Term 4 Newsletter 2022

Principal's Report

Greetings everybody!

We are concluding not just our usual busy term but also the 50^th Anniversary of the school’s establishment in 1972. Earlier this term I was privileged to meet the first Principal, Mr John Jamieson, who visited our school together with another ex-Principal, Mrs Sue Darby. John recounted how the school had opened with 13 students from 11 families. Days began with a check in with all families followed by Royal Flying Doctor Service updates. Then, I was surprised to hear, there was contact with some Cape schools who had no telephone links! The method of communication for all of these contacts, as well as lessons, was HF radio. The radios continued to be used for daily announcements every morning at 8.00 followed by delivery of lessons until the early 2000s. It is worth pausing for a moment and reflecting on how rapidly communications have changed in the last 20 years. Now so much of our lives is conducted through our mobile phones, including access to school for some of our students. It is important to remember that our history always informs our future.

Week 9 saw our annual in reach Celebration Week activities, including our swimming program, P&C movie night and Sugar World fun day. There were Presentation Ceremonies, Year 6 BBQ and 50^th anniversary celebration. Prior to all of that we farewelled our Year 12 students at a fantastic formal at the Reef Casino Hotel. This event really illustrated the diversity of our school. Students came from our regional locations such as Mareeba and Innisfail and Cairns, as well as further afield including Brisbane and Canberra. We had online attendees from similar locations as well as New York and Paris. It was another great evening for our school.

At this time of year our staff are turning their attention to 2023 and preparing so that we are ready to go on day 1. It is also a time for reflection, as a school and individually, when we review our 2022 goals. We then look into the new year and set ourselves new goals and make our plans to achieve them. This is the case for the school but also for all of us as individuals, both adults and students. We reflect on our past experience to project forward and plan ahead.

Finally, the end of year is always a time of change when a number of our students and staff move on to the next phase of their lives. Our school is about our people. We have enjoyed sharing the CSDE phase of their journey with them and wish all of them the very best with whatever the next phase holds for them.

I wish you the all the best for the festive period. We must always cherish those close to us and their contributions to our lives. Christmas is a great time to do that.

Season’s greetings and happy new year! I am looking forward to seeing you again in 2023.

Kind Regards,
Chris Rigden

QLEARN

Transition to QLearn continues

Cairns School of Distance Education (CSDE) continues working to transition all courses to QLearn for Term 1 2023.

CSDE Deputy Principal, Kirk Findlay said the new system is a game-changer for online learning.

“Being a QLearn Champion School gave us the opportunity to trial the new software and share our insights with the Department of Education in the early stages of the project.

Our school was fully invested in championing the new system from the get-go with the aim to provide the most effective digital learning experience for our students.

The involvement of distance education schools has assisted the department to develop a learning management system that meets the needs of the contemporary digital classroom.”

 Mr Findlay said CSDE had been busily preparing for the transition with a dedicated QLearn team working with teachers to transfer courses to the new system and staff undertaking professional development training to deliver lessons in 2023.

“The QLearn platform has some distinct advantages over eLearn, including the integration of multiple applications under a single sign-on and compatibility with mobile phones and tablets to give increased accessibility and flexible learning.

QLearn also offers students easier navigability through an interactive work rate calendar and automated ‘to do’ lists and calendar entries for assignments and work returns.”

Mr Findlay said QLearn introductory tutorials for parents/carers and students will be available in the coming weeks.

Click  here to watch a short video about QLearn for students. 

NAPLAN 2023

Dear Parents/Carers of 2023 Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 students,

An email was sent early in Term 4 informing families of the Education ministers decision to move NAPLAN to Term 1, 2023. The aim of this is to allow schools to access results earlier in the year to better inform teaching and learning. NAPLAN 2023 will commence in Term 1 Week 8 from Wednesday 15 March to Monday 27 March.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s contact/class teacher or our Deputy Principal, Mrs Lurelle Hodge.

Regards,
Lurelle Hodge
Deputy Principal

Cairns School Champions Trees and Flexible Education

Cairns SDE welcomed local State Member for Cairns, Michael Healy, to help students plant native trees for School Tree Day at the school at the end of Term 3. It’s all part of a strong, core message the school delivers on sustainability initiatives for students, and its community.

“We are part of nature and the importance of trees to the ecosystem is fundamental,” said Michael Healy. “Schools Tree Day is such an important initiative. The message about the central place of trees in our lives is an important message to young children; they are the future of our city, country and planet.”

Jolene, our Year 12 School Captain, said that trees were critical for

“…reducing carbon in the atmosphere.”

Jolene represented the wide appeal of the flexible delivery of distance education. She came to Cairns SDE from the Tablelands as a young student to escape bullying at a local school. Now, the school represents much more.

Jolene and her sister, Justene, a Year 7 student, have travelled the country from Charters Towers to Tamworth for years, entering and winning at Country Music Festivals, the length of the eastern states. Last term, Jolene won first prize for the Song Writing Division of the Charters Towers Country Music festival and Justene gained silver in the Juvenile Division.

Jolene said: “Distance education gives us the freedom to pursue our passions.”

Her sister, Justene Ross, Year 7 student, said,

“Planting trees creates more habitat for wildlife.”

Maddi, our Year 10 Sports Captain, said that Schools Tree Day is crucial

“for planting more natural resources.” 

Maddi is currently travelling Queensland with her seven siblings in a caravan, as her father manages Yothu Yindi. Mother, Desley Jones, explained the family’s unique lifestyle: "We decided to live in our caravan when Covid hit and my husband’s work, production of large musical festivals was put on hold with the impacts of Covid, so we turned to pushing local small shows that met the Covid requirements and began touring Yothu Yindi more frequently. Two members of Yothu Yindi live locally".

Madi's sister, Lily-Grace, a Year 4 student, said

"the trees are important to ‘beautify our school".

Student Achievements

Students compete in Muay Thai Nationals

Isaiah S. (Year 9) fought at MTA Muay Thai Nationals in Tallebudgera on the 7th-9th October and won Gold becoming Australian Champion.

Joshua S. (Year 7) made it to the finals winning Silver and Caleb S. (Year 5) had no one in his weight division so won by walk over.

Isaiah is the current Queensland State Champion in BJJ (he has one it twice in a row now) and Queensland Muay Thai Champ. Caleb won South Pacific Champion in BJJ in Brisbane also this year.

All three boys were Queensland State Champions in BJJ in 2020. 

Well done to Isaiah, Joshua and Caleb, what an achievement. 

Muay Thai Photos

Annual StuditaliA Awards 

On Friday 14 October, the annual StuditaliA Awards Ceremony was held at Parliament House in Brisbane. This year, there were 7 winners in Queensland, including two students studying Italian with CSDE. Special guests at the ceremony included Minister for Education, Industrial Relations and Racing, Grace Grace and Italian Consul for Queensland and the Northern Territory, Ms Luna Angelini Marinucci.

Congratulations to Allegra and Harriet from Stanthorpe State High School/Cairns School of Distance Education. This prestigious scholarship is offered to outstanding Year 12 students of Italian. Part of the StuditaliA application process required students to interview a person who has contributed to the relationship between Queensland and Italian and present their findings in Italian. School principals and Italian teachers were required to endorse student applications and shortlisted students were interviewed in English and Italian by videoconference. The interview panel acknowledged the high quality of applications this year, and the difficulty of eventually choosing the recipients.

Harriet and Allegra will travel to Italy early in January with the other recipients and will be hosted for 3 weeks at the Convitto Nazionale Paolo Diacono in the Friuli region in northern Italy. They will also have the opportunity to travel independently to the Italian places that they have long dreamed of visiting.

Italian teacher Ms Lucy Fedrizzi attended the awards ceremony and met the students in person for the first time.

"We are proud of their achievements. Over the past two years, these students have shown dedication and commitment to their study of Italian and they are deserving recipients. Thank you to the numerous supporters of the StuditaliA prize. Without government support from both Queensland and Italy and generous donations from Queensland Italian community organisations, these wonderful opportunities would not be available to our students."

Ms Lucy Fedrizzi
Italian Teacher, Cairns School of Distance Education
Connection before Curriculum

Cairns Languages Speaking Competition - Indonesian

At the end of Term 3, the Modern Languages Teacher Association of Queensland once again hosted the Cairns Languages Speaking Competition for Indonesian. Students from 11 schools around Queensland competed in the Year 5 and Year 6 categories. Students competed by sending in a recorded speech introducing themselves in Indonesian.

A special congratulations goes to Ivy M. (Year 6) and Jamaal M. (Year 6) who were awarded Highly Commended certificates. The judges commented that the entries this year were of a particularly high standard this year and all participants are to be congratulated for their efforts. 

Italian Speaking Competition

The ILC (Italian Language Centre) held its annual Region 3 3 Italian Speaking Competition at the end of Term 3, 2022. The judges were impressed by the high standard of the poem recitals and speech presentations which clearly demonstrated the hours of dedicated practice which went into the preparation.

There were two winners for Year 11 Italian enrolled at Cairns SDE, they included Laura M. who received a Gold Medal for her speaking performance and a Silver medal to Daniella C. from St Anthony’s Catholic College.

Both students study Italian with Prof Zarro at Cairns SDE. These students should be congratulated on their fantastic effort and achievement. Well done!

Classic Pure Vienna Composition Competition 2022

Congratulations to Cairns SDE Year 10 student, Emily, who is the winner of Honourable Mention in Category B of the Classic Pure Vienna Composition Competition this year. 

Amazing work Emily! 

Jonathan has successful year in Composing 

This year Jonathan (Year 9 student) has had a successful year in composing, with many of his original compositions coming a place in national, state and regional competitions.

Below is a snapshot of these achievements:

QMTA Gold Coast Teacher Group’s Composers’ Competition

• 1st place - Open Junior Audio Visual category
• 2nd place - Open Junior category
• Junior Remote/Regional Award

Innisfail Young Performers’ Competition

• George Kotzas Instrumental Award (Secondary Instrumentalist)
• Junior Accompanist Award

ASME Qld Young Composers' Competition

• 1st place - Lower Secondary Division

ACMF National Songwriting Competition

• 3rd place – Instrumental category

Jonathan was also selected to participate in Artology’s Top Country program which involved composing an orchestral piece, attending mentoring sessions at the Australian Institute of Music and having his piece ‘Coming of the Rains’ performed by the Queensland Youth Orchestra.

Italian on the Airwaves

Year 11 student, Grace, has always enjoyed learning Italian. Earlier this year, she teamed up with a friend and they have been sharing their love for Italian music on the airwaves. Together they host the Italian music program ‘Sempre Quella’ which is goes to air every Saturday from 5:00pm on Cairns FM 89.1. 

The program is designed for young people like themselves, and features the latest Italian music and the occasional interview and chat. The title of their show comes from the Italian proverb ‘Cambiano i suonatori, ma la musica è sempre quella.’ (The musicians change but the music always remains the same).

Congratulations Grace for getting involved and sharing your passion with the community!

You can listen to the program from anywhere!

Queensland Mental Health Week

In Week 2 of this term, our Wellbeing Team arranged a variety of activities for Queensland Mental Health Week.  There was a morning tea for World Food Day, 'let's chalk about it' chalk messages on the pavement, salsa dancing with Mr. Loccisano, Qi Gong with Ms. Helen, a gratitude board and planty more.

This was a great way to shine a spotlight on individual and community mental health and wellbeing. Well done team!

Mental Health Week Photos

Introducing your 2023 Student Leaders

The 2023 Student Leaders were announced at our Presentation Ceremonies on Thursday 1 December 2022.

Criteria included:

• Meeting the PB4L expectations of the school
• Submission of work returns
• Student idea’s provided in application
• Endorsement of nomination

Congratulations to:

• School Captain - Ashley P (Year 12)
• Junior School Captain - Miciah F (Year 6)
• Cultural Captain - Mason T-A (Year 10)
• Social Captain - Jazz-way  F (Year 9)
• Sport Captain - Jax O (Year 6)
• STEAM Captains -Jonathon J (Year 11), Finnlay F (Year 9), Amalia G (Year 7)

Book Week

In Week 8 of this Term, we celebrated Book Week!

Prep-Year 5 Students were treated to a week of activities including:

• Monday 21 Nov - Author visit with Chris Collin
  
• Tuesday 22 Nov - Book: A Bug called Doug
  
• Wednesday 23 Nov - Book: Iceberg
  
• Thursday 24 Nov - Book: Wombat 
  
• Friday 25 Nov - Assembly and dress-up day!
  

It was great to see staff, students and families dressed as their favourite book character or to this year's theme: Dreaming with eyes open. 

There was also a special online Prep-Year 3 Taronga Zoo Excursion on Friday 18 November leading in to Book Week which gave students the opportunity to virtually explore Taronga Zoo and see all the zoo animals.  

Book Week Photos

Cairns SDE Robotics students at VEX Nationals Sydney

Recently, Cairns SDE fielded four teams in the Far North QLD Regional VEX Robotics Competition. All teams did extremely well. There were over 18 teams from across FNQ and 4 teams from Mountain Creek SHS. 

Two of our teams qualified for the VEX Australian National Championship - a two-day event held at Sydney Olympic Park on Dec 3rd and 4th 2022.  Congratulations to Finnlay, Maddi, Alex and Tara. The VEX National Championships is the pinnacle event for the VIQC (primary/middle school) and the VRC (high school). This event is a direct qualifier to the VEX World Championship in the USA. We had a team representing CSDE in VIQC and a team representing in the VRC. All our team members were very excited with the challenge and worked as often as they could on both the robot design and honing their driving skills. Teams documented their journey throughout the competition season using log books and they prepared for team interviews which is yet another element to the competition. We are so proud of Finnlay, Maddi, Alex and Tara and the amazing work they have done all Term. 

A big thank you to Ms. Howser and Mr. Rijken for all of their hard work in making this happen. Also a special thank you to FNQ Youth Assistance Fund & Support and the Cairns SDE P&C for providing our students with financial support to attend the event. 

VEX Robotics Photos

Instrumental Music Workshop

This Term, the two-day Instrumental Music Workshop was held in Week 8 at the Cairns Salvation Army Hall (next door to Cairns SDE). 

Mr. Perger and students practised a range of songs and prepared for their music performance at Presentation Day during Celebration Week. 

Year 12 Graduation Celebration Dinner

On Tuesday 15 November, We celebrated our Year 12 Graduands at the Graduation Celebration Dinner held at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. A number of families travelled significant distances to be there on the night – from rural and remote Far North Queensland, Mareeba, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, NSW Central Coast and Canberra. Many of the Graduands also celebrated the occasion virtually; with students connecting to the livestream from as far as New York, Amsterdam and Indonesia. It was a wonderful evening celebrating this special milestone.

Below are excerpts from student speeches on the night.

“Senior year has been full of ups and downs for all of us I’m sure, but our hard work has paid off and tonight is the night we get to celebrate this significant achievement in our lives.” – Jolene Ross

“I am confident each one of us can continue to do whatever we are passionate about. I’m sure we can all look back at this time in our life, smile, and say ‘yeah I did that’! Thank you to the teachers. While students make up the school, you make the school what it is. Without you guys, none of us would be here.” - Fynn McGroder

“So, Class of 2022, our time has come, to leave our footprint on the world. The last 13 years have only been a taste, a prologue of what’s to come. But what the rest of the story looks like? Well, that’s up to each one of us.” – Amy Joshua

Graduation Celebration Dinner Photos

Celebration Week

Celebration Week is a special time of year that our school community comes together to celebrate our student's hard work and great success while connecting face-to-face with teachers, families and fellow peers. Thank you to all of our families and students for travelling to Cairns and making it a wonderful week of celebrations. 

The week consisted of:

• Monday-Wednesday: Swimming Program at Tobruk Pool.
• Wednesday: Swimming Carnival, Wipe Out and an excursion to Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome.
• Thursday: Presentation Day and Community BBQ.
• Friday: Sugarworld!

Swimming Photos

School Excursion - Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome Photos

Presentation Day Photos

Community BBQ and Year 6 Celebration Photos

Sugarworld Photos

Parent Liaison Officer News

Hello Cairns SDE Families,

At the start of this term I marked 12 months as the Cairns SDE Parent Liaison Officer. It has been wonderful to meet and talk with so many different families over my time here so far. For this role I’ve travelled as far South as Albion near the banks of the Brisbane River, North to Laura where the last bit of continuous sealed road is, and West to Mount Garnet on the edge of their idyllic race track. In this time, I have learnt how amazingly diverse our Cairns SDE families are. Our community has students doing soccer in Spain, Dance at prestigious dance schools, mustering on remote stations, and running family businesses on the road.

The holiday season has arrived and “tis the season to be jolly”. Hopefully the summer break is an enjoyable and restful time for you all, however it is also certainly a good time to check in on other people. Unfortunately, for some people, this time of year can be challenging. Let’s remember to be kind – especially to those in our community who may be struggling – it could be financially, emotionally, physically or mentally. And remember – “Be kind because everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about”.

Self-care for the holiday season

Morning Routine – try to make a little time for yourself each morning. It may only be 2 minutes however if you dedicate to taking the time it will honestly impact your day and likely positively impact those around you too. Enjoy your cup of coffee outdoors or in a quiet space, meditate, go for a walk, or other activities that you enjoy like sudoku, colouring in, reading the newspaper or a book. Make time for you.

Sunshine and fresh air – take a walk, get outside, notice the beauty, breath deeply. You can do this with a friend or on your own. Safe sun exposure boosts our Vitamin D levels which is good for our bones and exercise of course is good for physical health; both are also good for our mental wellbeing.

Say no – its totally fine, and acceptable, to say “no” sometimes. Book in time for yourself – its important! As they say, you’ve got to put your own oxygen mask on before you help others. It is good for children to see this too. When kids and adolescents see us prioritising moments of self-care they will learn to understand how important it really is. After all, we want them to learn how to look after themselves and make sure that they grow into aware adults who know how to support positive wellbeing for themselves.

Quality time – plan ahead. Who do you want to spend time with? How do you want to spend it? Show those special people in your life what they mean to you. Invite friends over for dinner or go and have a coffee with them. I know you all spend lots of time with your kids, as their Home Tutor, however holiday season can get busy so make sure you together create some special bonding moments. Let’s face it, another year is over and they’re another year older.

Activities ideas for kids and teenagers (either on their own or with you)

• Xmas craft
• Write and post cards
• Adventure walks
  Goal setting
• Clean out redo home classroom
• Organise stationery and equipment
• Help with spring cleaning
• Visit friends
• Go swimming
  
• Puzzles
• Learn to drive
• Try some new recipes
• Try out a new hobby
• Plant a garden
• Create a playlist
• Geocaching
• Have movie marathon
• Visit the beach
• Try out Zumba
• Scavenger hunt
• Learn how to change a tyre
• Blow bubbles
• Take photos
• Research your idol

Community Engagement events

I’m really looking forward to the events next year. Preparation and planning has commenced and there are even some new teachers that are keen to be involved in getting out and about to meet our families and be face to face with the students. Personally, I feel that the purpose of these events is two fold – positive social interaction for your child, and also, a networking opportunity for yourself, as Home Tutors.

The PLOdcast

In addition to the twice a term Home Tutor Connect Sessions, in Weeks 3 and 7, I will also record some podcasts. As a parent myself I know how busy you all get, therefore I thought that maybe audio recordings are more accessible for you. Listen while you’re cleaning the house, while your student is doing some independent learning or just whenever. Topics coming up include Transitioning to high school, Personality types and learning tendencies, How to nail your Parent Teacher Interview and many more. If you have any suggestions or queries that you think others would be interested to learn about then please get in touch.

Joyeuses fêtes!!

Kind Regards,

Clare Macpherson
Parent Liaison Officer 

Parents and Citizens Committee

Hello to the Cairns SDE Community,

What a HUGE year it has been, concluding in a fun-filled and busy Celebration Week to close our 50^th birthday as a school. Congratulations to the lucky winners of our Christmas Raffle which raised over $500 for our P&C. Thank you to the generous members of our school community and local businesses that donated cash and prizes. Your support is much appreciated.

A lot of work is done behind the scenes by the P&C to support your kids at school. Many thanks to our amazing Execs - Secretary Laurie, Treasurer Melissa and Cluster Reps Sharon and Theresa for your support and dedication this year. Thanks also to members, both parents and staff, for your contributions and to everyone who has helped in any way on the P&C this year and years past, thank you!

At the Community BBQ we awarded long time P&C member, home tutor, parent, and volunteer Melissa Cowe with an Honorary P&C Life Membership for her meritorious service to the P&C and the school. Congratulations Mel!

After 6 years in the role of P&C President, I am keen to step aside next year. My youngest is starting Prep in 2023 and with Ching’ka in Year 10 and Wilfred in Year 8, I know I am going to be super busy (aren’t we all). I have enjoyed being in the role, but I know that we have wonderful parents and new members who will step up and lead our P&C into the future. I encourage as many parents as possible to get involved and make a difference.

So don’t forget to send in your P&C membership renewals or if you would like to join for the first time, 2023 membership forms and office bearer nomination forms will soon be available on the school website.

Finally, farewell to all our departing families and good luck with your future ventures. I wish everyone a very happy and safe break and see you next year.

Judith Eriksen
P&C President

General News

Girls Empowered by Awards

"Recipients of the 2022 Encouragement Awards presented by the Zonta Club of Cairns have kick-started their careers in two very different directions." - Maria Larkins via Cairns Local News.

To read the full article, please visit Cairns Local News. 

Successful candidates receive: 

(a) Two, $2,000 cash awards presented to a promising female Year 12 candidates intending to pursue tertiary education in 2023. 

(b) One, $1,000 cash award presented to a promising female Year 12 candidate intending to pursue vocational training in skills/trade (not traditionally female pathway).

Students are encouraged to apply for the Zonta Club of Cairns 2023 Encouragement Awards.

A safety message from the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation

The Australian Federal Police through the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is seeing a concerning global trend of teenage males being targeted to send explicit images of themselves and then blackmailed. This is called sexual extortion, or sextortion.

The AFP is urging families to have important safety conversations ahead of the school holidays to prevent young people from becoming victim. This crime can have serious wellbeing and psychological impacts.

How does sextortion start?

• Unsolicited friend and follow requests on social media
• Direct messages on one app and then being asked to keep chatting on a secondary app
• Conversations suddenly and quickly becoming sexualised
• Requests for sexualised images or content.

What can families do?

• Have open and regular conversations about your child’s online activities and interactions
• Know what platforms, apps and games they are using and who they are interacting with
• Remain open and approachable, victims will be reluctant to come forward if they feel they will be punished or blamed
• Ensure your child knows that it is okay to leave conversations if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe
• Support your child and know how to respond. The Online blackmail and sexual extortion response kit has been created to recognise sextortion and get help.

The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is here to keep young people safe from online sexual exploitation and abuse.

You can make a report via accce.gov.au/report

For further information, resources and advice visit thinkuknow.org.au

Merry Christmas to our School Community

We wish our school community a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. 

We look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 23 January 2023.