10 February 2014

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents

Welcome back to what promises to be a very exciting year. My colleagues have been exceedingly busy preparing for the school year however it has been light work thanks to the motivation we’ve taken from the excellent results of last year’s graduating class. This included:

These results again place PBC in the highest echelon of Queensland Schools and I wish to congratulate the students and my colleagues on these outstanding results.

We are committed to 2014 being even bigger and better. Over the holidays our school has been a hive of activity in preparation. Since school broke up we’ve:

• erected two new covered areas
• commenced work on a new building
• refurbished a number of classrooms
• reinvigorated a number of eating areas

We welcomed over 400 Year 8 students and along with the rest of the student cohort they made a tremendous start to the school year. The students have looked fabulous, been well prepared and impressive in the manner they’ve commenced their studies.

I am well aware that many PBC families make sacrifices to support their child’s education and I would like to thank you for the support you provide our school.

My colleagues and I look forward to working with you to ensuring your young person achieves their potential and I will keep you informed on progress across our key initiatives in the months ahead.

Thank you for choosing PBC for your child.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Senior School

Welcome back to all our senior school students and families. The senior school team has included many important messages and strategies that you need to know for your student to be successful at PBC. I encourage all parents to partner with the school to ensure that we can achieve the best possible results for each and every student.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have a query so that we can proactively work together to find a solution. The contact details can be found on our school website under Our School / Contact Us.

I would like to formally invite Year 11 students and parents to our Parent Information Evening for Year 11 students on Wednesday 12 February. It is a very important information night and is a must for all parents and students starting Year 11 in 2014.

Nigel Hughes
Director – Senior School

Deputy Principal Welcome

A warm welcome to all parents and carers, especially those of Year 10 and students new to PBC. We are hoping that the information and advice we provide in these newsletters will help you effectively support your students in having a successful Senior Schooling experience with us.

This week, students were reminded of the importance of completing their Optima Plans. This goal setting activity is part of PBC's response to international research on learning. In 2009, academic John Hattie reviewed a huge body of education research to find that the most effective ways in which students can improve their learning outcomes are to believe in their ability to improve their grades, set firm goals and actively participate in the learning process by engaging with constructive feedback. We encourage you to discuss your student's Optima Plan with them. What are the grades they hope to achieve? How are they going to get there? How might they work smarter (instead of just harder) to achieve the results they hope for? Teachers will also be having these conversations with students in their classes. We urge parents and carers to be active partners in student learning by signing the Optima Plan and helping students plan their time effectively. Homework and study are part of their daily routines.

Parents and carers can also support their student by creating an effective space for learning at home. While every family's home is different, parents of highly successful students I have known say that the kitchen is the best place for homework - even in the Senior School. It can be that students have fewer distractions (such as Facebook) and are more focused when in a public space within the home. It is also very easy for them to ask for a quick opinion or clarification from other family members. Year 10 students should be planning to do at least one hour of homework, revision and study each night, while older students may require up to three hours, depending on the nature of their course.

This fortnight has seen the new Student Leaders introduce themselves on assemblies as they gear up for the year, representing the student body, running school community events, fundraising and contributing to a positive school culture. Employers and community organisations are increasingly valuing leadership skills and experiences. PBC hopes to provide opportunities for a wider group of students to develop their own leadership skills in 2014. More information will be provided here in the coming months.

Sharon Hillcoat
Deputy Principal – Senior School

Senior School Study Notes

Mick McDougall
HOD - Senior School

QCS Preparation

In the 2013 school year, PBC did extremely well in both the QCS exam and our overall OP results with 92% of students achieving an OP 1-15. These results were achieved by dedicated teachers, extra tuition and students prepared to go the extra mile to optimise their OP.

This week Year 12 QCS students brought home a letter informing parents about QCS fees, course structure, Master Classes and Turbo Days (see below). All OP students are expected to attend. A letter explaining absence is required. Please make sure these dates are in both your own and your child’s diary.

	Term 1	Term 2	Term 3
Master Classes (Wednesday)	Week 4: 19 Feb 2:45-4:15pm	Week 3: 7 May 2:45-4:15pm Week 7: 4 June 2:45-4:15	Weeks 2 3 4 5 23, 30 July 6, 13 August 1:55 – 4:00pm
Turbo Days (Thursday)	Week 5: 27 Feb 9:00am- 3:05pm	Week 5: 22 May 9:00am- 3:05pm

Master classes are provided by Mighty Minds, experts in skills and tips for success in QCS. They will be held in the Trade Training Centre after Sport. A drink and snack will be provided. It is important that students attend in order to maximise individual OP results.

Turbo Days are a variation to school routine as normal classes will be suspended for a full day to focus on QCS Short Response, Writing Task and Multi-Choice attack skills.

The programs outlined above are additional to the once weekly 30 minute lessons in Semester 1 and 2 x 70 minute lessons in Term 3.

As we hope to repeat last year’s outstanding results, we ask that you encourage and support students to do their part by actively participating in all facets of the QCS program.

QCS Coordinator
D. Reid

Middle School News

It is with great pleasure that I welcome all Middle School students and parents/guardians to the 2014 school year. The beginning of the school year has been very positive and I have been extremely impressed with the start the Year 8 and 9 students have made to the school year.

The Middle School prides itself in building success for every student. This is achieved by creating a caring, supportive environment that ensures a smooth transition into the Senior School. A major component is also the setting of high expectations for our students to meet whether that is related to learning, behaviour or dress standards. In advance, I would like to thank all parents for their efforts in supporting the school in meeting these standards.

Please be aware that all students have now received their Middle School 2014 Student Planner. It is vital that parents/guardians become familiar with the contents of this planner as it outlines a great deal of very important Middle School specific information and will be used as a planning tool for your student in regards to homework and upcoming assessment.

In the coming weeks our Year 8 cohort will be sitting Progressive Achievement Test in reading (PATR) and maths, PATM, assessments. This will allow the school to analyse the data from these tests and ensure teaching practices meet the needs of our Year 8 students. Our Year 9 students have completed these diagnostic tests this week.

Year 8 Parent Information Night

On Wednesday 19 February (Week 4 this Term), we will have a Year 8 Parent Information Night. This will be a great opportunity to connect with our Middle School community. Parents will be able to meet Year Coordinators, members of the Administration team and some class teachers. You will also be able to attend an information session focused on the PBC Middle School philosophy, homework support, use of student planner and meeting assessment requirements such as preparing for exams and completing assignments; all the details you'll need to best support your student through the beginning of their high school education. Please save this date to your family diary.

Other important upcoming events include:

• School Photos – Thursday 6 February
• Middle School Swimming Carnival – Friday 14 February
• Excellence Program Information Night – Wednesday 26 February

Blair Hanna
Director ~ Middle School

Middle School HOD Welcome

It is so motivating to see our children operating at their best, particularly when in class. They are happy and are on task to learn.

At PBC we believe (and the research data supports the view) that if children set realistic yet challenging personal goals they are more likely to see the relevance and connections between what they do in the classroom, at home and the world beyond. They are also more likely to work towards success and to take pride in making the effort needed.

All students should now have a middle school planner which we are encouraging to be used as an organisational tool. It is expected that they bring their planner to class every day, every lesson.

All students will take a different path toward their goal and success does not look the same for all. An interested parent is a great asset on their journey particularly if you can hold informal conversations around what it is the student hopes to accomplish in each subject and help them to think about the timeframes and the smaller steps needed along the way.

At school there will be different ways to celebrate success but knowing that you are involved and notice their goals and effort is a huge benefit. We encourage you to sign off on your students goals on page four of the planner within the week.

As the term progresses there will be many opportunities for conversations about student school life. Please feel free to contact me if you want to discuss your student’s progress.

Di Stamp
HOD - Middle School

From the Dean’s Office

We have had a great start to the school! The Year 8 students have made the transition to high school with ease and are participating well in all their classes, as are the students in all other year levels.

Once a week, our Middle School students participate in a SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) class where they cover topics that contribute to their growth by discussing issues that relate to them socially, such as; cyber safety, nutrition, healthy relationships, drug awareness etc.

This week’s topic in SEL classes for the Year 8s is Study Skills.

Their Middle School student planner is an excellent place to start when exploring how to study effectively. A good idea early in the term would be for students and parents to peruse pages 10 through to 19 so that an effective study plan can be put in place. On pages 184 and 185 of planner there are home learning timetable to make this task easier.

A wealth of information is contained in the student planners; have a good look through it; it’s really interesting and very helpful!

Wishing you all the best for the new school year.

Leoni Kent
Acting Dean of Students

School Photo Catchup Day

If your student missed photo day on 6 February there is a photo catch up day on Thursday 13 February.

Please ensure you bring your photo envelope with you on the day. Correct money should be enclosed as no change will be given. Cash, cheques, money orders or credit cards are accepted.

Please wear your full day uniform (NOT any sports uniforms) and your brightest smile.

News from the Guidance Officer

Southern Cross University - Access Program 2014

Overview of the program:

SCU Access provides an opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to undertake a university enabling subject through SCU College while completing their senior schooling. Free from university fees, the program offers students the chance to gain a taste of university life, stimulate their interest in academic pursuits and enhance their educational performance and long term aspirations. On successful completion of the program participants will gain direct entry and advanced standing into a relevant Associate degree offered at Southern Cross University. The dedicated SCU Access project officer is an experienced secondary school teacher who is familiar with the tertiary environment and is the sole point of contact for the program. This means that there is constant support, so students gain a positive and fulfilling first experience of university whilst learning how to manage their time and simultaneously complete their school studies.

Benefits to students / schools:

Upon completion of SCU Access, students will gain:

• 1 Credit Point towards their QCE (QLD only)
• Guaranteed entry into the student’s choice of an Associate Degree in Business, Allied Health or Arts through SCU College.
• Advanced standing and reduced HECS debt, as a result of already having completed one unit from their chosen Associate Degree through the SCU Access program.

Associate degree units offered:

• BUS10699 - Business Language and Learning Skills
• HEA10002 - Developing Learning Practices for Health Professions

SCU Access Participant Criteria

Participant Criteria - SCU is looking for students who:

• possess the academic ability to achieve in a university environment.**
• are able to cope with the workload and have the ability to handle the additional unit on top of their school work, or be willing to drop a subject.**
• have supportive parent/s or guardian/s.**
• may be currently disengaged from learning.
• may display a lack of interest in school, may be distracted or affected by external or internal influences.
• may have realised the gravity of their lack of attitude and are prepared to turn their life around.
• may or may not be OP / ATAR eligible.
• would like to gain an experience of university life in a supported environment.
• may be capable of studying an undergraduate degree, but would benefit from the confidence boost of succeeding in a unit of supported study now.
• are able to commit to weekly classes and the submission of assignments.**

Criteria marked ** are mandatory.

Please see Mr Jones (Guidance Officer) in D block if you are interested.

Pathways Centre News

Welcome to another year! We already have lots of exciting opportunities available and employers waiting to work with students.

Opportunities are currently available for Year 10 or 11 in Hospitality, Business and Tourism. All students need to do is come to The Pathways Centre, register with us and bring their resume.

DON’T FORGET: Completing a School Based Traineeship will give you 4-8 points towards your QCE.

Likewise if you are in Year 10, 11 or 12 and would like to do work experience in an industry you will need to register with us and bring your resume.

The Pathways Centre is located in Y Block. We are open every day before school and at first break.

Sonia Shreeve
The Pathways Centre

Excellence Programs Information Evening For Years 7 and 8 in 2015

PBC Excellence Programs are setting the pace for high achievement and providing exciting pathways for students to realise their dreams. Our mission is to mentor extraordinary young students to become the next generation of innovative and successful performers in the fields of Academia, Sport and Creative Arts.

Scholarship opportunities are available for all three programs.

Information evening will be

• Wednesday 26 February 2014 at 6.30pm
• PBC Hall, Thrower Drive Palm Beach

There is limited seating for this event so we are asking that only two per family attend. To book your seat for the Excellence Information Evening, or to find out more about scholarship opportunities and other year levels, please contact Tara Gonzales-Judd, Excellence Enrolments Officer, at exenrolments@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au or phone on 07 5525 9418.

We look forward to meeting your families!

Volunteers Needed!

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist in our canteen and our uniform shop. All volunteers are welcome whether you are a parent, grandparent or friend.

If you have one day a week or even one day a month to lend a hand please come along and get involved. Meet people, have some laughs along the way and really help your school community. Every little bit helps.

If you have interested in volunteering or have questions please contact Ange Andresen on aandr120@eq.edu.au for details on how to get involved.

Uniform Shop Update

Cax Shirts

If you ordered a CAX SHIRT in Term 4 2013, they are now available to be collected from the Uniform Shop.

Sport Excellence

Parents will soon receive a text message to say that your student’s Sport Ex Uniform has arrived and will be available for collection from the Uniform Shop.

Trading Times:

Monday to Friday 8:15 to 9:30am and again during the first lunch break

Remember that hats are a compulsory part of the uniform and are recommended for all outdoor activities. Along with our PBC cap there is now a bucket hat available for $15. Due to an overwhelming response we do have limited bucket hat stock. More hats are due in Term 2.

If you are unable to come into the Uniform Shop you are more than welcome to give me a call on 07 55259331 and pay for any uniform item over the phone.

Uniform Shop payment methods are

• Flexischools Online (www.flexischools.com.au)
• Credit card
• Cash
• Cheques NOT accepted

Mandy Webb
Uniform Shop Convenor

After School Middle School Maths Tuition

As part of PBC’s commitment to delivering and maintaining high standards in literacy and numeracy throughout the Middle School years, additional support in the form of an after school tutoring session is being provided by the Mathematics Department.

This numeracy tutorial will be held every Tuesday afternoon from 3:15pm to 4:15pm in the PBC Library and is completely free of charge.

Students will be given support with a variety of basic numeracy concepts and skills as well as additional help with their Australian Curriculum Maths homework from an experienced maths teacher.

I highly recommend you consider these tutoring sessions for your student. If you have questions about the program, please contact the school.

Fiona Scannell
HOD Mathematics

Participation in HPE classes

HPE is a compulsory subject in Years 8, 9 and 10. Participation across the year does expose students to sun and water. As assessment in HPE is 50% practical performance, participation is expected as in any other class. If a student is injured and prevented from participating through doctor's orders, please contact the Head of Department (Shane Roberts) to arrange alternate assessment.

If you are suffering from a minor illness or injury, please see your teacher before the lesson to arrange alternate activities. In most cases reduced physical activity will be suitable.

Sun safe practices are a priority for us at PBC. A school hat is included as part of the uniform, and as such the wearing of a hat in HPE lessons is compulsory. Sunscreen is available in the HPE staffroom, most of our storage sheds and from your teacher.

Finally, the required uniform is the sports uniform as outlined on the PBC website. Sports excellence uniforms are NOT permitted in HPE classes.

Shane Roberts
HOD HPE

Administration

Cashier Window Operating Hours

Please be advised that the operating hours for the cashier/payment window at the school are strictly 8am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.

For internet banking please use the details below:

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
Student Resource Scheme Fees 2014 (whole payment)	All students	$330	Overdue
Student Resource Scheme Fees 2014 (first instalment)	All students	$165	Overdue
Student Resource Scheme Fees 2014 (second instalment)	All students	$165	14 March
Excellence Program Fees	Excellence program students	Various	Overdue
Course Fees
HPE III Fitness	Enrolled students	$500	13 Feb
HPE IV Fitness	Enrolled students	$500	13 Feb
Instrumental Music	Enrolled students	$50	21 Feb
QCS	Year 12 students	$50	21 Feb
Certificate I – Furnishing	Enrolled Year 11 and 12 students	Year 11 - $200 Year 12 - $100	21 Feb
Certificate I - Engineering	Enrolled Year 11 and 12 students	Year 11 - $200 Year 12 - $100	21 Feb
Certificate I - Construction	Enrolled Year 11 and 12 students	Year 11 - $200 Year 12 - $100	21 Feb
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.

Oral Health Services

Gold Coast Hospital & Health Service
Child and Adolescent Oral Health

Students in grades 10H, 10I, 10J (10A-G were offered in 2013) have been provided with an offer of oral health care examination card to take home.

If your child is enrolled in one of the grades listed above or are new to the school and did not receive an offer of care pack and you would like to arrange for your child to receive oral health care please contact the Oral Health Call Centre 1300 300 850. Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Excluding Public Holidays.

If your child requires disability access please identify this requirement with the Call Centre Operator.

Free Family Law Assistance

myFamilyLaw is a free family law app where you can submit your family law query to a real family lawyer in your state in Australia.

Also find information about divorce, property settlement, parenting arrangements, child support, family violence and your financial future.

You can also use myfamilyLaw to find and connect with family law professionals, view inspiring motivational quotes and attend family activities listed in myFamilyLaw events.

Community Events

List Your Community Event with the PBC Newsletter

If you are holding a community event, sign-on day or fundraiser and need help to get your message out to the community, you can apply to list your event via the PBC Newsletter.

Go to our website at https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/Calendarandnews/Newsletters/Pages/Newsletters.aspx and click on our most recent school newsletter.

Look for the ‘Live Local’ tab on the left-hand side of the newsletter and submit your event details. Clear details of the event must be included such as the purpose of your event, dates and photos if applicable. Upon approval by the Executive Principal we will list your event. Please note events of a commercial or business nature cannot be listed.

Be sure to check this area often as events change and are updated regularly.