5 March 2018

Newsletter Articles

Executive Principals Report

Dear Parents and Friends

Last week we conducted our official Investiture Ceremony where we presented our student leaders and captains with their badges. It was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance and enjoying these special moments with our students. Congratulations to our student leaders and especially to our newly inducted school captains:

Dhruv Singh (Pirri House)
Jack Irwin (Moori House)
Samantha Vo (Kabul House)
Natalie Ward (Dibbil House)
Josie Christensen (Bunar House)
Roy Hay (Yarraman House)

Our leadership theme this year for our Investiture had a pirate metaphor. We believe that pirate leaders are courageous, they inspire and influence others to follow them, even in the face of great risk. They lead their crew on a journey to seek great riches and rewards, but what treasure the pirate leaders seek isn’t gold; it is better. The treasure our pirate leaders are seeking this year is the creation of a school culture where students want to be, making our school an amazing place. Being a pirate leader is about charting a course and setting sail on this incredible journey this year – setting new foundations with our newly formed House structure.

I wish all our students well on their leadership voyage for 2018.

Mobile Device Policy

There has been a lot of media coverage around students having access to mobile devices while at school. There are many arguments for and against I know, but we as a school feel strongly that it is important that students do not have this distraction while at school. We want to emphasise the importance of students interacting and engaging in person, developing their socialisation skills.

I encourage all parents to read our mobile device policy "Managing electronic devices in school" and to support us in reinforcing the importance of developing appropriate relationships with each other while at school.

We are also aware that students do not understand the consequences of possessing or sharing inappropriate images on their smart phones. Our key message to assist students with their decision making around this is to consider whether they would be happy to share their images with their parents or grandparents. If the answer is ‘no’ then it is most likely to be unacceptable. The next question we encourage them to consider is whether they would be happy to see the image on a billboard on Oxley Road. If the answer is ‘no’ then they have their answer.

We encourage parents to follow up with these types of conversations at home to assist our young people in making the right choices and taking responsibility for ensuring their personal branding is protected.

QCAA Commendations

Last week the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority released their 2017 Senior Outcomes awards. Four of our graduates received academic commendation awards for achieving 24 semesters of 6 Very High Achievements – amongst the top performing students in the State. Congratulations to Didi Mulligan, Nathan Vien, Mia Starkey and Imogen Davidson.

After undertaking an extensive analysis of our year 12 OP data and taking into consideration students who received bonus rank points we identified that there were 22 students with an OP1 equivalent (being a rank of 99). This is outstanding.

What is Positive Education?

Traditionally, the goal of psychology has been to relieve human suffering, avoid mental illness or fix our mental ailments. However, the goal of Positive Psychology is about flourishing and getting the most out of life. This is the difference between languishing and flourishing.

The exciting field of positive psychology has emerged and been supported by researchers and practitioners globally. Martin Seligman has led the Positive Psychology movement for over fifteen years. From this seed, Positive Education has grown.

Positive Education refers to the way that some schools and other education settings have been able to apply the research and practice from positive psychology to their own contexts. In particular, some schools have sought to embed simple, research based practices into their classrooms, staff rooms and playgrounds. The purpose is to build positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment and health, in order to boost wellbeing.

Why Teach Pos Ed?

Over the last fifty years, we have bigger houses, more clothes, more access to music, books and entertainment, higher levels of education and our purchasing power in most developed countries has tripled. However, this has not resulted in a greater quality of life or better wellbeing. By some estimates, depression rates have actually increased about ten times in the same period. So, if schools are wanting to help their students flourish in a complex world, Pos Ed might assist them in their life beyond school. We also know that workers with greater wellbeing are more engaged and productive, so this would be the hope for teachers and school leaders who seek to embed Pos Ed in their schools. There is also evidence to support that greater wellbeing enhances learning, due to broader attention and more creative thinking. Positive Education will help individuals and communities thrive and live their best life.

This is the journey we are embarking on here at Corinda and we feel that this will have a positive impact on all staff and students. We will continue to provide you with information on this as we develop our framework and programs across the school.

Helen Jamieson
Executive Principal

Coming Events

Student Services

Open Classrooms – After School Tutoring

Students can get expert help for assignments and assessment, every Monday to Thursday

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the air-conditioned comfort of the library. Each day offers a different tutor for each subject area.

QParents

Have you joined QParents?

Parents will have received an invitation email or letter by now and it’s great to see that so many parents have registered already. If you have not received an invitation, please advise us immediately by emailing info@corindashs.eq.edu.au. Over time, QParents will become an integral part of how we communicate with parents. Get on board to enjoy the ease and convenience that QParents offers.

Enrolments for Year 7 2019

Enrolments for Year 7 2019 are open from the first day of term 2, after the Easter break.

We will be handing out enrolment packs at our Open Day on Saturday 24 March 2018. You will also be able to pick up an enrolment form in our office, or print one from our website.

Uniform Shop

Opening Hours

Monday – Wednesday 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Thursday and Friday – by appointment only
Phone direct: 3379 4801
Main office: 3379 0222

P & C News & Notice of Annual General Meeting

The P&C meet on the last Wednesday of each month in the schools ‘Paradox Room’ (near the administration), beginning at 7:00 pm. We enthusiastically welcome any new parents to come along and meet other parents in the school, be involved in activities to help your child and gain an understanding of what is happening in the school both from a curriculum and community perspective.

P&C members suggest and implement positive changes at our school – and the funds we raise have a lasting impact through building improvements and providing classroom ‘extras’ to enhance our children’s’ learning. Your skills and hobbies could be put to great use and volunteering, even a small amount of your time will benefit your own children and others in our school. You could also gain work experience and develop new skills. Even if you are not able to attend regular meetings, being a member is a great way to learn what is happening and have your say.

Ways in which you can be involved in the P&C at Corinda State High School include:

• Attend monthly P&C meetings
• Become involved in the Air Conditioning project
• Assist in the administration of the Preloved Uniform Facebook page
• Joining the Music Sub-committee or CHAFS (CSHS Agricultural Farm) Sub-committee
• Membership of the executive for 2018

Membership of the P&C Executive

The P&C Executive are office bearers of the Association, elected to the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who perform the core functions and business of the P&C. The P & C Association employs a bookkeeper who provides the financial reports to the Treasurer in order to reduce the workload in this role. We are keen to hear from members of our community who may be interested in taking on one of the roles.

The P&C Executive Nomination form is available on the school website and can be lodged at the administration office, or alternatively PDF and email to pandc@corindashs.eq.edu.au. Please give this your consideration, and if you would like to obtain further information please contact us via email.

Our next AGM will be held at the school on Wednesday 28 March at 7:00 pm, followed by the general meeting at 7.30 pm. All executive positions will be vacated, and we look forward to volunteers raising their hands to assist Corinda State High School.

We look forward to seeing you in attendance.

Alan Birchley - President

House Masters

Congratulations to the following students, successful in gaining a leadership position in 2018. The Captains Investiture took place on Tuesday 20 February and all are proudly wearing their badges. What an amazing group, let by our six School Captains! Year level leaders within each house will support the captains, followed by a representative for each home group. Arts Captains, Sports Captains and our Indigenous Captain complete the group of 125 leaders, ready to steer the ship for 2018.

The Leaders are:

Humanities

7K Archaeological Experience

On Friday 16 February the English and Humanities Excellence class was privileged enough to go on an excursion to the Abbey Museum of Art and Technology at Caboolture. This excursion was planned to fit in with the topic of study this term; Ancient Egypt. Students had a wonderful time getting hands on experience participating in an archaeological dig learning about the process that archaeologists follow, and the care they take when excavating dig sites.

They were also greatly entertained by the interactive presentation of the mummification process. The students learned the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, which underpinned their funerary practises.

The students learned a lot on their excursion and enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

“The excursion overall was good and interesting. We learned a lot about the process of mummification on how the organs were removed, placed in jars and how the body was dried. There are many of the traditions and practises of ancient Egyptians of burying the rich with important items in the belief that they would be able to carry it with them to the afterlife.” Caitlin

“During our expedition, we were introduced to the sinewy and intricate methods of archaeology, soon earning reputations as amateur archaeologists, destined to explore the mysteries of the sand.” Patrick

“The Abbey Museum is amazing; all the artefacts are in extremely good condition. We tried some archaeology and dug for Ancient Egyptian artefacts, mummies and ruins. It was SO MUCH FUN!” Sienna

International

Homestay Families Required

Homestay families are required for upcoming study abroad tours.

Students will be here for 3 – 12 months.

Please contact Janelle Peacock for an information pack if interested. jpeac99@eq.edu.au

Languages

Last week at each first break many Corinda students enjoyed the screening of Chinese film ‘Big Fish and Begonia’ as part of our Chinese New Year celebrations, which was organised by our wonderful LOTE Staff.

This is the Year of the Dog and Mr Butcher organised a dachshund presentation where we had several members of the Dachshund Society bring along several of their dachshund dogs. This incursion was extremely popular with an informative presentation of the popular breed.

The Arts

Media

Our year 12 media students went on an excursion to SAE Creative Media Institute where they saw groups working on film sets. They gained some insight into the production of simple films, sound equipment, soundproof rooms and music recordings. One of our Corinda students is keen to make that his study path next year. The students then headed into South Bank to give their photography skills a work out. They were able to take many interesting shots focusing on the technical aspects of photography.

Ms Le Sueur

Visual Art

The Year 9 Visual Art Excellence class have been undertaking a monoprinting unit this term. They are working towards using their bird imagery in a larger compilation monoprint. Check out some of their work. Ms Waite

Dance

Dance camp 2018 was a great success. Our guest choreographers were invited to work with our wonderfully talented dance troupe members over the weekend. The camp intensive saw our troupes learn their 2018 competitions routines and this year they are better than ever. Not wanting to ruin any surprises there are lifts, props, monologues and even some classical music. 2018 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for Corinda dance and we cannot wait to share what we have been working on with you. Mr P

Drama

Our year 11 senior drama students have accepted their first task with gusto. Learning the realism style has challenged all because it begins with an in-depth analysis of the script to ascertain character objectives, tactics and obstacles. Working together then is a rigorous schedule of rehearsal and refinement to produce convincing Australian realism. Come join us on February 28, at 7:00 pm in the drama studio to witness extracts from David Williamson’s “The Removalists” and “Brilliant Lies” and Michael Gow’s “Away”. Ms B

Music Excellence

Creative Generation State Schools Onstage

The Brisbane Convention Centre will play host to Creative Generation (CGEN), a Queensland Performing Arts production that features talented state school students from metropolitan and regional schools on July 13 and 14. This year our talented year 9 student Kelina Ollerenshaw has been invited to the second round of call-backs for a coveted featured artist and vocalist role.

Kelina is a new member of Corinda’s Music Excellence Program. At the end of 2017, she submitted an audition reel of vocal repertoire. If her call back is successful, Kelina will be invited to attend a three-day workshop that could result in her final selection as a 2018 soloist. All of Corinda wish Kelina the very best of luck!

How do my physical limitations impair my technical proficiency on my instrument?

Year 9 Music Excellence students have been investigating the technical challenges they need to overcome as they select their performance programmes for 2018. Students have been guided to select repertoire that challenges specific technical weaknesses they intend to focus on throughout the year. In week 4, they explored how breath can influence phrasing, tone, range and pitch for many instrumentalists. As an experiment, the class attempted the fine art of circular breathing and reflected on how the control of breath can allow a performer to present virtuosic and complex repertoire. Thanks to the steamy summer heat, the musos were quite relieved to drink their cups of water!

Belinda Stewart – Music Excellence Teacher

Instrumental Music

The 2018 Corinda SHS Instrumental Music Rehearsal schedule is as follows:

Music Lessons

The 2018 Corinda SHS Instrumental Music Lesson schedule is as follows:

The 2018 Corinda SHS Private Music Lesson schedule is below. Contact Mardi Mansfield (HOD – The Arts) or Belinda Stewart (Music Excellence Teacher) for further information.

Resource Centre

Corinda’s Library is open from 7:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

There are free tutoring sessions each afternoon from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm for the students. Please see above for details.

Community News

Positive Parenting

Responsible Behaviour by Michael Grose

Healthy teens generally want more freedom, while parents want to make sure their young people are safe. As young people grow and demonstrate the ability to make smart choices, it is a good idea to allow them more authority over their lives. Increasing independence involves greater freedom to choose, which demonstrates trust and faith in their ability to make good decisions.

Brain research shows that teenagers in the 13 - 18 year old age group need help and guidance around decision-making. The pleasure-seeking part of their brain tends to dominate the reasoning part of the brain during this stage … and later as well.

Safe Fair Smart

Here is a cool tool to prompt young people to make smart decisions, particularly when you are not around. Give young people these three questions to ask themselves to help them assess the safety and suitability of any activity or behaviour that they are about to participate in:

1. Is it safe? This question helps them to assess risk.
2. Is it fair? This question helps them to be sociable and consider others.
3. Is it smart (and in my long-term best interests)? This question encourages them to think ahead, which is not a typical teenager’s strong point.

The safe, fair, smart tool needs to be used often so that will sink in. My three adult children can now repeat these questions verbatim as they were directed at them often … regardless of the withering looks, raised eyebrows and shrugged shoulders that came my way.

Promoting independence in our adolescents is hard work for parents as we are always treading a fine line between being too protective and allowing young people more freedom. However, if young people are to learn how to make smart choices, we adults need to equip them with the processes as well as the opportunities to do so.

The Smith Family

With increasing financial pressure on families, the Saver Plus Program has proven to be a great way to help by providing $500 towards back to school costs.

The aim of the program is for participants to achieve a savings goal of $500, which is then matched by a further $500 per family, which must be spent on educational expenses, with parents and carers taking part in free financial literacy workshops. The program has now been running for over 13 years.

Many of our successful families have received $500 in matched savings to assist with costs such as:

• School uniforms and shoes
• Text books and stationary needs
• School camps and excursions
• Sporting, art, dance or music fees
• Laptops or IPad

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