2025 Term 1 Newsletter

Principal’s Report

Dear Trinity Bay SHS Community,

As we reflect on an amazing term 1 at Trinity Bay SHS, it is an opportune time to reflect on the start to the 2025 school year and the incredible opportunities for our students, staff and community. 

Term 1 is always an exciting time where we welcome new and returning staff and students to our school.  This year we have welcomed students across all year levels, especially our Year 7 students who started their high schooling lives with us in January.  Our welcome assembly in week 1 brought our entire school community together and our Year 12 and 9 induction ceremonies celebrated the roles that these students will play in our school this year.

Graduate Attributes

At the start of this year we launched the publication of our Graduate Attributes.  These attributes are qualities or characteristics that describe the traits, behaviours and potential of a learner when they graduate from schooling at Trinity Bay SHS.  Outside of the academic learning outcomes that we expect every student to achieve, we are also focussed on the social or life skills of being responsible, resilient, respectful and contributive, lifelong learners.  The following diagram describes what we hope to develop amongst all learners at Trinity Bay SHS by the time they graduate:

Explicit Improvement Agenda

This year our Explicit Improvement Agenda is focussed on us deepening our connection and relationships with our students through the moderation cycle.  After starting the year with connections with our students, we have been reviewing our teaching practices in regard to the teaching strategies of learning intentions and success criteria for every learner in every lesson. Leaders have been engaging in learning and reflection linked to our assessment practices. All these actions are focused on developing student agency over their own learning.  Graphically the EIA looks like this:

Performing Arts Complex works progressing

After a disrupted start to the construction due to asbestos in the soil, weather throughout the build and disruptions of supply of materials, we are on schedule to complete the works at the end of this term.  We will continue to keep you updated as we approach the finish of the build.

Go for Gold funding

Last year we successfully applied for funding to instal permanent roofing over the basketball courts.  The project manager is being appointed and we hope to start these works towards the end of the year.

Upgrade of O Block toilets, Resource Centre and Tuckshop

Alongside the new works being undertaken at our school, we are also looking to complete upgrades of our existing facilities.  The Tuckshop upgrade is approaching the final stages of planning and we hope to start the works at the end of term 2.  O Block toilet upgrades are also scheduled and we expect that the improved facilities will enhance the dignity of our students.  The resource centre (library) is also scheduled for works and we hope to have the upgrades completed for the start of the 2026 school year.

All these works will continue to enhance the environment and culture of our school and we look forward to them being completed over the next 12 months

Harmony Week

At the end of Term 1 we celebrated another amazing Harmony Week at T-Bay.  This is an incredible opportunity for students and families to share their home culture with the broader school community.  Thanks to the staff, students and community members who collaborated to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the diverse families that make up the T-Bay community

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to the Trinity Bay SHS community. As we look forward to another exciting term after Easter, we need to always remember that together, we are shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.

Warm regards,
Tony Whybird
Executive Principal, Trinity Bay SHS

English Department

The English department has kicked off the year with a whirlwind of activity, and it’s been an incredible start. We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming several new teachers, each bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives. Our dedicated teaching staff has been collaborating, designing, and delivering engaging lessons to ensure all students have a meaningful learning experience. It’s been fantastic hearing all the positive feedback about lesson successes and the strong relationships being built in the classroom.

Looking at our Year 12s, they’ve built on the work they began last year and tackled their first assessment for their final school year. For many, this marks the last English speech they’ll present before they wrap up their time at Trinity Bay in Term 4. The speeches covered a broad range of topics, from social issues that impact youth, to global challenges affecting millions. Meanwhile, other classes focused on in-depth analysis of texts, culminating in essays that explore themes of morality and identity.

Similar to the Year 12s, the Year 11s have delved into a wide array of texts and topics—touching on issues like representation, tourism, and economics—and are now gearing up for persuasive presentations. In addition to engaging with TED talks and campaign pitches, some students have also explored classic gothic literature. Through a detailed analysis of their class novels, they’ve worked hard to hone their analytical writing skills.

Our Junior School students have been equally busy, harnessing their creativity to produce imaginative texts. From journal entries and short stories, to reimaginings of themes from studied texts, it’s been exciting to see the diverse range of talents as students present their ideas in such unique ways.

HPE Department

Year 7 Talented Athlete Academy (TAC) have been hitting the gym hard working on their technique, muscular strength and muscular endurance. This term they have also been working hard on their technique and game plan of Basketball in conjunction with Cairns Basketball association.

Year 8 Talented Athlete Academy (TAC) have been learning the finer skills of football with Jamie Gosling Football Academy, students are working on their tactical awareness in football which is transferable across multiple sports. Students have been improving their agility, cardiovascular endurance and anaerobic capacity in the school gym.

Year 9 Talented Athlete Academy (TAC) have been working hard on their touch football skill and development with Mr Barnes. They have been learning how to generate speed in the ruck, initiating the touch, and applying this in their gameplay. Students have also been hitting the gym working on their power, strength and aerobic endurance for application in their touch football games.

Intensive Elevation Program (I.E.P.)

Term 1 is coming to a rapid close already for our three IEP classes and the various students selected for 1:1 reading and comprehension lessons.

This intervention program concentrates on building vocabulary, fluency and comprehension skills through reading. This school-based program is an important element of the Whole School Literacy Strategy to improve reading outcomes for students with reading difficulties and disorders in junior secondary.

The current IEP Team consists of a teacher/coordinator, three teachers and five teacher-aides and we are located in J Block and X Block.

The goal of the IEP Teaching Team is to elevate the reading accuracy, fluency  and comprehension skills of selected Year 7 and 8 students (identified from diagnostic test data) so they can achieve academic success in their mainstream classes. 

So, how do we go about this??

In January/February, our newly enrolled Year 7 cohort underwent diagnostic testing so we could gain a snapshot of their current reading & comprehension achievement levels. These two tests provided valuable baseline data for each student’s level of reading comprehension and a reading age.  

Elevation Program (IEP classes)

The Year 8 IEP class (3 lessons per week) commenced in Week 1.

Students were selected at the end of 2024 based on diagnostic testing and teacher conferencing conducted in Term 4.  Classroom teachers are Ms. Gawron (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) and Mrs. Woodcock (Thursday and Friday).  Letters and postcards have been sent home to parents/guardians for the students selected in the Year 8 IEP class.

The two Year 7 classes (3 lessons per week) commenced in Week 4.  Students were selected based on the analysis of the diagnostic data from testing.  Classroom teachers are Mrs. Ashleigh Stafford and Ms. Gabe Wolff.   Letters have been also been issued to parents/caregivers.

Please feel free to contact the IEP team if you would like any further information.

Year 7 classes.

Languages Department

Intensive English Centre

Building Stronger Connections with the Community

The Intensive English Centre plays a vital role in supporting newly arrived students from refugee and migrant backgrounds, many of whom are adjusting to life in Australia. By working closely with various community partners, we ensure that these students are well supported as they transition into both school life and the wider community.

Thank you to the Cairns Regional Council for providing invaluable advice on how to be prepared for disasters, ensuring our students and their families are informed and safe during extreme weather events. We also extend our gratitude to PCYC for generously funding the Club and Culture program, which plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers between local youth and the police, fostering understanding and building positive relationships. Additionally, we thank Kinetic for their support in offering practical guidance on bus safety, teaching our students how to navigate public transport safely and confidently, an essential skill for their independence.

Together, these partnerships make a significant difference in the lives of our students, helping them thrive in their new surroundings and building stronger connections within the community.

Designing Inclusion

Mr Wales’ Year 12 Design class is working to make the school more inclusive by focusing on designing a product, to help students navigate school. The students benefiting from this initiative are newly arrived in Australia, based in the Intensive English Centre, and speak little to no English.

A huge thank you to Design students Hadi, Hilkiah, and Miguel for creating real world solutions that make a difference.

Harmony Week

Harmony Week continued to grow this year, with more and more students volunteering to perform and proudly showcasing their cultures. The enthusiasm and participation made the celebrations even more meaningful, reflecting a strong sense of pride and community.

Intensive English Centre teachers embraced the spirit of Harmony Week by wearing their Harmony Week shirts. They were excited to take part in a week filled with cultural performances and celebrations, highlighting the diversity and unity within our school community.

Our School Pool is Back

Great to be back in the school pool with Herbie Howard, teaching our Intensive English Centre students! For many of our newly arrived students, this is their first-time swimming. We’re so grateful to have the pool up and running again—huge thanks to Herbie for your ongoing support

Japanese

From Queensland to Japan: My STEM Scholarship Journey
By Summer, Year 11 Student

I was fortunate to receive a scholarship for the 2024 STEM Japan Global Student Program, which allowed me to travel to Japan for two unforgettable weeks alongside 12 other students from across Queensland. We explored Hiroshima and Kyoto, participating in a range of cultural and STEM-related activities at various schools and companies, including the Mazda Museum, Fudenosato Kobo Museum, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and Miyajima Technical High School

This incredible experience challenged me to improve both my language and public speaking skills while deepening my understanding of Japan’s culture and the diverse opportunities within the STEM industry. One of the highlights was discovering the differences between school and home life in Japan. Staying with my host family was a truly special part of the trip, they made me feel so welcome and ensured I enjoyed every moment.

This opportunity not only helped me grow as a global citizen but also allowed me to build lifelong connections and memories with my host family, fellow students, and chaperones. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me forever.

STEM Japan Scholarship Experience

Rueben year 11

In December 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Japan after being awarded a STEM Japan scholarship. Our journey took us to Hiroshima and Kyoto, where we explored various industries, including Otafuku Sauce Co., Mazda, and Fudenosatakobo. We also visited several schools, met new people, and participated in a homestay experience that deepened our understanding of Japanese education and culture.

My homestay in Kyoto was one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip. I gained valuable insight into daily life in Japan and formed meaningful connections with my host family. A highlight was visiting a nearby shrine with my host buddy and his younger sister. Experiencing the serene beauty of the shrine in the crisp morning air, just 200 metres from the bustling town below, was truly unforgettable.

Adapting to a new routine in such a fast-paced society was a challenge, but the experience was enriching. Fortunately, with Japan being only one hour behind Australia, the early morning starts weren’t too difficult to adjust to. This trip was an unforgettable opportunity to learn, connect, and experience Japan in a unique and meaningful way.

Hinamatsuri

On Monday, 3rd March the Girl’s Festival (Hinamatsuri) is celebrated in Japan. Some of our Year 8 Japanese classes were able to indulge in cultural activities this week around the theme of this annual festival.

Real World Learning: Japanese Students Connect and Prepare

Our students had a fantastic opportunity to engage in real-life language exchange, thanks to Mrs. Muller's International Study Tours.

Year 12 Japanese students prepared for their IA2 Speaking Exam with visiting Osaka Toin Junior High School students, refining their skills and gaining cultural insights.

Huge thanks to Mrs. Muller for making this possible

Performing Arts Department

Performing Arts 2025 – Term 1

By Indi and Layla

Hello all! Welcome back to a new year and the events that Trinity Bay Performing Arts Department are excited to showcase. Congratulations to our Grade 12 Students who are about to end their final chapter of high school, and we welcome Grade 7 students who are new and beginning their journey here at T Bay. If your student is interested in any of our performing arts programs such as Instrumental music or Vocal programs, please contact the Head of Performing Arts, Mrs Jeanette Gibbins.

jgibb21@eq.edu.au

Your Performing Arts Captains this year are Indiana Edhouse and Layla Gander. We will be your representatives in all things performing arts for 2025. We are honoured to bring you the news and events this year.

A big welcome to Mr Michael Thomas (Certificate in Music teacher) and Mr Adam Cadell (Music and Humanities teacher).  And welcome back to Ms Tamara Donnellan (Dance teacher) and Mr Simon Penningh (Instrumental Music – Woodwind & Brass Teacher).  We know that you will enjoy working here at T Bay.

CAD Excellence Programs

Welcome to all of our new CAD students.  We hope that you enjoy the experiences and opportunities that you are provided while developing your skills and making new friendships.  All CAD programs are well and truly underway with preparations already started for Music Night, Cairns Eisteddfod and various other performances.

Recent Events

Senior Induction

A big thank you and congratulations to our past Yr 12 student, Evelyn Markey who arranged an a cappella vocal trio of the Australian National Anthem.  The trio which included, Evelyn, Diya and Arinar, recorded the arrangement and had the opportunity to showcase this at the recent Senior Induction.  It was an absolutely stunning moment at the ceremony.  Congratulations to all involved.

Whitfield Expo

On Friday the 21^st of February the Whitfield State School Primary students got the wonderful opportunity to experience our Performing Arts program first hand getting to participate in a Dance and Drama Activities and hear some of our wonderful Music students perform. By doing this expo we aim to inspire and encourage the next generation of students who hope to come to T Bay.

Upcoming Events

Music Night

A wonderous night showing off our Music Department is to be held in Week 7 of Term 2. It will be located at the CPAC studio on the 5^th of June, start time at 7pm. Tickets will be available next term.  Coming along to Music Night supports our flourishing artists and is an opportunity to experience a night of unique genres and styles.

Innisfail Eisteddfod and Cairns Eisteddfod

This year the Performing Arts Dancers have been given the opportunity to participate in the Innisfail Eisteddfod on Monday the 5^th of May (times TBC) where they will get to display their hard work with some friendly competition from other schools.  This will be a great opportunity to help them build their confidence, given more stage opportunities to help them flourish and thrive throughout the year.

Trinity Bay State Schools Instrumental Music Ensembles, Choir & Vocal ensemble, and Dance students will perform at CPAC for this year’s Cairns Eisteddfod throughout Week 10, Term 2. This prestigious event is open for parents and families to come support the students and the Performing Arts. Tickets will be available from Ticketlink closer to the event.

Yr 6 into 7 CAD Auditions 

Year 6 into 7 CAD auditions are coming up in Term 2 Week 5 Monday 19th & Tuesday 20th May where we get to welcome these students into our school and give them an opportunity to try out for our amazing Excellence Program including Dance, Drama, Music and Tech and see them want to grow as students and be a part of more with our school community and be given so many memorable opportunities to fulfil their high schooling experience.

ANZAC Day Assembly 

Our Concert Band and singers will be performing at Anzac Day Assembly on Thursday 24th April.

What’s happening in the classroom?

Dance

Our Senior Grade 12 Dance class have recently completed their first performance piece of the year and are moving their focus towards their IA2 task. IA1 task was to learn a 3-minute contemporary routine. They learned a routine called Fallin, choreographed by 2020 alumni Katrina Ramm.  Moving forward they are tasked with a student-based choreography task to incorporate technical skills, elements of dance and expression to create a powerful contemporary piece about either a social, political or cultural issue.

Senior and Junior CAD dance have been working hard to prepare their performance pieces for the Innisfail Eisteddfod. The groups have been working on routines in a range of different styles from contemporary to jazz.

Drama

Grade 12 Drama students have recently finished their first assessment for the year and have moved onto their creative task. Their new assessment is to create and perform scenes from the play “Wisdom” and turn it into a piece of “Epic Theatre”. They are working hard to try and create a dramatic piece utilising key conventions from ‘Wisdom’ to perform at Drama night.

CAD Drama students work hard in perfecting their group performance. They have now started to finalise their performance in preparation for upcoming Drama Night Bulmba-Ja on the 14^th of May, start time at 7pm.

Instrumental Music

Trinity Bay Performing Arts Department are thrilled by the amount of interest expressed in the Instrumental Music Programs. Our Instrumental Music Programs include Concert Band, Stage Band, String Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Choir and Vocal Ensemble. Throughout this term each program has been working hard to compile a collection of repertoires to perform over the course of this year. Next term will be busy with several performances - Music Night, Cairns Eisteddfod.  

Music

Grade 12 Music are working hard on their assessments. They have finished their first Performance on innovations and now move to creating their own compositions.

Yr 9 Music, have also been preparing performances for assessment in a Pop Music style.  It is great hearing so much music happening around the Music block.

Science Department

Science Faculty Update

This term has been an exciting time for Science at Trinity Bay State High School, with a broad range of science activities happening across all year levels.

Our Year 7 students began their high school science journey by developing essential scientific skills in the laboratory. They then transitioned into an ecology and biology unit, where they explored ecosystems and the intricate relationships within them.

Year 7 Science Academy completed the iodine clock reaction. In this reaction students placed potassium iodide and sodium thiosulfate in a beaker with hydrogen peroxide. The sodium thiosulfate ‘protected’ the potassium iodide and stopped in reacting until all the thiosulfate was consumed. Then the beaker suddenly changes colour as the iodide starts to react. This reaction let students develop their skills for measuring precise amounts of liquids. Our 7 Science Academy class has also begun preparing submissions for this year’s RACI Crystal growing competition.

Year 8 Science delved into the dynamic processes that shape our planet, investigating how earthquakes and volcanoes have influenced Earth's surface. Students also examined the properties of minerals and how their characteristics inform their use in industries and policy-making. Students examined a range of rocks and minerals, using keys to identify them.

A highlight of the term was welcoming our first guest speaker, Dr. Selina Ward, a PhD candidate from the University of Queensland. Dr. Ward shared insights into her research on the integrated surveillance of neglected tropical diseases and vaccine-preventable diseases, providing students with a valuable glimpse into the role of science in global health- Read Jessica Mupenzi’s (Year 11) outstanding review below:

Embracing the Unexpected: Selina’s inspiring Journey Through Setbacks, Passion, and Success

By Jessica Mupenzi

The road to success is not always a straight line- sometimes, it loops, twists, and drops you where you least expect.

Selina Ward, a PhD candidate, an inspiring woman, and an exceptional presenter, visited our school to share her journey—from high school to university and beyond. Through her talk, she offered students valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of her path, inspiring everyone to persevere in the face of obstacles.

Selina shared that she attended a school in Toowoomba, a bit outside the major academic hubs, making a one-hour commute each day. In high school, she was passionate about both music and science, but when music didn’t work out, she chose to pursue science at university. Like many students, she wasn’t entirely sure what career path to take in Year 12—torn between engineering and medicine— proving that certainty isn’t a prerequisite for success.

At university, Selina pursued a Bachelor of Science with the initial goal of transitioning into engineering or medicine. However, her engineering subjects didn’t quite go as planned, which led her to shift focus. She then turned to nursing, completing her degree and working in an infectious diseases’ unit. The mental toll of the demanding work during the COVID-19 pandemic eventually led her to take a step back from full-time nursing, exploring contract work instead.

During this period, she discovered a love for travel, which shifted her perspective and career aspirations. She enrolled in a master’s program in epidemiology while working in research. As she grew more engaged with the research field, she found that it offered both intellectual fulfillment and a better work-life balance. Ultimately, she made the decision to leave her master’s program and apply for a PhD, which involved a challenging application process. Now a PhD candidate, Selina is deeply immersed in research, building connections and making a significant impact. Her journey, marked by unexpected twists, was one she took in stride, directing each step with resilience and purpose.

Her outstanding presentation sparked thoughtful questions among students and provided a deeper understanding of the journey—how steep and challenging it can be, yet also rewarding and, with enough passion, even enjoyable. I’d like to believe that every attendee walked away with a fresh perspective on career and job choices. Personally, I found it truly enlightening, and we are grateful to have had the privilege of hearing her story.

In week 3, Ms Chandler’s 12 Earth and Environmental Science class visited the Holloway’s Beach Environmental Education Centre to complete transects of the biotic and abiotic conditions for the mangroves in order to compare them to mangroves in an alternate location. Part of the learning included developing a deeper understanding of the role mangroves play in marine ecosystems. Students used this data to begin preparing their response to their experimental report. Our students completed their investigation during a very wet season and had the opportunity to compare he mangrove data that has been collected by other school visitors in different seasons. As this class visited during extremely wet conditions, students had the opportunity to compare growth across other conditions.

Senior Secondary

The Senior Secondary Team are very pleased to report that it has been a very productive start to the year.  Student Assessment Schedules and Assessment Planners for Years 10-12 have been emailed out to all students and parents/carers.  It is a good idea to print these out and place them somewhere that will constantly remind students of any upcoming assessment.  If a senior student misses an exam or an assignment deadline for a documented verifiable reason, they must apply for an AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments).  AARA Applications can be found on the school website under Senior Secondary.

ATAR Prediction Interviews

We are currently meeting with all of our ATAR eligible Year 12 students to discuss their predicted ATAR score and how they’re currently tracking. This offers them some great foresight into where their hard work is currently taking them and gives them the opportunity to make any changes necessary to reach their personal goals by the end of the year.

Parent Information Evening

This term we held the Parent Information evening for students in Year 11 and their families.  Important information regarding the journey through Senior Secondary was shared, and the evening was a great success. A big thank you to all those families that were able to make time in their busy schedules to come along and take part.

QCE Improvement Contracts

Behind the scenes we are working hard to ensure that all of our Year 12 students are on track to graduate with a QCE. This process sometimes entails implementing a QCE Improvement Contract to help keep our students on the right track and moving in the right direction with support and encouragement.

TAFE

2025 TAFE at School Students have commenced their courses, attending TAFE every Thursday to complete various Certificate I and Certificate II qualifications. Expressions of interest for 2026 TAFE at School Program for current Year 10 and 11 students will open in May this year.

Work Experience

Year 10 students have begun preparation for Work Experience Placement in Week 10 of Term 2.  Our VET Coordinator, Hayley Murphy, has completed the Induction with our Year 10 cohort and interviews between students and VPG were conducted this week. Students will be informed of their placement details in Week 7 of Term 2. Any students placed in the Construction Industry will require a White Card at a cost of $80 per student. Please contact Mrs Murphy in the Senior Secondary Office to arrange this.

Visual Arts

Are We Settled Yet? @ TANKS Arts Centre is a photographic portrait exhibition featuring graduating Trinity Bay State High School students Akriti Rai and Sylvine Rahabu. They collaborated together to create this stunning body of work whereby they worked together as both photographer and model wearing their respective traditional dress to tell their unique stories about being refugees and celebrating their cultural heritage.

Akriti Rai arrived in Cairns as a refugee from Nepal in December 2022, attending Trinity Bay State High School as a year 11 student in 2023. There she befriended Sylvine Rahabu, a refugee herself from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Akriti’s portrait of Sylvine won her the Tanks Arts Centre Curators’ Award at the Energy exhibition 2024 which led to their recent joint collaboration "Are we Settled Yet?"

For teenage refugees, settling in a new country brings about a metamorphosis. You come with one culture, absorb another, and along the way you learn about other cultures in other lands. Constantly looking for differences and similarities, you mix and match.

We are so proud of the work they produced for this show and look forward to their next collaboration.

Advertising

Pathways to cessation

In October 2024, a free online webinar about vaping in schools and the Pathways to Cessation program was held. The webinar was recorded and a link to the recording is now available.

Pathways to cessation: pilot program introduction webinar

On the webinar you will hear from:

Dr John Gerrard, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer
Mr Mark West, Executive Director, Prevention Strategy Branch, Queensland Health
Mr Scott Zadravec, Acting Director, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Department of Education
Joanne Isabel, Manager Preventive Health, Quitline

Topics discussed:

• ​ What is currently known about tobacco and vaping use in Queensland adolescents
• ​The impact of nicotine on adolescent health 
• ​The Australian Government and Queensland Government approach to addressing tobacco smoking and vaping  
• ​An overview of the Pathways to Cessation pilot program
• Understanding how parents and carers can support their adolescent to quit smoking or vaping

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our School Based Youth Health Nurse, Carola Price.