22 July 2022

Newsletter Articles

Executive Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Friends,

Once again, we find ourselves navigating the challenges of another COVID wave. We have a growing number of cases amongst our staff which is impacting our ability to provide continuity of learning. Where possible, we are combining classes with an expert teacher to ensure where necessary, explicit teaching continues. Support teachers are being placed in these classes to assist students in the case of combined classes. Schools across the nation are experiencing the same issues and this is not isolated to Corinda.

Availability of qualified teaching staff also continues to be difficult at this point in time. Our school is actively working with four recruitment agencies as well as the Department of Education to find suitable staff. Our HR Deputy Principal spent a majority of the holidays recruiting and amending the school timetable to accommodate the quality staff we could recruit. Unfortunately, due to the mix of available staff this has meant we have had to make significant timetable changes. This is unavoidable so that expert staff can be timetabled on classes where vacancies could not be filled.

Creative Generations State Schools on Stage

Last Thursday evening I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Creative Generations Performance at the Brisbane Convention Centre. It was amazing to see so many talented students from all over Queensland come together to produce such a high calibre event. I felt immensely proud of the Corinda students from our Corinda Vanguard and Dance Troupe who were selected to perform. They dedicated many hours of their own time rehearsing throughout the year and they certainly stood out (in my eyes at least!). A big thank you to our Parents who made sure these students were at rehearsals and patiently waited for them at the end of the performances last weekend. This is a huge commitment for all families involved.

Madonna King “L Platers” Event

On Wednesday evening we had approximately 100 people attend the talk by well-known author Madonna King. This was organised and supported by the P&C Association. Madonna shared her extensive research from her new book and provided some interesting insight to the challenges teenage girls are facing. What a great initiative by our P&C and it was very much appreciated by all who attended. Great to see parents coming together like this; wanting to learn more about our young teenagers so they can understand and support their emerging needs. It is certainly an unknown journey for many and we all want the best for our kids.

Collecting Students from the Office

As you can appreciate our Administration can get extremely busy and with current staffing challenges due to COVID and winter flu season, we simply do not have enough people to go and collect students from classes or the playground without prior notice. Our school does not use a public address system due to neighbouring houses, nor do we have telephones in all classrooms.

Given the size of the school it takes considerable time to locate students in classrooms across the school. Our Administration staff do the best they can to locate students along with meeting the competing demands of the telephone switchboard and servicing parents, visitors and contractors. Please be mindful of presenting without notification – unless it is a family emergency. If you can provide prior notice, via a phone call or email we will endeavour to pass the message on to the student’s teacher. We are unable to locate students during lunch breaks as this is too difficult and we will have to ask parents to wait until class resumes before we can make contact. Your consideration and understanding with this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Helen Jamieson
Executive Principal

Coming Events

Some of our best

Corinda talent on display at CGEN arena spectacular

Last week, the Arts at Corinda were celebrated when student performers participated at the 2022 Creative Generation State Schools Onstage showcase. Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 17 of our drummers and dancers were chosen to perform with the best of the best Arts students across Queensland.

The four sell-out shows were a huge success and The Courier Mail ran a big feature last Saturday that was highly complementary of the level of exuberance and professionalism demonstrated by all performers. The whole arena spectacular will be broadcast nationally on Network 10 later this year.

A big shout out to all performers and staff for the huge commitment and sacrifice every Saturday for the past three months who spent many hours rehearsing at home and at school. Congratulations to Amy, Alexander, Tahlia, Jacqueline, Tahu, Vini, Sinead, Shannon, Holly, Jas, Myles, Helayna, Jessica, Ameya, Madelyn, Belle, and Chanel.

Corinda Cares behind the BBQ at Bunnings fundraiser

Thank you to all students and staff who braved a frosty start and busy barbeque at Bunnings Rocklea last weekend. Approximately $1,500 was raised for Corinda Cares, an initiative designed for students to give back to the community through a variety of experiences. If you are interested in joining the Corinda Cares team, please register your interest by emailing cc@corindashs.eq.edu.au.

Economics student creates winning ASX portfolio

The Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) was brought to life in the Economics classroom last term when students participated in the popular ASX Schools Sharemarket Game 1, 2022. Students in Years 10 – 12 were given $50,000 of virtual money to invest and trade over a 10-week period in the ASX, reflecting real market conditions.

Congratulations to Year 12 student Hunter Thorne who achieved #1 top ranking nationally in one of the trading weeks and won a prize which included an investment resource. Well done to all participating students. Another exciting opportunity to participate in the ASX Schools Share Market takes place in Semester 2; interested students should email Ms Beilby for registration - abeil6@eq.edu.au.

Year 12 student Hunter Thorne created a winning portfolio in the ASX Schools Sharemarket Game

Year 12 Economics class with Jack Gilroy, Head of Department, Humanities and Anet Beilby, Economics teacher

Corinda dancers exceed expectations

The recent Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge (BPAC) was a tremendous success for Corinda State High School’s Dance Excellence program and Extracurricular teams. Senior Troupe had a clean sweep with all of their performances awarded first place across Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary. Corinda Crew - the Hip Hop competition group - shared similar success, taking out first place in the evening program in front of a large and very supportive audience.

Dance Excellence took advantage of its large number of participants and competed with 60-plus dancers across the Lyrical and Jazz sections. Their efforts were rewarded with a Very Highly Commended in a tight contest.

BPAC is the first stop for Corinda’s dancers on this year’s dance eisteddfod season, where both Junior and Senior students compete with others schools across a myriad of dance genres. Dance Life Unite is the next eisteddfod on the calendar, where success could see Corinda’s talented dancers competing in Sydney at Nationals later in the year.

School News

Corinda student flying high with Air Force Aviation Program

Year 11 student Sienna Head was selected to participate in the Air Force Aviation Program for Women which took place at RAAF Base Amberley earlier this month. Along with other participants, Sienna flew in a C-17A Globemaster III (pictured below) and experience different flight, technical and aviation simulators.

They 4-day program saw participants visiting and partaking in activities at 35 Squadron (C-27J Spartan), 36 Squadron (C-17A Globemaster III), 33 Squadron (KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport), 82 Wing Technical Training Flight (air strike and reconnaissance wing), RAAF Amberley Military Working Dogs precinct, 23 Squadron (City of Brisbane) and much more. What an incredible experience!

Year 11 student Sienna Head (pictured second row, third from the right) participates in the Air Force Aviation Program for Women

Online classroom facilitates cross-cultural exchange

Year 10 Japanese collaborated in a cross-cultural exchange last week when they conducted an online video conference with a school in Japan. The students in Japan spoke about Japanese culture in English while our students spoke in Japanese about places to visit in Brisbane.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to use their language in a very real communicative setting that promoted meaningful interactions and positive perceptions.

Term 3 kicks off with Year 11 Leadership Day

The return to school for the Year 11 cohort was a time to pause, reflect, connect and consider what legacy they want to leave at Corinda. Year 11 Leadership Day held at the start of Term 3 is an opportunity for the future leaders of Corinda to ponder the nature of leadership, identify the qualities they possess and consider if they would like to be a leader in Year 12. There are a variety of positions and applications will open shortly.

The day of student-led discussion was capped off with an active and fun-filled House event that was enjoyed by all.

Year 7 2024 Programs of Excellence Information Evening

Is your student starting Year 7 in 2024? Are you considering enrolling them into one of our Programs of Excellence but unsure where to begin? Come along to our Year 7 2024 Programs of Excellence Information Evening to explore the Programs on offer, meet our dedicated teaching team and learn about the application and enrolment process.

**YEAR 7 2024 PROGRAMS OF EXCELLENCE INFORMATION EVENING**
DATE & TIME: Monday 25 July 2022
TIME: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
LOCATION: A Block (entry via Gate 1)
RSVP: Scan the QR code on the flyer below or email excellence@corindashs.eq.edu.au

Important safety reminder when travelling to and from school

The health, safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and school community is of the highest priority. All types of travel have inherent risks. Regardless of how any of us travel, it’s important we are mindful of the potential risks and manage them to avoid incidents and injuries.

With the increasing use of rideables such as electric scooters, skateboards and bikes, ensuring the safety of your staff, students and pedestrians is essential.

Please note that Queensland Road Rules apply to e-scooters and e-bikes.

Anyone who scoots, rides or skates to and from school should:

• Wear protective gear and a helmet, which is mandatory if riding an electric scooter or skateboard
• Give way by ringing your bell when approaching pedestrians and overtaking on the right
• Travel at the appropriate and safe speed for the environment in which you are travelling
• Be respectful to pedestrians and other path users and keep out of their way
• Adhere to road rules when riding an e-scooter
• Park responsibly to avoid becoming an obstacle or risk for others.

Corinda duo compete at InterSchool State Championships

Layla Holmes and Hayden Taylor represented Corinda State High School at the InterSchool Queensland State Championships over the school holidays. It was a great week of competition, but more importantly great to see new friendships form and old ones re-connect.

Held in Toowoomba, the competition saw Layla compete in the Showhorse Hunter on the beautiful Blondie while Hayden had two horses in the Secondary Show Jumping, Ernie at 70cm and Cookie 80cm. Hayden managed to get into all jump-offs, jumping clear on both horses for all first rounds and managed a 3rd place in the Super 2 Phase on Ernie. Congratulations to Hayden and Layla. Both riders will next compete in August at the Emmaus IQ Showjumping event in Jimboomba.

Maths Challenge makes Math fun!

The 3-day Maths Excellence Challenge Cup held at the end of term 2, saw students in Years 7 – 9 compete in groups to answer a series of questions together, and then a race against other teams in a maths relay. What a great way to get students excited about maths!

Maths whiz, UQ Engineering student and 2018 Alumni Dhruv Singh presented the Cup to the winning Year 8 group class, 8P.

Do we have your student’s up-to-date health plan?

Schools can assist students with health support needs such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma and anaphylaxis. However, it is important to ensure they have an up-to-date copy of your child’s health/action plans. Speak to the relevant Dean or contact Student Services to discuss how they can support your student. If needed, we can access the State Schools Nursing Service for support to make sure your student is safe at school.

Year 7 & 10 Dean
Brian Shoesmith
bjsho0@eq.edu.au

Year 8 & 11 Dean
Katherine Laurence
klaur27@eq.edu.au

Year 9 & 12 Dean
Caitlin Brown
cbrow585@eq.edu.au

Finance: Payment Options

Our preferred method of payment is via BPOINT online. However, there are other options available if online payment is not possible.

VIA INTERNET: The web address at the bottom left of your statement provides a direct hyperlink to BPOINT for online payment. This is the Department of Education’s preferred method of payment.

VIA PHONE: The school is unable to accept payment over the phone. However, there is a BPOINT number which will allow you to do this: 1300 631 073. Please note, you will need a copy of your tax invoice to quote CRN and invoice number from the BPOINT box on the left.

VIA PAYMENT WINDOW: In person at Corinda State High School. Please note that the payment window will be reducing operating hours later this term.

Community News

See Queensland’s wattle trees in bloom

The Wattle Day Association will be conducting walks in the Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens from late July to August to view Queensland’s blooming wattle trees. Walks will commence at 10:00 am on the following Thursdays:

* 28 July
* 11 August
* 18 August

Walks are expected to take 1.5 - 2 hours with participants viewing a range of wattles while hearing commentary on the wattle tree’s importance to our history (ancient and recent), our cultures and our nation. Walks are FREE but the Wattle Day Association encourage participants to purchase a Wattle Day badge - $3 for a pin badge or $5 for a magnet-held badge. Please reserve your spot by emailing mgilmour92@gmail.com or calling 0416 185 153.

Brisbane Golden Wattle (Acacia fimbriata)

One of Australia's most ornamental wattles - Acacia podalyriifolia (Queensland Silver Wattle, Mt Morgan Wattle) photographed by Suzette D Searle

Summer Touch Football with Hounds Graceville

Hounds Graceville Touch Football Association are hosting a Junior Touch Football Summer competition. This is a fantastic opportunity for individual participants or existing teams (league, union, netball, touch football) to come along, learn some touch basics and play some touch football as a team in our junior competition. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Summer Season 2, 2022 Competition Information

* ‪Start: 28 August 2022‬‬‬‬
* ‪Finish: 20 November 2022‬‬‬‬
* For ages U6–U18
* Fees start from $10.00 per person per game or $140 for the season inclusive of your very own Hounds playing singlet
* Additional benefits - school holiday clinics, coach and referee training, representative pathways
* Queries and team nominations to: houndstouch@gmail.com

Western Districts Baseball Club Come and Try Day

Western Districts Baseball Club (Wests) will be holding Come and Try Days on the 13th and 21st of August for players under 8 through to Masters. See flyer for registration information.

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