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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Term 3 has commenced with students straight back into school work and hopefully we will have the first uninterrupted term of the year. Given the stop / start and disrupted nature of schooling this year, I was impressed in my 54 class visits from Monday to Wednesday with how well the students were engaging with their work. The student’s attitude and commitment to their work in Week 1 was great to see.As COVID-19 restrictions continue to impact on some aspects of school and community life, our attempts to continue with a meaningful interschool sport program have not been successful. With ground restrictions, available officials and clashes with senior secondary external exams, the remaining schools could not get a workable and affordable sports program going. We will now move towards creating a PBC based sports program for our junior secondary students.
Last week an email was sent home regarding Parent–Teacher Phone Interviews. We held out as long as we could in an effort to have face to face interviews however COVID-19 restrictions has resulted in the school offering phone interviews in the first instance.
Regards,
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 all Senior students and our school community to Term 3, one full of opportunities for our students and hopefully a continued return to schooling normality after the disruption earlier this year. Term 3 is traditionally a Term full of extra-curricular activities such as sporting and Eisteddfod events which have been impacted by COVID-19, however we are hopeful students will still get a platform to display their achievements in some capacity.
You would have received information recently regarding our Parent Teacher Phone Interviews, taking place across Tuesday 28 - Thursday 30 July (Week 3). Obviously these are wonderful opportunities to discuss student progress with their classroom teacher, albeit in an adjusted fashion due to COVID-19 restrictions. We greatly encourage all parents to book a phonecall via our website or contact teachers via email directly for vital feedback.
Information/invitations will be sent home shortly regarding the following key events which impact the Senior School in the coming weeks:
- Whole-school Track & Field Carnival will be held on Friday 31 July. Attendance is compulsory (all absences must be explained) and students will get the opportunity to compete, participate and enjoy a highlight on our schooling calendar.
- OPTIMA Awards will again be held in Week 4 of this term, acknowledging excellence across Semester 1, particularly in Academic endeavours. Recipients will be invited, with guest restrictions in place, but still encouraged.
- On Tuesday 11 August (Week 5) Year 12 students will have a special Pathways Information Assembly and Expo, with information regarding post-schooling options in both tertiary study, training and workforce presented. Over 30 external providers are also present, allowing students to seek information and commence application processes for 2021 and beyond.
- Also on Tuesday 11 August (Week 5) our Year 10 students and parents will have their SET Plan Information Evening, detailing academic pathway options and subject selection processes for Year 11 and 12. Students will also access all PBC faculties, tertiary and external pathway providers as part of an interactive Expo after a presentation. SETP Parent interviews are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday 18 and 19 August (Week 6).
Formal and Graduation
We are continuing to proceed with our Year 12 Formal & Graduation on Thursday 19 November, despite restrictions remaining in place. A note will be sent home with Year 12's in the coming week regarding student ticket payment and further information regarding the logistics of this adjusted event. We remain optimistic that this event will be one which students, parents and families can celebrate and enjoy with only minimal modifications. Any parent with questions regarding this event are encouraged to contact Senior School Admin on 5525 9333.
Year 12 Additional QCE Points
For those students who would benefit from additional QCE points Senior Secondary has multiple opportunities currently on offer. Interested students should come to Y Block to find more information about:
- First Aide & Safety Certificate - Cost: $70 = 2 QCE points
- Microsoft Courses - Cost: $30 = 1 QCE point per certification
- Registration of Existing Qualification - for those who've earned certificates outside of school e.g. Bronze Medallion through SLSC - bring in a copy of the certificate to Y Block
Diploma of Business Year 11
The Diploma of Business offers an outstanding pathway to tertiary study. With recent changes to the training package this course will move from 12 months to 18 months in 2021. Therefore if we have any Year 11's that are not currently enrolled and plan on completing a diploma before the end of school they need to see Mr McDougall in Y Block by the end of Week 3.
A new term signals the end of holidays and a return to routines for our school community. These routines also bring us some normality in what has been a very abnormal year. Students have received feedback on their first semester and will be setting goals for Term 3. Please encourage your child to read their report card and engage in the goal setting with them. In the coming weeks we will have OPTIMA assemblies to celebrate successes from this period. Maximising learning time is very important so can I ask you, where possible, to make all appointments out of school time with the exception of specialist appointments. Maximising your student’s learning time will allow us as a school to maximise their success. I would encourage you where you have concerns to make a time to connect with your child’s teacher through our parent teacher interview process.
I can also advise that we will be hosting two options for the General Enrolment Information for Year 7’s beginning 2021. These are Wednesday 29 July at 6:00pm and Thursday 30 July at 9:30am. Both will be held in the Theatre. The two sessions enables us to adhere more easily to social distancing but I would still ask you to limit to one family member attending and to stay away if you are unwell. I will post the information slides on our school website after the event for those unable to attend. Could I ask, if you have family or neighbours that these sessions may be relevant to, if you could pass on this information and we will also promote through the primary schools and our social media.
Laptop One to One Program. The laptop program is looking its best ever with teachers and students fully utilising devices for learning in many subject areas. We can thank COVID-19 for providing a steep learning curve but the end result is fabulous. Can I remind families this is a three year contract as the cost of the laptop and software is spread to reduce impact on family budgets in Year 7 when there are so many other costs associated with starting at a new school. I have had a handful of families in Year 8 want to switch to bring their own device. This is very problematic for the student and costly for the school. There are also associated costs to the family with BYOD so I would ask you to contact our IT department to discuss this if this is something you are considering. If there are issues with your child’s laptop then please bring it to IT in the library. All devices are under a three year warranty and swaps are available on the spot. So putting up with something not working does not have to be tolerated.
Year 10 students and parents will soon be considering which subjects to choose for their Year 11 and 12 studies. The image below outlines the basic details of the six subjects we offer in the HPE faculty. It is important to note that the subjects listed in the Health and Wellbeing stream do not involve physical activity. Anyone can request to enrol in any of these subjects. There are some costs involved for courses and camps, these will be advised in the Subject Selection Handbook and by the class teacher at the beginning of the year.
If you have any questions about these subjects, please feel free to contact Mr Roberts on srobe63@eq.edu.au.
On the last Wednesday of term, students in Year 11 Health were invited to attend an incursion day to reconnect with the team from Tallebudgera Outdoor and Environmental Education Centre (Currumbin Valley Campus) and teachers Anna Wyatt and Head of Department Shane Roberts. This was an important day to help the students reconnect with their limiting beliefs from their Right of Passage camp from earlier in the year.
Students were also given an opportunity to express how they dealt with the challenges from COVID-19 and what important tools they used that they had learnt whilst on camp in Term 1.
These days are also an important time to help solidify the relationships of the students in class and help to continue to build resilience through positive psychology. As always fun challenges were incorporated and a great day was had by all.
Last term was a busy and challenging one for our budding scientists! Year 7 students investigated the Earth, Sun and Moon systems and how these systems interact to influence us here on the Earth. This unit is always popular among students. There are many ‘light bulb’ moments as they gain understandings of the inner workings of everyday phenomena such as Tides, Moon Phases, Eclipses and Solar events. Show your scientist the picture below and ask them to identify the seasons depicted in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere in each of the four stages of the Earth’s journey around the sun.
This term Year 7 students are conducting an investigation on forces. Students are required to construct and test a balloon powered vehicle to investigate how forces affect motion. Towards the end of the term we will be running our annual Balloon Powered Vehicle Challenge. Each Year 7 class will nominate a representative team to compete and the supreme car building team of 2020 will be recognised and awarded with a certificate and prizes.
Year 8 students have been investigating all things rocks. Students are investigating processes from formation to extraction via mining and processes necessary for consequent rehabilitation. Classes have been most recently been growing alum and copper sulphate crystals to identify how the rate of cooling affects mineral crystal growth.
Last term (during COVID-19 shutdown) Year 9 students investigated plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes then moved on to learning about Body Systems. When we returned, students were excited to get back into practical activities and this term practical activities = dissections. Dissections are one of the most popular activities in Year 9 where students observe and analyse dissections and tissue of rat, porcine pluck (lungs, heart, trachea and larynx), heart, brain, liver, kidney and bone. Ask your child about the relationship between the structure and function of lung tissue – if you dare!
PBC is about to implement a range of new sustainability initiatives that will reduce waste to landfill, facilitate better recycling practices and educate staff, students and parents about recycling and sustainability. We have recently taken delivery of an industrial composting machine and will soon be composting all food waste. The compost generated will be used in the new herb and vegetable garden currently under construction near the hall. More detail on this new composting process and the garden will follow in future updates.
As of this week, all staffrooms now have a permanent bin for paper recycling. These locked, bright yellow bins will sit outside each staffroom and be used to collect all waste office paper. There will also be a smaller, colour-coded blue bin inside each staffroom which will be used to collect waste paper and emptied as required into the larger locked bin outside. All paper collected will be shredded in the newly-constructed sustainability shed. The shredded paper will then be sold to a paper recycling company, replacing the previous process where we paid for the collection and shredding of our documents. This new process will not only save money but it will generate a small profit which will fund ongoing sustainability initiatives here at PBC. By diverting waste paper from general waste bins, where much of it currently goes, we will reduce the volume of waste we send to landfill and also educate staff and students on the benefits of recycling.
Stay tuned for more information on the rollout of several other sustainability initiatives later this year.
#redsgogreen
Tom Pasley and Bianca Benigno
2020 has been such an unusual year so far, with students missing out on many of our regular school events. We are extremely pleased to let you know that we will however be running our annual Track & Field Carnival in Week 3. As usual, students will need to nominate to participate in discus, triple jump and javelin, as these events are run during class time on Thursday 30 July (12:00-3:00pm). Only students that nominate for these events will be allowed out of class to compete. Details of how to nominate are posted in student notices.
The full school carnival will be held on Friday 31 July, 9:00am-3:00pm. All students are required to attend and should dress in their House colours. All track events, shot put and high jump will be held on this day. Students are not required to pre-nominate for these. All students can participate in these events at their allocated age group times.
To add to the carnival atmosphere, we will also have food and drink available to purchase and rides/inflatables for students to enjoy. Senior students have nominated bubble soccer, the climbing wall/bungees, mechanical bull, blow up obstacle courses etc. These will be confirmed shortly. Parents, please be advised that all external providers have their own Covid-Safe Plan. Students wishing to take part in these extra activities will be required to purchase a $5 wristband.
The House Leaders can’t wait to see everyone in their House colours and participating for House points on the day. With 100 points awarded to the winning House, the Track and Field carnival can make all the difference in the race to the 2020 House Champion. Age champions will also be awarded to our outstanding athletes.
MARK THE CALENDAR
Thursday 30 July – Discus, Javelin, Triple Jump. 12:00-3:00pm
- Wear House colours or REDS.
- Students must pre-nominate to compete
Friday 31 July – All track, high jump, shot put, inflatables/rides. 9:00am – 3:00pm
- Wear House colours.
- Full school compulsory event
School based traineeships available
New exciting traineeship opportunities are available in the Pathways Centre Y Block for Year 10’s for Term 3. Job boards will be updated regularly with new positions. Students can collect a registration form and apply now.
Get paid while gaining a qualification when doing a school based traineeship and earn up to 8 QCE points!! A variety of traineeships are on offer with a focus on business, hospitality, retail and tourism.
Hospitality and Business Traineeships:
- Tugun Fruit and Flowers
- Surfing Services Australia
- Marketing Together Burleigh – Admin/Accounts focus
- Garden of Vegan Burleigh hospitality and cookery focused
- Beach Café Surfers Paradise
- Grind Me Coffee Miami
- Hudson Coffee John Flynn
- Third Base Coffee Palm Beach and Robina
- Passiontree Velvet Robina and Pacific Fair
- Paperbark Burleigh
- Saiko Teppanyaki Robina
- Ari Thai The Kitchens Robina
- Café Biaggi Burleigh
- Zarraffas Reedy Creek, Worongary & Helensvale
- Alexander Holiday Apartments – Surfers Paradise
- Crema Espresso Coolangatta
- The Original Bakery Tugun
- Bakers Delight Robina
- Guzmen Y Gomez Burleigh
- IGA Currumbin
- The Club Parkwood (Titans home base ) Working in the Pro shop, cert 3 business with sport and recreation focus
School based vacancies links:
Ignite Education: https://www.ignite.edu.au/job-vacancies/
Aurora Training Institute please visit their vacancy page: http://www.aurora.edu.au/schools-program/
Prestige Training Services vacancies, Please visit this link for more opportunities https://pst.edu.au/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
Congratulations to all the students that were signed up to new Traineeships over the last month.
Congratulations also to all the students that completed their Traineeships over the last month.
Sonia Shreeve - Industry Liaison Officer
Click the links below to hear the latest from PBC’s Wellbeing Team.
Senior School Guidance Officer
Read the attached article for the latest information targeted to senior students of careers and pathway information.
https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/guidance-officer
Middle School Guidance Officer
Attached is the latest article from our Junior Secondary Guidance Officer Anna Willis. “How much digital time is too much during COVID?”
PBC’s Football Excellence Program
PBC is pleased to announce Jason Culina has joined the coaching staff of the junior boys program. Jason is one of Australia’s most decorated international players. Our players are very fortunate to be mentored by a player that had a 10 year professional career in the Netherlands that included stints at Ajax Amsterdam and PSV Eindhoven as well as featuring for the Socceroos in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. The passion Jason has for the game is unrivalled and we are looking forward to our players developing under his guidance.
Year 10 Science
In Week 8 of last term Year 10 science students had the chance to conduct the “flame test” experiment.
It is a favourite experiment of Year 10’s as they get the chance to use the Bunsen burners and light different metal ions to produce a number of coloured flames. A range of flame colours were produced included green, orange, yellow, bright red and blue.
The last flame produced is a “mystery metal” where they have to go back and look at their results to conclude what metal ion produced the bright red flame.
Year 8 Technology
Year 8 Technology class enjoyed trialing and racing the wooden cars they made last term. Students cut and sanded the shape of the body and then drilled and inserted the axles and wheels. Although some final amendments were needed on the day during the pit stops, they drove well and everyone who participated had some fun.
Class 7A - Integrated Learning Program
Today students in 7A enjoyed building Aqueducts and ancient Roman roads, tunnels and bridges and exploring static electricity as an orientation to their new unit on the role of forces and motion in Ancient Rome. The new Integrated Learning Program combines Science, History, Geography and English curriculum so students apply the knowledge and skills of these subject areas in multidisciplinary group inquiry projects.
Mr Floods' moments of Positivity
Each week Mr Flood asks students crossing the road after school which teacher inspired them this week. This is last weeks responses...
- Mr Costello - Tells great and funny stories
- Mr Saunders - Great sport-ex coaching
- Mr Russell - Being helpful and awesome (x2)
- Ms Hart - Makes it fun to learn
- Ms Apanui - Being helpful and awesome
- Ms Wotherspoon - Being nice
- Ms Thomas - Breaking down instructions to help with learning
- Ms Bell - Really good teacher, and very persistent
- Mr Dixon - Always saying hello, always has a smile
- Mr Robinson - Sport-ex, always keeping up the intensity
- Mr Howard - Nice friendly and helpful
- Mr Costello - Just makes class better (x2)
- Ms Hall - Nice friendly and helpful
- Mr Walsh - Awesome and always helpful in class
- Mr Robb - Makes CARE fun and interesting
- Mr Semple - Helping with project
Container Collection Days
The PBC Container Collection happens each Wednesday morning during Term time.
If you are happy to donate your containers to the PBC students please bring them to the Reds Gate on the PBC oval on any Wednesday morning (not during school holidays) from 7am-8:45am.
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. Thank you!
#pbcgoesgreen #recycle #fundraising #ecoprojects #studentdriven #thankyou #supportourenvironment #care #noplanetb
Absences
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”
Follow us on Social Media
www.facebook.com/palmbeachcurrumbinstatehigh
Support Local
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.
Canteen
Please Don’t forget Breakfast is from 8:00-9:00am Monday to Friday for all students and hot chocolates are available in this cooler weather.
With the colder weather we are busy making some warm and wonderful meals for our students to keep re- energise.
Find the latest Canteen menu here:
Uniform Shop Update
Trading Times during Term times: Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 12:15pm
Winter Jumpers
NEW - Fleece jumpers have arrived! They are available to purchase for $40.
All Sport Excellence, Dance & CAX uniforms are available to pick up from the uniform shop.
Bucket Hats
Small-Medium & large bucket hats are back in stock & available to purchase for $15
Reds Socks
XL, L, M, S socks are available to purchase for $4 pair.
Lost Property
The uniform shop is holding unnamed lost property including shoes, training gear and bags. If your child has lost something please have them take a look through the lost property bin located at the uniform shop. Please check at D, E & Y block for all named items. At the end of the term all unclaimed/unnamed lost property will be disposed of, so please check for your missing items before they disappear.
Student Welfare Pool
Parents/caregivers are welcome to donate PBC school uniforms back to the Uniform Shop at any time, as their children grow or they leave the school. All items of uniform clothing are welcome including shoes. These donations will be passed on to the Student Welfare pool for students in need.
Flexischools Orders
If you have placed an order for your child via Flexischools, please have your student come and pick it up from the Uniform Shop.
Payment methods available:
- Flexischools Online flexischools.com.au
- Credit Card
- Cash
- Cheques not accepted
Please note: Payment by credit card can only be taken in person at the Payments window. Credit Cards cannot be processed over the phone or in writing.
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.
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.: 2018 SRS8 or 2018 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?
https://www.facebook.com/SaverPlusAU
Partner Shout Outs!
Thank you to Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club from supporting our students by becoming a PBC Alliance Reds Supporter Partner. Voted Gold Coast's Best Surf Club in 2019! The club offers a Beachfront Restaurant, Cafe, Bar, Gaming and Entertainment. Go and enjoy spectacular views and delicious food! Members and visitors welcome. Supporting the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
PBC Alliance Business Directory
– support our local businesses
If you are looking to support our local businesses and local community when looking for a product or service look no further than the PBC Alliance Business Directory. All the listings are supporters of our students and local so please support those that support PBC. https://www.pbc-alliance.com/business-directory.html
Would your business like to support our students?
Become a Partner today. If you are interested in learning more about the PBC Alliance visit our website! www.pbc-alliance.com
Thank you to our 2020 PBC Alliance Partners
- Bendigo Bank Tugun Community Bank Branch
- Synergy Fitness
- Aurora Training Institute
- Southport Sharks
- WHYse Choices
- Veteran Mentors
- Gold Coast United
- Capital Pest Management
- Stone Style
- Currumbin RSL
- Prestige Services Training
- Inspire Physiotherapy
- Firewire Surfboards
- Tweed Seasports
- Trade Glass
- Real-Crete Brisbane
- Rhys Wildermoth, First National Palm Beach
- Griffith University
- CHG Integrated Wealth
- The Pines, Elanora
- Woolworths, The Pines
- 99 Bikes, Burleigh
- PFD Food Distributors
- Esportif.com.au
- Bond University
- Southern Cross University
- Burleigh Bears Rugby League Club
- Currumbin Eagles Junior Rugby League Club
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Fraser Financial Services
- Wilson Haynes Law
- Big Screen Video
- Belinda and Stephen Phelan
- Meatsmiths, Elanora
- Palm Beach Surf Club
- MRAEL
- Shingleback Off Road
- Clear Smiles Othodontics
- The Suns AFL Club
Tallebudgera Nippers – Sign on
The New QCE System
We are ensuring our Year 12 students are well-prepared for success in their senior studies with minimal impact from the COVID-19 restrictions. Our school is working with the Department of Education, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) to ensure our students are able to achieve their goals for Year 12 and prepare for their lives beyond school. For further information go to the department’s new QCE system webpage and the QCAA website.
Entries now open for Ekka school competitions
Despite the cancellation of the 2020 Ekka, educational competitions have been moved online, and entries are now open for two Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) school competitions. The Bush Poetry and Virtual Young Judges competitions encourage emerging talents by providing a platform for reward and recognition.
For more information visit the Ekka website.
The resource every parent should know about
If you’re looking for resources to navigate the ins and outs of parenting, the Talking Families website is full of useful tips, tricks and resources to support parents with children of all ages. They recently released three new activities you can do together as a family, which serve as a great conversation starter between parents and their children. Every family looks different, and it’s about celebrating your family and its strengths.
Find out more at the Talking Families website.
It’s flu season
Flu is a serious illness for everyone, and particularly for children.
Flu strains change each year and so you and your family need to be vaccinated every year.
Please remind your children to regularly wash their hands and cover coughs and sneezes.
If your child is ill, keep them at home and notify the school as soon as possible.
Seek medical advice if you are concerned about your child’s health.
Let’s work together to keep everyone healthy.
For more information visit the Queensland Government website.
Think outside and get active in Queensland’s National Parks
There is no better time to ‘think outside’ and give the great outdoors a go. With hundreds of tracks and trails across the state, visiting to a park or forest is a great way to reach 10,000 steps a day.
Venture into Queensland’s parks and forests with friends, family or partners to enjoy active outdoor experiences, such as walking, hiking, mountain-biking, kayaking, canoeing, and camping
Being in nature is great for both mental and physical wellbeing. Even just five minutes a day spent exercising in nature is proven to benefit our wellbeing. Plan your next adventure outdoors today.
Brisbane portrait prize for under 18s
Brand new in 2020, the Brisbane Portrait Prize has an Under 18 category to support young and aspiring artists with chance to win $2000.
This is a tough time for many, and we’re all finding different ways of coping. Artists of all ages have special ways of looking at the world, and interpreting the extraordinary circumstances.
Enter, find out more or email for more information.