27 May 2014

Principal’s Report

It was very pleasing to follow the media coverage of the 2013 Year 12 results over the past week or so. To hear our school make the top tier of schools for both OP and VET qualifications made me feel very proud of our achievements.

As a Principal I am very aware that the quality of teaching is one of my primary responsibilities. I believe that the future success of our school is directly linked to our ability to provide every student with quality teaching.

For this reason we have numerous initiatives that enact this belief including:

• A comprehensive policy outlining the standards of practice at PBC
• Processes in place to ensure that these policies are routinely applied in each course and every class
• Planning procedures that ensure that each course is of high quality and assures consistency amongst classes
• Extensive professional development is run and funded by the school across a range of priority areas
• Every teacher has their own performance development plan that articulates their learning priorities for the year. They then work with a mentor to deliver the plan
• School leaders, including myself, spend time in classrooms each week to assure the quality of the programs
• We employ professional coaches to model effective practices and provide feedback to teachers

It is not just the teachers that are focussed on performance improvement. As an Executive Principal of an Independent Public School, I have a performance contract that is reviewed every three years by the Director-General of Education. The process for renewal includes extensive analysis of PBC’s results and performance across a range of areas over the period of the contract.

In summary my colleagues and I accept the premise that better teaching leads to better results for students. We welcome opportunities to improve our practice and are looking forward to the continuing focus on improving our practice so that our students will continue to be acknowledged as high achievers.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Action Plan for Success

Now that interviews are over and you have had time to digest your student’s report card it is time to plan for success.

As the great Ben Franklin once said:

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!”

So what should a good action plan for success have in it? It should have:

• Study Timetable: a timetable of when study will occur. It should include social events, training and work times.
• Study Plan: A plan of what will be studied in each study session
• Goals: target grades. There should be both short term (next assessment piece) and long term.
• Strategies to achieve the goals: What am I going to do differently to achieve my goals?
• Reflection: Check-in times to gauge progress: feedback from teachers/drafts /revision tests/parent teacher communications.

Your student’s school diary has information in it to help guide them in the preparation of their action plan for success. If you are still not sure on how to put together any of the above or would like some guidance please do not hesitate to contact the school for assistance.

Nigel Hughes
Director Senior School

The Power of Self-Efficacy

In Senior School assemblies recently, students have been learning about the power of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, in a nutshell, is the belief that one can succeed in specific situations. People with a strong sense of self efficacy view challenging problems as tasks to be mastered. Students with self-efficacy have a strong sense of commitment to their schooling. When they suffer a setback or a disappointment, they recover quickly and move on. Underlying these actions are the beliefs that they can learn and that hard work and commitment makes a difference to their learning.

Self-efficacy is important not only to schooling but to life. It is empowering; having self-efficacy is about feeling a sense of control in one’s life. It is about knowing that there is reward for properly applied effort.

At this stage of the term, all students should have started studying for their exams. Years 11 and 12 have these in Week 10 Shutdown, while Year 10 have theirs in class time or else a brief Shutdown late in Week 10. Study can include revision, completing review questions, testing one’s knowledge and reading around topics. Year 10s are reminded that their homework commitment should be up to 90 minutes each week night, while older students should be doing 2 to 3 hours of study each school night.

Sharon Hillcoat
Deputy Principal Senior School

Exam Timetables

The Senior Schooling Exam timetable will be published on the school website shortly.

• Year 11 and 12 exams will run in Week 10 from Monday 23 June to Friday 27 June.
• Year 10 students will have normal classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 10 and will have shutdown exams on Thursday 26 June and Friday 27 June.
• During shutdown students need only attend school for scheduled exams.
• Students need to be in full school uniform to sit exams.
• Parents are reminded that students will not be able to sit exams early.

If a student is absent for an exam they need to make arrangements to do the exam on the next school day and also need to apply to the relevant Head of Department for a change of date. The Head of Department will then decide if the reason for the absence is acceptable. Parents and students are again reminded that the school will continue to schedule exams in the last week of each term as this maximises the amount of classes that students have to prepare for the assessment.

Mick McDougall
HOD Senior School

Middle School News

Middle School Open Day

On Thursday 22 May, the 2014 Middle School Open Day was held. This was a very successful and productive day with approximately 200 parents attending Middle School classroom tours and the Middle School forum. It was pleasing to see such a large contingent of our parents at the Open Day. With the inclusion of the Year 7 cohort of students into our Middle School in 2015 it was our pleasure to also invite our future parents (parents of current Year 6 and 7 students from our feeder primary schools) to our Open Day. I would like to thank all of the students and staff involved in the pre-planning of this event and the organisation on the day for their efforts in ensuring the Middle School Open Day was so successful. The Middle School Open Day provided us with the perfect opportunity to share with our present and future parents the fantastic moments that occur in our classrooms at PBC each and every day and the future plans we have for the introduction of our inaugural Year 7 cohort. It also provided the opportunity for those parents able to attend to give their feedback on how PBC is supporting their son/daughter in their learning.

Term 2 OPTIMA Awards Ceremonies

In what was a busy week, the Year 8 and 9 Term 2 OPTIMA Award Ceremonies were also held in conjunction with the Middle School Open Day. These ceremonies represent an important opportunity for the Middle School to celebrate the achievements of our most deserving students. During next term’s OPTIMA Award Ceremonies we will also acknowledge those students who have progressed and improved the furthest in learning. As a result, all students have the opportunity to be recognised for their learning success and improvement.

Year 9 2014 NAPLAN Test efforts

It gives me great pleasure to report that our 2014 Year 9 cohort gave themselves the best opportunity to achieve their best in the rigorous National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests recently held. Our school motto, “Nil Sed Optima – Nothing but the best”, was once again on display throughout these days. I must also thank the many staff involved in organising the administration of the tests (this is no mean feat with a Year 9 cohort of 475 students) and the teachers that have been working extremely hard with our Year 9 classes in the lead up to these days. Regardless of our student results, I am satisfied that PBC has once again led from the front.

Optima Plans and Use of Student Planners

There is an expectation of all Middle School students to complete their aspirational learning goals for each subject, each term on their Optima Plan in their student planner. This is a vital ingredient in supporting students to take ownership of their learning and reflect on efforts they are demonstrating to reach their goals. Parents are required to review this plan and sign off on their son/daughter’s Optima Plan each term. If you are yet to do so please support the school in this valuable learning process. Furthermore, please support the school by reviewing the homework and assignment work that students are required to document in their student organiser. If no documented evidence of homework or assignment work requirements is appearing in your son/daughter’s planner please contact their relevant teachers to confirm.

Blair Hanna
Director of Middle School

Middle School Reminder

Term 1 data indicates that many middle school students are making use of the homework club which operates before school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Students use this morning service to work independently, access computers and printers and student numbers peak when assignments are due. Parents are reminded that students are supervised by teacher aides during homework club and a more focussed attention to learning is provided by volunteer teachers during tutorial time on a Tuesday afternoon. Some of these teachers specialize in core Maths, Science, English and SOSE and include Janine Watson, Clint McCarthy, Cathy Clipson, Ryan Jesser, Lisa McGuire, Daniel Lane, Sophie Seabrook, Tom Pasley, Fiona Scannell, Jarlath Scannell and Michaley Hobbs.

Parents and students should be aware that visiting once is not a quick fix to achievement. If your son or daughter is motivated to improve in specific areas and wants to be helped over a period of time then perhaps the Tuesday afternoon tutorial would be of benefit.

Di Stamp
HOD Middle School

From the Dean’s Office

We warmly welcome two new staff members to our wellbeing team this week. Firstly, our new School Based Youth Health Nurse is Judy Nunn. Students are able to see Judy in her J block office. Secondly, to our team, we have added a new drop-in school psychologist, Sally Myles. Sally is available for drop-in visits during lunch breaks, and appointments at other times. Appointments can be made to see Sally through Ms Murray in E block. We are really excited that our team is getting stronger, which means that we are able to offer more wellbeing support to our students.

On another note, the Year 8s have recently completed units on alcohol and drug awareness in their Social and Emotional Learning classes. Very important considerations with regards to both these issues are the risk factors and the protective factors with regards to substance intake. The students learned that some risk factors are:

• Friends who use alcohol or drugs
• Family management problems; poorly defined rules, inconsistent application of rules, lack of monitoring, excessive discipline, negative communication patterns, poor anger management, absence of healthy recreational or leisure interests, early antisocial behaviour (e.g. aggression, hyperactivity, defiance)
• Parental drug use and a positive attitude toward use
• Academic failure (low and failing school results); little commitment to school
• Favourable attitude towards drug use
• Early first use of drugs
• Prenatal exposure to alcohol

Students also learned that there are protective factors which reduce their risk of harm. These include:

• Involvement in alternative activities
• Sense of wellbeing and self-confidence
• Positive future plans
• Healthy coping strategies to deal with stress
• Positive attitude towards learning
• Knowledge about risks associated with substance use
• Negative attitude towards substance use
• Positive relationships with adults
• Friends disapprove of drugs and use

For further information about substance misuse in your young person, the Gold Coast Council Inc. offer educational services. They can be contacted on 1 300 55 00 16. Students can also access assistance through our School Based Youth Health Nurse.

Leoni Kent
Student Support

Guidance Officer News

Upcoming EXPO News
TSXPO
Saturday and Sunday – 19 and 20 July 2014
Exhibition Building, Brisbane Showgrounds
10am – 4pm
Admission is FREE!!!
www.tsxpo.org

AU PAIR in the USA
Cultural exchange and personal growth (18-26 year olds)
Meeting: Gold Coast
Saturday 31 May – 2pm
Upper Coomera Centre
90 Reserve Rd, Upper Coomera
To register go to www.cultural.com.au or call 1800 677 373

Expo Adventure

Careers Expo – Royal Pines

On Thursday 8 May, 113 Year 10 and 11 students attended the Careers Expo held at the Royal Pines. It was here that students had the opportunity to engage with leading universities, private colleges, TAFE, employment agencies, service providers and industry leaders to gain useful information and advice regarding life after high school. The day proved to be inspiring for all involved and I have already received a large amount of positive feedback from not only students but parents as well.

I would personally like to thank all the students who attended for their outstanding behaviour. You were all a credit to the school and your families. I must also mention the hard work and professionalism of PBC staff that helped make the day a great success, so a big thanks to Miss Mlinar, Mr Kennedy and Mr Stockall.

Year 10 Career Education – Term 2

The transition from Year 10 to 11 is always a significant step in the career of a high school student. This transition begins with careful and informed decision making.

This term Year 10 students have taken part in a future pathways program. As part of the program students have had the opportunity to complete the ‘My Career Match’ profile questionnaire. My Career Match is an online student career assessment, based on proven behavioural and psychometric principles. It matches students’ strengths and personality with careers that best suit.

• People who choose a career based on their natural abilities tend to be more productive and happier at work.
• Whilst studies show that you might have up to 8 careers, and up to 28 jobs within those careers, if you make career decisions based on understanding your skills and talents, and knowing what motivates you, you could really enjoy your time in your jobs and spend less time looking for what actually suits you.
• Explain there are careers out there that haven’t even been thought of yet and there will be many different jobs available by the time they finish school and uni (e.g. social media marketer)

In the next few weeks students will be working on their individual resumes as well as looking at pathway options including OP, RANK and VET.

Year 10 Career Education – Term 3

Preparation for the senior school begins in Year 10, in Term 3 students are encouraged to explore the options available and to consider what subject areas they want to experience in readiness for future study in Year 11 and 12. This will give all students a ‘taste’ of the various subjects available to them next year and explain prerequisites, course overviews, course outlines, assessment outlines, equipment and subject costs.

As part of planning for the transition to post-school options, Queensland students in Year 10 complete a Senior Education and Training (SET) plan. Essentially, the SET plan includes what the student's goals are, and what pathways they're going to take to reach those goals. Parents and school staff are involved in helping students put these plans together and this year will be held on Thursday 4 September in the school hall. More information will be made available closer to the date.

Bond University Scholarship Applications are now open online

Are you an outstanding Year 12 student with strong academic achievements? Perhaps students who are active members in their community and strive to make a difference? Or maybe elite rugby players who want to nurture both their sporting and career aspirations?

The 2015 Bond University Scholarship Program is now open for applications! The program offers a large number of full fee and part fee scholarships as well as cash bursaries to Australia’s best and brightest students. Most scholarships can be used for any single or combined program (with the exception of a Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery).

Students wishing to apply for a scholarship must complete an online application form at www.bond.edu.au/apply.Students will be required to attach a copy of their Year 11 (Semester 1 and 2) and Year 12 (Semester 1) school reports, a summary of achievements, and a personal statement for each scholarship they choose to apply for. Students will also be asked to nominate their Principal, Vice Principal or someone of similar standing to complete an online reference form.

More information about the scholarships available this year can be found at www.bond.edu.au/scholarships. Alternatively, please contact the Excellence Program Coordinator on 07 5595 1067 or email scholarships@bond.edu.au.

For any information regarding scholarships from a wide range of tertiary institutions please visit our school website under Support and resources / Student resources / Tertiary Scholarship Information.

Steve Jones
Senior School Guidance Officer

Parenting Teenagers | How to co-exist

One way of looking at the experience of living with teenagers is that it’s like living in a mutual obligation society. Each of the individuals in this micro-society co-exists using a set of reasonable expectations for living with one another. In this case, mum and dad will look after their teenage children, feed them, clothe them and have great times with them and, in return, their teenage sons and daughters show respect and do a few things to contribute to life at home. Sound like a fair deal?

Well, not always according to some...

Working on this basis then, my view is that you’ll need to be really clear with your crew - from as early-on as possible - about what belonging to this mutual obligation society involves. In other words, it’s important to identify the values and important parts of how you all live with one another as explicitly as possible. Truly, you need to say things aloud from time to time. Think of it as making the invisible-visible and identifying family values that will represent your lives together.

• Guys, we love you, you know that don’t you? But, we live here as a family, not in some hotel-come-and-go-as-you-like arrangement, so you’ll need to let us know about when you’ll be home.
• We will provide for you as best we can; we also expect that you will respect the people who live here. That means not whacking your sister and instead, coming to us if something happens where you’re tempted to hit her.
• Look guys, here’s the deal: while you are living here, we expect you to live according to our family values and not the soap stars. It’s not the set on Home and Away here. So, it’s not okay for you regularly to make dramas out of the little stuff.

Living well together is about having reasonable expectations for how you’d like your family life to be and making explicit what that means in reality. Saying things aloud can help both you and your teenager be on the same page, as far as your expectations are concerned. So, don’t be afraid to open your mouth - and say what’s on your mind.

(Taken from ParentShop)

Anna Willis
Middle School Guidance Officer

School Council Election Reminder Notice

The School Council is a very important body within the school as it has the function of guiding and monitoring the schools broad strategic direction. Members of the School Council approve strategic plans and policies and advise the Principal about strategic matters. Membership is for a two year period.

The parent election will be conducted at the following time and venue:

Parents 6:00 – 6:30pm Tuesday 27 May Trade Training Centre, PBC

You must be present at the election to be eligible.

School Musical – Opens This Week

Preparation for PBC’s 2014 Musical Little Shop of Horrors is in the final stages.

The story of a nerdy hero, a buxom damsel, a psychotic dentist and a flesh-eating plant from outer-space will hit PBC’s stage next Thursday 29 May!

Tickets are now on sale at PBC’s Student Services counter – adults $18, Concession $15 and a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 concession) $60.

Tickets are now on sale at Student Services

Year 12 Philosothon

Year 12 Philosophy students attended the annual Queensland State Philosothon at the University of Queensland last weekend. Students from across the state discussed the weighty issues that have plagued mankind for centuries: Are we more than just our genes and environment?; Are human rights something we just make up as we go along?; Is society more than just individuals acting for themselves?

The purpose of the discussions was an attempt to reach consensus. Students were judged on their ability to build on each other’s arguments, to be inclusive of all members in the groups, to ask questions, expand ideas and apply knowledge to historical and contemporary events. Alice Giles and Madison Smith both received medals for their philosophical contributions to the day.

Students from left to right: Kyle Rapallo, Matt Kelly, Luke Ireland, Brittany Doherty, Emily Smith, Alice Giles, Madison Smith, Jade Popova-Clark, Jacob Bailey

Debbie Ried
Academic Excellence Teacher

2015-2016 QATSIF Scholarships

The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (QATSIF) was created to give Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families increased educational choices and life opportunities.

QATSIF recognises the vital role that successful completion of schooling and the availability of opportunities through higher education have in building a foundation for employment and a better quality of life.

Under this program, QATSIF will provide two-year scholarship funding to a number of selected secondary schools across Queensland to support students commencing Year 11 in 2015. In this round of applications, schools may also apply for students completing Year 12 in 2015 who may not previously had the opportunity to be considered for a QATSIF Scholarship.

Scholarships open on 2 June for Year 10 and Year 11 Murri Jarjum students. For full details including eligibility requirements please visit our school website under the Indigenous Program

Wendy Wise
HOD EAC

Hospitality Happenings

Year 12 Hospitality Studies

Students are currently focussed upon a how Beverage Production and Service is managed within a community club context. A guided tour of the Currumbin RSL was provided by Jane Renata who pointed out many of the facilities and career opportunities the venue can provide. “The best little club in the world” went out of its way to provide a professional and enthusiastic overview of business operations and the staff training needed to maintain membership satisfaction. Of particular focus was the importance of compliance with legislation that covers licensed venues and how the club caters for a range of social and cultural events.

Year 11 Hospitality Studies

Students are currently practising their coffee making skills, as soon they will be in their practical function mode of assessment. To extend their standard and as part of their course experience students recently attended the Marriott Hotel Spa & Resort to tour the resorts facilities and to be personally coached by the hotels very own Barista.

Di Stamp

Geography Class Goes Bush

On Wednesday 14 May, Mr Opie and his Year 12 Geography class set off for a night stay in Lamington National Park’s Binna Burra. The purpose of this trip was to collect primary data for our upcoming assessment. We met at 7:30 in the morning and were picked up by our guide Chris Audley, from Second Nature, and his trainee, Julie. On the drive to Binna Burra we stopped at a dairy farm where we saw a newborn calf only 12 hours old and were taught the basics of cow milking. Once we arrived at Binna Burra, after seeing some amazing views along the way, we stopped for lunch before heading off to collect our primary data. To get to the spots for research there was a short walk through some of the rainforest. Chris taught us all the different trees and birds that inhabit the area. We also found a huge tree that was big enough to fit people inside. So, of course, seven students and Mr Opie had to climb in. Once inside it was such a strange feeling being inside a tree and a weird experience but was really enjoyable. After completing our research we began somewhat of a treasure hunt through the forest with no real winners but more amazing views of the hinterland. To end the night we all sat around the campfire roasting marshmallows and telling jokes before heading to bed for the big day ahead of us.

On the second day we were up early, and ready to take on a 17.5km walk through one of the world’s most amazing rainforest. We saw birds, bugs, spiders and dingos, big trees and little trees. We saw some incredible views of waterfalls and the hinterland. We walked along a cliff edge where some people were more terrified than others (Mr Opie). The walk took the 10 of us just over seven hours to complete and the feeling among the group at the end of the day was truly amazing. Overall, the trip was an incredible and rewarding experience that will be remembered for a long time to come.

Cassie Chick
Year 12 Geography Student

PBC Leo Fundraiser

The PBC Leo club raised over $600 at their recent car wash. Well done to all Leo members who volunteered their services and also thanks to the members of the Palm Beach Currumbin Lions Club who helped the Leos organise the fundraising event and the barbeque. Thanks to Lioness Nancye Skinner who donated the raffle for the day, this was very much appreciated and allowed to group to raise more funds.

The funds raised from the car wash are going towards the purchase of iPads to be used by the Guidance Counsellors in their implementation of support programs for students. Dune Care is a future project that the Leo club are intending to become involved as an ongoing part of their community support. Well Done.

Denise King

Pathways Centre News

There are many great traineeship opportunities for Year 10 and 11 at the moment. These include:

Certificate II Animal Studies

• Greencross Vets

Certificate III Hospitality

• Woodbox
• Nandos
• Dumpling Republic
• Gourmet Espresso

Certificate III Business

• EB Games
• Goldmark
• Prouds
• Cosmetic Plus
• Miami pool

If you are interested in any of these positions please come to the Pathways Centre before school or at first break. Positions will fill quickly!

Sonia Shreeve
Pathways Centre

Uniform Shop Update

CAX Shirts

If you ordered a CAX shirt they are now available for collection from the Uniform shop.

Sports Excellence

Parents, if you placed an order for Sports Excellence uniforms in Term 1, they are now available for collection from the Uniform Shop by your child during the hours listed below.

Bucket Hats and PBC Caps

Hats are a compulsory part of the uniform and are recommended for all outdoor activities. Both the bucket hats and caps are now available to purchase from Uniform Shop for $15.

Jumpers

Jumpers are now available and are selling FAST! You can purchase a warm knitted jumper from the uniform shop with samples available to try on for sizing, all sizes available for $48.

Trading Times

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

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

Extra Sport Excellence Stock

The Uniform Shop currently has some extra Sport Ex stock available for purchase. Please feel free to pop in and see our friendly staff who can assist you with sizing.

Please note not all sizes are available but we will do our best to assist you and your child in that regards.

Please contact myself between the hours of 8am-2pm Monday - Friday if you have any questions or would like to see if your child’s size is available. Also remember you can make your payments with me over the phone.

Mandy Webb
Uniform Shop Convenor

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

Student Fee Excursion/ Activity	Activity Details	Amount Due	Date Due
Asia Tour	Various students	Balance $1,715	Overdue
Ski Trip	Year 11 students	2nd Instalment $500	Overdue
Student Resource Scheme Fees 2014 (whole payment)	Various students	$330	Overdue
Student Resource Scheme Fees 2014 (second instalment)	Various students	$165	Overdue
Excellence Program Fees	Excellence program students	Various	Overdue
Course Fees
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
Excursions
Tweed River Excursion	Various students	$36	Now
Art Express	Various Students	$10	Now
Oceanic Cross-country	Various students	$10	Now
Voices in Paradise	Various students	$25	Now
Seaworld	Year 10 students	$42	Now
Cook Island snorkelling	Year 12 students	$50	Now
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.

Lost Property – Student Services

Please check with Student Services if you have lost any items at school (towels, lunch packs, uniforms, shoes, etc…)