Welcome to 2025

Welcome to a new school year! I’m excited to see all of students back, and for those joining us, welcome to our community!

This year promises to be full of growth, learning, and opportunity. Let’s embrace challenges, stay curious, and support each other.

Our school is a place where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Remember, hard work and determination lead to success. - and being able to handle a challenge, learn from failure and take responsibiity for decisions are key drivers to taking each person's success to next level.

Our Cairns High Five sets out behaviour expectations which are also in line with community standards, and, of course, it is always important to strive to "be the best we can be". Together, we will make this year unforgettable. I look forward to seeing all the amazing things students are set to accomplish in 2025!

Uniform

Students (and you) have done an amazing job getting uniforms sorted - including white socks! The rain certainly did not help with calm start of year, particularly at breaks! We had water everywhere and no matter what you did, you get wet. With the heat, you just could not be sure whether it was the rain itself - or effort avoiding the rain which made you wet-through.

I really praise families and students for doing their best to maintain their standard of uniform. The wet weather also brought out some of the scariest things sometmies seen during damp conditions - crocs!

And not the snappy ones. While it is understood that sometimes water puddles need to be traversed, wearing these crocs is not allowed at school. They need to be left home or away in a bag - not at school (preferred) or at least not dangling off a bag.

Please leave them home. Notes are not accepted as an exemption to shoes - it is a health and safety matter for this workplace. And it is strictly monitored and enforced.

Formal uniforms will be needed for SCHOOL PHOTOS so please start getting these sorted out. Maybe teach your child how to iron a shirt as a bonding activity? Important, formal uniforms are optional on Year level parade days in Terms 1 & 4 except if there is an excursion in Term 1 which is 'clean' and 'community' such as a visit to the courthouse. Don't forget that we will have a full school assembly for ANZAC commemoration in Week 1 of Term 2 and we see students in formal uniform that day as a marker of respect for those whose service we are honouring.

House spirit

We launched a House Spirit trophy in 2024 and students were nominated for house points to go towards a tally for a range of endeavours. The winning House for 2024 was O'Keefe with 1179 points pipping Tully at the post by 35 points.

There will be further development of the point system in 2025 to encourage House Spirit - so stay tuned. 

One step forward is the opportunity for students to purchase a specially designed House shirt to wear at Swim, Cross Country and Aths Days and to change into for House competitions at school OR for special House spirit days. The window to place an order is now open. House shirts are completely VOLUNTARY and OPTIONAL and FUN! See the information below and follow the simple steps to getting your own shirt!

Remember - they are completely optional!

Order here:Cairns State High School - Polos 2025 - Dynasty Team Store AU

Final words...

As we move forward this year, teachers are committing to a strong focus on reading and writing across all year levels. These fundamental skills are key to unlocking success in every subject and in life.

Parents/Carers are encouraged to set up a regular (daily) 'quiet time' where the young person is away from their screens, reading material of their choice. 

Building vocabulary, better expression of thoughts, reasoning skills, global awareness, general knowledge - there is nothing bad about reading. It's actually impossible not to love!

Those who say they don't, need more practice. With more regular reading comes aromaticity and a regular reader reaches a calm state, almost meditative, and is able to truly slow down thinking, relax and probably even love longer.

It also helps with school.

Cairns State High students performed at the highest levels again in 2024 - across a number of fields. With the most school based apprenticeships and traineeships in the region, the most participants in work experience, high QCE attainment, outstanding ATAR results and high acceptance of first preference university, we will continue to challenge ourselves to do better in 2025. The interview process trialled in 2024 will also contribute to greater student agency and responsibility for attainment. I am excited to be leading the school at this time.

I have also made the decision to continue to lead this community for a few more years - postponing retirement and enjoying the opportunity presented every day to be at the helm or such a great school.

By maintaining our high standards, we continue to foster a culture of excellence, pushing ourselves to achieve greater performance and growth. Let’s uphold our tradition of high success, and work together to ensure every student reaches their fullest potential. Through dedication, hard work, and a shared passion for learning, we will continue to build on our school's legacy of achievement. Here's to an incredible year ahead!

We are so pleased that you can join the team!

Cairns State High School Staff and Students are very excited to be presenting Mamma Mia at CPAC May 29 -31

Over 60 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show! ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! a guaranteed smash hit. 

Auditions are happening at the moment and we look forward to announcing the cast in week 4!

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

On 28 January 1987 Year 12 students returned to school for the start of their final year. One week later, their world was turned upside down. The Seniors only attended Cairns High for three days of the first week before 135 of them ascended the Kuranda Range in three buses on a warm Sunday morning, 1 February, to arrive at Black Gully, Lake Tinaroo. “For the next three days and three nights, the youngsters had a ball.” The 1987 Euroka described such activities as standing in the drizzling rain listening to Brian Stopford; swimming in freezing cold water with quicksand at the bottom and lumps of slime at the top; square dancing; envying teachers who slept in warm, dry cars with a barbecue for cooking; joke telling around the fire; disco dancing under a shed; water fighting; playing hide and seek with Mr Stopford and the spotlight; scaring bush walkers; sharing soggy cornflakes; resurrecting dying tents; extending curfew and performing in a concert. On Wednesday morning, 4 February, Bernie MacKenzie visited the camp to discuss important decisions the Seniors would have to make in their final year. School leaders were supposed to be selected by the end of the week.

About midday, the Seniors were returning to Cairns in three buses owned by the Northland Bus Company. The first bus left about ten minutes before the second one. The girls at the back of the bus sang old Beatles songs while others caught up on lost sleep, played cassette tapes and munched on (or threw) lollies and biscuits. The girls had just finished Paul McCartney’s “Yesterday” when the township of Little Mulgrave came into view. It was then that the bus, about ten kilometres from the Mountain View Hotel, began to pick up speed along a straight stretch of the Gillies Highway. As the bus continued to gain speed and not respond to braking, the driver struggled to negotiate the curves while descending the mountain range. Then, as he rounded one bend, the brakes failed completely.

The bus left the road and rolled down the mountain side at a point which was only a couple of minutes from the end of the descent.According to Brent Gunther, “I felt the bus sliding, the front of the bus was close to the rock face of the cliff on the road and the driver was trying hard to get it round the bend but the rear of the bus slid round sideways and we went over the edge … I remember the bus going over and seeing people, seats and luggage flying everywhere.” Elissa Coxen believes the bus rolled six times since the bus finished on its roof in a gully thirty metres down the side of the mountain. One of the investigating officers said that the brakes were still very hot one hour after the accident, an immediate indication of brake failure.

Eight precious lives were lost that day and dozens scarred by injuries - physical and psychological.

Cairns State High commemorates this tragedy annually at a special parade for Year 12 to help them gain understanding of the darkest of times in the school and how the cohort pulled together and supported each other in the aftermath.

This year we also hosted sudents from the cohort in a visit to the Senior Memorial.

Arts

Thanks to all students who auditioned for the Dance, Drama, and Art Centre of Excellence.

We were overwhelmed by the talent of our students and have done our best to support as many as possible in our COE programs. All successful students and their parents will have received an email with an invitation letter and a COE contract to complete.

Some students, particularly in Years 7 and 8, may not have been selected this time. I encourage these students to audition again next year and to speak with the COE teachers about areas they can focus on for improvement. 

David Marsden | HOD of Arts | 07 4050 3083

Global Studies

Italy exchange 2024 – impressions from the most fortunate bodyguard

2024 saw the renaissance of the Italian exchange program between Cairns Sate High School and Convitto Nazionale Paolo Diacono. Covid had deferred the program for a few years and it was with w great excitement that it was re-ignited for 2024.

In June and July Cairns SHS hosted students and teachers from Cividale in the Friuli province of north eastern Italy for a month and immersed the Italians to the Australian culture with a FNQ taste. The farewell at the airport was full of tears and great excitement that the next leg was CSHS landing in Italy!

As the months passed by the work by Head of Department Sarah and Italian teacher Maddie Duncan behind the scenes was endless and professional ensuring that the concerns and questions of parents and students were already answered before they were even asked!

Italian words known by the Bodyguard – 3!

November 24 finally came to be and these excited teenagers exited Cairns to Singapore and on to Milan – Italy!!!!!

Laura, Sasha, Katie, Alice, Sunny, Bea, Yasmin, Levi and Augustus setting off! Arrivederci!

A seamless flight to Singapore and on to Milan. I’d like to say that we were all bright eyed and bushy tailed when we arrived in Milan but I think it was pure adrenalin! 

Milan – with a really big building! Fantastico!

Milan was the perfect introduction into the Italian world. Spectacular cathedrals and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II – and the craziest car drivers I’ve ever seen! (Little did I know what was to come!)

Off to the ‘treno stazione’- word count 5! Away we went at 250km/hr on the train via Venice (but not quite there) to Udine in the Friuli region. Students met up with their host families and away to Cividale for the 2 ‘profs’ and the boyz! The Convitto in downtown Cividale would be our home for the next month.

Cividale is an amazing town that dates back before time started and the evidence of that I simply everywhere – as did the whole of Italy it seemed. Every building is ancient, incredible, beautiful and has everything documented and available for a tour.

Cividale where the traffic is right at your front door and the Ponte del Diavolo – bellisimo! (7)

Next day we are off to school – we found out that school in Italy starts at 8am and goes through to lunch with 1 x 10 minute break – and – is on Saturday as well! Good news is that it finishes at 12:30pm allowing time for students to study uninterrupted for hours each day. San Pietro was so inclusive and welcoming for us all and it was good for Prof Duncan to catch up with her old teachers from her high school days as a student in Cividale. All lessons in Italian obviously but it was great to be in Conversational English class!

Convitto in Cividale 

The next 2 weeks saw CSHS students immersed in Italian at school, at their home and in every part of their life. This is what the program is about – live the life of a person from the other side of the world! Incredibile! (8) – that’s how it’s spelt!

Interspersed with school and Italian home life we had trips to Austria, Italian Alps, Friuli Dolomitti with families and off to Trieste, Verona, Aquilea, Grado and the capital of Slovenia – Ljubljana as part of our planned itinerary.

Also came Venice – Venezia. There is always a lot said about this city. It lived up to it’s reputation. Grandioso! – and everything you can buy that has ‘a special price for you’ label attached.

Dining out in Venezia with Prof Ballarini and her beautiful family! 

Finally as tearful and emotional farewells from our host families were happening off we went to Florence and Rome! Fiorenze and Roma!The 2024 Italian crew at a really old building! Can anyone tell me the name?

These cities are the cream of the cities that we experienced. Awesome – and literally any other superlative you can think of. The ‘crew’ fitted in a last shopping spree or three in Florence! Thanks to them all for the help in selecting jewellery on the Ponte Vecchio ? 

Finally we headed back home after experiencing the most amazing month of our lives!

Thank you to :

• Cairns State High School for supporting this educational experience of a lifetime
• Parents for the huge commitment, belief and support it takes from you to make this happen for your child
• HoD Global Studies Sarah Moss for the colossal amount of work that you did
• Prof Maddie Duncan for doing the hard work before the trip, on the trip and after the trip to make me look good
• The students – I could not hope for a better bunch of young people to do this with. Every single one of you was an amazing ambassador for Cairns SHS, your family and for yourselves. Grazie mille! Or thanksarini!
• My family for supporting me even more for 2 months that enabled

Finally – grazie mille e non vedo l’ora di farlo di nuovo.

Written by Teacher (Body Guard) Rod Whittle

Sarah Moss | Head of Department Global Studies 

International Students

In Term 1 2025, Cairns SHS welcomed 17 new students into the international student program. During the first week they explored Cairns SHS to get ready for school and met staff and students in their classes. Students demonstrated their swimming skills so they could participate and experience some of the reef adventures and scuba diving courses offered to them throughout the term. They were introduced to Australian animals – thanks to our ‘Roaming Wild’ animal experience. Seeing the animals and discussing safety in our environment is important for them to get the most of their time in Cairns.

Having these international students at our school enriches connections for our community and broadens local students’ perspectives as they are able to make friends.

Our students have been welcomed by their host families when they arrived. We would like to thank these families for supporting the students for their program. Some of these families have students at the school and find this a valuable experience for their own children.

If you are interested in becoming a host family for international students, please contact international@cairnsshs.eq.edu.au we would love to discuss this with you.

Rachel Wearmouth | International Student Program Coordinator | 07 4050 3062

Music

Welcome to our new Director of Music, Instrumental and Choral – Maureen Cameron

Maureen worked in the UK for the first half of her teaching and playing career, and has enjoyed success at national and international level with school and adult performers.

Maureen has performed and worked with some of the best brass ensembles in the world, playing with Fodens Band for 10 years+ (currently no.1 in the world), enjoying performances at some of the most prestigious venues imaginable.

In 2004, Maureen moved to Cairns as founding Head of Music at St Andrew’s Catholic College. Along with the staff there, she developed a vibrant, engaging and nationally recognised music department enjoying much success at Eisteddfods and festivals, their academic programmes used as exemplars by QCAA.

Maureen has been presented awards and accolades pertaining to her personal success, educational programmes and community involvement. She was awarded BBC, Teacher of the year just prior to moving to Cairns, and more recently – 2024, Winner – Cultural Award (Australia Day Awards).

We are delighted to have Maureen on board!

Thank you all for a warm welcome

I have hit the ground running! Auditions for all ensembles and choirs, welcoming new year 7 students to our programme, meeting staff and students currently enrolled on our POE Music program.

I’ve been involved in the CSHS musical auditions too; Mamma Mia is shaping up to be outrageously amazing and I look forward to working with the whole cast.

I am delighted to be handed the baton of care (Director of Music) by the legendary Lizanne Smith, and I will do as much as I can to uphold the traditions, standards and community that she has built and maintained for the past 36 years!

Mrs Smith will be around to help me, staff and community transition to this change and I am grateful to work in partnership with a Cairns Icon. I must take the opportunity to thank my music colleagues Stephanie Grenning, Ash Cawse, Andrea Lemann, Lauren Hannay, Jon Barbagallo, Angela McKenzie, Alannah Bowen and Simon MacMenamin for their support and patience as I settle in to CSHS.

I am thrilled to be joining a world-class team of music professionals and educators.

News from our Music Department

From everyone here in instrumental, vocal and classroom music, welcome to 2025, and welcome to a vibrant and musically challenging year of performances, community involvement and high impact music making.

As we start the new academic year, we would love to hear from you if your child has been involved in any music activity over the holidays, attended state or national level rehearsals / courses or perhaps have a great story about a visit to an incredible concert. Please let us know - keep those good news stories coming!

Congratulations Iroha Matsui, year 11 on her involvement with the National Music Camp. Please read below her account of her involvement at a national level, rubbing shoulders with the most gifted young musicians in Australia.

“Within these two weeks of consecutive practice and rehearsals with the Australian youth orchestra, I believe I had been able to gain many fun and memorable experiences. I had really enjoyed being able to play alongside many other talented students and adults that also share the same passion towards music. My experience at AYO had really helped me to broaden my perspective towards the career I would like to pursue in the future. Overall, I had really enjoyed the two weeks I had spent with the Australian youth orchestra, and I hope to be able to join them once again”.

Iroha – Australian Youth Orchestra (2025) 

Congratulations also to Olivia Stein, year 12 and Catherine Hurdley, year 10 who represented Cairns at Queensland Youth Band, a 5-day residential camp for some of the finest young brass and percussion musicians in our state.

QYB was conducted by Maureen Cameron and Bryan Hurdley, brass specialists and teachers of music at Cairns High and St Andrew’s. Young Catherine cut her teeth on Ripieno cornet, whilst Olivia was awarded principal cornet!

Whilst there, Catherine was also awarded the Leoni Marshall scholarship for outstanding contribution to brass music in school and community music. 

Bryan, Olivia, Catherine and Maureen – QYBB (2025) 

Rehearsal Schedule – Choral, Vocal and Orchestral, Ensemble

Cairns High prides itself in providing high quality ensemble and choral programmes for their students and community.

Please see below for the latest rehearsal schedules for our students. All ensembles delivered by highly regarded, specialist teachers. We are delighted to offer a wide variety of ensemble and choral programs.

Participation in ensembles is compulsory for all students in the instrumental and vocal music program. 

POE Calendar (that we know so far) 2025

Please note: - ICONIC date is not set yet, thank you for your patience

Instrumental and Vocal Lesson – Timetables

All instrumental and vocal timetables are printed and pinned on our notice board just inside the main doors of E20. Musicians are good students, and are very capable of looking at their own timetables every week prior to their lesson time.

Students should turn up to their lessons, on time with their equipment, music and a great attitude.

Our teachers work hard to prepare appropriate repertoire for your children, so home practise is expected from all POE students. If we all take responsibility for our learning and standards, the whole team is able to progress quickly and efficiently.

SHEP 2025

What is the Honours Program?

The State Honours Ensemble Program is an educational program for music students that helps extend and encourage their pursuit of musical excellence. Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s State Honours Ensemble Program has grown from relatively modest beginnings in 2001.  SHEP is now a firmly established aspect of music learning in Queensland, bringing together young people from all over the State, in regional centres and Brisbane to share their passion for making music.  Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University provides 4 programs in Brisbane and 11 regional programs. Regional Programs in partnership with local schools are held at; Bundaberg, Cairns, Longreach, Mackay, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, and Toowoomba.

Brisbane programs are held at the Queensland Conservatorium, at our South Bank Campus in South Brisbane and include; Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP), SHEP Queensland (State-wide) SHEP South-East QLD, SHEP Brisbane and SHEP Primary. Further information can be found on our website at: State Honours Ensemble Program (griffith.edu.au)

AHEP 2025

The Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) is an extension of the State Honours Ensemble Program. Established in 2018 AHEP has grown to include a wind orchestra, string orchestra, vocal ensemble, symphony orchestra and big band. From over 1000 nominations annually, students are invited to audition for this highly sought-after program. Students who are successful have the opportunity to work with world-class conductors in an intensive environment that challenges and encourages them to extend their pursuit of musical excellence. Students are also provided a workshop, within their instrument area, with select staff of the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

MOST 2025

MOST 2025 will be held in Brisbane from Monday 23 June to Thursday 3 July 2025. On acceptance into MOST, students will be allocated across four ensembles, including: • symphony orchestra • symphonic winds • string orchestra • big band • chamber winds • choir. The 10-day program is designed for students to participate in rigorous rehearsals for each ensemble, individual instrumental tutorials, musicianship workshops and a variety of extracurricular activities that aim to give students an insight into the music industry. The program culminates in the MOST Gala Concert on Wednesday 2 July 2025. Evening performances by professional ensembles and the MOST Gala Concert provide students with the opportunity to celebrate outstanding practice, and to share in the thrill and satisfaction of reaching personal music goals with like-minded and equally talented musicians.

Acceptance on the course is by a combined nomination process, applications due 14 February. IM teachers approach students of a suitable standard, inform HOD music, students fill in their nomination forms and record two complete pieces in contrasting styles to be uploaded for audition / consideration by 14 Feb. More news of students who are accepted in next newsletter.

Maureen Cameron | Director of Music OAM | | 07 4050 3049

Sports

Please read below for a few quick notices regarding Sport at Cairns SHS:

Daily Notices This is where you will find all your information about Sport at Cairns SHS, please see your Connect Teacher if you are unsure how to access these.

Centre of Excellence (COE) It was great to see all our COE programs out on the field and courts this week, thanks to the coaching staff for being very flexible with training venues and sharing the indoor spaces as best we can.  A quick reminder that morning trainings begin at 7.00am and conclude at 8.15am, please arrive on time and ready to train with your coaches.

CISSA Seniors will begin the 2025 season of interschool sport next week when we host a friendly round against Trinity Bay SHS.  Good luck to all CISSA teams and coaches.  Please check your emails for more information about buses and departure times.

TCC District Sport trials are already underway, you can register your interest online here TCC Sports Trials 2025 and collect your paperwork from the HOD Sport office.  Feel free to pop in if you would like more information, Mrs Whelan is located in the Z Block HPE staffroom. 

QRSS Student Officials - Students/Parents/Carers can register their interest to be involved in the Student officials pathways directly to the parent body/sporting organisation listed below.

The links to register in the 2025 Students Officials pathways are here:

• AFL
• Basketball
• Football
• Hockey
• Netball
• Rugby League
• Softbal
• Touch Football

Amy Whelan | HOD Sport | 07 4050 3031 

From the Year 12 Co-Ordinator’s

Welcome to the final year of your Senior High School Journey!

Welcome back to the new school year. This year we have two Year Coordinators sharing the role, they are Dominique Swain and Josh Whitehouse. We are very excited to see our new enrolments, international students and our returning students’ faces at Cairns High for their final year of their school journey. All students were welcomed back to school with a special ‘Seniors 2025’ Cookie and some were even shouted to a free coffee!            

 

Our role is to work with the team of Year 12 Connect Teachers, Deputy Principal for Year 12 Brendan Begley, Guidance Officer Kiri Clark, HOD of Senior Pathways and RTO Manager Sarah Daggett and other support staff who assist with the wellbeing of your student with career, job and training guidance. If there are ever any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The focus for the year 12’s is being an active member of the Cairns SHS community and we have a busy Term 1 with many events for students to get involved with or participate in. 

Senior Induction 

Seniors of 2025 will be attending their Senior Induction Ceremony on Thursday 13^th February during Period 2. All parents and carers are welcome to attend and there will be an opportunity to take some photos after the ceremony. Students are to wear their full formal Uniform for this event. We will also be watching for the first time the student-produced Senior Video, created and edited by the very talented Ella Carney and Molly Steer.

Our 4 School Captains with their custom bobble heads. 

GRIP Leadership Conference

Senior Prefects will be out in force next week with 44 leaders attending the GRIP Leadership Conference in Wednesday 12^th February at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. This will be an opportunity to gather as a group and focus on raising the standard of leadership in our school.  There will be a range of sessions covering topics such as increasing participation in school events, how to make every student feel valued, positive strategies for conflict resolution and working effectively as a leadership team. 

World’s Greatest Shave

Our World’s Greatest Shave team is being led by one of our school captain Rudra Patel (rpate103@eq.edu.au), and he is already on the lookout for courageous volunteers who will be shaving for a cure this year. We would love to have as many volunteers sign up and join our school team or if you prefer, you can jump onto our page and donate to the team or one of the team members. Please check out the website below for more information and/or email Rudra if you are interested in joining the school team this year. You can also click the link below to join the team or donate to the team.https://worldsgreatestshave.com/

 Relay For Life

This year our Relay for Life team will be led by a team of Senior Prefects and they will be on the lookout for people interested in joining them to raise awareness, walk many, many laps of Barlow Park and raise funds for cancer research, prevention and support services for patients and sufferers. If you are interested, please see the website below for more information or get in touch with a member of the Leadership Team.  https://www.relayforlife.org.au/

Dominuque Swain & Joshua Whitehouse | Year 12 Coordinators 

Year 12 students please ensure you choose year design with 25 on the back. To purchase via this Link.

Year 11 students please ensure you choose year design with 26 on the back. To purchase via this Link

Year 11 Coordinator

Welcome to 2025. All of the year 11 students look fantastic in their new white senior shirts. It has been a crazy transition from Year 10 with new classes, Valentine’s Day Sales and peer leaders getting to know their Year 7 classes. Details below.

Valentine’s Day

The Year 11’s has been preparing for Valentine’s Day celebrations. They will be selling roses and serenades every lunch in week 3.  They will be sharing the love on Valentine’s Day with special deliveries to classrooms on Friday 14^th February. 

Year 11 Peer Leaders

Thank you to our leaders for bravely stepping into a role of responsibility for this year. Our peer leaders for 2025 are:

Tanya Taxon, Tehya Philpot, Shekinah Browne,Sarah Baldwin, Ian Choi, Donatello Cheng, Leo Miura, Nicholas McDevitt, Lara Toovey, Elka Loghem, Caitlin Squire, Thomas Lockett, Kelsey Busuttil, Amelie Wilson, Boudicca Fraser-Skeath, Charlie-Paige Wilkinson, Olivia Holmes, Tili Green, Liam Klindt, Mia Baddely, Alex Woods, Brodie Frost, Samuel Chesters, Anna Thankachan, Amber Warner, Sam Atento, Charlotte Bertei, Claudia Kurowski, Victor Swiggers, Hayden Kuiper, Novi Baker, Erik Nilsson, Kai Brown, Mark Muratov, Eli Bowers, Ben Buckman, Michaelah Hughes, Mia Kuwabara, Precious Moyo, Frakie Burke, Lily Anderson, Evie Evans, Deliah Jedynah, Reever Lee, Yasuharu Akiba, Logan Tallis and Lovepreet Singh.  

The peer leaders have been very busy training with Mr Long (peer leader co-ordinator) and making connections with the year 7’s. Their job is to make the 7s transition into high school easier. This is done by connecting with them in class and running hands on well- being games. Their first interaction was last year in December where they spent the day helping with activities and showing them classrooms. They have also been going into year 7 connect classes on Friday mornings and running extended sessions once a term on Thursday morning.

The peer leader’s program is run across over 300 schools across Australia. One of the key goals of the program is to encourage the year 11s to develop their confidence and skills when working with small groups of students. As you can see from the photos below both year 7s and year 11 peer leaders were enjoying getting to know each other.

A warm welcome to everyone for 2025! 

It is lovely to see the Year 9s and 10s back, engaging in their new subjects and interacting positively. I’m very impressed with how well they have settled in so quickly. 

A few reminders to start the year:

• Subject changes need to be finalised by 3pm Wednesday 12^th February (Week 3, Term 1). Students can see DP Carney in her office at breaks or email her with their request: ccarn5@eq.edu . Please understand that requests to change subjects may not be possible.
• Welcome letters with specific year level information will be emailed in Week 3.
• Student will receive Semester 1 assessment schedules in Week 3. Parents and carers will be emailed copies, and they will be available on our school website. Please use these to help your child plan ahead for upcoming assessment. 

There is lots happening in the intermediate school, so stay tuned for information updates. I wish everyone a wonderful term ahead and, as always, reach out with any questions or concerns.

Year 10 Coordinator

Welcome to Year 10!

I hope all students and families had a relaxing break. A special welcome to all new students and parents joining the Cairns State High School community! We are excited to have you with us and look forward to supporting you as you settle in. Cairns High is a fantastic place to learn, grow, and connect.

Year 10 Updates

My name is Kieran Morley, and I am the Year 10 Coordinator for 2025. My role is to assist Year 10 students with well-being, and the coordination of various programs and events throughout the year. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at kjmor2@eq.edu.au.

Career Connect – Thursdays

Year 10 Connect lessons have a new structure, with students participating in the Career Connect program every Thursday, coordinated by Ms. Daggett. All coursework for this program is available on QLearn for students to access.

The assessment structure includes:

• IA1: Career Presentation
• IA2: Career Investigation

There is a strong career focus in Terms 1 and 2, leading into SET Plan interviews in Term 3. This program is a valuable opportunity for students, as it is worth one QCE point and is designed to equip them with essential workplace skills in preparation for their Work Experience in Term 3.

Certificate II in Active Volunteering

Alongside the Career Connect program, students will also complete the Certificate II in Active Volunteering. This nationally recognised qualification provides four QCE points and offers students valuable hands-on experience in real-world settings. Through this program, students will:

• Develop employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
• Build meaningful relationships within the community
• Gain insight into workplace operations
• Improve their interpersonal skills
• Make a positive contribution to their community

Connect Leaders

Connect Leaders are currently being finalised and will be announced in the next newsletter. This leadership opportunity allows students to actively contribute to the school community. Connect Leaders will be involved in:

• Designing the Senior Jersey
• Planning the Informal event (theme, setup, and location)
• Organising Inter-house competitions
• Collaborating with Year 11 and 12 students to promote well-being initiatives
• Running parades and school events
• Serving as peer leaders for incoming Year 6 students
• Representing their peers at ceremonial occasions

This is a fantastic way for students to build leadership skills and make a lasting impact on their school experience.

Upcoming Events

• Year 10 Reward Day -To be advised (End of Term 2)
• Work Experience - Week 3, Term 3
• SET Plan Interviews - Week 5, Term 3
• Informal – Week 8, Term 3
• Senior Jersey Orders Close – 30th September

We look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Let’s make 2025 a memorable year for Year 10!

Kieran Morley | Year 10 Coordinator | 07 4050 3031 

Year 8 Coordinator

Welcome to Year 8
On behalf of the Year 8 cohort, welcome to parents and carers of Year 8, 2025! This year promises to be a time for students to thrive. A full letter has also been sent to you emphasising the key messages below:

Keeping in Touch

• Stay updated via our Schoolzine newsletter for photos, events, and student achievements.
• Connect teachers (listed below) are key contacts for your child. Please ensure your email and contact details are updated.
• Collaboration between parents and teachers is essential to support students in following school values and expectations.

Key Contacts:

• YLC: Amanda Gonzo (Agonz16@eq.edu.au)
• GO: Nicole Starr (niodi1@eq.edu.au)
• DP: Natalie Guinness (njgui1@eq.edu.au)
• Full teacher contact list provided separately.

Looking Sharp

• Uniform Expectations: Full sports uniform Monday–Friday. Formal uniform required on Wednesdays (Terms 2 & 3) for parade.
• If purchasing a formal uniform is challenging, please contact us.

Leadership

• Students are encouraged to say ‘yes’ to opportunities and seek support from Connect teachers.
• Applications for Connect Leader positions will open soon, fostering responsibility and teamwork.
• As a cohort Year 8 also provide a strong emphasis on sustainability. Please support students in their cause by collecting containers for change and using the following code: C10581393 

Academic Information

• Students and parents will receive an assessment outline to assist with time management.
• Qlearn is the platform for assessment details, class resources, and teacher contact info. Parents should review it with their child.

Diary Expectations: Students must:

• Have diaries out in every lesson.
• Record class codes on Mondays.
• Have diaries signed weekly (Thursday/Friday).
• Set a weekly goal (examples available on Qlearn).

For additional guidance or health support:

• Guidance Officer: Nicole Starr (niodi1@eq.edu.au)
• Youth Health Nurse: Shari Pinfield (shari.pinfield@health.qld.gov.au)

Celebrating Success

• Parades and Connect time celebrate student achievements in and outside of school. Share achievements with Connect teachers or the Year Level Coordinator.
• House Spirit: Students earn house points for following school values. The newsletter highlights outstanding efforts.

Online Code of Conduct

• Cyberbullying and online harassment are serious concerns. Support is available for parents and students.
• Parental intervention is the most effective approach. Schools are not responsible for private online issues.
• The e-Safety Commission provides guidance and support: www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/cyberbullying.

Amanda Gonzo | Year 8 Coordinator | 07 4050 3029 

Year 7 Coordinator

Welcome!

We were thrilled to welcome our newest cohort of Year 7 students to Cairns State High School last week. Throughout the last fortnight, we have seen students stepping out of their comfort zones and rising to the new challenges of high school with enthusiasm and energy. Thank you so much to parents and carers for all your support of your students throughout this transition time. 

My role as Year 7 Coordinator is to work with the team of amazing Year 7 Connect teachers in supporting the social and emotional development of your student throughout their first year of high school. Students will see me running Year 7 Parade every Monday morning, and throughout the week at various Year 7 activities. I am available as a go-to person should your student need support in managing friendships, challenges with classmates, or worries with the transition to high school. Students can find my staffroom in E19, located next to the main music rehearsal room E20. Parents and carers are also welcome to contact me on 4050 3049, or via email at sgren0@eq.edu.au. 

Transitioning to High School 

Transitioning to high school is both an exciting and stressful time of life for students (and their families!). Your student will need plenty of encouragement and reminders of what to pack for each day as they can become overloaded whilst managing this transition. After the long summer holiday, it is also a great time to set age-appropriate boundaries with technology to help them stay focussed at school. Maggie Dent has a few times for this time of life here: https://www.maggiedent.com/blog/surviving-first-week-high-school/

Year 7 Connect Welcome Event

Parents and carers are invited to attend the Year Connect Welcome event on Wednesday 12th February, 4-5pm. Starting in N Block Auditorium, you will hear from key staff in the Junior Secondary team. Then, you will travel to your students’ Connect classroom, seeing where they start each day and meeting with their Connect teacher. 

If your student is involved in music, there is an additional Welcome event for music families from 5-5:45pm in E20. Here, you will meet our new Head of Music Maureen Cameron and learn all about how the incredible music program at Cairns State High School works. 

Please RSVP to both of these events.

Sugarworld

To celebrate their first term of high school, all Year 7 students will be travelling to Sugarworld on the final day of Term 1, Friday 4th April. Permission and payment notes will be sent home soon, with the cost expected to be approximately $40. Alternative activities will be provided at school for any Year 7 student who does not attend this excursion. 

Stephanie Grenning | Year 7 Coordinator | 07 4050 3049

Welcome to all for a new year of excitement at P&C

Our first meeting is NEXT week on Feb 18 starting at 5:30pm in Muyubarra 02 (R block). Come in through the Upward Street gates by the library and you will just need to take the first turn left to find us all!

• Fun (themed) meetings
• Hosting networking opportunities
• Trivia night
• Mothers (and others) Day stall
• Fathers (and athers) Day stall

House  building Project

The Cambodia Study Tour was a great experience for both staff and students. During our 16 days away in December 2024 the students worked with local community members to build a sustainable home and toilet block in a village near Bakong, 35 kms north of Siem Reap.  With support from local villagers, the home was created in 5 days by CSHS students digging holes, laying mud bricks, trimming bamboo, sanding back timber and painting the house. A big handover celebration was held on completion. The house will provide shelter for a single mum with 3 children.  The students raised US$2500 which went to the construction of the house. We received a special award for our work, presented by the Governor of Siem Reap Province.

The official house handover to a single mum with her two children. We also donated goods to help her get started.

Working at New Hope Community School, Siem Reap

When not involved in house building, other students and staff were teaching English at New Hope Community School in Siem Reap. New Hope Community School provides English classes so our students were able to model English for the Cambodian staff and students. The school also runs a restaurant staffed by New Hope students as part of their hospitality training. Many overseas tour groups visit here for a traditional Cambodian meal, helping provide funds for the school. We really enjoyed our meal and the service was first class. The Cambodian students spend half a day at Khmer school and half a day at New Hope. Being able to speak English is an important goal for students so they can access better jobs once they leave school. Many other Australian schools and the Lions Club of Australia have supported New Hope Community School over the last ten years. 

Cambodia study Group outside the restaurant at New Hope Community School. Half our group and 2 staff worked in the school assisting with English classes.

Marty Long, Felix Cuturilo, Mitch Horman and Bailey Kraft teaching some songs to the Preps. Check out their dance moves.

Sunrise over Angkor Wat. It was built in 1110-1150 by King Suryavarman II, making it nearly 900 years old.

In our second week we visited Angkor Wat for the day. We also toured local villagers and communities on push bikes, completing two days of bike riding and spent time basket weaving and learning how to make sticky rice. We also participated in a rice harvest celebration and the students went on a bullock. 

Receiving our award for the completed house and English teaching at New Hope.

From left Sokeng Bung Principal, Mya Singleton, Frankie Burke, Marty Long, Soth Kemsour Founder of New Hope, Sidney Richter School Captain, Neave David Stern and Governor  of Siem Reap Prak Sophoan .

Activities at Trei Nhoar Village with our Guide Heung.

We worked at Trei Nhoar community in our second week making chicken coups. The chicken coups were made of bamboo and now support 8 poor families.  We also donated 20 jungle chickens to the community. While in this community we planted over 300 trees. The students raised US$1200 for this community to fund these projects. While working in Trei Nhoar community the students and staff received a special blessing from the monks at the pagoda. We rode there on a trailer being towed by a tractor.

Extra Activities students were involved in.

While on our study tour we visited the Land Mine Museum and Apope Rats Museum. A great deal of the Vietnam War was fought in Cambodia so the rats play an important role in locating land mines.  German Shepherds are also used to locate mines.  We watched a demonstration of them in action and it is amazing how many lives they save.

We also visited the Phare Circus which provides Cambodian youth a pathway to develop circus skills. Their performances were of a high standard and very entertaining.

Our tour also included a boat cruise on Lake Ton Le Sap, South East Asia’s biggest inland waterway. Everyone had a great time sampling Cambodian food in the local restaurants around Siem Reap and shopping for bargains in the local markets of an evening.

Ms Sarah Moss with a Tanzanian Rat used to dig for land mines. They are about 5kgs and it costs Apope Rats $6000 Us a year to look after and manage one of these rats. Once their handler knows where the land mine is they use a metal detector to check and when everyone is out of the way they detonate the mine. These rats continue to save lost of lives. Apope Rats are used in the Ukraine and other war zones around the world.