17 August 2015

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Last week the 2015 National Assessment Program (NAPLAN) results were provisionally released to schools. NAPLAN is the measure through which parents, governments, education authorities and schools can determine whether or not young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes.

There are many elements of a well-rounded education however none are more fundamental than literacy and numeracy. Without competency in these areas students struggle to gain access to their preferred careers and are also at much greater risk of dropping out prior to graduation.

For this reason PBC places great emphasis on literacy and numeracy through having a quality middle school curriculum, core programs that target skill development and highly skilled teachers who map the progress of each of their students and support them individually.

This commitment led to the introduction of our Middle School Campus and the introduction of our new teaching philosophy that sees students study with the same teacher in Maths, Science, English and SOSE.

This focus has paid dividends for PBC students as the following table demonstrates.

PBC NAPLAN Minimum Standards and Mean Results Year 7 and 9 – 2015

Dimension	Year 7 NMS	Year 7 Mean	Year 9 NMS	Year 9 Mean
Reading Comprehension	98.5	551.1	95.4	576.9
Writing	94.9	525.1	83.3	548.0
Spelling	99.0	561.0	95.5	592.4
Grammar & Punctuation	95.6	555.2	92.5	569.7
Numeracy	99.7	552.4	98.7	584.9

Colour Key Legend

Green	Above National School Standards
Blue	Similar to National School Standards
Red	Below National School Standards

My colleagues and I have commenced an exhaustive review of these results which will include detailed analysis of individual growth, our curriculum and our teaching approach.

However even at this initial stage it is clear that the Year 7’s have performed above our expectations and that despite best efforts the Year 9’s have not reached the performance targets we set, most noticeable for the high performers.

I would like to congratulate the staff and students for their commitment to learning and for those interested these results will be discussed in detail at the next P&C meeting on Tuesday 18 August.

Term 3 is an exciting time for PBC with Gold Coast Eisteddfod and a busy schedule of representative sport including Regional, State and National finals series. PBC students are enjoying wonderful success; the list of achievements growing daily includes:

Eisteddfod Vocal Results:

Paul Sharratt Memorial award for Most Outstanding Musical Theatre/Popular song intermediate (15 years and under) – Chloe Finlay

Paul Sharratt Memorial award for Most Outstanding Musical Theatre/Popular song Senior (16-20 years) – Sheldon Hernandez

Woodwind/Brass/Strings

First place:

• Tamara Gillard – Woodwind/Brass Solo 16-20 years
• Tamara Gillard – Senior Woodwind/Brass Championship

Sporting achievements:

Rugby League

• U/14’s – Champions
• Open Boys GIO Rugby League – Regional Champions and QLD Semi Finalist

Soccer

• Bill Turner Cup – U/15 boys - QLD Runners up
  U/15 Girls – QLD Quarter Finalists

Touch SQBD

• U/13 – Boys – Champions

Surfing

• Dextar Muskens and Hinata Aizawa U/16 MR Shield Champions

For a comprehensive update of achievements, please follow the link below:

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Newsletter Articles

Senior School Update

Mid-Term 3 is always an exciting but challenging time for our senior students, particularly Year 12 as they prepare to sit the QCS in just a few weeks’ time. A big thank you to those students who engaged with Turbo Day and spent Wednesday making final revisions in preparation for the test. For those OP students who were absent catch up sessions will be held this Monday and Tuesday at 3.15pm in D block. Year 12 students should also be thinking at this stage about their post-school pathways, Griffith University’s Guaranteed Admission Scheme has opened and we encourage all eligible students to apply. Help with this application or any other pathways information can be sought through the SS Guidance Counsellor Mr Jones in J block.

In other exciting news, Student Leader nominations have opened for our 2016 Leadership group. All Year 11 students should consider what contribution they are able to make to their graduating cohort. Nominations remain open for only a few more days and must be submitted to the Year 11 Coordinator, Mr Peach, by 3pm Tuesday 18 August. I look forward to hearing all those who apply for School Captains positions speak in the coming week’s assembly.

For students and parents of Year 10, we are at the critical time of year where students are mapping out their senior schooling program. To assist in understanding the pathways available moving into Year 11 including details about QCE, OP, Selections ranks and VET we will be hosting an information evening on this Wednesday 19 August at 6pm in the Hall. We look forward to seeing all Year 10s present with the parents and carers.

Alyce Cleary
Director of Senior School

Graduation

This is a very exciting and challenging time of year for our Year 12 students as they balance their academic, work and social commitments. The school community always looks forward to celebrating their success at the Graduation ceremony.

However, the school in no way supports "after parties". These events are not considered a safe or appropriate way for young people to celebrate their graduation.

Students and their parents are advised that students place themselves at risk of cancellation of enrolment if they are linked to any aspect of the organisation an "after party" (including collecting money, paying for tickets, liaising with party organisers).

The Year 12 Coordinator and Deputy Principal will also be delivering this message regularly on assembly in the coming weeks.

Safer Schoolies Initiative – parent information sessions

Parents play an important role in preparing their teens for end-of-year celebrations. If your teen is planning to partake in Schoolies, it’s important to talk to them about their plans.

The Queensland Government’s Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. (www.schoolies.qld.gov.au) does not promote participation in Schoolies, but seeks to enhance the safety and responsible behaviour of school-leavers at the Gold Coast, Airlie Beach and Yeppoon. Each location provides services to support school-leavers, including street patrols, walk-home services, schoolies-only areas, free water and medical assistance.

The Safer Schoolies Initiative will be hosting parent information sessions about Schoolies across the Gold Coast in August and September. These sessions will include presentations by the Schoolies Welfare Coordinator and representatives from the Queensland Police Service, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation and Crime Stoppers Queensland. The session will cover the Gold Coast Schoolies community safety response including what to expect at Schoolies, safety and welfare of your teen and how parents can remain involved.

Parent information sessions will run:

• Tuesday 25 August, 7-8pm
  Upper Coomera Community Centre, 90 Reserve Road Upper Coomera
• Tuesday 1 September, 6-7pm
  Southport Community Centre, Lawson Street Southport
• Thursday 3 September, 6-7pm
  Varsity Lakes Community Centre, Maddocks Road, Varsity Lakes

For parents that cannot attend the information sessions, be sure to follow our  Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/schooliesinfoforparents) where we provide important information about what happens at Schoolies, the Safety Response and up-to-date information across the Schoolies period.

More information and advice for parents and guardians of school-leavers is available on the Schoolies website:

Thank you for your ongoing support of the school as we endeavour to eliminate potentially unsafe situations from these types of events.

Tracey Cardinal
Deputy Principal Senior School

Careers Day

PBC will be conducting a Careers day next Friday 21 August. This will take place in the hall between 9 and 12pm. Students in Years 10 to 12 will be timetabled in to visit during their classes. Parents are welcome to attend.

12 QCS

Year 12 QCS students are in the final weeks of preparation for the Queensland Core Skills test on Sept 1 and 2. It is vital that all students are present each Wednesday for their timetabled QCS classes and for any turbo sessions. The QCS test will be the most important test which OP students sit this year as the class QCS averages are a critical factor in calculating student OPs. Students have recently experienced a series of master classes conducted by Mighty Minds which is aimed at maximising each student’s performance on the QCS test.

Students recently received instructions regarding behaviour and materials allowed inside the QCS test. They also signed a declaration regarding these instructions and calculators allowed into the QCS. Any student who has not signed this document needs to see Mr McDougall as soon as possible. The school will provide students with stationery kits for the QCS test however students will have to supply their own calculator and correcting tape. The school will also provide the students with breakfast on the days of the QCS test.

Exams

Year 12 students will not have an exam shutdown this term. The QCS test and Maths assessment will be conducted in Week 8; all other Year 12 assessment will be completed by the end of Week 9 (11 September). Year 12 classes will all commence Term 4 work in the last week of term and students are expected to attend every day up to and including Friday 18 September.

The 10 and 11 students will have exams during shutdown in week 10. Details of this will be published on the school website shortly.

Pathways Centre

It is very pleasing to see the large number of 10 and 11 students who are visiting the Pathways centre and signing up for traineeships. This is a great pathway for students as it provides them with a VET qualification, paid work placement and a pathway to tertiary studies. Year 11 students are reminded that they should commence a traineeship before the end of Year 11 so as to allow for the number of work placement days to be completed before completing Year 12.

Mick McDougall
HOD Senior School

Middle School News

2015 PBC Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN Results

As you will be aware the 2015 NAPLAN results have been released. Our Year 7 and 9 student cohorts have performed strongly, with the achievement of our inaugural PBC Year 7 students extremely pleasing. This is one indicator which suggests that the transition program that has been implemented for our Year 7 students has been successful.

Of course, our students performing in this manner never occurs by accident.

For this reason I would like to acknowledge the implementation of our literacy and numeracy practices by our Middle School teaching staff and their willingness to refine our curriculum and teaching practices to aid student learning. As a school we are fortunate to have a dedicated teaching staff who work tirelessly to support and improve our students’ literacy and numeracy development.

It is also important to remember the NAPLAN results represent a point-in-time testing over a few days each May. The NAPLAN results are important but are just one of the many pieces of information our school uses to improve learning outcomes for our students.

The next stage for the Middle School leadership team is to formally review these NAPLAN results and make recommendations to our curriculum program to focus on the areas required for improvement. I look forward to sharing these recommendations with you in the near future

Term 3 OPTIMA Awards Ceremonies

I will take this opportunity to thank all of the parents who attended the Term 3 Middle School OPTIMA Award Ceremonies in support of their son/daughter. There was a very pleasing number of student award recipients and a large contingent of parents in attendance.

I shared through my speech at this special event some key messages. For example, “a key component of this Optima Awards Ceremony is to acknowledge those students who have made the greatest improvement in their results from Term 1 through to the completion of Semester 1. The ‘Most improved’ award is significant as it allows all students, regardless of their academic ability, to dedicate themselves to improvement and then be rewarded for achieving their goals.

All of the students who receive acknowledgment throughout today’s ceremony will all possess unique talents and abilities however, I suspect, have followed a similar mantra in their learning habits.

The mantra I speak of is:

“It is your attitude not your aptitude that determines your altitude”.

Regardless of your ability level, if you are determined, committed and possess an optimistic attitude towards accepting challenges in life or in your learning you will be successful and continue to improve and reach great heights.”

Please continue to share this message with your son/daughter on a regular basis.

I would like to publicly acknowledge the dedication and commitment of Sue Murray and the respective Year Co-ordinators, Kylie Gibson, Brad Dixon and James McCullough, for their organisation of this event.

Blair Hanna
Director of Middle School

Deputy Principal Report

Be Safe is part of our Optima Code but sometimes is hard for students to see the link between school rules and their own safety.

Here are some examples that we have used with students in recent weeks:

• Having a uniform can keep you safe as students are clearly identified as PBC and not an outsider/ trespasser
• Not wearing extra jewellery can keep you safe in practical areas
• Wearing your bike helmet when riding to school will keep you safe as well as being the right thing to do

Making smart and safe choices is what we encourage our middle schoolers to do. It’s about encouraging students to take the time to stop, think and then act to make the best choice.

A great story that I wanted to share with you was that we had the highest percentage attendance ever at our recent athletics carnival and it was a pleasure to see the students participating so actively and really getting into the spirit of the day. Our cleaners also reported that they had never seen the toilet blocks left so tidy and clean which is also a great reflection on the group given the ‘traffic’ that would have been through in the day.

I also had the pleasure last Friday night of attending the Gold Coast Junior Drama Festival and enjoyed an original verbatim piece performed by Year 7 and 8 CAX students. Whilst the production didn’t place overall there were numerous highly commended certificates awarded as well as a best actor accolade. Well done! Staff in our Middle School were recently showcased at a cluster school’s conference where Ms Deague, Ms McGuire, Mrs Scannell presented recent work as part of best practice sharing in the area. It’s great to see our teachers being recognised beyond our school for the great professionals they are.

Anita Sgalippa
Deputy Principal Middle School

Mid-point of Term 3

We have already reached the mid-point of Term 3. Students have received feedback on their first rounds of assessment, and should be looking for ways to improve so they might reach their goals. It is a good time to dig out the Student Planner, compare recent assessment to the goal set at the start of term and have your son or daughter ask themselves, are they on track? If not, what is it that they might do differently in order to achieve their goals?

Whatever one’s natural abilities and strengths, perseverance, hard work and self-confidence are critical to success at school and beyond. At this stage of the Term 3, it can be easy to tire of school. Students should be encouraged to show resilience, to know that their attendance and effort every day makes a positive difference to their learning, and to persist through difficulties. When work becomes challenging, seek an answer. Speak with a teacher. Attend a tutorial. Do some extra work. It all makes a difference.

Parents are reminded that the assessment calendar is now published on the PBC website, under Curriculum/Testing and Assessment. Students and parents should all make careful note of these important dates.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

Gold Coast Junior Council

This year, PBC has continued its tradition of strong representation on the Gold Coast Junior Council. Students of Years 10 and 11 who display exceptional leadership skills were selected to be part of the voice of youth at meetings through the year. Current Junior Council Executive member, Chloe Finlay, writes:

Being on the Gold Coast Junior Council Executive Team was always a goal of mine, and I was incredibly excited to land the role earlier this year. As an Executive Team member I am expected to set an example for the entire Junior Council, which consists of over one hundred Year 10 and 11 students from schools all over the Gold Coast. In addition to this, I help to run meetings, read out information, plus help organise our group activities. These activities include packing care packages for the homeless, giving feedback on Gold Coast facilities, and meeting Gold Coast City Council workers - in fact all these activities were just from our last meeting! Being on the Gold Coast Junior Council Exec Team is a fantastic experience and I am definitely looking forward to our next meeting.

Recently, PBC was pleased to welcome Councillor Daphne McDonald, who acknowledged outgoing Junior Council Deputy Mayor Keiarn Chesebro, and presented badges to current representatives Chloe Finlay (11), Amaya Hardy (11), Elaine Summersford (10) and Logan Chesebro (10). We wish these students well as they participate in the remaining activities this year.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

Study Skills Report

Student worried about their grades?

Sometimes students are really trying to study and achieve their set goals but nothing seems to help. The key is to improvement is efficient study skills. This way students can move closer to their without wasting time and energy. Having a good study routine that is organised allows students to manage their time more evenly between school work, out of school commitments, and leisure time.

Below are four tips that every student could use:

No distractions while you study!

The easiest way to maximise study time is to minimise distractions and the causes of procrastination. This means putting the mobile phone away or it could mean turning the Wi-Fi off for during the allocated study period. Facing the desk towards a blank wall and using earplugs to cover any noise from nearby siblings and televisions help to remove visual and auditory distractions. Setting a timer and studying in blocks of no more than 40mins will allow the mind to stay focused and not wander. Taking a 10 min break between each study block for a snack or quick social media check-in will refresh brain. It can help to change the topic for each study session also.

Maximise class time!

Attending every lesson is the best way to ensure students have received all the information and content they need to complete the assessment or exam. Students can also need to maximise their time in class by taking GOOD notes! They should learn and use a simple note-taking system that focuses on key words and use different coloured pens to highlight key topics, headings, and information.

Eat right, exercise, and try to get enough sleep!

All the study in the world won’t help if the body and brain are not functioning properly. Sleep is a very important part of our biology and the way our brain works. While we are asleep the brain does shutdown, in fact many areas of the brain are more active during the sleep state. Brain processing and memory consolidation happens during this time. If an individual tries to learn a task and is then sleep deprived, the ability to learn that task is smashed. Studies also show that creativity and the ability to solve to complex problems is greatly increased by a night of sleep. This is due to sleep allowing the neural connections that are important to be linked and strengthened while the weaker connection fade away. Research suggested that teenagers need 9 hours of sleep a night for full brain performance, many students are only getting an average of 5 hours sleep on a school night.

Do the homework ASAP!

Homework is easier if the lesson and content is still fresh in the student’s mind. The student should set up a study timetable that allows them to work on the assessment or homework items for the classes that that were timetabled during that day. This will allow students to get help early in the semester and avoid last minute stress right before the due date. If students find it difficult to complete homework at home, they should take advantage of the class teacher’s tutorial time, whether that be sessions run at lunch or after school.

Homework club hours:

7:45am – 8:45am Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings
3:15pm - 4:15pm Tuesday: math tutoring session – all year levels are welcome.
General library hours are 8:00am – 4:15pm Monday – Friday (closed 2nd break).

Courtney Underwood
Study Skills Coordinator

CAX Report

This is a busy term for the Creative Arts Excellence Students and teachers, which started in Week 1 with eight students representing the school as a part of the Creative Generation – State Schools on Stage performance.

A big congratulations to Danielle Ackerman, Kyannah Stevens, Keiarn Chesebro, Chloe Finlay, Jake Ireland, Tamika Driscoll-Burse, Wes Ambler and Ammon Hall for being selected to perform as a part of this event. Students interested in being in next year’s show will receive more information on how to audition later this term.

Drama Festival

Drama Excellence students have been working hard on class presentations, with three classes representing the school at the Drama Festival. Last weekend the Juniors performed at Somerset, and we received a number of highly-commended awards and one award for Best Actor (Shenaya French). Congratulations to these Year 7 and 8 students for their wonderful performance. I have attached some of the wonderful photos taken by the organisers at the Drama Festival.

The Senior students in Year 11 and 12 Drama Excellence will be performing this Saturday at All Saints Anglican school, and the following Saturday the Intermediate section closes the competition at Trinity Lutheran College (Senior Campus) with our Year 10 students performing.

Next Tuesday 18 August in the PBC Theatre we will be showcasing these performances back-to-back to the PBC community. This evening will start at 5:30pm, and all are invited to come and see the fantastic talent of our students. Year 9 students will get the opportunity to perform as a group later in the year on 22 October (more information to follow).

Eisteddfod

Over the past few weeks we have had many of our students involved in the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. We have received some great feedback through this process and have also had a number of students achieve placings. Congratulations to all students for their performances, and a big congratulations also goes to Chloe Finlay and Sheldon Hernandez for being invited to perform at the Eisteddfod Musicale in October.

We still have a number of students yet to perform in this eisteddfod, and we wish them good luck with these performances!

Please see Principal’s report for a full list of Eisteddfod results.

Sydney Tour

We are currently planning a three day Pathway experience Tour for 50 of our Senior Excellence students for later in the year, from 30 November – 3 December. We have locked in a number of exciting workshops, tours and events for each of our five different strands. More details around this are to follow in the next two weeks.

USA Tour

As you would be aware, 28 of our students are preparing to represent our school as part of an international performance tour to Los Angeles, USA. These students will be preparing their music, dance and drama performance to perform in locations such as Disneyland and Knottsberry farm, and will be engaging in workshops, tours and a number of exciting opportunities whilst they are overseas.

A reminder to parents that final payment for this tour is 24 August, and we will be having a parent information evening on 20 August here in the PBC Theatre at 5:30pm.

Rebekah Shinn
CAX Coordinator

Sport Excellence Achievements

Rugby League U/14 Brisbane Broncos Hancock Cup Champions

The PBC Rugby League U/14 team recently won the Hancock Cup Brisbane Broncos Sponsored Competition. This competition included the best schools from South East Queensland. The team was undefeated all year, with great wins against Coombabah in the Semi Final and Ipswich State High in the Grand Final. The team showed great character and patience to come from behind to win both games and take out the Grand Final 24-16. A strong performance by Juwan Compain saw him receive Player of the Match in the Grand Final.

Team

Noah Gafa, Ryan Garner, Will Evans, Nick Ploegsma, Kainoa Moller, Toby Sexton, Jed Edwards, Solomon Tupou, Oliver Singh, Jordan Tauali’I, Juwan Compain , Kyah Watts, Nelson Grove, Jackson North, Kuaii Linegar, Jack Cullen, Jesse Grey, TK Heremaia

Tim Maccan
Rugby League Excellence Coach

Bill Turner Cup Review

PBC’s under 15 boys soccer team competed in the State Final’s Series of the nationwide knockout competition, the Bill Turner Cup, over Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 August.

On the Tuesday PBC faced Burdekin College from Ayr in North Queensland in the Queensland Semi-Final. After going in at half-time 1-0 down to a fired up Burdekin team the Reds came out and dominated the second half and found themselves 2-1 up through goals to Josh McLuckie and Connor Pegg with minutes to go. However PBC would be forced to win it the hard way as Burdekin snatched an unlikely equaliser with nearly the last kick of the game. In golden goal extra time Ethan Cave rose above the pack to head home the winner from a Zane Rowles corner and send the Reds into the Queensland State Final.

PBC met Ipswich Grammar in the final on Wednesday. Within the first five minutes we went a goal down and equalised through Zane Williams. The rest of the game was frantic with goal line clearances and superb saves from the Ipswich Goalkeeper and our own Goalkeeper, Christian Deans. Ipswich were to take one of their chances and went ahead 2-1. With five minutes to go PBC took a gamble to find another equaliser and pushed numbers forward. Unfortunately today we could not find the goal we were after and Ipswich hit another 2 on the break to finish 4-1 winners.

It was the first time in 14 years PBC has reached this stage of the competition and all players should be proud in the way they represented the school and themselves as they never gave up until the final whistle.

Players

Marley Arreola, Lachlan Brown, Ethan Cave, Christian Deans, James Dellolio, Blake Desmond, Charlie Gadd, Haydn Gardner, Christian Lawrence, Harry Lincoln, Dean Logan, Regan Lowry (c), Liam Murphy, Connor Pegg, Zane Rowles, Zane Williams, Nicholas Wotherspoon, Will Yates

Shane Robinson
Soccer Excellence Coach

PBC AFL Star Cup Champions

When the final siren rang the Reds boys had run out comfortable winners with the scoreboard reading.

Palm Beach Currumbin Reds 9.6.60

Helensvale 4.3.27

We controlled the game from the outset but Helensvale were making the boys work for every possession and there was nowhere to hide even on the wide open spaces of the GABBA. With our key players playing pivotal roles we had too much skill and were able to hit the scoreboard to take advantage of our possession count. Defensively we were very strong and were able to hunt in packs and outnumber them at the contest.

It was a fitting result for a group of young men who had worked extremely hard to achieve the victory and give PBC its third grand final victory in a row. Luke Dula and Connor Shrimpton have been a part of all three of those.

Jacob Dawson was voted as PBC’s best player from the officials and Luke Dula received the medal for best on ground. Brayden Crossley and AJ Dawson with three goals each rounded out our best players.

It was a great way to finish off the season for the REDS and now we move on to preparing the players for their club finals.

Well done boys.

Chad Owens and Neil Mackay
AFL Excellence Coaches

State Surfing Championships

The Queensland School Sport State Surfing Championships took place at Tallebudgera Beach from 30 July to 2 August with 19 PBC students representing both the South Coast Region and Presidents Teams.

PBC teams featured in the three MR Shield Finals with Dextar Muskens and Hinata Aizawa combining to win the u16 Boys State Title. Max Kearney and Kota Iida were runners up in the U19 boys division as were Kiani Dobbyn and Pacha Luque-light in the U19 Girls.

On the individual side of the draw, five PBC students were represented across four Divisions. Reif Doig and Quinn Bruce finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the U19 Boys division, Hinata Aizawa (3rd) and Dextar Muskens (4th) featured again in the U16 Boys Final as did Pacha Luque-Light (3rd) in the U16 girls division. All five surfers have been selected in the 12 strong QLD School Team to represent the State at the Australian Titles on North Stradbroke Island in early December.

Blair Semple and Ben Falvey
Surfing Excellence Coaches

2015 Gold Coast Kids’ STEM Convention

Fifteen of our top science students in Years 7–9 are participating in the Kids’ STEM Convention, with the theme ‘Illuminating STEM’ for the International Year of Light.

There are three phases of the STEM Convention that students participate in. Students have completed phase 1, the ‘Inspiration’ phase, in Week 2 this term, which was a conference and hands-on workshops. Below is a reflection from two of the participants. Phase 2, the ‘Investigation’, is conducted at school where students will design, conduct and report on their findings of an experiment investigating light. Our Year 10 STEM students, supported by Ms I’Anson (PBC STEM coordinator) and Mr Jeffrey (STEM Convention coordinator), will mentor students through this process. Phase 3, the ‘Celebration’, is a culminating activity where students will formally share their investigations at a forum at the Queensland Academy and be judged by Griffith University academics, followed by an award ceremony.

STEM Workshop 2015

The 2015 STEM workshop was a day filled with fun activities guest speakers and learning the many wonders of light. We both did workshops 8 and 9 which were the light and sight in nature and the many wonders of light. In workshop 8 we learned how every different living creatures eyes work differently and see different colours and objects. Workshop 9 showed us how a few colours make the colours we see. In workshop 9 we also learned about the difference between light waves and sound waves. We had the chance to work with students from other schools and scientists from Griffith University. The 2015 stem workshop was a productive fun day.

Amber Bullen and Jaime Pryor
Year 7 Students

PBC students attend the 2015 Australian Youth Aerospace Forum

School holidays, a time of relaxation and getting away from the books, had a different interpretation for five of PBC’s aerospace enthusiasts. I attended the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum along with Ned Humphreys, Alex Wilson, Abbey Roberts and Jenna Harris. We got the opportunity to attend the five day forum at the University of Queensland, partaking in industry seminars and guided tours of the state of the art facilities provided by UQ and QUT; all to get a taste of the vibrant aeronautical industry. PBC alumnus Brock Little, currently studying at UQ, was a student mentor, allowing us to benefit from the experience as he had in 2012.

One of the highlights of the forum was the construction and launch of Styrofoam rockets. Delegates were required to construct a rocket from limited materials and safely deliver a payload, which was a raw egg, back towards the ground. Points were given to teams that could accurately estimate the maximum height of the rocket’s trajectory; broken eggs and inaccurate estimates led to the deduction of points.

We also visited the RAAF Base in Amberley and climbed into the cockpit of the C17 Globemaster. AYAF was an opportunity to meet students from all across Australia with similar passions and a great way to spend five days of the holidays with some amazing people.

Ruben Kara-Manning
Year 12 Physics student

Kokuren B Japanese Study Tour

PBC welcomes students from the Kokuren B Japanese Study Tour. This study tour will be at PBC from 12-21 August 2015. The students are from many different regions throughout Japan. Their ages range from 13 -16 years and will be looked after by our PBC buddies who will spend time helping them to learn about our school. The students will have the opportunity to improve their English with specialised lessons, experience Australian classrooms, do boomerang painting, cook Anzac biscuits and do some Aussie sports.

Our Japanese students will also be visiting other attractions on the Gold Coast and spending time with their Homestay families.

With this program we hope all students involved develop a global perspective, friendship and learning about different cultures and way of life.

We would like to thank the Kokuren B Japanese Study Tour for visiting our school and we hope they have a safe, informative and enjoyable experience here at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School.

Corinne Van Put
International Student Coordinator

VET My Skills Website Enhancements

The My Skills website is the national directory of vocational education and training (VET) organisations and courses to help students make informed decisions about their education and training needs. The website has recently had several important enhancements that will ensure it is a sophisticated and useful tool for students in determining their educational path. These new enhancements include:

• Links to courses related to skills in demand in each state and territory;
• Employment outcomes and overall student satisfaction for the 230 most popular courses;
• A VET FEE HELP course calculator to help students work out their financial obligations;
• Identification of sanctioned training providers; and
• A modern, tablet-optimised homepage design.

Take the time to view these improvements by accessing the My Skills website at

view My Skills Website

Nikki Stephen
VET Coordinator

Pathways Centre News

School based traineeships available for Year 10 and 11 students in 2015

Cert III Sport and Recreation – Miami and Burleigh pools. Applications now open.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – School based traineeships Hospitality, Tourism and Business Retail.

Cert III Business Admin – Interested in travel? Vacation Education is looking for school based trainees for general office duties.

Cert III Business Traineeship - Want to make money and have a successful career? First National Real Estate are looking for a Cert III Business Trainee. Applicants must be able to work Saturdays for open houses. Traineeship could lead to long term career in real estate for the right person.

Swell Festival Volunteers – Applications open for Swell volunteers; pick up flyer in Pathway Centre. Registration is online. Festival runs August 5 – 11.

Cert III Children Services – Kool Kids Childcare Centres 2016 applications open now for year 10 students.

Resort Surfers Paradise - Business Retail Traineeship at family resort in Surfers Paradise.

Cert III Hospitality – California Tacos Burleigh, Café Caribou Tugun, Burleigh Surf Club, Olives Pizza and Pasta, Koffee Shack, Crust Pizza Broadbeach, The Lake Café and Bar, Crema Espresso Robina and Pac Fair, and Sumptuous Fine Foods

Traineeships - Wendys The Pines; immediate start.

Lincraft Robina – Cert III Business

Baskin Robins Mermaid Beach and Subway Mermaid Beach and Surfers Paradise (Elkhorn Ave)

Love your current job? Would you like to turn it into a traineeship? Come to the Pathway centre and let’s see if we can create a traineeship for you in your current role.

The Pathway Centre is open before school and first break to apply for any of the above positions

Please see Ms Shreeve to apply.

Sonia Shreeve
Industry Liaison Officer

Guidance Officer News

If you are planning on going to University next year you MUST do a QTAC application. QTAC Applications open on 5 August and close on 30 September 2015.

Before you apply

Connect with QTAC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest news and updates.

Year 12 QTAC presentation

The QTAC Year 12 PowerPoint presentation (PPTX 237KB) has information on applying, choosing and ordering preferences, key dates, QTAC fees, offers and more. Use it to get the most out of your QTAC application.

For more information go to: QTAC website:

UNIVERSITY – Direct Entry Programs

The Griffith Connect Guaranteed Admission Scheme grants appropriately qualified students, based on Year 11 and semester 1 Year 12 results, guaranteed admission into a range of Griffith programs. Offers to students will be through the QTAC offer rounds in late November or December.

You must have finalised QTAC application with your possible Connect program listed as one of your preferences. To receive an early offer in late November or December you would need your Connect program listed as your highest eligible preference, otherwise you will be considered in the main offer round in January.

Applications into the Griffith Connect Guaranteed Admission Scheme include:

• Applicants are studying at a Griffith Connect Partner School.
• Applicants are current OP# or IB Diploma~ eligible.
• Assessments are based on semester 1 and 2 Year 11 and semester 1 Year 12 results.
• Applicants must meet all Connect admission requirements listed under each program and have at least a satisfactory achievement in remaining subjects.
• Domestic and domestically studying international students are eligible.
• All Queensland Conservatorium and Education programs are excluded.

# OP – Overall Position ~ IB Diploma – The Diploma of the International Baccalaureate

Before you start your application, it is important to note that you will be required to provide a copy of your official high school reports for 3 semesters: Semesters 1 and 2 from Year 11 and semester 1 from your Year 12 results.

Please ensure you have a copy of these available for uploading.

Applications close on 30 September 2015, 9:00 pm Australia/Brisbane +10:00

Southern Cross University – STAR Program

Southern Cross University is excited to launch the 2015 STAR Early Entry Scheme

SCU is proud to support schools from across our regions to transition students with the appropriate academic ability and talent into our range of undergraduate degrees. The STAR Scheme focuses on working with schools to match individual students to a particular course based on their likelihood of success in their chosen discipline. Students can gain an early offer to study in 2015 at SCU on the basis of their school Principal's recommendation. The STAR scheme this year remains unchanged from last year using the fully online STAR Scheme Portal.

SCU Online Registrations

Online registrations open from 15 July 2015 and close 9 September 2015 via the STAR Entry Scheme website. The online student registration should take students no more than five to ten minutes to complete. Students need to nominate a first and second preference course. Please note once a STAR registration has been submitted students will not be able to change their STAR preferences.

UAC & QTAC

Students will need to match their first preference via the University Admissions Centres (UAC or QTAC) with their STAR Scheme offer to receive it in one of the following rounds only:

QTAC Early Offer Round on 27 November 2015 or UAC Early Offer Round on 04 December 2015

Year 10 SET Plan

This term, all Year 10 students will develop a Senior Education Training Plan. The Plan maps out a student's Intended Learning Option for education and training in the Senior Phase of Learning as well as identifying their subject/course choices, goals and achievements. This personal document is compiled with the cooperation of parents/ guardians and the school's academic teaching team and will be finalised in a SET Plan interview at school with student/parent/carers and staff.

SET Plan interviews – Thursday 3 September (School Hall)

Each Year 10 student will complete and sign the Student Education Training Plan (SETP) in an interview process on Thursday 3rd September from 2:00pm until 6:30pm. Each interview will be 15 minutes in length.

Students will be required to logon and enter their subject selections for 2016 after this interview. You can book your interview time through PTO facility. Instructions and a link to book your interview time will be emailed to all parents/carers shortly.

Griffith University News – New programs for 2016

Griffith to introduce Bachelor of Paramedicine in 2016

New degree!

Offered at the Gold coast campus from 2016, Griffith's new Bachelor of Paramedicine is a 2.5 year accelerated degree with 400 hours of placement experience in the field for each student. Graduates will be prepared to meet the growing demand for paramedics in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, which currently exceeds supply. The degree also provides an ideal pathway towards graduate entry into the Doctor of Medicine.

Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Griffith

New in 2016!

Griffith's new Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, to be introduced in 2016 at the Gold Coast campus, will open up new career paths into some of the world's biggest industries. The degree is ideal for students who enjoy chemistry and biology, and will prepare graduates for work in areas such as environmental toxicology, drug discovery, and pharmaceutical marketing.

Griffith Bachelor of Environmental Health

Gold Coast campus

Students of Griffith’s Bachelor of Environmental Health, offered at the Gold Coast campus develop the skills needed to meet modern health challenges. Students learn how to investigate, assess and manage environmental factors that can impact human health. Graduates are prepared for work in diverse areas such as food safety, environmental monitoring, air and water quality, noise control, disease outbreak investigations and disaster management, and have the option of becoming a qualified Environmental Health Officer. The degree is Accredited by Environmental Health Australia.

Griffith Bachelor of Digital media

New Creative Entrepreneurship major

The new Creative Entrepreneurship major, available in the Bachelor of Digital Media at Griffith’s Gold Coast campus, offers students the opportunity to develop their creative and business skills. Students will learn how to visualise their ideas as a graphic designer, use cutting-edge technology to prototype ideas, and research, market, brand and package ideas for sale in a global marketplace.

Year 12 goes by so quickly...

Accommodation options at Griffith

Griffith University offers catered and self-catered on-campus accommodation options for students, providing the perfect stepping stone to independence. As well as the convenient location, students have access to social and sporting events and support with their studies. Accommodation offers are based on distance from the university and time of application. Successful applicants will be notified after QTAC offers.

Pathways to Griffith

Consider a QIBT Diploma

After successfully completing a QIBT diploma, which can be done in eight or 12 months, students can apply for entry into the second year of a relevant Griffith University degree. Diplomas are available in biosciences, commerce, criminology, engineering, graphic design, healthcare, health sciences, hotel management, IT, and media and communication. Free bridging courses are available for students who have not met the prerequisites for study at Griffith.

TAFE Queensland Gold Coast - 2016 Schools Programs now OPEN for applications

Key dates:

• NOW – Applications open online at www.studentrego.com (all applicants will need to enter code TAFE3 to apply)
• 23 October 2015 – Applications close
• w/c 26 October 2015 – Endorsements Due for Schools Program applicants via the Pathways system

• 9 November 2015 – Enrolments open via Customer Service
• 27 November 2015 – Enrolments close strictly at 5:00pm
• January/February 2016 – Courses commence

SCU Parent Information Evening

Please click on the link to the PDF below to read more about Southern Cross University’s Parent Information Evening on Tuesday 8 September.

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer Senior School

Young People and Apps – What are they using now?

It is impossible to give you a definitive list of every app you need to be aware of as the list is seemingly endless. What is popular today, becomes oh so yesterday within the space of a month. Some apps are quite OK if used correctly but if used incorrectly cause harm. The best way to address the issue of apps is to do a quick risk assessment based on what the App promotes as its key feature.

Apps that promote anonymity such as Ask.fm and Qooh.me or those where the text disappears such as Telegram or Confide are often used as a means to cyberbully. They encourage disinhibition, a false sense of anonymity and a belief that as the content disappears they will not be able to be traced.

Apps where the sent picture disappears, the most popular one being Snap Chat, lulls teens into a false sense of security. Send whatever you like, naked pics included and no one will know! This often encourages teens to send naked or sexually explicit pics, thinking that no one will know because they ‘disappear.’ The reality however is that the picture does not disappear; it stays on the Snap Chat server as well as the fact that a forensic examination of a device can locate the pics as well.

Then there are Apps that use geo-location technology to connect you with those close to your physical location. These include Tinder and Popcorn Chat. Whilst it might be considered harmless ‘fun’ to find and connect with people close to your physical location, these apps are widely used by predators and online stalkers to attach themselves to a victim who is happy to share their physical location.

Finally, apps that encourage the sharing of pictures such as Instagram can be used by predators looking to gather large numbers of images of children they like the look of. Posting pictures to social media when you have location services turned on for the camera is fraught with danger as it is a simple act to run the picture through a program that reads the meta data in order to obtain the precise physical location of where the picture was taken.

The app however that is causing considerable problems at the moment is KiK. KiK is a messaging app that is highly appealing to kids because it is free. Communication is via any Wi-Fi network so calls/texts do not come out of phone credit. A phone or phone number is not required to use this app. It is the number one app for causing problems in schools, especially with kids having unwanted contact by strangers and grooming. There are many adult content apps within it and no security settings. Because of the large number of very young, vulnerable kids and teens on the site, it is also a haven for online predators. Police around the world regularly warn about this one.

Apps have age restrictions designed to keep kids away from danger as long as possible so please ensure that they are followed. Even the most benign app can have a sinister side. By understanding the basic features of an App, you can assess the potential risk and/or danger and have a relevant conversation with the young people in your care.

Article by Susan McLean (Australia’s leading cybersafety expert). For more information about Apps, visit

Anna Willis
Guidance Officer Middle School

School Based Youth Nurse Notes

Scoliosis is defined as curvature of the spine. This is a concern for some students, particularly girls. There is a brochure that is able to be downloaded to see if your child has any issues.

Please follow this link for further information:

Judy Nunn
School Based Youth Nurse

P&C Association Update

Parent Connect welcomes parents, staff and community to attend a FREE forum on ‘Understanding and managing the developing adolescent brain’ presented by Dr Michael Nagel on 25 August at 6.30pm in the PBC Theatre.

Dr Nagel will unlock some of the mysteries of the development of the mind from birth through adolescence and shed light on why children and teenagers may act the way they do. Dr Michael Nagel is an Associate Professor, teacher and academic at a leading Queensland university in the areas of cognition and learning, human development and early learning, neurological development in children and adolescent psychology and is regarded as one of Australia’s foremost experts in child development.

This is not an event to be missed! Seats are limited, please RSVP to pandc@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Leisa Ottley
Family Liaison Officer

Uniform Shop Update

Uniform Shop Trading Times – Term 3 2015
Monday to Friday	8:15am to 10.30am
Closed 1st lunch break

Jumpers

The PBC Knitted Jumper is available to be purchased from the Uniform Shop. Cost is $48. Please contact uniform shop for sizes available.

Tracksuit pants

Tracksuit Pants are available to be purchased from the Uniform Shop. Cost is $55.

Please be aware that we have limited stock. We have sold out of size small, medium and large. We have plenty of stock in J8, J10, J12, J14 and Size XS.

Bucket hats/ PBC caps

Bucket hats and PBC caps are now available to purchase from Uniform Shop. These hats are a compulsory part of the uniform and are recommended for all outdoor activities. Cost is $15 each.

PBC school bags

PBC School Bags are now available from the uniform shop and selling fast.

Features include:

• Lifetime guarantee
• Padded laptop pocket
• Water resistant
• Ergonomic design
• Mesh drink bottle holder
• $70 each

Volunteers needed

If there are any volunteers who would love to spend a couple of hours each week in our very busy Uniform Shop and or Canteen we would love to hear from you!

Please contact Mandy on 07 5525 9331 for further details.

Lost property

Please visit the uniform shop to collect lost property; including school items and non-school items.

Payment methods available:

• Flexischools Online www.flexischools.com.au
• Credit Card
• Cash
• Cheques not accepted

If you are unable to come into the Uniform Shop you are more than welcome to call on 07 5525 9331 and pay for any uniform item over the phone.

Mandy Webb
Uniform Shop Coordinator

Administration

For Internet banking please use the details below:

School’s Bank Account: PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN SHS General A/C
BSB Number: 064-404 CBA Branch Burleigh Heads
Account Number: 00090303
Reference/Details: Record both Student ID AND the reference Code to ensure your payment can be recorded correctly. (Reference Code = ITEM BEING PAID FOR e.g.: 2015 SRS8 or 2015 ACEX10)

Resources and Activities Schedule

To assist parents with budgeting, detailed below are current fees and activities with due dates for payment (due to short timeframes some excursions may not be listed).

Student Fee Excursion/ Activity	Activity Details	Amount Due	Date Due
Course Fees
Student Resource Scheme	2015 Fees Year 7 to Year 12	$330	Overdue
Excellence Program Fees	Excellence program 2015 students	Various	Overdue
2015 Instrumental Music Program	Years 9-12	$75	Overdue
QCS 2015	Year 12 students	$50	Overdue
Year 11 Cert II Public Safety	Year 11 students	$60	Overdue
New Zealand Ski Trip - fourth instalment	Year 11 and 12 students	$700	Overdue
USA trip – third instalment	Year 7-11 students	$1,200	Overdue
USA trip – final instalment	Year 7-11 students	$1,275	26 Aug 2015
Year 12 Formal and Graduation	Year 12 students	Deposit: $50	Overdue
		Balance: $85	18 Sept 2015
11 SCT Excursion	Year 11-12 students	$15	14 Aug 2015
Map 12 Boating excursion	Year 12 students	$15	25 Aug 2015
7 Deadly Sins Excursion	Year 11-12 students	$37	24 Aug 2015
Please note that all students are requested to present their Student ID card when making any payments to Student Services.

Most excursions do not appear on student statements. If you have any queries please call Lynne Riley in Student Services on 07 5525 9308.

Lost Property

Please check with Student Services for items like pencil cases, lunch boxes, etc. If you have lost an article of clothing (jumpers, shoes, hat) please check with the Uniform Shop.

Student lockers available

Student lockers are available for hire at PBC.

• $6.00 for locker hire
• $24.00 for PBC approved combination lock (this will be the property of the student)
• Lockers available are located at G Block
• Payments can be made at Student Services

Please visit the facilities tab of the school website to read the locker hire agreement.

Second Hand Uniforms

If you are holding on to old or unwanted school uniforms, please donate them to student welfare.

If your uniforms are good condition, please drop them off to the Student Services.

PBC Alliance

Business Directory

Help us to create a local network for businesses within the PBC community by following the link below and supporting the businesses listed in the Alliance Business Directory:

Get involved

Being part of the PBC Alliance Business directory aims to connect your business with a network of friends, parents, and members of the PBC Alliance business community.

This listing is included as a link in the fortnightly PBC parent newsletter (as shown above), PBC Alliance Facebook page and the school website.

To list your business in the PBC Alliance Business Directory please complete a PBC Alliance membership form and Business Directory formand return these to the email address listed below.

If you would like more information please contact Caitlin Lea on 07 5525 9333 or email alliance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Like us on Facebook!

QParents

The QParents web and mobile application provides a more convenient, easier way for parents and legal guardians to interact with the school. Parents will have secure, online access to their child’s student information, anytime, anywhere, through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

QParents enables parents to access and manage student:

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Behaviour details
• Academic report cards
• Class timetables
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, and making payments online
• Viewing and updating student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details

If you haven’t yet registered, visit http://qparents.qld.edu.au/ to register today!

PBC Leo’s Club Report

Today, at the weekly Leo club meeting, Damien Aird, a member of the Menshed Woodwork and Craft Club Inc. addressed the Leo members. He received a very warm welcome as he spoke to the group explaining how the Menshed club makes toys to donate to schools and other worthy members of the community. The club also makes cutting boards, pens, jigsaws and other timber products to raise money to make the toys. They sell their products through the Facebook page; Broadbeach to Kingscliff Buy, Swap and Sell to raise the much needed funds to support their project.

The Leo club made a generous donation today to Damien Aird and this was accepted with great appreciation. Again, young people can make a difference so thanks to the Leo club for their generosity in supporting a worthy community project.

Denise King
PBC Leo Club Representative

Leo reflection

Being a new member to the Leo club this year has opened my eyes to see just how powerful a small group of people can be when they work together. After contributing to a few community events over the last couple of terms, I am so incredibly fortunate to have found this club where the members band together to help less fortunate people than themselves. It is also encouraging to know that young people can organise themselves and work independently to help others in the community. I look forward to continuing my membership with the club and to further develop a sense of community.

PBC Leo Club Member

Completion of Oral Health (Dental) Services

Gold Coast Oral Health Services will commence offering free oral health (dental) services to eligible students enrolled at Palm Beach Currumbin High School from 26 May 2015. This service will be provided Onsite by Mobile Dental Van 185.

To arrange an appointment for your child telephone:

The Oral Health Client Service Centre
1300 300 850
Monday – Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Excluding Public Holidays

Child Dental Benefit Schedule Vouchers are accepted. When your child’s $1000 cap is reached, there will be no out-of-pocket expenses provided your child meets *eligibility criteria.

* Eligibility – All Queensland resident children aged four years or older who have not completed year 10 of secondary school.

Further information on public funded oral health services can be accessed via URL:

Academy of Design – Designer for a Week

Follow the link to the PDF below for more information about the Academy of Design – Designer for a week program.

Kirra SLSC Nippers Sign-On