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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Congrats to Cameron Sarasola for the success of the Year 11/12 Drama Excellence entry in the GC Secondary School’s Drama Festival over the weekend. PBC was awarded Runner Up in the Senior Section. Michael Lotscher and Harvey Lennon received the prestigious Adjudicator’s Award for their music composition and performance in the PBC entry, Zali Carroll and Herc Hippocrates received Outstanding Acting Awards of the festival and Highly Commended awards were received for Ensemble Work and for Zali Carroll and Herc Hippocrates.
Chris Capra
Executive Principal
CRICOS Provider Name: The Queensland Department of Education trading as Education Queensland International (EQI) CRICOS Provider Number 00608A
We are really encouraged by the work that we are seeing occurring in classrooms and the level of detailed feedback that students are receiving from their teachers. This feedback and responding to it is a vital step in improvement of an individual task.
Please encourage your young person to read any feedback on drafts very carefully and ask them if they understand what the teacher is telling them about their attempts.
The other challenging step for junior secondary students is being organised enough to meet those timelines. As a parent staying connected to your young person’s deadlines and coaching them to meet these is one way we can work together in their education. Please discuss with them when their deadlines are and work with them to achieve this around their other at home commitments.
All these things will allow you to extend your support role in their learning which as a school we are grateful for and value the role you play in this as parents.
Reading for Learning
Students are now counting down to the holidays and ticking off assessment items. It is a very busy time for students and their teachers, with everyone focussed on achieving the best possible results. Attendance every day is critical to maximise learning and academic performance.
At this time, students may be engaging in studying – perhaps for the first time. It is not uncommon for students to complain that they have studied for hours and remember nothing, or that they cannot remember what has happened in the novel they are reading. Education psychologists argue that to maintain ‘memory health’, one must eat and sleep well. It is also essential that students approach their reading with a focussed mindset – avoiding music and other distractions, and being determined to learn.
Beyond these strategies, it is recommended that students remember the acronym ‘SING’.
This means:
S – Stop at the end of each chapter or section. Pause and reflect on what has been read
I – Identify the main point of the story or writing
N – Never mind the details and
G – is for Gist. What is the gist of what has been read?
We know also that having to teach someone else makes learning easier, so have your child explain the chapter or section of work they have been reviewing.
School Based Youth Health Nurse
The SBYHN is on campus on Monday and Tuesday and can be found at E Block
Optima Team staff updates
Head of Year
7 - Mr Hayden Jenkins
8 - Mr Andrew Jordan
9 - Mr Cameron Williams
Dean of Students
Year 7-9 Ms Donna Condon
Deputy Principal
Year 7 - Mrs Tammy Burns
Year 8/9 - Mrs Wendy Wise
Study Skills Strategies – practice questions
Students typically engage in study strategies that don't allow for the greatest success and with external exams fast approaching it is important students are ensuring that the learning they engage in lasts. The recent study skills sessions run for Year 11 and 12 students highlighted the three strategies of the retrieval effect, spaced learning, and Chunk and Chew to assist them in retaining information. Additionally it is imperative that students are engaging with practice questions and tests to boost their performance. The practice of trying to remember assists in making the memory stick, which is better for recall than just re-reading information.
These are some sites/companies that have practice questions students can access/purchase to support them in their study:
Past Exam Papers
Click on the relevant subject and then the assessment tab to find last years paper and annotated responses to internal assessment.
This site links out to relevant states and territories that have external exam papers available including NSW and VIC.
Study Notes & Revision Questions for purchase
- ATAR Notes: https://atarnotes.com/product-category/qce-study-guides/qce-units-34/
- Cambridge Education: https://atarnotes.com/product-category/qce-study-guides/qce-units-34/
ATAR notes and Cambridge education are two of many companies with a growing collection of pre-written study notes that include practice questions that students can purchase.
Meningococcal Immunisations for PBC Year 10 students via GC Health
PBC, in conjunction with the Gold Coast Public Health Service, has secured an opportunity for all Year 10 students to take advantage of a free vaccination against meningococcal ACWY. This service will take place at PBC on Monday 16 August 2021 for Year 10 students only. The immunisations are delivered by the Gold Coast Public Health immunisation team.
You should soon be receiving, (or may have already) an email from admin.immunisegc@health.qld.gov.au to the email address you have nominated with the school (please check your junk mail folder). Please complete this form online to ensure your student gains permission to receive this immunisation.
If you haven’t received this email or would like some further information regarding the program you can contact the Gold Coast Public Health’s immunisation team on 1800 940 750 or visit www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au/our-services/immunisation.
PBC will also have some hard copy forms available for collection closer to the immunisation date.
Assessment Calendars
Senior school assessment calendars have been published on the school website under the curriculum tab. This is a useful tool for parents and students in preparing their study timetables. https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/testing-and-assessment
Year 10 and 12 shutdown timetables for the end of term will be published soon. Please note that exams will be scheduled up to and including the last day of school (25 June).
Certificate II in Tourism
Any Year 12 or 11 student wishing to complete this certificate at school during Term 2 and 3 on Wednesdays should see Mr. McDougall or Ms McQueen as soon as possible. This course is free for students that have not used their VETis funding.
As well as improving students employment prospects this course is worth 4 QCE so is highly recommended for students that are currently not on track to achieve the QCE due to poor academic performance.
Year 12 First Aid and Safety qualifications
Congratulations to the 35 Year 12 students that recently completed the above qualification.
First Aid qualifications are a great addition to a student’s resume and obviously can also save lives. This course will also attain an extra 2 QCE points for students.
It is strongly recommended that students complete this qualification especially if they are at risk of failing a subject as the extra QCE points may still enable them to attain the QCE.
The next course is in August. Students can register by contacting Ms Golding in the Library (jgold61@eq.edu.au ). The course cost is $70.
Year 12 External Assessment Timetable
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has published the timetable for 2021 external exams. It is available on the myQCE website:
Term 2 is flying by and there’s been a lot going on.
On Monday mornings a beautiful team of teachers and staff take turns in cooking for our room, providing delicious and nutritious food for the girls to share. A big thank you to all involved! Please keep an eye out for a special invitation from our girls to say thank you!
We have had visits by Kalwun for health checks, and once a week we have Krurungal Community Group doing mentoring sessions with some of the girls.
We have 4 students currently in the NRL School to Work program and are in the process of working with our Year 11 students to sign up for the program next year. Bailee Whitehouse from Year 11 is already signed up for next year, and has just returned from representing the Gold Coast Titans at the 2021 Indigenous Youth Summit in Sydney through her participation in the program.
On Wednesdays the crew from Deadly Choices visit the school, and run programs with our students. This term we have had the Year 9’s participating in the Deadly Choices Good Quick Tukka Program and we have been practicing our cooking skills and learning to make some great healthy meals.
The girls also helped create a video for Care Class to recognise Reconciliation Week. We were also able to take part in Wumgin Karulbo during Reconciliation Week, a day program with the Tallebudgera Outdoor and Environmental Centre in Currumbin Valley working with Indigenous women mentors. Girls from across all year levels took part in painting and craft workshops and spent time at Cougal Cascades. It was a great day.
For those of you who don’t know about our room, the Murri Jarjum Room is a meeting place for our Indigenous girls located in G block. We provide a safe, welcoming and supportive space for the girls, before school and during breaks (and whenever needed).
Naomi Apanui and Kylie Cox
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.
National Sprint Kayak Championships
Daniel Hardwick Year 12 Kayak/Surf League Excellence student attended National Sprint Kayak championships 20-23 May at Adelaide. This was Daniel first year (of two) in the U18 age group. Following this championship Daniel has been selected for the Junior (U18) World Championship Squad 2021. This is Daniel’s third consecutive year of being selected to represent Australia.
Unfortunately due to COVID -19 restrictions impacting on international competition and travel, national teams will disappointingly not be attending international competition in 2021.
This season Daniel has competed :-
- QLD State Sprints Championships - Kawana
- National Sprints Championships - Adelaide
- QLD State SLS Championships - Tugun (individual ski)
Achieving podium results at all three events. Fantastic Daniel!
State School Championships
AFL
It was a win for South Coast at the School Championships with the Girls U15 AFL team winning in Mackay. Ten PBC girls represented South Coast with 5 of them being selected in the QLD State team. The girls selected for the State team are Tara Harrington, Havana Harris, Alannah Welsh, Evie Emmett and Ava Usher. Congratulations to all the REDS for a great result!
Congratulations to all the PBC students that represented South Coast in the AFL Boys U15 finals and won. Three PBC students were then selected to the QLD State Team, Jai Murray, Cooper Hynes and Rory Withers. It was a great day for all these REDS.
Soccer
Huge congratulations to PBC's Jed Thelwall, Tate Baldwin and Oscar Myers who won the U/16 Queensland State School Titles with South Coast as U/15 players. Great effort Reds!
Tennis
Congratulations to Miya Ormes, Sofia Savic and Jack Hart for making the South Coast Tennis Team to compete in the State Championships in August. Good luck guys!! GO REDS
QLD U19 AFL
Congratulations to the PBC Reds ladies, past and present that have been selected to play with the QLD U19 AFL team in the 2021 NAB National U19 Championships against Victoria Country team. https://bit.ly/3yiL31k Named REDS include Imogen Evans and Faith Alchin (alumni) and Casey Wynne and Sally Evans (Year 12).
Last year PBC highlighted the importance of gratitude among our staff and students and in our 'Reds Get Grateful' series Faith Alchin told her story that led to her AFL career and the gratitude she has for PBC AFL Coach Jarrod Wells. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/vCkdWC9TbLE
QLD Long Track Motorcycling Championships
Congratulations to PBC's Anika Loftus who competed in the Qld Long Track Motorcycling Championships at the North Brisbane Junior Motorcycling Club on the first weekend in May. Anika competed in 3 classes classified by motorbike capacity, age and gender. She was undefeated achieving 1st in the 85cc-150cc (11-U16) Girls class. Fantastic!! Photo courtesy of Endorphin Media (not taken from actual event)
Netball Alliance Cup
Congratulations to the Year 7/8 Netball Excellence team who were winners and undefeated in the 2021 Alliance Cup Netball Competition help in April.
Regional Cross Country
Tuesday 1 June. Was another great turn out for PBC at the Regional Cross Country at Runaway Bay. All students performed amazingly. Special congratulations to the following students who qualified to represent South Coast at the State Champs in July: Will Fitzsimmons, Taj Murray, Sienna Bush, Hunter Anderson, Charlotte Hart, Max Chislett, Ethan Gray and Matthew Andrews
Gold Coast 5 Cluster Day 3
Soccer
Another great day out at Coplicks soccer grounds with the year 7 A and B teams. Team A won all 3 whilst team B won 2 and lost 1. The only loss was when we played against the 7A team. A fiercely competitive game finishing 5-3 to the A team.
Drama
The Drama Excellence and Drama Students were treated this Cluster day, to an exciting workshop from acclaimed director and performer, Clint Bolster, from Homunculus Theatre Company. Exploring all things Zanni and Pantalone, the students were treated to 2 workshops on the theatrical forms of Commedia Del Arte and Physical theatre.
The experiences were an incredible success and thanks must be given to Ms. Joubert, Mr Sarasola and Mr McDonald for organising the experiences for our talented students.
Academic Excellence - Integrated Learning
The Year 7 Integrated Learning Class spent Tuesday in the mangroves behind the school carrying out fieldwork. They put into practice skills they have developed this term in reading dichotomous keys and food webs and learnt a lot of new detail about the function and role of mangroves in our local and global ecosystems. They also had great fun getting their hands dirty, playing outdoors, and enjoying the beauty and diversity on our doorstep.
Reds get Grateful
Growing Good Humans
As part of our Growing Good Humans project we have recorded 4 amazing young people’s story as video podcasts. These are raw and honest discussions about the challenges these phenomenal young people have faced very early in their lives. Students will be engaging with these as part of their CARE curriculum this term and will explore concepts like GRATITUDE, Forgiveness and Resilience as they hear each of these stories.
The second of our PODCASTS features Harmony Conrades a recently graduated Year 12 student. https://youtu.be/CuGwO-mY8qU
Student Feedback
This week is very literal from the kids. We wrote down exactly what they said when we asked them to name a staff member they were Grateful for and why:
- Ms Hyatt - Just Cool and Funny
- Mr Poirrier - “He is so cute when he smiles”
- Mr Walsh - Great all round
- Mr Roberts - He asked if I was ok
- Ms Chalmers - “She’s a sick lad”, again this is apparently highly complimentary
- Ms Branton - She works so hard for us
- Ms Christensen - so dedicated!
- Mr Saunders - Really supportive
- Mr Hulme - Legend bloke!
- Mr Pasley - He puts up with me
- Mr Ashenden - “Red or Dead” with a finger snap
- Mr McPherson - Strict, nice but also chill
- Mr Moakes - Great teacher
- Ms Chalmers - Outfits are amazing. Love the matching earrings
- Ms Woodcock - Really nice and a great maths teacher
- Mr Larter - Really handsome from the eyebrows down
- Ms Benigno - Always nice
- Ms Seabrook - Best replacement teacher I’ve ever had.
- Mrs Todd - Lovely lady/teacher
- Mr Kennedy - Always goes the extra mile.
- Ms Haidley - Best teacher ever
- Ms Wahlin - Like….Really bubbly and nice
- Ms Joubert - We love her
- Mr Lane - Great at everything
- Mr Griffin - “You are so funny…more mock trials”
- Ms Ottaway - She is the G (not sure but I’m told also highly complimentary)
- Mr Maas - My favourite teacher
- Ms Kent - Really kind and knows her subject
- Ms TG - Makes English fun (hard to do)
- Mr Hamilton - Legend but says “Tonight” too much
- Ms Kent - Helps with our art and emotions
- Ms Hage - Best teacher always, love her!
- Ms Withington - Kind and helpful
- Tucky Ladies - Best food and best smiles
- Cleaners - Love that they clean our school- undervalued!
PBC is turning 50!
Calling all PBC alumni, past students, teachers, non-teaching staff and parents. If you have had any connection to PBC over the last 50 years please help us create some amazing events to celebrate our 50th birthday in 2022. Please spend a few minutes responding to a survey we have created that will help us in our planning.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HGLGQZD
If you would like to get in contact regarding the planning of these events please email Heidi at news@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au
The Red Pages
The Red Pages is the place to go to find businesses that are part of the Palm Beach Currumbin State High community. PBC families that own local businesses are invited to list their business here so that others in our school community can support you, and the listing is free of charge. Visit our school website to find this page.
Another great business directory is the PBC Alliance Business directory where you will find various special offers from our greatest supporters. Visit www.pbc-alliance.com to check it out.
If you are a PBC parent or alumni and would like to have your business listed here email the contact details, a short description and logo to Heidi Wallace at alliance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.
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
There are a number of options available that allow parents and caregivers to support PBC and raise funds for school projects to benefit our students. There is an option to suit everyone. Thank you for supporting our students and our school.
Water Fountains
Monday 14 June is the last day to support our P&C’s mission to install six, foot-operated, refrigerated, filtered, twin water bottle filling stations around the school over the next school holidays for our 2600+ students.
These hydration stations will save our students $1000s on buying bottled water from the canteen every year, so we are asking you to dig deep to save our environment and help Hydrate the Reds.
Thank you to those that have already contributed! We are currently at $4506 out of our target of $7000 so please help us reach our goal!
A free 12 month Entertainment Book membership valued at $69.99 will go to one lucky donor. The Entertainment Book offers thousands of dollars’ worth of savings on groceries, dining, entertainment, travel and much more.
Please click on the link below to make your tax deductible donation today.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR STUDENTS’ SCHOOLING EXPERIENCE.
https://www.pozible.com/profile/pbc-p-and-c
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
Thousands of 25% off savings and '2 for 1' offers for health and beauty, shopping, activities and yes even florists. Purchase a Membership for yourself, give it as a gift OR share a Membership with your mother across multiple mobile devices.
Click here to purchase: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/14425k9
2021 Chaplaincy Dinner
The Southern Gold Coast Chaplaincy dinner is coming up - June 17 at Currumbin RSL. Tickets are only $30, this includes dinner and entertainment. There are wonderful raffles and your chance to bid on some fantastic auction items.
The guest speaker will be Shiike Vanderwerff, Shiike draws on a vast pool of life experience and a 25-year career in health and well-being, helping people to lead a more fulfilled life.
RSVP to secure your spot as soon as possible.
THANK YOU to all everyone who has attended this night in the past. We are very grateful for your support. Contact our Chappy John Catteral for more info at jcatt32@eq.edu.au
Dates to Remember
11 Jun |
Second-hand Uniform SALE! TTC 7:30am |
15 Jun |
P&C Meeting |
25 Jun |
Last day of Term 2 |
12 Jul |
First day of Term 3 |
14 Jul |
GC5 Cluster Day 4 |
16 Jul |
NAIDOC Assembly |
28 Jul |
Year 7 2022 Information Night |
Click the links below to read the latest from PBC’s Wellbeing Team.
Senior Secondary 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
Junior Secondary Guidance Officer
Attached is the latest article from our Junior Secondary Guidance Officer Anna Willis.
Thrower House Youth Holiday Program
City of Gold Coast News
As part of the Package C Palm Beach to Tugun upgrade project, the area on the north-eastern side of the M1 at Duringan Street, Currumbin, will need to close long-term, including the existing footpath and a section of the Currumbin RSL carpark, to enable upcoming bridge widening works in this location.
To ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists during these works, a minor detour will be in place around the construction area from Sunday night, 30 May 2021. See image.
Detour signage and fencing will be in place to maintain safe access from Duringan Street through to the Currumbin Creek footbridge at all times. Pedestrians and cyclists are reminded to pay extra attention approaching this area and follow all detour signage.
Youth Music Venture
Meet Queensland’s Chief Scientist
Listen to Queensland’s Chief Scientist talk about the importance of science and why we should trust it. Professor Hugh Possingham is the latest interesting and inspiring Queenslander showcased in the Department of Education podcasts. The department produces a range of podcasts which are available online or wherever you get your podcasts.
Have your say on the Australian Curriculum review
Your feedback is invited on the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority’s (ACARA) proposed revisions to the Prep – Year 10 Australian Curriculum. Responses will help ensure the curriculum meets the needs of all students into the future. The consultation is open until Thursday 8 July 2021.
Help stop the spread of colds and flu
Flu is a serious illness for everyone, but particularly for children. It is important to practice good hygiene and have the flu vaccine each year as it can reduce the chance of getting the virus.
Please remind your children to wash their hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow. If your child is unwell, 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.
Spark their Future - How can I make a difference?
The teenage years can be very difficult to navigate for young people
Teens have a lot going on with study, friendships and home life, along with the many changes going on with their brain. If your teen is struggling at school or at home, your support can make all the difference.
Hear from parenting expert, Maggie Dent on how to identify the signs that could indicate your teen needs help and what you can do to support them
The Spark their Future website has a short video on how you can make a difference.
Sustainability and Science Showcase
Want to learn more about sustainability and why it matters? Head to the Queensland Museum for the Sustainability and Science Showcase on Sunday 13 June. Hear from scientists and community sustainability experts, learn about the Discover Queensland citizen science projects, and browse the interactive exhibits. For children, there will be wildlife to meet and science and art workshops. The free community event coincides with the Sustainability Research & Innovation Congress 2021 (SRI2021) being held between 12–15 June.