A very warm welcome back to Term 3. I trust you and your family had an enjoyable and relaxing break, during the mid-year holiday period.  It is great to see our students and staff back energised and already immersed in the extensive opportunities that present in yet another event-filled term.

I very much look forward to seeing our students continue to embrace their school experience, harness their talents, challenge themselves and inspire one another as we begin our new semester.

Term 3 is always a valuable time in the school year—a chance to build on the progress made in the first half, and to focus deeply on learning, growth, and wellbeing. Over the coming weeks, our staff will be working closely with students to ensure strong academic progress, continued development of essential skills, and engagement in enriching activities both in and beyond the classroom.

At the end of Term 2 you should have received your child’s Semester 1 report card via email.  I would like to congratulate students for the tremendous effort that they put in throughout Semester 1. I strongly believe in transparency of performance and I would like to share our student results.  Across the school, 91.7% of our students received an A-C in all of their academic subjects.  As a school, we have spent time analysing this performance and have set goals to continually improve as we work through Semester 2. 

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent Teacher Interviews were held on Tuesday 22 July and I cannot stress how important these meetings are as they provide a valuable opportunity to discuss feedback on how students are progressing in their studies. Your involvement as parents and important partners in learning plays a vital role in supporting your child’s success and future goals.  If you were unable to attend these meetings and are seeking feedback, please contact your child’s teachers.

Like any great achievement, success in the end is determined by sustained effort across many weeks, months and years. Preparation, support and encouragement are key to ensuring our students, your children are set up for success. We all thrive when we know our team is behind us. Let us start Semester 2 strong and give Cairns State High School students the best chance to succeed.

 “Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect.” - Bob Keeshan

Executive Principal Update

I would take this opportunity to share with you some important information in regards to Chris Zilm and the Executive Principal role at Cairns State High School.  Chris has made the decision to extend his leave until the end of the year and then depart Cairns State High School and cease employment from the department.  I will continue in the role as Executive Principal until the end of the year whilst the department undertakes a recruitment process for the permanent position to start in 2026.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible leadership, dedication, and heart Chris has brought to Cairns State High School and our Region. His vision, compassion, and commitment have made a lasting impact on students, staff, and the entire community.

He has not only been a remarkable principal and colleague but also an inspiration to many. While we are all sad to see Chris retire, I am sure I can speak on everyone’s behalf that we are so grateful for the time we’ve spent with him and the legacy he leaves behind.

Chris- you will be greatly missed by the Cairns State High School community and wishing you all the best in your next chapter.

As always, I encourage you to stay connected with your child’s learning and to reach out to us with any questions, feedback, or concerns. We value your support and look forward to working together for another successful term.

Mr Frank Brunetto - Executive Principal

Please see the below message from Chris Zilm that he wanted me to share with the Cairns State High School Community:

Dear Parent/Carer or Student,

I have made a decision to continue my leave until the end of the 2025 school year at which time I will officially retire from the Department of Education and my role as Principal of Cairns State High. Despite returning from a long vacation at the start of year and believing that I might continue for one or two years more, circumstances change and life has convinced me that the time is now right for someone else to take over at Cairns State High School. 

The great news which truly shifted the goalposts is that my youngest son, Sam and his partner Amrita are expecting their first child, and our first grand daughter in January. Strangely the pull to be in Brisbane near them is overwhelmingly strong and we will be leaving Cairns at the end of October. 

It has been a remarkable and positive leadership journey for me at Cairns State High School where I have witnessed and enjoyed staff, students and families all working to be 'the best we can be'. And the outcomes and achievements have been astounding. Attainment in School based traineeships, work experience take-up, ATAR and QCE attainment, attendance, NAPLAN, our semester Level of Achievement rates and school opinion survey results are amongst the best in the state - and our belief that students should be at school to learn has meant we have the lowest suspension and cancellation rates, the highest completion rates and biggest graduating cohorts in the region.  

My Staff, the Leadership and Executive teams are of the highest quality and I am grateful for their willingness to engage in initiatives, work together with good humour and professionalism and keep focus on the best possible outcomes for our young ones. I will never forget the collegiality and friendliness of staff - moreover their willingness to accept feedback and work together to improve practices and processes.

If there were ever a time to 'go out on top', it's now. Family is calling in Brisbane, my health is not an issue and life beyond the school gate awaits  Michelle and I. 

I started teaching in Port Augusta in South Australia in 1987, became a Deputy Principal at Malanda SHS in 1999 and then Head of Middle School at Bentley Park in 2001. In 2003 I won my first Principal position at Toowoomba SHS with its two campuses and joined Cairns SHS in 2016. I could not be more privileged to have concluded my career at Cairns State High and I shall be forever grateful. 

Thank you students, parents/carers and staff for being so wonderful and creating a positive and high-achieving school community. 

Regards, Christopher Zilm- Executive Principal

Monday Morning Tea and Lunch

• Activity: Cooking Damper and Scones
• Details: Try your hand at traditional baking!

Tuesday

• NAIDOC Parade 10:00am-11:30am Bou-Wa
• Welcome to Country
• Traditional Dancers
• Video Presentation
• Food: Scones and Damper available during Morning Tea

Wednesday Morning Tea & Lunch

• Cultural Activity:
• Coconut Weaving with Elder Mrs. Bethel Baker and family

Thursday Morning Tea & Lunch

• Creative Workshop:
• Jewellery Making with Delissa Walker

Friday – FLORAL FRIDAY

• Theme: Wear your favourite floral print.  Fund-raiser: Gold coin donation – proceeds go to QATSIF (Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation) donate here.
• Lunchtime Fun Morning Tea & Lunch
  • Clontarf & STARS games
  • Face Painting

Debtor Statements are sent out monthly to the fee payer of students that have either outstanding fees or a credit (-) on the account.

For Y11 and 12 students, please check these Debtor Statements to see if there is a Textbook Resource Allowance (TRA) Credit on the account that needs to be applied to School Fees, the Camp Invoice or the Formal Invoice. Please email studentaccounts@cairnsshs.eq.edu.au or phone reception 40503033 to request this credit be applied.

Y11 Camp and the Y12 Formal have been invoiced to all students in these year levels, if your student is NOT attending or PAYMENT HAS NOT been received these invoices will be adjusted off after the due date as the student will not be attending.

Y7, 8, 9, 10 students; this week invoices will be sent out to student in who have changed subjects in Semester 2.

Outstanding Fees: Should you have outstanding fees on the account, please contact studentaccounts@cairnsshs.eq.edu for PAYMENT PLAN assistance.

The Arts

Cairns High to Host APSA Student Jury Day – Saturday, August 23

Cairns High is proud to be hosting the Asia Pacific Screen Academy (APSA) Student Jury Day on Saturday, August 23.

Selected students will join a private jury screening to view and judge three stand out films from the Asia-Pacific region. Their votes will determine the winner of the 2025 Asia Pacific Young Audience Award—a prestigious recognition in international youth cinema. 

The event runs simultaneously across Queensland, connecting Cairns High Film students in Years 10–12 with peers from other schools. Students will also take part in live Q&As with the film makers, gaining exclusive insight into the creative process. 

Invitations will be sent via email to eligible 10, 11 and 12 Film students—don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something global!

Photography 

We’re thrilled to announce that Jorja Lee won the Photography section of the 2025 BLA Cairns Show Billboard Competition! Her image is now printed HUGE on the Cairns Show Billboard towards  Barlow Park.

A special mention to Kyte Gatti, whose work also won awards, and a big thank you to Ms. Fiona Musgrove who supported the students in this competition.

The Cairns High A Block Foyer Gallery is currently showcasing a vibrant collection of work from Year 10 Art and Certificate II in Visual Arts students. 

The exhibition features a range of personal and expressive approaches across painting, mixed media, drawing, printmaking—and a creative blend of all of the above.

A big thank you to Mr. Beresford for curating this exhibition.

Be sure to stop by and take a look!

David Marsden | HOD of Arts

International Students

Welcome to Our 34 New International Students!

This term , Cairns State High School proudly welcomed 34 new international students from across the globe — including Germany, Norway, Italy, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. We’re thrilled to have such a diverse group join our school community, bringing with them unique perspectives, languages, and cultural experiences.

To help them settle in and feel at home, the first week featured orientation sessions designed to introduce students to life at Cairns SHS. They also had the chance to explore the beautiful Cairns Esplanade and get to know their new surroundings. A special highlight for our Year 11 international students was the engaging Roaming Wild presentation, where they met some of Australia’s most iconic animals — a truly memorable welcome to life down under!

Next week, our Year 10 Study Abroad students will continue discovering the wonders of Cairns with Mrs Wearmouth, our International Coordinator, who will lead them on local excursions and cultural activities.

All of our international students have now begun their classes, and we’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Cairns SHS students, staff, and wider community for the warm welcome and support. These interactions help foster enriching and meaningful experiences for everyone involved. We encourage all students to say hello and make our new classmates feel welcome.

Looking ahead, Term 3 is shaping up to be an exciting one, with Cairns SHS hosting five Japanese study tours. These groups will be supported by our amazing student buddies, who help visiting students experience all that our school has to offer.

If you’re interested in becoming a host family for our Study Abroad students or visiting Study Tour groups, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at: international@cairnsshs.eq.edu.au or homestay@cairnsshs.eq.edu.au 

Your support makes a world of difference — thank you for helping us create unforgettable experiences and lifelong connections. Welcome again to our international students — we’re so glad you’re here!

Rachel Wearmouth | international@cairnsshs.eq.edu.au 

Music

Following the success of the Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod, students at Cairns State High School have returned to Term 3 music studies with renewed passion and enthusiasm. Ensembles, bands, orchestras, and choirs are thriving with a busy schedule of performances and collaborative learning.

Highlights this term include an inspiring Music Night, student involvement in prestigious programs like Creative Generations (MOST) and the Young Mannheim Symphonists, and a masterclass with Opera Australia. Special recognition goes to Erin, who proudly represented the school by singing the National Anthem at the Cairns Show. Click here to read more and view great pictures.

Thank you!

Thank you, parents, for your ongoing support of our young musicians in their home practise routine. Making time and space at home for individual homework completion is essential to personal and team success. Most of our students have worked out a routine that works with their busy schedules, other activities and ‘academic’ homework. Students should be practising most days at home. There should be no students leaving instruments overnight, or over the weekend. At Cairns State High school, our parents have partnered with our teachers and encourage regular practise, ensure timely attendance, and celebrate progress. Your support makes the world of difference in your child’s musical journey.

I have been doing a bit of light reading recently, if you’re interested in scientific literature regarding music and its profound effect on the brain.

What’s happening next in music?

Choral Fanfare

Chorale, for many years, have been considered the pinnacle of Choral performance in Schools from a State and International perspective.

Every two years, Chorale takes part in Fanfare, an Ed Qld initiative that encourages choirs of all standards to share performances, in front of an adjudicator, and if chosen, advance through the heats and hopefully win through to the finals, held every two years in Brisbane.

Following our ‘win’ last term at CPAC, we have recently received the exciting news that we are invited to the State Finals held in Brisbane Conservatorium theatre, on 16th August.

From previous years, and from our ongoing collaborations around the State, we know that the standard is exceptionally high, the judging rigorous, and Chorale is well prepared.

We wish Chorale the very best in their final preparations! Good luck to you all, we are proud of what you achieve, and the standards of excellence set by Lauren Hannay.

Australian Percussion Eisteddfod

Good luck to our Senior Percussion Ensemble and their esteemed teacher Jonathon Barbagallo, as they travel to Brisbane this weekend to take part in Australian Percussion Eisteddfod, held in Brisbane. Flying this Friday, staying in Brisbane for two nights, the boys are super excited!

Saturday, the group are involved in Masterclass, following this, the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod is being held at St Peters Lutheran College.

Taking part in the competition are some of Australia’s leading and brightest young percussion ensembles, including community groups (older students). We wish our fine young percussionist the very best of luck as they represent our school. Thank you to Emma Baker, Lizanne Smith and Jonathon Barbagallo for attending the camp alongside our boys and thank you to the parents who are also making the journey to support CSHS and their children.

Good luck to our 10 percussion enthusiasts – Josh Apostol, Harrison Baker, Tobias Beaven, Oka Beresford, Rafael Cole, Minkyo Jung, Jackson Mulherin, Joseph Seo, Joshua Seo, Viktor Swiggers. 

Year 12 Senior Music and Music Extension Recital, St Monica’s Cathedral

We warmly invite all parents and members of our school community to join us for a very special evening celebrating the musical achievements of twelve dedicated young musicians.

Our Senior Music and Music Extension class have been working all year on personal performances. For Senior Music, our students have prepared 2 extended performance pieces (Internal Assessment 1 and 3), and for Music Extension, have prepared to extended performance pieces (IA1 and 2), plus another longer item for Internal Assessment 3.

Our students are used to performing as part of an ensemble, and for all year 12 Internal Assessment items this year, we have performed in front of each other, sharing peer and teacher feedback to improve and grow as young performers.

We extend our sincere thanks you Ashely Cawse for his skill and generosity as their accompanist and thank our committed music teachers for their expert guidance, encouragement and care.

The Senior Music and Music Extension Recital will be held in St Monica’s Cathedral, Lake Street – Thursday 7 August, 6pm – 8pm. We hope to see you there.

Iconic

We're excited to announce that Cairns High Iconic will take place on Wednesday, 10 September. Tickets will be available very soon via Ticketlink. As you know, this is one of the most popular events on our school calendar, so we encourage you to secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment.  Performing at Iconic 2025 – Drama (selected TBA), Dance (selected TBA), Film, Chamber Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Big Band, Chorale. Thank you for your support – we look forward to seeing you there! 

POE – Year 6 – Year 7 transition afternoon – Tuesday, 19 August

• 3:30pm – Welcome and discussions with Admin (Bou-Wa)
• 4:15pm – 5.30pm – In POE specialisms (Musicians E28)

Every year, we welcome CSHS new intake of talented young musicians to join us for an afternoon of information and collaboration. The Transition afternoon is an opportunity for the teachers to meet their new students for 2026, and an opportunity for parents and students to meet us!

This year, new students who have been successful in the audition process will start the afternoon of with discussion from leadership, then split into their perspective groups.

POE Musicians will come to E28 to take part in a joint rehearsal with our teachers and accomplished musicians from CSHS. We have music specially prepared for every child and parents will be able to join us for this open rehearsal and informal concert to conclude the afternoon.

Please look out for the information from our Administration team. We are very much looking forward to meeting you all.

Calendar for Music

Please see our latest calendar for events and what’s on in music for Term 3 and 4.

We have had a wonderfully full, enriching and rewarding calendar of events this year, and we look forward to finishing the year off with equal gusto and passion.

Thank you all for putting the dates in your family diary, being prepared.

‘The strength of the team is each individual member; The strength of each member is the team.” Phil Jackson, 1995, legendary NBA coach – Chicago Bulls

Maureen Cameron | Director of Music 

Science

Science Week  at Cairns High 11-15 August 

Engineer the future - free STEM Night

Engineer_the_Future_Free_STEM_Night are FREE events for students in Years 3-5 and/or Years 7-9, taking place in Cairns during National Science Week at both CQU and JCU.

Monday 11 August at CQU 5:00pm - 8:30 pm Building and Programming robots.

Thursday 14 August 5:00pm-7:30pm Egg drop challenge and building and testing paper airplane launcher.

Spots are limited and spaces fill up quickly to these engaging and fun events, so please register your attendance through CQU and JCU.

Kim Wilson |  HOD of Science

Senior Pathways 

Year 10 Future Pathways

Year 10 is the time when students make informed decisions about their senior studies and future career pathways. In Career Connect, students have been thinking about their future through job and workplace exploration which will culminate in their work experience placement next term. Following the work experience placements, students will embark on the next phase of their learning journey - the SET plan (Senior education and training plan).

The SET plan, maps out a plan of action for students to achieve their education goal or intended learning option and supports students to remain on track for success in senior secondary and meaningful post-school pathways. Possible education goals include: the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), the Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA), Vocational Education and Training qualifications and full-time employment.

myfuture is the national careers platform provided by Education Services Australia. It aims to build the career decision-making capabilities of students and provide targeted support to the key influencers in their lives: teachers, career practitioners, parents and carers.

Visit myfuture External link to access a range of online tools and resources to support primary and secondary school career education activities.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET is a meaningful pathway option that students may choose as part of their senior secondary studies and contributes to their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Students working towards a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) may also undertake VET. High quality VET provides the foundation for students to build the skills that lead to successful employment outcomes, and support students to enter the future workplace as informed, capable and active lifelong learners.

BLA Cairns Careers Expo

The Expo brings together a vast range of education and career providers to inspire our community and students in Years 10, 11, and 12 with their decision-making. Our exhibitors consist of a large cross-section of vocational providers, apprenticeship and traineeships providers, strong industry representation, and tertiary/university institutions who will be there to answer all your questions.

This Expo is the only event of its kind in Far North Queensland — and it is also open to the general public, parents, job seekers, and those looking for information on a career change. We welcome you to come along.

For more information and to request a 2025 Expo Exhibitor Application Pack, please email us. Email : admin@bla.org.au or phone 0403 724 093.

Sarah Daggett | HOD Senior Pathways 

Sports

Assessment Schedules

Welcome back to Term 3. It is a very busy term for the Year 10 cohort in particular. All event details for both Year 10 and Year 9 are provided below. Please check your school email for Semester 2 Assessment Schedules for Year 9 and Year 10, they have been emailed home and are also available on the school website.

Year 10 Coordinator

Palm Cove Reward Day Excursion

Last week, our Year 10 students enjoyed a well-earned day out at Palm Cove as part of their Reward Day celebrations. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to relax, bond, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Activities included fishing, swimming, beach flags, tug of war, sand sculpting, and a scenic town walk. The atmosphere was full of energy and laughter as students competed in friendly beach games and cooled off in the ocean. A big thank you to the staff who supported the day and made it a memorable experience for all.

Senior Jersey

Orders are now being taken and close on the 10th October to ensure Jerseys are received by Term 1, 2026. Click this link to order.

Year 10 parents/carers please ensure you choose this Years design with 27 on the back not 26. For more information on how to find your leavers jersey size, click here.

Orders close October 10th to ensure delivery by Week 1, Term 1, 2026. Don’t miss out!

What’s Coming Up in Term 3
Term 3 is a busy one for Year 10, with many important and exciting events ahead:

• Work Experience – Week 3
  Students will gain valuable insights into the world of work and explore potential career pathways.
• Silver Duke of Edinburgh Hike – Week 4
  Students continuing with their Duke of Ed journey will embark on their adventurous Silver-level expedition.
• Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Hike – Week 5
  After their successful practice hikes, Bronze participants will complete their final challenge in Week 5.
• SET Plan Interviews – Week 5
  These interviews are crucial in helping students map out their senior education pathways and future goals.
• Year 10 Informal – Week 8
  A chance for students to celebrate the year with their peers in a relaxed, social setting. Details to follow soon!

It’s shaping up to be a vibrant and formative term for Year 10. We encourage all students to stay engaged, prepare well, and make the most of every opportunity.

Assessment Schedules Semester 2

• Please find the Assessment Schedules for Year 7  and Year 8
• It is recommended students print these, highlight their subjects’ assessment and place these in a visible place to support the study and planning of assessment.
• If you have any questions relating to the assessment, please contact the class teacher in the first instance and then the Head of Department.

Year 8 Coordinator

Welcome back to Term 3 and the second half of the school year! It’s been wonderful to see our Year 8 students return with renewed energy and a positive attitude. Semester 2 marks an important stage in their learning journey, and we’ve already seen fantastic engagement, enthusiasm, and growth across the cohort. 

This term, our students have been engaging in exciting new opportunities to explore their future pathways. One standout experience has been our partnership with James Cook University (JCU) through the JCU x CSHS Careers Program. Students recently participated in a career quiz designed to help them reflect on their interests, strengths, and possible future careers. It was a fantastic chance for students to start thinking about the journey ahead as they move through school and begin shaping their goals.

In the classroom, students have continued diving into rich learning experiences across all subject areas. Highlights include our Connect program, which has encouraged students to build stronger peer relationships, explore personal growth, and develop resilience. The Wellio program has also continued to support student wellbeing, with positive feedback from both staff and students. 

Outside the classroom, our Year 8 cohort has shown fantastic spirit and teamwork in sport and extracurricular activities. From competitions to lunchtime clubs and leadership opportunities, it’s been wonderful to see students trying new things and supporting one another.

As always, we are proud of the way our Year 8s are growing. Not just academically, but as kind, respectful, and curious individuals. We look forward to a strong finish to the term and more memorable moments to come