Intermediate School Years 9 - 10
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!