8 December 2015

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

This is the last newsletter for the year and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of PBC and public education.

This year has been one of the most extraordinary in the 44 year life of our school. In 2015 we introduced an additional year of schooling for the first time in over 40 years. We welcomed over 900 new students of which almost 800 were experiencing high school for the first time. This ballooned our total enrolment to 2480 students and necessitated the recruitment and induction of over 40 new teachers to our professional team to cater for the growth.

Our achievements include:

• Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN results were outstanding
• Sporting:
    - 71 Queensland Representatives
    - 17 Australian Representatives
    - 1 State Champion Team
• Creative Arts:
    - Creative Generation; 2 featured vocalists, 4 core choir vocalists, 2 featured dancers
    - State Honours Ensemble Program; 4 musicians selected
    - Accepted to perform at Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and Universal Studios
    - Music Eisteddfod; 11 first placings, 20 other placings
    - Dance Eisteddfod all 7 dances placed
    - Instrumental Music Eisteddfod; 5 first placings, 2 second placings, third placings, 4 highly commended
    - 1 Best Actor Award Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival
    - 9 Films screened at the Swell Festival
• Community:
    - Through endeavours such as our award winning Leo’s club, cooking for the homeless, foodbank and tutoring primary school reading, and peer mentoring our students have clocked up in excess of 6952 hours of volunteer work.

I would like to personally wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I am very much looking forward to 2016 as I am confident that once again we can improve the results and the outcomes for PBC students.

Please enjoy a relaxing and safe holiday break.

Blair Hanna
Acting Executive Principal

Newsletter Articles

Senior School Update

2015 has been a busy year and as it draws to an end it is the perfect time to reflect on all that has been accomplished and set new goals for 2016.

Next week we will welcome the Year 9 students to the Senior School, a special assembly will be held to mark their transition from Middle School to Senior School and the beginning of the senior phase of their education as Year 10 students in 2016.

The Senior School administration block is currently undergoing an upgrade, with completion due in the New Year. Along with the Senior Administration Team, the building will also house the International Program and Pathways Centre. We look forward to welcoming parents and students in 2016.

We’d like to take this opportunity at the end of the year to farewell our Acting Dean of Students, Mr Jarlath Scannell. We thank him for his hard work and dedication in this role and for guiding our students through their senior years. We wish him all the best in his new role as Head of Department of English at Southport State High.

We wish all of our senior students and their families and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Senior School Team

Middle School Director Report

I wanted to take the opportunity in this last newsletter of the year to recap on 2015 in the Middle School.

As we welcomed almost 800 new students and over 50 staff to the Middle School, together we wrote a new chapter for PBC. The start of high school for our Year 7 and 8 students actually began last year with many joining us to give high school a try on Transition Day. Several teachers who also joined us from local primary schools were there to share the day. Transition Day, whilst filled with many emotions, was truly a taste of the year to come, it was a tremendous success and is now to be a regular feature for incoming Year 7 students. This Monday 7 December, we got to meet our next wave of Middle Schoolers with our Transition Day for 2016.

Once the year was started, it wasn’t long before a series of team building days for Year 7 and 8 saw classes donning their team-coloured bandanas for challenges designed to foster team work and develop Middle School spirit.

Our year levels have gone from strength to strength, making myself and our teachers proud of efforts in the classroom, on stage and on the field. PBC is a leader in state school education, it is a school with high expectations for staff and students. As ‘Reds’ we don’t shy from the challenge, we rise to it. The growth and maturity in particular that our Year 9 students have displayed in this second half of the year sees this year level now producing some very good results and their best behaviour record.

It is very obvious to me that teachers, parents and students have worked very hard this year and made every day count. So many of our students have truly lived and breathed our school motto of ‘Nothing but the best’. I thank the Middle School team for their leadership; especially our hard working Year Coordinators Year 7’s Ms Gibson, Year 8’s Mr Dixon and Year 9’s Mr McCullagh, for their care, support and direction.

Next year will see some major changes in our Middle School leadership team. Mr Hanna, a key part of the team in 2015, will next year be Director of the Senior School. Mr Dixon has been promoted to a position as Head of Department at Nerang State High School and we wish him all the best. Ms Gibson will not be continuing in the role of Year Coordinator due to family commitments but we look forward to her return in the near future. Mr McCullagh will be moving on with his Year 10 students to the Senior School. I would also like to acknowledge Miss Sandi Mlinar for her hard work as Dean of Students whilst Mrs Cardinal was acting Senior School Deputy Principal this year.

We are welcoming twelve new teachers to the Middle School next year and I am excited to see the contribution they will make to our expert teaching team. Our Middle School leadership team for 2016 will be as follows:

• Year 7 Coordinator - Mr Adam Power
• Year 8 Coordinator - Ms Allison Lovesey
• Year 9 Coordinator - Mr Peter Hill
• Dean of Students Year 7 and 8 - Mr Paul Bullpitt
• Dean of Students Year 9 - Mrs Tracey Cardinal
• Guidance Officer - Anna Willis

Our three key focus areas will be:

• Introducing a Positive Behaviour Learning: A system that teaches and recognises positive behaviours for our students
• Continuing our work on improving literacy and numeracy across the Middle School
• Fostering achievement at high levels

I wish you a happy and safe holiday and look forward to working with you and our new families in the New Year.

Anita Sgalippa
Acting Director of Middle School

End of Year message

It seems that this has been an exceptionally busy year but I think that I feel that way at the end of every year!

2015 brought a great deal of change to the Middle School. Physically fitting in the new cohort of Year 7 students was a challenge. This of course brought with it new behaviour challenges for us all.

My Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be a Learner message was broadcast loud and clear. So much so that some kids in the playground would great me with “Nil Sed OPTIMA”. That is one way to know that your message is getting through.

It is fair to say that there was a distinct improvement in the way students responded to our behaviour message as the year progressed. With so many students new to our school it was a fair task to ensure students knew what was expected of them and what to expect when things go astray.

Next year we will only have one new cohort of students so our current students will be expected to model the behaviour expectations they have learnt this year.

Next year, the Year 9 students transition to the Senior School. They take with them the foundations from the Middle School. I urge them to build on these foundations to achieve their dreams in school and beyond.

I wish all students and parents a refreshing break and look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Peter O’Brien
Deputy Principal Middle school

Transition Day 2016

Monday 7 December saw PBC welcome over 340 new enrolled students to the school community. Transition Day is designed to support the 2016 Year 7 students as they move from their primary schools to secondary school. Last year, we had students enrol from 54 different primary schools, each with its own school culture and expectations. On Transition Day, we welcome students, assign them to their classes and have them experience some lessons with next year’s teachers. 2016 Year 12 Student Mentors, the Middle School leaders and a large team of teachers and support staff are part of this day.

Transition Day also welcomes parents to the PBC family. A Parent Meeting and morning tea presented ideas for supporting young students through the change to high school, and introduce key staff who can assist in the process.

Term 4 Reports

Term 4 reports will be emailed or posted home on Friday 11 December. This is a full report with detailed comments. Please be sure to share the report with your child, so that they can receive important feedback on their work this year and set goals for 2016.

2016 Core classes

The Year 7 and 8 core classes have been reviewed by teachers and senior staff. Some carefully considered changes have been made for 2016 to best support students in their learning. Coping with changes such as these are important for building resilience – a significant quality for success in life. Parents should be aware that their child may be with a very different group of students next year, and prepare to support them through this change.

Seasons Greetings

In this, the last newsletter of the year, I would like to wish all readers and the Middle School students a safe and happy Christmas holiday. It has been an honour and a delight for me to work with the younger members of the PBC community for the first time this year.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

Year 12 Formal and Graduation

On Thursday 19 November, we farewelled our graduating Class of 2015 in style at Jupiters in Broadbeach with our Year 12 Formal and Graduation. The students looked amazing as they arrived by fire engine, army utility and thankfully a few limousines, and looked right at home amongst the grand surroundings as the parent-paparazzi welcomed their arrival. The night was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved as the students celebrated a wonderful year of achievements, capping a remarkable journey throughout their time here at PBC.

Thank you to all 2000 of our guests and teachers that came to support this tight-knit cohort of which PBC is very proud. Thank you also to our wonderful musical performers, student leaders, school captains and each of our graduates who shone on this very special night. Your conduct was exemplary and typified the culture of excellence you have maintained all year.

Congratulations to our Class of 2015, our Reds family - we wish you all the best with every future endeavour.

If you would like to purchase any of the photos from the evening please log in to tangophotography.com.au with the password palms2015.

Mitchell Kennedy
Year 12 Coordinator

Special Education Program News

Chess Competition

On 28 October 2015, seven of our students participated in The Individual Chess Competition facilitated by Gardiner Chess.

What a fabulous day experienced by both students and staff. The students played seven rounds of chess in their age division against students from other local Gold Coast schools. There were just over 600 hundred Primary and Secondary students accommodated by Emmanuel College.

This all day event saw both wins, losses and draws. The most encouraging experience however was the team spirit and support of all students for one another. Once each individual game finished students were then permitted to move around the hall to find members from their own school to watch them until their game was completed. Our students’ competitive spirit and exemplary behaviour was a credit to them. Both myself, and Teacher Aide Karla White, look forward to supporting these students at this event in the future.

Kylee Gelkov
SEP Teacher

Excursion to Currumbin Farm

On Monday 23 November, the Year 7, 8 and 9 students from the Middle School Special Education Program went on an excursion to Currumbin Farm. We had a fantastic day which included icebreaker team games, a rock climbing wall and archery. The students enjoyed being part of a team and building on their trust and positive relationships with one another.

The students challenged themselves and high fived one another at the top of the climbing wall or when they achieved a bullseye in archery. The Currumbin Farm staff were fantastic and full of patience. They also let our group interact with the animals in our lunch break which they thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to all the SEP staff including our wonderful teacher aides who made this day possible. A huge thank you to Mr Munro for the organisation of the day. We look forward to another big day out next year.

Student Responses

“We went to Currumbin Farm. It was fun as we got to get out of school. I enjoyed archery because I scored a bullseye. The instructor was nice.”

- Sasha Mooney, Year 7

“I enjoyed rock climbing; I nearly made it to half way. I found bush tucker and got to try a lemon from the tree. I liked archery because I hadn’t done it before and it was interesting. The activities were difficult but I liked the change to the day.”

- Jake McConnell, Year 7

“Currumbin Farm was really fun because we got to do activities, play games and it was really sunny. It had a climbing wall which was epic and archery was pretty crazy. We had a lot of fun and we all got to hang out without having to do school work which was pretty awesome!”

- Adele, Year 9

“I enjoyed the rock climbing because I had never done it before. I got sore hands but I had fun helping the others up the wall.”

- Charlie, Year 8

Zoe Williamson
SEP Teacher

Guidance Officer News

A parent’s dilemma: All they want for Christmas is an iPad

This year parents are under increasing pressure to buy their child an electronic device for Christmas. Even pre-schoolers are asking for the latest interactive media. Yet at $600 a pop, iPhones, iPads and iPods are not toys.

So what dilemmas might parents consider when deciding if new technologies are the way to go this Christmas?

All those in favour say “I”

• These electronic devices are very good at keeping children quiet and entertained.
• Lots of the applications available today are very educational.
• Children need to have access to the latest technologies so they are not disadvantaged at pre-school or school.

All those against the “I”

• Children can retreat into their own world and shut reality out as they become absorbed in the world on screen.
• These devices take children away from imaginative and outdoor play.
• Removing or limiting the use of a gadget can lead to tantrums and bad moods (early signs of addiction here).
• The child’s attention is on the device and they don’t fully interact with their parents.
• It can become very easy for parents to stick a piece of technology in a child’s hand rather than taking time out to interact with them.

But of course like all things it is a case of balance, and it is this balance that is increasingly hard to strike as more and more applications and games are now aimed at children and the age targeted is dropping all the time.

How to spot an educational App

According to i-TUNES there are over 20,000 educational Apps available. But of course, like with all media, not all Apps are created equal. Here are some websites and blogs to help navigate the Apps mine field:

1. www.teacherswithapps.com – Founded by two teachers this site reviews educational apps, under the premise that they are the tools of the future, if used responsibly.
2. www.momswithapps.com – Moms with Apps is a collaborative group of family-friendly developers seeking to promote quality apps for kids and families.
3. ictece.blogspot.com – This NZ blog focuses on issues relating to children and teachers using Information and Communication Technology in education.

Writer Helen Splarn.
Source: Latitude Research. Common Sense Media

Anna Willis
Guidance Officer Middle School

School Based Nurse Notes

Holiday Season

Wishing everyone in the school community a wonderful break, sharing in this festive season with family and friends after a busy year. Looking forward to seeing you all refreshed in 2016.

Below are some useful emergency contacts:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 http://www.lifeline.org.au
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au
• Parentline: 1300 301 300 www.parentline.com.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
• Headspace: 558988700 www.headspace.org.au/tweedheads
• Emergencies: Police and/or ambulance 000

Judy Nunn
School Based Youth Health Nurse

Pathways Centre News

School based traineeships available for Year 10 and 11 students in 2016

Sizzler Restaurant – Mermaid Beach – Cert III Hospitality Traineeships. Applications are online, please apply at www.sizzler.com.au/work-for-us

Cert III Children Services – Head Start Child Care Currumbin applications open now for Year 10 students

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – School based traineeships in hospitality, rourism and business retail.

Cert III Sport and Recreation – Miami pool; afternoon shifts only.

School leavers:

Apprenticeships - Plastering, roof plumber, stonemason, baker, chef and bricklayer. Visit Apprenticeship Central www.apprenticeshipcentral.com.au

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

Taking new application in January for Year 10 and 11 students.

Please see Ms Shreeve to apply.

Sonia Shreeve
Industry Liaison Officer

Uniform Shop Update

Uniform Shop Trading Hours

Please note the following trading times for the Uniform Shop commencing Monday 16 November.

Day	Dates	Times
Monday to Friday	7 December to 11 December	Closed
Saturday	16 January 2016	9.00am to 4.00pm
Monday to Friday	18 January to 22 January 2016	8.30am to 4.00pm
Monday	25 January 2016	8.00am to 2.00pm
Wednesday to Friday	27 January to 29 January 2016	8.00am to 2.30pm
Monday to Friday	1 February to 2 April 2016	8.15am to 12.30pm

Please be aware that the Uniform Shop will be closed Friday, 4 December at 12.30pm and will reopen on Saturday, 16 January 2016 at 9:00am.

Lost Property

The uniform shop is holding a large amount of named and unnamed lost property if your child has lost something can you please ask that they come and have a look through the lost property bin.

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.

Flexischools Orders

If you have made an order for your child via Flexischools can you please ask that they come and pick it up from the Uniform Shop.

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

IMPORTANT – Enrolment for 2016

If your student will not be returning to PBC next year, please contact

Administration as soon as possible

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
Student Resource Scheme	1st instalment: 2016 Fees Year 7 to Year 12	$170	Overdue
Excellence Program Fees	Excellence program 2015 students	Various	Overdue
Please note that all students are requested to present their Student ID card when making any payments to Student Services.

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

Second Hand Uniforms

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

If your uniforms are in good condition, please drop them off at Student Services.

P&C News

Please see Term 1 2016 Parent Connect Meet and Greet and P&C schedule:

Event	Date	Time	Location
P&C Meeting	Tuesday 16 February	6.30pm – 7.30pm	Trade Training Centre

Leisa Ottley
Parent Liaison Officer

IMPORTANT Canteen Notice

Canteen will open at 9.30 am on Thursday 10 December 2015.

Canteen will not be open on the last day of school (11 December 2015). Parents, please ensure that you provide morning tea and lunch for your student on this day.

PBC Alliance

2016 Membership and Partnership opportunities

The New Year is fast approaching and we would like to extend the opportunity for you to become part of the PBC Alliance through membership or partnership in 2016.

The PBC Alliance is an initiative that has been developed to:

• Create opportunities for business promotion and networking
• Support and promote local businesses through the PBC Alliance Business Directory
• Enrich opportunities and resources for PBC students through local business support
• Attract work, apprenticeships and work placement opportunities for students
• Connect local businesses with a network of friends, parents, and the PBC Alliance business community

Members and partners are invited to attend Alliance breakfast functions which are held once a term (four times a year). These functions feature a VIP guest speaker, a local business showcase, and a beautiful breakfast catered by our hospitality students.

Please follow link to PDF below for more information about becoming a member or partner of the Alliance and the benefits this entails.

If you would like to become a member of the Alliance in 2016 and list your business in our Business Directory, simply fill out the attached forms and return to alliance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Please visit our website for more information, or email alliance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

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:

Like the PBC Alliance on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PBCAlliance

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!

Completion of Oral Health (Dental) Services

Gold Coast Oral Health Services have completed dental check-ups and treatment for eligible children at this school.

If you have not arranged for your child to receive a free dental check-up please telephone the Oral Health Client Service Centre

1300 300 850
Monday – Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Excluding Public Holidays

Don’t wait to treat a problem, arrange a check-up for your child at least once a year.

* 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:

Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University Information Days 2015

Southern Cross University is please to extend an invitation to attend one of our information days at the campus of your choice.

SCU information day will provide the opportunity to find out more about our courses, university life and the types of services and support SCU offers to help students achieve their potential. You are welcome to bring along friends and family to explore our beautiful campuses and facilities, meet our staff and student ambassadors.

Coffs Harbour campus – Monday, 7 December 2015
Lismore campus – Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Gold Coast campus – Friday, 11 December 2015

More information is available on the SCU webpage: http://scu.edu.au/scuinfoday