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- Junior Secondary Update
- Senior Secondary Update
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- Track and Field Carnival 2021
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- Student Achievements
- General News
- PBC Alliance News
- Uniform Shop Update
- PBC Canteen
- Administration
- Community Notices
Optima Assemblies
This week we should have celebrated our End Semester One celebration assemblies however due to the lockdown we will reschedule them as soon as we can. Students from Year 7-9 are recognised for both academic achievements as well as excellent consistency in effort and behaviour during the first half of the year.
Maximising Learning at PBC
At PBC, we encourage all students to achieve their best, whatever their ‘best’ might be. Students working to improve are urged to apply the following techniques across all their subjects:
- Set a goal for each subject
Use the OPTIMA planner in your diary and know what you are aiming for this term
- Know what is required
Understand what your assessment tasks require and the criteria by which you will be assessed. Focus on these in your work.
- Manage your time
Know your due dates and be sure your family knows them too. Break big tasks into smaller tasks, such as researching an assignment, writing a draft or reviewing the notes of a section of a course. Set yourself regular deadlines.
- When you need help, seek it out
There is so much help available in the Middle School at PBC, from individual assistance form the teacher, to Tuesday Tutorials, to peer mentoring. Don’t settle at ‘I don’t get it’ – find help until you do!
- Follow up
Review your notes, write down your questions, do your homework, read around a topic. Such strategies will help improve your factual recall and your understanding
Junior Secondary Rewards
We know that students respond well to positive acknowledgement, not only through major awards but for small successes and actions in the classroom and playground. There have been wonderful opportunities to celebrate success with so many students in Junior Secondary to start this term positively.
A total of 294 letters were sent home to congratulate students who improved their grades, effort, behaviour results from Term 1 to Semester 1 report card. Year 7 - 91 students ; Year 8 – 120; Year 9 – 83 students. This is a fantastic effort on the part of teachers, students and parents/caregivers to see success.
At the end of last term 60 Year 8 students were treated to a pizza lunch by Junior Secondary Administration team for being nominated by their teachers as “just being great kids in class to work with”. This term (Week 5), 60 students from respective year levels in 7 and 9 will have their lunch. 81 Year 7 students and 141 Year 9 students were nominated. All these students also had Optima Postcards sent home.
Acknowledgement of the hundreds of students who “Rise Every Day Stronger” (R.E.D.S) and trying their best, helps to create a positive, productive learning environment.
Planning For Success
These first 3 weeks of Term 3 have been the focus for meeting with students who are struggling in their subjects, whether due to behaviour, effort or attendance concerns. It is valuable to support children to look for ways to improve, so they might reach their OPTIMA goals. Are they on track? If not, what is it that they might do differently in order to achieve their goals?
150 students from Years 7, 8 and 9 either have been in or are currently in discussions with me to plan improvement for their Term 3 report. We have even factored in the reward they’d like to receive when they improve and it’s so heart-warming to see that the majority just want their parents/caregivers to be told.
Assessment Calendars
Parents are reminded that the Assessment Calendar is now published on the PBC website. Students and parents should all make careful note of these important dates.
Read LessWelcome back from our week of lockdown to all Senior students. Please be aware (and patient) that we will continue to adapt to any COVID restrictions as communicated by QLD Health and QLD Education governing bodies. During this time, students and staff will find a reduction in mass gatherings (assemblies, performances, events) and the requirement for all members of the school community to wear masks. Students and parents are encouraged to keep an eye on emails for information regarding end-of-year events as more details come to hand regarding the impact of ongoing restrictions.
Year 10 Subject Selection (SET Plan) Evening + Interviews
As you would be aware our SETP Evening for Year 11 (2022) students was scheduled to take place on 10 August. Given the current COVID-19 restrictions that are in place, the evening will be replaced by a detailed Video Presentation.
This PowerPoint is now live on our website (click here) and outlines:
- The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
- The different types of Senior School subjects
- Potential Senior School Pathways at PBC
- How to finalise your Senior School Pathway at PBC
On our website (click here) you will also find information regarding:
- Senior Subject Information Booklet
- SET Plan Information PowerPoint with voiceover
- SET Plan Information PowerPoint without voiceover
- Instructions for OneSchool Subject Selections (i.e. students will be selecting their subjects online)
- Instruction for booking your SETP interview
*Please note that subject selections will not be finalised until an interview has been conducted with a Senior School Team Mentor.
The scheduled SETP Interviews will still commence in Week 6 as scheduled from 3:30pm-7:30pm. Please note that these interviews will occur via the phone with a Senior School Team Mentor. A Senior School Team Mentor will contact you at your scheduled time and as they will be using their personal phone, their called ID will not be activated.
Students should have received their student's individual SETP (Subject Selection) Form which will indicate their:
- Proposed Year 11-12 pathway
- Subjects eligible to select (based on assigned prerequisites)
- Assigned Senior School Team Mentor
Jason Cross: Acting Deputy Principal - Year 10
Firstly, I would like to introduce myself as the Acting Deputy Principal of Year 10. I have come from Southport SHS after 6 months in an Acting Principal - Senior Secondary role. Prior to this, I have worked at Miami SHS as a Deputy Principal - Senior School for five years. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of each and every student whom I lead. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, addressing the educational needs of each individual.
Compulsory School Age
Please be aware that the compulsory participation phase in education or training starts when a young person stops being of compulsory school age (16 years of age) or completes Year 10. During this phase, a young person must participate in an eligible option if they are not working full-time. An eligible option is provided by learning institutions such as state schools and non-state schools, universities, TAFE institutes or registered training organisations. Students are required to engage in learning when enrolled with an educational institution. At PBC SHS engagement is considered to be:
- Attending all scheduled classes
- Completing all draft and final assessments on or before the due date
- Applying themselves to set tasks to the best of their ability at all times
- Following and abiding by PBC SHS's Code of Student Conduct
The school attendance policy aims to promote a minimum of 92% attendance and punctuality in preparation for future employment pathways.
Year 12
Due to the lockdown last week Year 12 General Maths and Math Methods students will have their third internal assessment on Friday 13 August.
Year 12s will then be sent a cumulative report of their results for Unit 3 and 4 in the week beginning 23 August. This will be the last report that Year 12 students will receive from PBC as final exit level of achievement and results are determined by the QCAA.
The QCAA no longer mails out certificates and results to students at the end of the year. On 18 December they will provide a digital copy of results into each students’ QCAA learning account.
All Year 12 students should by now have logged onto their QCAA learning account in the QCAA student portal. This is accessed via the myQCE website https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/index.html. Please check that your student has completed this. We can see that there are still some students that have not yet registered.
All Year 12 students will have shutdown exams in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term to complete Mock External assessment and Applied subject assessment.
All Year 12 students have been issued with a QTAC booklet to research courses for 2022.
Year 11
Year 11 students are currently completing Unit 2. They will then have their final Unit 2 assessment block at the end of this term. This is a busy time for these students and ensuring your student has appropriate time management skills and is prioritising school work will help students to maximise their results.
VET News
Gold Coast Trades College TRY-A-TRADE
Gold Coast Trades College will be offering a FREE Try-A-Trade experience in term 4, for students in Year 10 or 11 in 2021. This will not use the students VETiS funding. Students can express their interest through the QR code or by seeing Miss McQueen in G Block staffroom
Read LessOn Saturday, three teams of PBC philosophy students competed in the Queensland Philosothon held at the University of Queensland. Our Junior Secondary team won the competition. The Senior teams came equal runner-up to Churchie, missing out on the top prize by half a point! Judges stated both teams were so close that they could not split them, instead, elected to recognise all eight students. The battle between Churchie and PBC continues. And finally, Lily Cronly won the ‘Most Promising Philosopher’ award. An outstanding result due to outstanding students.
Division A (Senior)
Team 1: Tuscanny Barwick, Melanie Dietrich, Chloe Hofrichter, Tayla Miller
Team 2: Liam Comerford, Jake Matsushita, Jude McClay, Talulah Ratcliffe
Division B (Junior): Lily Cronly, Kynan Laird, Jack Pache, Jeriah Ratcliffe
Music Recording
Earlier this term, Working Musicians Program members were given the incredible opportunity to put into practice all they have been learning about sound production and recording artistry. Each WMP member attended an individual recording session with local producer, Dylan Smith and learned how to work, record and perform in a professional studio.
Each artist has come away from their session with a professionally recorded song they will be able to use to help propel themselves forward in their careers as working musicians. Over the course of the back-to-back weekend sessions, these young artists demonstrated professionalism and delivered touching performances of their original work, each one completely unique and authentic. We cannot wait for you to hear. Thank you to CORE Studios for lending their space, Dylan Smith for producing, Eliza Davidson (WMP), Dani McGlynn for helping to supervise the event, and to all WMP students and parents for leaning into this invaluable experience.
Drama Excellence
The Year 9 and 10 Drama Excellence class have been working on The Scene Project. The Scene Project is a great opportunity for students to engage in a newly commissioned text. We have put a 15 minute scene together using physical and ensemble theatre styles.
After reading the play together as a class, the director/teacher Ms Joubert created a new devised script dealing with the play’s major theme, that of anxiety and how one can be trapped by anxiety, depression and worrying thoughts. Through the characters of Frankie and Charlie, the ensemble cast of 28 students creatively tell the characters’ stories through scenes from the original play, as well as using physical theatre and movement motifs with a huge rope to symbolize the suffering caused by one that suffers from anxiety and depression.
We look forward to our day in Brisbane with the Queensland Theatre Company, and performing our piece to them and other schools on the 1 September. We will have a workshop with the company and other students, and we will also see the company perform the entire commissioned word, “We are the mutable”, written by Matthew Whittet.
Cluster Day
Dance Excellence
For the 4th Cluster Day, 60 Dance Excellence students took part in our own version of a So You Think You Can Dance competition. There were 6 groups of 10, all with a mix of students from Year 7-12 and chosen randomly. Each group then chose a Dance Genre out of a hat. Genres chosen were Ballet, Hip Hop, Afro Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. The students were only given 3 lessons to choreograph a dance in their allocated genre, find appropriate costumes and rehearse it in time for the big competition that same afternoon. The pressure was on, but every group did an amazing job to work as a team and create an entertaining dance.
Kelii Grauer from KBOD Fitness was our guest judge. She was so impressed with the calibre of the choreography and couldn’t believe that the students had created 6 amazing dances in such a short time.
But, there could only be one winner…the LYRICAL team won with a beautiful, expressive and very polished dance to a Dermot Kennedy song. Coming in at a close 2nd was the CONTEMPORARY team with a very quirky and innovative take on an underwater theme and the AFRO JAZZ team came in 3rd.
It was wonderful to see the leadership by the senior students, but also how well each group worked as a team under very stressful conditions.
Thank you also to Ms Wahlin for the fabulous trophies!
Drama
During the Week 1 Cluster day, the PBC Drama department invited screen actors Ruby Gonzales Judd (Alumni) and Rainbow Wedell, to engage our students in a film acting master class. The day saw students engage in scene work, two-handers and screen tests. The students performed admirably and a big thanks must be had to Ms. Tara Gonzales-Judd and Ms. Lynette Joubert for offering this exciting experience to our school community.
Music Excellence and Drama Excellence
For our fourth GC5 Cluster day, Music Excellence and Drama Excellence students were fortunate enough to be visited by vocalist and performing arts educator, Kacey Patrick. Some of Kacey’s career highlights include touring Germany and Japan with acclaimed duo stringmansassy, as well as winning an Australian Art Award for ‘Queensland Performance of the Year’ with Linsey Pollak and the ensemble of The Dream of Zedkat Nabu. Her dynamic and intuitive approach to music was well received by our students, taking us through a repertoire of jazz, folk and world music. Students were given some valuable insight into core vocal technique, as well as a crash course into harmony and improvisation. Initially there was some nervousness among non-vocal students, however that quickly dispersed as Kacey orchestrated a high energy call and response African singing circle where students couldn’t help but to let go and immerse themselves in the experience. It could be safely said that by the end of the two-hour workshop as students were belting out The Bee Gee’s ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ in four-part harmony, that students had found their voice.
As we return to school for the new term, we are conscious that our Clontarf families, friends and colleagues in many states are in lockdown after an increase in diagnosed COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks. No doubt this is devastating for those who were starting to return to some sort of normal. This is a timely and stark reminder to remain vigilant and comply with our governing bodies as we continue to live our lives in the midst of this pandemic. Always remember to check in with each other.
Morning Training is an integral part of each and every Clontarf Academy nationwide. Whilst using sport and physical activity as the conduit. We find that the benefits of a morning session help the boys be prepared for a routine they will have to perfect once into the workforce. In Term 3 we will be swapping one morning training for morning study. Taking a proactive approach towards completion of assessment and extra study from 7:30am every Thursday morning. We are very fortunate to be able to work closely with proactive staff who are willing to give up their morning to assist the boys. So far Miss Haidley and Mr Moakes have been legendary in taking time out of their busy schedules to help.
Last the Palm Beach Currumbin Academy hosted our biggest private funding partner in Rio Tinto for an Academy room tour with senior students Ky Meehan and Will James. Special guests in Adam Lees – Chief Advisor Indigenous Affairs, Angela Clive – Senior Manager Indigenous Leadership and Shaniah Satour – Coordinator Indigenous Affairs joined Academy staff to speak about the program along with opportunities to engage with Rio Tinto in Southeast Queensland.
State of Origin’s position is the pinnacle of rugby league and one of the biggest events on the Australian sporting calendar. A special opportunity through State of Origin naming rights and Clontarf Foundation partner AMPOL - Tanu Nona and Oscar Woods were selected to assist in coaching the junior curtain raiser at CBUS Super Stadium for Game 3.
Students were treated to a night a Tee-rific night at TopGolf early in term. Executive Principal Mr Chris Capra aka The Golf-Father put on an exhibition style performance for students and staff. It was fun unFOREgeatable evening targeted at our seniors before they buckle down into their schooling for the remainder of term.
A social TenPin Bowling afternoon was enjoyed by all who attendance at Coolangatta TimeZone. Notable performances by Sean Pearson, Tyrell Appo, Jamar Miller and Kwinn Wolf who all scored over 100 point and should consider a code switch to the lane sport.
Anthony Mitchell,
Clontarf Academy Coordinator
The PBC Mountain Bike team participated in the 2021 Gold Coast School titles on Friday 23 July.
The event was contested by 240 riders from 28 schools and held over three of the more challenging tracks at the Nerang MTB precinct. The PBC team managed third overall in the point score with all riders giving their best throughout the day.
We had several top ten finishes across all age groups in the males and Year 7-8 female divisions. Congratulations to Year 11 student Ethan Gray who was the highlight performance of the PBC team placing first overall in the Premier Open Boy’s Division winning by over 30 seconds, this is an awesome effort considering the division is both Year 11 and 12 combined.
A special mention goes to four of our Year 12 boys, Joshua Butel, Guy Morris, Ethan Quirk and Kellan Murphy who assisted medical staff in the evacuation of an injured rider from the course, two of these boys sacrificed their final run over the course and therefore were not awarded a finish result.
Overall the PBC team had another fantastic day of riding and racing. If you would like to become part of the PBC MTB team for 2022 please come and talk to Mr Brown or Mr Clark in T block we would especially like to increase the female participation.
Our school Track and Field Carnival took place just prior to lock-down, starting with events on Tuesday and running through to the big event day on Friday. It was a great turn out by our students both for the Track and Field competition and also the fun carnival activities.
Fingers crossed our amazing athletes will be able to compete at the district competition in week 6.
Well done to Phoenicians who took the overall win.
Overall House Points:
1st Phoenicians 1747
2nd Spartans 1627
3rd Vikings 1612
4th Athenians 1564
Age Champions:
12 Boys: Bobby Kennealy Flegler (Spartans)
12 Girls: Olivia Dixon (Vikings)
13 Boys: Zeke Zimmerle (Athenians)
13 Girls: Sienna Clare (Vikings)
14 Boys: Baeden Black (Vikings)
14 Girls: Dannielle (Phoenicians)
15 Boys: Hudson Kerr (Phoenicians)
15 Girls: Charlotte Hart (Vikings)
16 Boys: Isaac Dixon (Vikings)
16 Girls: Lily McClure (Athenians)
Open Boys: Elijah Dixon (Vikings)
Open Girls: Maxine Goodwill (Spartan)
Also well done to Ethan Gray, Hunter Anderson, Sienna Bush and Charlotte Hart who competed in the State Cross Country and all qualified to represent QLD at the National Cross Country in Adelaide later this month. Ethan and Sienna both came second in their age groups. Good luck to them, if it goes ahead.
Click the links below to hear the latest from PBC’s Wellbeing Team.
Junior Secondary Guidance Officer
Attached is the latest article from our Junior Secondary Guidance Officer Anna Willis.
Senior Secondary Guidance Officer
Read the attached article for the latest information targeted to senior students full of careers information.
https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/guidance-officer
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.
State Netball Championships
Congratulations to the following Senior Netball students, who have been selected in representative squads to participate in the upcoming Netball State Championships.
U16 - Ocean Karekare (Year 10) – Ipswich Jets
U16 - Emily Remington (Year 10) – Bond Bull Sharks
U18 - Abby Boland (Year 11) – Bond Bull Sharks
U18 - Lucy Garufi (Year 12) – Bond Bull Sharks
U18 - Dakota Newson (Year 11) – QUT
QLD Basketball
Congratulations to PBC’s James Burdett for making the Basketball Queensland Future Development Program!
South Coast Rugby Union
Congratulations to PBC’s Blaze Moana (Year 9), Lachlan Smith (Year 9), Ryan Wildman (Year 10) and Callum Simpson (Year 10) representing U15 South Coast Rugby Union team.
Community Spirit
Emilia Pountney Year 7 has been involved in several initiatives to raise money for Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Most recently Emilia is working with Molly Wright – the youngest person to present a TED talk at aged seven, and 40 other Gold Coast children in a variety of challenges and events across the coast to raise money. With a target of $10,000, if the group reach that goal, Mindaroo will kindly match this, dollar for dollar.
Be sure to support this great cause by donating to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mollyswarriors. Donations contribute to helping wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, giving them a fighting chance of survival so that can be released into the wild.
Every little helps – the average cost to rescue, treat and rehabilitate a koala is $7000.
PBC Restaurant Nights
PBC's Restaurant Nights - Hospitality Dinner is coming up! Come along and enjoy a delicious meal prepared and served by our amazing senior hospitality students under the supervision of our incredible hospitality teachers.
A 3 course dinner plus canapes and a drink on arrival for $45 per person is great value. Drinks are available to purchase on the night. This annual event is very popular and never fails to impress. Be sure to book your table at this year's Restaurant Nights being held on Wednesday 1 September and Thursday 2 September. There are 3 seating times offered: 6:00pm, 6:15pm and 6:30pm.
To book your tickets please email Tracey Maher with your preferred date and time on tjame60@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
Dates to Remember
With the current COVID restrictions all upcoming dates are being re-assessed.
Partner Shout out!
Shout out to the Bendigo Bank, Tugun Community Branch for continuing to partner with PBC and support our students. Not only does the Tugun Community Branch sponsor the PBC school bus, they have also contributed to the sponsorship of our Sustainability Shed allowing students to house all the recycling equipment for our eco projects as well as sponsoring the latest BOSS Challenge for Year 9 Economics and Business students. Thank you Bendigo Bank! You are incredible.
If you would like to contact the Bendigo Bank, be sure to speak to Allan Merlehan, Bank Manager on 5559 5700. The Bendigo Bank is located at 482 Golden Four Drive, Tugun. Email tugunmailbox@bendigobank.com.au or visit www.bendigobank.com.au/tugun.
Smile Street Dental at Coolangatta have supported many PBC Sport Excellence families with the provision of FREE professionally fitted mouthguards this year ensuring our Reds are able to come off the footy field with their great smiles in tact!
Thank you Smile Street Dental for being such great supporters. Currently Smile Street are giving a Car away! Book an appointment for after lock-down, for your chance to win a brand new MG3 Excite. https://smilestreet.com.au/car-giveaway/ Terms & Conditions Apply. Call (07) 5391 1319 to make an appointment for you and your family today.
John Treloar from Razor Edge Sharpening is a wonderful, long time supporter of PBC students, our hospitality program and the PBC Alliance regularly donating vouchers as lucky door prizes at our business breakfasts. Get in contact with John if you are keen to get your knives properly sharpened! Thanks for supporting our students! John - 0429 472 942 or email to sharpen@razoredge.com.au.
PBC Alliance Business Directory
PIC
If you are looking to support our local businesses and local community, especially during these tough COVID times, 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
https://www.pbc-alliance.com/business-directory.html
Thank you to our 2021 Partners
- helping support PBC students to achieve their potential.
Bendigo Bank Tugun Community Bank Branch
Esportif Management (Nash Dawson)
Burleigh Bears Rugby League Club
Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce
If you are interested in learning more about the PBC Alliance visit our website! www.pbc-alliance.com
Please note that the Uniform Shop is closed during any lockdown. Uniforms can be ordered via Flexischools App.
Class Clowns Artwork Competition
HE SEARCH IS ON FOR AUSTRALIA’S SKETCH-IEST TEEN!
Class Clowns is Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s national development program for teens. A competition, workshop and mentoring program, Class Clowns plays a valuable role in supporting the confidence and creativity of young Australians – a channel for self-expression, a platform for amplifying the voices and perspectives of young people, and a pathway for developing emerging Australian talent.
Each year hundreds of secondary school students from Years 9-12 participate in Class Clowns across the country – discovering and refining their skills in writing and performing comedy and taking it outside the classroom to a wider audience.
Watch previous Class Clowns alumni on the Class Clowns YouTube channel.
We’re looking for a new creative artwork (icon, illustration, image) to be the face of Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns Program – and inviting year 7-12 students (or 12-18 years olds) across Australia to submit their best illustration, design or creative artwork.
Entry is free, now open and submissions can be here by midnight AEST Tuesday 7 September 2021.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/classclowns/2021/artwork-competition