Term 3 Newsletter 2023

Principal's Report

In my first 5 weeks as principal, I have been witness to exceptional teaching, strong commitment of teaching and non-teaching staff ‘going the extra mile’ for our students and families.  These actions lie at the heart of WHY CSDE exists.  We are privileged to deliver a unique service, influencing hearts and minds of so many across the country and world.  Our mini schools held recently, provide staff, parents and students alike, opportunity to share experiences and ‘be together’.  These events are so valuable for all involved. 

At the heart of our work lies the critical relationship between parents and teachers.  This relationship models learning attitudes and expectations to students who ‘see’ this relationship.  I hope each of you take a moment to reflect upon how you support learning and celebrate your contribution.   As CSDE dives into Term 4 and beyond, we continue to explore our next level of sophistication in all that we do, say, design and implement together.  

As we move forward in learning together, I am reminded of the importance of valuing uncomfortable learning as part of our learning journey together.  Uncomfortable learning is a critical process of acquiring new knowledge or skills in a way that challenges existing beliefs, skills, or comfort zone. This discomfort is evident in ways such as difficult or unfamiliar information, facing setbacks, or having to step out of our comfort zone to learn something new.  Uncomfortable learning can be a valuable and transformative experience. It often occurs when you are pushing the boundaries of your knowledge and abilities, which can lead to personal growth and development. Here are a few key points to consider about uncomfortable learning: Growth Mindset; Challenge and Adaptation; Overcoming Fear: Expanding Perspectives; Feedback and Reflection; Resilience. Uncomfortable learning is a natural part of personal and academic development. It leads to significant growth, increased self-confidence, and a broader range of skills and knowledge.

I wish you all a wonderful term 4. 

QLearn

Second round of QLearn surveys sent

A QLearn survey has been sent to all parents/carers, students and educators. This is the same survey that we sent in Term 1 to compare the thoughts and experiences of our school community regarding the learning management system and help us to identify areas where additional support and training may still be needed.

The survey also provides an opportunity to celebrate the tools and functions that have proven to be beneficial for everyone. We can only improve our training and resources with your valuable input, so we warmly encourage as many responses as possible. Your participation is highly appreciated, and we look forward to hearing from you!

If you haven’t received the survey link, please email the QLearn team at QLearn@cairnssde.eq.edu.au. 

In Memory of Nevis Todd

A plaque dedicated to the memory of Mrs Nevis Todd will be attached to the park bench which was installed in her honour at Cairns SDE outside C Block.

Mrs Todd was a teacher at Cairns SDE for many years and is fondly remembered by students, parents and staff alike. After a long battle, she succumbed to Leukaemia in 2022. Feel free to visit the bench outside C Block, sit, and remember the good times you may have shared with Nevis.

Gaming 101: The ultimate guide to being on top of your game

Moderate gaming can provide a healthy source of socialisation, relaxation, and coping.  Research says there are benefits to gaming and we hope this can help bring out the best (and healthiest) gamer in you.

A lot of Australians game. Around 91 per cent of Australian homes contain at least one gaming device, and about two-thirds of us interact with video games regularly. For many Australians, picking up the controller (or mouse and keyboard) is just as much for the social connection as it is for the enjoyment and challenge of the game.

Gaming sometimes gets a negative health rap, but it needn’t, so read on, as we try to equip you with some simple and healthy tips to have a great gaming sesh.

Benefits of gaming

Catching up with mates

Moderate gaming can provide a healthy source of socialisation, relaxation, and coping. Gaming has become a platform for friends to catch up and communicate, improving social connectedness. Games that simulate virtual worlds rely on strategy and teamwork in order to progress through levels and challenges. These virtual communities can become social hubs for gamers, challenging the common misconception that gaming is always an isolated activity.

De-stressing

Research from the Australia-based international research organisation, the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, indicated that moderate video game play had a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of the user as a means of relaxation and stress reduction. Puzzle or strategy games like those on a smartphone, can help to promote relaxation, ward off anxiety, and improve the mood of the user, due to their simple and repetitive nature. So, for some, a game or two can promote relaxation after a big day.

Coordination, memory and fitness

Some games are designed to improve your physical health, using motion from a controller or a camera to detect and assess movement. These games use motion sensor technology to get the user coordinating physical movements in order to progress. Research by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) found that games can also help to improve thinking skills in children by requiring instructions to be followed and actions to be taken in order to advance in the game and may be better than watching TV.

Be the best gamer you can be

We’ve looked at some benefits of gaming, so now we’re going to explore some easy ways to be the healthiest and best gamer you can be.

Adults, parents, and carers

If you are an adult gamer, computer, or mobile device user, the current advice is to try to model positive game and screen time behaviour for the teenagers or kids around you from the earliest age.

Screen time

This might sound obvious but taking a break from the screen isn’t just about giving your eyes a break, although that’s very important, too. Sitting for extended periods can be a major risk factor for developing deep-vein thrombosis and lethal blood clots, so it’s really important that you go for regular ten-minute walks or try using a stand-up desk. Limit your screen time - including gaming sessions - to no more than an hour or two a day.

It might help if you determine the length of time at the start. (This can also make it easier to say, “Just one more game” and mean it this time).

Screens give off a blue light which makes the brain feel more alert. Because blue light can affect melatonin (the hormone that helps with sleep), it can disrupt the body’s internal clock, resulting in poor sleep. To reduce the risk of poor sleep (and even worse game performance the next day) it’s recommended that games are turned off 30 minutes before bed – 60 minutes or more for a child or a teenager - to allow for suitable wind-down time. Turn screens off altogether and turn portable devices to silent mode. (Ah yes, we know, we know, it’s hard to finish on a loss or call it a night when you’re on a win streak, but you’ll be glad you did in the morning.)

Manage fatigue

Gaming for extended periods of time can be detrimental to the health of the user, particularly when sleep is interrupted, or when it begins to negatively affect day-to-day functioning, such as managing work, self-care, and social connections. Implementing a healthy sleep routine is a great place to start and the first step is getting away from the game.

Get moving

Increases in sedentary time have been associated with increased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. More time spent sitting can negatively impact self-esteem, optimism, and active coping skills, so it’s vital that gamers get up and move their bodies regularly. If you’re grinding ranks in your favourite esport, get up, walk around, and stretch while you’re in queue. It may not be much, but it’s a start. Also, take time to get outdoors and do some form of physical activity, just 30 minutes of low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise daily is a great place to start.

Eat (and drink) healthily

According to experts like Professor Stewart Trost, a screen in the bedroom is one of the most powerful predictors of a child or young adult being overweight later in life. Eating healthily is important for all aspects of wellbeing, including being at your best and sharpest at your game. A poor diet can also have a big negative impact on your health, wellbeing and energy levels.

When using screens of any kind, it’s particularly important to avoid mindless eating - avoid snacking on processed foods or drinking sugary drinks whilst gaming or being online (because our attention is on the game, not on our eating, our body does not accurately monitor how much we need or take in). If you overdo the screen time, you might also stay up later, eat more than you would otherwise, and not get enough sleep. Being tired the next day means you’re less likely to eat well or get enough exercise.

If you’re thirsty, stick to water.

When should you seek help?

For some people gaming can become addictive, so it’s important to seek help if relationships, work, school, study, or other activities are suffering because of gaming.

You could ask yourself, “Am I in charge of my device or game usage, or is my device or game in charge of me?”

If you or someone you know is suffering as a result of gaming, speak to your GP, school nurse or psychologist.

Sally Blanco & Carola Price

School Based Youth Health Nurses

40809111 / sobri131@eq.edu.au or csche58@eq.edu.au

For more information please see:

https://www.healthier.qld.gov.au/healthy-families/screen-habits/screen-time/

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/gaming-101-the-ultimate-healthy-guide-to-being-on-top-of-your-game

https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/blog-five-signs-that-your-child-might-be-addicted-to-video-games/

R U OK Week Activities

Thank you to our Wellbeing Team for organising R U OK Week last week.

We had a number of activities at school for staff to participate in including:

• Writing gratitude notes on the glass at the new amphitheatre
• Potting plants
• Yogalates
• Qi Gong
• Collage of Micro photos
• Ganbatten Bike- notes of encouragement
• Food truck on Thursday (thank you The Hungry Nomad).

R U OK Week Photos

OLC Community Lunch

Thank you to Ms. Gates and the wonderful OLC students for putting on a spectacular community lunch in Week 10 of this Term. 

They also made delicious barista coffees! Well done team. 

OLC Community Lunch

Creative Generation

Earlier this term, some of our talented Performing Arts students were featured in Creative Generation-State Schools on Stage.

This event showcases the talents of over 1800 State School students from all across Queensland and was performed at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

Over 50 Dynamite Dancers opened the show in a jaw dropping piece titled Thunderstruck, the Channel 10 Commentator acknowledged how the students all attend Cairns SDE.

This was student Marnie K (bottom left) last time as a featured Dancer in C-Gen as she is now in year 12. She danced beautifully as part of the company dancers and had the huge honour to dance in a par de deux to the song, I hear a symphony. Again, the commentator mentioning our school.

Milly S in Year 6 (bottom right) stood out as a featured singer in the junior ensemble.  What an extremely talented singer and dancer, she is one to watch.

Cairns SDE Dance Teacher Belinda Allen was part of the Teacher stage crew. Managing the hundreds of students on and off the stage ensuring they made their cue.

What an amazing show and how lucky we are that our students were a clear stand out.

Rethinking Our Environmental Future in the Wake of COVID-19 by Sara F

In Term 3, one of our very own Year 12 Science in Practice students, Sara F, has delved into a thought-provoking analytical essay that addresses a pressing question: "Is COVID-19 an opportunity to reset our environmental future?" Her essay encapsulates a wealth of knowledge and insight into the complex relationship between the pandemic and our environment, shedding light on the path towards a more sustainable future.

The origins of the COVID-19 virus are deeply rooted in the ecological imbalance caused by human actions. Sara's essay highlights how deforestation, wildlife trade, and urbanization have disrupted global ecosystems, facilitating the transmission of zoonotic diseases like COVID-19. This underlines the crucial importance of re-evaluating our relationship with nature.

One of the key takeaways from Sarah's essay is the necessity for a "green recovery." This involves prioritizing renewable energy sources and pollution reduction as essential components of our post-pandemic world. Sustainable farming practices, which promote food security in environmentally friendly ways, are also paramount. Governments around the world, including Canada, are already investing in green farming technologies to enhance resilience against future disruptions.

Sara's analysis extends beyond immediate concerns. She emphasizes the long-term implications of the COVID-19 crisis, which call for a fundamental transformation in how we approach environmental management. It's an opportunity to redefine our relationship with nature, enhance global cooperation, and bolster our defences against future pandemics.

In conclusion, Sara's essay paints a compelling picture of the potential for COVID-19 to serve as a catalyst for positive change in our environmental future. By adopting green recovery strategies, embracing renewable energy, protecting habitats, and fostering sustainable farming, we can pave the way toward a more resilient and sustainable world. As Sara aptly points out, this isn't just about recovering from the pandemic; it's about learning from it and transforming challenges into opportunities for a brighter, greener future. Let her essay serve as an inspiration to us all as we work towards a more harmonious coexistence with the planet.

Sara is an enthusiastic student with a passion for both the arts and technology.  She adores dancing and dedicates many hours a week to improving her dancing technique.  Sara is excited about graduating from high school and enrolling in a course that combines computer science with digital arts.

Bridie's Vision for 2040: A Sustainable and Connected World

In one of the activities of our Year 12 Science in Practice course in Term 3 our student Bridie G. shared her inspiring vision for the year 2040, painting a picture of a future where sustainability, connectivity, and innovation reign supreme. Her thoughtful insights offer a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Communication: Bridie envisions a world where communication has taken giant leaps. Holograms and smartwatches have become the norm, revolutionizing the way we connect with one another. The evolution of communication technology promises exciting possibilities for the future.

Buildings: Bridie's vision for 2040 includes buildings that are not only eco-friendly but also built from recycled materials. Sustainability is at the core of architectural innovation, with green roofs adorning every structure. Resilience against natural disasters is a priority, ensuring safety for all.

Fashion: Fast fashion is a thing of the past in Bridie's ideal future. Instead, people engage in sustainable practices such as clothing swaps, recycling old garments, and repurposing materials. A commitment to responsible fashion choices has become a way of life.

Education: Bridie sees a shift in the way education is delivered. Students have the opportunity to learn from the comfort of their homes one day a week, harnessing the power of digital resources and connectivity to expand their horizons.

Work: The workplace of 2040 is adaptable, with many employees working from home one day a week. Conferences and workshops have largely moved online, reducing the need for extensive travel and promoting efficiency.

Technology: Bridie's vision includes remarkable technological advancements, all sustainably sourced and manufactured. Technology is a force for good, contributing to a greener, more connected world.

Entertainment: Buying a TV in 2040 means gaining access to a suite of streaming services, promoting convenient and diverse entertainment options for all.

Diet: Sustainable eating habits have taken root, with people consuming what they need and supporting local food sources. Personal gardens provide fresh produce, and homemade staples reduce waste.

Travel: Sustainable transportation has become the norm. Solar and water power vehicles are commonplace, and carpooling and travel sharing are the preferred methods of getting around. Cycling to work is a popular choice for those living nearby.

Energy: The world is powered by renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and water, eliminating the need for coal and gas. Bridie's vision sees a global commitment to a cleaner, greener future.

Bridie's vision for 2040 is not just an inspiring dream but also a call to action. It reminds us that with innovation, sustainability, and connectivity, we can create a world that is not only better for ourselves but for generations to come. Let's work together to turn this vision into reality.

Bridie G. is a dedicated and hardworking student who loves to learn new things! She has a deep curiosity about the world and is also very passionate about her ballet training. Bridie has been a part of an elite ballet training program for past 3 years where she juggles her academic studies while extensively training on a daily basis. Bridie is looking forward to graduating year 12 and in September this year Bridie will join a pre- professional ballet program in Scotland to pursue a professional ballet career in Europe.

Unveiling Our Year 5/6 German Superheroes!

We are thrilled to introduce our incredible Year 5/6 German students' creations to our school community—meet the superheroes born during our exciting Term 3 unit, "My Action Hero!" 

In this engaging activity, our students transformed into creative superhero designers, put together their very own original superheroes. The classroom was buzzing with fantastic ideas and boundless imagination!

Allow us to introduce you to two remarkable superheroes: Kapitän Zukunft and Tanzkönigin. They have put on some incredible outfits that caught our eye!

Kapitän Zukunft (created by Christian Gallagher), one of our favourites, Kapitän Zukunft, is not your typical superhero. He stands out by his dedication to protecting the environment. His unique superpowers include telekinesis and the ability to read minds, making him a formidable force for good. But what sets him apart is his role as a time traveller, hailing from the future itself!

Tanzkönigin (created by Holly Kenyon): Another star in our superhero line up, Tanzkönigin, possesses a magical superpower. She has the remarkable ability to help plants grow and perform enchanting acts of magic. Her green thumb extends to the world around her, making her a true guardian of nature.

To all our Year 5/6 German students, we want to commend you for your awesome creativity and dedication! Your superheroes are a testament to your incredible imaginations and artistic talents.

We hope that Kapitän Zukunft and Tanzkönigin inspire you to embrace the superhero within yourselves and use your unique abilities for good. 

A super-duper greeting from Frau Machado Medeiros and Cairns SDE German teaching team!

Sumo Robotics Competition

This term, several of our school-based language classes, Alexandra Bay SS, Daintree SS and Julatten SS, participated in a special integrated Japanese and robotics unit – Sumo Robotics.

In the Japanese classes students learnt how to introduce a sumo wrestler, including saying their weight – Did you know Konishiki, a famous wrestler, weighed in at a whopping 287 kg!!

Over two face-to-face sessions, students built and coded robots to battle in the ring. Their challenge was to use colour sensors to stay in the ring whilst aiming to push their opponent out of the ring, just like a real Sumo match.

Competition was fierce as all schools gathered at Julatten State School and teams battled each other.

Well done team!

Tokyo School Experience

In July this year Cairns SDE students, Taslena M and Annabelle H, participated in a study tour “Tokyo Experience School 2023” along with 6 other Year 10 Queensland students from Yeppoon SHS and Brisbane SDE.

The students enjoyed being immersed across two Japanese high Schools in Tokyo-Musashino-kita SHS and Tagara SHS where they joined interreacting and participating with students in a range of activities and classes. On alternate days the students were then able to have cultural experiences organised by the Tokyo Board of Education.  This included  the traditional performing art Noh and Kyogen, representative Japanese performing arts that has been passed down from generation to generation without interruption for more than 650 years since the Muromachi period called “Nohgaku”. Professional performers shared their passion for the classical drama of Japan and a belief in its vitality for contemporary audiences around the world.

A further day was spent in Asakusa, a district in Tokyo. It is known as the location of the Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. Before visiting the Asakusa all the students were fitted out in yukata, traditional lightweight summer kimono and wooden geta clogs and then walked around the traditional neighbourhood of Asakusa. After visiting the famous temple Senso-ji, we all went to a local restaurant for an amazing lunchtime meal of tempura. In the afternoon we all changed back into our regular clothes and went to Tokyo Skytree,  the world’s tallest free standing broadcasting tower. The last day was spent farewelling the friends students had made at the local Tokyo high schools and overall had a tremendous experience immersed in a different culture challenging themselves.

Mr. Graeme Kenny,
Japanese and Humanities Teacher

Photos

Tableland Japanese Speaking Competition

The 4th Tableland Japanese Speaking Competition took place at Malanda State High School on Thursday, 31st August. A total of 110 competitors registered to participate in Japanese Speaking. All students created Japanese sentences based on specific criteria and practiced speaking with their Japanese teachers, as well as independently, in the weeks leading up to the event.

Congratulation to all the students who participated in this fantastic event, exploring and performing their skills. A big round of applause to our champions for their outstanding achievements!The success of this event wouldn't have been possible without the tireless efforts of our students, teachers, judges, and everyone who contributed to making this competition a resounding success. Arigatou gozaimasu!If you missed this year's event, don't worry! We'll be back next year with even more enthusiasm and talent.

Competitors (CSDE full time students):

• Jon P - Year 10 - Graeme Kenny - Year 9-11 - 2nd place
• Finnlay F - Year 9 - Yuki Funamoto

Competitors (School based students):

• TigerLilly F - Daintree SS - Year 5 - Yolanda Tandy Year 5 - 3rd place
• Sashalyn P - Daintree SS - Year 6 - Yolanda Tandy Year 6 - 2nd place
• Bianca G - Daintree SS - Year 6 - Yolanda Tandy
• Solomon D - Butcher’s Creek SS - Year 5 - Maki Begley - Background speaker (No medal)
• Raina B - Millaa Millaa SS - Year 6 - Maki Begley
• Taylor D - Millaa Millaa SS - Year 6 - Maki Begley - Year 6 - 1st place
• Kazue M - Atherton SHS - Year 9 - Emma Nakamura - Background speaker (No medal)
• Midori M - Atherton SHS - Year 10 - Graeme Kenny - Background speaker (No medal)

Congratulations once again to our winners, and a heartfelt thank you to all who joined us in celebrating the beauty of the Japanese language! 

Photos

Congratulations Jon - 2023 QSO Connect Compose Project

Congratulations to Year 10 student, Jon Platz, on his recent selection and participation in this year’s Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Connect Compose Project. Designed to develop skills in writing for orchestral instruments, Jon worked under the guidance of program mentors and composers Craig Allister Young, Timothy Tate and the QSO musicians.

This year’s program involved composing a piece that was inspired by stories and paintings created and shared by Cairns-Gimuy based artist Susan Reys and Hendrick (Henry) Fourmile. On the 19 August 2023, Jon’s composition ‘Voice of the Land’ was performed live by members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra at the QSO Studio in South Bank, Brisbane. This world premiere piece was the result of seven months of work. What an incredible opportunity!

More information can be found at: https://qso.com.au/education/programs/compose-project

Mason participates in Cairns Italian Speaking Competition

Congratulations to Mason (Year 10 student) who participated in the Cairns Italian Speaking Competition 2023 on Friday 28th July.

He presented a speech in front of the judges and was awarded 2nd place in the year 10 division!

Well done Mason!

Mahli the champion swimmer

In August, Mahli (Year 2) competed at the FNQ Swimming Championships in Cairns.

Mahli swam in 5 events:

• 50m Freestyle
• 50m Breaststroke
• 50m Butterfly
• 50m Backstroke
• 100m Individual Medley

Mahli achieved a personal best time and placed in every single event, coming away with 4 x 2nd Places and 1 x 3rd Place! On top of this she was also awarded a Complete Swimmer Award and the 8 Year Girls Runner-Up Age Champion Award. She had the best time swimming with her squad friends.

Well done Mahli! 

Book Week celebrations triumph with enthusiastic participation

In a week filled with literary excitement, students and educators across Cairns SDE celebrated Book Week with enthusiasm. Daily activities were prepared and run by dedicated teachers bringing the magic of books to life and fostering a deep love for reading among students.

Teachers at Cairns SDE left no page unturned as they curated a diverse range of literacy lessons to engage our biggest critics, our students! A highlight of the week was a special visit from local author Rebecca Ralfe whose book Milo’s little secret was used to captivate young readers and encourage students to embark on their own literacy adventures as authors. The week concluded with two special book  character dress up assemblies with students and staff dressing up, celebrating the joy from the week. Book week is not just about reading, it’s about fostering a  lifelong  love of learning. Congratulations to all involved!

Australia's biggest child safety lesson

This week CSDE primary students had the opportunity to participate in Australia’s biggest child safety lesson. Communication is key to giving and getting consent. Students learned how to Recognise, React and Report; as well as practised strategies they could use when they need to give or refuse consent. Thank you, Miss Carly, for organising this amazing opportunity. CSDE is committed to keeping our children safe.

Mini School

In Week 10 of this Term, staff, students and Home Tutors engaged in a range of learning experiences at the Mini Schools in Cairns, Tablelands (Mt Garnet), Peninsula (Laura) and South East Qld (Brisbane). This was a great opportunity for students to meet their fellow peers and create valuable connections. 

Students took part in a range of activities including puppet making, Mad Hatter's Tea Party, sports, STEM Entrepreneur Program, science, body percussion, arts, team building activities, and drama workshops by Comedian Georgina Humphries. 

Thank you to the Cairns SDE staff for organising the Mini Schools and to the students and families that attended. 

Mini School Cairns

Mini School Tablelands

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Mini School Peninsula

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Mini School SEQ

Music Camp

Thank you to Mr. Perger and students that attended Music Camp this term and put on a wonderful performance. 

Photos

STEAM Camp

Students had lots of fun designing, building and coding robots at this term's STEAM Camp.

Great work team!

Photos

Parent Liaison Officer News

Ahoy-hoy lovely Cairns SDE families,

Well, Mini School week just flew by last term with all 4 outreach events happening in 4 different locations across Queensland – all in the same week! There were many teachers spread out across the 4 clusters. Meeting and enjoying time with students and Home Tutors; in Laura, Mount Garnet, Brisbane and Cairns.

While learning more about supporting kids through life’s challenges, to new Microsoft applications, Home Tutors relaxed and expressed themselves whilst connecting through watercolour and other arts and crafts activities. We also had a very special visitor this year who managed to take her clucky show on the road meeting families at all 4 locations. Comedian Georgina Humphries spent time with students, and some Home Tutors, encouraging them to step of out of their comfort zones and tap into their imagination.

Spring holidays are now over as we move into Summer with the final term of the year. In addition to the usual Steam and Instrumental Music Workshops we will also host Celebration Week. For all those new families this is a longstanding traditional event which involves many families coming into the school during Week 9 to celebrate the year. The week includes a 3-day swimming program finishing with a fun carnival, Presentation Day, a BBQ, a movie night, and excursions - including to very popular trip to Sugarworld on the Friday. Look out for permission forms and more information coming out very soon.

As your PLO I am here for any queries you may have as a Home Tutor. Please feel welcome to send an email or pick up the phone any time. I enjoy trying to help solve any problems that you come across as well as learn new tricks that work for you and can be shared with others. Being a Home Tutor is a very comprehensive role and I can help you through the journey as you support your child through distance education.

Kind Regards,

Clare Macpherson | Parent Liaison Officer | PLO@cairnssde.eq.edu.au | 07 4080 9208

Parents and Citizens Committee

Greetings to the Cairns SDE School Community,

What a year its been. The P&C have applied for some funding through mental health check up grants and have a received confirmation of the success of $500 being for Barb Prentis (Cairns SDE Youth Support Coordinator) to run her “café connections” during mental health week. We have also purchased a gift basket for our outgoing principal Mr Chris Rigden.

We have had lots of great suggestions for next term including Funding the Catering for Music and STEAM Camp next term.

Members of the P&C Exec Team assisted with the Cairns to Karumba Bike ride brunch at 40 mile. We are really starting to find our groove with our new Executive team and are excited to move into next term.

Thank you.

Desley Jones
P&C President