Welcome back for 2023.

This past week we welcomed 460 Year 7 students to Junior Secondary plus an additional 56 new Year 8 and 9 students. We 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 A Block (Main Administration) are:

• Tammy Burns - Deputy Principal Year 7
• Julia Hoy – Deputy Principal Year 8
• Wendy Wise - Deputy Principal Year 9
• Cameron Williams – HOD Student Engagement Year 7 - 9
• Kate Patterson and Emma Norton – Heads of Year 7
• Nick Hiron - Head of Year 8
• Stacey Hooper – Head of Year 9
• Anna Willis – Guidance Officer (on leave until Week 6)
• Tegan Willmott– Junior Secondary Student Services
• Yvette Whittaker – DP Support Year 7 and Whole School IP Support
• Lyn Bortolin – DP Support Year 8 & 9 and Junior Secondary Office Support
• Natasha Eenhoorn – Executive Support to Junior Secondary Principal 

Contacts can be found on the school website https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/our-school/contact-us/staff-contact-list

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.  

Year 7 Parent Information Evening

Year 7 Parents please look out for your emailed invitation to our Year 7 Parent Information Night on 1 February. The night will include some introductions across two alternating 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. Parents attending should bring their student's timetable. You will be greeted at the main entrance and directed to your first venue as this will vary depending on your child’s class.  Please refer to the map and schedule with the emailed invitation.

Assessment Calendar

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.  

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:

1. TEXT MESSAGE – (0426305728) – provide student name, year level date and reason for absence e.g. Sick

If texting is not possible, you can:

2. EMAIL – absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au – provide student name, date and reason for absence

If the school has not been notified of your student's absence by 9:00am, you will receive a text message from 0426 305 728 by 10:00am. If you receive a text message, you can reply to the message, providing your student's name, year level and reason for absence.

Absence of 3 or more days

If a student is likely to be absent for more than three days, parents/caregivers 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, any evidence supporting the absence, e.g., medical certificate, should also be forwarded.

Approving Absences

Please note that the school will determine whether an absence can be approved based on the Department of Education guidelines. Examples of acceptable and unacceptable absences can be seen below:

Acceptable reasons for absences:

• Serious illness or medical conditions (the majority of these conditions should be accompanied by a medical certificate)
• Representative activities including sport, academic and cultural
• Serious family emergencies (these should be rare)
• Sorry Business 

Unacceptable reasons for absences:

• Holidays outside school holiday periods
• Non-essential activities (e.g., driving lessons, non-school functions during the school day)
• Medical appointments that can be scheduled outside of school hours

In the instance that a student has acceptable reasons for an extended absence (of 3 days or more) a member of staff will contact the family to make appropriate arrangements for their continued engagement with school or an exemption.

In the instance that a student has an unacceptable reason for their absence the school will not provide work or facilitate assessment. Parents and students should not contact teachers requesting work for students where the absence is for an unacceptable reason, such as holidays. Upon return from such an absence the school will determine whether it is appropriate that the student be awarded N’s on their report or be asked to sit missed assessment pieces

Partial Day Absences

Late Arrivals

• Any student that arrives after 9:00am must present to the Junior Secondary Student Services (A block) with a note, signed by the parent/caregiver, including the reason for lateness. This may be approved by a Head of Year. 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.
• Heads of Year 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/caregiver and presented to the Junior Secondary 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 Head of Year and should then be collected prior to signing out of school at the Junior Secondary 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 Secondary 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.
• Heads of Year 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 Secondary Student Services Office and sign in. Administration Officers or Heads of Year may contact home to query the validity/frequency of appointments during school hours. 

Student Mobile Phones Reminder

Junior Secondary Student Mobile phones are to be switched off and out of sight. This includes before school, during lunch time and canteen area and after school whilst on school grounds.

Welcome to all of our students back to a new year, with a special welcome to the Year 10 cohort joining Senior Secondary and to our wonderful Year 12's who embark on their final year as the Class of 2023. It has been particularly enjoyable to commence school without any restrictions or delays in learning for our students, for what seems like the first time in many years. 

As students settle into new spaces, classrooms and teaching staff we have reminded students again of our OPTIMA Code - the base set of values that underpin everything we do at PBC - Being Safe, Being Respectful and Being A Learner. Students are well-versed in these values that help all of us, staff included, in working to become the best versions of ourselves everyday. It has been a pleasure to see senior students settle well into new environments and adapt to the rigours that a new year level always introduces. Our complete set of guidelines and policies that support our community, including Uniform Policies and Student Code of Conduct are available to access on the PBC website. 

Parents are reminded that all student notes for late entry, uniform, absences and early sign-outs are to be taken to the Y Block Senior Secondary Office before 9:00am each morning prior to CARE. 

Good luck to all parents, families and students in 2023, we look forward to working with every student as they become valued members of our Senior School. 

Y Block - Senior Secondary Office Support

All students and parents/caregivers are encouraged to engage with the raft of supports we have available through Y Block - our Senior Secondary Office. Our supports include: 

• Administration & Reception - Mandy Porter & Sue Ashby
• Heads of Year - Jarrod Wells (10), Krista I'Anson (11) and Ryan Jesser (12)
• Guidance Officer - Steve Jones
• Pathways Centre - Sonia Shreeve
• Inclusion Coordinator - Jake McManus
• Link & Launch - Year 12 Pathways - Elaine Braniff
• HOD Student Engagement - Brad Dixon
• HOD Senior Schooling - Mick McDougall
• Study Skills Coordinator - Deb Kerwick
• Deputy Principals - Peter Hughes (10), Loren Skyring (10) and Mitch Kennedy (11/12)
• Principal Senior Secondary- Alyce Bradford

Year 12 Growing Good Humans Program

Year 12 Parents/Caregivers & Students have received information regarding our first Growing Good Humans event of the Year. Tuesday 7 February (Week 3) will see Year 12 classes cancelled to accommodate our flagship wellbeing program.

This year we are fortunate enough to have our Seniors engage with Tommy Herschell (Find Your Feet), Paul Bullpitt & Anna Wyatt (Growing Good Women), our Youth Health Nurses delivering relationship and sexual consent sessions and Peter & Melissa McGuiness from YouChoose regarding driving awareness. 

Our Year 12's have engaged with Growing Good Humans their entire senior schooling and we look forward to a day that will set their final year up positively. Attendance remains compulsory despite the cancellation of classes.

VET News

Students are asked to please see Mr Poirrier in G Block Staffroom if they are interested in any of the VET certificate courses and opportunities mentioned below.  

Year 12 Students - courses commencing in Term 1 2023

Gold Coast Trades College has a number of Term 1 openings for Year 12 students who have not yet used their VETis funding. There are spots remaining in the following courses:

• Certificate I Construction 
• Certificate II Electrotechnology 
• Certificate II Automotive 

Students who enrol in a VET certificate course with GCTC attend their training facility in Currumbin one school day per week. Students undertake external VET courses in addition to their timetabled senior subjects.  

See Mr Poirrier in G Block staffroom for more information. 

Year 11 Diploma of Business Half Scholarship

Prestige Services Training has graciously donated one half scholarship for the Diploma of Business delivered @ PBC. Interested Year 11 Diploma of Business students should see Mr Poirrier in G Block Staffroom by Tuesday Week 3 (7 Feb) for instructions on How to Apply. Applications due Tuesday Week 5 (21 Feb).

Does your child experience periods of stress and/or anxiety? Do you have the knowledge and tools to support them?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It is a normal and often healthy emotion, but it can become overwhelming in some individuals in some circumstances. Anxiety disorders, a group of mental illnesses, are the most common mental health disorders worldwide. There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of anxiety. Some common physical symptoms include: 

• Racing heart or palpitations
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Sweating or trembling
• Headaches or muscle tension
• Fatigue or difficulty sleeping 

Some common emotional and psychological symptoms include:

• Constant worry or fear
• Feeling on edge or irritable
• Difficulty concentrating
• Avoiding certain situations or activities
• Feeling like you're in danger, even when you're not
• Feeling like you're going crazy or losing control 

Palm Beach Currumbin State High takes student wellbeing seriously and implements a range of education and support programs. Some of these programs are provided broadly to all students (eg. CARE) whereas some are targeted at individuals who have been referred due to higher levels of need (eg. psychologist). 

A PBC student survey across three years indicates that the proportion of junior students who report feeling often or always anxious has remained stable (31% in 2020 to 33% in 2022). In contrast, senior students reporting feeling often or always anxious has increased from 37% in 2020 to 49% in 2022. While this is based on student perception and does not indicate rates of anxiety disorder, it follows a trend being experienced worldwide of an increase in anxiety particularly in young people in a post-Covid era.* 

When asked who students at PBC will seek help from regarding anxiety the top three responses are consistently friends, parents and nobody. For those that select nobody, they identify they did not want to burden their friends or family or just thought the condition would improve. However when considered with the increase in reporting feelings of anxiety in senior school, this suggests that the preferred approach is not providing the support required. This data also identifies that despite the range of education, support and intervention strategies implemented by Palm Beach Currumbin State High that senior students are increasingly feeling anxious and if they seek help they are turning to those they trust over those who have the knowledge. 

Beginning Monday 27 February, Year 12 Health will be implementing the "Rise Every Day Mentally Stronger" program. Details of opportunity to learn more about recognising and supporting anxiety and anxiousness will be provided on the PBC facebook page. A key focus will be providing parents with information to support their children through any periods of anxiousness or anxiety, recognising the importance of the parent-child relationship as a support system. A parent information evening will be one such event, as well as a range of in school events for student attendance. 

* https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide 

Science Club

Science Club for 2023 will start week 3 this term. If you like science and want to have a bit of fun, then why not come along to science club. Science club is very hands-on, with a student-centred approach. Science club regulars are also offered further opportunities to participate in other extra-curricular science activities. This term’s topic is ‘Know your heart’, where students will investigate the workings of the circulatory system, including a heart dissection. Each week there are lucky door prizes, which includes a tuckshop voucher and a pick from the prize box. Get an ‘admit one’ from your science teacher for a bonus entry ticket to increase your chances of a prize. 

Science Club

Lunch 1, O1 lab

Bring your lunch

All year levels welcome

Listen out to student notices for your weekly reminder.

Please email your student’s excellent achievements to us. We love celebrating students achieving in the Arts, sports, academics or community service. We would love to hear from you! Please email us at news@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au or you can message us through Instagram or Facebook with details of your student’s achievement and include at least one photo, and/or any links to media articles that we can share.

Australia Day Sporting Achievement Awards

PBC student and skateboarder Chloe Covell received the Tweed Shire Australia Day Sporting Achievement Award last week!

Chloe also eyeing a spot in Australia’s Paris 2024 Olympic team! Chloe was featured in Sunday's Bulletin. 'In just six years after stepping foot on her first board, Chloe Covell has emerged as one of Australia’s best skateboarding talents on a worldwide qualification journey that could lead her to the Paris 2024 Games.'

We are very excited to watch as Chloe continues to reach her goals in skateboarding and hopefully securing that spot on the Olympic team! Good luck Chloe! Find your copy of yesterday's paper to read or click the link to the digital article here.

State Indigenous School Girls Netball

Three of our PBC Murri Jarjum girls played in the State Indigenous School Girls Netball comp over the school holidays. Congratulations to Millah & Taharnee’s Team placing 8th overall Champions and Milla’s Team came in undefeated ranked 1st in Australia! Millah and Milla will be representing the Indigenous Budgies National Team in Western Australia in July 2023. Congratulations Jarjums we are very proud of you all!!!!!!

Cert II Sampling & Measurement

While most students were enjoying their last full week of summer holidays, a group of keen Year 11 students chose to bank some QCE points in Science by coming into school to complete their Cert II in Sampling & Measurement. The Course was provided by Leichhardt Education & Training. Well done to all the students that graduated with their Cert II. Thank you to Leichhardt Education & Training.

Australian Junior Sedan Titles - Motor Racing

Congratulations to PBC's Harry Fowler (Y11) who has recently travelled to Mount Gambier in South Australia to compete in the 2023 Australian Junior Sedan Title. 79 junior drivers competed in the event and Harry placed well in his heats. Night 1 - Heat 1 - P8, Heat 2 - P2, Heat 3 - P3. Night 2 - Heat 1 - P3. Despite performing well Harry did not gain automatic qualification into the A Main Australian Title missing out by 2 spots. This meant Harry had to race in the 15 lap B Main with 22 drivers where only the top 3 would progress through to the A Main. Harry started out of P3 and had a fantastic battle for 1st, 2nd and 3rd eventually placing 3rd in the B main. Harry would progress to the A Main Australian Title race. Harry had 15 mins to turn around and grid up for the 25 lap A Main Title race in 21st position. With mechanical failures Harry’s wheel and suspension failed while lining up to go out onto the track and Harry’s pit crew had to call for 2 minutes extra time to fix the problem and made it out onto the track with 30 seconds to spare before they closed the gates. Harry started out of position 21 and came home in 11th positron. Harry is now the current AUS 11 for Junior sedan racing. What an amazing effort Harry!

National Tae Kwon Do

Congratulations to PBC's Emilia who has qualified as the youngest First Degree Black Belt at National Tae Kwon Do at the age of 13! Emilia is now an Instructor of her own Tae Kwon Do classes for both kids and adults. Great job Emilia for achieving such accomplishments at such a young age.

QLD State Swimming Titles

• Julia (15yrs): 200m Breaststroke - Gold, 400m Individual Medley - Silver, 200m Individual Medley - Bronze, 100m Breaststroke- 5th place, 50m Breaststroke- 5th place and 200m Backstroke - 12th placed
• Tilly (14yrs): 200m Backstroke Silver (PB), 100m Backstroke (PB) Bronze, 200m Freestyle Club Relay Bronze, 200m Medley Club Relay Silver, 200m Freestyle GC Regional Relay Silver, 200m Medley GC Regional Relay Silver, 50m Backstroke 12th and 50m Freestyle 15th
• William (12yrs): 50m Breaststroke - 12th and 100m Breaststroke - 12th

USA Sports Scholarship

Congratulations to PBC 2022 Graduate Ethan Gray who has accepted a full Academic/Athletic scholarship to Saint Mary’s University of California, a Division 1 college in Moraga, America. Ethan has worked incredibly hard over the years and his consistent dedication as an athlete has provided Ethan the opportunity to continue his academic and athletic career in the USA. What a fantastic achievement! We wish you the best of luck Ethan.

2022 Motorcycling Queensland Junior State Titles

Congratulations to PBC's Anika Loftus who was awarded the 2022 Motorcycling Queensland Junior State Female Rider of the Year at the MQ Night of Champions awards evening. Anika was unable to attend the awards evening as she was one of a limited number of riders selected by Motorcycling Australia to attend the Federation of International Motorcycling Speedway Training Camp in South Australia. What an incredible achievement Anika!

Valentine's Day - Rose sales

Valentines_poster.pdf

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Selective Entry @ PBC - Excellence Programs Information Night

Do you have a student, or know of anyone with a student entering Year 7 in 2024 and looking for a fantastic program of excellence in academia, creative arts or sports?

Palm Beach Currumbin State High is of one of the State's leading high schools with a proud record of academic, artistic and sporting achievement. Our Excellence Programs play an integral role in this success and are designed to nurture and challenge gifted, creative and talented students. We have the passion, the product and the expertise to nurture your young person to become their best self and reach their potential.

Interested students and parents are encouraged to come along to our Information night that will explain the various programs and the selective entry process. The information night will be held in our school hall on Wednesday 22 February at 6pm.

Encourage your child to be part of something great and become a RED!

Please RSVP to excellenceprograms@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au 

  

Class Clowns

The 2023 Class Clowns competition is coming up for any students aged 14 and up, that are interested in participating. It’s on 15 March at 4:30pm at HOTA but spaces are limited. All details are in this link: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/classclowns/ Contact Ms Hull for more information ebhul0@eq.edu.au!

  

SCHOOL PHOTOS

PBC's School Photos will be taking place in Week 4 and Week 5 of Term 1. Order forms will be distributed to students this week, via their Care Class. Please be on the look out for these order forms so you can place your order online.

  

  

ABSTUDY

ABSTUDY can help support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through study and training after high school.

Youth Information

The below link is an amazing tool for our youth that allows instant access to many youth contacts. Pass this website link onto your students, they can open it on their smart device then save to their homescreen for instant access, anytime.

https://taplink.cc/help.contacts 

Optima 2022 Yearbook - On SALE!

The 2022 Optima Yearbook

is available to purchase! Purchase yours today for just $30 from the Uniform Shop and Finance Window. The 2022 Optima is packed full of fun and colourful content! Messages from key staff, student leaders and house leaders. Photos, photos, photos and more photos of as many students as we could fit in. Enjoy stories from all departments and major events. Excellence Program reports, major events highlights, Champion House news and a Farewell to Year 12 gallery, memories and messages. There is also a PBC 50th Birthday celebration section highlighting all the fun celebrating PBC's 50th Anniversary. The magazine covers all faculties, all year levels and all programs. DON'T MISS OUT!! Stock is available until sold out.

International Homestay Families Needed

District Trials/Nominations coming up in Week 1 and 2 

• 19 B Cricket (nomination only)
• 19 G Softball (nomination only)
• 18 Baseball (nomination only)
• 12 BG / 19BG Cricket (Trial)
• 19 BG Waterpolo (nomination only) 

Nomination only – means that Mrs Hart will have to nominate to District Manager and they will then select a team.

Trial – a Trial will take place, Mrs Hart/SPX coaches have to nominate students to attend Trial 

All students trialling for a Representative teams will have to show evidence of training and competing in that sport outside school to be nominated by their SPX coach or directly through Mrs Hart (if no SPX) 

Please see Mrs Hart (School Sport Co-ordinator) – S block staffroom for information on trials and nominations or email ajhar1@eq.edu.au

GC6 CLUSTER DAY – DATES 2023

GC6 Round 1 – Wednesday 1 March (Term 1, Week 6)

GC6 Round 2 - Wednesday 26 April  (Term 2, Week 2)

GC6 Round 3 - Wednesday 31 May  (Term 2, Week 7)

GC6 Round 4 - Wednesday 19 July  (Term 3, Week 2)

GC6 Round 5 - Wednesday 2 August  (Term 3, Week 4) 

GC6 wet weather back up - Wednesday 16 August  (Term 3, Week 6)

Any questions regarding Sport Choices for 2023 should be directed to the School Sport Coordinator – Mrs Hart (S block Staffroom)

Summary of Activities: See our website for details

Senior Secondary Guidance Officer – Steve Jones

PBC Canteen Menu

Exciting 2023 News! The finance window has relocated to D Block. We will be open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:00am to 12:00pm.  

Year 7, 2023 invoices have now been issued (Please check your Junk mail if not received) 

GC6 Sport and classes are being finalised and invoices will be generated shortly. 

To arrange a 2023 payment plan or to discuss payment options please email finance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au or visit our website  https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/payments. We are currently responding to a high amount of enquiries, therefore our response maybe delayed. We are sorry for the inconvenience and will respond as soon as possible. 

QPARENTS 

What is QParents? QParents is a user-friendly portal accessible via app or web browser, providing parents with secure online access to information about their child’s schooling. You can access information about:

• attendance details
• timetables and upcoming events
• report cards and assessments
• invoices and payment history.

 Download QParents https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/login   

Saver Plus 

The PBC Alliance is a school initiative, offering local businesses, individuals and past students the opportunity to help PBC support current students to achieve their potential. Being a part of the PBC Alliance family, you will help build a positive and community-focused local network of businesses, alumni and community-minded parents and individuals. 

We are seeking support and engagement in 2023 from local businesses and parents and alumni to ensure the Palm Beach Currumbin area continues to evolve as an inspiring and supportive world class community.

The PBC Alliance is committed to:

• Enriching curriculum through local business support
• Attracting traineeships and apprenticeships opportunities for PBC students 
• Capturing additional financial, physical and human resources, products and services to enhance student activities and experiences.
• ​Creating opportunities for local business promotion and networking

We are inviting you to be a part of the PBC Alliance to keep in-touch with other like-minded people and our school, promoting our collective pride of belonging in our community. 
​
Click here to find out how you can get involved. 

PBC Alliance Business Directory – support our local businesses

PBC Alliance Business Directory

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 of our Partners and Member businesses are listed in this directory and are looking to help you whereever they can. All are supporters of our students and local so please support those that support PBC. https://www.pbc-alliance.com/business-directory.htmlWould 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.

Tom Atkin Hall Cultural Program 

We invite you to visit the new Tom Atkin Hall website and to join us for the Cultural Program Launch Party! 

Cultural Program Launch Party 
With the MunsterBucks | Jack O'Leary & Friends
SATURDAY 4 FEB, 2023
7pm | Doors 6pm

$20 General Admission / $15 Concession / $10 YOUTH (15yrs&under)
Desserts, Cakes, Tea & Coffee to purchase at the venue
BYO alcohol ($2 corkage p/p applies) 

BUY TICKETS: https://www.tomatkinhall.com.au/buytickets/p/feb-4-munsterbucks

TOM ATKIN HALL | 433 Golden Four Drive | Tugun Q 4224
e. tomatkinhall@gmail.com
www.tomatkinhall.com.au