Week 9, Term 1, 2025 | Friday 28 March

The Power of Innovation in Schools

Education is constantly evolving, and as educators, we have a responsibility to ensure our schools evolve with it. Innovation in schools is not just about using the latest technology, it’s about reimagining how we teach, how students learn, and how we prepare them for an unpredictable future.

The world our children will enter is vastly different from the one we grew up in. Traditional knowledge remains important and at Canterbury we certainly focus on high impact, evidence-based teaching and learning practices such as direct instruction. Additionally, we ensure that adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving are at the heart of teaching and learning. At our College, The Canterbury Way isn’t just a phrase – it’s a philosophy that shapes everything we do.

Schools that embrace innovation foster environments where students are encouraged to think critically, take risks, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

At Canterbury, we are committed to innovation in both teaching and leadership. From micro-credential programs that provide real-world skills to student-led initiatives that amplify their voices, we are ensuring that learning remains relevant and engaging. Our goal is to empower students to be not just learners, but leaders, equipped with the skills and confidence to navigate the future.

As we continue on this journey, I encourage all of our community – staff, students, and parents to embrace change, challenge the status quo, and work together to create a dynamic and inspiring learning environment.

Parent-Teacher Interviews and Student-Led Conferences: Strengthening the Home-School Partnership

Parent-teacher interviews are crucial for fostering effective communication and collaboration between parents and teachers, ultimately supporting student development and academic success. They provide an opportunity for parents and carers to gain insights into their child’s academic progress, strengths, and areas needing improvement. These meetings also allow teachers to understand the child’s home environment and any external factors that might affect their learning. Canterbury offers numerous opportunities in both the Junior and Senior Schools to exchange information and insights.

Junior School Updates

This week, the Junior School held its Parent-Teacher Interviews on Monday. These meetings, held twice a year in Terms 1 and 3, allow teachers to provide parents and carers with updates on their child’s start to the new school year, their progress, and their goals for the upcoming term.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Junior School hosted its first Student-Led Conferences of the year. These conferences gave students the chance to showcase their learning to their parents and carers and discuss their successes and challenges. We hope this experience empowers students to confidently answer the daily question, “What did you learn at school today?” For parents and carers, this means you can expect more detailed responses, so be prepared with follow-up questions.

Senior School Updates

In the Senior School, we offer face-to-face Parent-Teacher Interviews during Weeks 2 and 3 of Term 2 (bookings close at 4pm on Friday, April 4). The second round of interviews takes place in Term 3 and is conducted via Teams. While these meetings provide an opportunity to reflect on Term 1 results, the primary focus is discussing areas for improvement. Students are expected to attend these interviews, take on teacher advice, and actively participate in conversations about their learning experiences, successes, and challenges.

Parent-teacher interviews are essential for understanding student progress, enhancing communication, and fostering a collaborative environment that supports student success. They play a significant role in building school communities by providing opportunities for parental involvement, which are crucial for effective education. We look forward to the opportunity to meet you and your families and discuss your children’s progress.

More info: Junior School | Senior School

There have been a number of highlights for me in the past week at Canterbury, which reflect the full spectrum of activity that our students are involved in.

Firstly, I was privileged to attend the Autumn Series of music concerts – the instrumental ensembles on Wednesday and the choirs on Friday, with groups from our outstanding chamber music program performing on both evenings. The quality of performance was consistently outstanding and would have been very much at home in a professional environment. Given that this took place in week 8 of Term 1, with several days of Alfred disruption, rehearsal time must have been limited, but as an audience member, you could not tell. All the students involved were completely absorbed in the music and totally committed to their performances, loving what they were doing. A particular highlight for me was the Taipan Tenors, ably demonstrating that our boys can sing well and can have a lot of fun doing so!

Secondly, Goldsworthy House have been taking the lead in the school this week with their service initiative, highlighting the importance of both of regular reading and of mentoring. Goldsworthy students have been spending time before school with Junior School students listening to them read and so strengthening their connections in a very meaningful way. Next term, they will arrange further opportunities for students in all houses to become involved.

It has also been very pleasing to see the students respond so well to Mr Mills’ initiatives for Harmony Day. Around the school there were several stations where students could highlight their country of birth, make a statement around diversity, or contribute to an artwork to reflecting the links that students have to their cultural heritage. The high level of participation in each of these activities was great to see and demonstrates how proud we are of our diversity.

More info: 2025 Autumn Music Festival: Heavenly Voices Concert | 2025 Autumn Music Festival: Symphonic Splendour Concert | Harmony Day

Play-Based Learning in the Early Years

Fred Rogers once said “Play is often talked about as if it were relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

Play-based learning allows children to explore, experiment and develop foundational skills in a natural and engaging way. In the Early Learning Centre, we recognize that children learn best when they are actively engaged in experiences that are meaningful to them. Guided by the ‘Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines’ and the ‘Early Years Learning Framework,’ we prioritize a program that responds to children’s needs and promotes play-based learning.

Within the ELC, we provide a range of experiences, including free-choice play and invitations to play in intentional spaces equipped with carefully selected resources in addition to planned, intentional teaching moments. Through these play-based experiences, children can acquire a range of academic knowledge and skills whilst also developing a love of learning as it supports their:

• Physical development,
• Cognitive development,
• Language and literacy skills,
• Social and emotional skills,
• Mathematical concepts, and
• Inquiry and exploration.

This year, we are strengthening our collaboration with the Junior School to deepen our connections within the College community. The partnership between the Early Learning Centre and Junior School has expanded, with the Learning Support team now more actively engaged in our setting. This enhanced involvement allows our teachers and educators to work closely with the Learning Support team to monitor each child’s learning and development. As a result, we can tailor age-appropriate pedagogies and strategies to support the holistic development of all children in our play-based curriculum. These vital skills foster creativity, problem-solving, social interaction, emotional regulation, motor skills, coordination, and brain function, all of which contribute to improved focus, task completion, and engagement—establishing a strong foundation for success in formal schooling.

For more tips on supporting your child’s development through play at home, please see the Queensland Department of Education and Training Tip Sheet for parents – Why Play is Important – Tip Sheet for Parents

Inspiring the Next Generation: A Day of Hands-On Learning and Career Exploration

Last week, over 280 Year 9 and 10 students took part in our 2025 Canterbury World Ready Futures Expo, a day filled with hands-on learning activities, gaining invaluable insights into various career paths and industry opportunities. The event aimed to inspire and inform the next generation of professionals by equipping them with knowledge about diverse career paths.

The day was divided into four rotations: Tertiary and University Providers, Trade Experts, Industry Experts, and Workshops. The goal was to provide students with hands-on learning experiences to better understand different industries and what they entail. Industry and Tertiary leaders set up engaging displays and activities, including VR experiences and presentations, giving students a real taste of the professional world. Informative workshops and sessions were hosted, where staff shared their knowledge and expertise. These Workshops covered topics such as Resume Building, Financial Literacy, Adobe Express, the Fitness Industry, psychology/counselling pathways, and Young Entrepreneurship.

One highlight of the day for Year 10 students was Scott Millar from BOP Industries, who ran a workshop on the future of work and personal branding. Through ‘Alumni Chats,’ students learned about various career pathways, the challenges faced, and the inspirations behind career choices.

This event was a fantastic success, offering students the opportunity to explore their interests and gain practical knowledge that will help shape their future careers. By connecting with industry professionals and participating in interactive activities, students left the event feeling inspired and excited about their future pathways.

More info: MyCC News OR Website News

This week at our Senior School Assembly, I spoke about the power of transformational acts of service and shared the remarkable story of James Harrison. Mr Harrison’s lifelong commitment to helping others reminds us of the profound impact a simple act of service can have. At 18, he discovered his rare blood type could save newborn babies and their mothers from a deadly disease. Over his lifetime, Mr Harrison donated plasma an astounding 1,173 times, helping to save millions of lives. Since 1967, more than 3 million doses of Anti-D derived from his blood have been issued to Australian mothers with a negative blood type. He didn’t have to keep donating—but he did—because he wanted to make a different with his act of service.

Mr Harrison’s story reminds us that we all have the ability to make a difference. Here are some opportunities within our school that I encourage our students to get involved:

• Canterbury Reading Initiative & Smith Family Student 2 Student Program – Goldsworthy House is supporting this program, which pairs Senior School students with younger students from outside our community to help build reading confidence. Training is provided using the ‘Pause, Prompt, Praise’ method. Sign up via Mr Aldridge’s My CC post before the end of Term 1.
• Anglicare Easter Appeal – Our Year 6 students are leading this initiative and creating Easter baskets for children in foster care. We welcome chocolate and Easter themed donations to add to their baskets. Donations can be dropped off at the ELC, Junior School reception area and Heads of House offices until the end of Term 1.
• Canterbury Craft Collective – Thank you to Mrs Pendreigh, Ms Moore, and the Craft Collective students. This groups meets every Tuesday in the library to crochet blankets to donate to Rosie’s patrons who are experiencing homelessness. If you’d like to contribute and earn service hours, speak to Mrs Pendreigh or Ms Moore.

Let’s take inspiration from Mr Harrison’s legacy and find ways to serve our community—because even the smallest act of kindness can change lives.

More info: Reading Initiative & Smith Family Student 2 Student Program | Easter Anglicare Appeal

Prep CaRE

This term in Prep, students have started learning Bridge Builder strategies and gaining valuable skills for resolving conflicts in a peaceful and constructive way. The concept of Bridge Builders involves teaching students how to stay calm and assists them in navigating tricky situations with their peers.

By using techniques such as standing bravely and communicating their feelings, children learn to remain composed and avoid escalating situations. Rather than reacting impulsively, they are taught to pause, reflect, and then approach the conflict with understanding.

Additionally, the Bridge Builder strategies teach children to focus on finding solutions that benefit everyone involved, rather than focusing on being “right” or “winning.” They learn to offer compromises, apologise when necessary, and work together. Through consistent practice, children develop a sense of responsibility for creating a positive environment at school.

Overall, these conflict-resolution skills equip children with lifelong tools for cooperation and peaceful problem-solving, fostering stronger friendships and a more supportive social environment.

This week we have focused on the Talk and Listen strategy to improve our positive communication skills which is essential for good relationships.

From the Assistant Head of Junior School P-3

Brittany Sinclair

Year 5 RaVE

Throughout the past few weeks, the year 5 cohort have been exploring the season of Lent. They have looked at how Christians around the world prepare for Easter throughout the season of Lent.

Students spoke about preparing for Easter through fasting, praying and giving. They explored how fasting can mean giving up certain foods or activities, such as sweets, social media. The idea is to focus more on our connection with God and less on material items. Prayer is another important aspect of Lent. Many people use this time to deepen their relationship with God through daily prayers, attending church services, and reading the Bible. Lent is also a time for giving to those in need. This can be done through donations, volunteering, or simply helping others in everyday life.

Students looked at how the concepts of praying, fasting and giving connect to them and their personal faith or cultural background.

From the Assistant Head of Junior School Years 4-6

Andrew Powell

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