Week 8, Term 1, 2025 | Friday 21 March

What does it really mean to have a thriving Music culture?

I’ve had the good fortune in my career to work in some schools with outstanding music programs. Some of these have been massive schools with hundreds of students auditioning for limited places in ensembles and productions. Some of these schools have been smaller, with a strong participation culture, where students feel comfortable to have a go and try something new.

Canterbury is a mid-size school, and it shares elements of both.

Over the last six years, I have seen our chamber program explode in numbers. There are now multiple chamber groups with new combinations of piano with both strings and woodwind. Synergy was launched on Wednesday night at our Autumn Concert Series as our third Senior School string ensemble, joining Sinfonia and Ritornello. The Symphonic Band, Big Band, Wind Ensemble are all growing in numbers. Choirs have remained strong and the Rock School has never been in a better position, with six bands now performing at Term 2’s Friday Night Rocks.

We have several students in our program with LMusA qualifications, usually reserved for university students or adults in professional orchestras. We have dozens of students who have achieved AMEB levels at Grade 8. And of course, hundreds on their way to these levels, across the Junior and Senior Schools.

The quality of music ensembles at Canterbury is truly extraordinary and until you sit in one of our premier music concerts, it is hard to understand just how special it is.

It is certainly the case that we match the best schools in greater Brisbane in the sheer range and depth of each of our music programs. Our music pipeline, from Year 3, is powerful and through exposure in Junior School Strings and Bands programs, our students develop a passion and stick with their instrument(s) in big numbers. Our great team of studio instructors, ensemble leaders and coordinators cultivate talent and inspire students to persist and master their instruments and be both happy and proud of themselves. As we embark on another year of premier concerts, eisteddfods and performances, I pay tribute to our Music leadership team who manage to balance our desire for a strong participation culture and a focus on elite performance.

Dr Katrina Peddell – Director of Performing Arts

Dr Fletcher Mitchell – Coordinator of Bands

Mrs Rachelle Lee – Coordinator of Orchestral Strings

Mr Tim Li – Coordinator of Piano and Chamber Music

Mr Simon Lane – Coordinator of Rock School

Mrs Sue Weber – Coordinator of Junior School Choirs

Even if you are not directly involved in Music at present, as a parent or student, I encourage you to attend one of our concerts this year and see the wonder and joy and talent on display amongst our students. Studio lessons are available to beginners, novices and those with well-developed skills Studio Tuition – Canterbury College

Upcoming concerts in Term 1:

Autumn Music Festival – Heavenly Voices

Very proud Principal,

Dan Walker

At Canterbury, we are preparing our students to be World Ready. In a world where global events can sometimes make the future seem uncertain, working within this community provides a powerful reminder of the hope and potential that young people bring. Every day, our students demonstrate the skills, knowledge, empathy, and compassion that will enable them to make a real difference in the world.

Throughout my first term, I have witnessed countless moments that reaffirm my confidence in the next generation. Whether through leadership, service, or personal growth, our students are embracing opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

One particularly inspiring moment was accompanying a group of student leaders to the Breaking the Ground ceremony for a new Anglicare Youth Homelessness service in Beenleigh. This project will provide safe and secure accommodation for vulnerable young people, and it was heartening to see our students so engaged in this initiative. Their genuine interest in social issues and their desire to be part of the solution is commendable.

Service to others has also been evident in the way our seniors have stepped forward to support Rosies in providing meals for those in need. With a strong roster of volunteers already in place for the months ahead, it is clear that Canterbury students see service not as a requirement, but as a responsibility they are eager to uphold.

Another highlight of the term was welcoming our Year 7 students into the Senior School community. Their camp experience provided an opportunity to challenge themselves, build resilience, and form lasting bonds. Seeing them return and be formally welcomed by our Year 12 leaders in the Bush Chapel was a significant moment—one that symbolized the beginning of their six-year journey in the Senior School.

Equally impressive has been the enthusiasm and leadership demonstrated in the first Student Parliament meeting of the year. It was inspiring to see younger students engaging with Year 12 leaders, learning how to advocate for change, and taking ownership of initiatives that will shape the school community. The meeting was expertly chaired by two Year 9 leaders, and their confidence and preparation set the tone for a productive year ahead.

These are just a few examples of the many moments I could share. What is clear to me after this first term is that Canterbury students are not just preparing for the future—they are actively shaping it. Their compassion, drive, and leadership ensure that our future is indeed in very safe hands.

How much is too much of a good thing?

Much research has been conducted into the traits of successful individuals. Those people who are able to navigate their way through the challenges that life invariably brings to us all to lead productive and fulfilling lives. And there are common themes. These people are always resilient, self-regulated, resourceful, respectful and have a sense of responsibility.

So, it is always interesting to consider how best, as parents and as a school, we can work together to ensure we are fostering the development of these all-important traits. As a child’s first and most influential teacher, parents play a pivotal role. A key predictor of a child’s success essentially relies on their own internal motivation to succeed and the effort they themselves put in to achieving results so it can be tough for a parent to know when to push your child along and when to stand back and let them do for themselves. Here at school, teachers are constantly assessing the development of the individual child, not only in an academic sense, but in a social and emotional sense always, aiming to provide the next steps for them in a timely way.

Strategies that help children to grow in independence, confidence and resilience always include those that allow them to have a go on their own. Of course, this looks different at different ages and stages but it is important that they be allowed to do so as too much scaffolding and support can stifle their natural curiosity and limit the development of that internal motivation.

If you would like to read more about this topic, the Aussie Childcare Network has some great, easy to read advice available for you – Click Here

Partnering in Your Child’s Education: A Guide for Parents

As we continue our journey through the school year, we want to emphasise the crucial role you play in your child’s education. Your involvement can significantly enhance your child’s learning experience and academic success. Here are some ways you can actively participate in your child’s educational journey:

Engaging in Daily Conversations

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay involved is by having meaningful conversations about your child’s school day. Often, when parents ask their child what they did or learned today, they are met with silence, a shrug, or even ‘nothing’.  A way to improve on this is to reword the questions that we are asking.  Here are some examples to spark discussion and get some in-depth responses from your child:

• What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
• Did you face any challenges? How did you overcome them? Did you have any successes today?
• Teach me something you learned in Maths this week.
• What is the most interesting fact that you learned in Science or HaSS this week?
• What are you looking forward to learning tomorrow/next?

These questions can provide insights into your child’s experiences and help you identify areas where they might need support or encouragement.

Making the Most of Student-Led Conferences

Student-led conferences are coming up in the Junior School and are an excellent opportunity for your child to take ownership of their learning. To make these conferences successful:

• Listen attentively as your child presents their work
• Ask open-ended questions about their learning process
• Discuss goals and areas for improvement together
• Offer praise for their efforts and achievements

Preparing for Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parent-teacher interviews are valuable opportunities to discuss your child’s progress. To maximise these sessions:

• Prepare questions in advance about your child’s academic performance, social interactions, and areas for improvement
• Share insights about your child’s learning style and interests
• Discuss any concerns you may have and work collaboratively on solutions
• Ask about ways you can support your child’s learning at home

Supporting Homework Success

Homework can be a source of stress for both children and parents. Here are some tips to make it a more positive experience:

• Establish a consistent homework routine that works for your family and a dedicated study space.
• Encourage independence while being available for support.
• Break larger tasks into manageable chunks throughout the week.
• Praise effort and problem-solving skills, not just correct answers.
• Use incidental learning opportunities wherever possible.
• Communicate with teachers if your child is consistently struggling with homework.
• Here is a great video for parents regarding homework- Establishing homework routines with your child

By actively engaging in these aspects of your child’s education, you’re not only supporting their academic growth but also demonstrating the value of lifelong learning. We appreciate your partnership in creating a positive and enriching educational experience for our students.

A Special Spotlight on The Resilience Project

Across the Junior and Senior School, one of the programs that are used in the CaRE curriculum is The Resilience Project. The Resilience Project has been used at Canterbury for some time now and offers many benefits for both our students and wider community. You may have seen or been involved in the parent and career webinars that provide insight into issues our communities face, engaging lessons designed around Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness or have even listened to ‘The Imperfects Podcast’. For this week’s spotlight, I thought it would be valuable to highlight what The Resilience Project is, how Canterbury uses it and set some homework!

The Resilience Project (TRP) focuses on building resilience through Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (GEM). It was founded by Hugh van Cuylenburg to help students develop emotional resilience, improve mental health, and cultivate happiness.

At Canterbury we use The Resilience Project in a variety of ways:

• TRP is incorporated into the Junior and Senior School CaRE curriculum to enhance and support the themes and topics which are being explored by students with a GEM lens
• Students in Years 3 – 12 complete the Resilient Youth Survey, providing an integral snapshot across nine key domains: Understanding Self, Social Skills, Positive Relationships, Safety, Healthy Body and Healthy Mind, Learning, Positive Attitude, Positive Values and Positive Identity
• GEM Chats are used in Junior School classrooms and Senior School Form classes (Year 12 students help run these chats in their Form classes)

Utilise Guest Speakers to present to students and parents and carers through face to face and webinar opportunities. In 2025, two parent/carer webinars are scheduled. Please see the table below. More information on these sessions will be forthcoming, early Term 2.

A Little Homework!

GEM Chat at the Dinner Table

I would love to hear your experiences with trying the Gratitude GEM Chat at home. If you would like to share please feel free to email me

This week, our Senior School music ensembles presented their first concerts of the year in the Autumn Music Festival. Congratulations to all our talented musicians and their directors who performed in Wednesday night’s Symphonic Splendour concert! It was a truly outstanding performance, and it was fantastic to see so many parents in attendance. We are now looking forward to Heavenly Voices on Friday night, which will feature our choirs and chamber  music ensembles. This concert promises to be another wonderful evening of music.

Earlier this week, we were pleased to host a full day of AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) Rock School examinations. Students from the Studio Tuition Program have been preparing for these exams on drumkit, guitar and bass guitar, with the levels ranging from Grade 1 through to Grade 8, the highest level. The examiner was impressed by the preparedness of our students. This highlights the continued strength and growth of our studio tuition program year after year. Earlier this month, Rock School hosted their first Big Day In on a Sunday, for over 30 our rock musicians who participated in specialist workshops, playing sessions, and a variety of activities aimed at developing both musical expertise and camaraderie among our students. A big shout-out to Mr Lane for organising both this event and the exam session.

We have now finalised the cast for the Junior School production FROZEN KIDS, with rehearsals set to begin next week. We are very excited to begin working on the show. All information will be accessible on the MyCC Frozen page.

It has been a fantastic few weeks for the performing arts, and we’re not done yet! There’s so much more to come, and we can’t wait to share these exciting moments with you all.

More info: MyCC News | Website News

Year 8 CaRE

The Year 8 CaRE curriculum this term has focused on the theme of Finding Balance. In class, we have explored how making the most of our time at Canterbury involves engaging in a diverse range of activities across academics, the arts, sport, and service and leadership. We have discussed how being involved in different areas helps us develop new skills, stay motivated, and lead balanced lives.

Students have been developing organisational skills to manage the various aspects of student life. We have created assessment calendars, practised time management strategies, and explored ways to stay on top of multiple commitments to remain ‘balanced’. We have also worked on presenting ourselves in a balanced and respectful way, focusing on effective communication and email etiquette.

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