18 February 2022

Newsletter Articles

Executive Principal’s Report

I welcome new families to Cavendish Road Sate High School. I trust your child’s induction to high school has gone well and that stories related at home indicate a really positive start where he or she feels a sense of belonging: the first step to success at school. Though we had a staggered start on the first day this year, I felt it important that after an extended summer vacation and learning from home in week 1 for seniors, not a moment be wasted to have our young people back at their desks and with teachers in front of them.

We had a smooth start and it was great to see smiling faces and many students really happy to be back at school and looking sharp as Cavroadians do.

Our academic outcomes of achievement last year were the best on living record despite the challenges to teaching and learning these last couple of years. It is my intention this year we continue to quietly get on with the business of great teaching & learning in 2022.

I could not imagine a more extraordinary start to the school year. I trust families are managing life generally ‘as close to as we were once used to’.

As Covid ‘shape-shifts’, this once in a hundred years event of pandemic means we have to remain resilient, though it is tiring and testing, and follow the science as we are much better informed and advanced than one hundred years ago.

Our school is also much better prepared as is our education system becoming more agile in not only responding to, but trying to get ahead, predict and project how we deliver schooling to our young people. See below for how our school is managing Covid.

The “Roadmap to back to school” requires schools to limit a number of activities at least until early March but we are ‘normalising’ as much as possible the general school life for students. For the time being, excursions, field studies and camps won’t be going ahead while school sport can operate. Sport may be amended due to venue restrictions or other measures that may apply. Parents and carers will be advised well ahead of time where such changes are made and need to be communicated. Student assemblies also are on hold for the time being.

Some venues make request to be provided with a list of students who are double vaccinated. I want to make it clear that I will never release personal information of any kind to another organisation or person on any matter unless required to by law. Venue operators of course have other means of permitting entry.

Learning is our priority.

Particularly for new families to our school, our strategic plan that I presented to the community having surveyed the potential of our school since 2018 and laying foundations in 2019, that by 2020, has one particular aspiration: that Cav Road be an exemplary state school. The language was carefully chosen. What does exemplary actually mean?

There are a number of things to see evident in our school for that to occur and the last 2 years an evolution of 3 key elements of where if ‘visible’, serve as tangible points of reference to real school improvement beyond the ‘shiny objects’ approach of school ‘image’. Image has to have substance.

Those 3 elements are: a vibrant culture for all students to thrive, teaching that has measurable impact on student learning, and ensuring that every student grows in their learning, year on year. These things may seem fundamental but are core to our accelerated school performance.

Each one of these elements is broken down into strategies and actions. Parents will see much of this work in the wellbeing investment and emphasis in our school from a welfare team to the extensive co and extra-curricular opportunities, the rigour we place in meaningful curriculum and impactful teaching, and that every child, through inclusive and differentiated practice can learn, grow, achieve and excel – we just have to know where to start and at what pace.

Our good news story is the results of our Year 12’s in 2021 not being fazed, achieving exceptional pass rates, ATAR scores, meeting expectations and delivering on aspirations we hold for our students.

It is no secret that Cav Road is in the top performing group of schools in Metropolitan Region. We achieve this ‘status’ by being authentic, and not about ‘meeting or beating’ the school down the road, or the newer school in another suburb. In fact, our school is a benchmark for many others. Doing the right work in the interest of our young people. Results will take care of themselves where the leadership at every level in our school doesn’t take success for granted but analyses and reflects on what we did well in that work, and celebrate what our young people achieve and what we can do next for Cav Road to stay at the leading edge of learning.

Internet connectivity. Our internet band width upgrade requested last year, being delayed interfered with the on-boarding of Year 7s with their iPads, and general classroom activities making life a little frustrating for both teachers and students. This issue was fixed by end of the first week and our band width and has now been doubled. Further upgrades are due in the near future.

New staff. This year we welcome Mr Marty Davey as our IT Infrastructure Manager. Mr Davey was previously the Regional Systems Technician for the Metropolitan Region, Education Queensland and comes to us with a wealth of knowledge to make our IT systems that teaching and learning relies on, to be efficient, accessible and reliable.

Mr Davey has already worked with and problem-solved for many parents and students getting used to our school’s IT environment and made our transition to BYO iPads for Year 7 relatively ‘painless’ despite the early connectivity issues. Mr Davey is keen and able to assist and problem-solve.

Enrolments & Staffing. We also have a number of new staff due to growing enrolment that this year tops 2065 students and our largest Year 7 cohort, ever. Our proportion in-catchment students continue to grow as predicted with fewer places being available to out of catchment enrolments resulting. It is a state-wide issue impacting both government and non-government schools of the availability of some specialist teaching staff. We have a good grasp on this for the work Deputy Principal, Mr Hazzard does in sourcing and recruiting, and of course we retain staff as a preferred school in which to teach. Industrial Technology teachers are difficult to source.

Though we are fortunate to some degree to have teachers who are able and qualified to teach across areas this will be an on-going issue. Part of our response is to look at other options within the syllabus area and what were once traditionally ‘trade-based’ or traditional ‘workshop’ subjects delayed as offerings in the curriculum. This also ‘fits’ with students wishing to pursue trades-based apprenticeships in their senior years at school and a shift generally to design, manufacturing, construction etc. requiring new methodologies and skills.

Facilities. This year I have “re-branded” our school library/Resource Centre as our “iCentre”. A rose by any other name, not so. Anyone who has ventured into a modern “library” these days will know what that looks and feels like and what functions it performs. If such a facility does not lend itself to knowledge acquisition, as opposed to information gathering, the building itself in my view should be re-purposed. This year we welcome Ms Jess Owens, a trained Teacher-Librarian, a position we have not had for some years. Ms Owen is tasked with re-imagining our “iCentre” where students can research, collaborate, create and compose: in other words, value add to their learning.

Toilets. This has been a vexed issue for all of my time at Cav Road. I thank parents who have contacted me this year also concerned. It is a matter being dealt with daily and is not being ignored. Though we have had $23 million invested in our school since 2015 to new buildings and facilities to general learning, the Arts and HPE/Sport and excellent Science laboratories and playing fields etc. the original toilet facilities were sufficient in number for our enrolment capacity.

This means we did not receive new facilities unless required in these builds to meet new building standards. But we have refurbished several blocks at our school expense and expect to see a complete re-build of our N/T lower block toilets and change rooms start sometime this term under a special project from EQ that is much appreciated. P & C has committed to assist with re-modelling others this year for which we are also grateful.

A persistent problem that must be addressed and within parent support at home is to get the message to some students who think it is OK to vandalise a public toilet or change room. Sad to say we have a few anti-social children who under cover of anonymity, that may otherwise not behave in such a way, would seek to break locks, door hinges, soap dispensers that are replaced as matter of daily routine and expense. This adds to the unattractiveness of older facilities. Vandals need to be reported. Vandals are dealt with.

I wish the remainder of the term is productive, safe and calm.

Richard Usher BA LLB Dip Teach
Executive Principal

Some things to know about a school’s role in managing Covid

• Rapid antigen tests. Our school has received it’s allocation of RATs. All state schools across Queensland have received a supply of RATs. Further deliveries are scheduled over the coming days and weeks.
  - RATs are provided to symptomatic staff or students, and are to be used for self-testing at home and are not administered by staff or students on school sites.
  - Schools will use a register for recording when they are given to staff, parents or carers.
  - RAT supplies are replenished on a need basis.
• Face masks. All staff – both primary and high school, as well as high school students, including those who are under 12 years of age, volunteers, family members, contractors and other visitors must wear a face mask. There are a number of exceptions to wearing face masks that may apply.
• Face masks will be provided to students, where requested, each time they are required.
  - For full details of when to wear a mask at school, see our Face masks page. Please also regularly check the Queensland Government website to stay up-to-date with the current COVID-19 restrictions for wearing face masks as this advice can change frequently.
• Notifying the community about confirmed cases
  If a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified in our school, the school community must be notified and reminded to monitor for symptoms, stay home if unwell and get tested if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
  - I will communicate with you where appropriate. For example, to inform the families of an individual class, or a year level,
  - Further communication will occur If after 5 business days there continues to be confirmed cases in our school, and a further update will be sent out to families.
  - The identity of individuals within our school who have a positive test result will not be disclosed for privacy reasons
• If a child presents with symptoms. Isolating symptomatic students
  - If a student who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms while at school, they will be isolated in a safe place and made comfortable until their parent or carer collects them.
  - We will ensure the student is safe, sheltered, comfortable and can be supervised.
• If staff and students have been in contact with a confirmed case during the course of the day, they are not deemed to be close contacts as defined by the Chief Health Officer. Therefore, they do not need to be isolated or sent home, unless they are displaying COVID-19 symptoms or are unwell.
• Check In Qld app. Earlier this week the Premier announced that the Check In Qld app would is no longer required at businesses or venues where there is no requirement to be vaccinated to enter, such as supermarkets.
  - Please be aware that as schools do have a vaccination mandate, the Check In Qld app is still in use.
  - Schools can use the Check In Qld app to confirm the vaccination status of visitors, including volunteers, contractors or visiting specialists.
  - The app is not required to be used for parents or carers unless they working as a volunteer at the school.
• Promoting vaccinations for young children
  The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect ourselves, our families and our community. Social media content and images are available on OnePortal for schools to share with their families.
• Further information
  Stay up to date by regularly checking the Queensland Government COVID-19 website

Head of School

Darren Beebe

Congratulations deservedly go to our 2021 Year 12 students on achieving outstanding results across a range of measures. Whether it be QCE, ATAR, VET or alternate studies the 2021 cohort should feel justifiably proud of their results. 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.

Early each school year we welcome back the ATAR 91.5 and above students to a whole school parade to congratulate them on their achievements and to wish them well as they move onto further education. The recent Covid restrictions have caused us to postpone to a date to be determined. If we can find a future date where our past Year 12 students are available, we will invite them to the school to congratulate them and their parents on their achievements. Each past student will receive personal acknowledgement for their achievements by the 2022 Senior Prefects highlighting their 2021 successes as well as 2022 plans for university. We look forward to welcoming these 2022 CavRoadians later this year.

This parade will also include the announcement of the 2021 Dux. Commencing with this cohort there will be two awards presented and recognised. The first will be the “Top of the Class” Dux being a ATAR-Eligible student with the highest non-scaled total score (each subject is out of 100) as well as the “ATAR” Dux, the student with the highest ATAR. It is also possible for the same student to receive both awards. An outstanding achievement and honour for these one or two students each year.

Year 7 students have presented at school with their iPads – the new BYO devices from Year 7 at Cav. I would like to thank all of the parents for their support in completing all of the required steps to have the students connected to the school network. We are nearing 100% connection and have started supporting students where their own iPad has not yet been delivered. The demand for the latest version iPad 9 as well as supply and delivery delays caused by Covid has meant most but not all students currently have their device.

In introducing the iPad, Cavendish Road SHS is striving to make learning contemporary and to ensure our students have the right tools to engage, learn, and grow. This change has been introduced based on teaching and learning reasons. In 2021 the school went through a process of investigating technology for learning including the effectiveness in learning and learning outcomes. The school consulted available research as well as collecting information from students and teachers. The conclusion was that the technology provided to students must consider how our young people learn and engage with their learning. International research clearly indicates computers in the hands of students does not equate to improved learning outcomes. Computers, by themselves, do not make students “smarter”. The surveys of students indicated that laptops were primarily used for document creation and accessing web content or teacher developed resources. iPads will be used for these functions but also have a wide-range of applications that are designed to support and enhance student learning and independence.

Head of School

Catherine McCarthy

Welcome to 2022

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all new families who have joined the Cav Rd community in 2022 and a welcome back to all those who have returned. I hope that despite the unusual start to the year, your students are now getting into 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, Deputy Principal 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 during Period 1 on a Monday during different terms throughout 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 (Terms 1 and 3)

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 (Terms 2 and 4)

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. Students also meet in Peer Support each morning for 10mins to have the roll marked and hear important notices for the day.

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 neighbour’s driveways and do not obstruct their access.

Please remind your student to be very aware when coming transiting to and from school. Crossing Cavendish Rd in front of the school should be done at the controlled pedestrian crossing in front of Gate 3. If students are crossing on Elgar St, they should use the refuge island and be very aware of traffic both ways. Students waiting for buses at either Elgar St or Cavendish Rd inbound should wait within the school gates and follow the instructions of staff on bus duty.

Local police and Brisbane City council regularly patrol the streets around our school before and after school.

Parents and Citizens’ (P and C) Association

Parent and Citizens’ Association

Welcome to 2022

If you’ve never attended a P&C meeting here at Cav Road, I can assure you that our meetings are worth your time. They are efficient (rarely run over an hour); often entertaining; a great way to gain insight into extra activities and opportunities for students; and an easy way to meet the leadership team to understand how this busy school hums along throughout the year.

The P&C also coordinate events, volunteers and manage the Canteen and Uniform shop. To contribute, you can volunteer your time in the Canteen, attend our meetings and events, or join the Executive team.

Each year during the Annual General Meeting all executive roles are declared open. Our current President, Kumar has indicated he is willing to continue for a third and final year, so we are hoping to fill a Vice President role with someone interested in assisting with an operational overview of both the Canteen and Uniform shop.

We are also looking for a volunteer Treasurer to work alongside our awesome bookkeeper. The role doesn’t require too much work as our bookkeeper does a lot of the jobs required. Time Commitment – 2.5 to 3 hours per month (including 15-20 minutes each week to authorise bank account transactions and wages for the P&C)

• Willingness to learn
• Good with figures and technology
• Training/Handover will be provided by outgoing Treasurer

Other roles we are also keen to fill include the Events role, and if any parents have Grant writing experience – this is also an area we are often in need of help. For more information about any of the roles please contact Kumar via president@cavrdpandc.onmicrosoft.com. Application forms for executive roles and membership form links are all on our page of the School’s Website:

Meetings

Our first P&C meeting for 2022 was held on Tuesday 15 February at 7pm online via TEAMS. We hope to offer an in-person meeting option next month in the School Library (via Gate 1) for our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 15 March @7pm.

Our P&C Facebook page will post the TEAMS meeting link and members receive a link via email. Like us on the Cav Rd P&C Facebook page for the latest news or join our mailing list and receive copies of minutes by emailing pandcsecretary.cavrd@gmail.com.

CRIMS Musical Events

CRIMS stands for Cav Road Instrumental Music Sub-committee and is a volunteer committee who meet through the year to help support the music program and assist in organising events giving students performance opportunities.

We hope to be back with a full performance schedule in 2022. If you'd like to become involved - look out for our Cav Rd Instrumental Music Subcommittee (CRIMS) meeting dates on the P&C page of the School Website.

Canteen

Our summer menu can be viewed on the School Website under Facilities.

Just a few volunteers in the morning to help label boxes, and other simple tasks can make a huge difference for us, especially as our volunteer numbers have declined over the last two years. If you’re curious about what’s involved - see details below.

• Volunteers won’t be required to handle money, paid staff take on that responsibility completely.
• Drop in from 9am and stay till 12 or 2pm and lunch is on us if you’re staying.
• Duties include folding pizza boxes, labelling containers/packaging, wrapping bread rolls, making sandwiches and assisting us with food preparation.
• Handing out pre-orders during main lunch break at 11.15am-11.45am may also be required.
• You must wear enclosed shoes and have hair tied back.
• If you are a parent of a student, a Bluecard is not required (but if you have one you are required to advise us).

It’s a fun environment with a great group of ladies. Contact us at canteen.cavrd@gmail.com if you can help.

What is MSA

My Student Account (MSA) is the online ordering system we use for the Uniform Shop. It also has the extra benefit of allowing purchases to be made by students using their student ID cards in either the Canteen or Uniform Shop.

• Student ID cards are currently being produced at School
• Option to load credit from your MSA account to the student ID card to avoid carrying cash
• Where students are using their ID cards regularly in the Canteen, parents can minimize fees by pre-loading their student accounts using BPAY – this incurs a flat fee of $1.80.
• Parents can limit daily spending to ensure pre-loaded funds are not spent all at once. It can take 2-3 days for funds to clear so it’s important parents load funds well in advance of needing to use the account.
• For uniform purchases over $100, loading via BPAY is also the cheaper fee option, than paying on the day of ordering using a credit / debit card.
• Find links to get started on My Student Account (MSA) on the uniform shop page of the school website https://cavendishroadshs.eq.edu.au/facilities/uniform-shop
• For accounts set up in previous years, please to assist our staff by updating the student’s year level on MSA.
• Remember to check the child's student ID number (including the letter at the end) has been added to their account.
• Students unsure about their ID cards, can visit the canteen in the morning to make sure it is properly set up with the correct number.

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop hours:

Monday 8am to 11.30am (open at 1st break); Wednesday 8am to 9am & Friday 8am to 9am.

We have been impacted by delays in new stock arrivals but are hoping to have everyone fitted out by the first week in March, we appreciate families understanding and patience.

We currently have a supply of second-hand uniforms. These can be purchased in store. Please note there are no exchanges or refunds on second-hand items.

Look out for updates on opening hours and stock arrivals via our FB page, which also manages the 2nd hand uniform shop group.

To apply for membership, go to the Cav Rd P&C Facebook page, look for 2nd Hand Uniform group under “groups”, click “join group” and answer the questions. An administrator will approve as soon as possible

Laena Trueman
Vice-President Communications
Cav Road SHS P&C Association

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.

Statements

Have you received a statement with a negative amount as the total?

If you have received a statement with a negative amount as the total, this means that you have a student account in credit and no payment is due. Please do not pay the negative amount on your statement.

Any credits will be applied to future invoices; please only pay the balance of the statement or invoice.

Guidance Support Team

Welcome back (finally) to the 2022 school year!!! Please allow me to introduce our Guidance Team for our new families.

As we start the school year unexpectedly with a delayed start, and the affects of Covid-19 on the community, research is showing that uncertainty is causing more anxiety in our youth than ever before, and with this impact, now more than ever what is needed is warmth, reassurance and connections. This is important in both the school and home environment. Planning and having positive routines around school readiness are important foundations for success at school. Some tips to help in the family include;

• Family schedules to plan, communicate and balance work, sport, leisure, family time and homework time.
• Consistent times and instructions around organisation of school bags and lunches
• When discussing chores discuss contributing to the household
• Rewards and acknowledge accomplishments small and large regularly

Year 12 Leavers

While reviewing 2021 Year 12 school leavers and destinations to university, TAFE and work. Cav Road had the following acceptances to post school education;

• University of Southern Queensland 2
• University Sunshine Coast 2
• Torrens University 1
• University of Queensland 35
• TAFE 5
• Queensland University of Technology 67
• James Cook 1
• Griffith University 32
• Griffith College 4
• Australian Catholic University 4

Congratulations to all our Cav Rd school leavers on the incredible amount of work it has taken to receive these offers and we all wish you the best of luck in the future with your prospects and chosen endeavours.

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

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 will cease for Term 1 on Friday, 18 February. Any 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 2022.

Tutoring Sessions 2022

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.

Please see the tutoring session schedule below for your convenience which is also located on our school website.

Year 12 ATAR Estimate sharing

Earlier this term I shared their ATAR estimate range with our Year 12 ATAR eligible students. Students have been informed that the ATAR range provided is only a possible range that they may be achieving based on their formative Unit 2 Year 11 results. 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 have shared 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. Further estimations will be shared with the students as the year progresses and will include their summative assessment results.

Senior School Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Two of our external certificate courses are now underway. The Certificate I in Construction conducted by My Industry Training and Certificate II in Tourism conducted by Axiom College commenced last Wednesday 9 February. Both courses have started with positive chatter from students regarding the engaging trainers, a fun atmosphere and interesting content.

Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways is also running on campus on Wednesday afternoons in Period 4. Students undertaking this course are completing 14 modules over the course of the year. Work experience in school holiday periods is an option for students completing this course.

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 11 Work Experience – Thank you to all the students and family support for students registering for work experience by the due date. The 2022 Work Experience Program is compulsory for students who will not be attending camp. Information regarding Work experience was emailed to families on the 15 November 2021.

Year 11 camp is capped at 169 students leaving 211 students requiring a work experience placement. Work experience is a compulsory program for these students. Students who are unable to attend work experience for any particular reason will be expected to attend school as usual over the four-day week.

116 students registered for work experience. The remaining 95 students are required to register by next Wednesday 25 February. Please refer to the email sent to families on 15 November 2021 for more detail about the program.

Students are required to register their interest by the 25 February via the following website:

1. Go to www.studentrego.com
2. enter the class code: 20751
3. Fill in the required fields. (be sure to include three industry choices)

When entering your industry choices please be aware the following are NOT currently available however, the school will be notified if positions become available:

• Police, Emergency Services & Armed Forces
• Medical (eg. Doctor, Nursing, Aged Care, Medical Imaging & Counselling)
• Legal Services (Courts & Law)

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

Karyn Trapp - HOD Senior Schooling

Year 12 Dean

The Captains Chat - Week 1 at Cav

Although 2022 started off pretty rocky, our school was finally able to welcome the Year 7s for their first day at school. Students showed a range of different emotions - nervousness, fear and excitement. A number of senior leaders volunteered on their first day to help out, hoping to create a day that Year 7 students would cherish for the rest of their lives. The seniors accompanied the junior students in their PSC classes, directing them through the first Captain's Chat activity, which introduced the 2022 leadership team. They also joined the juniors in their getting-to-know-each-other activities and gave them invaluable advice on starting high school. Indeed, the first day was an emotional rollercoaster, but undoubtedly an unforgettable day for all of us.

Our first week continued with Valentine’s Day organisation in full swing! Our prefect group made their way around the school, visiting all year levels in stylish red tutus to sell serenades, roses, and chocolates. In just one week, we have broken Cav history for the most number of Valentine’s sales – what an achievement! Serenade rehearsals went well, with the help of keen Year 12 music students to make the best Cav Road Cupids the school has ever seen. Monday could not have come soon enough!

Another special moment this week for the Year 12’s was receiving our senior ties, or as Mr Batchler would call it, the ‘knotted green’. Although, we did not get to do the traditional tie ceremony, we had our own very special ceremonies in our PSC classes. Here we received our ties then had to get everyone wearing their tie for a class photo which was quite entertaining for the PSC teachers. The smiles of joy and happiness on the students’ faces illustrated just how much pride and gratitude we have finally being able to wear them as they are something we have all been looking forward to wearing since Year 7.

And now, in Year 12 - the most important year of our high school journey, there is so much to look forward to. Valentine’s day will kick off the first of the school events organised by the prefect team followed by many others including World’s Greatest Shave, Harmony Day, the Canned Food Drive, and so much more. Of course, we can’t forget about our formal and graduation which may seem far away but will be here before we know it. We are all so excited to be considered the seniors at Cav Rd. Our cohort has travelled through the ups and downs of high school together and now, we have the opportunity to share what we have learnt with our wider school community.

Year 12 means something unique to each and every one of us, but collectively, we all want to be the drivers of positive change across the school in our final year. We want to spend the next 12 months giving back to our community and as the seniors of 2022, leave a legacy that will last long into the future!

The School Captain team

Creative Arts and Industries

A less than desirable, truncated start to the academic year. Staff reported to me that the week of online learning and student engagement was positive and productive.

It was wonderful to welcome our students back to campus in Week 3.

Students returned energised, focused and eager to resume their courses of study. I’m pretty sure from my observations last week they also thoroughly enjoyed the social interface with their classmates!

Special mention to our graduant 2021 Arts students. Results in all strands of the Arts were impressive. I look forward to equally, if not better results this year.

For those of you that enjoy visits to GOMA make sure to view the ‘Creative Gen’ exhibition showing:

28 May 2022 – 21 Aug 2022 GOMA | Gallery 2.1 | Free Each year, the 'Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art' recognises and celebrates the artistic achievements and creative talents of senior high school students from across Queensland.

We are particularly proud of Jahla Harvey and Samantha Eichler (2021 Senior Art students) whose artwork was selected for hanging in this prestigious event.

We welcome new staff to our faculty and look forward to a strong creative pulse as a collaborative team 2022.

• Ms. Chloe Evans (Music)
• Ms. Clare Convery (Drama)
• Mr. David Fenoglio (Visual Art)

I have had a number of emails asking about CAP ‘Creative Arts Program’ and succinct information regarding in particular delivery will be promulgated in the next few weeks.

I know that there are some very keen students who wish to continue in this program along with interest from Yr. 7.

Of special note is this year’s school musical ‘CHICAGO’ will involve a whole of faculty collaboration. Read more in our Drama report.

Parents please do not hesitate to contact our staff if you need clarification on any curriculum matters that may be of concern. Students will know what equipment/ materials are required to attend class, in particular charged laptops to begin the school day.

I look forward very much to another productive year in the Arts.

Genevieve Tippett | HOD CREATIVE ARTS & INDUSTRIES

DRAMA

Welcome back to school everyone. The Drama department is a buzz with Musical Call Backs, Auditions and Casting. Seniors have had a gruelling Call Back process this week, with Dance and Vocal students being cast into smaller ensembles in the coming weeks. We are so excited to be presenting CHICAGO to our school community in June.

Ms Holly Banks & 8 Drama 2021

Welcome to our new year 7 Drama students. We are very excited to have you with us in our extraordinary building learning the best subject ever.

YEAR 7 DRAMA

Welcome to an exciting term filled with physical activity, play readings, stage combat, scriptwriting and Performance outcomes. Phew, sounds awesome and exhausting.

Every student in Drama will be required to wear Theatre Blacks for Performance assessment. An example of the clothing is attached. Students must wear plain black [if possible] a stripe, emblem here or there is also fine.

Correct clothing items include -

• long tracksuit pants, dance pants, long shorts
• long sleeve t-shirts, short sleeve t-shirts
• round neck or high v t-shirts
• black socks or bare feet

SENIOR DRAMA

Let the adventure begin! It’s all systems go for our seniors, with the Year 11’s tackling a performance task (FA1) and Year 12’s jumping straight into their directorial concepts (IA2). Year 11’s will continue to expand their understanding of realism and contemporary theatre, and performance skills of both styles. The 12’s have been investigating German practitioner Bertolt Brecht and his highly impactful style of Epic Theatre. They will be reading Angela Betzien’s fantastic play War Crimes and evaluating a range of socio-political issues within the text. Students worked commendably over the online learning period, and are more than ready to take on the rigorous demands of senior drama. Ms Ryan and Miss Banks are so excited to go on this journey with such brilliant senior cohorts, and we can’t wait to see what these talented young theatre makers create.

Our Year 12’s looking very determined and motivated about the challenges to come.

MUSICAL

Welcome to MUSICAL year 2022 @ Cavendish Road SHS. It is with great excitement that we ask families to SAVE THE DATE for this fantastic production.

DATES: Wednesday 2 June – Aged Care Centres + Primary School audience

Thursday 3 June - Saturday 5 June evening performances and Saturday 5 June Matinee production.

Our talented students are currently attending Call Backs for lead roles and we are auditioning and casting minor leads, dance ensemble, vocal ensemble and back up vocalists.

If your student is excited and has not auditioned [especially if in Year 7] their chance is coming in week 4. Watch for notices everyone.

Cheers
Toni Ryan
Drama Coordinator/Creative Arts Drama Coordinator

Languages

German Report

“Willkommen in Deutsch - 2022“

Welcome to German 2022. Frau Gavranich, Frau Campbell and Frau Gallagher would like to welcome your child to German, or back to German this year. We hope that students have settled into the routine of the German classes. This year, the Year 7 students will study German for the whole of Year 7 and one semester of Year 8. The current Year 8 students will be studying languages three lessons per week in either semester one or two. Elective students in Years 9 – 12 study the subject three times per week.

This year we are hoping (Covid permitting) to offer the following excursions/incursions:

Term 1

• Karneval incursion - Year 7
• Pretzel picnic – Year 8

Term 2

• Restaurant visit - Years 9 to 12
• Film festival - Years 9 to 12

Term 3

• Language Day - Years 7 to 12
• Languages Speech Competition

Term 4

• Oktoberfest for Teens – Years 9 -12

Interested students are encouraged to listen for further details during the year.

Helping your child with their language skills can seem daunting to a parent who does not speak the language, but there are ways to assist. Letting your child ‘teach’ you their new words or phrases is a great way for your child to consolidate his/her knowledge. Similarly, there are numerous free websites which allow students to practise topics and grammar. German.net for grammar practise and languages online for vocabulary practise are highly recommended.

Finally, I recently saw an interesting article about the brain benefits of studying a second language. Check out: Trust me I’m a doctor series 8 episode 1 – Can learning a new language help boost my brain?

German Teacher – Frau Gallagher

Japanese Report

Welcome to Year 7 Students

The Japanese staff have welcomed Year 7 into their new classes. Where possible the classes are differentiated to cater for those who are beginning students of Japanese and those who have had some exposure to Japanese at primary school. There have been some changes to classes in the past two weeks but from Week 5 all students should be settled in and communication received from the class teacher. All students should have a copy of the Obento Deluxe Student Workbook, as advised in the school stationery and booklist for 2022. Please refer to the booklist should you need to order a book for your student.

High school Japanese study is more intense than that experienced at primary school level. Lessons are three times a week, as with other core subjects, and results for academic achievement, behaviour and effort are reported on. It is very important that Year 7 students understand this and keep up with both classwork and homework. Students have access to digital Class Notebooks and to Education Perfect. They are asked to access these regularly and be sure to complete any homework set. Please email your student’s Japanese teacher should you have any questions regarding their Japanese study.

Australia-Japan News and Events

During the past week it has been great to see Australian and Japanese athletes share the winner’s podium at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Australia’s Scotty James ran second to Japan’s Ayumu Hirano in the snowboarding half-pipe final.

Australia’s ties with Japan were also strengthened through the meetings between the foreign ministers of the two countries last week. Japan remains an important ally and a knowledge of Japanese language and culture could be a useful tool to those considering a future career in the defence forces.

Japan Film Festival Online February 14-27, 2022

The Japanese Film Festival Online allows viewers to watch Japanese movies in the comfort of their own home. A great selection of films has been curated by the Japan Foundation for 2022. Use the following link to access the program and select those suitable for student viewing:

Ms Balfour – Japanese Teacher

Science

Ania Bartlett – Remembering a devoted teacher

In January of this year, Cav Road sadly lost our beloved science and chemistry teacher, Dr Ania Bartlett.

Our current and past students from as far back as 2009 will remember Dr Bartlett for her stern but compassionate style of teaching. She coordinated the Year 8 Science course for many years, guiding students through lamb heart and flower dissections, microscopy and the bouncing ball student experiment. She even brought the topic of rocks and minerals to life!

Dr Bartlett set up and ran our primary school science club, in which students from local primary schools would visit our labs for interesting science activities. She would organise science week events, such as a viewing of the transit of Venus, and for many years assisted primary and beginning teachers in a program to build their science teaching skills.

Dr Bartlett bravely took on the massive job of coordinating our CRAM year book for several years. This meant she was present at all the important events with her camera. She either took the photos or chased up photos from other staff and students. She organised artwork, edited the stories and lovingly put it all together for us to enjoy at the end of the year. This was not a job she took lightly, she was very particular about ensuring that we received high quality keepsake.

Ania will be truly impossible to replace, but those of us who knew her are forever inspired by her enormous smile, positive energy and passion for science, and her unwavering desire to pass these qualities on to her students.

Ms Amanda Nuell – Head of Department, Science

iCentre News

Love a good book? Need a quiet place to study? Just want to chill? Come on down to the iCentre and make yourself and home.

We have new release fiction, manga, and graphic novels along with the classics you know and love. You can borrow a game, study with your friends, or head into M1 for a silent space to focus on your learning.

We all know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, so in continuation of the Valentine’s Day spirit why not come to the iCentre in Weeks 4 & 5 to go on a blind date with a book. Choose a mystery book to cozy up with… it could be the start of something beautiful!

You could also come down and introduce yourself to Ms Owens, our new Teacher Librarian who will be in the iCentre on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. She’d love to help you with personalised book recommendations or research tips and to hear your suggestions for how we can improve the space and the collection.

We can’t wait to see you all,

Jess Owens and the iCentre Team

Sport @ Cav Road

Football Academy

Introducing the 2022 Football Academy captains...

Year 12 Students, Lilly-Rose I. and Oscar B-B.!

We are extremely proud and honoured to have been awarded the role of captains and we aim to better the spirit and reputation of the academy to leave the program and our school in a better state than we found it. Look forward to providing you with regular updates on fixtures, results, and other news in the school newsletters to come!

We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting round one of the Schools Premier League (SPL) on Monday 28 February (Week 6). Our junior, intermediate, and senior teams will be playing Albany Creek SHS in the first of six group games. We need your help and support to ensure we get the most out of these games because it will all count by the end of the season! Students are invited to come and watch the game during the first break on the top oval to watch some great football.

At the end of the group stage, the top two teams will play-off in a Grand Final to decide who will be crowned SPL champions. This year, every single one of our academy sides is in with a great chance at making it through to the big dance.!

Lilly-Rose I. and Oscar B-B. – 2022 Football Academy Captains
Cail Turp – Football Academy Director

Netball Academy

Introducing the 2022 Netball Academy captains...

Year 10 Students, Rosalia G. and Alice T.!

Rosie and Alice were voted in by their peers to lead the Netball Academy in 2022. In their role as captains, the girls have a responsibility to be positive role models and promote an inclusive and supportive environment for all netball students. Rosie and Alice will work with their year 10 netball class to plan and run existing Netball Academy events and they will have the opportunity to introduce new events and traditions to the Netball Academy. We are looking forward to seeing the girls make the most of their new roles this year!

Rosie G. (Year 10)

When did you start playing netball?

I started playing netball when I was 6.

What positions do you play?

I play WA and WD.

What club team do you play for?

I play for Bluejays netball club at WDNA.

What do you love about being in the Netball Academy?

I love coming to class and feeling so safe. Netball Academy is such a safe space for us girls to learn netball and just have a good time. I also love how it’s not just about the top players making rep teams etc, it’s about building a family and improving girls' characters and who they are for the future.

What are your goals as a captain of the Netball Academy this year?

I love how our year 10 class has become so close this year and I would love to find opportunities to bring the whole academy closer. I’d love for the younger girls to make friends with the older girls in the academy and make sure everyone feels valued and supported here in the Netball Academy.

Alice T. (Year 10)

When did you start playing netball?

I started playing netball when I was 6

What positions do you play?

I play mainly GA, but sometimes also WA and GD

What club team do you play for?

I play for Redbacks at MDNA!

What do you love about being in the Netball Academy?

I love so much about the Netball Academy but a few main things that stand out to me are how everyone is so encouraging and supportive towards each other, the friendships I've made not only in my grade but throughout the whole academy, and I also love how much fun we always have in our lessons!

What are your goals as a captain of the Netball Academy this year?

I am so excited to be one of the Netball Academy captains this year, so I have a few main goals, which include: starting some more traditions in the academy that will be carried on through the other grades, another one is for everyone to feel comfortable and included by each other, as well as doing more fun activities throughout the year!

Rosie G. and Alice T. – 2022 Netball Academy Captains
Miss Jacqui Russell – Netball Academy Director

Student Services

Updating Information

Now that the 2022 School Year has commenced it is important for the school to maintain your child’s student record accordingly.

Have you moved address; change email account; changed phone numbers, if so please update your information by notifying the school administration on admin@cavendishroadshs.eq.edu.au

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

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.

School Based Youth Health Nurse

Back to School 2022

A big welcome to all the new cavroadian students, carers and parents.

The School Nurse works with students, school staff and parents to:

• Address concerns or problems about health and wellbeing
• Help create a more supportive, healthy school environment
• Connect people to other support services outside the school

You can talk with your youth health nurse about a range of health and wellbeing issues, such as:

• Feeling sad, worried or angry
• Peer relationships
• Personal or family problems
• Healthy eating, exercise, gaming and sleep
• Sexual health, consent and healthy relationships
• Smoking, vapping, alcohol and other drugs
• Puberty, growth and development

Students and Parents can refer to the nurse through Student Services or by directly contacting Sandra by emailing nurse.cavendishroad@health.qld.gov.au.

Social Distancing and Mask Wearing during Omicron

As school resumes back for 2022, it is important to follow current health and school guidelines around mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing. This will help limit the spread of infection and assist the school in running smoothly.

When/where required, please remember to wear your mask over your nose and mouth as shown in the photo below. If you wear glasses and struggle with glasses fog, try using a blue surgical mask and putting it on first, making a seal at your nose. Then put the glasses on afterwards.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

How to use face masks — coronavirus (COVID-19) | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

All the best for 2022!

Sandra Chesney - School Based Youth Health Nurse
Email: nurse.cavendishroad@health.qld.gov.au
Ph: 3394 8839 (Every Thursday and Friday in L Block)

Community News

Duke of Edinburgh – Award Leader’s Report

The start of a new year brings new opportunities for a group of keen students who want to take part in the Duke of Ed program at Cav Rd. So far, we have had roughly 15-20 interested souls wishing to take part in an Award that gives purpose and opportunity to young people.

The program is extremely rewarding for all who take part. It helps others build relationships with their peers, as well as teaching them responsibility, organisation, and independence.

Over the holidays, we have had some successful students complete their awards, despite the current climate putting a stop to a lot of events. Congratulations to Evie E. (Year 10) and Sydney M. (Year 12), who completed their Bronze and Silver Awards (respectively).

If you are someone who has missed out on the information for Duke of Ed, please see Mrs Bell or Ms Vincent in K4 asap (nominations for the new group of participants closes this week).

Ms Vincent and Mrs Bell – Duke of Edinburgh Coordinators

School Photographs

All students in Years 7 to 12 have had their student photos taken over the last two weeks by My School Days Photography. Each student will be provided with a Student Identification Card over the coming weeks. Parents / carers are able to place an order for their student photos by ordering at MySchoolDaysPhotography.com and using the order code: 6d8z7

Should you have any questions in relation to the online ordering please call My School Days direct on 1800 778 868 and they will be more than happy to assist.

Any online orders will need to be placed by Friday 25 February to ensure delivery by end of March.

Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association

Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association are currently looking for people interested in refereeing football. We are a community of 400+ members that support the local communities across Brisbane, by facilitating football games from 6 year’s old children to adults.

We are a not-for-profit organisation and our aim at the BRLRA is for our members new and existing to be:

• Healthy & fit, by running around the footy field each weekend
• Happy, being a part of the football and local communities
• Earn some tax-free money

Courses for new referees commence from the 1st of March.

We are looking for not only children over the age of 13 but also parents, family, teachers, and principals looking to get involved. At the BRLRA we strongly believe that getting kids into our community and teaching them to referee football is not only good for their overall health it also teaches them basic life and work skills, like multi-tasking & how to manage 26 kids at once. We aren’t specifically looking for people who already have football knowledge, just anyone over the age of 13 looking for a challenge, keen to have some fun, get fit and earn some money.

Please see the QR code below which will link to our onboarding document or click here for the same link. We welcome all experience, sizes, and ages (over 13 for legal reasons). Please check out our website if you have more questions Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association (brlrefs.com.au)

Thank you in advance for any support you can provide us. My contact details are below if you wish you reach out with any questions.

Casey Reese
Secretary
Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association Inc.
Mob: 0400 280 881
Email: secretary@brlrefs.com.au