11 March 2014

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents

One of the greatest advantages of sending young people to State Schools is that they reflect the cultural, social and religious diversity of their local communities and provide young people with the life experiences to thrive in their adult life.

Tolerance is a core value at PBC and in 2011 we introduced a comprehensive social emotional learning curriculum. The aim of this program is to give our students the skills to enact our values, be active participants in their community and navigate some of the challenges that confront adolescents.

The topics covered include:

• Anti-bullying
• Social Skills
• Sexuality
• Drugs and alcohol education
• Dangerous behaviours and peer pressure
• Study and self-management skills
• Careers education

Our programs are not restricted to the classroom and students are engaged in applying these skills in our day to day school life through:

• Our Code of Behaviour which sets out high expectations for personal conduct
• Student leadership programs
• Weekly year level assemblies which explain these expectations and celebrate success
• Community service opportunities such as Leo’s Club and Tutoring at local primary schools
• Special events such as Harmony Day and NAIDOC day
• Engaging with the International students on campus

This work is having a profound effect on daily school life. School surveying has consistently revealed that parents, students and teachers alike believe PBC to be a safe and supportive environment. In addition our standards of behaviour and conduct have improved and there has been a measurable decrease in suspensions.

I regularly remind my staff of our responsibility to model appropriate behaviour, and work with them to ensure that we have the skills to implement our programs and systems. Whenever I induct new students and families to our community I clearly articulate our core values and ask them to commit to working with us in this integral area. If it has been some time since you have been involved in these activities I ask that you reaffirm your commitment to these activities. I also ask that you have a discussion with your young person to make sure they are aware of your commitment too.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Senior School

It is a busy time in the Senior School right now as students are preparing for their upcoming examinations. We have a number of events in the near future that are designed to give our seniors information and guidance on potential pathways and career choices after high school.

As a parent it is important at this time that you are having regular conversations with your student about what’s happening at school. This is to ensure you keep up with progress with assignments and exam revision. You should also be discussing their progress toward their Optima goals.

If in your discussions you find that you need some outside assistance please don’t hesitate to contact the school and the Senior School Team in particular. Areas for specific help are:

• Subject related – class teachers (contacts are on the school website)
• Study skills or student welfare – Year coordinators (Mitchell Kennedy – Year 11, Warren Potter – Year 12)
• Pathway information – Guidance counsellor (Steve Jones) or any of the Senior School Team
• Traineeships / apprenticeships / work experience – Pathways Centre (Sonia Shreeve)
• Student Welfare issues – Dean of Students (Leoni Kent)

Together we can ensure that your student gets the appropriate level of assistance to enable them to achieve their best possible outcome. Below is more information on Senior programs and strategies available.

Nigel Hughes
Director Senior School

Deputy Principal Senior School

As a school, we believe that the best place for a student to successfully learn is in the classroom. In the Senior School, our understanding of ‘classroom’ extends to workplaces where traineeships and apprenticeships are conducted. Our belief in the value of attendance is supported by evidence; Queensland state school data in 2010 shows a correlation between the level of attendance at school and academic performance for all students, as measured by NAPLAN scores. Research suggests that a low level of school attendance is associated with poor academic achievements, leaving school with fewer qualifications, subsequent unemployment and a lower level of health/life expectancy. This is not what we want for our students.

Each day that a student has away from school is a loss of over four hours of direct instruction and learning. The student who misses just a day each month misses two school weeks or forty lessons. The student who is at school for those forty lessons must, logically, be well ahead.

While some student absences are authorised or due to a reasonable excuse like illness, some are not. Absences without reasonable excuse are unexplained or unauthorised. These reasons are clearly defined by Education Queensland.

We have this week challenged our Senior School students to limit their absences to five per year. Naturally, misfortune can happen and at those times the school endeavours to provide support for students as far as possible. It is QSA policy that such absences are verified by documentation where possible.

When students miss a lesson, it is critical that they contact their teachers to catch up, so they keep pace with the learning of the class. Please support your student to make wise choices about being in class each day.

Sharon Hillcoat
Deputy Principal Senior School

Shutdown exam information

The timetable for end of term exams has been loaded on the school website under curriculum/ testing and assessment. Students can also down load a copy on the school’s K drive under curriculum. Rooms for exams will be uploaded at a later date.

Please note that year 10s will have normal classes on Monday through to Wednesday of Week 10 and will only have shut down on the Thursday and Friday.

Sport will continue as normal during shutdown in Week 10.

Students must be in full school uniform to sit exams. Students who are studying VET subjects and are not up to date with their competencies will be required to attend school during VET catch up sessions to complete their competencies.

Please refer to the school assessment policy. All assessment tasks are due at 9:00am on the due date not during class time. Students who are absent for an exam will need to provide a medical certificate and apply for a change of date with their HOD on the next day they are at school. Similarly students who are applying for an extension or special consideration will need to download an extension/change of date form< from the school website and submit to their relevant head of department at least 48 hours before the due date.

Study skills:

Year 11 and 12 students had the opportunity to attend the first of two seminars on improving their study skills on Wednesday afternoon. It was great to see so many keen and interested students giving up their time to improve their results. The sessions were conducted by Elevate Education and were very well received by the students. Another session is scheduled for next Wednesday.

QCS Turbo day:

All year 12 QCS students had a turbo day on Thursday. This consisted of four targeted lessons during the day to improve their literacy and numeracy results in the upcoming short response practice test during shutdown. All non QCS students had classes as per normal. We have been particularly impressed with the attitude and cooperation of our students in the QCS program this year. The students have realised the importance of their results on the QCS test for calculating their OP and are working well. A reminder, that students will need their QCS text book every Wednesday and for each turbo day.

Mick McDougall
HOD Senior School

Middle School News

Fantastic Transition into PBC Life

At the Year 8 Parent Information evening held earlier in the year I outlined the philosophy of the Palm Beach Currumbin State High Middle School as being based on the following three pillars:

• Engaging students in their learning
• Building strong relationships (with their teachers and peers) and
• Fostering success for all students – students being given the opportunity to excel in their chosen fields.

To support this I also stated that one of the key focus areas of our Middle School is:

“Ensuring a smooth and successful transition into high school - during what can be a time of mixed experiences and emotions for all students, we aim to support them to settle and enjoy their early experiences in high school”.

If I reflect on our philosophy and aims regarding Year 8 students transitioning in our high school setting, I am pleased to say that our 2014 Year 8 cohort has commenced their new secondary school studies in a very positive way. Heading past the midway point in a very intense first term the Year 8 students have maintained their enthusiasm and engagement by contributing in a positive way to our Middle School learning culture and are building strong relationships with their peers and teachers alike.

Our Year 8 teachers deserve recognition for their proactive work in supporting our students by setting high expectations with a warm approach. In particular, Ms Leoni Kent, in her role as Year 8 Coordinator, has been instrumental in leading this successful transition.

Change of Year 8 Year Coordinator

As previously mentioned Ms Leoni Kent has done an excellent job in transitioning our 2014 Year 8 cohort in their new learning environment. Due to a number of staff positional changes within the school Ms Kent will no longer be the Year 8 Coordinator. I would like to personally thank Ms Kent for her positive contribution to ensuring our Year 8 students have started the year so well.

As a result of this change, Ms Sandi Mlinar has been appointed to the role of 2014 Year 8 Coordinator. Ms Mlinar is extremely passionate about our students and our Middle School approach. Last year Ms Mlinar led the Year 9 cohort of students in her role as their Year Coordinator and as a result, has a great level of experience and skills to offer in her new role as Year 8 Coordinator.

Year 9 2014 NAPLAN Tests

Following the Easter school holidays our Year 9 students will undertake the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests on Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 May 2014.

The schedule for the 2014 NAPLAN test is as follows:

• Tuesday 13 May – Language Conventions; Writing
• Wednesday 14 May – Reading
• Thursday 15 May – Numeracy
• Friday 16 May – Catch up tests for students absent on 13, 14 or 15 May.

The Middle School does significant work in the lead up to NAPLAN to ensure that the students are fully prepared and are able to perform at their very best.

Parents/guardians can support their child in achieving their best on these testing days by ensuring their child is relaxed, yet ready. Parents/guardians can also help by ensuring their son/daughter is sufficiently hydrated and nourished and has adequate rest prior to arriving at school.

Blair Hanna
Director of Middle School

From the Dean’s Office

It’s something all too obvious for parents; how much life for teenagers has changed since they were that age. Snapchatting, Instagramming, hashtagging and the ins and outs of life online for kids can be daunting and seem a world away from what they grew up with. With this in mind, it is advantageous for parents and carers to inform themselves about internet safety for their child. The following information may be helpful.

Digital Reputation

All internet users have a digital or online reputation. This is the opinion or view that others have about the user, based on what they say and do online. For their privacy and safety, it’s important for children and young people to be aware of where their personal information is available on the internet, who can access it, what others are doing with their information, and the impression they are leaving for others to find.

Excessive Usage

The number of hours children and young people spend online can vary significantly. There is no guideline for the ‘right’ amount of time for children to spend online, however if their online behaviour appears to impact negatively on their behaviour or wellbeing, or that of the family, it may be time to discuss expectations and establish time limits.

Noticeable changes in the online and offline behaviour of children and young people can be indicators of excessive internet use. These include:

• online activities interfering with general health and wellbeing
• seeming obsessed with particular websites or games
• appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
• spending increasing amounts of time online
• excessive tiredness
• a decline in academic performance and
• seeming isolated or withdrawn from offline friends and activities

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the se of technology to bully a person or group. Bullying is repeated behaviour by an individual or group with the intent to harm another person or group. Because children and young people are often online it can be hard for them to escape cyberbullying. Nasty messages can spread fast online and are hard to delete. Sometimes the attackers can be anonymous and hard to stop. These factors make it harder for adults to see and harder to manage.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones are a great way for children to stay in touch with their parents, family and friends. They allow users to make calls, take photos, play games, send texts (SMS) and images (MMS) and access the internet. While mobile phones provide immediate contact and can be fun to use, 24/7 access and portability of the devices means that you may not always be available to supervise.

Platforms

Some platforms you need to know about are:

• Ask.fm, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Kik, and Twitter. These are described fully in the following link to the Cybersmart website.
• http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Parents/Resources/Educate%20yourself.aspx

It is worth familiarising yourself with these platforms and keep your ears open for others that may not be listed here.

Being Safe Online

It is important that parents and carers reinforce how to be safe online. The following points can be used as a guide for children:

• Think before you post information online—once posted it’s difficult to remove.
• Ask your parent/carer before you give anyone on the internet your name, address or any personal details.
• Be careful who you trust online. Making new friends can be fun, but there’s a chance that they may not be who they say they are.
• Always keep your password a secret.
• Set your profile to ‘private’ so your personal information is kept secret.
• If someone is nasty, offensive or makes you uncomfortable in messaging, don’t respond and leave straight away.
• Don’t open messages from people that you don’t know. These could be nasty, contain viruses or be trying to sell you something.
• Tell your parents if you are upset by language, pictures or anything scary on the internet.
• Don’t accept any offers that seem too good to be true—they probably are.

Engage Positively

Finally, remind your child that they can help create a more positive online world. What they say and do online affects us all. Engage positively means being aware of their own behaviour, respecting others and knowing how to take action to protect themselves.

The Parents’ Guide to Online Safety can be found by following this link:

Source: www.cybersmart.gov.au

Leoni Kent
Acting Dean of Students

Student Leader Morning Tea

On 20 February PBC recognised its Middle School and Senior School student leaders for 2014 with a morning tea. Ms Karen Andrews MP came and spoke to the parents and students about leadership and what it means.

This was the first of many functions that our student leaders will attend as part of their role. The Administration Team is looking forward to working with the students and their parents over the coming year.

Middle school leaders: Ms Karen Andrews, MP Federal Member for McPherson, Logan Chesebro, Corben Thorsby, Isaac Graham, Amelia Cody-Byfield, Sienna Mijares, Zaneeta Robertson, Bethany Clark, Grace Parker, Elaine Summersford and are pictured Mr Blair Hanna, Director Middle School and Mr Stephen Loggie, Executive Principal. Eloise Fisher not present on the day.

Senior School leaders: Ms Karen Andrews, MP Federal Member for McPherson, Madison McNeill, Brittany Doherty, Jenna Cook, Bill Psaltis Keegan Hipgrave, Luke Ireland, Samuel Ross, Courtney Monsma, Matt Kelly, Mr Stephen Loggie, Executive Principal and Mr Nigel Hughes, Director Senior School. Lily Prasad was not present on the day.

ANZAC Celebrations

School ANZAC Assembly 2014

Dear Parents

On Thursday morning 24 April, we will be conducting our Annual Anzac Day ceremony. It will be held on the main assembly parade grounds. I would like to take this opportunity of personally inviting you to what has become an important function in our school year.

The program will be conducted by our School Captains and will involve the Cadets, the Concert Band, and wreath layers from each year level. This year again we will be particularly honouring the service of our armed forces in international conflicts and peace keeping missions.

Our ceremony will commence at approximately 9:20am. At the conclusion of the ceremony please stay and enjoy morning tea.

I hope you are able to join us on this special occasion of remembrance.

For seating and catering purposes, please respond by Thursday 3 April by contacting Lyn Bortolin via telephone on (07) 55259340 or emailing lbort5@eq.edu.au.

ANZAC Day Mid-morning Service

On Friday 25 April 2014 the Anzac Day Mid-morning Service will once again be held at the Currumbin RSL Cenotaph. I would like to take this opportunity of inviting PBC students to march at this Service.

The March:

• Assembles in Winders Park, Duringan Street Currumbin at 10:40am, departing at 10:55am
• Followed by the Mid-morning service at the Currumbin-Palm Beach RSL Cenotaph at 11:15am

Students wishing to represent the school in the ANZAC Day March are required to wear their full school uniform.

I hope you are able to join us on this special occasion of remembrance.

If your student wishes to participate please respond by Thursday 3 April by contacting Lyn Bortolin by telephone on (07) 55259340 or emailing lbort5@eq.edu.au.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Guidance Officer News

Upcoming Events

Defence Force Recruiting at Coolangatta is holding an ADF Officer Information Session on 17 March 2014 from 6pm – 8pm at the Coolangatta Corporate Centre Level 1. The evening will cover:

• the Army’s Royal Military College at Duntroon;
• the Navy’s New Entry Officer Course at Jervis Bay;
• the Air Force’s Officer Training School at East Sale;
• pay, lifestyle and benefits;
• Officer Selection Board advice; and
• Other helpful information to get started on a great career.

Please be aware of the 12 March RSVP date for catering and seating requirements.

Other events coming up include:

• One and Two Year jobs in Army and Air Force – 10 March, Coolangatta Corporate Centre
• ADFA Information Session – 25 March, Currumbin RSL
• Trades and Women In Army Information Session – 13 May, Currumbin RSL

Steve Jones
Senior School Guidance Officer

Rising violence in young men and women

There have been reports of a number of violent incidents involving young men and women in the media recently. As well, assaults seem to be on the rise. So, what is causing this? Obviously alcohol and drugs play a part, but in my opinion, an under-estimated factor is the impact of technology on the lives of children and young people.

Here are some factors that might be contributing to the rise of violent behaviour among young people.

1. Many children and young people are not getting the right amount of sleep. The part of our mind that sets limits, thinks through consequences and weighs up options, the pre-frontal cortex, needs rest to be able to function properly. (To see how much sleep children need go to www.sleepeducation.net.au).
2. There is growing evidence of a link between the amount of time people spend in front of screens and attention problems. And fast-paced games are linked to impulsive aggression, that is, aggression that occurs almost automatically without thinking about whether it should be carried out (see http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130804081115.htm).
3. The computer and on-line games of today are more graphic and, in some cases, more realistic than games of past years. These games frequently put the player in the active role of a character who makes decisions and commits the violence. The player of the game is involved at a psychological level in killings, rapes, assaults and other criminal activity. Some research just written up from the U.S.A is saying that people who play violent video games lose their ability to premeditate. That is, while violent gaming increase one’s ability to catch oneself before acting. http://www.spsp.org/?PressRelease_2Aug13

While some parents and professionals might wish to see the violent games banned, just as our society prohibits certain drugs and firearms, that is unlikely to happen any time soon. So what can we do? As parents, we can take an active interest in our children’s digital world and pay close attention to the activities that they engage in.

Five tips to help parents manage their children’s online activities.

1. Establish a set of guidelines for the use of technology at home and outside the home. These rules need to include limiting the use of technology, protecting personal privacy, dealing with cyber bullying and online etiquette. Children also need to know what to do if they encounter inappropriate content. (see http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/). Children need to be taught that real world interactions come before virtual ones and online connections are no substitute for real friends and real social activities.
2. Make sure your children and teenagers are getting enough sleep. You won’t be alone as a parent if you insist that there be no technology in bedrooms after a certain time (usually an hour before sleep time). Set up a charging basket in the kitchen where everyone’s devices go over night.
3. Monitor your children’s use of technology and set limits from when they first start using devices. Make sure they engage in a range of other activities, like socialising (not on screens) and playing sport. Children and young people need to exercise and engage with each other in real time. Make sure you spend time with them off-line; go for a walk, play frisbee on the beach or kick a football around.
4. As far as possible, know what your children are doing online. Talk to them about their online research for school, their social connections or the games they are playing. Discuss with them situations that you have concerns about.
5. Develop an attitude to the internet that it is an invited guest in your house not an assumed resident. Make it work for you not the other way round. The digital world is part of life these days, but it should not define our lives.

Finally, if you have ever thought that after violent gaming your son or daughter is a bit more edgy than usual, you’re probably right. Some children will always be attracted to action games and guns, so we need to help them keep their lives in balance and be involved in real life.

Reference: This article has been taken from Parentshop (Helping parents help kids)- posted on the 03/12/2013.

Anna Willis
Middle School Guidance Officer

Creative Arts Excellence (CAX) Update

2014 Musical

PBC’s 2014 Musical is well under way with a significant contribution from CAX staff and students taking the lead!

Drama Extension student Courtney Monsma will play the lead female role, Audrey, hoping to back up her Best Actress award at last year’s Gold Coast Area Theatre Awards, partnered by Jakab Bailey, who will play the male lead, Seymour.

Music Extension students Will Perrett, Sheldon Hernandez and Jake Ireland will also be playing lead roles, with Jake as flower shop owner Mr Mushnik, Sheldon as psychopathic dentist Orin and Will as the stand-out vocal part in the show, the voice of the charismatic flesh-eating plant from outer space.

CAX students also make up the majority of this year’s featured dancers and singers, coordinated by CAX teachers Miss Swanborough and Miss van Dartel with Mr Kennedy vocal coaching the boys.

A number of our CAX students will step onto the stage for this year’s musical after just stepping off it from performing in Spotlight Theatre Company’s production of Annie. Courtney Monsma, Chloe Finlay, Rochelle de Snoo and Tahli Gawler all starred in the production, which was sold out at almost every show.

CAX Visual Arts

In other CAX news, the final touches are being put on an amazing project developed in partnership with RSL Queensland, designing an artwork incorporating every ANZAC memorial in Australia and select ones in New Zealand, to be sold to all RSL’s around Australia. Visual Arts students have worked on this project over the last 12 months, and the final touches are being put together on it at a design film in Melbourne, before it will be professionally photographed in our Hall and then processed for distribution.

CAX Dance

The amazing success of our opening dance item in last year’s Creative Generation: State School Onstage showcase, has seen us once again invited to present a stand-alone item for this year’s 10th anniversary. Choreographed by CAX Ambassador, William Forsythe, the item will be “Let Me Entertain You” by Robbie Williams, which was originally choreographed by Madonna Hall as the opening number for the inaugural CGEN in 2005.

Billy Noetzel and Olivia Meskel, Year 11 Dance X students, have also both been cast as CGen Dancers, with Will Perrett, Keiarn Chesebro and Taine Josephson making it through to the final round of auditions for featured vocalists and instrumentalists respectively. It’s another very strong showing for our CAX students in what has become the major Arts showcase on State Education.

CAX Drama

Following their masterclass with Zeal Theatre, CAX Drama students also enjoyed a performance from Zeal of their original production, The Apology. Performers Sam Foster and Hayden Jones specialise in multiple characterisation and the show will inform the class on their task for this term – a Zeal-style production where each student must devise and perform their own selection of multiple contrasting characters. This will surely be a great challenge for the Senior CAX class.

CAX Music

Apart from the success of current CAX students in this year’s CGen showcase, CAX graduate Cassidy Mackie has also gone from strength to strength in her career post-schooling. As well as having another EP release on the horizon, Cassidy has also recently been confirmed as the support act for the Sydney leg of Karise Eden’s national tour. Karise was the first winner of The Voice Australia and no doubt this gig will afford Cassidy some much-deserved exposure!

CAX Media

And finally, congratulations must go to the winners of the inaugural PBC film festival, held in the final weeks of last year. Jordan Johnson, Rhiannon Bowe and Harry Glendenning were recipients of the People’s Choice award, with Luke Wyatt, Hamish Eaton, Zac Priest, Phillipe Burns and Michael Hill receiving The Principal’s choice award. The Media Excellence class will be showcasing more of their work throughout 2014 and no doubt this will include elements of a special effects workshop the class participated in at the end of 2013, by Emmy-Award-winning special effects and make-up artist Chad Atkinson. Media Excellence students learned how to create film effects using simple household items – an amazing experience for these young film makers!

Trent Ivett
Creative Arts Excellence Coordinator

Pathways Centre News

Any Year 12 Student who is interested in doing work experience in the Queensland Police Service please come to the Pathways Centre to collect an application form.

Year 11 or 12 Students interested in a career in the Health Sector there is a work experience workshop at Robina Hospital. It goes for two days with 24 students per work shop. The following dates are available:

• April - 8 and 9
• June - 24 and 25
• September – 15 and 16

Please come to the Pathways Centre for more information and to apply.

Wildlife Courses

Creature Keepers Course:

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are holding a hands on animal course that offers real zoo experience and give students exposure to working in the zoo environment with exclusive behind the scenes access and plenty of action packed activities. This is a two day course focuses on four components: Mammals, Reptiles, Birds and Conservation Research. Cost $120 for both days, food included. Must be 12-17 Years old.

Booking is essential, so please visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary website to register.

Aussie Wildlife Course:

The Aussie Wildlife course is conducted once a week over eight weeks. Presented by experienced wildlife care professionals onsite at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Every Graduate receives: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Certificate, full supervision and instruction, information booklet (study guide) and one free pass to the Sanctuary. Courses are scheduled throughout the year. Registration fee is $299. Weekend condensed class fee $325.

Booking is essential please visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary website to register.

Don’t forget to get your Tax File number application from the Pathways Centre before school or at first break.

Sonia Shreeve
The Pathways Centre

PBC University Showcase 2014

What is University Showcase?

Representatives from a range of universities will be visiting our school to deliver course information, answer student questions and provide a career market experience.

Benefits

• Provides students with access to a large number of Universities.
• Helps Year 12 students prepare for upcoming information events.
• Provides students with information to assist them in making decisions about post-school options.

Structure of the University Showcase

The 1 hour and 15 minute session is a combination of presentations, questions and answers and exhibitor displays.

The format of the University Showcase is as follows:

• A panel of speakers deliver a 30 minute presentation of general tertiary information which is not institution specific. Topics include pathways to university, costs, how to apply, accommodation, lifestyle and transition issues etc and includes the opportunity for questions
• A 45 minute session for students to visit exhibits, speak to exhibitors and collect relevant information.

Which tertiary institutions will be represented?

• Australian Catholic University
• Bond University
• Gold Coast Institute of TAFE
• Griffith University
• Queensland University of Technology
• Southern Cross University
• University of Southern Queensland
• University of Sunshine Coast

Who is invited to attend?

University Showcase has been organized for Year 12 students OP/RANK eligible and those interested in TAFE options.

Where and when will University Showcase be held?

• PBC Hall
• On Tuesday 18 March
• From 9am – 10:15am

PBC Sports News

Sharks add Bite to PBC State High School Reds

The bar is being lifted at PBC SHS’s AFL sports excellence program and the Southport Sharks have added their considerable muscle to the cause.

Reigning “Schools of Excellence “Premiers PBC has been officially accepted as Queensland’s representative into the School Sport Victoria AFL Premier League for 2014. It is a golden opportunity and “mooted” forerunner to a national schools competition for AFL.

Neil Mackay current Sharks assistant coach and director of PBC’s AFL program explains. “Over the last four years we have won consecutive Northern States Cups and we believe our program has matured enough to accept the great challenge on offer. It is critically important to the development of our players that they are exposed to the demands of a higher competition such as the Victorian Schools Premier. Our philosophy mirrors that of the Sharks and the NEAFL competition. We are delighted that such a professional organisation such as the Southport Sharks has agreed to support our initiative”

The Sharks have come on board and agreed to become the major sponsor of PBC’s entry into the Victorian Schools competition.

2014 Leadership group (L-R) Sean Goody, Jesse Joyce, Chad Owens (Coach), Brodie Foster, Neil Mackay (Coach), Lachlan McLeod, AJ Dawson, Sam Davidson

“The financial support provided to PBC’s Sport Excellence program is part of Southport Football Club’s charter to promote and foster AFL Football in Queensland” said Jason Cotter, Southport Sharks Football Manager, “This isn’t a new concept, the Sharks previously supported the Zane Taylor Squad where the club assisted and facilitated games held against the Geelong Falcons here at the Sharks Football Club. We also see this as a great junior development vehicle, so we are more than happy to be involved when we see the results such as Steven Thynne, Tyler Cornish, Nick Burton, Liam McNevin and Brock Askey and these types of kids flow through to our (Sharks) NEAFL Squad, it is a very well worthwhile exercise”

PBC will play two pool games in Melbourne against Box Hill Secondary College and Catholic College Sale with the remaining fixture featuring Hallam Secondary College to be played at the home of the Sharks on 28 May 2014

Neil Mackay
AFL Coach

PBC Girls on World Stage

PBC’s National open schoolgirls X-Country team depart Australia 26 March, on the trip of a lifetime.

The girls and their coach, Ron Martinenko, will complete a three day training camp in Turkey before travelling to Israel for five days competition at the World Junior X-Country Championships. Their journey will continue with three days of educational tours in Rome.

Our Teams preparation has been superb and they are very deserving National Representatives. All the best to Victoria Martinenko, Charlie Trapp, Kendall Parker, Shelby Watson, Alexandra Humphreys and Ron Martinenko. We are very proud of you!

Surfers Challenge at World Titles

Good luck to Quinn Bruce and Korbin Hutchings in their quest for victory at the coming Junior world surfing titles.

Our boys will compete against surfers from 80 nations at the famous “Las Salinas” point break in Ecuador. Korbin will represent New Zealand while Quinn will fire Australia’s charge under the expert eye of PBC’s Australian Junior coach, Mr Ben Falvey.

May the best team win!

Rod Patison
HOD Sports Excellence

Murri Jarjum QATSIF

Palm Beach Currumbin SHS recently celebrated the success of 11 senior students awarded the Queensland and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) 2014-2015 scholarships. We were extremely excited to have Tiarna Brockhurst from QATSIF visit PBC to present the student awards. The scholarship was created as an educational trust to advance the education and life opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in Queensland.

PBC acknowledges the source of funding for QATSIF scholarships was created through the toil of previous generation of Indigenous Queenslanders. The program operates by providing funds to families through schools. There are eligibility criteria for the scholarship application and during the scholarship period. Our successful recipients are Year 11: Derek Blake, Mina Durbidge Campbell, Joshua Fenton, Tyla Hart, Madison Lucas, Fletcher Harrold, Gabrielle Najjar and Year 12: Brandan Halliday, Abbey Olivares, Harrison Lucas and Madeline Dellas.

At PBC, we value our Indigenous students and aim for every student to maximise their learning potential. The Indigenous team strives for Closing the Gap and aims for excellence in Indigenous performance to reach the world class success benchmarks in the Middle and Senior School. High expectations are reinforced for all students in attendance, achievement and retention in Closing the Gap.

We have the largest number of Indigenous students in South East Queensland with over 100 Indigenous students from Year 8 – 12. The PBC community welcomes our new partnership with QATSIF and the wider QATSIF participating school network.

Wendy Wise
HOD EAC

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.

International News

On the 20 February our new international students travelled to Bond University for a formal welcome. There were 11 different schools around the Gold Coast with enrolments of international students from 25 countries. Cameron Hodges, Principal of Elanora SHS addressed the students mentioning his personal inspiration from travelling overseas on a student exchange program and all the fantastic opportunities that arose from this experience.

Students from all schools enjoyed lunch and time to catch up with friends old and new.

Kirsten Hague
Acting International Student Coordinator

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

Track pants

This year we are introducing new PBC track pants. They can be worn with the school blouse or school shirt on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and with the school sports polo on Wednesday during Terms 2 and 3.

For 2014 students are still permitted to wear their existing PBC Adidas tracksuit pants, but moving forward into 2015, students will need to transition into the new PBC tracksuit pants.

The cost of the tracksuit pants is $55.00 and will be available to try on at the Uniform Shop at the times listed below from 28 February 2014 to 14 March 2014. Our friendly staff will be available to assist with sizing, and no appointment is necessary.

Please note that the tracksuit pants will not be a stock item held at the Uniform Shop therefore the only way to purchase them by pre-order by 21 March 2014 at 1:00pm.

If you have any queries please contact Mandy at the Uniform Shop on 07 5525 9331.

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

PBC Homework Club Update

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 Thursday 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 and Science 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	Overdue
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.