Week 3, Term 4, 2025 | Friday 24 October

Honouring the Class of 2025: A Legacy of Excellence and Growth

Today marks the final day on campus for our Year 12 students before they begin their external exams next week. As they gathered in sessions designed to promote reflection and connection, the reality of what lies ahead – graduation, new beginnings, and the culmination of thirteen years of schooling, has begun to settle in. I enjoyed spending some time with them at lunch today and it seems to me they are both confident in, and ambitious for themselves in the external exams.

This cohort has not only grown in maturity and character, but they’ve also set a new benchmark for academic achievement at our school. Their results are nothing short of inspirational. They reflect a culture of sustained effort, resilience and a growth mindset.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate what they’ve accomplished. Those parents who were at Speech Night have already seen a snapshot of this extraordinary data:

• Every student in General subjects improved their GPA from the first to the second internal assessment. Gains ranged from 2 to 34 points, with an average improvement of 14.1. This is an extraordinary testament to their determination and effort.
• We now have 12 students with an academic GPA above 95, 30 students above 90, and 65 students above 80. These numbers speak volumes about the calibre of this group.
• Across all internal assessments, we recorded 41 perfect scores, 109 results at 95% or higher, and 201 results at 90% or more.
• Out of the 21 General subjects offered, 19 recorded their highest-ever average internal assessment results. In fact, 48 of the 63 individual assessments were the best in our school’s history.
• This success has been driven by increased engagement. Five students achieved a perfect Approach to Learning score, and the cohort’s average Approach to Learning GPA rose to 93.3%, a five-point increase from Year 11.
• We celebrate 53 vocational certificates (Certificate I, II or III) already achieved or awarded, and 6 Diplomas (a truly World Ready, adult-level qualification), with more expected to be signed off before graduation.

These achievements are not just numbers. They are stories of resoluteness, growth and ambition.

To our Year 12s: we are proud of you. You’ve led with integrity, lifted each other up, and shown what’s possible when a group commits to excellence. You leave behind a legacy that will inspire those who follow, and which signify the type of school we have become and what we seek to be known for.

Our Year 12 teachers and pastoral care team have shown a unified and passionate resolve to ensure each of our Year 12 students are prepared as well as possible for exams and also for the world that awaits them next year. It has been humbling to watch our staff in action, no more so than during the tutorial weeks in the last fortnight.

To our parents: thank you for your support, your partnership and your belief in what we do together. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Valedictory Dinner and at the Graduation Ceremony in Week 7.

We are a school that does not settle for mediocre, when there is so much talent and ambition in our midst. The Class of 2025 has set a high bar. And we couldn’t be prouder.

Logan City Big Idea Challenge Sparks Innovation in our Years 5 and 6 Students 

On Monday 27 October, 45 of our Year 5 and 6 students (26 from Year 6 and 19 from Year 5) will proudly represent our school at the Logan City Big Idea Challenge, hosted by Canterbury College and powered by Future Anything. 

This exciting event brings together over 200 students from across Logan City for a fast-paced day of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking. As an extension to our SPARK program, our students will work in mixed-school teams to explore real-world challenges, design innovative solutions and pitch their ideas in a dynamic, ‘Shark Tank’-style format. 

The Challenge is designed to spark bold thinking and empower students to become changemakers in their communities. With a strong focus on student-led innovation, the day encourages participants to think critically, work collaboratively and develop practical projects that have real-world relevance. 

Key highlights include: 

• Cross-school collaboration, fostering diverse perspectives and teamwork. 

• Creative problem-solving, driven by curiosity and imagination. 

• Actionable outcomes, with students presenting ideas that could be implemented beyond the classroom. 

• Lasting inspiration, as students begin to see themselves as future leaders and innovators. 

Importantly, this event further supports Junior School students with the Future Anything program, a program the Senior School also engages in each year. The program is a nationally recognised initiative that transforms student passion into entrepreneurial action. Through this program, students continue to develop their ideas, build essential 21st-century skills and may even take part in YouthX, a youth accelerator supporting young people to bring their ventures to life. 

We’re incredibly proud of our students for embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and creativity. Their participation in the Big Idea Challenge not only wraps up Term 4 on a high note but also sets the stage for a future filled with purpose, possibility and innovation. 

Supporting Student Independence in Term 4

As Term 4 progresses, our teachers will begin to focus on preparing students for the transition to their next year level. This time of year is ideal for fostering independence and resilience skills that will support them both academically and socially as they grow.

Our teachers are intentionally guiding students to take more responsibility for their learning and daily routines. This includes stepping back in communication, allowing students to take initiative, and encouraging them to organise their belongings independently. You may notice fewer reminders to complete routine tasks and more opportunities for students to resolve low-level peer conflicts using the Bridge Builder strategies they’ve learned throughout the year.

It’s natural for children to feel apprehensive about change. If your child expresses worry about the changes that will occur in the new year, reassure them that feeling nervous is normal when facing something new. Judith Locke, a clinical psychologist and author, emphasises that rather than jumping in to protect students from feeling discomfort or worry, we can acknowledge, while also reinforcing their ability to manage change and speak positively about the exciting opportunities ahead.

Below are some suggestions of how you can assist in preparing your child for the upcoming transitions.

How Parents Can Help:

• Encourage your child to pack their own school bag and get ready independently each morning. A visual schedule can help them remember what to bring each day.
• Support your child to walk independently from the drop-off zone to their classroom and unpack their belongings.
• When it comes to homework, set them up with what they need, then step away to complete their tasks independently, just as they would work independently in class.
• Remind your child of the Bridge Builder strategies, including how to ask a teacher for help when navigating social challenges.

Canterbury Co-Curricular Awards Night 2025  

This week, with pride and celebration, the Canterbury community came together to honour the outstanding achievements of our students across sports, activities and performing arts. The 2025 Co-Curricular Awards Night was a testament to the dedication, talent, and spirit that define our school.

Grace, our 2025 Sports Captain, opened the evening with a heartfelt reflection on a year shaped by the theme Positivity with Purpose. She highlighted the incredible accomplishments across all sporting disciplines—from premiership titles to personal milestones. Notable achievements included Netball and Rugby securing Champion School status, and our Athletics team making history with a back-to-back overall win. Grace reminded us that success is not only measured by trophies, but by the commitment, teamwork, and community spirit shown by every student.

“Every training, every early morning, and every game played with pride… showing up, putting in the work, and supporting one another is a win in itself.” 

She also acknowledged the vital role of coaches, staff, and parents in shaping the Canterbury sporting experience, and celebrated the culture of support and connection that has grown across all year levels.

Haydn, our Performing Arts Captain, followed with a powerful tribute to the creativity and courage of our students in the arts. From the House Choir Competition to the Customs House Concert, this year has been filled with memorable performances and national recognition.

“Tonight, we celebrate not just the accolades, but the journey, the courage, and the joy of creating something truly special together”. 

Highlights included the Cantabile Choir’s tour to Tasmania, student selections for prestigious honours programs, and the Canterbury Dance Showcase. Our ensembles and bands continued to shine, with True Bearing earning 2nd place at the Battle of the Rock Bands. The evening was not only a celebration of achievements but a reflection of the values that make Canterbury exceptional – teamwork, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose. Students, staff, and families left inspired by the stories shared and the community spirit on display.

As we close the chapter on 2025, we carry forward the message that success is found not just in results, but in the way we uplift one another, strive with intention, and embrace every opportunity with heart.

Congratulations to all our award recipients and participants – your efforts make Canterbury proud.

Our 2025 Theme of “Be the Voice”

Throughout 2025, we have seen our theme of “Be the Voice” come alive at Canterbury: students leading initiatives in our House service opportunities, standing up for their peers, performing on stage, competing at TAS with passion, and contributing ideas in Student Parliament and of course in the classrooms. Being the voice has meant being courageous, being kind, and being willing to make a difference, no matter how big or small.

We chose this theme because we believe every student has something valuable to contribute. We are fortunate to have abundant opportunities and talent at this college, and it is fitting to recognise and congratulate those who excel in their field. Our student led theme of Be the Voice is about encouraging those who are backstage, who strive to achieve in a difficult exam, who place 6th in a race and get it their all, those who contribute to the overall championship, and of course it’s about the triangle player who rocks their moment in the band. Loud or soft, or anywhere in between, every voice is unique and of equal value.

As your School Captains, it has been a privilege to champion this message and to witness the countless ways our peers have embodied it, proving that when we each use our voice, we create a community that is stronger and more united.

A Meaningful Term Ahead for Year 6 Students

As Term 4 begins, our Year 6 students are stepping into a term filled with purpose, reflection, and celebration. With their Junior School journey nearing its end, this term offers rich opportunities for growth – both academically and personally.

HEART: Persuasive Communication with Purpose

In a world full of messages, it’s vital for students to understand how language can influence, inspire, and inform. Students will explore the art of persuasion by creating their own advertisements. They’ll consider how words, images, and layout work together to shape opinions and drive action. Through guided activities, students will plan, draft, and refine persuasive texts and visual advertisements, applying their understanding of audience, purpose, and impact. Ask your child to share their ad concept with you – what are they trying to persuade others to do or believe? Discuss real-world ads together and talk about what makes them effective or not.

STEM: Investigating Electricity in Everyday Life

Understanding electricity helps students make sense of the technology that powers their world. Students will explore how electrical circuits work, experimenting with conductors, insulators, and simple circuit designs. Through hands-on investigations, they’ll build circuits, test materials, and reflect on how electricity flows and powers devices. Encourage your child to identify electrical components around the house. You might even try a simple DIY circuit kit together or talk about how electricity is used safely at home.

Looking Ahead

This term also includes important milestones—Year 7 transition days and celebrations to honour the end of Junior School. These events are designed to support students emotionally and socially as they prepare for the next chapter.

We’re excited to walk alongside our Year 6 families during this special time of growth and transition.

Canterbury Start Up Teams Shine on the National Stage

This week, two of our Canterbury Start Up teams competed in the Future Anything National Semi-Finals, an Australia wide “Shark Tank” style entrepreneurship competition that celebrates young innovators and changemakers.

Perfectly Tucked – Semi-final Winners

Year 9 innovators Daniel Wilkinson and Brian Yang impressed the judges with their clever creation, Perfectly Tucked, a simple yet effective product that helps young children learn to make their beds with ease. Their confident pitch and thoughtful business model saw them take out first place in their semi-final round.

Construct Pal – Semi-final Winners

Year 10 entrepreneur Ethan Park also impressed the judges, winning his semi-final with Construct Pal, a sustainable, 3D printed clip designed to inspire creativity and imagination in primary aged students.

With more than 600 teams entering the competition, the standard of ideas and presentations was exceptionally high. Following two outstanding semi-final victories, Canterbury is proud to have two of the eight teams progressing to the pitch segment of the Australian Future Anything Grand Final.

They will join Year 9 students Summer Clifford and Améya Evans, co-founders of Love-IT Lock-It, who are competing in the Showcase section of the Grand Final. Love-It Lock-IT is a range of innovative jewellery cases that clip onto water bottles, designed to keep accessories safe during sporting games.

Congratulations Daniel, Brian, Ethan, Summer and Améya. We look forward to cheering you on at the Grand Final on 18 November.

Start Up Industry Professionals Feedback Session

Our Year 9 Start Up students are hosting a networking event and seeking feedback from industry professionals to help them take their business ideas to the next level.

If you are available to listen to student pitches and offer professional feedback, please contact Amanda von Kanel via email at
Your insights and experience can help shape the next generation of young innovators.

Binnacle Boss 2025

Well done to Year 11 student Skye Love who placed third in this year’s Binnacle Boss, a competition for students completing their Certificate III in Business. Awardees demonstrate exceptional vision, creativity and a powerful commitment to “Make an Impact”. Skye was commended for a fantastic pitch for her Loves Beauty business idea, a functioning lash salon built on quality beauty services. Congratulations Skye.

Celebrating Success: Riley Morgan Named Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist

Congratulations to Year 10 Start Up student Riley Morgan, who has been named a Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in the 2025 Next Gen Awards.

Riley co-founded Bass Buster Lures as a Year 9 Start Up student with Lincoln Crooks, developing a sustainable fishing brand that produces lead-free lures designed to protect Australia’s waterways.

Each lure sale gives back, with one dollar donated to the Wivenhoe Somerset Fish Stocking Association to help restore native fish populations.

The winners will be announced at the National Awards Ceremony on 5 November. Congratulations Riley!

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