MUSIC

Major Project – Belshazzar’s Feast

Our last extended rehearsal was held in Lennon Hall last week.  It was wonderful to have students from Holy Cross and the wider Cairns music community join us to rehearse. The work is coming together well and should be epic by the time of the concert.

Tickets are now on sale through Ticketlink.

QTAC ATAR Working Group

In 2020, Queensland introduced the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), replacing the Overall Position (OP). After more than five years in operation, a review is underway to better understand how the system is working for schools, students and families.

A working group led by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), in partnership with Independent Schools Queensland and other education stakeholders, is inviting feedback through a confidential online survey.

Parents and caregivers of students in Years 10–12 are encouraged to share their perspectives. The survey will explore:

• Understanding of ATAR
• Understanding of subject scaling
• Influences on subject selection
• Impacts on subject offerings and subject viability

Scaling is having a negative effect on enrolments in arts subjects across the state. Your feedback will help inform this important review and contribute to future improvements in the system. All responses are completely anonymous.

Parent survey link. The student survey has been sent out on Teams. Please encourage your son to complete the survey. Survey closes on 28 March – Hurry and don’t miss your chance to have a say. Thank you for taking the time to contribute your voice to this important conversation about senior education in Queensland.

Save the date

QREP, run by CQUniversity, will return in 2026 on the weekend of 30–31 May held at Saints.

Because we host the event, our students can participate at the discounted rate of $100. Some amazing guest artists will be working with our students during the weekend culminating in a concert on the Sunday afternoon. Last year’s event was fantastic and is set to be very popular among all the students of the region. So, if you’re interested in being involved, register early.

Expressions of interest open now!

Nominations close: 1 May

Places are limited.

For information and nominations go to: www.qldrep.com

Contact us: music@cqu.edu.au

2026

Our program is busy and vibrant with many opportunities for performances. We entertain at assemblies, perform in productions and music nights as well as provide liturgical music for the College. Our students have many performance opportunities.

Information for events and performances can be found on the Arts Department Facebook page. There will be information in the newsletter and parent slips sent out. Below is a calendar of events planned so far. These will be added to during the year, so please reread

the calendar each edition to check that you are abreast of all that his happening, and make sure you put these dates in your diary.

TERM 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4