9 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

Executive Principals Report

Dear Parents and Friends

What a busy start we have had to the term. By now all students and parents should have a copy of each subject’s semester overviews from individual teachers. I encourage parents to take the time to identify key assessment dates and place them on your calendars to assist students with organisation and routines. These are very helpful documents for both parents and students, and they provide an outline of the work being covered and assessed. Please do not hesitate to contact teachers if you have any questions or concerns regarding the curriculum programs or upcoming assessment.

As you are aware, Corinda is implementing a range of initiatives through our whole school approach to Positive Education. Part of these initiatives includes a focus on student and staff wellbeing. This term we are offering our students opportunities to participate in fitness programs and yoga in order to assist them in developing healthy minds. We encourage students to take up this opportunity, which is being funded by the school, and hope that they enjoy the programs on offer.

As you may be aware we recently had some media coverage in relation to students making ‘Promposals’. It is disappointing that issue such as this are played out in the media without the real details of the how and why. In a school of 1800 students, it is important that we maintain an orderly environment. While we all enjoy the fun and excitement around preparing for a significant social event, it is also important to consider the impact on the rest of the school, particularly our young students.

Last week students were instructed to refrain from conducting proposals that were ‘unsafe’ and caused concern for staff and students. This was the only real concern that prompted staff to give year 12 students a direction around this. I am more than happy to discuss with parents and students if you wish to seek further clarification on this issue. Please be assured that we want our year 12 students to look forward to this special event and we do not want to cloud this with unpleasant interactions. At this point it is important for our year 12 students to focus on critical assessment and the upcoming QCS test which is just around the corner, and we do not want to distract them from this. This term is always a difficult time for our year 12s as they undertake assessment and decision making around QTAC preferences, and a time when year 12 students become more stressed and anxious. Supporting our students at this time is our main priority, so that they can maximise their grades and take care of their wellbeing. We are here for them as always.

Helen Jamieson,
Executive Principal

Coming Events

Important Notice – changes to telephone payment process

Please note that Education Queensland has amended the guidelines for telephone payments and for security reasons schools are no longer able to take credit card payments over the phone.

Should you wish to pay your student fees via telephone, please call the Education Queensland BPoint secure number: 1300 631 073.

It is important to note that when calling this number, you will need to provide your CRN number that appears on the bottom left hand side of your debtor statement or invoice.

Should you have any further queries on this change, please feel free to contact our student services staff.

Some of our best …

Andrew Kleineberg

Congratulations to our own Andrew Kleineberg of year 10 who was a part of the combined Australian team from Bundaberg SHS and Corinda SHS. The team were the Winning design company in the international competition - 2018 International Space Settlement Design Competition finals held at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. Well done everyone, shooting for the stars!

Alex Wentz

Alex Wentz of year 9 has been competing in the Australian Ice Hockey U/15 Nationals held in Canberra. Alex, as the Assistant Captain, helped lead the Queensland team into the semi-finals to a 4th place finish. They fought two hard games, where Alex scored a tying goal and then a goal to take the lead. Unfortunately, the opposition turned the tables in the closing minutes of the game. Despite the loss, the team played hard to the very end and did Queensland (and Corinda) proud.

Maddison Dillon

Madison Dillon of year 12 competed at the National School Mountain Bike Championships, held at Nerang last weekend. Maddison finished very impressively - winning 2 x 3rds and a 2nd! We are very proud of you Maddison!

Corinda Chess Team

The Corinda Chess Team achieved amazing results at the Term 3 Secondary Schools Competition held at Churchie. Year 11 student Caleb placed first, Year 12 student Anthony placed third, and the team took out the B Grade title!

Well done also to Ryan, Luke, Zachary and Tristan who all had successful tournaments and contributed to the excellent result. The team has been promoted to a higher division for the second time this year.

UQ Lecture – the Honourable Michael Kirby

William Nguyen and Dhruv Singh recently attended a small and exclusive lecture at St Leo’s College UQ. Former High Court Chief Justice and human rights advocate Michael Kirby gave the annual Archbishop Sir James Duhig Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Student Club of St Leo’s College.

Order of Australia and former Justice of the High Court the Honourable Michael Kirby delivered a speech and QandA session about his role as Head of the UN Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights violations, as well as a discussion about recent developments in the possible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

Arts Happenings

Beenleigh Eisteddfod

A very successful day at the Beenleigh Eisteddfod today... Highly Commended for Year 7 Dance Excellence Lyrical, 3rd Place for Year 9 Dance Excellence Contemporary and an Encouragement Award for Year 8 Dance Excellence Jazz. Big thanks to our dancers, teachers Mr P and Ms Nothling and our fantastic parents and school community.

Upcoming Events:

Please see below for a list of the many events coming up in the Arts this term:

Excellence in the Arts

Are you enrolled in Year 7 at Corinda SHS for 2019? Do you love and excel in Dance, Music or Visual Art? Applications are open for Excellence Programs in these three areas now. Contact Head of Department - The Arts, Ms Mardi Mansfield on mstit3@eq.edu.au or our administration for an information and applicant booklet. We would love you to be a part of our challenging and exciting Arts Excellence programs.

Golden Opportunity Days

On Monday, we hosted 40 year 6 students for our Visual Art and Dance Golden Opportunity Days. The Dance students spent the day learning a range of routines including hip-hop and contemporary pieces. Visual Arts and Digital Design students created some amazing watercolour collages and used illustrator to design their own laser cut lampshades.

Expressions of interest are now being accepted for our Dance and Visual Art Golden Opportunity Day on Monday 3 September for students in years 4 and 5.

Family Fun day 8 September

2018 Next Step - Early School Leavers survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who in 2017 left school without obtaining Year 12 certification. The Early School Leavers survey is a short, confidential survey that collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school.

Between August and September, students who left school early in 2017 can expect to receive an invitation to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part.

For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Community News

Western Suburbs Asperger Services Australia Support Group meeting - Thursday 23 August

Come along and share your thoughts, your dreams and your questions at this month’s coffee night. There is laughter but there are tears also (we supply the tissues) and above all there is support.

Details for our next meeting are:

Date: Thursday 23 August
Time: 7pm - 9pm ( Please arrive ready to start the meeting at 7pm )
Venue: St Matthew’s Church Hall ( cnr. Oxley and Sherwood Rds. Sherwood )
Speaker: Coffee Night
Cost: $5 per person / couple

We look forward to seeing you.

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