Week 7, Term 2, 2025 | Friday 6 June

The Importance of Transformation Service

At Canterbury College, we believe that true education extends far beyond the classroom. One of the most powerful ways our students grow in character, compassion, and community awareness is through transformational service opportunities. These experiences not only enrich the lives of those we serve but also leave a lasting impact on our students, helping them become engaged, empathetic global citizens.

Events like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea are a perfect example of how our school community can come together to support a meaningful cause while demonstrating our Canterbury spirit. It’s heartening to see students, staff, and families rally around initiatives like this raising funds for cancer research and showing solidarity for those affected by illness. It’s in these moments that the values we teach every day truly come to life.

Later this year, we’re excited to again host our much-loved Pink Ribbon High Tea, another important event on the College calendar that not only raises awareness and support for women’s cancer but also provides a wonderful opportunity for students to serve and lead. These events allow students to actively live out our values of service and community connection in ways that are both impactful and memorable.

We also encourage students to keep track of their involvement through their online service logbook, an important tool that allows them to record and reflect on their contributions. Service points earned through events like these contribute to the College’s recognition programs and help students set personal goals for making a difference.

As a community, when we come together in service, we are not only helping others, but we are also shaping young people who care, who lead, and who take action. I look forward to seeing our students continue to embrace these opportunities with heart and purpose.

More info: MyCC News

The Impact of Screens on Child Development: What Parents Need to Know

In today’s digital world, our children are spending increasing amounts of time in front of screens—from tablets and smartphones to TVs and computers. While technology offers great learning opportunities, it’s important for to understand how screen time affects child development.

Recent research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (2022) reports that children aged 5 to 14 spend an average of around 3.4 hours daily on recreational screen time, with older kids and teens often exceeding this. Excessive screen time has been linked to developmental concerns. For example, a 2020 study in JAMA Paediatrics found that children who used screens for more than 2 hours daily scored lower on language and cognitive tests.

The crucial role of sleep for us all is now being more fully understood. Screen use affects sleep. The Australian Sleep Health Foundation notes that blue light from devices can disrupt melatonin production, leading to sleep problems. Approximately 60% of Australian children do not get the recommended 9 to 11 hours of sleep, partly due to screen use before bedtime.

Social skills development can also be impacted, as screen time often replaces face-to-face interaction—key for building empathy and communication. Physically, too much screen time contributes to sedentary behaviour and increases the risk of childhood obesity. The Australian Government recommends children aged 5 to 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, but screen use often replaces this.

To support healthy development, the Australian Department of Health advises limiting recreational screen time, especially for younger children, encouraging regular breaks, and establishing screen-free zones such as during meals and before bed.

Technology itself isn’t harmful—balanced use is crucial, it has a key role in learning. By setting clear boundaries and engaging with their children, we can help kids benefit from screens while protecting their growth and wellbeing.

Screen Time Tips for Parents

1. Set Limits on Recreational Screen Time

• • For children aged 5-12: aim for no more than 2 hours of recreational screen use daily.
  • Encourage more screen-free activities like reading, outdoor play, or hobbies.

2. Encourage Regular Breaks

• •  Use the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 meters away to reduce eye strain.

3. Create Screen-Free Zones

• • Keep screens out of bedrooms and avoid screens during meals.
  • Establish a “no screens” rule at least one hour before bedtime to improve sleep.

4. Promote Physical Activity

• • Encourage at least 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous exercise as recommended by Australian health guidelines.
  • Balance screen time with active play, sports, or family walks.

5. Be a Role Model

• • Limit your own screen use when with your children to encourage shared screen-free time and positive habits.

6. Engage With Your Child’s Screen Use

• • Watch and discuss programs or games together to support learning and critical thinking.

7. Use Technology Mindfully

• • Choose age-appropriate, high-quality educational content.
  • Set up parental controls where needed for safe browsing.

Canterbury College Year 3–6 Athletics Carnival

On Friday 30 May, Canterbury College’s Junior School students from Years 3 to 6 gathered on Oval 1 for the annual Athletics Carnival—a day filled with energy, excitement, and house spirit. The event began under overcast skies, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of students, staff, and families who came to cheer on the young athletes. Students competed in a variety of track and field events, showcasing their skills in 100m, 200m, 800m long jump, shot put, discus and high jump. The sportsmanship on display was a testament to the College’s values.

Unfortunately, as the day progressed, the weather took a turn for the worse. Persistent rain resulted in the carnival being paused. To ensure every student has the opportunity to participate, the remaining events will be held on Monday morning during Lesson 1. This continuation will allow the carnival to conclude on a high note, with Age Champion and house points tallied after all events are completed.

Despite the interruption, the day was a celebration of community, resilience, and athletic spirit.

I would like to thank our Facilities and IT teams for all their work behind the scenes. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Brooke King, our Athletics Coordinator, and her team of coaches in ensuring the day ran smoothly.

Year 8 Outdoor Education

On Monday 26 May – Wednesday 28 May, Year 8 Students headed to Brooyar for their Outdoor Education experience. Situated on the Mary River, just outside of Gympie, students enjoyed an action-packed program, while being with their friends and witnessing the picturesque sunrises and sunsets over the campgrounds. Both staff and students could not have wished for better weather conditions.

Decision making was the central theme of the Year 8 Outdoor Education program, with students having to navigate and make decisions to the benefit of their group, while also stepping out of their comfort zone. Activities ranged from archery, stand up paddleboarding and canoeing, gold panning, lure making and abseiling the majestical cliffs of Point Pure. The students cooking skills were put to the test each night, where students were put on cooking duties at both lunch and dinner. It was refreshing to see the groups of students situated around the campfire, enjoying conversation, reflecting on the day and particular highlights, all while sharing a meal.

I asked some of the Year 8 students to share their reflections from their Outdoor Education experience. Here they are:

My favourite part of Outdoor Education was the paddle boarding. I feel that when I felt most out of my comfort zone was when my group was abseiling. I still did it with the help of my peers
– Emma L

My favourite activity on Year 8 Outdoor Education was standup paddleboarding and kayaking. It was a lot of fun but also challenging because I kept trying to stand up and kept falling off into the Mary River. A moment when I stepped out of my comfort zone was during the abseiling. I felt most out of my comfort zone right at the start when I was hanging over the edge and it was a bit scary, but I’m glad I did it.
– Lucas K

My favourite thing about Outdoor Education was having a good time with all my friends, and the pretty sunrises/sunsets over the campgrounds.
– Jolie B

My favourite thing about Outdoor Education would have to have been spending time with my friends and strengthening these connections. Something that put me out of my comfort zone would have to have been the abseiling because it was something that I thought I couldn’t do but when I ended up doing it, it ended up being super fun.
– Emma B

My favourite thing about Outdoor Education was the site we went to, being able to see all the amazing scenery, and just exploring the place.
– Lily P

My favourite activity was the stand-up paddling boarding because it helped me see the true beauty of nature. An area where I stepped out of my comfort zone was definitely the abseiling. I had never done anything like it before so I was a little nervous, but I am so glad I did it because the view was absolutely amazing.
– Calvin S

Outdoor Education was a very fun experience. Lots of the activities were fun but my favourite activity was playing camouflage in the bushes and trees. I felt that abseiling was the best and most rewarding thing to do, it required me to step out of my comfort zone but I did it anyway, and I have no regrets!
– Bear N

More info: MyCC News | Website News | Full Photo Gallery

Demonstrating the Canterbury Values

At Canterbury, we strive to consistently demonstrate our college values of Respect, Integrity, Effort and Gratitude. These values impact the way we learn, interact and grow together as a community.

Respect is a significant value, and it means treating others kindly, listening without interrupting and valuing different opinions. There are many ways that we can show respect in our everyday lives, not only on our school campus but outside of school too. A simple way we can show respect is by saying a polite “hello” or “good morning” to staff and students.

Integrity is another important value demonstrated at our school and it’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It can be as simple as owning up to a mistake or handing in a lost item you find. It shows that we can be a trusted and responsible member of our school community.

Effort is a value that we demonstrate at Canterbury and it’s about trying our best in everything that we do. Whether its studying for a test, participating in a sport, rehearsing for an important performance on stage or helping in class. Showing effort means we care about our growth and learning.

Gratitude is an essential value that we can show every day, and it means taking time to appreciate what we have and the people who support us. Saying thank you, recognising others’ efforts, and showing kindness are simple, but powerful ways to express gratitude.

By demonstrating these values each day, we help create a positive and supportive school environment where everyone can thrive. Let’s keep living by these values – in the classroom, in the playground and beyond!

Performing Arts Students have a Strong Start to Term 2

It’s been an action-packed start to Term 2 in the Performing Arts Department, with students and staff showcasing their incredible talent and dedication across a range of exciting events.

Our string ensembles, Sinfonia and Ritornello, delivered outstanding performances at the Queensland Youth Music Awards, earning two Gold Awards — a true reflection of their hard work and commitment during rehearsals.

We’re also proud to announce that five of our exceptional musicians — Susie, Ernest, Lily, Travis and Lyvea — have been selected for the prestigious Australian Honours Ensemble Program, to be held in the September/October holidays at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. In addition, many of our students are representing Canterbury in both the Brisbane and Southeast Queensland regional music programs. Congratulations to all on these remarkable achievements.

Our Wind Ensemble recently joined forces with the Greater Brisbane Wind Ensemble for a collaborative concert. Reflecting on the experience, 2025 Band Captain Oscar Laredo shared, “We got to hear and play with the other band – it was such a great experience overall.”

Meanwhile, our Canterbury Dance teams have been hard at work refining their routines. Their passion and energy were on full display at the Mother’s Day Breakfast, where they performed with heart and precision. With multiple eisteddfods coming up in Term 3, we’re excited to see them shine even brighter.

The Music Department also brought vibrancy to campus with two energetic Loud Lunch performances across the Junior and Senior Schools — a lunchtime favourite among students, staff, and families.

Canterbury Theatre is in full swing as students prepare for a big Term 3, including Frozen Kids, The Scene Project at Kingston Butter Factory, and Canterbury Theatre Company’s production Fly In, Fly Out. Our theatre students continue to impress with their dedication and passion as they bring these productions to life.

This week marks the beginning of our Winter Music Festival, featuring performances from the Year 3 Strings and Years 5–6 Band immersion programs, along with all Junior School ensembles and the much-loved Friday Night Rocks.

More info: AHEP 2025 Program | Junior School Musical: Disney’s Frozen Kids | Winter Music Festival

Year 4 Learning Summary

English

Over the past two weeks, students have focused on enhancing their historical writing. In Week 6, they learned to use cohesive devices and crafted complex and compound sentences to improve clarity and fluency. These skills helped them communicate ideas more effectively. In Week 7, students selected one of their historical recount drafts—on topics such as Bennelong, the Smallpox Epidemic, or Pemulwuy—for assessment. They refined their work by editing for structure, accuracy, and historical detail.

Mathematics

Students explored probability in real-life contexts. In Week 6, they used terms like “certain,” “likely,” and “impossible” to describe everyday events, conducted chance experiments, and analysed outcomes to determine event independence. In Week 7, they applied this knowledge to solve practical problems, reinforcing their understanding of probability concepts and language.

Science

The focus in Science is on forces and scientific investigations. In Week 6, students posed questions and made predictions about the effects of forces, supporting their reasoning with evidence. In Week 7, students filmed their chosen force experiment and started creating a learning video on the Clipchamp App. Students will use scientific language to share their knowledge about gravity, friction or magnetism.

HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences)

In HaSS, students examined the impact of British colonisation on First Nations Australians. In Week 6, they explored cultural loss and resilience, using sources to understand long-term effects. In Week 7, they completed an assessment demonstrating their understanding of First Contact and its significance for both Indigenous Australians and British settlers.

Written by the Year 4 Team

Kirrilee Ellul

Genevieve Powell

Mark Hoppe

Suzanne Koberler

Global Studies: Opening Doors to the World

This term has been extraordinary for our Global Studies students, who have embraced opportunities extending their learning far beyond the classroom walls.

Our Year 7 History students ventured to the museum’s Ancient Egypt exhibition, standing before artefacts tens of thousands of years old. The mummies and their intricately decorated sarcophagi, along with hieroglyphs on papyrus transformed textbook knowledge into tangible wonder, sparking countless questions about ancient civilisations.

Language learning took centre stage when our Year 10 Spanish students hosted visitors from John Paul College and Redlands College for our annual Spanish Fiesta Immersion Day. Students engaged in language games and cultural activities, culminating in authentic tapas preparation. Meanwhile, Year 10 and 11 French students attended Alliance Française for specialised cultural lessons, finishing with pastries from Lune at Southbank.

Our Senior Legal Studies students gained invaluable insights during an incursion with alumni Alex Asher, who shared his professional experience and outlined future pathways in law. Several students have also participated in the Queensland Government’s Youth Parliament initiative, as well as Mooting competitions.

The term’s excitement continues with upcoming adventures. Year 9 Mandarin students will immerse themselves at Sunnybank Plaza, testing their reading skills of authentic hanzi characters and ordering food in Chinese. Year 8 and 9 Spanish students also eagerly anticipate their Canterbury Spanish Film Festival, watching an adaptation of a beloved Spanish comic.

Most exciting of all, we’re preparing to bid bon voyage to students embarking on the French Language and Culture Tour to Switzerland. This remarkable opportunity will show where their French, Modern History, and Legal Studies courses can take them, embodying our commitment to ensuring graduates are truly ‘World Ready.’

These experiences represent our window into global citizenship and cultural understanding. We’re immensely proud of how our students embrace these and classroom opportunities, developing not just academic knowledge but the cultural competence and global perspective that will serve them well into the future.

Written by Head of Faculty – Global Studies

Helen Tani

A Note from a Fellow Parent: Patience at Pick-Up

As a parent myself, I know just how chaotic school pick-up can feel. We’re all juggling work, traffic —and trying to get to school on time. Add in hungry, tired kids and it’s a recipe for stress. It’s easy in those moments to feel frustrated, especially when you are in a pick-up line that can seem never ending.

But here’s a gentle reminder—from one parent to another—that how we behave during pick-up really matters. Our kids (and their friends) are watching, and we’re all setting the tone for what respect, patience and kindness look like in the real world.

Canterbury has put a lot of resource into making both the Easterly Street and High Street carparks work as efficiently as possible. To help keep things flowing smoothly, let’s all do our bit by following the signage, road markings, and listening to the directions from staff.

A Few Helpful Tips:

• If you can, delay your arrival by 5–10 minutes after the bell. Early arrivals create congestion.
• Prep to Year 2 – Please use the green line in the Easterly Street Carpark.
• Years 3 and 4 – Follow the yellow line in the High Street Carpark.
• Years 5 and 6 – Follow the blue line in the High Street Carpark.
• Need to park or arrive early? Follow the red line in the High Street Carpark.
• Please stay in your car in the green, yellow, and blue zones—no parking or exiting your vehicle in these areas.

At the end of the day, we’re all here for the same reason: to safely collect our children and support their learning journey. A little patience and a smile can go a long way. Thanks for doing your part!

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More Info: MyCC News