Cairns State High School eNewsletter

The hectic pace of our school continues with the end of Term 3 upon us and I would like to extend my thanks to students, staff, and families for their commitment and contributions throughout what has been a productive and eventful term. It has been another great term with student achievement again demonstrating that Cairns State High is leading the way for a holistic approach to learning. The range of activities across the school this term sees our students and staff looking forward to a well-earned break. During the last week of term, with the finishing of exams, final assessment items and school excursions, many students often take off the last day/s of school. It is imperative that all students remain at school up until the last day, as all staff continue to provide excellent learning opportunities for all students.

As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a dynamic, engaging, and rewarding term for our school community. This term, we have seen remarkable growth in our students’ learning, both academically and personally. Classrooms have been vibrant with inquiry, creativity, and collaboration. I am incredibly proud of the way students have embraced new challenges, demonstrated resilience, and supported one another. From Science Week to Year 10 Work Experience, ICONIC showcase to multiple sporting events, Term 3 has been filled with many opportunities for students to shine and develop their passions. We wrap up the term with two unforgettable experiences: the Year 11 Senior Camp at Barrabadeen and the Year 12 New Zealand Ski Trip, both offering unique chances for personal growth, teamwork, and lifelong memories.

Term 3 is always a crucial period in the academic year, especially for our senior students who are preparing for final assessments and post-school pathways. Across all year levels, I have been impressed by the level of focus, effort, and resilience shown. It’s encouraging to see so many students setting goals, reflecting on their progress, and striving to achieve their personal best.

A special mention to our Year 12 cohort who are entering the final stretch of their secondary education. Their determination and maturity over recent months have been outstanding, and we will continue to support them as they prepare for final exams and the transition beyond school.

I would like to thank our dedicated teaching and support staff for their hard work and professionalism. The care they show for students and their willingness to go above and beyond continues to make our school a place of high expectations, care, and belonging.

I sincerely hope that our staff, students and their families have a well-deserved and relaxing break with our last day of school being 19th September, ready for the 10-week final run of the yearlong marathon that is the 2025 school year. Enjoy the September holidays and I look forward to a successful Term 4 which begins on Tuesday 7th October.

Frank Brunetto - Executive Principal
Email: principal@cairnsshs.eq.edu.au

Term 3, 2025
15-19 September	Year 12 Mock Exams
17-19 September	Year 11 Senior Camp Crosswell 17 September 5:30am
18-26 September	Year 12 New Zealand Ski Trip
19 September	Last Day of Term 3
6 October	Public Holiday
7 October	First Day of Term 4
17 October	Rock the Chop Cancer Council Ponytail Project Crosswell
17 October	T073 Passions Project - Cookies, Cupcakes and Lolly Jar Fundraiser
23 October	Year 8-11 Awards Presentation 9:15am Bou-Wa
23 October	Year 7 Awards Presentation 6:00pm Bou-Wa
24 October	Year 12 Valedictory and Awards Night 6:00pm Bou-Wa

Blue card changes effective Term 4, 2025.

Blue card changes are coming from 20 September.

These changes include:

parent volunteers will require blue cards if:

services or activities do not include their own child
they attend overnight excursions or camps
close personal contact may occur with another child may occur (such as assisting with toileting, bathing or dressing).

external businesses providing services in schools or to children will need a blue card.

For more information about the upcoming changes, visit the Queensland Government website.

2025 School Calendar

The future school holidays and term dates for Queensland state schools is now available.

2025 Qld Education Calendar

2025 Qld Education Calendar 709.39 KB

Does your child ride an e-scooter or e-bike? Did you know that only children 16 and over are allowed to ride e-scooters unsupervised? Is their e-bike legal? If your child’s device has any of the features below, it is illegal to ride in public, and they (or you) may be subject to significant penalties.

Click this link to get information on e-bikes and e-scooters

E-scooter and E-bike rules

E-scooters, e-skateboards, and solo wheels have a separate set of rules to e-bikes. Here in Queensland, riders of legal e-bikes must follow the same rules as standard bicycles.

E-scooters rules

To ensure you and your child know the rules to stay as safe as possible when using e-scooters or e-skateboards, visit StreetSmarts Qld for a quick and easy to understand listing of the rules and fines. Most importantly, remember:

Only those aged 16+ can ride e-scooters and e-skateboards unsupervised.
Helmets must be worn with the straps properly fastened (bicycle or motorcycle helmets) and bells fitted for devices with handlebars.
No passengers/doubling – only one person riding an e-scooter.
Speed limit of 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths.
Serious fines may apply to riders, and parents, if caught breaking the rules.

StreetSmartsQld also features educational videos and other helpful safety tips for riding e-scooters and e-skateboards.

E-bike rules

Beware that some e-bikes are illegal. In order to legally ride an e-bike on public roads and footpaths, it must comply with the following: There has been a huge increase in devices that are thought to be e-bikes but are in fact illegal motorbikes. They are banned from use and riders (or parents) can face significant penalties totalling more than $1,640.

You can’t ride your device on a path or road if it has any of these:

Already have one of these devices in your home, or considering buying one? Visit Electric Bikes | StreetSmarts - Queensland Government to find out more about the rules for legal devices as well as the rules for riding.

The Arts

Energy Exhibition

The Energy Exhibition 2025 is Queensland’s largest high school visual arts showcase, featuring outstanding work from students across Far North Queensland. This year, Cairns High has 14 students represented in the exhibition, with four students shortlisted for submission to the prestigious Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art — the state’s highest accolade for secondary school visual arts.

Congratulations to our Creative Generation submission students: Alexis Laine-Gelden, Beatrice Hossen, Kokona Miyashita, and Lily Forsyth.

The following students also had their work selected for inclusion in the exhibition: Grace Duraj, Sasha Monckton, Esther Yanum, Zander Kingsford, Mak Boivin, Tamalin Morris, Georgia Willis, Baran Eftekhar, Faniella Scott, and Ella Carney.

The exhibition runs 19 September – 5 October 2025 at Tank 4 Gallery, Tanks Arts Centre. Entry is free. The official launch will be held on 19 September from 6pm, featuring awards presentations and performances by selected high school musicians.

Cairns High Students Shine at the 2025 Reel Futures Film Awards

Congratulations to our talented student filmmakers whose works were officially selected for the 2025 Reel Futures Film Awards, which opened on Friday night in Port Douglas.

A special shoutout goes to Year 10 film-maker Hudson Smith, who took home the coveted “ShoutOut Award” for Best Film, as voted by his peers. Hudson’s standout film, Insomniac, will now go on to screen at the Port Shorts Film Festival on 18 October — a remarkable achievement for such a young film-maker.

Students took part in a film focused program of workshops and events, including a virtual presentation from XM2, the world’s leading aerial cinematography company led by Cairns High alumna Leroy Button; a Producing on a Budget session with film-maker and another Cairns High alumna Kate Boylan-Ascione; and Sound & Lighting on a Budget with the Port Shorts Crew. They also tuned into the Reel Futures Virtual Panel featuring industry figures Matt Hearn (Wolf Creek), Stephen Curry (The Castle), and Ivan Vukusik (AACTA), before enjoying a film screening at the Clink Theatre, where their own creative work lit up the big screen.

David Marsden | HOD of Arts

Business Enterprise and Technology

Success in Economics

Congratulations to Year 11 student Claudia Kurowski for placing Third in State in the 2025 Economics Competition organised by the Queensland Economics Teachers Association (QETA) and University of Queensland (UQ).

This annual competition saw over 2000 Year 10-12 students from Queensland compete across three categories.

Congratulations as well to students Logan Tallis and Novi Baker for scoring Distinctions in the competition.

Anita Beutel | HOD - Business and Enterprise Technology

Chess Success!

Our Cairns High chess team had a very successful day at the Term 3 Tournament held at Trinity Anglican School on Thursday 4th September.

Premier division (Team 1) won first place and secured a spot at the state championships in Brisbane. Angus was awarded individual winner for board 2.
A division (Team 1) won first place. Rohan and Thomas awarded 2^nd and 3^rdindividual medals.
A division (Team 2) won third place.
B division (Team 5) won second place. Anuja and William awarded 1^st and 2^nd individual medals.
Anuja in Year 7 won first place overall in B division.

Phaun Ottone |Teacher/Chess Coordinator

Global Studies - Humanities and Languages

Where there are Italians, there is food! Year 9 Italian class

This term, our Year 9 students discovered that learning Italian doesn’t just happen in the classroom – sometimes it happens in the kitchen!

As part of their unit “A tavola con gli italiani” (At the table with Italians), students explored the central role of food in Italian culture and how it brings families and communities together. Earlier in the term, they enjoyed a “food museum” activity, where they researched, cooked, and sampled dishes from different Italian regions. Building on this, students began working with authentic recipes in Italian: giving instructions, naming ingredients, and practising cooking terminology.

The highlight of the unit was taking to the kitchen to prepare and share two classic dishes – a fresh and tasty bruschetta al pomodoro to start, followed by a comforting pasta alla bolognese. This hands-on experience gave students the chance to put their new language skills into practice while also connecting with one of Italy’s most delicious and meaningful traditions.

The end result? Smiles all around – and empty plates! It was a fun, memorable way to experience Italian culture through one of its most beloved contributions to the world: la cucina italiana.

Bravissimi, ragazzi! Everything was squisito!

Year 7 Classics Excursion – Cairns Museum

Over Weeks 4–8, all Year 7 Classics classes had the chance to step back in time on an excursion to the Cairns Museum as part of our Ancient Civilisations: Deep Time Australia unit.

From the moment we arrived, students were drawn in by the passionate museum guides who brought the stories of Cairns to life. We learned about the Gimuy Wallaburra Yidinji and Yirrganydji peoples and their deep connection to Country, and got to see amazing artefacts like shields, headdresses, and story poles that tell the stories of the past. This was a highlight because it made history feel real and close to home.

The tour also took us through “Old Cairns,” where we explored how First Nations tracks became roads and railways, and how the arrival of European settlers changed life in the region. Everyday objects from kitchens, fishing, and tropical living helped us imagine what life was like in the past, long before modern technology. We even had the chance to see how Cairns grew into the city we know today, through migration, tourism, and environmental change.

Students were engaged and excited throughout the visit, and many said they were surprised at how much they enjoyed learning about the history of our own town. The museum made clear links to our Deep Time Australia unit, showing us how the stories of the past connect with the present.

A big thank you to the Cairns Museum and its wonderful guides for making history come alive!

Sarah Moss | HOD Global Studies

Music

End of Term 3 – A Celebration of Musical Excellence

Our Music Department continues to uphold its proud tradition of excellence, fostering a vibrant culture of achievement, growth and community connection. Withing our programmes, students are provided with a rich breadth of opportunities designed to extend their artistry, musicianship and personal confidence.

The success of our high-performing students is reflected not only in outstanding results across competition, festivals and examinations, but also in the leadership they bring to Cairns State High School and community events. Through collaboration with professional musicians, participation in regional and state-level initiatives, and access to masterclasses with industry experts, our student are immersed in experiences that nurture excellence and innovation. These opportunities ensure that our young musicians emerge as confident performers, empathetic collaborators, and lifelong ambassadors for the Arts.

AMEB – Australian Music Examinations Board

In weeks 6, 7 and 8 of this term, our department was proudly represented in the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) performance examinations, held across Cairns for Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Piano and Voice. These rigorous examinations provide an important benchmark of musical achievement, recognising not only technical and interpretive skill but also the discipline and perseverance required to prepare at the highest level. Among the many outstanding results, we are especially delighted to acknowledge the achievement of the Associate in Music, Australia (AmusA) diploma. This prestigious award regarded nationally as equivalent to an associate undergraduate degree in music, in awarded for exceptional artistry and ability in performance. Congratulations Olivia Stein on this remarkable achievement and thank you to esteemed accompanists Jill Todd.

We extend our warmest congratulation to all students who understood examinations, as well as to the accompanists, teachers and families whose dedication, encouragement and support made such success possible.

The commitment and determination displayed by our music community continues to inspire, reflecting the strength of our shared pursuit of excellence.

ICONIC

The pinnacle of our cultural calendar, ICONIC, once again lived up to its name as an unforgettable celebration of artistic brilliance, uniting senior students from Dance, Film and Music in a showcase of extraordinary talent.

Symphony Orchestra set the scene in style with John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare and Theme, a resounding opening that created a sense of grandeur for the evening ahead. This 80-strong ensemble proving why they are considered one of the best in Australia. The Film and Dance presentations were captivating, fresh, polished and deeply expressive, reminding us that the Arts thrive most vibrantly when disciplines converge. The Percussion Ensembles offered audience a glimpse of their award-winning National Percussion Eisteddfod repertoire, before being joined by the entire senior percussion cohort for a finale of epic proportions, complete with helmets, acrobatics, and precision throwing techniques that had the audience both amazed and enthralled. Chamber Strings brought an intimate brilliance, with Maya Hadar-Pagliari lyrical cello concerto, and a sparkling trumpet duet from Olivia Stein and Lara Oya performing on D trumpets. Big Band kept spirits soaring with groove and swing, highlighted by Beatrice Hossen’s soulful rendition of Feelin’ Good and Gabriel Havini’s smooth soprano saxophone solo. Symphonic Winds brought the evening to a close – Lili Gochee dazzling on piccolo in Stars and Stripes Forever, before the full ensemble ignited the theatre with a thrilling performance of Riverdance, proving why the were worthy of ‘Best Instrumental Performance’ of Eisteddfod 2025. The whole evening a tour-de-force of percussive drive, musical artistry and technical mastery. Our community is inspired and energised, and we thank everyone who came along to support our young performers in this feast of the senses.

Thankyou – Cairns High staff, conductors, accompanists, instrumental music teachers, Arts teachers, musicians, dancers, film makers, CPAC staff, VIP guests, music committee, admin staff, supervising teachers, van drivers, equipment movers, programme designers, photographers, hair and make-up, soloists, sound and lighting team, Cairns High tech team, leadership team, list and excel creators, logistics, office staff, parents, friends and community – together, we did it!

Good Luck SHEP, QLD

Good luck to Lena Aoki (violin) and Madison Coates (cello) who will travel to Brisbane over the holiday to take part in State Honours Ensemble Programme, QLD. It was an honour to nominate these two exceptional young musicians to take part in this intensive 4-day course, run by Griffiths University and held at the prestigious Brisbane Conservatorium of Music. We wish them all the best as they represent CSHS in this annual gathering of the finest young instrumentalists from around Queensland. The finale concert will take place on Sunday 5 October. We look forward to a follow-up interview on their return.

In conclusion, the ongoing success of our students is a powerful reminder of the central role music plays in education and in the life of our community. Research consistently demonstrates the strong links between music participation and broader academic achievement. Studies have shown that sustained engagement in music support higher levels of literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills, while also enhancing memory, focus and creativity (Hallan, 2010; Kraus and Chandrasekaran, 2010). Just as importantly, music cultivates resilience, teamwork, and empathy-qualities essential not only for artistic growth, but for life itself.

Globally, the importance of music is affirmed by many leaders. As Plato famously remarked, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mid, flight to the imagination” (Plato, c. 428-348 BC). In this sense, every performance and every shared musical experience contributes to the building of stronger communities within schools and beyond.

Cairns High Music Department remains committed to nurturing these opportunities, confident that the benefits of music will continue to empower our students academically, artistically, and personally while strengthening the cultural fabric of our wider community.

Calendar Term 4

Click here to download.

Important Dates for your diary 2026

30/31 March and 1 April - Symphony Orchestra – Residential Camp (Genezzano)
18 – 22 May – Possible Fanfare Heats Week (Instrumental)
11/12/13 May – Choral Camp (Genezzano)
11/12 June – Fanfare Finals (Regional)
18 – 26 June – Eisteddfod

Maureen Cameron | HOD of Music

Senior Schooling

Year 10 Work Experience 2025

VPG Work Experience Cairns SHS Report 2025.pdf

VPG Work Experience Cairns SHS Report 2025 _pdf 4.93 MB

CQUniversity

QTAC Savings

Year 12 students applying through QTAC before Tuesday, 30 September can access significant application fee savings. Offers for our Principal's Recommendation Scheme have started to be released, with Year 12 students having until Monday, 24 November to apply.

On-Demand Webinar

Students who missed our recent Open Day events can still access all information through our comprehensive on-demand webinars, available anytime at their convenience.

Josh Whitehouse | HOD Senior Schooling

Sport

Inter-House Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to O'Keefe House, crowned champions of our Inter-School Swimming Carnival at Tobruk Memorial Pool! With perfect weather, passionate competitors, and a strong sense of school spirit, the day was a spectacular success from start to finish.

Students from all houses gave their best in the pool, cheered on their teammates, and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. Whether they were racing, supporting from the sidelines, or helping with the event logistics, every student and staff member contributed to the positive atmosphere.

We also extend our warm congratulations to all event champions, who showcased talent, determination, and teamwork in every lap.

The team at Tobruk Memorial Pool was so impressed by our school community that they took the time to share this message:

"It was a genuine pleasure to welcome your school community. The students were not only enthusiastic and full of energy, but also exceptionally polite and respectful throughout the day. You should be very proud—your students were a real credit to the school, themselves, and their parents."
— Tobruk Memorial Pool Management

A big thank you to the organisers, staff, and student volunteers who ensured the event ran seamlessly. We look forward to making a splash again next year!

Well done, O'Keefe House, and to all who participated. You truly made Cairns State High School proud.

Age Champions

12yrs Girls	Kennedy Bryan	O’Keefe
12yrs Boys	Frankie Waller	Collins
13yrs Girls	Ashley Hewitt	O’Keefe
13yrs Boys	Justin Molford	Collins
14yrs Girls	Lauren Baldwin	Tully
14yrs Boys	Mark Suntsov	O’Keefe
14yrs Boys	Callum Bolton	Collins
15yrs Girls	Brooklyn Hewitt	O’Keefe
15yrs Boys	Mark Molford	Collins
16yrs Girls	Hayley De Bonis	Tully
16yrs Girls	Johanna Axmann	Collins
16yrs Boys	Ethan Ellis	Bruce
17yrs Girls	Emily Brown	Bruce
17yrs Boys	Liam McNamara	Collins
18+yrs Girls	Sierra Squire	Bruce
18+yrs Boys	Jack Coldebella	Tully

Blue Ribbon Event (fastest 50m freestyle)

Boys – Liam McNamara

Girls – Emily Brown

Peter Tibbs Award (highest points accrued throughout the event)

Boys – Mark Molford & Liam McNamara

Girls – Ashley Hewitt & Brooklyn Hewitt & Emily Brown

House Champions

Girls Champion House – O’Keefe

Boys Champion House – O’Keefe

Overall Champion House – O’Keefe

Amy Whelan | HOD of Sport

Year 12 Coordinators

Final Weeks of Term 4, 2025

Term 4 will be a busy and emotional time for our seniors as they complete their schooling journey. We will provide a detailed schedule of the final week’s activities early next term, including celebration events, Valedictory rehearsals, exam schedule, and other important milestones. Please keep an eye out for further communication.

Valedictory & Awards Evening
Friday 24 October 2025 6:00pm Bou-Wa
A special evening to celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students.
Baby Photo As part of the Year 12 Valedictory celebrations, we are putting together a special presentation featuring baby photos of our students. Parents and/or students are asked to upload their favourite baby photo using the following link:Upload Baby Photo Here. Please ensure the photo is clear and high-quality.
QCAA External Examinations
Monday 27 October – Friday 18 November 2025
Official Final Day for Year 12 Students
Friday 21 November 2025

Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to celebrating the final term with our wonderful Year 12 students and their families.

Miss Dominique Swain & Mr Joel Camp | Year 12 Coordinators

Year 11 Coordinator

Senior Camp

Reminder for Tomorrow – Wednesday, 17 September

Departure Time: Crosswell at 5:30 AM
Coffee Shop: Open in the morning for early risers
More Info: Refer to the camp booklet for full details on what to bring
Luggage Notice: Please pack considerately – one truck is transporting gear for 240 students, so avoid bulky items where possible.

Thanks for your cooperation!

Senior Shirts and Jerseys

Reminder to order senior shirts by 27 October. Senior jerseys for 2026 graduates will also be available.

Click here to order Senior Polo shirts for 2026. Click here to order Senior Jerseys for 2026.

Holly Schultz | Year 11 Co-ordinator

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

The Year 10 Informal was a fantastic success! A big thank you goes out to all the staff and students who helped with the organisation, set-up, and smooth running of the event. Your efforts made it a memorable night for everyone involved.

Kieran Morley | Year 10 Coordinator

Year 9 Coordinator

It’s been a busy and exciting time for Year 9, with students continuing to engage in a wide range of activities both inside and outside the classroom.

Respect Me Program – Students have been actively participating in the Respect Me program, building important skills around respect, relationships, and personal growth.
QPS Safety Talk – Next week, Year 9 will attend a talk from the Queensland Police Service about e-scooter safety, an important topic as these become more common in our community.
Connect Program – The focus this term has been on getting healthy, encouraging students to reflect on wellbeing and make positive lifestyle choices.
Connect Leaders Initiatives – Our Connect Leaders have shown wonderful initiative and leadership:

They organised a fun scavenger hunt at the school fete, raising money for the SRC.
They also volunteered at the Year 10 informal, where they were a great help and represented Year 9 proudly.

In the Classroom – Students have been working hard on their assessments, demonstrating perseverance and commitment to their learning.

With only a few days left of term, Year 9 students are looking forward to a well-deserved school holiday break. We are proud of their efforts and achievements and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next term!

Maddy Duncan | Year 9 Coordinator