Land of the Giants. In this task students will explore scale, as they narrate a story through a series of photographs displaying an object or person as their giant.

Angie Carrara – Art Teacher

YEAR 7 ART

Inspired by the Hermannsburg Ceramic Artists based in the Northern Territory, the Year 7’s have started the term creating clay vessels responding to multicultural perspectives, personal themes and symbols.

The Hermannsburg School is an art movement or style, which began at the Hermannsburg Mission in the 1930s. The movement is characterised by watercolours of western-style landscapes that depict the vibrant colours of the Australian outback.

Some students have never experienced working with clay before so their interaction with this media is courageous and inspiring. We will keep you posted on the work’s development and resolution across the term.

Sarah Hickey – Art Teacher

YEAR 9 ART

Students have begun this term with the unit titled Viewpoints, where they have been asked to reflect on how we view everyday objects and our surroundings. During the course of the unit students will be experimenting with mediums such as photography, drawing and painting. Students have begun with some observational drawings outdoors, inspired by Australian artist Howard Arkley. Skills such as perspective drawing, tonal and colour techniques will be utilised to construct a painting further into the term.

DRAMA

Welcome to 2021 and an exciting year within the Drama classroom! This year we look forward to working with your students both within the classroom, attending incursions and excursions and being involved in Drama and Dance Club, and Theatre and Dance recreational sport. Staff within the department are Coordinator Toni Ryan tryan122@eq.edu.au and Holly Banks hbank22@eq.edu.au

Year 7 Drama

2021 is off to a great start with two fabulous classes of Year 7’s immersing themselves into the wild and wonderful world of Drama. Students have been learning about and experimenting with Dramatic Elements, as well as strengthening performance skills of voice, movement, and even stage combat. We cannot wait to see these impressive students perform excerpts from plays such as “Burnt” and “Lockie Leonard” up on the big stage.

SHREK Excursion

On Tuesday 2 February Year 10,11 & 12 drama students ventured into QPAC’s Lyric Theatre to view our first evening production. We were transported from the classy interior of the foyer into SHREK’s SWAMP very quickly. What an enthusiastic, colourful, humorous and incredibly clever production. With 30 students dressing to impress we had a wonderful evening.

Our next theatre excursion is in March, with students viewing a Cabaret Production Bigger and Blacker at La Boite Theatre.

Creative Arts Program

For families who were unable to attend the Year 7 evening we offer a Creative Arts Program for Year 7 students who are interested in Drama & Visual Art. This is an extension program offering incursions run by professional artists and excursions immersing students into the Arts culture within Brisbane. Application forms are found on the school website, look for Creative Arts and Application forms. This form can be completed on line and emailed.

Toni Ryan - Creative Industries and Arts Drama Coordinator

2021 PERFORMING ARTS DATE CLAIMER

DRAMA & MUSIC

MUSIC

Enthusiasm resonates throughout the classrooms of our Performing Arts Centre as our junior cohorts engage with the rudiments of Rock and Popular music. Our Junior Music program provides a wide scope of valuable learning experiences, engaging the beginner musician whilst extending the experienced students through collaborative learning.

Our unit on ‘Popular Music’ invites our students to engage with contemporary repertoire, building on cultural capital and 21st century skills through: composition, performance, and musicology. Whilst guitar and percussion have been of popular interest amongst our junior students, the keyboard has been a recent ‘crowd favourite’ as our music halls emanate with sounds of the ’12 Bar Blues’.

Michael Gillingwater – Music Teacher

English

The school year is certainly up and running and most of our students have settled into their English classes well.

The 2020 ATAR results were released and I would like to congratulate the 2020 Year 12 cohort who did exceptionally well in English. As individuals and as a year group they achieved wonderful results despite the enormous disruption to their learning throughout last year. These students were able to overcome any setbacks and achieve some of our best English results ever. Congratulations also to their teachers for their commitment, professionalism and going the extra mile for these students.

As for this term students in Years 7 -10 will completing a unit of Narrative writing, using our Seven Steps to Successful Writing program. Our senior curriculum sees both Year 11 and 12 General English complete a Persuasive Spoken Response; Year 11 and 12 Essential English complete an Extended Written Response and Year 11 and 12 EAL also complete an Extended Written Response.

All resources will be uploaded to students’ Class OneNote. Class OneNote can be accessed both at school and at home. This means that students can complete their work if they are absent from school or need to revise any lessons. There is an expectation that students will complete homework for English on time and in full. Any issues with this, they must speak with their classroom teacher as soon as possible before the lesson it is due. They can email or see their teacher in their staffroom.

From Week 5 to Week 10 of Term 1 there will be a Tuesday afternoon English tutorial session from 3-4pm in the Resource Centre. This isn’t a lesson, but a chance for students to work in a quiet space to complete English class work, homework or assessment with access to English teachers.

I look forward to continuing our success in the English department in 2021.

Jo Cuba – Head of Department, English

Year 9 English

Year 9 English has started off with quite the sizzle this year. We are in the thralls of learning how to successfully write stories utilising the 7 Steps for Writing Success. 9F has taken part in an activity that was created to engage every single one of the human senses using a simple lollipop. They were tasked with using their experience of receiving the lollipop and creating a sense of anticipation and excitement, whilst writing a sizzling start to engage an audience. The emphasis was placed on the senses and writing as descriptively as they could, using the evidence they had created from their lived experience. The class went above and beyond with the task, taking it in their stride and excelling with the activity.

Below is a student exemplar written by Charlie C.:

We were in class. My teacher forbid the taste of the sweet, pink lollipop. My mouth watered as I smelled the sweetness of the lollipop. And that face… the face on the lollipop lit up as it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever had the honour of even looking at. “Charlie? What are you doing?” the teacher questioned. Tears poured from my eyes as I was forced to look away from the dazzling picture that was the lollipops face. “Oh nothing Miss,” I replied with a saddened voice.“Alright class, you may now taste the lollipop.”

Skyah Fishpool – English Teacher

Humanities

In Year 7 Humanities students had the opportunity to participate in a hands on incursion for their Archaeology unit. The University of Queensland provided the school with some precious artefacts for the students to study. Most of the artefacts were 150-320 thousand years old, one may even have been one million years old! The students stepped into the role of archaeologists and examined them in detail. They worked together to make educated guesses about the artefacts, they hypothesised potential materials used to make them and possible ancient civilisations they may belong to. As a cohort, the students showed curiosity, maturity and enthusiasm in this amazing opportunity to learn about the ancient past.

“It was very interesting learning about the civilisations, materials and the purpose of each artefact. Each individual artefact was unique, different and interesting. This experience influenced all the grade sevens and helped us understand all about ancient artefacts.”
Sofia P., Year 7 Student

“I found archaeology very interesting as it is important to humans because many people like to know, understand, and reflect. The study of archaeology allows humans to understand where we came from, and possibly understand our own human nature.”
Rohan R., Year 7 Student

“We all enjoyed learning about Human history, studying interesting artefacts and seeing ancient tools. But most of all we loved making up ridiculous hypotheses in class about how we thought events might have occurred based on fragmented artefacts.”
Sam T., Year 7 Student

Shivani Kumar – Humanities Teacher

Languages

Japanese Report

Year 12 2020 Japanese Results

We were extremely pleased with the Year 12 2020 Japanese results. They were well above the state average, with over half the cohort achieving results in the A range and the remaining students receiving results in the B range. One student, Lucia B. received an overall score of 100. Taran P., Ashley H., and Harriet H. achieved scores above 95 and Youran H., Kaori M., and Sam O. received scores over 90. It was nice to meet students at the recent ATAR Celebration Parade and learn that many are planning to continue Japanese at university and use Japanese in their future careers. All Japanese students receive bonus ATAR ranks towards their university entry for satisfactorily passing a language at Year 12 level.

IML Summer Language Enrichment Course Scholarships

Many of our Japanese students won scholarships for the UQ IML Summer Language Enrichment Course in January for study either on-campus at UQ or online. Dylan Wildman of Year 11 reports on his experience below:

“Over the recent Summer Holidays, the University of Queensland held their High School Language Enrichment Program. This was the first time that I have been involved in one of these courses. The course was a few hours each morning and covered a wide range of topics each day. We not only learnt new grammar, we were also able to discuss Japanese culture and learn more about the traditional Japanese lifestyle. We created a short presentation about our futures after school, and how we might want to use Japanese in the workforce. The most rewarding part was challenging ourselves to talk with each other in Japanese. We had a lot of fun.

This course has strengthened my interest in the language and the Japanese way of life. I would strongly recommend this course to people who are interested in learning and improving their Japanese.”

Year 7 Japanese

By now our Year 7 students are settling into Japanese classes and are working on mastering the hiragana script. It is vital to their success in Japanese that students can read and write hiragana. All students have a hiragana booklet to complete and have access to a range of online tools such as Education Perfect and Quizlet to help them practise recognition. They should also have an Obento Deluxe workbook. Please check in with your student and ask them to show you their Japanese writing. Below is a link to a YouTube clip to show you what they are learning, and also a link to an online recognition game. Students also have access to many more online games through their Japanese Class Notebook.

Year 11 -Omiya Koryo SHS Email Exchange and Onigiri Fun

Although it is uncertain when we will be able to enjoy face-to-face exchanges again, our students our still maintaining contact with students at our sister school, Omiya Koryo SHS, in Saitama, Japan. During the summer holidays our Year 11 students began email and online exchanges with the Omiya Koryo students and we hope to maintain this contact throughout the year. In Japan, people are still very hopeful of holding the Tokyo Olympics in July this year and are looking forward to the event.

Finally, our current Year 11s also celebrated the end of their junior Japanese study at the end of Year 10 by making some Japanese rice balls (onigiri). Please enjoy their pictures.

Ms Balfour – Japanese Teacher

Sport @ Cav Road

What a start to the year we’ve had. In only just a few weeks Cav Roadians have been making the most of their opportunities to show their achievements in sport. They wear the Cav green with pride and chase those dreams with great determination. Here are some of our students’ sporting achievements so far this year.

Head of House

These staff will support the Sports Coordinators, HPE staff and Student Leaders in building house spirit and in making our house carnivals a success for all. Congratulations on your appointment and thankyou in the advance for your efforts throughout the year ahead.

Head of House 2021 (Staff):

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

The 2021 Cavroadians put their house spirit to the test at the Sleeman Pool. It was Covid safe event, only allowing all Year 12’s to attend and pre-nominated swimmers. A fantastic day, with the overall winning being PAGE House.

4th Place 266 points – HARROP HOUSE
3rd Place 364 points – JOHNSON HOUSE
2nd Place 386 points – HARPUR HOUSE
1st Place 432 points – PAGE HOUSE

Swimming Age – Champions

Congratulations to these students on their achievement of Swimming Age-Champion for 2021.

Mt Gravatt Primary District Sport

It was a very strong swimming standard at the recent Mt Gravatt Primary District Swimming Trials, with the following students representing Cav Road for the first time; Yuki McM. and Roan S.. Both students represented themselves very proudly. A special mention to Yuki, as she was selected to have the opportunity to compete at the Metropolitan East Regional Swimming Trials in early March. Well done to all our swimmers and welcome to Cav!

South District Secondary Sport

Congratulations to the 38 students that represented the Green Machine Cav Road at the recent South District Swimming Trials. Well done Cav! What a great day! Congratulations to those that have progressed through to Met East Regional Trials in mid-March.

Interschool Sport – Summer Season

Sport is compulsory for all students at Cavendish Road State High School. Students from Years 7-12 participate in either Recreational sport or Interschool sport (Selection Process only). Interschool and Recreational sport is offered on both Tuesday and Wednesday across all grades. The Summer Season progresses through until mid-April, including Metropolitan Final Series for some sports. Students are expected to communicate with their coaches regularly, listen to notices and check their emails for any weekly organisation details about interschool sport.

Cav Road Sport Team

Key Sport Coordinators for 2021

• Junior Recreational Sport Coordinator – Mr Kalpakidis- Year 7, 8 & 9 Recreational Sport
• Senior Recreational Sport Coordinator – Mr Baker
  - Year 10, 11 & 12 Recreational Sport
• Sport Director – Ms Bairstow
  - Interschool Sport, South District, Mt Gravatt District & Met East Trials

Student Sport Leaders 2021

Congratulations to the following students on their appointment for this year. We know you’ll have a great year and involve yourselves in everything sport in every opportunity possible.

SPORTS CAPTAINS 2021:

Zac M. & Levi S.

HOUSE CAPTAINS 2021:

Johnson: Jacob D. & Hunter R.
Page: Georgia C. & Sam C.
Harrop: Jemma B. & Billie M.
Harpur: Cara C. & Heath C.

Representative Sports Trials

Across a range of sports, students may nominate to trial at district / regional representative levels. Students must collect official paperwork from Ms Nikki Bairstow in W Block. Approaching trials are advertised through student emails and daily notices.

High level sporting success

If your child has represented Queensland, Australia or Senior age State League in the past 18 months to 2 years in any sport, please contact Ms Bairstow (Sport Director). We are exploring how we can better support all high-level athletes across our school.

GO CAV!

Ms Nikki Bairstow – Sports Director, nbair4@eq.edu.au

Student Services

School Photos

Student photos have been taken by My School Days Photography in week 1 and week 2 of this term. If you are wishing to place an order you still can, please see below how to order online.

Lost Property

Please remember to write your child’s name on all their personal items. There are many unnamed lost property items awaiting collection at Student Services, (B Block). If you lose any personal belongings please go to Student Services as this is a collection point for Lost Property.

Community News

Duke of Edinburgh – Leader’s Report

Duke of Edinburgh in 2021 is beginning to take a life of its own! Forty-one new recruits have signed up to the Award this year, along with the already existing thirty participants completing it at various stages. Thank you all for the overwhelming support with the program and here is to a 2021 full of success!

For those students who have not signed up for Duke of Ed as part of trimester sport, please ensure you look out for notices on meeting times!

Bronze Adventurous Journeys

Those students who have already been completing their Awards are due to go on their Practice Journey in Week 5 – next newsletter will have a full report on how well they have gone. Please keep them in your thoughts over the 26-27 February as we hope they succeed in working together harmoniously throughout the two days in the Moreton Bay region.

Silver Adventurous Journeys

Due to COVID-19 in 2020, the Silver Journeys did not go ahead. Therefore, this year will be Cav Rd’s first Silver AJs run. The students will be going to the Numinbah Environmental Education Centre and spending three days orienteering in the bush. Those students involved will need to keep an eye on notices and make the meeting dates towards the end of the term.

Keri Vincent - Cav Rd DoE Award Leader

Enrolments Year 7 Entry 2022

Enrolments are now open for 2022 and interviews for Siblings and In-Catchment will be taking place in March. If you have a child who is entering Year 7 for 2022 please make contact with our Enrolments Officer on 3394 0777 /
enrolments@cavendishroadshs.eq.edu.au to register now. First round interviews will be held for In-Catchment Applicants at the end of Term 1. Submit your Expression of Interest now! You will be invited to the Year 7 Enrolment Information Session on 9 March 2021.