1 March 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

Dear Parents

As an Independent Public School, our School Council plays an integral role in the governance of our school. At the first meeting of the year, following my recommendation, the council agreed to increase their membership and the election process has already begun. It is important that every parent understands the work the council will undertake this year as it will have significant impact on the strategic direction of our school.

The additional members are required to drive a comprehensive strategic renewal process that will culminate in the preparation of a new four year strategic plan. As a part of this project, the council has endorsed a number of priorities that require data gathering, research and community consultation prior to making recommendations to the Executive Principal to guide future activity.

The strategic priorities are:

• The School Governance Model and management structures required to lead the school to further improvement
• Excellence Programs for 2017 - 2020
• Inclusive education practices to ensure that PBC provides quality support and equitable access for all students with disability
• The Facilities Plan
• Information Technology Infrastructure including the future of the bring your own device project
• Building a stronger school culture through enhancing relationships between students and teachers and providing better support to students to deal with the challenges of adolescence
• Introducing the new Queensland Senior School assessment

An essential part of this work will entail School Council members familiarising themselves with current best practice which may involve travel.

If you are interested in being involved in this work I encourage you to nominate for the School Council. I also encourage those parents who are not interested in joining the council, to still have their say in who represents them by voting in the School Council elections.

Details of the nomination and election process are as follows:

• Parent Self-nominations close on 2 March
• Election Day will be 15 March held in the TTC from 7.30am to 8.30am
• Instructions and forms for self-nominations are available on our school website under Our Community / School Council tab

We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

The following weeks are a crucial stage of the term for our students as they navigate upcoming assessments tasks and exams. By now, students should have identified their learning goals for their individual subjects and outlined these in the Optima Plan at the front of their student planner. The real power in identifying your subject goals/targets is to map out a plan to achieve these goals and then maintain your dedication and commitment to see the plan through. I wish our students the best of luck in sticking to their study plan and achieving their well-deserved results.

PBC Open Day

This year we are expanding the PBC Open Day to also include our Senior School with a heavy involvement from our senior students. The Open Day is scheduled for Tuesday 8 March and will involve tours of our classrooms and interactive and informative sessions for parents. These parent sessions will focus on stages of adolescent development and building the foundations for successful study routines and habits.

By now you will have received an invitation to this school wide event. If you are available to attend please do so.

Please visit our website

or Facebook page for details.

Year 11 Semi-Formal

The Year 11 Semi-Formal will be held at Twin Towns on Thursday 24 March. This evening is a highlight of the Year 11 social and schooling calendar. The event will involve a dinner, insights from some successful ex-PBC students, and a lot of dancing.

We encourage all of our Year 11 students to be a part of this event as it is a great way to build a positive culture within the cohort.

Please visit our website for more information.

After Parties

Our school community does not condone after parties. As a result, each year we communicate with our parents and educate our students on the dangers of 'after parties' and the risky message of underage drinking and drug taking. We want our students to enjoy socialising safely and responsibly, which is why we offer events such as the Semi-Formal and Formal.

PBC neither supports nor promotes 'after parties'. We are aware that some of the companies targeting our young people do so in a manner that may place them at risk of harm. I urge you to ensure that your young person is not put at risk by allowing them to attend.

Blair Hanna
Head of School – Senior School

HOD of Senior School Report

Assessment calendars

Assessment calendars for Years 10, 11 and 12 have been uploaded to the school website.

Click on the curriculum tab and then under testing and assessment . Students can also download this information from the K drive on the school's network. This information will be useful for parents and students when planning their study timetable

Shutdown timetable

Term 1 exam shutdown is currently being finalised and will soon be uploaded to the school website . It will also be available for students on the K drive.

During shutdown students need only attend if they have timetabled exams or sport. Students must be in full school uniform to sit exams.

Parents and students are reminded that sport will continue to run as per normal during Week 9. As per our assessment policy, students are not permitted to sit exams earlier than the rest of the cohort. Forms for extension/change of date are available on the school website under curriculum/ testing and assessment . These must be submitted to the relevant HOD at least 48 hours before the due date. All students and parents need to be aware that exams will be scheduled up to and including the last day of term, Thursday 24 March.

VET and certificate courses

All students doing VET and certificate courses will need to be up to date with their competencies by the end of term. Those students who are at risk of not completing competencies will need to attend school during shutdown to ensure that they catch up. These students will be contacted by their teachers.

OP Pathway

Students in Year 10 are again reminded that their academic performance in Year 10 will determine which pathway they can choose in Year 11. Students wishing to complete the OP pathway need to achieve B's in English and Maths and two other classes in Year 10.

Mick McDougall
HOD – Senior School

Senior School Update

As the term progresses at a rate of knots, senior students will have already, or soon will face their first major assessment piece for the year across all of their subjects. Feedback from teachers and students alike this year attest to the fact that they are working hard in class and are driven towards achieving their best and maximising their opportunities.

With this time of increased stress at school, it is important that students make a concerted effort to remain healthy and focussed to prepare the best they can to learn each and every day. Simple ways of ensuring senior students keep a clarity of mind as the term nears its end could be:

• Ensuring students get adequate sleep
• Minimising 'screen time', particularly on mobile phones prior to sleep
• Encouraging exercise after school and prior to homework/assessment work
• Ensuring all students have an adequate breakfast prior to leaving home in the morning

Student welfare support

Students have access to a range of welfare staff at PBC to assist them in strategies to minimise anxiety and stress, as well as other inhibitors to achieving their best. Should parents or students have any concerns about a child's welfare, please contact your Year Coordinator or Dean, who can then arrange contact with our team of Guidance Officers and school-based nurses and psychologists.

Bus passes

At this time of term we also remind students of the need to have bus passes if they catch a bus to and from school. Any student found on a bus without a bus pass is liable to receive a fine addressed to their parent and carers. Bus pass forms can be found online via the Queensland Transport website

Bike safety – wear a helmet

Also in relation to travel to and from school, any student who rides a bike is required to wear a helmet. Bike safety and the safety of our students is of utmost importance; students will receive disciplinary consequences if they do not wear a helmet. Riding without a helmet is also an illegal act, more information about bike safety and road rules while riding can be found at

Good luck in the lead up to those crucial pieces of assessment and remember to look after each other.

Senior School Team

Middle School Update

Year 7 Parent Information Evening

Thank you to the over 400 parents and students who attended our very successful Year 7 parent Information Night last week. Our Year 7 teachers enjoyed the opportunity to put a face to a name and start the building of a productive relationship between school and home.

For those of you that couldn't make it you can find a link to the presentation here .

New parent coffee morning

Thank you must also go to the new families who joined us this week for a parent coffee morning as a welcome to PBC and to check in on how their young person is finding the transition to a new school. It was pleasing to hear how happy students are feeling about being welcomed into the PBC family.

Middle School Deputy

I have recently asked Mrs Tracey Cardinal to act as the Middle School Deputy Principal in Mr O'Brien's absence until the end of Term 1. Please contact Tracey through the school phone switch or via email directly for concerns relating to Years 7-9.

Open Day

In the coming weeks we will have our annual Open Day which will include parent information sessions and an opportunity to tour the school whilst classes are in action. The day is a great way to see the many values that we espouse at PBC being enacted and to interact with parents of the school so I look forward to seeing you then.

Please visit our website

or Facebook page for details.

Industry and perseverance

In the next few weeks we are focusing on the attributes of 'industry and perseverance' and the benefits of working hard to improve on a skill or knowledge. A big factor in the influence of this is the students self-talk or mind set.

Language choices at tough times when you are encouraging your young person can make a big difference. I really like this set of simple swaps below to talk to them about and to try;

Anita Sgalippa
Head of School - Middle School

From the HOD Middle School

Representing PBC

Recently, Middle School students have been reminded that whenever they are in the wider community in their school uniforms, they represent PBC and are expected to follow the OPTIMA Code. Every time a PBC student visibly behaves well in shopping centres, on public transport and in the street, they provide support for PBC students with an aspiration where a school's reputation is an advantage, such as employment. Sadly, the opposite is also true. Students understand that our high expectations extend to them whenever they are in school uniform or when behaviour impacts on our school community.

Sexting

During assemblies, Middle School students have been taught about sexting; what it is, and the legal and personal consequences, including the possibility of being charged with child pornography. Students have been advised that if they regret having previously sent an image, they can:

• Ask the recipient to delete it and not forward it on to others.
• If it's already 'out there', speak to a trusted adult to assist them in taking action.
• If a sexting photo is sent to their phone, delete it immediately.
• Support friends—stick up for them and don't share images of them.

Feedback – Essential to Improvement

Many Middle School students are currently engaged in the drafting process of various assignments for their subjects. Drafting is considered essential at PBC because we understand the critical nature of feedback in learning. Drafting gives opportunities to students to learn from mistakes and improve their performance. Students who draft carefully can use feedback to achieve at even higher levels. It is important for students to understand that constructive feedback is not personal criticism; rather, it is offered to provide an opportunity for development. Used well, it can enable students to achieve their goals.

Half way to the holidays!

This term is quite short – only nine weeks – so it is more important than ever that students are in class whenever possible. Please avoid booking holidays inside term time, as it impacts on students' learning and assessment.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

Creative Arts Excellence News

2016 has well and truly started and we have already had a few exciting events happen; however, it is important to remember the two big events that finished off our very busy 2015.

USA Tour 2015

On 30 November 2015, 28 students from music, dance and drama excellence programs, made a 15 hour trip to the other side of the world. The PBC USA Tour was an action packed ten days of performances, workshops, making new friends, theme parks and shopping.

After months of rehearsing a 20 minute show that was created by dance teacher Miss Swanborough and music teacher Mrs Tassone, we performed at four main venues (Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm and Loara State High School). With many unforgettable moments like walking down Hollywood Boulevard, and seeing Los Angeles from above near the 'Hollywood' sign, a highlight would be attending a local school for two days. At Loara State High School we were given the opportunity to attend classes, eat at the cafeteria and experience a new lifestyle / culture.

A once in a lifetime opportunity, the excursion was exceptional. Thank you to the staff who helped with the organisation (Mrs Shinn, Miss Swanborough, Mrs Tassone and Mr Loggie) and our parents for giving us the chance to attend such an amazing trip.

Sydney Trip 2015

From 30 November – 3 December 2015 we took a further 47 students and five teachers to Sydney to engage in a number of workshops and to see what a career could be like in The Arts.

Students from all five creative arts subjects (Media, Visual Arts, Dance, Drama and Music) joined their teachers (Mr Roberts, Mr Pasley, Ms Kent, Ms Hall and Mrs Shin) on a whirlwind tour of Sydney.

Each subject had their own itinerary, giving the students an idea of what they can do in the industry once they finish school. Some of the experiences included a visit to Triple J studios, backstage at the Opera House, watching Matilda the Musical, being able to attend the ED5 international graduation concert, Q&A with Geoffrey Rush, visits to tertiary institutions, workshops and tours at different galleries, and of course, sightseeing throughout Sydney.

Bruce Page Visits PBC

Year 8 and 9 Drama Excellence students were privileged to work with veteran Chanel Nine Gold Coast News Broadcaster, Mr Bruce Paige. The students are studying Broadcast Voice and Bruce spoke about his career from the early days right through to today. Bruce spoke in detail about his vocal instrument and how to care for and use it. The students then gave Bruce a snapshot of their News Broadcast performances. Bruce gave invaluable feedback, advice and comments to the class members. The students loved meeting and working with Mr Bruce Paige.

Artslink – The Spirit of the Mask

Drama Excellence students were treated to a wonderful performance from Artslink, the youth touring program for the Queensland Arts Council.

The Spirit of the Mask focussed on a classic Commedia dell'Arte production and incorporated hilarious student participation in the performance. The skills and techniques were delivered to the audience through the comic physical and vocal skills of the stock characters of Dottore and Capitano.

Upcoming Events

• Bleach Festival: Our dance students will be involved in this festival in a performance installation "Shifting Sands" on Currumbin Estuary which occurs over the weekend of 12 and 13 March.
• Educating Rita: The Drama excellence students will be travelling to Brisbane to see this performance on the 15 March.
• Senior Music Excellence Performance evening: will be occurring in the Theatre at 6pm on 23 March.
• Future Film Makers: The media students will be going to Bond University on 11 April to engage in this workshop with a number of industry professionals.
• 48 Hour Film Festival: Students will be involved in our own 48 hour film festival with the public viewing occurring at 6:30pm on Friday 29 April in the PBC Theatre.

There are plenty more events to come throughout the year. Please watch this space for more information about our CAX performances and excursions.

The Creative Arts team

PBC Leo Club News

2016 Committee members

The Leo club of PBC is looking forward to another successful year of community work and would like to take this opportunity to introduce the committee members for 2016 and thank all members who nominated for a committee position.

The President of the Leo club for 2016 is Michelle Borg; Josh Wingett is Vice President; Emily Ireland is the Secretary and Amelia Cody-Byfield is the Treasurer. Congratulations to the successful nominees and also to those who nominated.

Induction of new members

Induction of new members will occur on Wednesday, 2 March and the club already has seven new members. Involvement in community projects is already underway, with the Leos participating in Clean up Australia Day on 6 March and the Beach Care project on 19 March.

Donations to community

The Leo club has already made their first donations to worthy community organisations such as Orange Laundry – a community organisation started by the joint Australian Youths of the year. This organisation provides washing services for the homeless and the Leos donated $300 to this worthwhile project. They also donated $100 to the Men's Workshop to provide work shirts for their members. Finally, the club donated $150 to a local organisation that provides shoes and socks to primary school children in our local area.

The Leo club will again work tirelessly as a dedicated group of young people who because of their efforts will make a difference to those in the local and surrounding communities.

Community Service Award

At the Leo meeting this week a Leo member, Saffron Jeffs was awarded with a certificate for 50 hours of community service. Well done Saffron, your efforts are very much appreciated. The Leo club does give the opportunity for students to involve themselves in community work and all students are invited to become a Leo member.

PBC Leo Club

Maths Department News

Smart Choices Workshop

Two lucky Year 8 classes this week were fortunate enough to attend a Commonwealth Bank mini seminar on 'Financial Choices'. This tied in very well with the current Year 8 Maths unit of Financial Mathematics. The session was engaging and helped students to think about the implications of their financial decision making and influences in their lives.

The presentation was thought-provoking and asked students to consider three questions: Do I need it? Why do I want it? Can I afford it? And reminded us that 'you can always afford to think about it'. Good questions that we could all consider from time to time!

Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive. Students were excited and interested to learn the impact of failing to maintain a phone contract for example. They responded well to 'real life' maths.

Thank you to Neil Mackay for inviting the Commonwealth Bank in.

Numeracy bites

Year 7-9 Maths classes are starting most lessons with a 5-10 minute numeracy bite. This consists of students answering numeracy questions linked, where possible, to the current maths unit the students are studying. Some classes are competing to see which class is top of the leader board (taking into account both time and accuracy) and the competition is getting fierce!

We hope that these 'numeracy bites' will help students to strengthen their numeracy skills which are vital for success all through the school. Research shows that students who are successful in NAPLAN numeracy also do well in the QCS test and have improved outcomes in the future. At home you can support your student in this by making sure they are confident with the multiplication tables and aren't always relying on the calculator to perform simple calculations

Calculators

In spite of our good work on developing numeracy skills, calculators are still needed for maths lessons. There are still some students who are not bringing a calculator to their maths lessons. Please make sure that your young person has a calculator for school. As recommended in the stationery list, a scientific calculator is preferable. Mobile phones are NOT acceptable to be used as a calculator in school.

Maths puzzle

An old maths book contained this addition sum which had been marked correct by the teacher:

The three squares in the diagram are where the paper was bad so I couldn't read them. What were the 3 missing numbers?

Cathy Clipson
HOD Maths

Study Skills – Building good study habits

It is important for students to develop good time management strategies, not only to maximise their achievement while at school but to build good habits for life after school. Managing how they spend their time ensures they meet assessment deadlines and avoid procrastination, avoiding stress and anxiety. Negotiating a study timetable with your student, which it is fair and achievable, can be a great step toward building life-long time management skills.

Step One: Start by creating a blank template that has the days of the week down the left hand side and blocks of time, from getting home until just before bed time, along the top. Create a different timeline for the weekend if you plan to use those days too. You can create the template on the computer and print out blank versions each regularly to update and modify it - but it is a good idea to fill out the timetable by hand. This way it is a more collaborative activity that you can do together and both have ownership of.

Step Two: Negotiate some priorities between you and you student and fill these in first. It may be extra-curricular activities that they are committed to, chores, family commitments, time allocated to computer use or your students favourite TV show. Students need to understand that a part of a balanced life is making time for priorities as well as work. They are also more likely to follow the timetable if it seems fair and they have 'nag free' periods of time allocated to things they enjoy doing.

Step Three: Then fill in the homework blocks. Assign each subject a colour, it will be easier to navigate your timetable this way. Also, it looks fancy and is more fun to make. There should be four half hour blocks each afternoon that correspond to the four subjects your student studies that day. It is a good idea to have a short break between each study block (5 – 10 mins) to refresh and stretch, get a drink or a snack, or even just go and pat the dog for a minute. It will allow your students to gather focus before starting again. Your student should avoid using social media or watching TV in this break. These activities do not allow the brain to properly process the tasks it has just completed.

Step Four: Finally, in each homework block, allocate a study goal. Sometimes students will have specific homework written in their planner e.g. Maths: complete activities 1- 5. If there was no specific homework set that day, they may use that time to read over the notes they took in class or practice the spelling list. Setting specific goals or breaking large tasks into smaller parts to complete each study session will help to keep students on track and avoid procrastination, especially in assignment times when it can be difficult to know where to start.

Study skills workshop for parents

A study skills workshop aimed at parents will run at PBC on Wednesday 2 March that will cover creating homework timetables in more detail and will also offer some other tools that can be used to help manage homework.

If you are interested in benefitting from this opportunity please RSVP to events@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Please visit our website

or Facebook page for more information.

Courtney Underwood
Study Skills Coordinator

Join the PBC STEM team!

Everything around us is science. Or rather, somehow related to it or explained by it. Talking, eating, breathing, running, laughing and singing all have scientific explanations behind them and ways that they can be related back to science. However, the science industry in Australia has lately started experiencing a shortage of young people who want to pursue a career in science, or STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. So last year, Griffith University established the STEM Ambassadors in schools across the Gold Coast- students who loved STEM and were prepared to introduce it to other students in the school.

Last year as STEM Ambassadors, we organised a school-wide STEM trivia competition complete with prizes of course, ran the final competition for the Year 7 science balloon car assignment, participated in the STEM Convention- a two-part program with other schools where we completed projects on last year's topic of light and The Conoco-Phillips Science Experience (TSCE). During TSCE, we spent one day at the Nathan Campus of Griffith University, one day at QUT, and two days at UQ participating in workshops and lectures held by professors and scientists.

This year, we're looking for some new STEM Ambassadors to join us in spreading STEM through the school, whilst doing some pretty cool things along the way, in what promises to be an even better year than last. The PBC STEM team is a great opportunity for students to connect with like-minded peers, experience new things, and build both leadership skills and your resume! Any students interested in joining the PBC STEM team, should contact a STEM Ambassador or Mrs I'Anson in O Block.

Our STEM abassadors are: Darcy D'Hotman De Villiers, Amelia Cody-Byfield, Elise Watkins, Shelby Craik, Amy Cooper, Annika Danielsen

Amy Cooper, Year 10
Griffith University STEM Ambassador

Year 11 Semi Formal

The Year 11 Semi Formal Dinner and Dance will be held at Twin Towns Services Club in Tweed Heads on Thursday 24 March 2016.

This evening is an exciting event for students, and PBC staff to welcome in the final two years of schooling and have an evening to get to socialise and network in a professional setting.

Ticket cost: $87.00 per person.
Inclusive of dinner, drinks, guest speakers and DJ.
$20 deposit due Friday 26 Feb, non-refundable.
Remainder to be paid by Friday 11 March

Should you have any further queries regarding this event, please contact the Year 11 Coordinator, Amanda Stewart, by email – astew113@eq.edu.au

Please visit our website for more information.

Amanda Stewart
Year 11 Coordinator

PBC Open Day

You are invited to attend the PBC Open Day

Date: Tuesday 8 March
Time: 9:00am - 11:25am
Location: PBC Theatre

On this day parents/guardians will be given the opportunity to tour our school precincts and attend forums.

Morning tea will be provided.

RSVP:

Please RSVP to events@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au by Friday 4 March with your name and the primary school your child is attending.

If your child is already a student at PBC, please email your name, the name of your student/s and their grade.

The Open Day is for parents/guardians only

PBC Administration

National School Constitutional Convention

From Wednesday 16 March to Friday 18 March 2016, Giselle Kilner-Parmenter will be among 120 Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia attending the 21st National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC), being held at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra. All Australian education ministers support the NSCC with most states and territories funding feeder conventions and the Australian Government Department of Education and Training funding the NSCC.

The National Schools Constitutional Convention programme provides senior students with an opportunity to become better informed about how Australia's Constitution provides a democratic framework and encourages them to take an active interest in the operation of government. The topic of the 2016 Convention is 'Education in a Federation'.

Emeritus Professor John Warhurst AO will facilitate the 2016 Convention where Giselle, along with other delegates, will spend two days exploring this year's topic. This will include input from a panel of experts, group discussions on the issues and the opportunity to persuade other delegates of particular approaches. Students will participate in a mock referendum to determine the outcome of their deliberations. The programme includes a visit to Government House as well as a dinner at the High Court of Australia. Please download a programme here for more information.

Decisions made at the Convention will be incorporated into a communiqué that will be presented to the President of the Senate. The Communiqué will then be tabled in Parliament. We will email you a copy of the Communiqué at the completion of the Convention.

In becoming a national delegate Giselle was selected from around 4,000 students from government, independent and Catholic schools, most of whom took part in feeder conventions in their home state or territory. I encourage you to acknowledge this achievement in the local media and/or within your school community. A sample media release has been included below for your reference.

Thank you for your support of Giselle and the 2016 National Schools Constitutional Convention.

Christine Reid
Executive Director | National Curriculum Services (NCS)

School Council Calling for Nominations

What is the School Council?

In 2013 PBC became an Independent Public School affording the local community more input into school directing and decision making. As an IPS school the school council was established. The purpose of the school council is to provide strategic advice to the Executive Principal including approving the strategic planning.

Under this initiative, the school council must consist of elected parents, staff and student members. The Principal and P&C President are official members of the council. The council may also appoint a maximum of two industry/community members that have knowledge and experience that assist the council to perform its functions and reflect the local community context.

Nominations

PBC is wanting to expand the current School Council and is calling for nominations to the following school council positions in 2016:

• Parent members (2 year tenure)
• Teaching members (2 year tenure)
• Non-Teaching members (2 year tenure)

Interested school community members are asked to self-nominate for the election by completing the self-nomination form and submitting it to the Returning Officer by email, mail or fax. This form, election procedures and a role description are available under the School Council page .

Please mark nominations private and confidential.

Michaela Halberstater – Returning Officer
Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
Thrower Dr
Palm Beach Qld 4221
mhalb0@eq.edu.au
Fax 55259300

Nominations close at 4pm on 2 March 2016.

Parent elections will be conducted at the following time and venue:

5.30pm to 6.30pm Tuesday 15 March in the Trade Training Centre at PBC

Staff elections will be conducted at the following time and venue:

4.15pm to 5.00pm Tuesday 15 March in the Trade Training Centre at PBC

Swimming trials

The PBC swimming trials were held on Friday 12 February for students across all year levels. Eighty students nominated to swim at the trials to be selected in the PBC team to attend the Oceanic District trials.

Most races were keenly contested particularly in the younger age groups.

Here is the House Championship tally board:

1st: Phoenicians - 322 points
2nd: Spartans – 230 points
3rd: Athenians – 219 points
4th: Vikings – 186 points

Congratulations to the following students who are our age champions for swimming in 2016:

12 years: Zach King and Ashley Webb
13 years: Darcy Winter and Indiana Johnson
14 years: Sam Frost and Ella MacLachlan
15 years: Tristan Bullen
16 years: Rex Morgan
17/18 years: Charlie Tighe and Chloe Bergquist

Geoff Eggert
Sports Coordinator

Student Achievements

PBC would like to encourage parents to email us with any great recent achievements from your student. 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, photos, and/or any links to media articles that we can share.

Another fantastic achievement by Year 8 Sport Excellence student Mackenzey Ormiston, who took out first place in the Queensland Junior Athletics Championships in Brisbane in the U15 girls1500m. Mackenzey will now be competing along with the 3000m at the Australian Junior Championships in Perth in March.

Congratulations to Year 12 student Chloe Finlay who has just completed a very successful 5 week season as 'Minnie' in the timeless classic 'West Side Story' at Gold Coast Little Theatre Southport.

Senior School Guidance Officer Report

Careers in the Defence Force

If you are interested in a career in the Defence Force, please follow the links to the PDF below to the ADF Information Session flyer:

Reducing stress and exam survival

Follow the link below to view school stress and exam survival tips through HEADSPACE:

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer Senior School

Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

• Have a regular sleep pattern- try going to bed at the same time each evening and get up at the same time each day. This helps create a sleep routine.
• Spend the right amount of time in bed- most adults need about 8 hours sleep every night. Children need more sleep than adults.
• Bed is for sleeping- TV, computers and other electronic devices interfere with sleep. Your mind needs to know that you are in bed and it's time for sleep.
• Unwind before bed- Sort out problems well before going to bed. Try to avoid using your computer at least 1 hour before going to bed and avoid exercise too close to bedtime.
• Have a comfortable bedroom- preferably dark, quiet, comfortable bedding and a good temperature.
• Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine related drinks and cigarettes as these are stimulants.
• Avoid napping during the day- however if it is unavoidable then ensure it is only for 30 minutes and don't go to bed again for at least another 4 hours.
• Don't lie awake watching the clock- this can create an anxious feeling and clock watching will only make it worse. A glass of warm milk has a calmative effect as it releases tryptophans which convert to melatonin and serotonin which aid in relaxation. Other foods such as peanuts, bananas and oats also produce tryptophans.
• Sleeping pills should be avoided as they do not fix your sleeping problems they only add to it.
• If you need some professional help- see your GP

(Ref: Australasian Sleep Association ,Youth Beyond Blue, Raising Children Network)

Judy Nunn
School Based Youth Health Nurse

Pathways Centre News

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

We have many exciting opportunities to start the term in the Pathway Centre Y Block.

Hospitality Traineeships - Barefoot Barista Palm Beach, Tugun Surf Lifesaving Club, Zarraffas Pacific Fair, Crema Espresso Robina, Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, Surfers Paradise Beach Café, Crust Surfers Paradise, Woodbox Café Burleigh, Noodle Box Robina, and Fiery Deli Burleigh
Cert III Business - Angus and Coote Robina, Blooms the Chemist the Pines, Aurora Institute of Training, Intersport The Pines, Subway Stores – various locations.
First National Real Estate - Palm Beach and Burleigh. Cert III Business traineeships. Duties include reception and property management
Von Bibra Work Experience Year 10 only – Do you have passion for cars? Want to work in the motor industry? Von Bibra Robina Auto Mall are offer work experience to Year 10 students in April. Collect expression of interest form.
Nursing and Physio - Interested in Nursing, Physio? Robina Hospital are hosting one day workshops, placements will fill fast so get in early.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - Traineeships in Hospitality and Business and IT.
Cert III Sport and Recreation - Miami and Burleigh Pools, get your Bronze Medallion, Pool lifeguarding and CPR as part of your traineeship.
Midas Car Care Burleigh are looking for a junior casual, after school and Saturday mornings. Cleaning the workshop/tools, email resume to burleighheads@midas.com.au

Currently taking expression of interest for the following programs: Jupiters (cookery), Von Bibra (Year 10 only) and Aged Care.

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

Sonia Shreeve
Industry Liaison Officer

Uniform Shop Update

Uniform Shop Trading Hours

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 are currently OUT OF STOCK.

PBC caps are a compulsory part of the uniform and are recommended for all outdoor activities and are available to purchase from the Uniform Shop. Cost is $15.00.

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

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.: 2016 SRS8 or 2016 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).

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 in good condition, please drop them off at Student Services.

PBC Alliance

2016 Membership and Partnership opportunities

Give your business some visibility in the local community by becoming 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

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:

PBC Alliance Breakfast

If you a part of a local business or organisation, a past student of PBC, or just looking to get involved in your local business community, come along to the PBC Alliance Breakfast on Friday 4 March.

The event will feature guest speakers Drew Anthony, a PBC past student turned performer, director, choreographer, and producer; and Peter Doggett, CEO of  Connecting Southern Gold Coast  .

Please follow the link to the Facebook event for more information: 

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 www.qparents.qld.edu.au to register today!

Student notice – bus passes

As from the end of Week 5 (26 February 2016), students will need to show their bus pass or GOCARD to get on the bus. Please ensure your student has their bus pass/Go Card or money to pay the fare.

Palm Beach Soccer Club – Junior positions available

Please follow the link to the PDF below for Bleach Festival Feast Fiesta event details:

White Bear Foundation – Weekend Workshops

Please follow the link to the PDF below for White Bear Foundation Weekend Workshops event details:

Thrower House After School Program

'Below Average' Comic Strip

About the Comic

High school. It's a daunting place, especially when you're at the bottom of the social ladder… where we find four friends trying to survive their final days of senior year. Join

Marina, Maddison, Amy and Olivia as they embrace adolescence with a refreshing and humorous approach to daily life in this new addition to the Palm Beach Currumbin High School Newsletter.

Below Average is a fortnightly webcomic created by cartoonist Nicholas Cleaver in mid-

2010. It follows the day-to-day adventures of four not-so average teenagers: Marina, an inventor suffering with obsessive-compulsive disorder; Maddison, a blissfully ignorant foodaholic; Amy, a sarky game fanatic; and Olivia, the kookiest member of the group.

The strip's primary theme is humour, and focuses largely on friendship, school and the

four girls' incompatibility with established society.

Answer to maths puzzle

The most obvious place to start was the 0 at the bottom (don't forget to carry the 1!).

Working towards the left, the next one has to be 9 to make the total 16 (+1 = 17) so we carry another one.

That means the top left digit must be empty (or a zero).