Optima Assemblies

Year 8 Optima Assembly Gallery

Year 9 Optima Assembly Gallery

Last week we had the pleasure of gathering to celebrate the achievements of our Year 8 and 9 cohorts, in our first OPTIMA Assemblies of the year. These assemblies recognised outstanding application to school during Semester 2 of 2022, as well as academic, sporting, community and cultural achievements. We’d like to further thank all families who were in attendance at these assemblies and to all students another hearty congratulations on your achievements.

Headspace

As part of the Year 7s first 20 days, we have organised to have HEADSPACE deliver their ‘Transitions: Primary to Secondary school’ workshop on the 14 and 15 February. The learning objectives for this workshop are:

• Understanding how transition and change can impact mental health
• How to manage stress from change
• Building resilience and healthy coping skills
• Strengthening connection and belonging

Headspace student workshops aim to increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma and build the capacity of young people to understand their own wellbeing needs, support their peers and explore pathways for help-seeking.

Social Worker

PBC has extended their wellbeing team to now include a Social Worker to support young people and school families. Leigh Haigh is PBCs newly appointed Social Worker and can be found in J block from Monday to Friday. 

What is a social worker’s role, and who is able to access this service? 

A social worker is an accredited allied health practitioner who provides professional information/supports to families, individuals and communities. This support is not limited to but includes; working with the school well-being team, counselling, family functioning, relationships, school engagement/attendance, assistance to navigate welfare system, support to navigate NDIS, referrals, advocacy and linking to external agencies. Any child/young person who is enrolled in a Queensland school is able to access assistance from the social worker including families who are experiencing issues that is impacting upon family function, and the well-being of young people and family members.

Students/families/individuals who are requiring assistance may self-refer by contacting the school on Ph. 07 5525 9333 and then directing your call to Leigh. Alternatively school staff members and external agencies will be able to refer young people via a referral process. Written consent provided by parents/carers/guardians will be will be required to support young people on an ongoing basis.

From Leisa: "Having a passion for working with families and young people in various sectors, I am very excited to be a part of Pam Beach Currumbin High. My professional practice aligns with social work ethics that include respectfulness and social justice whilst following a holistic approach, exploring internal/external factors that may be impacting upon the wellbeing of individuals, communities and families." 

NAPLAN 2023 

In Weeks 8 and 9, Year 7 and Year 9 students will sit NAPLAN. NAPLAN results help our English and Maths teachers to tailor programs that continue to improve students’ literacy and numeracy skills. Teachers have carefully worked with students to prepare them for the test and we look forward to every student making their best effort. NAPLAN is now done online, with adaptive test so that every student can show what they can do, rather than what they can not.  A rehearsal is being held in Week 5, to help create supportive test environment. 

NAPLAN Dates:

• Week 4 - Thur 23 Feb – NAPLAN Rehearsal
• Week 8 – Wed 15 March – Writing Test
• Week 9 – Mon 20 March - Reading
• Week 9 – Tue 21 March - Language Conventions 
• Week 9 – Wed 22 March – Numeracy

Year 9 tests will be held in Period 1 sessions, and Year 7 in Period 3. Students will receive information at school about which room to attend for NAPLAN. All other scheduled lessons will run as usual during these days. Should your child be absent for a test, they will be provided with a catch-up session on Thursday 23 March.

Participation:

We encourage all of Year 7 and Year 9 to be part of NAPLAN, and we make special provisions for the inclusion of students with PLPs. If your child requires adjustments then please contact Jane Bell HOD of Inclusion via email jebel0@eq.edu.au. 

PBC teachers frequently use NAPLAN data to make decisions about differentiation and targeted teaching in the classroom so knowing where each child is currently at in terms of their literacy and numeracy is very important to our planning. A standardised test like NAPLAN is a great tool to help us. The adaptive tests mean that every child can complete their NAPLAN with a sense of accomplishment.

NAPLAN Equipment:

No special equipment is required. Students must bring their charged PBC laptop and a pen or pencil. Students using BYOD will be provided with a device at each test session. 

Preparing for NAPLAN:

Students can not study for NAPLAN. You might support your child to visit the Public Access Site, where they can make sure that they know how to use the online tools and answer different styles of online questions. https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site

Students are best off having a good night’s sleep and a decent breakfast to prepare for each day of the tests.

Concerns?

Contact our team in the Junior Secondary office if you have any further questions.

The senior students have had a fantastic start to the year. It is great to see that classes are now settled and students are in a routine with their teachers. A focus of PBC’s teaching and learning routine this year is opening and closing lessons. Students can assist their teachers in this endeavour by ensuring they arrive to class on time and ready to learn. At the end of the lesson students are asked to wait for the teacher to signal the end of the lesson rather than pack up books and belongings at their own pace. It is well recognised that these first and last five minutes of each learning period are critical to retention of knowledge and it is our hope that together we can see this time used to its fullest potential.  

Senior Study Skills

This year there will be a number of opportunities offered to provide students with appropriate wellbeing and study strategies to support them in their senior schooling. This term we will be running 30-minute study skills sessions on a Monday afternoon from 1:25pm – 1:55pm after classes have concluded for the day. Term 1 sessions will be facilitated by various presenters including the Griffith University student outreach team and PBC staff so will allow the students to gather a range of strategies to suit them.

See below the schedule for this term and please strongly encourage your students to take up this opportunity.

If you have any questions please contact the Senior Study Skills Coordinator, Deb Kerwick dphil107@eq.edu.au.

Holidays in School Time

Parents and students are reminded that the school absence policy can be found here. With an increase in travel now that borders are open we remind families that holidays in school time are not a justified absence. It is of particular importance to note that if a student goes on holiday in school time the school will not provide work or facilitate assessment.

Any absence should continue to be reported to absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Year 10

Year 10 students are reminded that their results in Semester 1 will determine their pathway and subject availability in Years 11 and 12. To study an ATAR pathway students need to be achieving at least a B level in English and Maths. If students wish to study Senior Science subjects they also need to be achieving at least a B level in Year 10 Science, ( Academic Excellence students will have slightly different cut offs).

Year 10s are also reminded that they can commence School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATS) in Year 10. These courses provide students with paid employment and work skills and a Certificate 3 qualification which may provide tertiary options.

The PBC Clontarf boys leaping into our first morning training down at Currumbin Alley. We have started the year off with a full staff turnover but are quickly building some strong positive relationships within our Clontarf Academy.

Student experiences - Percussion Masterclass 

It was such an amazing experience to get such a skilled musician to come in for a percussion masterclass. We got to explore quite an extensive range of topics, from brands and quality of drum kits to how to tune different types of drums. Dave Amphlett was such an inspiring person to be taught by, and the level of knowledge he possessed on the instrument was phenomenal. We were even allowed to have a jam on Dave’s kit! Overall, it was a terrific event and I’m so grateful to have been part of it.

Anjali (Music Ex – Year 9)

7A enjoyed their first high school Science experiment testing whether salt, sugar, flour, jelly crystals, coffee, sand are soluble in water. All students benefit from the excellent resources prepared and managed by the Science faculty to enable hands-on experiences in all Science disciplines.

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.

Skateboarding - Olympic Qualifying

Congratulations to PBC's Chloe Covell who competed at an Olympic qualifier event in Dubai which she made podium again, placing 2nd & bringing home the silver medal for Australia. Now Chloe's world ranking is 2nd in the world for Women’s Street Skateboarding. What a phenomenal achievement!

National Sailing

Congratulations to PBC's Feb (Yr 8) who competed in the Nationals for Sailing (Heron class) in Adelaide over a week in January. They came 4th and, as the first three places were awarded to NSW boats, continue to be the top ranked QLD boat - sailed by Chris and Feb - in their class.

School Photos

PBC's School Photos will be taking place this week and next week. Order forms have been distributed to students, via their Care Class.

Thursday 16 February, Year 7, 8, 11 and 12 students are having their photos taken.

Tuesday 21 Februar, Year 9 and 10 students will have their turn.

Students are to be in their correct blue day uniform for their photos.

Years 11 students that have sports excellence in Period 3 are requested to go to the Theatre either before school or during Lunch 1, to have their photo taken while still in their correct blue uniform.

Photos can be ordered up until Friday 3 March without late fees. Online ordering is preferred however if you wish to pay with cash, an envelope can be collected from student services.

Selective Entry Information Night - Excellence Programs

Homework Club

2023 Immunisation Program

• Year 7 - 28 March (1st) and 24 October (2nd)
• Year 10 - 6 June (1 only)

Please note this program is administered by Queensland Health. Parents/caregivers will receive notifications and permission forms direct from Queensland Health to their registered email address.

School Based Youth Health Nurse

Did you know that PBC has School Based Youth Health Nurses on site?

Students can text their name, DOB and 'PBC' to 0428 683 735 to make an appointment or email to SBYHN@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.

Optima Yearbook on Sale Now!

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

PBC Tennis Courts – Available to hire

Love tennis!

PBC's tennis courts are now open to the public to book. Our new lights make it a great venue for a night game. Local, inexpensive and convenient.

How To:https://play.tennis.com.au/PalmBeachCurrumbinStateHighSchool

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 tonews@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.

Instagram@PBCSHS

Facebook@PalmBeachCurrumbinStateHighand@PBCAlliance

Kinetic - Bus Information

The finance window is now located in D Block. The Payments Window is open on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:00am to 12:00pm.  

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

GC6 Interschool Sport invoices have been emailed to the financial parent (don’t forget to check junkmail). Payment is required by 28 February.

For information on GC6 Sport, permission forms, etc please visit https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/calendar-and-news/news/2023-cluster-days

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 students to achieve their potential. Being a part of the PBC Alliance family, you will contribute to 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 to ensure our area continues to evolve as an inspiring and supportive  community. Click here to find out how you can get involved. 

Thank you!

Thank you to our amazing partners that have already signed on to support our students in 2023!

PLATINUM

Bendigo Bank Tugun Community Bank

Aurora Training Institute

Eoghan Murphy - Kollosche

Find Ya Feet

Gold Coast Titans

Grip Star Socks

SmileStreet Coolangatta

Stone Style

Synergy Fitness

Tweed Sea Sports

GOLD

Belle Property - Rhys Wildermoth

Bond Sport

Capital Pest Management

Prestige Services Training

Southport Sharks

MSP Photography

SILVER

99 Bikes Burleigh

Balloonery Gold Coast

Currumbin RSL

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Harrison & Harrison Financial

Inspiring Brighter Futures

Michael Hart MP, Member for Burleigh

Palm Beach Surf Club

PlayBk

RJ Beaufils & Sons

Trade Glass

BRONZE

Burleigh Bears Rugby League Club

Wasserman - Nash Dawson

City of Gold Coast

Fraser Financial Services

The Butchers Table The Pines

The Good Human Factory

Platinum Realty - Alicia Kropkowski

REDS SUPPORTERS

BOQ Elanora

Fight 4 Youth

VMA Promotional Products

Youth Music Venture

TERTIARY PARTNERS

Bond University

Griffith University

Gold Coast TAFE

Southern Cross University

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.