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- Executive Principal's Message
- Senior Secondary Update
- Junior Secondary Update
- Humanities News
- Creative Arts Excellence News
- HPE Update
- Clontarf Academy Update
- Pathways Centre News
- VET News
- The Wellbeing Team Update
- GC5 Inter-School Sport Cluster Day 1
- Junior Debating News
- Student Achievements
- #REDSGOGREEN - Sustainability Update
- General News
- The PBC Alliance - Community Partnerships
- School Council Elections
- Uniform Shop
- Administration
- Community Notices
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
It has been great to witness this term the return of subject specific camps, excursions and sports after close to a year of extra-curricular shut down. The students have generally demonstrated a high level of effort and behaviour throughout the term. Term 2 will see the next GC5 Sports Gala Day, ANZAC Day assembly and other additional activities.
When school recommences, the expectation is that students will be in full school uniform including being compliant with the school’s expectations are jewellery. Page 8, which is titled Uniform Code, in the Student Diary outlines the expectations for how the school uniform is to be worn and what jewellery is allowed. The students have been made aware that when school returns, we will be expecting their appearance to be consistent with the Uniform Code. Please ensure that your students remove excess jewellery before the commencement of Term 2.
The Link & Launch Program which is aimed at assisting former Year 12 students from 2019 and 2020 to successfully transition into employment or education has started with significant success. Elaine has already assisted over 64 students. Elaine’s main support strategies so far have included; sourcing apprenticeships, writing up Resumes and CVs, securing places at Southern Cross University and finding jobs. If you would like to access Elaine’s services, please ring 0467 951 239 or email linkandlaunch@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.
Vaping continues to be a trending issue for most schools, including PBC at present. The Year 7 to 9 students have had assemblies which (1) educated them on the harm of vaping as presented by Youth and Drug / Alcohol Counsellor (2) discussed peer pressure and (3) outlined the Student Code of Conduct and probable consequence of using and / or distributing vaping products.
Enjoy the school holidays,
Chris Capra
Executive Principal
CRICOS Provider Name: The Queensland Department of Education trading as Education Queensland International (EQI) CRICOS Provider Number 00608A
Koala’s in Crisis Camp- 12 Geography
During Week 5 of this term, Year 12 geography students spent a two-day excursion in Jacobs Well studying potential threats that decrease koala populations in the area.
Day 1 saw an early start to the day arriving at school before 7:00am to catch a 45min bus trip to Jacobs Well Educational Centre. Due to heavy traffic on the way up, it was a speedy start to begin field work so bags were quickly chucked into cabins and we, as a group, went over the plan for the day. Split into two groups, students spent their first day either collecting field work at two locations; Colman Road Reserve and Gainsborough Greens or spending the day on South Stradbroke Island learning about Indigenous culture and studying sand dune structure.
Students who were conducting field work had the opportunity to study a variety of aspects in each forest including tree species, tree canopy, forest floor vegetation and animal species. One group was lucky enough to spot a snake hidden in a grass shrub. They were also able to find evidence of koala occupancy in some trees as koala droppings were found on the forest floor. Although it was a great experience collecting data for assignments, most if not all students can agree that the mosquitoes were definitely out in force.
Luckily enough for the rest of the students, the South Stradbroke Island trip was a cruisy catamaran ride to Couran Cove which used to be Indigenous land that was said to be blown up after European settlement. Students learnt how to ignite fires with tree bark and learnt the importance of certain tree and plant species. A journey to Tipplers Island saw the studying of sand dunes and how vegetation, sand particles and even wind intensity changes from the beachfront further down inland. This was followed by some free time where students could further explore Tipplers Island or go for a swim.
Across the two days, students also had the opportunity to sit around the campfire and roast marshmallows as well as going on a night koala sighting and experience a reptile show.
It was a great two days for all and the data we collected will be extremely useful for our assessment.
Lola Sope - Year 12 Geography Student
It has been a wonderful start to the year for our Creative Arts Excellence students and teachers!
Here is a snapshot of what we’ve been up to…
For Year 9 and 10 Drama Excellence Junior Drama Club, our first cluster was such a treat! We engaged in some drama immersive activities focussing on improvisation techniques, then went on a mindfulness walk, followed by a visualization “forest walk” relaxation exercise to still and focus our creative minds. We completed the day with a workshop on improvisational techniques and skills and performed our group scenes in front of the class. Overall, the day was a huge success. We have many more fantastic opportunities for these students coming up including trips to the theatre and workshops on physicalising character.
It has been an incredibly busy term with the Senior CAX Drama Excellence program engaging in many internal and external ventures. Earlier this term the 11 and 12 Drama Excellence class travelled to Brisbane Metro Arts Centre to view an exciting new play 'Rising'. Chaperoned by Mr Sarasola and Ms McGlynn, the students had the chance to watch an exciting debut theatre piece and dip their toes into the contemporary theatre scene once more! Internally, students have been working to produce physical theatre works, with auditions for the 2021 Drama Festival well underway.
The first cluster day saw a variety of students from the Visual Arts Excellence program from Years 8 through to 12 engage in a range of drawing workshops. We began with a 2 hour life drawing workshop where students were guided through the process of drawing a life model, learning how to be free and observant with their drawing while experimenting with different materials. We finished the day with a 2 hour session that allowed the students to transform their life drawings into a large mixed media artwork. All students were wonderfully engaged in the workshops and the level of skill was outstanding.
Dance Excellence students have had many enriching opportunities throughout Term 1 including workshops with guest choreographers and PBC’s first cluster day. Students in Years 8, 9 and 11/12 Dance Excellence have had the honour of working with the very talented dancer/choreographer Kira Stray. Meanwhile, students in Year 7 have had the dedicated PBC alumni Mackenzie Jade choreographing their Eisteddfod routine. Year 10’s were the last group to get started on their routine, but were lucky to have the much-loved Heidi Jennings as their guest teacher. Furthermore, successful auditionees spent a whole day on Sunday 7 March learning a new hip-hop routine with Nick Robertson and Kira Stray. This is PBC’s first hip-hop super team and students are very excited to be involved. Many students also participated in the dance specific cluster day focused on fitness. Dancers started their day at Palm Beach Parklands where they participated in fun beach games and interval training on the sand. Students had a picnic lunch and then walked over to the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre. The lucky groups rotated through 3 x 45-minute classes included Deep Water Running, Spin and HIIT. The day concluded with a refreshing swim and free time in the pool (well-deserved after a hot and tiring day in the sun).
We are so excited for The Working Musicians Program to be running again at PBC this year. Music Excellence students have been working hard on their auditions and re-entry to the program, preparing for intensive workshops to begin next term. This is a fantastic opportunity for excelling music students to be part of, which aims at empowering and equipping young artists, so that they are able to make their start in the music industry as thriving, independent artists. With a wide range of professional experiences planned for this year, students will be provided with real world knowledge as they write, record, release and perform their original music. We invite you to stay tuned for the announcement of another very special ‘Gig Night 2021’, to be held in a professional music venue, where students will showcase their stage craft and artistry at the end of the year.
For our first GC5 cluster day, Music Excellence students were fortunate enough to be visited by award winning local musician Karl S. Williams. His intimate performance of blues and folk was followed by a question and answer session. Students had the opportunity to quiz Karl on all aspects of the music industry including performing, songwriting and the creative process. Some students then showcased their own original compositions and Karl provided some insights into their performances. For our next cluster day, we will venture up to the Queensland Conservatorium of Music at South Bank. This will give students an insight into tertiary level music study and the opportunities available at the Conservatorium. The visit will include a tour of the facilities, an information session and live performances by Conservatorium students.
Dani McGlynn
HOD The Arts, Creative Arts Excellence Coordinator
HPE assessment and reporting term 1:
The table below identifies what assessment and task each subject will be reported on in Term 1.
Year level |
Subject |
Assessment task/s |
7 |
HPE |
Exam + physical performance in track and field |
8 |
HPE |
Physical performance in swimming |
9 |
HPE |
Health brochure |
9 |
Health and wellbeing |
Multimodal presentation |
9 |
HPE extension |
Digital performance folio |
10 |
HPE |
Multimodal + physical performance (aquathlon) |
10 |
Fitness and Recreation |
Workbook modules + physical performance (volleyball) |
10 |
Health and Psychology |
Exam |
11 |
Health |
No report as assessment not yet submitted |
11 |
Physical Education |
Exam + physical performance (tennis) |
11 |
Psychology |
No report as assessment not yet submitted |
11 |
Sport and Recreation |
No report as assessment not yet submitted |
12 |
Health |
Unit 3 assignment + exam |
12 |
Physical Education |
Unit 3 assignment + folio |
12 |
Psychology |
Unit 3 data test + experiment report |
12 |
Sport and Recreation |
Unit 3 physical performance (beach games + surfing) |
With COVID putting a stop to most inter-school sport last year it was great to be finally able to complete our first Gold Coast Five (GC5) Cluster Sport day in Week 7 this term. In the GC5 cluster PBC competes against Elanora, Benowa, Robina and St Michael’s College. The competition is held over 5 full days in Terms 1 to 3 culminating in Gold Coast Finals if teams’ win the GC5 competition.
PBC had about 1000 students participating making up 76 teams competing in 17 sports across venues all over the Gold Coast. All teams fared very well on Day 1 with a lot of teams undefeated in their competition thus far. The next round GC5 is in Week 2 of next term on 28 April.
Congratulations to our Junior Debating teams for competing in the Gold Coast Debating Competition on Wednesday night. Both teams did an excellent job representing PBC against other schools arguing, ‘Children under the age of 14 should NOT have mobile phones.'
They were both close debates with both teams complimented on the structure and content of their speeches. Special congratulations to PBCTeam 2 for winning and being commended on their outstanding speaking and audience engagement.
PBC Team 1 – Negative
1st Speaker- Harper, 2nd Speaker- Aveline, 3rd Speaker- Scarlette, Chairperson- Jemima
PBC Team 2 - Affirmative
1st Speaker- Ava, 2nd Speaker- Cayla, 3rd Speaker- Hannah
We encourage parents/caregivers to email your student’s excellent recent achievements to us. These achievements can be in The Arts, sporting, academic or community service. We would love to hear from you! Please email us at news@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au with details of your student’s achievement and include at least one photo, and/or any links to media articles that we can share via our Parent Newsletter, internal communications and social media.
2021 QLD School Sport Swimming State Championships
Congratulations to the following students who all represented PBC and South Coast at the Qld Schools Swimming championships last week.
Tilly Grimson, Taj Murray, Kaden Robinson, Julia Remington, Blake Anderson and Abbey Carter
Tilly's results in 12yrs were :
- 1st 200m Backstroke
- 1st 200m Medley Relay
- 1st 200m Freestyle Relay
- 5th 200m Freestyle
- 7th 50m Backstroke
- 7th 100m Backstroke
- 9th 100m Freestyle
- 10th 50m Freestyle
Taj's results in 12yrs were:
- 1st 200m Freestyle Relay
- 4th 200m Freestyle
- 4th 400m Freestyle
- 5th 100m Fly
- 6th 100m Freestyle
Julia's results in 14yrs were:
- 1st 100m Breaststroke
- 1st 400m Individual Medley
- 1st 200m Individual Medley
- 2nd 50m Breaststroke
- 2nd 200m Breaststroke
- 10th 50m Freestyle
Blake's results in 13yrs were:
1st 100m Backstroke
2nd 200m Backstroke
3rd 200m medley Relay
6th 50m Backstroke
6th 200m Freestyle
8th 50m Freestyle
At the time of publishing Kaden and Abbey's results had not been forwarded for sharing as yet.
Reds Go Riot – Update
Three of our riotous Reds went up to Brisbane’s Powerhouse on Saturday 13 March for the Qld State Final of Class Clowns run by Melbourne International Comedy Festival, one of the world’s biggest Arts Festivals.
Marnie Lambert (Y9), Ben Burgess (Y10) and Jai Uhlmann (Y10 - 2020 State Final Winner and National Finalist) took to the stage like pros and really owned their space getting lots of laughs with their polished material from the recent Reds Go Riot Showcase. Competing against schools from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Cairns, these guys all engaged in a rehearsal workshop with Damien Power (The Project, Tonightly, Just For Laughs) - taking on board valuable professional feedback and running with it. We’re very proud of you all! What a fantastic achievement. Jai will be competing in the Class Clowns National Final in Melbourne at the Forum Theatre on 31 March during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival! Best of luck Jai! We know you’ll smash it and have an absolute ball.
Class Clowns is an annual competition that runs Australia-wide and is open to students Years 9-12. For more information please feel free to contact Mrs Hull ebhul0@eq.edu.au about how to get involved in 2022.
QLD State Nipper Titles
So many great performances by PBC students at the State Surf Lifesaving Champs, including the U15 Girls board relay - Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park, Gold and Silver - All PBC students - Well done Kaela, Chelsea, Ava, Charlotte, Aleira and Jayda
Congratulations also to PBC's Taj and Jai who both raked in some medals.
Taj Murray results:
- 1st u12 board race
- 1st u12 Ironman race
- 1st u12 board relay
- 1st u12 Cameron relay
- 1st u12 surf teams
- 2nd u12 1km beach run
- 3rd all age relay
- 4th u12 board rescue
- 4th u12 beach relay
Jai Murray results:
- 2nd u14 board relay
- 3rd u14 Cameron relay
- 3rd u14 2km beach run
- 3rd all age relay
- 4th u15 Cameron relay
- 8th u14 board race
PBC, Gecko and Southern Beaches Community Garden at Tugun have formed a partnership to divert food waste from landfill and encourage composting for those who may not be able to do it at home. If you don’t have a compost bin at home but would like to start composting, you can bring your food waste to a dedicated food waste bin at Gecko House (139 Duringan Street, Currumbin). The food waste bin is then collected by volunteers from Southern Beaches Community Garden and processed through PBC’s industrial composting machine, with the compost generated being used on school gardens and Southern Beaches Community Garden. The machine processes just about any form of food waste, including meat, bread, pasta, fruit and vegetable peels – see attached poster for more information. The main excluded items are cooking oil, oyster/scallop shells and large animal bones (chicken bones are acceptable). Help divert food waste from landfill and get composting at Gecko House just across the creek from PBC.
Anzac Day Assembly 2021
Our Annual Anzac Day Ceremony will be held at the school on Friday morning, 23 April. All parents/caregivers are welcome to attend.
Please RSVP your attendance to events@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au the number of people coming and stating PBC Anzac in the subject.
PBC Cross Country will take place on Thursday 22 April (Term 2, Week 1). This is an event for all of our students to get involved in whether they love running or just want a challenge. It is also a HOUSE event so students are encouraged to run in their HOUSE colours and gain points towards the 2021 House Cup.
All Sports Excellence students are expected to take part and if anyone else wants to compete, they just need to sign up with Mrs Hart at S Block Staffroom before Wednesday 21 April.
Students will run in the AGE GROUP THEY TURN THIS YEAR - 2021
A final timetable of the day will be released early next term.
Hopefully that this year, we will take strong team to Districts.
Funky Furniture
Recently one of our teachers Mrs Banks decided to take up our regional physiotherapist’s offer of a loan for some alternative seating to encourage incidental movement in the classroom and to support strong core muscle development and posture. More and more our students are ‘stuck’ in a seated position for the day. This trial allows for students to trial different types of seating which as a bonus is also inclusive for some students who have mild physical disabilities.
PBC Reds Surf League Excellence
Our PBC Reds Surf League Excellence team were lucky enough to have the current Nutri-Grain Ironman Champion Ali Day come in and chat to them about all things racing, nutrition and training ahead of their State and Australian Titles. Thanks for your time Ali and all the best to our Reds racing at State and Australian Titles!
PBC Chaplaincy Morning Tea Fundraiser
Grab your friends and join us for a fabulous morning of fun and fashion to benefit the PBC Chaplaincy and Fight 4 Youth Chaplaincy.
Treasured Interiors Currumbin will be putting on a fashion parade of their latest styles and designs. There will also be a fun Second Time around auction. Entertainment will be provided by “The Lady Birds” – Gerri and Mel
When: 10am-Midday, Wednesday 31 March
At: Saltwater, Thrower Drive Currumbin
Tickets: $30 (which includes a scrumptious morning tea)
RSVP: by Sunday 29 March to Mary-Ellen Klem at klemmaryellen@gmail.com.
NSW Bus Passes
Bus passes for students living in NSW have arrived and need to be collected from the Finance Window. Finance is open from Tuesday-Thursday 8am-1pm.
Bus passes for students living in QLD are available from Student Services.
Student Positivity
We’re back with a Flood of Positivity. Here’s what the kids said they like about the staff at PBC last week:-
Ms Lithgow: Always really helpful in Humanities
Ms Mruck: Explains things really well
Mr Larter: Understanding and accepting
Mr Russell: Really fun and Helpful
Ms Ottaway: “She’s a legend!”
Mr Johnston: Helped me even though he doesn’t teach me.
Mr Roberts: Never judges, considerate.
Ms Apanui: Ridiculously caring and kind
Ms Pedemont: She was always great to talk to
Mr Costello: Nice, spontaneous and caring
Mr Zacharia: Nice and he’s always calm
Ms McCrohon: Loving and caring. Always helps
Ms Kenwood: Really nice and a great teacher
Ms Gelkov-Moss: Really love the meditations in class
Ms Maddocks: Very patient.
Mr Buchannan: Really ‘Chill’
Mr Robb: Really good explanations
Follow PBC on Social Media
Our social media accounts are the best way to stay connected with the daily happenings of our school. We will upload any important messages, reminders, student achievements and general action. With posts every day this a great way to celebrate our awesome school. If you have any news about your student that you would like to share please message us via Direct Message on Instagram, Messenger on Facebook or email to news@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.
INSTAGRAM: @PBCSHS
FACEBOOK: @PalmBeachCurrumbinStateHigh and @PBCAlliance
PBC Fundraising
Reds Sports Towel
The PBC P&C Association have produced a fantastic 'PBC Reds' Sports Towel for our latest fundraiser. The towel features the PBC Reds logo and are a perfect size for all our students to use during their training activities. The towel has ultimate absorbency, is lightweight and quick drying and looks great! At just $25, these towels are available now at the PBC Uniform Shop.
The money raised through the sales of our Reds Towel will go towards more chilled water bubblers for our students.
Towel size 50cm x 110cm
Entertainment Books
https://www.entertainment.com.au/orderbooks/14425k9
The Red Pages
Have you checked out the Red Pages? Here you will find a list of businesses that are part of the Palm Beach Currumbin State High community. All PBC families that own a local business are invited to list it here so that others in our school community can support you, and the listing is free of charge! Remember, support local!
If you are a PBC parent or alumni and would like to have your business listed here please email the contact details, a short description and logo to Heidi Wallace at alliance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.
Dates to Remember
2 Apr |
Good Friday – 1st day of school holidays |
19 Apr |
Term 2 starts |
23 Apr |
PBC Anzac Day Ceremony |
25 Apr |
Anzac Day |
26 Apr |
Anzac Day Public Holiday |
28 Apr |
GC5 Cluster Day 2 |
3 May |
Labor Day Public Holiday |
18 May |
P&C Meeting |
Thrower House Holiday Program
2021 Gold Coast Careers Festival
This year's event is set to be bigger and better than ever! Spanning over three days from Thursday, 6 May to Saturday, 8 May at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, this year’s Careers Festival will not only welcome students, but also job seekers, non-school leavers, parents and career changers.
Palm Beach Currumbin Lions Junior AFL
Want to try something new? AFL might be for you! So why not come down to The Den and give it a try. No experience required
Come and try ~ Tuesday & Thursdays 9s, 11s & 13s 4:00-5:00pm
U15s 5:00-6:00pm
U17s Thursday’s 5:00-6:00pm
Junior Beach Volleyball
Palm Beach Soccer - Girls
Palm Beach Soccer Club are in desperate need of a few more GIRLS players to make up out Under 13 team. We have a free trial day coming up on Tuesday 30 March to try and get some more girls involved.
Walk 4 Rememberance
The Walk 4 Remembrance is dedicated to all those who served our nation and have been overwhelmed by the “battle within”. The Walk 4 Remembrance forms an important part of Currumbin RSL’s ANZAC week activities. The event is on Sunday 18 April 2021, with participants asked to register for a timeslot so we can comply with social distancing. The timeslots are 8:00am, 8:15am and 8:30am. They are noted on the registration page.
Operation “Cor Infinitus” (Infinite Courage) is a National initiative to provide dignity and respect to those that have served Australia and taken their own life. A “Cor Infinitus” plaque unveiling at the Cenotaph at Currumbin RSL will occur at the conclusion of the event. The plaque is dedicated to all those who served our nation and were overwhelmed by the “battle within”.
The walk will begin at Gilltrap Park in Coolangatta and finish at Currumbin RSL. This is roughly around 8km. Entry fees are:
- Adults - $30
- Kids - $12
- Under 4 – Free
Both Adults & kids (not under 4) will receive an event t-shirt and a “Cor Infinitus” pin.
T-shirt & pin collection will occur on the 16 & 17 April 3-5pm at Currumbin RSL.
ll proceeds from the event will be donated to the Currumbin RSL Young Veteran Support Services Program.
Website for more information: https://walk4remembrance.com.au/
Registration link: https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=42922
LET'S TAKE A WALK 4 REMEMBRANCE.
Look. Listen. Report
Let’s all help to keep our school safe.
During the school holidays, schools may experience higher levels of criminal activity. If you see something suspicious, look, listen, report.
Contact School Watch on 13 17 88 to report any incidents you see or hear, even if they appear to be minor.
In an emergency or if you see a crime in progress dial Triple Zero (000).
How to help your child succeed
Success looks different for every child. If your child is struggling at school or refusing to go to school, knowing you are on their side is what matters most. There is no one-size-fits-all simple solution to achieving success, but there are things you can do to help. Recognising your child’s little wins will allow them to experience the thrill and endorphin hit of achievement. This builds their confidence and motivates them to want more. When you put the ‘little wins’ together, they can make a big difference.
The Spark their Future website has tips on how to help your child succeed at school including a short video
Teen Girls Empowerment Karma Charity Workshop
Girls Empowering Girls! Ignite your Self- Confidence!
Date: 10 April, 9:30am- 11:00am
Where: Yogventures, Coolangatta
Price: $20. All proceeds to The Shift Project, Byron Bay
Facilitator: The Rise Movement
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/275050310675532