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The outbreak of Corona Virus is monitored in real time at PBC. Prior to school returning we identified the international students who might have been exposed to the areas where Corona Virus has been reported. The students were asked not to come to school and remain at home for two weeks as per the guidelines from the Queensland Government. On the first day of school we attempted to track down local students who may have been exposed to areas where the virus has been identified and we asked them to go/remain at home as per the guidelines. I would like to thank the parents who were proactive in informing the school of their holiday travels and who kept their students at home.
Congratulations to the 32 Year 11 students who started school on Monday 20 January to complete a Cert II in Statistics and Measurement. This certificate will bank credits for our students to achieve their Queensland Certificate of Education in addition to providing a safety net for their overall academic achievement. It was great to see the commitment of the students to their senior secondary schooling during the holidays.
On the first day of the holidays we received notification about our Year 12 results for those students who undertook an OP pathway. We were extremely pleased to see five of our students receive an OP1 and 97% of students receive an OP1 to 15. 100% of our students graduated with a Qld Certificate of Education. This was a fantastic achievement by the students and the staff and parents who supported them. As we now change tertiary entrance and Year 12 exit systems from OP to ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) we had a parent information night for all Year 11 students who will progress to a tertiary career path at a university or college. More information is available inside the newsletter – senior secondary report and on our website https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/testing-and-assessment.
The new senior canteen is now fully operational together with a new menu. Early reports are that the students enjoy the quicker service. We are currently examining an online ordering system for both the canteen and school uniforms to increase the efficiency of our service to students and parents.
The new Library has opened for the students to access at break times. The Library precinct has been a huge hit with the Year 9 to 11 students who have been utilising the shaded areas to play ball games or to just sit and chat. An unexpected spin off appears to be that the students are interacting a lot more and putting their devices away.
Year 7 and 8 students are a part of our 1:1 laptop program. As such, there is no need for them to have their own personal devices (phones) in class. Year 7 and 8 students now have an expectation placed on them that mobile phones are switched off and out of sight in the classroom environments. Year 9 to 12 students are only to have their phones in class with the express permission of the teacher as they are required for a learning program. Over the school holidays the school’s WiFi network was substantially upgraded. The upgrade has caused some problems with older devices as the new network has not been configured to support older machines relying on a 2.4Ghz frequency. I have been informed that this has impacted on about 10% of students in Years 9 to 12. We are endeavouring to find a solution for 2020.
Hilary Jacobs, the General Manager of the Elanora Pines Shopping Centre addressed the Year 7 to 10 students at their assemblies during the week. At the end of 2019 and over the holidays, a number of our students were identified in illegal, hazardous and disrespectful behaviour. Hilary outlined the shopping centre rules around bikes, skateboards, verbal misconduct and theft. Senior Constable and OIC of the Elanora Police Beat, Kurt Foessel was in also attendance (in addition to the Year 11 and 12 assemblies) and discussed, drug use and supply, social media posts including explicit images and general behaviour in the community.
As first discussed late in 2018 with 2019 being the transition period, school socks are now a part of the school uniform. Over 250 students were consulted in 2018 about the design (including the Reds colour). The change of uniform was endorsed by the P&C in late 2018. We extended the transition period from 30 June 2019 to January 2020 after parent feedback. All students are now expected to be in full school uniform including socks.
Chris Capra,
Executive Principal
CRICOS Provider Name: The Queensland Department of Education trading as Education Queensland International (EQI) CRICOS Provider Number 00608A
Welcome back to our students and parents entering the exciting (yet at the same time daunting) senior years of schooling in 2020. Senior administration, support staff and our wonderful team of teachers, coaches and mentors are excited once again to be working with our young people again this year, helping your student achieve their best and in the process, helping them to become the best version of themselves.
This year we are fortunate as well to be working alongside some outstanding student representatives – with 18 Year 12 students forming the Senior Student Council, led ably by our School Captains Lilli Wyatt and Connor Hartley. These students have already commenced several initiatives throughout the holidays that they are passionate about and look forward to improving the PBC experience for every member of our large community.
We look forward to another year of success at PBC and wish our students the best in their every endeavour this year. Thankyou already to our parents and students who attended the Year 11 Information Evening on Thursday 30 January – taking the time to familiarise themselves with the year ahead and how students can best navigate the waters of what can be a challenging academic year.
As PBC grows we endeavour to ensure we are providing students with the support they require to achieve their potential. To this end we have created a team to specifically work with the Year 9 and 10 students as they transition from Junior Secondary to the Senior Secondary curriculum.
Year 9/10 Team
Ruth West (arwes0@eq.edu.au)
Deputy Principal for Years 9 and 10.
Sharon Hillcoat (shill242@eq.edu.au)
Dean of Students for Years 9 and 10
Jarrod Wells (jwell166@eq.edu.au)
Year 10 Coordinator
Ryan Jesser (rjess5@eq.edu.au)
Year 9 Coordinator
Kellie Pedemont (klped0@eq.edu.au)
Administrative support for Years 9 and 10
This year sees the Year 12 cohort become the first group of students to complete school under the new QCE and ATAR system of tertiary entrance. This system incorporates external exams in all General subjects.
Assessment Policy
All students and parents need to be aware of the Assessment Policy at the school to coincide with the new QCE system. The policy has been published on the school website under Testing and Assessment tab. As per the previous policy, assessment such as assignments etc. are due at 9:00 am on the due date and teachers must make a decision on the evidence which has been submitted at that time. Late assignments will not be accepted. Students requiring extensions need to apply to the relevant Head of Department at least 48 hours before the due date. This policy has some changes in regards to special provision, which has had a terminology change to Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA); please refer to the published document for more detailed information.
Response Length
Please note that all syllabuses in the new system have a minimum and maximum length of responses (either words for assignments or time limits for presentations). The QCAA has developed policies regarding Managing Response Length. At PBC this will mean that teachers will only mark up to the maximum word length or time length for each assessment response. Students need to ensure that their assignments and presentations comply with these word/time length.
Assessment Calendars for Years 10, 11 and 12 will soon be uploaded to the school website https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au. Click on the Curriculum tab and then under Testing and Assessment. Students can also download this information from the K drive on the school’s network. This information will be useful for parents and students when planning their study timetable.
Please note that Year 11 assessment will be finalised in Weeks 7 and 8 of term to accommodate the new system. All Year 10 and 12 assessment will be finalised in the last week of each term (Week 10).
The dates for assessment blocks for each year level have been published on social media over the last 6 months and are available on the school website under Curriculum/Testing and Assessment.
Subject changes have now been finalised. Students will have the opportunity to change classes at the end of the semester or Unit.
Useful websites
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority has created a new website (https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/index.html). This is a great source of information on the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), Senior Education Training (SET) Plan, future pathways, subjects and assessment.
All Year 11 and 12 students have been emailed their Learner Unique Identifier (LUI number) and instructions regarding logging onto the Student portal. Year 12 students should be able monitor their progress towards the QCE and see the credits they have accrued from Unit 1 and Unit 2.
All Year 11 and 12 students should be in the process of completing the online QCAA Academic Integrity course via this student portal (htttps://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/)
Year 10 students
Year 10 students are again reminded that their results in Semester 1 will determine their pathway and subject availability in Years 11 and 12. To study an ATAR pathway students need to be achieving at least a B level in English and Maths. If students wish to study senior Science subjects they also need to be achieving at least a B level in Year 10 Science, (Academic Excellence students will have slightly different cut offs).
Year 10s are also reminded that they can commence School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATS) in Year 10. These courses provide students with paid employment and work skills, 8 QCE points (equivalent of 2 subjects) and a Certificate III qualification which may provide tertiary options.
Year 11
Year 11 students will need to have very good time management in 2019 as the units for each subject are only 7 weeks in length including assessment.
In the new QCE unit credits are banked into each students learning account at the end of each unit as opposed to the end of Year 12 in the old system. The implication for this is that students who are not engaged in learning and perform poorly in a number of subjects could find themselves ineligible for the QCE as early as week as Week 5 Term 2 (20 May). Students have been repeatedly reminded of this and will need to ensure that they are actively engaged in all classes at all times.
Many students will have completed traineeships and higher VET certificates before they sit external exams in November of 2020. This will provide students with extra QCE points and help ensure that they get the QCE even if they have a poor external exam. Please see Ms Shreeve in Y block to register for a traineeship.
Year 12
Year 12 students have completed their first summative assessment item from Unit 3 at the end of last term (excluding English and Maths which is due in Week 2 and 5 respectively). Students will be emailed an interim Unit 3 report in Week 3.
Students are again reminded that all students need to be eligible for a Queensland Certificate of Education to remain enrolled in Senior Schooling. For students in Year 11 and 12 this means they must be passing at least 5 of their 6 subjects (regardless of whether or not they are completing a traineeship). All students who are doing VET subjects must be up to date at the end of each term. Time will be allocated during shutdown to ensure that these students are up to date. Students who do not complete their competencies will have their enrolment reviewed.
Year 10 Behaviour and Welfare Update
Welcome back to our Year 10 cohort! The students have turned up looking fabulous in their Senior Secondary uniforms, ready to embrace the rigours of this new phase of their learning.
As Year 10s, students will find that they are both given, and are expected to have, greater responsibly for their choices and actions every day. As Dean, my mantra this year is ‘Make a life of choice, not chance’. Making the best of all of the learning opportunities at PBC means that young people will maximise the choices they have when they leave school. Naturally, students with outstanding effort and behaviour are most likely to achieve the best outcomes. We look forward to our students attending every day, on time, and fully engaging in the learning process. Should you have any concerns for your child beyond the curriculum, please feel free to contact your Year 10 Dean: shill242@eq.edu.au
Work Experience
Congratulations to the 220 Year 10 students who, in their final week of Year 9, undertook work experience. Many are using their time in the work place to formalise traineeship agreements, while others will have used it to learn informally and widen their understanding of the world. Ninety-five percent of the students have reported very positive experiences. Some student feedback includes:
The work experience overall was a great opportunity.
I think it is a very worthy program to attend
It was a task but I enjoyed it due to the people I was surrounded by.
Thanks to all of the parents who supported their students to find work experience placements, and to those parents who provided placements to students in their workplaces.
Pathways Centre News
Happy New Year!!
Lots of exciting traineeship opportunities are available in the Pathway Centre Y Block for Year 10/11’s for Term 1. Job boards will be updated regularly with new positions. Students can collect a registration form and apply now.
Did you know that you can get paid while gaining a qualification when doing a school based traineeship!!
A variety of traineeships are on offer with a focus on business, hospitality, retail and tourism.
Hospitality and Business Traineeships:
- RACV Resort the Pines
- Zarraffas Tugun
- Lava Carts Robina
- The Original Pie Bakery Tugun
- Neighbourhood Espresso
- IGA Currumbin
- Finn Poke Pacific Fair
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Third Base Café
Cert 3 Early Childhood – A Headstart Childcare Centre Currumbin
Many new vacancies will hit the job boards soon !
School based vacancies links:
Ignite Education: https://www.ignite.edu.au/job-vacancies/
Aurora Training Institute: http://www.aurora.edu.au/schools-program/
Prestige Training Services vacancies: https://pst.edu.au/school-based-traineeships
There are more opportunities on the job boards. Please come into Y Block to register.
Love your current job? Would you like to turn it into a traineeship? Come to the Pathway centre and let’s see if we can create a traineeship for you in your current role.
The Pathway Centre is open before school and first break to apply for any of the above positions
Sonia Shreeve - Industry Liaison Officer
Welcome back for 2020
This week we welcomed 428 Year 7 students to Junior Secondary plus an additional 48 new Year 8 and 9 students. I have been very pleased to see the year start off so smoothly.
We always start with a clear focus on our school motto Nil Sed Optima which means nothing but the best - we ask students to set goals to be their best and we will support and assist them every step to achieve those goals.
I wish everyone the most productive and happy year and look forward to working with you as Junior Secondary Principal. I am leading a fabulous team who will support your young people in any endeavours or problems they have.
The key Junior Secondary team members based in D Block are;
Wendy Wise - Deputy Principal, Year 7/8
Donna Condon – Dean of Students Year 7
Tracey Cardinal – Dean of Students Year 8
Sharon Hillcoat - Dean of Students Year 9
Kate Whitehouse – Year 7 Coordinator
Cameron Williams – Year 8 Coordinator
Ryan Jesser – Year 9 Coordinator
Anna Willis – Junior Secondary Guidance Officer
Sue Murray – Dean Support Year 7/8
Kellie Pedemont - Dean Support Year 9/10
Lyn Bortolin – Junior Secondary Office Support
Chris Bacon – Executive Support to Junior Secondary Principal
Contacts can be found on the school website.
Enquiries and or concerns can be directed through our central email - parentsupport@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au as these are fielded to the most helpful person to support you.
PBC’s Junior Secondary has commenced with energy and enthusiasm, as students were introduced to both their Care Classes and new academic classes. There has been a positive buzz about the Junior Secondary that augurs well for the students’ endeavours. For Year 7, this is a time of great change, while in Years 8 and 9, students are adjusting to the raised expectations and demands on their learning.
Year 7 Parent Information Evening
Year 7 Parents please look out for your emailed invitation to our Year 7 Parent Information Night. We will begin in the PBC Hall at 6:15 pm on Wednesday 12 February 2020. The format will be some introductions and then two short sessions including – laptop use at home, practical tips for parent controls and a visit to your child’s care classroom hosted by their English/Humanities and Maths/Science teachers. We will also discuss Year 7 Camp. The night will conclude at 7:30 pm. Parents attending should bring their child’s student planner with their student timetable in it.
Assessment Calendar
Each student has received a PBC Student Planner, in which they record their homework, important dates and assignment deadlines. To help students get organised and stay organised, the Assessment Calendar will be published on the PBC website in Week 4 and emailed to parents. Parents and students can easily access this information so that they can predict the busy times and plan for them. Students should also be using their student planners to note homework and important dates.
Year 9 Behaviour and Welfare Update
Welcome back to our Year 9 cohort! This year has a strong emphasis on the personal development of these young people as they navigate their way towards the Senior Secondary. Students will find that they are both given, and are expected to have, greater responsibly for their choices and actions every day.
As Dean, my mantra this year is ‘Make a life of choice, not chance’. Making the best of all of the learning opportunities at PBC means that young people will maximise the choices they have when they leave school. Naturally, students with outstanding effort and behaviour are most likely to achieve the best outcomes. We look forward to our students attending every day, on time, and fully engaging in the learning process. Should you have any concerns for your child beyond the curriculum, please feel free to contact me: Sharon Hillcoat, shill242@eq.edu.au
Attendance Policy
PBC Attendance Target – 92%
Full Day
Parents/Caregivers must notify the school and provide an explanation of a student absence by 9:00am on the day of the absence.
The priority for notification is:
- TEXT MESSAGE – (0426305728) – provide student name, year level date and reason for absence e.g. Sick
OR
- EMAIL – absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au – provide student name, date and reason for absence
Example Text/Email – “John Smith Y8 03/06/19 Sick”
Text messages are sent out to parents by 10:00am to notify you of an unexplained absence. If you receive a text message, you can reply to the message, providing your student name, year level and reason for absence.
2 – 10 days
If a student is likely to be absent for more than two days, parents/carers are to notify PBC in writing by text message or email stating the student’s name, year level, dates of absence and the reason for the absence. A medical certificate (where applicable) can be emailed to absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au or a hard copy taken to the Junior or Senior Secondary School Student Services.
11+ days
If a student is going to be absent for more than 10 days, Parents/Caregivers are required to notify PBC at least 2 weeks prior to the absence taking place (where possible). An Exemption form must be completed and submitted, along with supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate, doctor’s letter).
An exemption may be appropriate in the following circumstances:
- diagnosis of terminal medical condition
- illness or hospitalisation (including recovery period at home) for a period greater than 10 consecutive school days
- ‘carer’ responsibilities
- diagnosed mental health condition
- temporary interstate or overseas relocation where the family intends to return to Queensland.
Forms are available on the PBC website or upon request at the Administration Office.
Holidays
What should I do if our family is going on a holiday in school time?
Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day. You are encouraged not to schedule holidays during school time. If your family circumstances dictate that your student must attend a holiday is during school time, please let the Attendance Officer know the absence dates at least 2 weeks prior to the holiday. Email the details to absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au .
Late Arrivals
- Any student that arrives after 9:00am must present to the Junior or Senior Secondary School Student Services with a note, signed by the parent/carer, including the reason for lateness. This may be approved by a Dean of Students. A “late pass” will be issued to the student prior to attending any class.
- Non-approved notes or failure to present a note may result in disciplinary action.
- Year Coordinators will monitor late arrivals. Consistent late arrivals that impact engagement with school process may result in a disciplinary action.
Early Departure
- Notes are to be written and signed by a parent/carer and presented to the Junior or Senior Secondary School Student Services prior to 8:45am that day.
- The sign out note must specify the following:
- The specific reason for signing out (doctors, dentist, etc.).
- The time and date that you need to sign out of school.
- If a medical appointment, the time, location and professional must be included.
- Notes will be approved by a Dean of Students and should then be collected prior to signing out of school at the Junior or Secondary School Student Services.
- Non-approved notes and absences may lead to disciplinary action.
- Students must show the signed note to their class teacher at the requested leaving time.
- Report to the Junior or Senior Secondary School Student Service Office with the signed note to obtain and ‘Early Departure’ pass.
- It is appropriate for students to sign out no more than three times a term for an appointment or an activity during school hours.
- Year Coordinators will monitor early departures. Consistent early departures that impact engagement with school process may result in a disciplinary action.
If your student becomes ill at school and is sent home they will be issued with a leaving slip by the Sick Bay Officer. If they return later in the day they will need to report to the Junior or Secondary School Student Services Office and sign in. Administration Officers or Year Coordinators may contact home to query the validity/frequency of appointments during school hours.
Click the links below to hear the latest from PBC’s Wellbeing Team.
Senior School Guidance Officer
Click the link for our Senior Guidance Officer's web page full of useful information regarding your students pathways and career options.
https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/guidance-officer
Middle School Guidance Officer
The Double Paradox of Teen “Back to School” Sleep
The answer to both these questions lies in the fact that many teenagers, and some pre-teens, have a late body clock. Our body clocks regulate when we sleep. A late body clock means one tends to go to bed, and get up late, which is what normal teenagers do during school holidays. The problem is that those with a late body clock have great trouble readjusting to a sleep pattern that fits in with the school timetable, once school starts. They lie awake at night, unable to sleep, and have extreme difficulties getting up in the mornings, and then they are tired, lethargic and moody during the first part of the day.
– Dr Chris Seton, SleepShack
Read More: The Double Paradox of Teen “Back to School” Sleep
Image Source: Flickr.com
Welcome back to another great year of personal growth, exciting activities and competitive House events. We finished 2019 with a highly exciting cup stacking competition, which was bigger than we could have expected. The grand final was a real spectacle, which went down to a video slo mo replay and judging panel. Following a few appeals, Erin Woods from the Athenian House was declared the overall winner.
The cup stacking comp was the first official House Points accumulating event. Current points are:
- Vikings 98
- Athenians 96
- Phoenicians 84
- Spartans 38
The next event on the calendar is our 2020 Swimming Carnival. This is a fabulous opportunity for students to get involved and represent their House in both competitive and non-competitive events. Permission letters will soon be brought home. Details are as follows:
- Tuesday 11 February – Junior Secondary (Year 7-9)
- Wednesday 12 February – Senior Secondary (Year 10-12)
- 9:00am - 3:05pm
- Appropriate swimwear, House colours, hat and enclosed shoes to be worn to the pool
- All students must attend care class for roll marking on the day of their carnival
- Competitive, participation and novelty events in the pool
- Inflatables eg: slip and slide, dunk tank, water slide (subject to change) available to students on the grassed area around the pool
- Wristbands for inflatable use go on sale Week 2 ($5 each)
- Food will be available for purchase or students can bring their lunch
- Attendance is compulsory
The Swimming Carnival is a fun and exciting day for all students and provides students the opportunity to qualify for District representative swimming.
In Care this term, students will be delving further into Character Strengths and recognising how their own personal strengths can help them in their day to day lives. All staff and students will have completed their character strengths survey by the end of Week 3. We encourage parents to extend the conversation around student strengths with their student at home. Interested parents can complete the free online survey at https://www.viacharacter.org/ and discover your own strengths.
Senior School
Year 10
Welcome to an exciting year for our Year 10s in mathematics at PBC. This year we are beginning with our re-aligned courses, designed to better suit our senior maths pathways. Students were placed in their best courses and will need to work hard to prepare themselves for their future years.
2021 pathway pre-requisites
Year 11
The biggest challenge for students beginning Year 11 is figuring out what works best for them and their study habits. This is a year where students work harder and faster than they have before. We work to complete Year 11 by the end of Term 3 to give students the most appropriate time to finish Year 12.
Habits of successful maths students:
- HOW OFTEN? – how often do you practise? It is widely known that practising 3 x 30 quality minutes per week is vastly more powerful than 90 minutes all at once. Regular practice is key, whatever it looks like.
- KNOW YOURSELF – There is a difference between understanding and mastering (being able to answer questions on a test). It is important for a student to be aware of what is required for them to get to that mastering level. What are you doing?
- SEEKING HELP – Seeking help when it is needed can come in many forms: friends, teachers, notes and tutors. Take the time to ask for help when you don’t understand.
- DON’T LET IT GO – Many students walk out of a classroom without understanding what they have done in maths but don’t seek help at the next opportunity. They make it the problem of their future self, who is usually overwhelmed with everything else. The most successful students in maths are tenacious and don’t let that problem get passed them.
Year 12
Term 1 sees the Year 12s completing half of their final year’s assessment. Students have received their Problem Solving and Modelling Task (20%). They will also complete their end of unit exam (15%) at the end of term. It is hugely important to start the year with plenty of momentum by getting the most out of their Problem Solving and Modelling Task.
Teachers will be focusing on helping students understand the best way to approach the task so they can strategically get the most out of the 20%.
Any questions or concerns throughout the year please feel free to contact me.
Trent Hage, Head of Mathematics – Senior
Junior School
Starting at high school is overwhelming. Students are not just contending with an increased workload, they are also expected to be organised for every subject, every day. Being organised may be a challenge initially for your young person, however this will be significant focus this year. Student planners will play a crucial role in helping students to develop productive routines and arrive to their subjects ready to learn. Being organised in Math means:
- All required equipment and books are brought for each lesson.
- Homework is completed on time.
- Assessment drafts and finals are submitted by the due dates and exam revision is completed.
To ensure students develop the knowledge and skills to use mathematics confidently across other learning areas at school and in their lives more broadly Year 7 students now attend 4 lessons of maths per week to allow extra numeracy practice in our “Visible Numeracy” program. Developed by our specialist teachers the Visible Numeracy program focuses on building students capability in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Probability and Statistics; particularly focusing on mental maths and problem solving skills. These 4 x 20min sessions will take place at the beginning of each maths lesson. Students will have already started this program.
We have had some resent requests for recommendations for tutoring. Our advice is to utilise the Tuesday afternoon homework club held in the Trade Training Centre (TTC). Whether it be for help with homework, assessment or general content in English, Humanities, Science or Mathematics specialist teachers will be available to help your child.
A note about calculators. Students are expected to have their own scientific calculator for all Maths lessons. Casio is the preferred model (see image below) at PBC but any scientific calculator is acceptable. Students are not permitted to use their mobile phones as a calculator. Please make sure that your son or daughter is prepared for every Maths lesson by bringing a calculator to school every day. Thank you for your support with this.
Football (soccer) Excellence
The PBC Soccer Sports Excellence Program is delighted to announce that Paul Jones will be the program’s Goal Keeping Coach in 2020. Paul holds the highest accreditation possible for Goal Keeping coaching and is a vastly experienced coach on a national and international level. His previous roles include 20 years as the Head Goal Keeping Coach at the Australian Institute of Sport and of the Matildas (Australian Women’s Team) which has taken Paul to three World Cups and the Rio Olympic Games.
PBC has a rich history of helping produce elite Goal Keepers with alumni including New Zealand International, Glen Moss and Australian Internationals, Casey Dumont and Mackenzie Arnold, who Paul coached whilst being a part of the Matildas coaching team.
With Paul on board our current male and female Goal Keepers will be getting the best quality coaching available to hopefully follow in their footsteps. “Working at PBC is something I am extremely excited about. So many good players have come through this program over the years and I am looking forward to helping develop the next generation of players reach their targets and dreams. Hopefully we can help develop future Matildas and Socceroo players. I want to thank Shane and Neil for this opportunity and I am looking forward to this being a long term relationship”
Welcome to the Reds coaching team Paul.
Shane Robinson, Football Excellence Coach
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 Facebook. You can also message us through Facebook or Instagram as well.
Netball
Congratulations Netball Excellence student, Jarrah Dick who played for the Qld Murri’s U16s, from 14 to 19 January in the Budgies, Aboriginal, Islander Netball Competition and gained a silver medal!
Basketball
Congratulations to Basketball Excellence students Casey Walker, Amelia Andrews and Rayne Paniora of the Gold Coast Waves for placing 3rd at the U18 State Championships over the holidays!
Football (Soccer)
Congratulations to PBC's Elijah Hughes who was selected to tour England with the U16 Australian Schoolboys Football Team. While in the UK, the Australian schoolboys played the England schoolboys with England winning 1-0. The Australian schoolboys then played Ireland and won 2-0 and Eli scored both goals! Eli is part of the Football Excellence program at PBC and is playing for Gold Coast United Under 20’s this year. We wish him all the best!!!
Community Spirit
PBC’s Tahlia McParland spent her summer break looking after injured animals. Here Tahlia is busy converting cotton and flanelette sheets, blankets, pillow covers etc. into essential items needed for the injured wildlife affected by the recent bushfires. These items were kindly donated by the Currumbin community. What wonderful community spirit Tahlia! So many wildlife are in need after these fires. Thank you
Motorcycling
Congratulations to PBC's Anika Loftus (Year 7) who was awarded the MQ State Junior Female Dirt Track Rider of the Year and Finalist for MQ State Junior Female Rider of the Year at the Motorcycling Queensland Awards held at The Old Museum in Brisbane on Friday 6 December.
Anika was incredibly honoured to be named amongst some of Australia’s most talented motorcycle riders from all disciplines such as Toby Price, Jack Miller, Briony Hendrickson and Jarred Brook. Fantastic Anika!!
School photo days
Thursday 20 February
Tuesday 25 February
Friday 6 March (catch-up)
Have your child's school memories captured forever. Your student should have bought home their unique MSP Photography envelope for you to be able to order school photos. If you haven't received an envelope or need an extra one please collect one from Student Services.
- Ensure your order is placed on photo day to avoid any late fees
- Ordering online using your child's Unique Shoot Key (on their envelope) is the easiest, safest and most secure way to order. If you don't know their Unique Shoot Key please contact MSP on 07 5668 9110.
- If enclosing payment inside an envelope, please ensure the correct money is provided as no change is given. Cash, cheques and money orders are all acceptable.
- Don't seal envelopes inside each other. You can pay for all children in one envelope, however each child needs to hand in their own envelope on Photo Day to the photographer. Please indicate on the child's envelope that contains all sibling payments, the names of the children you are paying for.
- All students whether ordering photos or not, need to hand in their photo envolope to the photographer on photo day. This is how your student is identified to the photographer.
Any queries, please feel free to contact MSP at admin.gcnr@msp.com.au or tel: 07 5668 9110.
Immunisations
2020 Immunisations for Years 7 and 10
Schools play an invaluable role in looking after the health of their students. Immunisation against a number of diseases is one strategy which contributes to the wellbeing of both the individual and the community as a whole. The Gold Coast Public Health Unit is responsible for delivering the the school immunisation program for Year 7 and Year 10 students in State schools free vaccination(s) to protect against a number of diseases.
Parent/carers that have email access will receive information from Queensland Health and if you participate in this year’s program you will receive online information to complete. Any parent/carer that does not have access to online forms please send your child to their respective Junior Secondary or Senior Secondary School Student Services office to collect the hard copy ‘Immunisation consent form’ and return to the same office.
Immunisation dates
Junior Secondary
- Year 7 students: Term 1 Week 9 Tuesday 24 March and Term 4 Week 4 Tuesday 27 October
The following vaccinations are offered for Year 7 students:
- human papillomavirus (HPV vaccine)
- diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough)
Senior Secondary
- Year 10 students: Term 2 Week 5 Tuesday 19 May
- Any parent/carer that is unable to access online forms may either visit the Middle School Student Services office to collect and complete the form or have your child take the form home for completion and return to PBC.
The following vaccination is offered for Year 10 students:
- meningococcal ACW Y vaccine
Parent/caregivers who do not return a consent form will not be contacted. Students will not be vaccinated without a valid consent form.
Sustainability @ PBC
Thanks to everyone who supported PBC's container deposit scheme last year helping us raise more than $9,500 just by recycling beverage containers. This money is slated to buy some chilled bottle filling stations for the students that will arrive on campus this term.
To continue helping us raise money for more student driven eco projects in 2020, please remember to bring your recyclable containers to the Reds Gate on the PBC oval on any Wednesday morning (during term time) from 7am-8:45am starting from tomorrow.
If you are unable to get to the oval on any Wednesday you can still donate your container funds to PBC by dropping your containers off to any deposit centre and using the code #C10051453.
Every Day Counts
Gold Coast Health - Mobile Dental Van
Upcoming Events:
Year 7 Parent Information Night
Our Year 7 students have made a great start to the year. It is very important that parents and teachers work together to ensure that every student achieves their potential. For this reason all Year 7 parents/caregivers are invitee to our Year 7 Parent Information Night where we will explain how we can work together and ensure your student has the best start to high school. We will also be able to introduce you to the team that will be working with you and your student.
Throughout the evening we will be reviewing;
- PBC Student Planner
- Year 7 Curriculum routines including assessment and homework with your student’s core class teachers in their classroom
- Use of laptops at home plus practical tips on parent controls.
- Year 7 camp in Term 4
Please bring with you your student’s PBC Planner with their timetable in it.
RSVP by emailing events@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au by Friday 7 February 2020. Please state “Year 7 info night” as subject. We look forward to meeting you on the night.
Aurelia - PBC Chaplaincy Fundraiser
Selective Entry @ PBC - Excellence Programs - Infomation Night
Reds Go Riot!
Come down and support some PBC Reds giving it a Red-Hot Go - fresh from their comedy writing workshops with Mandy Nolan and proudly sponsored by Bendigo Bank Tugun. It's mid-term and just about that time where we can all use a good laugh. Plus all proceeds raised will go to Beyond Blue. 'A day without laughter is a day wasted' - Charlie Chaplin.
Growing Good Men - Starting Conversations that Count
- Thursday 27 February 2020
- 6:00-9:00pm
- PBC Library Creekview Room
PBC will be hosting an event for teenage boys and their parents/caregivers - Starting Conversations that Count in our new Learning Precinct function room.
This event will include high profile guests and PBC alumni as part of a panel to discuss the idea of what it means to be a good man and offer insights into how we might help re-define some of the more negative aspects of traditional Masculinity. The aim is to help young men/ boys and their parents become engaged in these conversations.
Topics to include – Building Emotional Muscle, Being resilient in the face of Change, Opening up and sharing.
Guests include:-
- Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo (surfing legend)
- Tim Baker (Author/Journalist)
- John Lang (Rugby League Royalty)
- Ian Nussey (Clinical Child Psychologist)
- Tom Hershall (PBC Alumni)
- Hosted by Shiike Vanderwerff
Tickets: $15 Adults, $0 (free) for PBC Students/Staff, $5 for Non-PBC Students
Includes: Light refreshments. Drinks will be available to purchase on the night.
Click this link to book your seats, please ensure you include ALL names of those attending on the booking form. There will be no paper tickets issued, all names will be placed on a guest list. On arrival all guests will have their names ticked off.
Dates to remember:
11 Feb | All day | Junior Secondary Swimming Carnival |
12 Feb | All day | Senior Secondary Swimming Carnival |
12 Feb | 6:15pm | Year 7 Parent Information Night |
14 Feb | 7:30pm | Aurelia Fundraiser @ Tugun Theatre Co |
18 Feb | 9:10am | Year 12 Optima Assembly |
18 Feb | 6:30pm | P&C Meeting |
19 Feb | 6:00pm | Excellence Programs Information Night |
20 Feb | 9:10am | Year 10 Optima Assembly |
20 Feb | All day | School Photos Day 1 |
21 Feb | 9:10am | Year 11 Optima Assembly |
25 Feb | 6:30pm | Reds Go Riot - Stand up Comedy Night |
25 Feb | All day | School Photos Day 2 |
27 Feb | 9:10am | Year 8 Optima Assembly |
27 Feb | 6:00pm | Growing Good Men - starting conversations that count |
28 Feb | 9:10am | Year 9 Optima Assembly |
Follow PBC on Social Media
Instagram @PBCSHS
Facebook @PalmBeachCurrumbinStateHigh and @PBCAlliance
PBC Alliance - Community Partnerships
PBC Alliance Business Directory
Did you know that we have a wonderful community of local businesses that support our students through advertising with the PBC Alliance. They have listed their businesses in our online business directory. Our business directory covers all areas of products and services and includes special offers for PBC families. All membership fees go 100% to supporting PBC students in their educational programs ensuring they can reach their potential.
Visit our Business Directory at www.pbc-alliance.com.
Inspire Physio Centre
Inspire Physio (Matt Fechner) is a proud PBC Alliance partner and is the physio practitioner working with our excellence students on campus.
This year Inspire Physio is offering ALL PBC students and staff the opportunity to participate in their Revitalise Program 2020. This is unlimited physio and massage for just $360.00 (private health insurance rebates apply).
Inspire Physio is situated at the PBC tennis courts.
Would your business like to support our students? Become a Partner or Member of the PBC Alliance.
Visit the PBC Alliance website! www.pbc-alliance.com to find out how you can get involved with our business community and support our students.
Uniform Shop
Cashier Window Operating Hours
Over the counter payments can only be accepted between 8:00am and 1:00pm on Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can make payments via BPOINT from your invoice or statement or Direct Deposit. See our website for more information on Payments.
For Internet banking please use the details below:
School’s Bank Account: PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN SHS General A/C
BSB Number: 064-404 CBA Branch Burleigh Heads
Account Number: 00090303
Reference/Details: Record both Student ID AND the reference Code to ensure your payment can be recorded correctly. (Reference Code = ITEM BEING PAID FOR e.g.: 2020 SRS8 or 2020 ACEX10)
SRS Fees
Make payments the quick and easy way using BPOINT. Visit www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dete, follow the prompts or phone BPOINT on 1300 631 073.
Parents/caregivers experiencing financial difficulty can email ParentSupport ParentSupport@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.
Payment plan options are available including Centrepay -a service to families whereby periodic payments can be made to the school or Direct Debit via credit card (monthly). Paperwork is available from the Student Services Office to activate either of these plans.
QParents
Parents – have you registered for QParents yet?
Are you using QParents to stay in contact with our school and to access information about your child’s schooling?
If you haven’t yet registered for QParents, register now.
You can provide your 100 points of identity documents for registration online through QParents, or in person at your school.
If you have limited identity documents, or experience difficulties registering, please contact your school for help.
QParents is a great way to stay informed about what’s happening in your child’s school life
Saver Plus
Could $500 help you with high-school costs?
Alley Boardriders
The Alley Boardriders are looking for young upcoming male and female surfers in the local area to join the Boardriders Club with the largest growing junior division on the coast. Our world renowned club coach - Mark Richardson will be running weekly sessions which include developing your technique, strength, competition preparation as well as video analysis in our own clubroom facilities. You will be feeling the stoke more than ever. For more information please contact Club President - Brad Smith on 0419028704 or connect through Facebook, Instagram or www.alleyboardriders.com.au.
Alleygators Rugby Club
South Coast Netball Assoc (Palm Beach)
Tweed United Football Club
Sign on details:
Mudgeeraba Redbacks
The Mudgeeraba Redbacks open women's rugby league side are currently seeking female players to play for our club, who are 18, or turning 18 this year. If any girls might be interested, please contact the coach on the attached flyer, or alternatively, students can contact Montanna Terry on Montanna.terry@gmail.com
Gold Coast Marathon
The Gold Coast Marathon is taking place this year. Are you keen to get involved and send a team to participate?
Please see below for more information. We can’t wait to see you at the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon in July!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
JOIN US FOR A FAMILY AFTERNOON OUT AND SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE! - 15 February | 1pm - 5pm
Go behind the scenes at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, be personally escorted into the Hospital to learn about the medical care each animal receives while exploring areas the public do not get to access!
Our passionate staff will share their love for our wildlife, inspiring you to spread awareness about the work being completed in our hospital.
Saturday 15 February from 1pm pay just $20 entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for adults and $10 for kids, with all ticket proceeds going back to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation.
We invite you to explore the park, ride the train, enjoy the shows and visit the patients in the hospital for a great afternoon out! Join us for wildlife veterinary demonstrations, face painting, food stalls, giveaways and more!
The hospital admitted 12,200 patients and close to 600 Koalas in 2019 and our mission is to treat, rehabilitate and release sick, injured or orphaned native animals back to the wild. Your visit will help support the wildlife hospital and our furry, scaly and feathery friends.
Entry into Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is included in your ticket price.
Adult tickets - $20
Child tickets - $10
Children under 4 free
Terms & Conditions:
Parental guidance essential for this event
Children under 4 must hold a free cost ticket
Ticket is only valid on 15 February 2020 from 1pm to 5pm