20 June 2014

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

At PBC we try to make sure we take advantage of every available minute in the quest to ensure every student achieves their academic potential.

It is for this reason that the majority of our Semester 1 exams are conducted in the last week before the holidays. As a consequence our staff correct the papers late in the term and over the holidays. The results are then moderated in the first few weeks in the new term.

This process has also led to a significant improvement in our overall attendance rates as most students remain at school right up until the holidays.

Semester 1 reports will be sent home Friday 25 July, however students will know their results before this time and should be able to tell you. It is very important that parents discuss results with their child to help them get a sense of:

• the overall merit of the results and whether they match their capability
• which grades improved or declined since last report and why?
• are there any teachers that need to be contacted to discuss issues?
• are any subject changes required?
• what modifications to study habits need to be made to promote further success?

Through this discussion it is critical that successes are acknowledged and goals are developed for the next semester. For senior school students it is also particularly valuable to reflect on how these results contribute to their SET plan and their preferred post school pathways.

I understand that these conversations are challenging and require careful planning, however I can attest that in my professional experience, the rewards are great and often result in a more focussed, motivated young person with better post schooling outcomes.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Vale Kate Gleeson 1982 – 2014

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of PBC teacher Kate Gleeson this week following a battle with illness.

Kate was first appointed to our school in 2004 as a Health and PE teacher and was passionate about mentoring her students to achieve their personal goals.

This interest and her dedication to our school led her to seek additional responsibility and she was appointed as a year co-ordinator. As a year co, Kate was first point of call for students in all welfare matters and she distinguished herself in the performance of this role.

As a talented sportswoman herself, Kate found a way to combine her love of sport, health, wellness and teaching by making the progression into coaching soccer. Her talent was quickly recognised and she taught for many years in our Sports Excellence program and extensively in the school representative system including being the manager of an Australian team that toured South America.

Kate’s colleagues knew her to be a superbly fit, highly motivated and a fiercely determined professional who was also tremendously warm and caring to students and staff alike.

Our thoughts and love go to Kate’s parents, family and friends at this very difficult time.

The school will be hosting a celebration of Kate’s life on Saturday 28 June at 2pm in the PBC Hall.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

It has been a great semester in the Senior School. As educators, it is always a pleasure for us to see students moving towards their varied career, education and life goals. As we enter the Shutdown week, we encourage all of our students to keep the finish line in sight, knowing that from the 28 June, they can enjoy a restful and restorative holiday. We encourage all students to plan to do at least one thing that they will really enjoy over the holidays – even something as simple as a walk on the beach with friends.

At this time of year, it is common for students to experience stress. Maintaining routines, especially around diet, exercise and sleep, can help minimise stress. Should your student need support, be aware that our Guidance Officer Steve Jones, School-based Youth Nurse and other staff are here to help. Please contact the Senior School Office in the first instance.

Recently there has been some illness in our Senior School community. You are reminded that should your student miss an exam or assessment deadline, they will require a medical certificate. Contact the school as early as possible. If a student cannot sit an exam during shutdown due to illness, they will be required to do it on the first day back at school. Students must take responsibility for making such arrangements.

Some students are currently considering changing subjects in their Senior School subjects. The absolute deadline for making changes is Friday, Term 3, Week 2 – 25 July. As signatures are required, forms will need to be collected by 24 July at the latest.

After summer extended into May, the weather has cooled quite suddenly, leaving some students unprepared. Parents are reminded that students may only wear the navy knit jumper with the school logo, or the Year 12 senior jersey if in their final year. Jumpers are available in many sizes at the uniform shop. You can lay-by if required.

We wish all of our students an enjoyable, safe holiday, and look forward to their return to PBC on 14 July.

Nigel Hughes
Director Senior School

Exam preparation

• Years 11 and 12 students are on exam shutdown for the whole of week 10, whilst Year 10 students are on exam shutdown on Thursday and Friday. The timetable for exams was published on the school website and student curriculum drive several weeks ago. Please note that students studying Year 11 Certificate 3 in Fitness also have an exam on Wednesday in the Hall from 12:15pm to 2:35 pm.
• Students must be in full school uniform to sit exams and need to arrive at their exam room at least 10 minutes before the exam commences.
• All year 12 QCS students have their final practice tests on Friday June 27. They will complete the writing task in the morning and the multiple choice test in the afternoon session. All QCS students must attend.
• Any Year 11 or 12 students completing a VET certificate must be up-to-date in their modules by the end of shutdown. Students who are behind have been informed by teachers and sent a letter indicating that they will need to attend on the Wednesday and Thursday of shutdown to complete modules.
• As mentioned in the last newsletter any Year 11 student interested in commencing a Diploma in Business in July can register their interest and collect an information letter in Y block. Contact Mr McDougall or Ms Halford for more information.

Mick McDougall
HOD Senior School

Middle School News

Year 7 and 8 General Enrolment Night

On Tuesday 10 June the 2015 Year 7 and 8 General Enrolment Night was held. This was another important evening in regards to the implementation of our inaugural cohort of Year 7 students in 2015 and transition step into our school for our future Year 8 students.

I would like to acknowledge the following PBC students for their involvement in ensuring the success this evening:

• Tamara Gillard, Georgia Wingett and Tahu Whaanga for their clarinet performance
• Ruby Allen for representing the Year 8 cohort and delivering her speech
• Macy and Hayley Atkins for their dance performance
• Our Year 9 leaders who once again did a superb job in leading our Middle School Tours

Changeover of Year 8 Elective Subjects

Please be aware that all Year 8 students will receive new timetables upon their return to school following the school holidays. For the majority of our Year 8 cohort this will mean the change over from their elective subject selection. For example, if a student has completed a semester of one of the Technology syllabus subjects, Industrial Design and Technology or Home Economics, they will change over to their chosen subject from the Arts curriculum. This transition does not apply to Year 8 students selected in our Creative Arts Excellence Program who are required to study their chosen art specialty subject for the entire year.

End of Semester Reflection

For each student and PBC family the completion of each semester provides a very important opportunity to review and reflect upon the successes and areas required for improvements in your student’s learning. It is at this time that the learning activities that students have been engaged in throughout a unit of work build and culminate into assessment tasks. Following this assessment cycle provides the perfect opportunity to reflect around the effort that your student has put into their learning and the balance of their commitments to study, family, sports, cultural and social time. If this balance is out of tune, strike while the iron is hot, and set a family and individual student plan to balance these priorities prior to the new semester commencing.

Blair Hanna
Director of Middle School

Optima Code

At PBC we use our Optima Code to talk about the behaviour expectations of our students. Being Safe, Respectful, and a Learner is the expectation for each and every student. In this article I will talk a little about being respectful.

As well as the global expectations that are on display in every classroom we have explicit expectations around our uniform and behaviour. Wearing the school uniform correctly is part of being respectful at PBC. Our school’s image and reputation are first determined by how our students look and then how they act. Our strict enforcement of the uniform code means that the first impression people get of our school, and of your students, is extremely positive. Without exception every person that I have interviewed for enrolment at our school has commented on how well presented we are.

Next term we will be tightening up on some areas of our uniform code that are starting to slip, in particular the length of skirts that some girls are wearing. The length of skirt is described in the student’s planner and is, “Navy blue, knee length with logo on hemline”. At present some skirts are well above knee length. PBC deems any uniform skirt more than 5cm above the knee to be too short.

We ask for your help in this regard by ensuring that your daughter’s skirt is of an appropriate length and that they are not altering them or folding over the waist band to shorten them.

Next term inappropriate skirt lengths will be treated the same as any other uniform infringement.

Peter O’Brien
Deputy Principal Middle School

From the Dean’s Office

As we head into reporting time, it is a good opportunity to remind parents of our Optima Awards assemblies, which will occur in the early weeks of the new term. These are special assemblies organised for each year level for the sole purpose of presenting students with certificates for outstanding academic achievement and/or outstanding behaviour throughout the term.

The Deputy Principals for each school (Middle and Senior) will analyse the data from the student reports and collate a list of students due to receive an award.

Parents are formally invited to attend these presentation ceremonies and then join the Executive Principal, Deputy Principals, Dean and Year Coordinators at a morning tea in the Trade Training Centre.

The Optima Awards are different to Optima rewards and Optima postcards.

The Optima reward system is the issuing of vouchers to students who are “caught” behaving in a positive way. A teacher issues the student with a voucher, which is placed in a box located in the Year Coordinator’s staff room.

It is the student’s responsibility to place their vouchers in the Optima box. A voucher is then drawn from the box on the weekly assembly.

The winners will choose from the “prize cupboard” stocked by the Dean of Students.

Some examples of the behaviour that might earn a student a voucher includes:

• Keeping their eating area litter free
• Actively participating in class
• Initiative in group work situations
• Consistency (uniform, effort, attitude)
• Ethical behaviour towards others in the school community
• Speaking in a pleasant and respectful manner to staff
• Improved classroom behaviour
• Using equipment appropriately
• Queuing and waiting in canteen lines

Optima postcards are also used to reward positives; these are mailed home as a surprise for both student and parents.

With school holidays coming up, I would like to remind parents that Thrower House always has great activities for students to participate in.

We look forward to seeing everyone back nicely refreshed after a well-earned break!

Leoni Kent
Student Support

Guidance Officer News

Scholarships

Tertiary information including scholarships is on the school website!

Go to Support and Resources – Student Resources – Tertiary Scholarship Information

Year 10 Career Education – Term 3

Preparation for senior school begins in Year 10 and in Term 3 students will be given a ‘taste’ of the various subjects available to them next year. Within these lessons teachers will explain prerequisites, course overviews, course outlines, assessment outlines, equipment and subject costs. 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.

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.

Steve Jones
Senior School Guidance Officer

Introducing the Mental Stillness program:

The Mental Stillness program is a simple strategy that is aimed at providing students with a secular, meditation-based skill to enhance resilience and wellbeing. The technique has undergone extensive scientific evaluation in Australia as part of the Meditation Research Program (previously at the UNSW but now at Sydney University).

Generally, a typical "lesson" involves practical exercises aimed at focusing the attention and enhancing awareness of the present moment, allowing the participant to perceive a distinction between themselves and any negative thoughts or feelings that they may have.

Recently, Dr Ramesh completed a quality audit of a 12 month program conducted at a primary school in Sydney in which a full class of 3rd grade children were taught mental stillness-based skills for 10 minutes every morning for a full year. Children were assessed by the class teacher using the SDQ, a standardised and validated mental health risk scale.

Compared with the beginning of the year, children at the end of the year manifested an 80 per cent reduction in mental health risk and a 30 per cent improvement in social skills. Qualitative feedback was also very encouraging, showing that children enjoyed the sessions and wanted more. The class teacher felt that the children were calmer and focused as a result of the exercise and was enthusiastic for the initiative to continue (see graph below).

At PBC the Guidance Officers will be supervising and offering this program daily to students and staff. The sessions will be 15 minutes in duration (8:30-8:45) and will be located in the Virtual Classroom (E Block). This is a valuable initiative, aimed at reducing anxiety, improving learning outcomes, performance in the classroom and increasing students social and resilience skills.

For further information please refer to Dr Ramesh Manocha’s book, Silence Your Mind, the Generation Next website or trial this resource at home.

Anna Willis
Middle School Guidance Officer

Sports Update

Interschool Sport 2014

The outstanding PBC sporting tradition continued this year with the mighty REDS once again dominating the World of Sport Gold Coast Region finals. Fifteen teams contested the crossover finals with Ten PBC teams winning premierships in the A division across a number of sports.

The time and effort of the many coaches who look after our teams should not be underestimated and I thank them on behalf of all the students involved.

Interschool Sport operated through our Wider District School Sport on a Wednesday afternoon for 10 weeks in Terms 1 and 2. From there, the winners of each sport qualified for the South Coast Regional Crossover Finals day, along with the winning teams from the other 3 Districts.

Our victorious teams on the World of Sport Gold Coast Finals day were:

BOYS

U14 Boys Soccer - (Mr Costello)
U13 Boys Soccer - (Mr Stockall)
Open A Boys Tennis - (Mr Emerson)
U15 Boys Tennis - (Mr Emerson)
U14 Boys Tennis - (Mr Emerson)

GIRLS

Open A Girls Basketball - (Mr Smith)
U15 Girls Basketball - (Ms Hobbs)
U14A Girls Netball - (Ms Kadry)
Open Girls Soccer - (Mr Hulme)
Open A Girls Tennis - (Mrs Kelly)

Congratulations to all teams on another excellent season.

Geoff Eggert
Sportsmaster

Cross Country 2014

Oceanic

On May 29, PBC competed at the Annual District Cross Country Carnival, held at Pizzey Park, Burleigh. A most successful day ensued, with PBC winning its 28th crown in a row. PBC dominated the overall point score for both the boys and girls events which resulted in the overall championship school won by PBC followed by Miami and Varsity.

Cross Country is truly a team event, where depth is as important as the ‘stars’.

Our Age Champions were: Drew Younger (13G), Alex Humphreys (15G), Charlie Trapp (16G) and Tom Weekes (14B). Seven out of 10 divisions were won by PBC including the 13 girls, 14 boys, 14 girls, 15 boys, 15 girls, 16 boys and 16 girls.

Each year the announcement of the X-Country captains is an integral part of the team tradition at PBC. Congratulation to the worthy 2014 Captains Matthew Kelly and Jade Ward who have participated every year at the District X-Country since Year 8. 37 students were selected to represent the Oceanic District at the Regionals on June 10.

Congratulations to all team members, not only on the track but for your outstanding behaviour and encouragement of fellow team members.

Regional

The following athletes have progressed to the State level due to their performances at the recently run Regional Championships at Runaway Bay. Congratulations and good luck to: Tommy Campbell, Tom Weeks, Jye Dean, Kyle Rapallo, Drew Younger, Erica Chevaz, Alex Humphreys, Kalani O’Connell, Shelby Watson, Charley Trapp, Kendall Parker.

Wendy Wise
Cross Country

Students Compete for Place in Gallipoli in 2015

Eleven Year 9 students have volunteered to participate in the 2015 Queensland Premier's ANZAC Day prize competition. This competition allows all Queensland students in Years 8-11 the opportunity to attend the 2015 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli and also conduct a battlefield tour of the Western Front in France and Belgium. This includes all expenses (airfares, accommodation and food).

To be one of the eligible 70 students for this adventure, the volunteers must submit a multimodal presentation that examines three focus questions. These questions are:

• How has the Anzac tradition shaped our nation?
• Why is the Anzac tradition still important?
• How will future generations keep the Anzac tradition alive?

It is anticipated that early next term the students will have the opportunity to visit the Currumbin RSL and conduct a series of interviews with veterans which address these questions and include these responses into their multimodal presentation. This competition aligns with the next unit of History for Year 9 on World War I. Regardless of the final competition outcome, the students who have given up their own time to participate in this amazing opportunity have shown a willingness to extend themselves outside of their school commitments and deserve to be recognised. The number of students entering the competition is a reflection of the growth in interest from our younger students and shows our community and veterans are right behind them.

If any students would like to take up this opportunity to enter this event please contact Mr Daniel Lane in K Block. PBC wishes the best of luck to the following students: Marley Arreola, Lauren Curtis, James Dellolio, Emily Ireland, Isaac Jeffs, Saffron Jeffs, Jemma Macmillan, Sienna Mijares, Elaine Summersford, Mani Wagner and Charis Wilkinson.

Daniel Lane
English / History Teacher

Physics Excursion On The Right Track

As the Year 11 Physics students are investigating the physics principles behind the performance and safety features of cars as their assignment they are provided with the opportunity to visit Holden driving centre. Throughout the day, the students gathered information on how vehicle speed affects the stopping distance, the effects of various road conditions as well as safe driving tips. The students were exceptionally well behaved and participated in all the activities with enthusiasm.

Special thanks to Mr Emerson for his time and effort in organising this excursion. The students gave very positive feedback on the experiences gained during the excursion.

Mary Tsai
Maths / Science Teacher

NAIDOC

2014 PBC NAIDOC Assembly

We will hold our NAIDOC Assembly 9am Wednesday 16 July in the Hall. This year we are featuring our first PBC Indigenous dance group ‘Bpootharum Dancers’ and the Torres Strait Islander dance group ‘Zion Dance Ministries’. We hope that you will all come along to this event.

Wendy Wise
Head of Department Early Access Centre

Community Service Participation – make your hours count!

As the term winds up it’s time to submit participation forms for any volunteer work done in the last term or even in the last six months either in or out of school. Forms can be downloaded from the school website - under Our Community / Volunteering. Once completed submit it to Student Services by the end of Week 1 next term for possible recognition at future OPTIMA assemblies. Students in Middle School completing 10 hours will be recognised and in Senior School for 25, 50 and 100 hours of service.

Any questions about the Community Service Program please email me at asgal1@eq.edu.au

Anita Sgalippa
Deputy Principal

School Based Youth Health Nurse Notes

Just a friendly reminder to staff, parents, guardians and students that there are support services available within the school if you have any concerns:

• two guidance officers
• two psychologists
• youth support officer
• school-based youth health nurse

For after hours and holiday assistance please contact your GP, Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, Headspace (07)5509 5900, Kids helpline 1 800 551 800 and Lifeline 1 300 131 114. Further information is available on the following websites:

• www.beyondblue.org.au
• www.reachout.com.au
• www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Have a wonderful holiday and look forward to seeing you after the break.

Judy Nunn
School Based Youth Health Nurse

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 5525 9331 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 will assist you with sizing.

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

Please contact myself between the hours of 8am-2pm Monday - Friday if you have any questions or would like to see if your student’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 Excursion/ Activity	Activity Details	Amount Due	Date Due
Asia Tour	Various students	Balance $1,715	Overdue
Ski Trip	Year 11 students	3rd Instalment $1000	Due Now
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
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
C Generation Show	Various students	$35	27 June
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…)

Community Events

List Your Community Event with the PBC Newsletter

If you are holding a community event, sign-on day or fundraiser and want to get the word out to the community, you can list your event at the end or our Newsletter.

Go to our website at https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/Calendarandnews/Newsletters and view our current newsletter.

Look on the left side click on the View Local Events link to see what’s happening around the area.

If you would like to promote your event please email the details and any accompanying material (e.g. photos, fliers) to info@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au. Upon approval of the Executive Principal we will list your event.