World Teachers’ Day 2025: The Demands and Distinctions of Modern Teaching
World Teachers’ Day 2025: The Demands and Distinctions of Modern Teaching
Teaching in 2025 is a fundamentally different profession compared to a generation ago. The role has expanded, the expectations have intensified, and the complexity has deepened. Today’s teachers must be agile thinkers, emotionally attuned mentors, and highly skilled communicators. They are expected to respond to diverse learning needs, manage the social dynamics of their classrooms, and stay ahead of rapid changes in technology and pedagogy.
This work is intellectually demanding. It requires deep content knowledge, constant professional learning, and the ability to design and redesign and adapt lessons that are both rigorous and relevant. Teachers must think strategically, reflect critically, and pivot continuously. It is also psychologically taxing. The emotional labour of teaching: supporting students through challenges, maintaining classroom culture, and balancing care with accountability, is significant and often invisible.
At Canterbury, we are fortunate to have a staff who meet these challenges with clarity, purpose and compassion. They choose this work not because it is easy, but because it matters. They choose to invest in the whole student, embracing our Four Dimensions – Academics, Sport, Performing Arts and CLS (Character, Leadership and Service) – as a serious holistic framework for education.
What sets Canterbury apart is not just the quality of classroom teaching itself, but the school culture they create. It is a culture of high expectations, deep care, and shared responsibility. Our staff understand that success is not just about academic results, though these are fundamentally important. It is about helping young people become compassionate, confident and optimistic contributors to their communities.
On World Teachers’ Day, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our teaching staff. Their work is complex, demanding and deeply personal. They show up every day with energy, insight and integrity. They do this not for recognition, but because they believe in the transformative power of education and the innate quality of the young people we work with.
To our teachers: thank you for choosing to dedicate your life to the development of future generations. Thank you for choosing to work at Canterbury.
Dan Walker
College Principal
2025 Canterbury Senior School Speech Night | Years 7–12 Annual Awards Ceremony
2025 Canterbury Senior School Speech Night | Years 7–12 Annual Awards Ceremony
The 2025 Canterbury College Senior School Speech Night was held on Tuesday evening, 14 October, at the Logan Entertainment Centre, bringing together students, families, and staff for an evening of celebration, reflection, and pride.
This annual event recognised the diverse achievements of our Years 7–12 students, from academic excellence and creative innovation to leadership, service, and contribution to College life.
Each award recipient has shown curiosity, initiative, and a genuine drive to learn and grow - reflecting the Canterbury spirit of Fortior Quo Paratior in action.
We were privileged to welcome a distinguished gathering of guests, including:
The Venerable Geoff Hoyte, Archdeacon of the Gold Coast, and Rector of Anglican Parish of Logan
The Reverend Mary-Anne Rulfs, Director of Mission, Anglican Schools Commission;
Mr Michael Buckingham, Chair, Canterbury College Board
Mr Vaughan Whitworth, Director, Canterbury College Board
Mayor Jon Raven, Logan City Council;
Mr Rowan Holzberger MP, Federal Member for Forde;
Cr Nathan St Ledger, Councillor for Division 4, Logan City Council;
Uncle Terry Stedman, Chairperson, Logan Elders;
Dr Jonathan Cichero, son of Reverend Trevor Cichero – Canterbury’s Founding Board Chair and Chaplain;
Ms Heather Christensen, Representative, Quota Club of Beenleigh;
The evening featured stunning performances by our Senior School ensembles - the Canterbury Chorale, True Bearing, and Trio Bellissimo - whose music brought warmth and atmosphere to the celebration.
Our thanks go to the students, families, and staff who made the night such a memorable occasion, marking another inspiring chapter in the Canterbury story.
Congratulations to all our 2025 awardees, your achievements continue to shape the vibrant culture of our College.
Year Level Dux Awards
Dux Of Year 7: Llewellyn Van Eck
Dux Of Year 8: Lily Prewett
Dux Of Year 9: Mikael Sandanayake
Dux Of Year 10: Kaitlyn Bolger
Dux Of Year 11: Ramon Zeng
Major Awards
Beenleigh Chamber Of Commerce Best All-Rounder Award: Bear Newsham
Reverend T Cichero Community Service Award: Grace McIntyre
Long Tan Leadership Award: Noah Meier and Amelia Ryan
Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award: Rose Pincott and Ranudi Attygalla
Hayden Prior Memorial Prize: Amelia Ryan
Ampol Best All Rounder Award: Benjamin Stanley
The Archbishop’s Award: Corey Rooks and Mehran Afzal
Quota Club of Beenleigh Achiever of the Year Award: Alex Panagiotou
Senior School Arts Person of the Year: Haydn Li
Senior School Spiritus Award: Riley Burton
Senior School Sports Person of the Year Award: Aimee Henry
Entrepreneurial Excellence Award: Ashutosh Vaitha
Fortior Quo Paratior Awards
Year 7: Ruby Barszcz
Year 8: Faith Weier
Year 9: Grace McIntyre
Year 10: Noah Meier
Year 11: Cooper McIntyre
Year 12: Amelia Ryan
Gold Colour Awards
Mikael Sandanayake, Brooklyn Pukallus, Noah Meier, Elize Lee, Ashutosh Vaitha, Isabella Oxenbridge, Jemma Kim, Aimee Henry, Chloe Booth, Susie Kim, Oscar Laredo, and Amelia Ryan
Staff Service Awards
For 10 Years of Service: Lisa Foster, Leigh Mayes, Yvette O’Keefe, Andrew Porter, and Caitlyn Waldon
For 15 Years of Service: Suzi Kruttschnitt
For 20 Years of Service: Deborah Clarke
For 30 Years of Service: Elaine Dobeli
Archbishop’s Staff Bursary
Lucia Lemke, Caitlyn Waldon, and Mark Hoppe
Year 7 Academic Excellence Awards
Archer Alchin
Sophie Ayres
Elly Barnes
Ruby Barszcz
Pegella Beh
Evabella Best
Somya Bhatt
Harrison Dixon
William Flaxman
Mrigakshi Kakkar
Juliska Kong
Anna Okada
Ruhani Sayan
Zara Sell
Zahlia Thomas
Llewellyn Van Eck
Year 7 First in Subject Awards
Sophie Ayres – History
Elly Barnes – Health & Physical Education
Mrigakshi Kakkar – French, Science
Lelia Dong – Mandarin
Llewellyn Van Eck – Mathematics, English, Science, Spanish
Year 7 Outstanding Approach to Learning
Olivia Adams
Angad Bhanot
Lelia Dong
Brooke Elson
Wilfon Frost
Johnathan Hang
Yuna Jung
Emma Kay
Harper Macdonald
Myalani McLachlan
Aum Mori
Sachiel Paniagua
Amber Parkley-Simpson
Khushi Patil
Lewis Saul
Asher Smith
Tatiana Zoubakin
Year 8 Academic Excellence Awards
Xinyue Bi
Lyvea Boulton
Harry Burkitt
Lachlan Chou
Indie Godfrey
Rael Jung
Coda Lahrs
Quinn Lockhart
Jonty McCormack
Bear Newsham
Lily Prewett
Calvin Saul
Evie Schelbach
Tayja Shine
Faith Weier
Year 8 First in Subject Awards
Xinyue Bi – Mathematics
Lachlan Chou – Mandarin
Indie Godfrey – French
Tanvi Mongia – Spanish
Miah Percy – Mandarin
Byron Rodgie – Health & Physical Education
Calvin Saul – Spanish
Tayja Shine – History
Lily Prewett – English, Science
Year 8 Outstanding Approach to Learning
Kassiyus Anapa
Chelsea Barsby
Alex Bezdan
Ava Bjerring
Sarah Clarke
Lachlan Cole
Haley Conde Teixeira
Violet Du
Ava Eynon
Ottelia Faggotter
Mckynlee Franklin
Hayley Lim
Sidney McMahon
Tanvi Mongia
Emily Payne
Miah Percy
Byron Rodgie
Gregory Savage
Year 9 Academic Excellence Awards
Jordan Bolger
Arabella Carr
Sienna Crawford
Erin Dizon
Georgia Dunstall
Ava Heath
Nayeon Kim
Emeline Kolb
George Li
Eloise McKean
Erin O’Neill
Mikael Sandanayake
Mujtaba Shah
James Wandschneider
Charlotte Williamson
Year 9 First in Subject Awards
Sehajnoor Kaur – English
Nayeon Kim – History
Eloise McKean – Health & Physical Education
Erin O’Neill – Science
Mikael Sandanayake – Mathematics, Health & Physical Education
Ayla Whybird – History
Year 9 Outstanding Approach to Learning
Jiya Arun
Keira Hannett
Ella Hay
Kexin Huo
Ava Lynch
Grace McIntyre
Lyla Ries
Milla Smith
Maddison Sonnex
Rakshitha Thorupunoori
Amelia Tighe
Valenova Tsai
Ayla Whybird
Daniel Wilkinson
Year 10 Academic Excellence Awards
Mehreen Afzal
Kaitlyn Bolger
Zoe Broadbent
Mia Chizzoniti
Sarah Consolati
Eliza Flower
Isabella Franklin
Noah Meier
Amelia Neumeister
Penina Pao
Rose Pincott
Aaliyah Richardson
Jillian Zamora
Year 10 First in Subject Awards
Mehreen Afzal – English
Mateen Ahmed – General Mathematics
Kaitlyn Bolger – Mathematical Methods, Literature
Jed Bower – History
Sarah Consolati – Science
Tanerau O’Riley – Essential English
Year 10 Outstanding Approach to Learning
Dekota Henwood
Lilly Honnery
Lucy Johnson
Niya Kaniyankandi
Lochlan McDougall
Angelina Pao
Brooklyn Pukallus
Ziva Ross
Kristine Ruiz
Abigail Silk
Paige Simpson
Tiffany Tindall
Abigail Viriki
Taylor Wheatley
Michael Wilkinson
Year 11 Academic Excellence Awards
Corey Bertsch
Gurjaap Buttar
Taylor Kirby
Anthony Li
Liam McGregor
Cooper McIntyre
Tyrese Ngaru
Diya Raniga
Michael Stephens
Ashutosh Vaitha
Allegra Williams
Mikaela Williams
Ramon Zeng
Henry Zhang
Year 11 First in Subject Awards
Kaitlyn Bolger – French
Angela Cai – Literature
Cooper Carey – Essential English
Charlie Clapham – Building & Construction Skills
Zach Davies – Sport & Recreation
Jasmine Fidow – Legal Studies
Mikala Fox – Sport & Recreation, Physical Education
William Graham – Furnishing Skills
Taylor Kirby – Psychology, Spanish
Anthony Li – Mathematical Methods, Spanish
Liam McGregor – Chemistry, Specialist Mathematics
Mya Morrow – Visual Art
Sebastian Keerie – Essential Mathematics
Isabella Oxenbridge – Design, Music
Diya Raniga – General Mathematics
Brayden Roos – Film, Television & New Media
Summer Ryan – Visual Art in Practice
Michael Stephens – Physics
Ashutosh Vaitha – Economics, Modern History
Kiya Watkins-Rameka – English
Year 11 Outstanding Approach to Learning
Angela Cai
Oscar Choi
Isla Eastwood
Jasmine Fidow
Elize Lee
Charlotte Nimmo
Isabella Oxenbridge
Amelia Periaho
Destinee Pickvance-Yee
Summer Ryan
Melanie Hamilton
Addison Imrie
Year 12 Academic Excellence Awards
Ranudi Attygalla
Amelia Barlow
Chloe Booth
Mitchell Dixon
Haydn Li
Grace McGuinness
Claire Plummer
Kylie Qi
Amelia Ryan
Benjamin Stanley
Morgan Watt
Year 12 Outstanding Approach to Learning
Ruby Aitchison
Shannel Almario
Charlotte Austin
Georgia Barlow
Olivia Brooker
Juliana Chen
Asahli Finch
Salman Hussain
Thomas Jenkins
Jacob Kriletich
Chivani McDonald
Year 8 Mandarin Dumpling Making Lesson
Year 8 Mandarin Dumpling Making Lesson
In China and other Chinese-speaking communities, making dumplings is a cherished tradition that symbolises unity and prosperity, often bringing families together during special occasions or simply for leisure.
This term, our Year 8 Mandarin students have been exploring a unit on Leisure Time, learning about the activities that Chinese people enjoy in their spare time.
To deepen their cultural understanding, students had the exciting opportunity to hand-make dumplings on Friday 12 September, and then enjoy their creations using chopsticks.
It was a fun and hands-on way to experience an important aspect of Chinese culture!
Jennifer Wu
Senior School Teacher | Global Studies
2025 Archbishop Jeremy’s ‘Welcome to Term 4’ Message
2025 Archbishop Jeremy’s ‘Welcome to Term 4’ Message
Welcome to the start of Term 4 from Archbishop Jeremy.
"I hope every student and teacher has returned to school revitalised and motivated by the opportunities Term 4 will offer. Please embrace the possibilities which will be extended to you and your classmates over the coming months.
Principal's Welcome Video | Term 4, 2025
Principal's Welcome Video | Term 4, 2025
As we begin Term 4, we celebrate the achievements, milestones and opportunities that make this time of year so special.
This term also brings exciting new initiatives, including:
• Beta-testing our new Canterbury Parent App
• Launch of the Health & Medical Science Pathways Program (HMSPP)
• Consultation for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Pre-planning for Canterbury’s 40th anniversary in 2027
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Student Free Day Tuesday 7 October 2025!
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Student Free Day Tuesday 7 October 2025!
Just a reminder: Students return on Wednesday 8 October 2025, for the start of Term 4.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus!
APPLY TODAY! Canterbury College Seeking Both Casual Sports & Swim Instructors!
APPLY TODAY! Canterbury College Seeking Both Casual Sports & Swim Instructors!
Canterbury College is seeking experienced Sports Coaches and Swim Instructors on a casual basis to join our co-curricular team in delivering quality, engaging and educational training sessions.
We are seeking Coaches for the following sports:
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Hockey
• Junior Netball
• Touch Football
• Rugby Union
• Football (Soccer)
We are also seeking:
• Pool Lifeguards
• Learn-To-Swim Instructors
Flexibility is required to work varying shifts, including mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Please submit applications directly through our Canterbury College Careers webpage https://canterbury.qld.edu.au/about-us/careers/ or SEEK https://www.seek.com.au/Canterbury-College-jobs
2025 TAS Athletics | Back-to-Back Champions!
2025 TAS Athletics | Back-to-Back Champions!
On Tuesday, 16 September, Canterbury College made history at QSAC, going Back-to-Back as TAS Athletics and JTAS Champions!
From the first starter’s gun to the final relay, the Taipans showed grit, determination, and outstanding teamwork. Our girls’ teams dominated across all age groups, bringing home victory after victory and proving that their hours of training and commitment truly paid off.
One of the biggest highlights of the day was the relay events, where Canterbury secured double points through powerful performances and seamless baton changes. Every athlete played their part, demonstrating not only skill but also the depth of talent across our squads.
Beyond the results, what stood out most was the incredible sportsmanship and mateship among our team. Athletes supported one another through every event, celebrated personal bests, and represented Canterbury with pride. Even on the bus ride home, the talk wasn’t just about medals and records; it was about the support and encouragement from our staff.
A special mention goes to Mr Walker, who was there cheering and backing our athletes all the way. His presence meant a great deal to the team and contributed to the spirit of the day.
Results Age Champions
- 12 Years: Izabel Norcott – 1st
- 12 Years: Riley Jordan – 1st,
- 12 Years: Mason Suckling – 3rd (Very Strong age group)
- 13 Years: Byron Rodgie – 2nd
- 14 Years: Zarayah Williams – 1st
- 15 Years: Matilda Langley – 2nd
- 16 Years: Calise Kypr – 1st
- Open Age Group: Hayley Norcott – 1st
Age Group Results
- 1st – 12 Years Girls
- 1st – 12 Years Boys
- 2nd – 13 Years Boys
- 1st – 14 Years Girls
- 3rd – 13 Years Girls
- 2nd – 15 Years Girls
- 2nd – Open Age Group
Records Broken
- An outstanding 6 new records were set during the competition!
Overall Results
- Overall Girls Champion School
- Overall School Champion School
- 3rd Place Boys Champion School
Special Recognition
A special shout-out goes to our reserve team, who played a vital role in the success of the day by assisting with equipment and racking at Long Jump alongside Mr Porter, Mr Chan, and Mr Lama. Their commitment, teamwork, and attitude did not go unnoticed.
In fact, I received an email from the Head of the Queensland Athletics Officials, who commended them on how well-behaved, respectful, and helpful they were throughout the competition. This is an achievement we are just as proud of as the medals; it reflects the true Canterbury spirit.
A huge thank you to our coaching team for an incredible season. We are so proud of this achievement and will work even harder to improve for next year.
Mrs Brooke King
Athletics Coordinator
Talking Taipans: Episode 6, 2025
Talking Taipans: Episode 6, 2025
Episode 6 of Talking Taipans is here! Mrs Krzensk and co-host Mr Hunter wrap up all things Term 3 sport, celebrating the highlights, achievements and Canterbury spirit of our Taipans.
Go Taipans!
2025 Year 4 Outdoor Education Camp
2025 Year 4 Outdoor Education Camp
In the second week of September, our Year 4 students ventured to Tyalgum Ridge Retreat for their exciting Outdoor Education Camp!
Nestled within 350 hectares of picturesque mountainscape, the camp provided the perfect setting for three days of adventure and discovery. Students embraced the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, building resilience, teamwork, courage and critical thinking through a wide variety of fun and challenging activities.
Beyond the activities, the camp encouraged students to strengthen friendships, work together and grow in confidence. These shared experiences not only created lasting memories but also helped develop important life skills that will support their learning journey at Canterbury and beyond.
We are proud of the way our Year 4 cohort embraced every challenge with energy and enthusiasm, showing true Canterbury spirit throughout their time away.