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From the Executive Principal,
I wish to inform our community that Chris Capra will be returning to his position as Executive Principal on July 8, the start of Term 3. I have been in contact with Chris and he is very excited to be returning to the position and school that he has great passion for. I have been here since August last year, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time and thank everyone for the support given. Our recent school review provided strong guidance on how to continue and build on the excellent outcomes the school achieves across a wide range of areas.
In my last article I gave tips on post Parent Teacher Interview actions. Leading into exams, consider these. You will notice once again the importance of an area to study and that good sleep is important. To get sufficient sleep you need a study schedule so “night before cramming” which isn’t effective is also not required:
- Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times for studying each subject. Stick to the schedule to develop a routine.
- Find a Productive Study Environment: Choose a quiet, well-lit place free from distractions like TV.
- Have Necessary Supplies: Keep all necessary study materials (books, notes, pens, etc.) within reach to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
- Summarise and Paraphrase: Write summaries of what you’ve learned in your own words to reinforce understanding.
- Practice Good Time Management: Focus on the most important or difficult subjects first when your energy levels are higher.
- Get Enough Sleep: Ensure you get 8-10 hours of sleep per night, as rest is crucial for memory consolidation and overall cognitive function.
Best wishes,
Chris Kern
Executive Principal
CRICOS Provider Name: The Queensland Department of Education trading as Education Queensland International (EQI) CRICOS Provider Number 00608A
Junior Secondary News:
Feedback
I am really encouraged by the work that I am seeing occurring in classrooms and the level of specific feedback that students are receiving from their teachers to improve their work. This feedback and responding to it is a vital step in any individual task.
Please encourage your young person to read any feedback on drafts or to consider feedback from any pre-tests very carefully and ask them if they understand what the teacher is telling them about their attempts.
The other challenging step for middle schoolers 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. Assessment due dates are published in our assessment calendars on the school's website.
It was wonderful to see so many Junior secondary parents meeting with teachers across our parent teacher interview evenings. These nights are a great way to connect with your child's class teacher about their progress. If you have missed this opportunity then please feel free to email teachers for further informal commentary about how your child is progressing.
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.
Week 10 new units will commence and elective course changes for Semester 2
Week 10 will be a normal school week and as such we ask families to plan for their child to be in attendance as classes will be starting new work. The only exceptions to this will be Semester long subjects in Year 7 and 8 – HPE, Spanish, The Arts and Technology. For Year 9's both elective courses will be finishing and students will start Semester 2 in their other two elective classes. In addition, HPE and Humanities changes over for next semester.
Work Experience
All Year 9 students will be participating in Work Experience during Term 3 – Week 10. There will be no regular lessons for students during this time.
This experience may enable students to participate in Work Experience as an opportunity to trial for a school Based Certificate III Traineeship in Year 10 or 11.
Work Experience Placements for School Student forms requires a student and parent signature. When a willing employer is found they must complete and sign the Work Experience Placement for School Students form and the Risk Assessment form.
If any student has not received a Parent and Caregiver information form and a Work Experience information form, please see Ms Willmott in A Block - Student Services.
The completed forms are to be returned to A Block Junior Secondary Student Services office by the end of Week 10 Term 2 (21 June 2024).
Year 7 Camp Update
Around one quarter of our Year 7 cohort headed off to Noosa Northshore for camp. There was great feedback about the venue, the food and how amazing the students were representing themselves and the school. It’s the first time we have attended this venue and we are sure to be back.
Spanish Champions: Conquering the Language Realm!
Our Spanish students demonstrated their skills on the language battlefield, conquering competitions left and right! At the Education Perfect Languages Championship for 2024, PBC claimed victory in Queensland, securing the top spot in the 1-50 students category!
We also achieved:
- 9 bronze awards (Top 20% of competitors from around the world)
- 17 credit awards (Top 10% of competitors from around the world)
- 10th for Spanish overall in Australia (out of 678 schools)
- 3rd for Spanish overall in Queensland (out of 192 schools)
A massive round of applause to all students who competed, with a special mention to our students who achieved a bronze award:
Angelina Key (our top-performing student!), Marina Malthus, Grace Cybulski, Chase Rangeley, Feb Browne, Sophie Paull, Sereia Sheining-Cruz, Steph Mentink and Alfie Gill.
In addition, well done to the following students who achieved a credit award:
Tahlia Simpson, Harper Palmer, Khiani Atkinson, Abbie O’Connell, Skylar Cox, Hilja Asp, Thomas Mona, Harper Hughes, Ella Garlinge, Levi Harris, Emily Ferris, Hayden Williams, Ashana Forrest, Karoline Indresæter, Trisuli Boxer, Theodore Dukworth and Jordyn Durrington.
Our students answered over 45,000 questions during the competition, helping us to achieve some of our best results to date. Well done to all those who participated! ¡Felicitaciones! (Congratulations!)
The Spanish Language Team
Year 10 Legal Studies Excursion to Supreme and District Courts in Brisbane
Year 10 Legal Studies students recently had the opportunity to visit the Supreme and District Courts in Brisbane. After an introduction from court staff, including an opportunity to enter an empty court room and sit on all the chairs (including the judge’s and accused’s), students we able to view a variety of real cases from inside District and Supreme Courts in operation. These included sentencing hearings, trials involving drug offences and assault, and even real murder trial! One of the bailiffs was kind enough to take us on a tour of a jury room, where deliberations are made to determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant. The experience ties in perfectly with students’ current assessment where they must use evidence and cases to formulate and present arguments, for the prosecution or defendant, in a trial simulation.
2024 STEM Girl Power Camp
On 13-17 May, 60 Year 10 students and 10 teachers participated in the Department of Education’s 2024 STEM Girl Power Camp in Brisbane. Students travelled from state schools all over Queensland to attend camp in Brisbane, where we participated in a variety of events, innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workshops and networking opportunities with experts from STEM fields.
We met inspiring role models from diverse fields including, engineering, medicine, biology, quantum physics, object conservation and mathematical modelling. A highlight of the week was exploring a STEM pathway at an industry location of our choosing. For me, this was the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre where I had the opportunity to see UQ’s human pathology collection and compare healthy specimens with those with diseases. Also, the importance of STEM communication was discussed at the Queensland Museum and Wheel of Brisbane. We participated in a variety of hands-on activities, including biomedical research techniques at SPARQ-ed and led science activities with local primary school students.
Throughout camp, we developed our understanding of STEM and its importance to our society, as well as our leadership, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication skills. One of the biggest takeaways from the camp was the connections and friendships with like-minded peers that I developed. As 2024 STEM Ambassadors we will now plan and deliver a STEM event to celebrate National Science Week in August 2024 during Term 3, which aims to encourage others to consider STEM subjects and careers.
Amelie Jacobs, year 10
STEM Girl Power Camp attendee
Senior Secondary Guidance Officer – Steve Jones
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-officerSenior Secondary Guidance Officer Steve Jones (Email : sjone79@eq.edu.au)
Junior Secondary Guidance Officer - Anna Willis
The myth of ‘time healing all wounds’
It’s been more than 25 years since the traumatic death of Prince Harry’s mother after a car crash in Paris. And with his family’s immense privilege, it’s easy to assume the need to explore the layers of grief that shape his experiences has passed its use-by date. But the idea of “time healing all wounds” is a myth. Pain is ongoing. And by silencing someone’s pain, this can worsen it. Counsellors urge people to make meaning of the life lost with those still living. This can involve sharing memories with family members about the person lost, remembering happy times, imagining their inclusion in life currently, and always creating space for conversations about their absence. If people struggle to make meaning of the new life, they are forced to live due to their loss, this can lead to long-term reactions known as complex or complicated grief.
What is complicated grief?
Complicated grief is a severe, persistent and pervasive longing for the deceased. If the death is sudden and unexpected, the prolonged impact will be greater. People who experience this intensity of grief struggle to engage in everyday life. This profound distress can affect their physical and mental health, and the relationships around them, for years. Prince Harry has been candid about his struggles with mental health since his mother’s death and his fractured relationship with his wider family. He’s openly admitted to drug use to help him cope with his loss. We see these types of effects on people suffering with complicated grief, as well as the associated trauma when the loss is sudden.
Grief isn’t just about what who was lost, but when the loss occurred. Prince Harry was just 12 years old when his mother passed away. Psychologist and psychoanalyst Erik Erikson tells us this period of development between childhood and adolescence oscillates between a child seeking a sense of identity versus confusion about where they “fit” in the world. It’s a time when young people explore values, beliefs and ideas about who they might become as adults. But this stage of development is impacted with the loss of a parent to guide them through this period. When a significant loss happens at his life stage, this can destabilise the child for significant periods – well into adulthood – especially when the death is related to an external cause, such as an accident.
Prince Harry has shared this destabilising effect and the strain between himself and his surviving parent. Not all siblings experience grief the same way. There may be conflict with the wider family. Long-term studies in the United States show children who have lost a parent do eventually grow to be resilient and forthright individuals. Yet traumatic memories of both the event and the impact of that loss remain just under the surface. Grief will have long-term impacts on people’s wellbeing throughout their lives, especially if they were only a child when the loss occurred. When we look back on what helps children to manage their childhood grief, personal agency is key. They want to choose how they grieve, and their voice needs to be a priority. This may mean choosing not to attend performative activities, such as funerals. This may mean openly sharing their experiences in a way that suits them – at school, work or with families. This may mean getting angry.
An evidence-based national grief program for children in Australia, Seasons for Growth, emphasises the importance of agency. This includes choosing how to accept the reality of their loss, and finding ways of voicing the emotional impact of that loss. This won’t always be through calm, reflective sharing. It may be through frustrated, angry voices, that suddenly emerge later in life. Even with all the access to therapy, or even family members to speak to, grief will eventually show up in our thoughts, behaviours and actions. There is no discreet way to do it. Grief is both hope and sorrow.
Author: Sarah Wayland, Associate Professor, University of New England
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Guidance Officer Anna Willis (Email : awill464@eq.edu.au)
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.
Cheerleading
On the 17th to 19th of May, PBC Students Charlotte Cotton, Siara Barends, Sam Price, Billie Price, Aidan Robson, Esther Bonwick, Tessa Hall, Kama Reynolds, Faith Webster and Zahara Saad from the FLEX All Stars Level 3 Cheerleading Team traveled to Hawaii to compete in The Global Dance and Cheer Games. They competed twice over Saturday and Sunday against teams from all over the world and placed 2nd overall in their level 3 division.
To compete in The Global Dance and Cheer Games your team must win a bid to attend. The Flex All Stars Level 3 team achieved this by having an undefeated 2023 across all entered Australian competitions including winning Queensland State and Australian National Champions.
The hard work and training leading into this international competition has been extensive and all team members have worked extremely hard to reach this elite level.
Australian Interschool Surfing Championships
Rugby Union
With 3 days of Rugby 7’s at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane.
15-16 years and 17-18 years south coast rugby 7s, Mikayla Robinson (not in photo) U115-16s.
And Evie Clarkson and Bella Bower represented U17s-18s !
Netball
Congratulations to the following PBC students who have been chosen to play for Queensland, Alysha, Isabella and Alyssa with Bella as training partner.
In the photo below are - Libby, Alysha, Bella, Isabella, Alyssa.
Partner Spotlight!
Welcome aboard to our new silver partners Hydraulink. Proudly supporting the Rugby League Excellence program at PBC!
Hydraulink Gold Coast is a locally owned and operated engineering business focusing on hydraulics. Our team focuses on providing the following services and products to business: - 24/7 Emergency Mobile Hydraulic Hose Repair, - Hydraulic Equipment repair and maintenance, - Hydraulic Ram and Hydraulic Cylinder Repairs and Reseals, - Re-manufacture of automotive power steering and our fully equipped mobile service vehicles are stocked with a large range of hydraulic and industrial hoses and fittings. At our Nerang Service Centre we can manufacture, repair and supply any hose and fitting solution. Come in and see the dedicated team today!
Address: Shop 1, 24 Lawrence Dr, Nerang QLD 4211
Phone: 0405 180 380
Email: sales@hydraulinkgc.com.au
Website: www.hydraulinkgoldcoast.com.au
With 2 depots at Brisbane/Gold Coast and Central QLD we’ve quickly grown to become an industry leader, catering to clients throughout the state and across Australia. With our experience, expertise and large fleet of Tilt Trays, Low loaders and Platforms, we can handle any request, big or small.
Address: 5 Avatonbell Dr, Gold Coast QLD 4207
Phone: 07 5634 9596
Email: bookings@acehaulage.com.au
Website: www.acehaulage.com.au
Shout out to our 2024 Partners!
The PBC Alliance would like to thank and acknolwledge our continuing and new supporters for 2024.
Our next PBC Alliance Networking breakfast will be held in Term 3 - Friday August 16 at PBC's Trade Training Centre from 6.45am.
Keep an eye out for the inviation and website for updates.
Finance Office
*IMPORTANT* 2024 Student Resource Scheme (SRS) is now due. Please contact finance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au to discuss payment options and/or payment plan.
SRS Payment Options
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Option 1 – SRS fee paid in one lump sum |
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Available to all year levels |
Full SRS amount due 22/01/2024 |
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Option 2 – SRS fee paid in increments over 3 Instalments |
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Instalment 1 |
50% of total SRS due 23/01/2024 |
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Instalment 2 |
25% of total SRS due 27/02/2024 |
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Instalment 3 |
25% of total SRS due 27/03/2024 |
For all other payment options please email finance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au or visit our website https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/payments.
The Finance Window is located in D Block. The Payments Window is open on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:00am to 12:00pm.
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:
- Provide consent for upcoming excursions
- timetables
- invoices and payment history.
Download QParents https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/login
Currumbin Community Champion Awards
It is that time of year again – nominations for the 2024 Currumbin Community Champions Awards are now open.
From Coolangatta to Elanora and out to the Valleys, our community is filled with people who go above and beyond for others, and these awards are one way we can acknowledge and celebrate some of the great people who make up our community.
I strongly encourage you to take up this opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic individuals, organisations and businesses who contribute to the Palm Beach Currumbin School community.
There are five Currumbin Community Champion categories:
Teacher of the Year – this award is designed to recognise a teacher or teacher aide who has made a difference in the lives of their students or school community.
It could be an educator who innovates in their teaching methods, has shown exceptional dedication by mentoring and supporting their colleagues, or inspires creativity or critical thinking for their students. Or simply the students favourite teacher!
Volunteer of the Year – this award celebrates a local volunteer who goes above and beyond to support our community.
It could be a person who has initiated an impactful project or program, or demonstrated leadership and vision, or someone who has dedicated long-term service to a particular cause.
Community Organisation of the Year – this award recognises a local community organisation or club, including a P&C, sports club, charity, or any other not-for-profit that does fantastic things in our community.
You could nominate your P&C or a community organisation that has helped the school or provided essential services and support to students and families.
Young Person of the Year – this award recognises an outstanding young person (under 25 years of age) who has contributed to the local or wider community, or made an exceptional personal achievement.
You could nominate a young person who has demonstrated leadership in youth-led initiatives, inspired their peers through their actions, or shown resilience in overcoming significant challenges.
Small Business of the Year – this award celebrates the efforts of a local small business who provide exceptional service, run by people who go above and beyond, and supports our community.
You could nominate your favourite small business, or a small business that has supported your school community or actively fostered education and job creation for your students.
To submit a nomination, please click here.
Nominations will close at 5pm on 26 July 2024.
