One of the standout features of this term has been the way our students have embraced both academic challenges and extracurricular opportunities. From science week activities to sports events and competitions, creative arts performances, our students continue to show enthusiasm and resilience in all they do.

I had the pleasure of attending the Choral Fanfare State Finals held in Brisbane, where our school Chorale was awarded first place in the Secondary State Division of the competition. Competing against schools from across Queensland, our students not only experienced the thrill of performing on a grand stage but also received well-deserved recognition for their hard work and dedication to their craft.  Achievements like this do not happen by chance. They are the result of consistent effort, talent, and strong support networks. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Lauren Hannay, our talented conductor, and her team, whose leadership, passion, and commitment made this success possible. I also acknowledge the incredible support from families—without whom our students could not reach such heights.

In further exciting news, I am proud to share that Lily Gochee has been recognised at the prestigious Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education. Out of only 28 recipients across Queensland, Lily was named the Outstanding Senior STEM Student, receiving a $5,000 award to support future professional development, STEM studies, or activities. These awards highlight the critical role of STEM in shaping our future, and Lily's success is a testament to her passion, commitment, and excellence in the field. Congratulations, Lily, we are incredibly proud of you.

We’ve also seen wonderful progress in classrooms across all year levels. Staff continue to work hard to deliver engaging and differentiated lessons, and it’s pleasing to see students setting goals and taking ownership of their learning.  A big thank you to our families for your continued support — whether through attending events, helping with homework, or simply encouraging your child each day. Your partnership with the school is invaluable.

As we head into the final few weeks of the term, I encourage students to stay focused and finish strong. Let’s keep striving for excellence, showing kindness, and supporting one another.

At Cairns State High School, we believe every student is capable of success. To reach their full potential, students must stay up to date with their work, remain attentive in class, attend school every day, and ask questions when they don't fully understand something. We encourage all parents and carers to speak with their children regularly about being prepared and focused in every lesson, every day. Together, we can support our students in striving to "be the best they can be", which is the heart of our school motto.

Thank you once again for being part of our school community.

Mr Frank Brunetto - Executive Principal

It’s time to celebrate, eat treats, and show your purple pride! 
Here’s what’s waiting for YOU:

Fluffy Fairy Floss & crunchy Popcorn
Sweet Bake Sale Goodies
Colourful Face Painting
Crazy Hairspray Station
Strike a pose at the Photo Booth
Bargains at the Thrift Shop

PLUS – don’t forget to rock your purple accessories to celebrate inclusivity and join the fun! ?

Bring your friends, bring your energy – it’s going to be AWESOME! ?

The Arts

Year 10 Visual Arts Excursion

Year 10 Visual Arts students have been taking part in class excursions to Munro Martin Parklands, developing artistic responses across a variety of mediums.

Supported by teachers Ms Mervyn-Jones, Mrs Musgrave, and Ms Grossman, this program encourages students to respond to real-world stimulus and prepares them for the challenges of senior Visual Art.

ATOM & Asia Pacific Screen Academy Student Jury Day

On Saturday 23 August, Cairns High proudly hosted the ATOM & Asia Pacific Screen Academy (APSA) Student Jury Day, a full-day event from 8.45am to 7.00pm.

Eighteen Cairns High students from Years 10–12 film classes stepped into the role of a real film jury, viewing and critiquing three international films: Happyend (Japan), B00NG (India), and The Brink of Dreams (Egypt). Each screening sparked lively debate as students reflected on diverse voices and cultures before casting their votes.

Adding to the excitement, students joined live Q&A sessions with each director via Zoom, hearing firsthand about the creative process behind the films. They also connected online with peers from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Gympie, and Brunie in Borneo, sharing insights across schools and regions.

A big thank you to Mr Bermingham and Mr Williams for joining me to support this event held in Cairns for the first time.

DanceX Competition Success

Over the weekend, our Centre of Excellence Junior and Senior Dance students participated in the DanceX Competition at St Andrews College. Performing exceptionally well against strong competition from other Cairns schools, several of our students received awards across year levels, qualifying them to travel to Brisbane in October for the State Finals.

We are especially proud that Cairns State High was awarded the overall “School Spirit” award for the day—an honour that reflects the dedication, teamwork, and energy of our dancers.

A huge congratulations to all students involved and thank you to parents for their support on the day. Special thanks also to teachers Lauren Portman and Nicola Lim for their commitment and extra time spent preparing and supporting the groups.

Agony and Ecstasy – Evening Performance 

On Wednesday 20 August, more than 100 parents, students, and friends gathered to enjoy the evening performance of Agony and Ecstasy.

This ambitious COE Senior drama production showcased not only the depth of talent within our drama students but also the creative and technical expertise of our ARTS staff team.

The show combined demanding characterisation, complex lighting, and integrated film elements, making it a bold and memorable work. Full Cast and Crew

Acknowledging Our ARTS Staff Team

We extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff whose vision and support made the production possible:

• Ken Nixon – Lighting design and wrangling the tech crew
• Blake Birmingham – Video production
• Holly Mervyn-Jones – Set design and logistics
• Lauren Portman – Assisting Nicole throughout the production process
• Rachael Terry – Supporting with the writing of the show
• Nicole Cleland – Directing this challenging production with professionalism, positivity, and care. 

Special thanks also to Anthony Easton, our guest reviewer, who awarded the show a glowing 5 out of 5, calling it “a great evening to be a Bulldog.” and student Ella Carney who produced the films used in the production

Celebrating Our Students

At the conclusion of the performance, the following Centre of Excellence (COE) Drama students were recognised for their outstanding contributions to Drama at Cairns High:

• Most Promising Actor – Evie Evans
• Best Collaborator – Yasmin Brennan
• Best Actor – Elijah Aler
• Most Outstanding Contribution to Drama – Neave David Stern

David Marsden | HOD of Arts

Global Studies - Humanities and Languages

Year 10 Italian – Migration Interviews Project

This term, our Year 10 Italian students have been exploring the theme of migration as part of their studies. To deepen their understanding, students were asked to research and write a biography based on the experiences of people who migrated to Australia.

As part of this unit, the students conducted interviews with community members who generously shared their personal migration journeys. These conversations provided an authentic and powerful opportunity to hear first-hand about the challenges, achievements, and cultural adjustments faced when starting a new life in a new country.

Through these interviews, students not only developed their research and writing skills, but also gained a richer appreciation of Australia’s multicultural society and the resilience of those who have contributed to it. Many students reflected that the project helped them connect more deeply with stories of identity, family, and belonging.

We congratulate our Year 10 Italian students for their thoughtful and respectful approach to this project. Their work stands as a reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing migration stories as part of our collective history.

Maddy Duncan | Italian and HASS Teacher

International Students

Work Experience = Cairns Experience for our International Students

This term, our Year 10 international students have had a journey exploring the beauty, culture, and unique experiences that Cairns has to offer. They discovered the wonders of Far North Queensland but also spent time with other International Year 10 students.

The Cairns experiences started at Cairns Esplanade and Trinity Beach and our students learned about the local history at the Cairns Museum.

They were able to experience Rusty’s Markets and the diverse flavours and fresh produce of the area, offering a taste of the local lifestyle. The Cairns Aquarium provided experiences with the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef and the ecosystems of the Wet Tropics.

Our international students also participated in the Esports Excursion (Rocket League, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros). In this excursion they were able to meet with other students at different schools to learn about how Esports can connect people, know about being safe online and use it to build confidence by meeting with others.

One of the highlights was the journey to Kuranda. Travelling on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the Cairns Scenic Railway, students were treated to breathtaking views of the rainforest, waterfalls, and mountains.

It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know our international students through these adventures. These excursions have not only enriched their understanding of Cairns but also strengthened their connection to our school community.

Rachel Wearmouth |HOD International Student Program Coodinator 

FUSE Cup Brings Esports Experiences to Cairns High Students

In Week 3,  Woree State High School hosted the FUSE Cup, an esports competition that brought together students from across the region to showcase their gaming skills, foster friendships, and learn about the importance of balance and well-being in the digital age. The event, held on 30th and 31st July, featured matches in Rocket League, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros, with both boys’ and girls’ teams competing in a spirit of  “Good Game” and sportsmanship.

A highlight of the event was the Mario Kart Grand Final in the Girl Gamers Event, where Sora placed first in the competition. The race ended in a tie for first place, leading to a decisive last race. Sora’s was able to handle the pressure as she crossed the finish line first.

Beyond the competitive matches, the FUSE Cup offered students a chance to explore cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality (VR) experiences. The girls also enjoyed a dance break with Just Dance, adding a fun and energetic twist to the day. These activities provided a perfect balance to the intense gaming sessions, ensuring students stayed active and engaged.

The FUSE Cup organisers also delivered sessions on eSafety, partnering with organisations such as Kids Helpline and the eSafety Commissioner. These sessions emphasised the importance of online safety and provided students with resources and strategies to navigate the digital world responsibly. Additionally, students learned about maintaining healthy habits, including the importance of balanced gaming, healthy eating, regular breaks, sufficient sleep, and even warming up before gaming sessions.

A special highlight of the event was the participation of our Year 10 International students, who joined us in the activity. The FUSE Cup was not just a competition but also an opportunity for students to connect with peers from different schools, fostering new friendships and a sense of community.

Congratulations to all participants, and a special shout out to Sora for her incredible victory!

Library

Author Visit

Author Richard Yaxley visited Cairns High on Tuesday, the 29th of July giving students the opportunity to experience a Creative Writing workshop - with the library all to ourselves so there was no disturbance. He let us go wild with our imagination, helping us fix some mistakes that may clash with our plotline or story and worked with us to hone our craft and writing skills. Overall, it was a great day spending time with other literature nerds, learning from someone who has published a few of his own books, and getting more ideas for possible OC lore and our fantasy worlds~ ☆

Richard himself said, ‘anyone can be an author’. Your own world is in your hands!

By Ziah Arabejo

Readers Cup

Students Fatima, Neva, Amadi and Amadinie travelled to St Stephen’s to compete in the annual Readers Cup! Teams from all over the region answered questions on four novels: I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, Anomaly, One by One They Disappeared, and My Family and Other Suspects. The CSHS team tried hard and got 7th place, but most of all they got to enjoy meeting the readers in the region. Well done team!

Catherine Hicks | Teacher Librarian | English teacher

Music

Vale Bernie McKenzie

Bernie Mackenzie employed me as a music teacher in 1989 and 36 years later I am eternally grateful that he did. As we all know Bernie loved music and he was always very supportive of any new ideas.

In 1989 he co-founded the Cairns State High School Symphony Orchestra and in 1990 The North Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra. Over a 15-year period the NQPO raised over $100,000 for music instruments.

After retirement Bernie and Avryl continued to attend music evenings, musicals, the year 12 valedictory, choral and instrumental Fanfares and numerous other performances.

At the end of performances Bernie and Avryl would always embrace me and be so encouraging and complimentary to all.

So many memories but some that stand out - Bernie’s cameo performance of President Roosevelt in the CSHS production of Annie and his rendition of My Way with the CSHS Symphony Orchestra at his retirement celebration.

Bernie was kind, respectful, a true gentleman and I will so miss his presence and that embrace after a performance.

I believe this song is a fitting way to remember Bernie

Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing

Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing

Who can live without it? I ask in all honesty

What would life be 

Without a song or dance, what are we?

So I say, thank you for the music

For giving it to me

Lizanne Smith | Director of Music | OAM

Percussion Eisteddfod, Brisbane – Winners!

Congratulations to our fabulous Senior Percussion Ensemble who were awarded First Prize in the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod, held in Brisbane at St Peters Lutheran College. Their performance was noted as outstanding amongst a field of fierce competition.

Congratulations to: Josh Apostol, Harrison Baker, Tobias Beaven, Oka Beresford, Rafael Cole, Minkyo Jung, Jackson Mulherin, Joseph Seo, Joshua Seo, Viktor Swiggers.

A very special thanks to our selfless Instrumental Music Teachers – Jonathan Barbagallo and Emma Baker and Lizanne Smith. This dedicated and talented team looked after our students throughout the trip, organised everything from music to accommodation.

Thank you all for giving it your all!

Creative Generation Choral Fanfare State Finals 2025

What a trip we had! Seventy-five choristers and five staff jetted off to Brisbane on Thursday 14 August in preparation for our performance at Conservatorium Theatre Southbank the following evening at the Choral Fanfare Secondary School state finals 2025.

Following a great rehearsal at St Andrew’s Anglican Church South Brisbane we checked into our accommodation and had some free time until dinner.   Resting voices and getting some sleep before the busy State final day was the goal.  Happily, everyone was well and ready to go on competition day.   Our soundcheck rehearsal was an adjustment for everyone as the acoustics were so vibrant and clear that every detail of the ensemble could be heard.  This was a special acoustic indeed with the sound shells installed in Conservatorium Theatre Southbank for the first time at the  Choral Fanfare State Finals. 

After a quick dinner break back at the accommodation, we returned to the Conservatorium Theatre dressed in our performance uniforms ready for the Secondary State finals concert.  Choristers, conductor and pianist (Ash Cawse) along with our support team (Brendan Begley, Maureen Cameron and Stephanie Grenning) waited with excitement for the secondary finals to begin.  Acting Principal, Frank Brunetto was also there to support us back stage in our final preparations.

Our performance was the culmination of our efforts and dedication since February with many challenges along the way.   We entered the stage as the final choir before interval.  I’m proud to say that Cairns State High Chorale delivered their best performance of the year!  It was received with rapturous applause from the audience including many former Cairns State High Chorale choristers and current and former parents.   We were so pleased to be able to all watch the remaining choirs in the second half from the audience.  Then it was time for the awards!

Our performance received enormous accolades from the adjudicators,  conductors and choristers from other schools and our wonderful supportive parents and former students in the audience. 

This is our fourth time winning the ‘most outstanding’ award at the Choral Fanfare state finals (out of five performances). We were all elated with the result and most importantly, the performance was a truly special one.  Congratulations to the whole community of people supporting this important work! 

Lauren Hannay | Chorale Teacher

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

Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to the students and parents who attended the Senior Music and Music Extension Recital Evening held in St Monica’s Cathedral, Lake Street.

All students performed with a maturity and musicality beyond their years.

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. Please enjoy a copy of our recital programme here.

SHEP – State Honours Ensemble Programme

As Griffiths University, State Honours Ensemble Programme continues to gather momentum in terms of student participation, academic vigour and musical excellence in leadership and student activity, we were delighted to nominate and support our young performers in their involvement this year.

Thank you, parents, for drop-offs and pick-ups, early and late, for attending the finale concert and for your ongoing support of each child in their music education.

Congratulations students and community, we are proud of your achievements and look forward to a continued partnership with Griffiths University.

Congratulations to: Ziah Arabejo, Kenshiro Arakawa, Aidan Begley, Emrys Birbeck-McKay, Amy Cork, Jasper Gochee, Dash Heo, Jinwoo Hong, Sean Jeon, Kaon Morgan, Jade Paton, Beau Smith-Marron, Ritsu Suzuki, Lief Green, Elyssa Wilson.

Vietnam Vet Day, RSL – 18 August

Thank you to Cairns High music students Olivia Stein, Cornet and Catherine Hurdley, Voice in representing our college at the cenotaph at RSL, Cairns Remembrance Service for our Vietnam Veterans.

A short, poignant service attended by local service men and women and their families.

Renditions of Last Post and Reveille, and National Anthem were flawless and fittingly atmospheric for such a touching service. 

Transition Afternoon Centre of Excellence (COE) Year 6 into 7 Musicians

Every year, we look forward to welcoming our newest young maestri to our music department to take part in a combined orchestra rehearsal.

This year, our orchestra was led by Simon McMenamin. Mr Barbagallo, Ms MacKenzie, Miss Cameron and Mr Cawse were on hand to give direction and a helping hand to our budding virtuoso performers.

The Vocal ensemble was put through their paces by Mrs Grenning and Mrs Hannay and sounded on top form.

For both rehearsals, we had several hand-picked musicians from CSHS Young Singers and Symphony Orchestra to help make this first transition event one to remember.

Thank you to the parents, for their kind words and for their enthusiasm in continuing their music education here at CSHS.

We look forward to continuing the excellent musical tradition that has been built over many years by dedicated and talented students, teachers and community.

Welcome to the Cairns High Centre of Musical Excellence!

Young Mannheim Symphonists National Academy

Recently, Me, Iroha and Sana got the exciting new that we were accepted into Young Mannheim Symphonists National Academy in Adelaide. I got the position of first oboe for the Schubert's Tragic Symphony and second oboe for Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony. This Program will run during the next holiday, and you will be able to live stream the concert if you buy tickets. There will be more information about that soon. By Quin Hoshino

Congratulations to Tili Green

Tili Green has won a recording contract from Vermillion Records after submitting her own song composition ‘Enough from You’ in their Vermillion High, 2025 song writing competition.

Tili has been awarded recording sessions at the world class recording studios, at QUT’s Kelvin Grove Campus and the world premiere of her work will take place at a specially organised concert held at Grove Bar, to coincide with the release and launch of the Vermillion 6 album.

CSHS is very proud of Tili’s compositional and performance skills, and we look forward to hearing all about it. 

Welcome to the tuba section Charlotte

It's not often that having a set of braces fitted when you’re a trumpet player warrants a celebration, but in this case, trumpet player Charlotte Milner has embraced the brace and made the BIG move to Tuba!

Congratulations Charlotte, we wonder if you’ll be the next professional tuba player to join the likes of Rachel Kelly, Principal Tuba Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra?

“I am so excited…. I love it” Charlotte Milner, 22/08/25 (first notes on her new tuba)

Calendar

Thank you for your continued support and attendance at our events, concerts, eisteddfod, rehearsals ad all things Music.

Please find the latest calendar here that takes us to the end of 2025 (that we know of).

There is still plenty of music opportunities, rehearsals are running as vigorously as always. If you are unable to attend for any reason, can parents please let the teachers involved know. We look forward to supporting you and your child fully.

Maureen Cameron | HOD of Music

Science

Science Week

Volcano Activity (Ian, Elijah & Kai)

As part of National Science Week, Year 11 students ran a volcano demonstration under R Block. Using baking soda, vinegar, and food colouring, we showed how a simple chemical reaction can mimic the eruption of a real volcano. 

When the acid (vinegar) reacted with the base (baking soda), carbon dioxide gas was released. This caused the colourful “lava” to bubble up and spill over, just like volcanoes in nature. 

The juniors gathered around to watch the eruptions, and their excitement reminded us why these demonstrations are such a fun part of science. It was a great way to celebrate National Science Week and to share a little chemistry in action with the younger students.  

Dry Ice (Dhairya and Ashling)

During Science week the chemistry behind pH was explored by using dry ice and it was both intriguing and fascinating. The solid form of carbon dioxide is called dry ice, and it doesn't melt like regular ice does. It sublimates instead, going directly from solid to gas. The reaction was immediate when we put dry ice into water. Mist clouds rose, and the water's pH started to change. We used universal indicator, which changes colour in different pH, to see the change in water pH as the gas dissolved and increased the acidity of the water.  This experiment showed that the chemical reactions that happen all around us, even if we don’t notice them.

Elephants toothpaste (Michaelah, Tanya, Claudia & Evie)

This activity was based on the chemical decomposition reaction between Hydrogiene peroxide and yeast. The experiment took place to demonstrate the fast reaction for younger students as a way to entertain or even 'inspire' them. Elephants toothpaste is very well known among the younger generation which sparked their interest in witnessing the experiment under R Block during Science week. Tanya Taxon and Michaelah Hughes were two of the 4 students who performed this experiment for any onlookers during that lunch, it was proven as a great success with many peers taking an interest in the reaction.  

STEM Careers Panel (Evie & Claudia)

'On the 12th of August, Evie Evans and I, Claudia Kurowski, had the privilege of hosting our school’s STEM Careers Panel. We welcomed four incredible guest speakers: Professor Rowan Young, a chemistry researcher at UQ; Carolyn Diedricks, Head of Engineering Lecturing at JCU; Bharti Arora, a urology registrar; and Hayley Storey, a nursing student at JCU. Throughout the panel we asked them a wide range of questions, from misconceptions about their careers to why young people should even consider going into STEM in today’s world. Their answers were both candid and inspiring, giving us a real sense of the challenges and rewards that come with pursuing science, technology, engineering and medicine. Hearing how each of them found their path helped us see that there is no single “right way” to a STEM career, and that curiosity and persistence are just as important as technical knowledge.

The inclusion of medicine alongside science and engineering made the panel truly well-rounded, and it was incredibly valuable to see how STEM careers connect to real-world impact. The day left us all feeling motivated to explore the many opportunities STEM has to offer. We would like to sincerely thank our guest speakers for generously sharing their time and experiences with us, as well as Mrs. Wilson, Head of Science at Cairns High, for her support in making this event possible. Without them, this inspiring opportunity for students would not have been the success that it was.' 

Guest Speaker visit

On Tuesday 12th and Friday 15th August a number of Science classes attended a presentation by A/Prof Rowan Young from the Unversity of Queensland as part of the O’Donnell Schools Lecture series who spoke on ‘Recycling and Repurposing Fluorocarbons for a Greener World’. 

A/Prof. Young was an engaging speaker who spoke about his pathway from school to where he is now, including the range of institutions he’s studied and worked at around the world. His career pathway ranged from banking to leading a chemistry research team in Singapore and was a great example of the diversity of jobs available to those trained in the sciences.

Rowan spoke about his research in the area of fluorocarbons, discussing their unique properties and the incredibly wide range of products that they are used in globally. He explained concerns about use of these ‘forever chemicals’ and the limited understanding of the effect of bioaccumulation of fluorine compounds in the body. An enlightening and informative presentation that highlighted the importance of regulation and monitoring of chemicals in the environment as well as an understanding of the role of recycling to reduce aspects such as bioaccumulation of these stable compounds.

A big thank you to Rowan for sharing his journey in the area of Chemistry research and to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and the Business Liaison Association who organised and funded Rowan’s visit to Cairns.

Kim Wilson |  HOD of Science

Sport

Bill Turner

On August 5-6, the Centre of Football Excellence Girls travelled to Brisbane to compete in the Bill Turner Trophy State Finals. After defeating Varsity College 5-0 in the Semi Final, the girls faced Kelvin Grove in the State Final. Although they were defeated 5-1, they came away with a 2nd place in Queensland which also places them in the top 8 schools in Australia, out of 400 schools. Well done on an outstanding achievement!

Futsal

On 19-20 August, the Centre of Football Excellence Girls travelled to Townsville to compete in the FQ Northern State Futsal Championships. The U13 team finished in 2^nd place and the U15 and U18 teams came away with a gold medal. As a result, all three teams qualified for the National Championships that will be held at Nissan Arena, Brisbane on 24-26 November.

A big thank you to Kensington Park Horse Agistment & Stud https://www.kensingtonparkmareeba.com.au/ for sponsoring the Bill Turner Trophy girls at the State Finals, and the U13 and U15 girls at the FQ Northern State Futsal Championships. On behalf of the students and parents, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support – it is very much appreciated.

Inter-House Swimming Carvial 

Year 12 Coordinator

Relay for life

On August 2nd, Cairns State High School participated in the annual Relay for Life fundraising event at Barlow Park, supporting those affected by cancer. From 1pm to 11pm, students walked (some even ran) laps around the park to show their support. Our team raised over $2,000, and their dedication and conduct on the day were a true testament to their character. While we may not have won the Tug of War, the day was a great success and enjoyed by all.

Formal Information and Update

As we are all aware, The Formal is fast approaching with only two weeks left to get organised. Most students have been well organised and have already purchased tickets and partner tickets, submitted table requests to Ms Swain & Mr Camp and have completed all mandatory school requirements to be a part of the Cairns SHS Formal 2025. There will be lots of important information being distributed in the next two weeks and it is important for students to be checking emails regularly to stay up to date. Here is some of the key information that will be distributed in the coming weeks. Please ensure you stay up to date and follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for all.

• Table numbers and arrival time allocations-. Tables have been allocated and sent out please double check. Your table will have an allocated arrival time. We need students to stick to this schedule to ensure a smooth arrivals process and make sure there is not a massive log jam of vehicles blocking traffic around the convention centre. An arrival map will be supplied to keep this organised.
• Photos on arrival- Please keep your arrivals photos short on the driveway during arrivals. We need vehicles to clear the driveway quickly so all students can arrive before the formal is due to start. Get your photos with vehicles etc before arrivals. There will be Euroka photographers and Mr Williams taking photos at arrivals also. Please move upstairs and into the foyer area as soon as possible to ensure this process occurs smoothly. Be considerate of other people’s formal experience.
• Live stream of arrivals on YouTube & Facebook- we will be Live Streaming the arrivals. We will provide a link for friends and families closer to the day for you to share. This will ensure everyone has a good view of arrivals and allows those unable to attend to watch arrivals. Once you have arrived you may watch the rest of the arrivals on personal devices in the foyer.
• Behaviour Expectations: Drugs/Alcohol/Vaping- It is important to remember that this is a school event, therefore all attendees are required to follow school expectations around behaviour. These rules apply to all so even if your partner is external (from another school or a graduate) they are expected to follow our school rules. This means all drug/alcohol/vaping use, either before or during the event is not allowed. If there are clear indications upon arrival that an attendee is under the influence of drugs and or alcohol they will not be permitted to enter.

Miss Dominique Swain & Mr Joel Camp | Year 12 Coordinators 

Year 11 Coordinator

Senior Camp

Term 3 brings us closer to our annual Senior Leadership Camp. This term in Week 10, the Year 11 cohort will travel to Barrabadeen, Lake Tinaroo for their Leadership Camp. 

To start planning for the camp, please find a snapshot of the “What to Bring” checklist for students. More information will be given to students on parade and in Connect classes in the coming weeks.  Be mindful of big bulky items as there is one truck transporting 240 student’s gear.

Next week the seniors will start trying on sample shirts to see the best fit for their senior shirts. See last year’s shirts below. These will be available from week 8. Senior jerseys for 2026 graduates will also be available.

Leadership Process

The undertaking of Senior Leadership Camp signifies the start of the Leadership process at Cairns High.  Students are encouraged to start thinking about whether they would be interested in nominating for a position as School Captain, House Captain, Prefect, STARS or CLONTARF leader.  As a group, the senior leaders will meet regularly with the Year Coordinator and take on roles which serve the student body and the wider school community.  

Nomination Qualifications

• Students must have regular attendance in all classes and 95% attendance record
• Students must have A, B, or C grades for achievement, behaviour and effort in all subjects 
• School Uniform standard, grooming and presentation must be exemplary
• Demonstrated and acknowledged consistency of positive behaviour and attitude
• Representing the school in a Leadership position requires an ongoing commitment throughout Year 12. Responsibilities will vary but a commitment of time and effort, as part of a leadership team, is a requirement
• Students will need to consider how they will cope with balancing the demands of study and the time required to successfully represent the school
• Further details will be provided towards the end of term 3, for the application process to commence early term 4.

Holly Schultz | Year 11 Co-ordinator 

Years 9 and 10 students have really stepped up in recent weeks. There is a noticeable change in attendance, behaviour and presentation, which reflects their renewed commitment to their educational journey at Cairns High.

Attendance needs to be >80%. This is the recommended target for student engagement at school. When they are in senior, it is >90%. To have their best chance of success at school, students need to be present, on time, in class, every day. This means they are exposed to daily face-to-face learning in the classroom, and positive social interactions with teachers and other young people. School is not just about academic achievement – it’s also about fostering healthy relationships and building resilience.

There has also been a significant improvement in the students’ presentation at school – especially in the wearing of formal uniform on year level parade days. One of our valued traditions is wearing our uniform with pride. There is no doubt that our students look great and stand out from the rest!

Each year level has a designated day of the week to wear their formal uniform (including correct footwear and tie). For Year 10s, it is Monday, and for Year 9s it is Friday. Formal uniform is also expected to be worn at full school assemblies, excursions, and for any other occasion when students represent the school. The Year 10 SET plan interviews and BLA Career Expo excursion are good examples of such occasions. 

On that note, SET plan interviews have now concluded. It is always exciting to see what students have planned for their post-compulsory schooling journeys – whether that be to embark on the senior schooling phase, or seek further education in a different setting or employment. I wish each and every student success, and a special thanks to the parents and carers who supported their young people through the SET plan process.

Year 9 students have until Wednesday 27 August to finalise and submit their 2026 Year 10 Subject Selection form and OneSchool entry. This is a great time to commence pathway conversations with your student and find out what options are available to them at school, external to school and outside of school.

We are partners in your child’s educational journey, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Sarah Daggett | Acting Deputy Principal 9 and 10

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

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!

Informal

Corella AI

We are excited to inform you that Cairns State High School has been selected to participate in a trial of the Corella AI program, an innovative educational tool designed to support student learning. This trial represents an opportunity for our school to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance classroom experiences and assist students in developing essential skills for the future. Click here for more information. Click here for more information.

Kieran Morley | Year 10 Coordinator 

Year 9 Coordinator

Year 9 has been full of energy, leadership, and creativity this term!

Our Connect Leaders have been working hard behind the scenes to organise a stall for the upcoming school fete in Week 7 on Friday 29th. They’ve planned an exciting scavenger hunt, complete with tricky clues and great prizes up for grabs - it’s sure to be a highlight of the day!

Beyond their fete preparations, Year 9 students have also been stepping up to lead our school parades. This has given them the chance to practise and grow in their public speaking and leadership skills, and they’ve been doing a fantastic job leading with confidence.

We’re also proud to see Year 9s preparing to volunteer at the Year 10 Informal, showing their willingness to contribute, support others, and build community spirit.

In Connect sessions, students have been focusing on embracing nature and strengthening connections. Through Dreamtime stories, grounding activities, and even a shared picnic with their Connect classes, they’ve been building mindfulness and appreciation for the world around them.

Meanwhile, Bruce House found a creative way to spread kindness across the school thanks to Mr Williams. They took to the pathways with chalk, writing uplifting and positive messages in the sunshine to brighten everyone’s day. (Check out the photos included!)

It’s been inspiring to see Year 9 students stepping into leadership, building community, and showing kindness in so many ways. Keep up the amazing work, Year 9!

Maddy Duncan | Year 9 Coordinator 

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 7 Coordinator

Passion Projects

Throughout Term 3, all Year 7 Connect classes will be partnering with a community organisation to deliver a Passion Project. This will involve classes initiating a fundraising activity, volunteering their time, or arrange a donation drive. These projects have provided concrete opportunities for our students to demonstrate their heart for community service, alongside teaching important skills in project management, marketing, and teamwork. Thank you to our amazing Year 7 Connect teachers for their dedication and passion for leading these community service projects.

C073 Passion Project

Prof Torelli’s C073 Italian Immersion Connect Class partnered with the Cairns Italian Festival, running a variety of activities for young children. The class spent several weeks creating colourful pasta, kinetic sand, Italian Carnevale-style mask materials, and other engaging activities to be enjoyed by preschool and primary school aged festival goers. Every student volunteered for a 3-hour shift, running these activities with participants and having an opportunity to use their Italian language skills. This project involved a significant investment of time from their wonderful Connect teacher Prof Torelli, including many meetings with the festival committee in the lead-up to the Saturday event. Thank you also to the many parents and carers who supported their students in participating in this weekend festival.

Recap of the Italian Festival by C073 Class

C072 Passion Project

Ms Lewis’ C072 Connect Class held a hugely successful bake sale fundraiser for the Cancer Council Daffodil Day. Students prepared posters advertising the fundraiser, collected pre-orders of cupcakes, delivered those orders, spruiked the “guess the lolly jar” activity, and ran the stall selling cupcakes on the day. To maximise the fundraising outcome, Ms Lewis secured sponsorship from Jacklyn’s Bakery who generously provided 4 dozen Daffodil Day themed cupcakes for this fundraiser. These cupcakes, along with student baking and the lolly jar, resulted in a $178 donation to the Cancer Council. Thank you to Ms Lewis, Jacklyn’s Bakery, and the wonderful students of C072 for their fabulous fundraising!  

Stephanie Grenning | Year 7 Coordinator 

Since the commencement of Term 2, AFL Cape York Game Development ran programs with Stars Programs Cairns High and Western Cape College. Upon completion both programs were invited to participate in their annual Chris Johnson and Angie Nadredre Cup in Bamaga QLD.

Stars Programs Cairns High and Western Cape College formed an AFL team and travelled up in a convoy of 17 4WD's to Bamaga. This consisted of staff and students from AFL Cape York House's for Girls and Boys, Richmond AFL, Mt Saint Bernard’s College, Chris Johnson and Angie Bowie (nee Nadredre).

Throughout the week students camped at numerous camping grounds, visited popular destinations, engaged with the Bamaga Community and Local Primary schools. At the conclusion of the Tournament Stars Foundation won the Angie Nadredre Cup.

Students Names: Evana, Zoe, Evelyn, Sadie and Layla