Arts

Mamma Mia! – Thank You for the Music!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring the magic of Mamma Mia! to life at Cairns State High School—our amazing cast, crew, teachers, families, and volunteers, and of course, everyone who came along to cheer us on!

From the opening chords to the final encore, the energy was electric as our talented students delivered a show full of laughter, love, and legendary ABBA hits. Set on a sun-drenched Greek island, the story took audiences on a joyous journey filled with explosive dance numbers, hilarious moments, and heartfelt performances.

This production was a true community effort—and a reminder of why Cairns High continues to shine as Far North Queensland’s premier performing arts school.

MAMMA MIA souvenir umbrellas are available to purchase for $25.00 from the main office. 

Thank you for your support—and for making Mamma Mia! a smash hit we’ll never forget!  

Receive > Respond 2025: A Collaborative Youth Art Exhibition

Below are the images form the recently opened Receive Respond exhibition

This much-loved annual exhibition invites local artists aged 15 to 25 to engage in a unique artistic exchange. Each participant creates an original artwork and is then anonymously paired with another artist’s piece, responding to it with their own interpretation. The resulting pairs of artworks are exhibited side by side, showcasing diverse styles, voices, and perspectives from emerging creatives across the region.

Congratulations to the following Cairns High students who have been selected for this prestigious exhibition:

• Skye Colquhoun
• Tehya Phillpot
• Henry Power
• Toby Alojado
• Oka Beresford
• Emmy Carlon

The exhibition is the brainchild of our own art teacher Ricky Beresford, who also spoke at the opening event about the importance of creative dialogue and youth expression in the arts.

The exhibition is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, and Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Admission is free.

For more information, visit the Tanks Arts Centre website.

Cairns Iconic Bus Stop Design Competition: Empowering Youth in Urban Design

As part of the Cairns City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project, the Cairns Regional Council included a school-based initiative inviting students to re imagine bus stops as vibrant public spaces that reflect the unique spirit of Cairns.

Our year 12 CERT2 in Visual Arts students entered the competition with innovative designs that enhance public transport experiences while embodying the values and identity of the Cairns community. The incredible designs by all students worked to the criteria of place-making, functionality, sustainability, and inclusivity in urban design.

The project was launched by Mayor Amy Eden at the Cairns Museum last week. Congratulations to the following designers who won awards and prizes.

• Overall, Winner - Chilli Singleton
• Winners - Charlotte Farrell and Maya Charafeddine
• Highly Commended – Alex Laine-Geldens and Sahara Pitt.

On Thursday Night the project was launched by Mayor Amy Eden and many congratulations to the following Cairns High award winners.

Special thanks to Art Teacher Holly Mervyn-Jones who supported and led this project at Cairns High.

David Marsden | HOD of Arts | 07 4050 3083

English

English & Literature Extension: University Experience at James Cook University (JCU)

In Week 7, the Year 12 English & Literature Extension class got to meet Associate Professor Roger Osborne at JCU to talk discuss ideas for our academic research papers. For many, we got a glimpse of career pathways in English and Literature. It was particularly interesting to see the topics we learnt in class being applied in professional and relevant contexts, giving weight to our learning. It was enlightening to hear about his research and occupation from the table full of wonderful artefacts he brought to show. A few of us got a chance to type on a typewriter for the first time. Thank you, Roger for a most interesting, insightful and educational afternoon.

Global Studies - Humanities & Languages 

Year 8 Italian Assessments have never been so tasty! 

This Term, the students in Year 8 Italian have been learning about the best part of Italian culture: food! Within this unit of work “Buon Appetito”, the Year 8 Italian classes not only explored new Italian vocabulary around food and drinks, but also extended their grammatical knowledge by reviewing past concepts, such as the use of articles and verb conjugations. The students actively engaged in their learning through a variety of teaching activities, including authentic Italian songs and card matching games. This unit of work was also an opportunity to build relationships by getting to know each student a little bit better through learning their likes and dislikes.

The unit concluded with a tasty assessment. The students applied their learning in class by practising the new vocabulary acquired and table manners in a real context.

Teachers and students went to Limoncello restaurant to order their food and drinks in Italian.  Here are some photos of the students posing and chewing.

Written by Ms M Torelli Italian Teacher

Excursion to  East Trinity Mandingalbay Indigenous Tours .

The Year 10 ATSI class and year 10A Geography class visited Mandingalbay country on Tuesday June 3. The students travelled by boat across Trinity Inlet.

The day began well when we spotted a 4-metre crocodile close to the wharf before we boarded buses up to the cultural buildings where the Mandingalbay people shared their culture, stories, language and traditional way of life with us. 

Our experience began by receiving ochre painted on our faces and a special welcome.

Students and staff walked on country learning about bush tucker and local dreaming stories and walked through a beautiful rainforest surrounded by butterflies. They saw traditional shelters and explored a rock outcrop that had special significance for the local Mandingalbay people.

We shared an excellent morning tea and saw a family of goanna’s who live near the camp. The students learned about reclaiming the mangroves the lungs of the Great Barrier reef which helped rehabilitate their land after it had been destroyed by near by farmland close by.

Recaps by students Rocco_Sanderson, Kai Smith-Marron, Mawson Cooley and Imogene Rhook.

Written by Mr Long and Miss Power Year 10 Geography Teachers

Language Students Shine in Global Competition!

A huge congratulations to our language students for their outstanding effort and results in the 2025 Education Perfect World Language Championships!

Four students earned awards for their dedication and success:

• Lena Aoki and Alexis Filer received Bronze Awards.
• Lily Dwyer and Brooke McLean earned Credit Awards.

Our school achieved an impressive 182nd place globally out of over 1,800 participating schools, and 35th in Queensland!

We ranked 3rd for Italian in Queensland and 1st in the 501–1000 student category, a phenomenal result!

These achievements show what’s possible with perseverance and passion for language learning. Whether you're studying Italian, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, or any other Language, competitions like this are a great way to build vocabulary, reinforce grammar and connect with a global community.

In addition to the learning opportunity, during the EP World Championships and other events, the Young Language Ambassadors always host a lunchtime/playtime. Everyone is welcome to join, make some points, enjoy free snacks, and maybe find like-minded new friends ?

We encourage all language students to participate in upcoming competitions — it’s your chance to challenge yourself and celebrate your learning on a world stage!

Written by Ms F Torelli Italian Teacher

Cairns State High School Signs First Sister School Agreement in China

Cairns High is proud to announce a historic milestone in our school's international engagement! We have officially signed our first Sister School Agreement in China with Chongqing Yuzhong Vocational Education Centre.  Representing our Principal and Cairns High, Mr James Chen travelled to China to formalise the partnership, returning with photographs that capture this exciting new chapter. This sister school agreement marks the beginning of a strong educational and cultural exchange between our two schools, opening doors to enriching opportunities for both students and staff.  This partnership is a testament to Cairns High’s commitment to global learning and collaboration. We look forward to sharing more news soon about future exchange programs, joint projects, and international learning experiences.  Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!

Sarah Moss | Global Studies - Humanities and Languages | 07 4050 3054

Library

Readers Cup 7/8

On Wednesday the 11 June, students from year 7 and 8 competed in Readers Cup. In the lead up to the competition, students all read five books: Six Summers of Tash and Leopold, Wolf Road, Electric Life, Laughter is the Best Ending, and The Wrong Shoes. We travelled to St Stephen’s College in Mareeba and faced off against other passionate readers to answer questions on the assigned novels. Our two teams, the Bookaburras and the Bookie Monsters, worked hard and got 8^th and 10^th place. Well done to Rinka, Frankie, Sdhapavit, Ziah, Madeline, Avah, Isabelle, and Ciara for reading all those books and having a great time competing!

Catherine Hicks | Teacher Librarian | English teacher | 07 4050 3042

Mathematics

Outstanding Results at JCU–Newman Maths Competition

Students from our school achieved outstanding success at the 2025 JCU–Newman Interschool Maths Competition, hosted by James Cook University and Newman Catholic College.

Our Year 8 team led the charge, securing both first and third place in a competitive field of talented young mathematicians from across the Cairns region. Their achievement highlights the strength of our school’s mathematics program and the dedication of our students.

Adding to the celebration, our Year 7 and Year 9 teams also placed in their respective divisions, ensuring our school was represented on the podium in all age categories.

Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and enthusiasm, and thank you to the staff and organisers for making this event such a success.

If students would like to participate in the Australian Mathematics competition, nominations will open up at the beginning of Term 3.

Gary Solomon | Head of Mathematics | 07 4050 3024

Music

Having worked for many years in collaboration with Cairns High, it has been a privilege to see the mechanism from the inside, and witness first hand the dedication, grit and support of our teachers and students. I am delighted by my first full Semester, and excited by what is to come!

Excellence in the Arts, the power of parental support

There are no short cuts to excellence, especially in the Arts. Achieving quality, involves an ongoing pursuit of personal best, committed practise and dedication to your ensemble.

Music is more than just a subject, it’s a pathway to discipline, creativity and teamwork. When students commit to choirs and ensembles, they build lifelong skills and confidence, excellence does not happen without practice and consistency. At Cairns High, our parents have partnered with our teachers and encourage regular practise, ensure timely attendance, and celebrate progress. Your support makes the world of difference in your child’s musical journey. Music is a gift. Together, we help our children unwrap it.

Choral Fanfare

Chorale have been for many years considered the pinnacle of Choral performance at a State level. Every two years, Chorale takes part in Fanfare, an Education Queensland initiative that encourages choirs of all standards to share performances, in front of an adjudicator, and if chosen, advance through the heats and hopefully win through to the finals, held every two years in Brisbane.

On 15 May, Chorale filled coaches to travel down to Edge Hill State School taking part in the first heat of the Fanfare competition. As expected, they performed with precision and musicality beyond their years, being awarded PLATINUM status. The adjudicator commenting on the outstanding sound quality and precision ensemble.

On Friday 13th June, we were treated to an afternoon of sound checks and final rehearsals on CPAC stage, and in the evening, performed our specially prepared programme in front of a sold-out audience and esteemed adjudicators were thrilled by the level of performance from our Chorale, winning the best overall Secondary Choir in our area.

Other Qld regions will now be taking part in their own regional finals. The most outstanding groups (winners) from those will be invited to Brisbane to take part in the Grand Finale. Fingers crossed for Chorale as we await the adjudicator final decisions.

Good luck Chorale and thank you Ms Hannay and Mr Cawse for your ongoing support of this outstanding choral team.

Thank you to all involved in Mamma Mia!

What a blast! From the very first auditions way back in week 2 of term 1, we have been working every day and weekend to bring to fruition this extravagant and energetic production. Featuring well over 100 cast and crew, we did it!

6 shows – 3 sets of leads, our whole chorus of this highest quality, the week was filled with happy tears and laughter! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing band – made up of volunteer teachers and one student. This outstanding team prepared 29 individual charts, rehearsing with the full cast, with the soloists and smaller cast – this was no mean feat!!!! 4 keyboards, 2 lead guitar, I bass Guitar, Percussion and Drum kit…. They sounded amazing! Congratulations and thanks to: - Lizanne Smith, Ashley Cawse, Emma Baker, Angela MacKenizie, Joel Perkes, Randall Waller, Mark Williams, Jon Barbagallo and student member – Jackson Mulherin! Outstanding!

Australian Youth Orchestra

Congratulations to Iroha Matsui who travelled to Sydney during the last school holidays to take part in AYO (Australian Youth Orchestra) Young Symphonists programme. I asked Iroha to write her thoughts – please read on…..
Earlier last month, I had been given the opportunity to join the Australian Youth Orchestra once again for their Young Symphonists program. Over the course of 7 days, we were given the opportunity to work with some of Australia's top professional musicians and conductors. I had learnt so much from the camp, and I feel incredibly honoured to have been selected to play alongside 70 of Australia's most talented young musicians. I was also fortunate enough to be selected to participate in one of their photo shoot campaigns, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity that I had been given to represent AYO from a regional state. AYO has given me so many new experiences as well as lifelong memories and friends that I will cherish forever for the rest of my life. It has been such a privilege in being able to participate in AYO this year, and I hope to be able to join them once again in the future.

Cairns Classical Music Group – Bursary nominees

Congratulations to the following students who have shown outstanding promise in their chosen musical field, and thank you to the nominating teachers: Nominated for the junior and senior bursary, then auditioned for a prize were an astounding 5 students from Cairns High - Olivia Stein, Jackson Mulherin, Minkyo Jung(Yr 12) and Jasper Gochee (Yr 7)

“Celebrating Young Artists”, the most recent afternoon recital compiled by Paula Michalski and Aliana Geisel from Cairns Classical Music Group, was a beautiful showcase of our local young talent, culminating in the presentation of The Senior Music Bursary. This award recognises outstanding young talent in our area that are planning to study music at a tertiary level on completion of Year 12. Congratulations to Courtney Wiles (piano), Jedda Howard (saxophone), Kokone Yasufuku (piano), Mia Ishimori (piano), Jackson Mulherin (drum kit) and Olivia Stein (trumpet). All 6 students performed immaculately on their chosen instrument / pieces. Jackson was awarded second place in the Senior Bursary category (year 12s only) and Olivia Stein First Place. Both students being presented with certificates and cash prizes. Congratulations to all involved students and teachers.

POE – Programmes of Excellence (Music) Auditions

On Saturday 10th May, it was a delight to welcome so many budding young musicians eager to join our school as part of the music excellence programme (POE). All instrumental staff were on campus to meet with families and potential students, and listen to their performances, scales and dreams.

Thank you to every student that auditioned – it is not easy to put yourself out there, and we all appreciate the work and effort you showed in presenting your music to us.
Congratulations to every musician who took part, and to those of you unsuccessful, please keep trying, this is not the end of the road – just the start!

To our successful students and families, I am thrilled for you and we are looking forward to working alongside you and your child in further building the musical excellence and artistic identity of this amazing school.

Masterclass by Maestro, Bryan Hurdley

Following on from 2024, it was a treat to welcome back Bryan Hurdley to the podium to conduct/train our Symphonic Winds in the lead up to Cairns Eisteddfod. Symphonic Winds rose to the occasion and the new tempos set by Bryan! Wowsers, we sure had our work cut out for us.

In bringing in external performers and specialists, we hope to speak to and reach every student, regardless of their learning style, personally or musical preference. We all respond and react in different ways with different people. In learning to be exemplary level musicians, we need to be able quickly adapt to different conducting styles and musical ideas. It was a tough rehearsal, we were put through our paces, and we are energised by the passion and musicality of Maestro Hurdley!

Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod, Music

As always, Cairns High has entered a number of Choral and Instrumental Groups in the Eisteddfod, 2025. Solos and smaller groups will be held in our Eisteddfod Hall  and Choral and Instrumental Groups will be held at Cairns Performing Arts Centre. 

Soloists
Good luck to the many soloists who have entered the solo/duet/trio classes. From the programme, I can see many names from our school taking part and supporting the Eisteddfod. Thank you to our school and staff members who have sponsored trophies, further encouraging young musicians from around our area.

Click here for Eisteddfod times and dates of the Choirs & Music groups.

MOST – Creative Generations (Most Outstanding Musicians)

Good luck to our students who have auditioned and won a spot in Creative Generations – MOST (Excellence Awards in Instrumental Music, 2025). The Creative Generations Excellence Awards in Instrumental Music is a biennial event offering a residential extension programme for up to 80 musically outstanding students (MOST) from Queensland State Secondary Schools.

MOST extends musically Gifted and talented student sin a 10-day programme of musical development in large and small ensembles, tutorial groups, aural musicianship and a range of music and cultural activities. Conductors and tutors are eminent musicians who are recognised as leaders in their respective fields. Held from 23 June – 3 July, we wish 5 of our musicians - Jack Saltmere, Iroha Matsui, Quin Hoshino, Lara Oya, and Sana Wright a rewarding and musically outstanding trip! Cairns State High School is proud of your achievements at this level. 

The finale concert will be held on Wednesday 2 July at the Conservatorium Theatre, Queensland Conservatorium, Griffiths University, Brisbane.

SHEP – State Honours Ensemble Programme

Some of our music community may have received an email from Griffiths University with details of their upcoming program 2025 – Cairns August 8-10. Either successful (offered a position), or Reserve (waiting list). As I have already documented, you are under no contract to accept. Congratulations on your nomination, Cairns High is proud of your achievements. Involved students names to follow once positions are finalised.

As always, if you have any news of individual musical achievement – something your child has been involved with, a performance, a workshop, can you please let me know so I can share and celebrate the news around our community.

Science

Jay Marron has the class on the oval practising their drone flying skills – they are amazing!

Senior Pathways 

Year 10 Future Pathways

Year 10 is when students make informed decisions about their senior studies and future career pathways. In Career Connect, students have been thinking about their future through job and workplace exploration which will culminate in their work experience placement next term. Following the work experience placements, students will embark on the next phase of their learning journey - the SET plan (Senior education and training plan). There are a number of upcoming events in place to support students and parents/carers in this important juncture and their young person’s schooling.

• Year 10 Pathways Information Letter

EVENT	DATE	TIME	LOCATION
Year 11 2026: Pathways to the Future – Parent Information Session	21July	5.30-6.30pm	N01
Work Experience Week	28 July – 1 August	Daily	Off Campus
Cairns High Careers Expo	7 August	8.30-10:00am	Croswell
SET Plan & Year 11 subject selection interviews	11 & 12 August	30 minute interview	Library
BLA Careers Expo	29 August	1.10pm – 3.00pm	Cairns Showgrounds

Certificate II in Active Volunteering

It has been wonderful seeing our Year 10 students volunteering in the school and wider community making connections and developing employability and networking skills for life. You may have seen them at the Program of Excellence Auditions, Parent Teacher interviews, Crankworx, Children’s Festival, Cairns Ironman, Park Run, Cairns Museum and with the Cairns High Musical team.

School Based Traineeships

Congratulations to the following students who successfully secured a traineeship this term:

• Nauma Mills Orange Fabrication, Bolier Making Apprenticeship
• Aiden Doolan Southside Concreting, Concreting Apprenticeship
• Singay Yangden BUPA Aged Care Traineeship
• Mya Singleton QLD Health AIN Traineeship
• Mikaylah Parsons Pointons Lawyers Business Traineeship
• Mark Muratov Zarraffa’s Coffee Traineeship
• Bo Gibbs Zarraffa’s Coffee Traineeship
• Amy Banson Muffin Break Traineeship
• Tianna Pearson Muffin Break Traineeship
• Marlon Clark Petit Café Hospitality Traineeship

Career Ready

Career Ready will replace the existing Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program from January 2026. It will provide school students, in Years 7 to 12, with the opportunity to engage with industry and career pathways throughout their schooling. Students will be able to access Career Ready through free and reduced cost funding for vocational courses, career taster programs, school based apprenticeship and traineeship programs and gateway to industry programs. You can find out more information here.

Apprenticeship Program at Ergon Energy Network and Energex

Apprenticeship Program at Ergon Energy Network and Energex 355.26 KB

Cairns High Careers Expo

Cairns High Careers Expo 521.35 KB

Aviation Leidos

Aviation Leidos 2.19 MB

Sarah Daggett | HOD Senior Pathways | 07 4050 3092 

Sports

Athletics Carnival 

The school's annual Athletics Carnival will occur on Friday 20th June at Barlow Park. This is a whole school event and considered a normal school day and attendance is expected. Students need to go directly to Barlow Park by 8.40am and be collected from there at the end of the day after 3.00pm. Roll marking procedures will continue through until 9.00am followed by the first events of the day. No classes will run on campus and students are expected to attend the Carnival, participate as much as possible, and cheer for their house. Click here to read more.

Athletics Day Program

Athletics Day Program 876.04 KB

CISSA 2025 

Congratulations to all teams who competed in the Grand Finals today. Cairns High have come home with the winners trophies for the following sports:

Premier Division

• Girls Basketball
• Player of the Final - Leah Pearson
• Girls Football

Division One

• Boys Touch Football
• Player of the Final- Zion Nona

We are incredibly proud of the efforts from our students and staff throughout the season, and even more impressed with being awarded the Overall Girls CISSA Champion School!! Go Bulldogs

Cross Country

We were so impressed to see Cairns High SHINE at our Interhouse Cross Country event late last term.  Students were pushing themselves to their absolute limits on the track, we had student volunteers coming from every direction, outstanding displays of sportsmanship and encouragement and what makes us even happier is the number of students who participated in the event on the day!!

Congratulations to Collins, the overall champions on the day; as well as our Age Champions who took out first place in their individual races. Click here to see the  results.

We had over 40 students qualify for the CSHS Cross Country team who competed last Friday at the TCC District Cross Country event, 18 of these students have now been invited to attend the Peninsula Cross Country trials in Yungaburra next week.  Wishing you all the best for your next race.

Bill Turner

Congratulations to the Cairns High Football Excellence girls, who defeated St Monica’s 11-0 in yesterday’s Bill Turner Trophy Regional Final.

The girls will progress to the FNQ Final in Week 10, against the winner of the Townsville / Mackay region.

Futsal Regional Championships

Congratulations to the U13, U15 and Open girls who were all undefeated at the FQ Futsal Regional Championships, at Redlynch Sports Stadium.

In the Final, the U13 girls successfully defeated St Monica’s College 15-1, the U15 girls successfully defeated St Monica’s College 14-2, and the Open girls successfully defeated Bentley Park College 18-1.

Amy Whelan | HOD of Sport | Sport@cairnsshs.eq.edu.au 

O'pen Skiff Worlds

Francesca Del Favero (Year 8) and Amelia Tracey (Year 9) qualified earlier this year to attend the the O'pen Skiff World Championships in Nishinomiya, Japan. They have trained at Tinaroo Sailing Club for many years and after attending Nationals in January at Mordialloc in Melbourne, they both made the Australian Team for the Under 17 Division.

As part of the event the Team will be competing with other mixed competitors in their age division from countries including Japan, Thailand, Italy, France, Poland, USA, Canada, New Zealand and India. This is quite a special team from Australia this year as 8 out of the 11 selected are female which is pretty outstanding with three of them all from Tinaroo Sailing Club in Far North Queensland.

The team is also taking Francesca's sister Isabella, who will be attending CSHS in 2026 and qualified in the under 13 Division, and their Coach Breanne Wadley from Tinaroo Sailing Club to the event who has won several National and World Championships of her own in the O'pen Skiff Class.

The team is heading off to Japan just after the school holidays for the Worlds Event in Nishinomiya which is a small city on the harbour between Osaka and Kobe. Francesca and Amelia look forward to sharing some photos and experiences from the event when they get back to school next term.

Written by Francesca Del Favero 

National Barefoot Waterski Championships