24 February 2014

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents

I am thrilled with the start we have made to the 2014 school year. Despite the complexities associated with a record number of students I am pleased to report that our students have in general made excellent starts to their studies.

The classrooms that I have visited over the past few weeks have been busy and productive places where the student conduct has been exemplary. I am exceedingly grateful for the way families have embraced and supported the uniform. I have been contacted by a number of community members who have complimented me on how wonderful the students look and how they wear their uniform with pride.

The challenge we face is to maintain these high standards and focus, especially as the novelty of the new school year fades.

To maintain the momentum it is important that school and parents work together to ensure that every student:

• knows and continues to comply with the behaviour and dress standards of the school. Parents please run your eye over your child’s dress and support the code
• has re-established a positive peer group. It is important that parents know the names of friends and are comfortable they bring out the best in their child
• is spending appropriate time completing homework and studying what they have learnt in class. I am an advocate for publishing a study timetable for the fridge and all family members working to support each young person to develop the skills necessary to stick with it. The schedule should include assessment dates
• is attending regularly. Missing school has a major effect on learning achievement and as the term continues students who experience difficulty can also experience anxiety which is often confused with illness. As a general rule of thumb it’s my belief that a student should only be ill as often during a school term as they are when they are on holidays.

I also ask that you actively support the school’s commitment to zero tolerance to bullying. If your child experiences or witnesses any incident that you believe may be bullying make sure that they talk to their form teacher or year coordinator. Alternatively you can relay your concerns directly to the school by using the special email address reports@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au or alternatively phoning student administration.

Similarly if you have a welfare concern or would like to alert us that you are concerned someone may be experimenting with drug or alcohol usage, please follow the same steps. Your communications will be treated as confidential and our initial concern is always the wellbeing of students.

I feel confident that if we stay ever alert to these issues we will all be rewarded through strong student achievement at report card time.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Senior School

We have had a fantastic start to the year and we already have assessment and programs starting up. The senior team have provided in this newsletter some really important information and strategies that you can use with your student to maximise their senior schooling outcomes.

We have been working hard to finalise our strategic targets for the Senior School and we are focusing on providing more options and opportunities for each and every student. We know that this phase of their schooling is a challenging time but their success in pivotal in connecting them to their desired pathway.

Every Day, Every Lesson, On time: This is the mantra that I try to instil in all our senior school students. Attendance is directly linked to academic achievement and hence it is critical that students attend every day possible. You should encourage and monitor your child’s attendance and we will keep you informed through our text messages and phone calls.

Senior Schooling update

• Assessment Calendars for Years 10, 11 and 12 have been uploaded to the school website https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au. Click on the Curriculum tab and then 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
• Study skills sessions are being conducted by Elevate Education on Wednesdays 5 and 12 March 5. The study skills sessions will be conducted from 3:00 to 5:00pm. The highly recommended sessions will cover the following topics: Study sensei, Time Management, Memory and Mnemonics and Ace your Exams. The cost of the sessions is $22.00 in total; however for students in the Academic Excellence program it is covered in their Academic Excellence fees. All students in Years 11 and 12 are welcome to attend. It is expected that all students in Year 11 Academic Excellence attend.
• The Year 12 QCS students had their first QCS Master class conducted by Mighty Minds on Wednesday afternoon. It was great to see a large number of students attending and motivated to maximise their QCS and OP results. The next master class will be conducted on Wednesday 7 May. As outlined earlier it is expected that all OP eligible student attend these sessions.
• All 12 QCS students will also have a turbo support day during Week 6, Thursday 6 March.
• Term 1 exam shutdown is currently being finalised. Parents and students are reminded that sport will continue to run as per normal during Week 10. As per our assessment policy students are not permitted to sit exams earlier than the rest of the cohort. All students and parents need to be aware that exams will be scheduled up to and including the last day of term Friday 4 April. All Year 12 QCS students will have a practice Short Response test during shutdown, which will then be externally marked to provide extra support and feedback for students.

Nigel Hughes
Director Senior School

Deputy Principal Senior School

As the midpoint of the term rapidly approaches, students and indeed parents are turning their minds to their home study programs. Students who are committed to success in their Senior Schooling recognise the importance of homework.

Homework may consist of:

• Specific tasks set by the teacher
• Completion of class work
• Revision of the day’s lesson or the unit of work
• Preparatory reading or activities for a forthcoming lesson
• Testing oneself on the ability to recall and explain concepts
• Practising, rehearsing, training, perfecting
• Preparing questions for the next lesson on points not yet understood
• Researching and writing assignments
• Reflecting on teacher feedback and developing improvements.

All students have homework. It should be recorded in the student diary but if that has not happened, then the list above should serve as a guide for the ways in which students might spend their time. In Year 10, students should be completing an hour to 90 minutes of homework each weeknight, while Years 11 and 12 will need to set aside 10 to 15 hours each week, depending on their program. Successful students show initiative in undertaking study outside of class time.

A quiet but public place in the home is often the most effective homework venue. Where this is not possible, students are most welcome to attend the Homework Centre in the Library from 7:45am, Tuesdays to Fridays. On Tuesdays from 3:15pm to 4:15pm, teachers of English and Maths generously volunteer their time to provide specialised support to students, again in the library. We thank those teachers for continuing this voluntary program through Term 1.

On a lighter note, last week Valentine’s day came to the Senior School. Members of the Student Council sold and personally delivered about 500 roses to eager recipients across the school. In doing so, they raised many hundreds of dollars for charity and spread goodwill and cheer through the school. Thank you to every student who supported them by making a purchase.

Sharon Hillcoat
Deputy Principal Senior School

Middle School News

Middle School Swimming Carnival

The 2014 Middle School Swimming Carnival was held on Friday 14 February. This was a very successful day with high engagement and participation from our Year 8 and 9 students. Mr Geoff Eggert, our Sports Coordinator, deserves special recognition for his organisation of this event ensuring it ran smoothly and successfully.

Year 8 Parent Information Evening

On Wednesday 19 February the Year 8 Parent Information Evening was held. Thank you to those parents who attended this evening and showed interest in our key messages. I have received feedback from our Year 8 parent body with the majority mentioning how wonderful it was to informally meet and speak with their student’s teachers. I was overwhelmed with the positive response we had from our Year 8 parent body with over 400 people in attendance. This event clearly demonstrated our Middle School intent and philosophy to build positive and proactive relationships with our parents and their children. In Term 2 we will be holding our Middle School Open Day, with the date to be finalised shortly. This day will provide another great opportunity to see our Middle School in action and to speak with our team of teachers and leaders.

Great Results Guarantee

The Queensland Government very recently made an announcement that they will be investing an additional $131 million into state and Independent Public schools in 2014. This initiative titled the Great Results Guarantee will provide almost $800 million over the next four years. In the last week PBC was informed that it will receive an additional $211,000 of targeted funding. Specifically, high schools are required to complete an agreement that commits them to guarantee that the funding is used to support improvement in literacy and numeracy for students in Years 8 and 9. As simply spending more money doesn’t mean better results, The Great Results Guarantee requires each school to strategically plan and implement the outcomes-based approach that will target specific numeracy and/or literacy improvement at their school. In the near future I look forward to sharing this plan in more detail with our parent body.

Making plans for Year 7 students joining our Middle School in 2015

The Middle School is currently developing the Year 7 2015 Implementation Plan. This plan will ensure that the introduction of our first Year 7 cohort of students occurs successfully and efficiently. The key areas identified in the Year 7 implementation plan include:

• Curriculum Map and Design
• Curriculum Implementation Plan
• Student Transition to High School Plan
• Parent Engagement Plan
• Enrolment Processes
• Human Resource Plan – teaching and non-teaching staff
• Facility and Resource Plan
• Bus/Transport Plan

As you can see a great deal of planning is taken into consideration to ensure our new Year 7 cohort will transition smoothly into our high school environment. I look forward to sharing more details of this plan with you in the future.

Blair Hanna
Director of Middle School

From the Dean’s Office

In the best interest of your PBC student, I would like to draw your attention to our Safe School Policy, outlined in the student planner on pages 13 and 14. Additionally, it can be found on our school website.

Our Safe School Policy states that, at Palm Beach Currumbin State High, we aim to provide:

• A safe, supportive, respectful and inclusive learning environment
• Encourage positive and caring relationships
• Take appropriate action to deal with and deter bullying
• Record and monitor bullying incidents
• Implement an ongoing intervention program through our student welfare/support team.

It is important to understand the definition of bullying. It is: repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more persons.

Bullying can happen:

• face-to-face (e.g. pushing, tripping, name-calling)
• at a distance (e.g. spreading rumours, excluding someone)
• through information and communications technologies (e.g. use of SMS, email, social media and instant messaging).

Some conflicts between children are a normal part of growing up and are to be expected. These conflicts or fights between equals and single incidents are not considered bullying, even though they may be upsetting and need to be resolved.

Identifying bullying can sometimes be difficult. Bullying is often conducted out of sight of teachers and children may be reluctant to report bullying.

What signs may indicate your child is being bullied?

Your child's behaviour can change for a variety of reasons. However, the following signs could indicate your child is being bullied:

• not wanting to go to school or participate in school activities
• does not appear to have friends
• is missing belongings
• has torn clothing
• seems to have become fearful and anxious
• has more mood swings, and seems to be crying more
• seems to have a drop in academic performance
• has poorer physical health and changes in sleep habits
• has increased negative self-perception.

Our Safe School Policy discusses what should be done when bullying occurs, by students, parents and teachers alike. The information below, taken from the website www.bullyingnoway.gov.au, further supports our policy with the following suggestions:

What to do if you are being bullied

Talk to someone about it. Find a trusted friend, teacher or carer who will listen to how you feel, be supportive, and perhaps even help you work out what to do.

• Talk to your friends - they can help you tell a teacher or your parents or just to feel better.
• Talk to your parents - tell them all about what's been happening.
• Talk to your teacher or another staff member - tell them all about what's been happening.
• If you can't talk to someone face-to-face go online at Kids Helpline http://www.kidshelp.com.au/ or call a Kids Helpline counsellor on 1800 55 1800.

Try a few of the strategies that have worked for others. Only try these strategies if you are not in any immediate danger of being physically hurt and you feel confident you can do them.

• Ignore the bullying - turn your back and walk away.
• Act unimpressed or pretend you don't care what they say or do to you. You could say 'okay, whatever' and walk away.
• Use strong, assertive statements, starting with the work 'I'; tell the other person 'I want you to stop that' in a strong confident voice. Practice this with your friends.
• Use 'fogging' which means making a joking or funny comment that makes the other person think you don't care about what they say.
• Ask your friends to speak up for you. And remember to do the same for them!

Try to stay positive. Focus on all the things that you do well, the people who like you and care about you. Write down your thoughts and feelings about the bullying to help you think clearly about what you can do.

Hang around with your friends and be with people who help you feel good about yourself. Good friends respect, encourage and support you. They care for your wellbeing and are fun to be around. You'll make new friends by respecting, encouraging and supporting others.

Try to sort out the problem behind the bullying. If you feel safe to do so, talk with the other people involved and ask them how you might be able to sort out the problem together.

Please take the time to read our Safe School Policy, and discuss it with your child, and visit the very informative Australian Government websites for any further information:

• www.bullyingnoway.gov.au
• www.cybersmart.gov.au

Leoni Kent
Acting Dean of Students

Guidance Officer News

Griffith University Research Study

Researchers at Griffith University want to learn about children's experiences of living and learning as a person identified as having a disability and as being gifted – twice-exceptional children. Children can be 'generally' gifted or gifted/talented in any area, for example: The Arts, academic, sporting, creative, intellectual and so forth.

This research study is for children/teens aged 9-17 years and their parents who reside in South East Queensland (Brisbane and environs, Gold Coast area) or far northern New South Wales (Tweed Shire, Murwillumbah environs).

For more information or to express interest in taking part in this research study please contact Michelle Ronksley-Pavia via email m.ronksley-pavia@griffith.edu.au

New degrees at Griffith:

Griffith has a long history of offering new and innovative degrees that meet the ever-changing needs of students, industry and the community. Here's a shapshot of some of the new offerings for 2014:

• Bachelor of Industrial Design, Gold Coast
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Gold Coast
• Bachelor of Science, Gold Coast and Nathan
• Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Gold Coast

SCU – Access Program – Years 11 and 12

Would you like one credit point to your QCE? Guaranteed entry into a university course? Reduced HECS debt? Come and see Mr Jones in D Block if you would like to know more or email: sjone79@eq.edu.au

Steve Jones
Senior School Guidance Officer

Everyday Gratitude – modifying the ‘entitlement genome’ in tweens and teens.

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others” - Cicero

A recent article in The Australian* prompted me to consider how we can express gratitude in our lives and encourage our children to be grateful. Being grateful means we focus more on what we have, not what we lack. It makes us notice those aspects of our lives that we often take for granted, like our family and friends, our beautiful natural environment and everyday miracles, like having a delicious meal to eat or a comfortable bed to sleep in.

A recent piece of research on the topic conducted with over 1,000 early high school students showed that teenagers who expressed higher levels of gratitude, for instance a higher appreciation of other people or a thankfulness for the beauty of nature, had higher levels of happiness and did better at school than others who were less grateful. Regardless of the level of wealth, students who expressed gratitude had a more positive outlook on life and were less likely to feel envy or be depressed.

You may not have looked at it this way, but I want to suggest to you that gratitude is like a muscle that can be built up – the more we practise it the more the muscle strengthens! I want to show you five ways in which you can help your teenage son or daughter - build the mental-muscle of gratitude:

1. Show gratitude in your own life and model being grateful for small and big things. Say it out loud. Be thankful for your kids and your partner.

2. Set a regular time for your family to speak about what they are grateful for. This could be when you are gathered for your evening meal or in the car on the way to school.

3. When trouble comes along, try to see the silver lining (if there is one). This helps young people to avoid catastrophising and helps everyone keep things in perspective. Obviously, some events are painful or difficult and this is not to diminish the individual’s experiences. But sometimes, by stepping back a little, we can see the bigger picture.

4. Thank people and acknowledge what they do for you. Notice the person who serves you at the supermarket or helps you at the hardware store. Be courteous to call centre workers who are often doing their best to help you.

5. When you can, help those who are struggling or less fortunate. Remember that there are always people who are less well off than you.

Building an attitude of gratitude into our lives will improve our mood and help us to keep the irritations of life in perspective. It helps us build a buffer so that we can better handle life’s disappointments. The practice of gratitude can also help us appreciate the richness in our lives and reminds us to express our thanks to those around us.

References
Kapp, Diana 2013, ‘Teaching children to count their blessings is a life lesson well worth the effort’ The Australian
Froh, J et al 2010, ‘Gratitude and the reduced costs of materialism in adolescents’ Journal of Happiness, vol 12, no. 2

Anna Willis
Middle School Guidance Officer

Creative Arts Excellence

PBC’s Creative Arts Excellence Program finished off 2013 with quite a bang!

Not only did a huge group of CAX students and staff embark on a two week tour of Los Angeles (including performances in Disneyland), but our recipient of the major PBC Arts Award – the Most Valuable Creative Artist – Courtney Monsma, was also awarded Best Lead Actress for her role in PBC’s Musical Hairspray at the annual Gold Coast Area Theatre Awards at the Gold Coast Arts Centre.

Courtney was one of many other CAX students and staff members to be nominated, with Jakab Bailey and Jack Schloss also nominated for their roles in Hairspray, and the CAX Dance Program nominated for best choreography.

On a less happy note, in 2013 we sadly farewelled Julie and Brad Stewart, who were both an integral part of the Instrumental Music and Music Excellence Programs at PBC for almost a decade. However this year, we welcome Ms Kristina Van Dartel to the CAX Program. Ms Van Dartel has come to PBC from interstate, teaching Music Extension in Newcastle for the last three years, and she will now take Years 8, 9 and 11 Music Extension. We also welcome Mr Mitchell Kennedy, PBC alumnus and teacher, who is taking the Year 10 Music Extension class. We look forward to reaping the rewards of these practitioners’ experience, skills and enthusiasm.

Continuing their fine work in the CAX Program are Ms Anson (Music), Ms Hall and Ms Swanborough (Dance), Mrs Atkinson (Media) and Ms Hall (Visual Art), and this fine work has already begun, with a number of special workshops and experiences already taking place for our Creative Arts Excellence students.

Our CAX Dance students have enjoyed workshops with PBC CAX graduates and professional dancers Simon Tichelaar (bound for London) and Chris Van Doren (Top 40 2014 SYTYCD). These two alumni and their continuing relationships with PBC are testament to the CAX program and the way that it nurtures not only their professional ambitions, but also their personal development.

Drama Extension’s senior students have also started their year with an industry experience, with Zeal Theatre delivering a master class in multiple characterisation as a precursor to their forthcoming visit to PBC with their original show, The Apology. This workshop will underpin the Drama Extension class’ first major production of the year, which can be seen early in Term 2.

Music Extension will be travelling to the Arts Centre to see Bach to Beethoven – a live performance tracing the evolution of classical music which will culminate in a critique task for the students.

Shortly the Year 9 and 10 Visual Arts Extension classes will travel to the Tweed River Gallery to see Art Express, while the Media Extension students will travel to Bond University to participate in the Future Film Makers Program – an exciting experience and potential pathway for these young Media students!

And Music Extension student and 2013 X-Factor star Will Perrett, is already in high demand this year. Will travelled to Sydney to perform a piece with footballer brothers Sam and Lloyd, as part of the Canterbury Bulldogs club season preparations.

We are certainly looking forward to another amazing year and for more information about what else PBC’s CAX Program has in store for 2014, CAX students, parents and friends are invited to our CAX information evening on Wednesday night, 5 March, from 6:30pm in our Arts Theatre.

This evening is ideal for students and parents new to the CAX Program, but all are welcome. For further information, please contact Sarah Bannan at sbann30@eq.edu.au.

Trent Ivett
Creative Arts Excellence Coordinator

Pathways Centre News

The following opportunities are currently available for Year 10 or 11:

• Commercial Cookery: Fisherman’s Cove - Coolangatta
• Certificate III in Business: Kirra Newsagency
• Certificate III in Business: News Xpress - Elanora
• Certificate III in Business Administration: Beachside BAS Consultants
• Certificate III in Hospitality: Zarraffa’s - Pacific Fair
• Certificate III in Hospitality: Goldstein’s - The Pines
• Plus many more!

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

If you are interested in completing a Responsible Service of Alcohol course there is a session available through Aurora Training Institute on 3 March 6-9pm at Aurora 340 Scottsdale Drive Robina 4226. Cost $50 for school students. RSVP by Friday the 28 February by emailing admin@aurora.edu.au or call 1300 936 864.

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

Sonia Shreeve
The Pathways Centre

Homestay Families Wanted

Our International Department is currently seeking homestays for both long term students and study tours.

If you are available to host a student and your family would like to experience another culture please email Kirsten Hague at khagu4@eq.edu.au for further information.

PBC Swimming Carnival 2014

On Friday, 14 February PBC had our annual Middle School swimming carnival at Palm Beach Pool. There were many outstanding performances on the day with most age groups tightly contested.

Whilst there were many championship events available for the stronger and more competitive swimmers, there were also the more relaxed events for our more social swimmers over 25m, which proved to be a great way to stay cool on a hot summer’s day.

I must thank all the teachers who helped with the running of the day and the Year 12 Leaders and the Year 12 Physical Education Students who were outstanding in fulfilling the roles they were assigned all day.

The final point scores were:

1st Place: Spartans (767pts)
2nd Place: Phoenicians (492pts)
3rd Place: Vikings (486pts)
4th Place: Athenians (456pts)

Congratulations must also go to our Age Champions:

13 Boys: Tristan Bullen
13 Girls: Mia Hyland
14 Boys: Ben Hance
14 Girls: Brooke Hartley

Geoff Eggert
Sportsmaster

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 8:15am 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

Generous Donation Received

Our school community recently received a generous donation from the patrons of the Currumbin Creek Tavern support group. These funds were raised through raffles held at the tavern and have been donated to support the welfare of our students. Our school community is very grateful for this donation.

Rick Green and Brian Burgin from the support group presented the cheque to our Executive Principal, Stephen Loggie. Also present were Leoni Kent, Acting Dean of Students (middle), and Marion Marsden, Business Services Manager.

PBC Homework Club

PBC Library’s Homework Club is up and running again. All students are encouraged to come to the library from 7:45am – 8:45am Tuesday through Friday mornings. Students will have access to library resources and computers with staff members to supervise and assist with homework, assignments etc.

Tuesday afternoon 3:15pm – 4:15pm Math/English tutoring sessions are held and all year levels are welcome.

General library hours are 8:00am – 4:15pm Monday – Friday (closed 2nd break).

Julie Golding
Library

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:

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 eg: 2014 SRS8 or 2014 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
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	Overdue
HPE IV Fitness	Enrolled students	$500	Overdue
Instrumental Music	Enrolled students	$50	Overdue
QCS	Year 12 students	$50	Overdue
Certificate I – Furnishing	Enrolled Year 11 and 12 students	Year 11 - $200 Year 12 - $100	Overdue
Certificate I - Engineering	Enrolled Year 11 and 12 students	Year 11 - $200 Year 12 - $100	Overdue
Certificate I - Construction	Enrolled Year 11 and 12 students	Year 11 - $200 Year 12 - $100	Overdue
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.

Seeking Non-Anxious Children and Adolescents

Griffith University

At Griffith University we are conducting an exciting study investigating anxiety disorders in Children and Adolescents. To help us understand how anxiety develop in youth we need to learn from children and adolescents who are not fearful or anxious. We are seeking parents and their non-anxious children and adolescents (7 - 17 years) to participate in our study. To thank you for your time and involvement in the study we will give you gift vouchers to the value of $50.

To find out more about this project, please contact Dr Ella Milliner and Dr Lara Farrell on (07) 567 88317 or email e.milliner@griffith.edu.au .

International Students Welcome

This year we have welcomed 18 new international students to our school. They have come from Italy, Brazil, Germany, Japan and Chile. In total we are now hosting 31 international students including students from China and Norway. Some students are staying with us for one term but others will study at PBC for the next four years. All of our students have settled into classes and are taking advantage of the varied opportunities that our school offers. Students are adjusting to life within our school and the community as they learn about our culture and improve their language skills.

We have already enjoyed an excursion to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Our students had the opportunity to hold a crocodile, pat a snake and see an echidna up close, as well as exploring the sanctuary for the day.

Our students have received surf survival instruction and some are enjoying a weekly Learn to Surf program. I have had positive feedback that many students are already standing up after just one lesson.

Thank you to all our wonderful International Mentors who have been great buddies to our new students and have helped them to settle in and find their way to classes and around the school.

I would like to extend another thank you to our dedicated homestay families who play an integral role in the assimilation process for our students whilst providing a safe and welcoming home environment.

Kirsten Hague
Acting International Student Coordinator