Junior School Years 7 - 8
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
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Agata Evans - Deputy Principal Junior 7 - 8 |