28 October 2014

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

At PBC our culture is built around our motto ‘Nil Sed Optima’ which means ‘Nothing but the Best’. We expect that all students and staff will come to school each day and use their talents to the best of their ability.

Since I last wrote my newsletter I had the privilege of being present whilst our senior netball team won the State Championship. I must admit to having a few tears in my eyes watching our seniors and their coach, Megan Bruggeman, hoist their trophy knowing the incredible teamwork and dedication over many years that went into this amazing achievement.

Celebration plays an integral role in sustaining our performance orientated culture. Reinforcing effort by recognising personal bests across the range of academic, cultural and sporting pursuits encourages students to reach their full potential. Celebrating high achievement plays an important role in setting the bar high for all and, in addition, plays a pivotal role in maintaining confidence in public education.

This time of year is loaded with events that recognise student achievement. Over the next weeks the following major events are planned:

27 – 30 Oct - Optima Awards - PBC Hall
5 November - Sports Awards Evening - Currumbin RSL
7 November - Arts Awards Evening - PBC Theatre
18 November - Academic Awards Night - PBC Hall
19 November - PBC Alliance Breakfast - Trade Training Centre
20 November - Year 12 Graduation - PBC Hall

Invitations to these events will be sent home and event details are available on the website. I look forward to joining with you to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of PBC students in 2014.

I will also publish a comprehensive version of our achievements through a variety of mediums and I am sure you’ll be suitably impressed.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Newsletter Articles

Senior School Update

As the end of the year draws closer, it is as vital as ever for students to attend every lesson, every day. Please avoid making medical and dental appointments for your children during school hours. Students in the Senior School are assessed up until their final day of term. We ask parents to support students’ learning and assessment outcomes by planning for them to attend school up until the end of Shutdown. These dates are on our PBC Home Page.

As at any other time in the school year, PBC has high expectations for student behaviour. Please check that your child is wearing full school uniform and wearing it well, with no jewellery (except a watch and a simple pair of earrings if needed) and no visible tattoos. It is never too soon to learn how to sew on a button or make a minor repair to clothing and it certainly saves money! Respect for school rules should continue up through to the very end of the year.

Schoolies

In November, about 25,000 young people will descend on Surfers Paradise to celebrate the completion of their schooling. Some of these will be PBC graduates. Last Wednesday evening, a group of parents attended a Schoolies Information Evening at the school, to learn how best to support their sons and daughters through this significant experience. The presentation, conducted by the Department of Communities, was both informative and highly engaging. The team of presenters included representatives of the Office of Liquor and Gaming and the Queensland Police. Tips provided to parents included reading through the accommodation House Rules and checking that they are understood by your child, suggesting low cost outings, hosting a menu planning and grocery shopping trip for your child’s room mates, and helping children to check into their accommodation, photographing any damage and reporting it to management immediately. While alcohol and drugs feature widely in media around Schoolies, it is often lack of sleep, dehydration, and poor food, combined with the intensity of holiday apartment living that creates the biggest issues for young people at Schoolies. For further information, brochures may be collected at the Senior School Office.

Finally, New Zealand citizens with children looking to complete tertiary education in Australia may be interested in changes to the arrangements in HECS-HELP.

For further information, see: http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/studyassist/helpfulresources/pages/faqs-nz

Sharon Hillcoat
Deputy Principal Senior School

Year 12 Exams

The Year 12 exam timetable has been uploaded onto the students K drive at school and will also be available on the school website under testing and assessment. Students may have exams scheduled from Monday November 4 through to Tuesday November 11, including times for VET certificate completion.

Students should by now be well aware that they must be in full school uniform to sit exams and that it is their responsibility to ensure they are present in the correct room with all necessary equipment at least 10 minutes before the exam commences.

The school community would like to wish all the Year 12 students well as they complete their last assessments as school students.

Release of Year 12 results

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) will release student QCEs, OPs and Senior Statements through student learning accounts on the Student Connect website (https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au) from 9am on Saturday 20 December 2014.

Students must know their Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) and password to log in and check their results. Students will be able to access their results more quickly if they have previously activated their learning account.

Senior Education profiles will then be mailed out by the QCAA from Monday 22 December.

Year 10 and 11 Exams

Year 10 and 11 shutdown exams will commence in the week of 24-28 November. All students may have timetabled exams up to and including the last day. Year 11 students will be practicing their QCS writing task on 28 November.

A reminder that all drafts and assignments are due before 9am on the due date; and that exams cannot be given early to students because of other commitments. Please refer to the school assessment policy on the school website for further details.

Michael McDougal
HOD Senior School

Middle School News

Optima Code – Be respectful

I often talk to the Middle School students about what it means to come to PBC and why we are so insistent on good behaviour and following rules. This is about respect. Our OPTIMA Code of Be safe, Be Respectful and Be a Learner, provides the framework for positive behaviour at our school.

Being respectful sets the tone for our school and the way that our school is viewed in our community. This is very important for the students, for as we continue to build our solid reputation for achievement and conduct, our school’s reputation can help open doors to employment and further education.

Competition in life after school is quite fierce and our goal is to give every PBC student the best chance possible. The school brand is integral to this.

In the Middle School we begin to foster this in our students via our uniform expectations, attendance expectations and conduct expectations. Getting these expectations right helps set the tone of the school. People view PBC very positively and this is one of the best things we can offer students when they exit Year 12.

Middle School parents can help us in our endeavour to create a respectful environment by ensuring students are in correct uniform and insisting that their students follow our OPTIMA code.

Peter O’Brien
Deputy Principal Middle School

TIMSS test

Time passes quickly and now the TIMSS test is now upon us.

Parents may recall that PBC was randomly selected by the Australian Council for Educational Research to participate in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. It is the world’s longest running international study in mathematics and science and some of our Year 8 students have been selected to take part.

The TIMSS data from 580 schools across Australian states and territories will be used to indicate how well Australian students have mastered the factual and procedural knowledge taught in mathematics and science at school and allow a comparison with the performance of students in different countries. The individual and school data is confidential and no individual is identifiable.

If you are interested in seeing sample question examples that students complete, please visit the TIMSS website: http://timssandpirls.bc.edu/TIMSS2007/items.html.

In addition, it is almost time to for the current Year 8 students to step up and into the Year 9 leaders positions.

Students were this week encouraged to submit a self-nomination form to the Year eight Coordinator. The form asked students to answer questions such as:

• Why do you want to be involved in the Middle School leadership program?
• What is your vision for PBC and how would you work with others to achieve this vision?
• What are your leadership skills and what do you want to gain from being a Year 9 Leader?

Of course checks will be made prior to interview that students have been outstandingly compliant with the schools Optima Code and that their efforts in academic study and their involvement in school events is outstanding.

Dianne Stamp
HOD Middle School

Pathways Centre News

School based traineeships available for Year 10 and 11 students

Cert III Hospitality: Grill’d Coolangatta, Hook Up Robina, Dumpling Republic, Zarraffas, plus many more.

Cert III Business: City Beach Surfers and Broadbeach Stores, 7 Eleven stores Burleigh and Palm Beach.

Seaworld and Movieworld: Information sessions are coming up 30 October and 6 November. Both theme parks will be offering traineeships in Tourism and Hospitality in 2015.

Indigenous traineeships: Dental Assistant and Commonwealth Bank Traineeship at Burleigh Branch.

Year 12 students

Fulltime Positions:

• Cert III Landscaping Apprenticeship.
• Cert III Commercial Cookery – Jupiters Casino
• Cert III Hairdressing at salons in Mudgeeraba and Palm Beach
• Cert III Guarantees Ignite start 08/12/2014 fulltime Hospitality/Business Admin
• All Trades – Information for school leavers and vacancy list available.
• OTHER CERT III GUARANTEE COURSE OFFERINGS MAJOR TRAINING

Transport, logistics and warehousing:

• TLI21210 Cert II Driving Operations
• TLI21610 Cert II Warehousing Operations
• TLI21810 Cert II Logistics
• TLI31210 Cert III Driving Operations
• TLI31610 Cert III Warehousing Operations
• TLI32410 Cert III Logistics

Love your current job? Would you like to turn it into a traineeship? Come to the Pathway Centre and let’s see if we can create a traineeship for you in your current role.

The Pathway Centre is open before school and first break to apply for any of the above positions

Sonia Shreeve
Industry Liaison officer

Guidance Officer News

QTAC reminder

Any student going to University, TAFE or you are deferring next year then you must apply through QTAC. Applications now cost $130 – please read below for application details and important information about ordering preferences.

QTAC AND TERTIARY ENTRY

The QTAC application

QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) administers the application and offer processes for participating tertiary institutions in Queensland and a few interstate institutions. Information about the participating institutions can be found in section 2 of the QTAC Guide.

The QTAC application is an online application on the QTAC website. Visit the QTAC website http://www.qtac.edu.au and click on ‘Online Services’. Year 12 students apply via the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application. The QTAC application opens on 5 August 2014. The ‘on time’ due date for applications is 30 September 2014. On time applications for Year 12 students cost $35. Late applications (i.e. from 1 October 2014) cost $130.

You can apply for up to six courses at different institutions on the one QTAC application (you receive one offer). It is essential that you submit one application only. QTAC provides a number of resources to help with the application, including:

ORDERING PREFERENCES

• You can choose up to six course preferences for each offer round.
• Make sure you satisfy the Minimum Entry Requirements for each course preference i.e. that your predicted OP will get you into that course. If not, you will miss out!
• Include a range of courses with varying levels of competitiveness i.e. cut-offs.
• Cut-offs may change from year to year, from semester to semester and from offer round to offer round.
• Use previous cut-offs as a guide only.
• After lodging your application, you can change your preferences. (First three changes of preference is free, fourth and subsequent changes of preference are $35 each)
• It is essential that you order your preferences carefully.
• In any offer round, you can only receive one offer; this will be for your highest eligible preference.
• Do not save your preferences until you are sure they are exactly as you want them. The first three times you click the ‘save’ button your changes are free, but fourth and subsequent ‘saves’ cost $35 each time you click the ‘save’ button.

Preference 1 and 2

Courses you really want, even if your chance of gaining entry is not assured.

Preference 3 and 4

Less competitive courses that provide another way to your chosen career or to a second choice career. They can be used to upgrade to your ‘ideal’ course.

Preference 5 and 6

Courses you are prepared to do if you miss out on all others. They should be courses that in the past have been easy to get into. They can help you upgrade.

To find out more information on how to apply, ordering your preferences, tracking your application and responding to your offer visit: http://www.qtac.edu.au/OnlineServices/OnlineServices.html

• A demonstration application (to practice on) on the website at (http://www.qtac.edu.au/OnlineServices/OnlineServices.html)

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer Senior School

Art Department News

Even with the end of 2014 approaching, there is no slowing down for students and staff in the CAX program. Apart from program preparations for the 2015 arrival of Year 7 CAX students, there have been a number of exciting developments and events both staff and students have been involved in.

PBC Alumni achievements

Starting with the highest-profile news, Alumnus Joel Rea (Visual Arts) has been the recipient of two major National awards in the arts industry. His piece “The Final Pieces” was a finalist in the Sulman Prize, one of three major categories in the Archibald Prize, and going one step further he won the Black Swan Award for his stunning portrait of Aussie Hollywood film star Chris Hemsworth. Joel has gone from strength to strength in his career and has now become one of Australia’s most respected contemporary artists. His work and his journey inspire our current CAX cohort of visual artists who will no doubt follow in his footsteps towards success.

International success

In international news, Year 11 CAX Music student, Keiarn Chesebro, is currently overseas in a performance tour across Europe, invited to do so by a professional singer who had followed her impressive performance work. Keiarn will finish her month-long tour shortly, and will return with a wealth of experience that will surely assist her in her arts career aspirations. This tour comes following her receiving the Tweed Theatre Lloyd Johns Perpetual trophy Achievement Award, and Directors Award for her role as Laurey in the recent production of “Oklahoma”.

Workshops with industry professionals

In news on home soil, CAX Media and Drama students have enjoyed workshops and talks by industry professionals, with professional stuntman Scotty Gregory entertaining and informing the students with a training demonstration and industry talk. Fresh off the set of the latest “Mad Max” film, Scotty gave the students valuable insights into the world of film, the pathways towards it and some great anecdotes about some of the students’ favourite film stars. The down-to-earth local then casually set himself on fire to conclude his time with the classes. For those students with an interest in this type of work or this type of career, (film and media that is, not setting yourself on fire!) there are still places available in both CAX and mainstream Media classes for 2015. Please see Mrs Atkinson for more information.

Dead Puppet Society

In a neighbouring workshop, the renowned “Dead Puppet Society” led Year 8 CAX Drama students in puppet manipulation, characterisation and creation in preparation for their final task for the year, creating an educational puppet show for an audience of prep-aged students. The students had an absolute blast designing and characterising their creations in short scenes and will no doubt delight their audiences in the coming weeks.

PBC Under the Lights

And finally, for those who attended the “PBC Under Lights” concert on Saturday 18 October, I’m sure that you will agree that it was one of the year’s highlights! The talent of our instrumental music students is a credit to the Instrumental Music, CAX and Arts staff who mentor them and develop their skills. The night itself was yet another wonderful and professional showcase of the excellence that PBC advocates. Bravo!

A huge congratulations must go to all students, both past and present, for their ongoing excellence in the Arts.

Trent Ivett
Creative Arts Excellence Coordinator

Sporting Recognition

Basketball State Championships

The Basketball State Championships were held at the end of Term 3, with a tremendous effort by all teams representing PBC.

Boys competing in Division Two started on fire, looking to win their first three games, highlighted by a two point win against St Patricks. The team fought hard all week to finish 8th in their division. Excellent all round play from Kyle Ramage and Jackson Lahina Brown, who did The Reds proud in all their matches.

Girls competing in Division One also started on fire with five very convincing wins to storm into the state semi-final in great form. Playing against Canterbury College, the girls played extremely well holding a 10 point lead with three minutes remaining. Unfortunately things turned sour with Canterbury storming back to steal the game by one point in overtime. For the second year running, PBC girls finished 4th in the state. It was a disappointing finish but an excellent effort from all the girls. Well done.

Mr Smith and Mr Fox
PBC Basketball Sports Excellence Coaches

Girls Football - Seniors

Capping off a great year, last week the senior girls football team became the school’s Premier League champions. This is a competition exclusive to Sports Excellence Schools in South East Queensland, playing against some of the best in school age players.

After playing all season, undefeated in all competitions, and with some impressive scores, the final was contested by the top two teams. Finishing first can account for little if the same consistency is not shown in the final. The girl’s dominated the second half with a number of shooting opportunities saved by the goalkeeper and a goal disallowed; it took extra time and penalties to complete the task.

In a year where there were nine South Coast Reps, four Qld reps and two Australian reps, it has been, and will remain, the girl’s football programs greatest achievement. Great credit must be given to the late Kate Gleeson who has developed and nurtured the majority of these girls since Year 8, and they are now a wonderful legacy of her commitment to them.

Girls Football - Juniors

The juniors girls also made this year’s final. But again in a tight game, the team was unfortunately defeated on penalties. The girls have shown great improvement from the beginning of the year and getting to the final was a great reward.

Mr Hulme
PBC Football Sports Excellence Coach

Special Olympics Gold Medal

Congratulations to Year 10 students Daniel and Hayden Thompson for taking home a gold medal in Melbourne for the Special Olympics basketball!

School Based Youth Nurse Notes

Bringing up happy and successful adolescents

Through my work with teenagers, I've realised just how much the parent-child relationship affects the child's development, both emotionally and mentally. The stronger the relationship, the better the chances of the child becoming a well-adjusted, successful adult. This article lists seven simple phrases that will help you to build that relationship.

Here are the seven phrases:

1. "I love you."

This is an obvious but vital one. Children need to know that you love and accept them unconditionally. You might feel awkward about saying "I love you" to your children, especially if it isn't part of your family culture. But I encourage you to say it at least once a month. If you say it once a week or once a day, even better.

2. "Go for it!"

Of course, if your children are about to do something dangerous or criminal, you shouldn't tell them to "go for it." You should step in. But when they're faced with a challenge that they'll benefit from taking on, they need your encouragement to bolster their confidence.

3. "I'm proud of you."

I recommend that you say this to your children frequently, and not just when they've accomplished something remarkable. Being proud of your children for what they've done is different from being proud of them for who they are.

4. "I believe in you."

For many people, childhood and adolescence are times of self-doubt. Am I capable enough? What will people think of me if I fail? Do I have what it takes? Why can't I be as smart as Tim, or as popular as Jaime? These are the kinds of questions that children ask themselves. In the midst of their doubt, they need you to be their loyal advocate, their ardent fan.

5. "Will you forgive me?"

As a parent, you're an authority figure in your home. Apologising to your children is hard, because your pride is at stake. But leaders go first. As a leader in your home, you must take the first step. For example, if you've said something unkind during an argument with your child, be the first one to say, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. Will you forgive me?"

6. "Will you show me how you did that?"

At some point, your children will know more about certain things than you. Maybe they already know more about social media or music or Internet marketing than you. I know many parents who act as if they know more than their children in every area. When their children bring up almost any topic, these parents cut them off, jump to conclusions, or cast judgment.

Soon enough, these children stop communicating openly with their parents. "Why should I talk to my parents, when they don't actually listen to what I have to say?" these children think. So if your children know more about something than you, I encourage you to say, "That's interesting. Tell me more." And if you see your children doing something you're not able to, why not ask them, "Will you show me how you did that?" When you take a genuine interest in your children's hobbies, they feel valued and respected. This is vital for a healthy parent-child relationship.

7. "I'm here for you."

As children get older, they want more independence. They want the freedom to make choices, and to chart their own course. Parents may start to feel as if their children don't want to have anything to do with them. But this isn't the case. Even the most rebellious teenagers I've worked with care about what their parents think, at some level.

If your children are in their teens, allow them to make as many of their own choices as possible. After all, they're going to be adults in a few short years. They'll appreciate your advice and counsel, as long as you make it clear that the final decision is theirs. Naturally, they must deal with the consequences of their choices too. By saying "I'm here for you," your children will know that you're there to help if the going gets tough. This way, they'll be more assured as they venture out into the world.

Judy Nunn
School Based Youth Nurse

Ordered your 2014 Yearbook?

Don’t miss out on having a wonderful reminder of this year at PBC. The OPTIMA yearbook is filled with photos of school happenings, sports and of course your friends from the year as well as articles. They are $30. What a great keepsake.

Order yours today! (No payment required for 2014 Year 12 students.)

Payment Options

Pay in person:

• Payment can be made at the Student Services office 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

• Credit Card and Debit Cards (EFTPOS), Cash, Cheques and Money Orders are accepted.

Pay by phone (by credit card only):

• Call the school on 5525 9333 Monday to Friday between 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

• Please have the account and your credit card details with you when you call.

• VISA and MasterCard accepted.

Pay by Direct Credit:

• You have the option to make the payment direct to the school bank account. Please quote the reference below to ensure payment is credited to your account.

• Account Name: Palm Beach Currumbin SHS General Account

• BSB: 064-404 CBA Branch Burleigh Heads

• Account No: 00090303

• Reference: Please record both your Student’s Id and the reference code 2014MAG

Lynne Riley
Student Services

Uniform Shop Update

Extended trading hours

The uniform shop will open for extended trading hours from 10 – 28 November 2014. Opening hours are as follows:

Uniform shop trading times
Monday and Friday	7:00am to 12:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday	8:15am to 5:30pm
Saturday 15 November 2014	9:00am to 4:00pm

Please note: The uniform shop and fitting room will be closed on Thursday 20 November 2014, due to a school function.

Current trading hours are Monday to Friday 8.15am to 9.30am.

Please refer to the website for all price lists and order forms.

CAX shirts

If you ordered a CAX SHIRT they are now available to be collected from the uniform shop.

EXTRA SPORT EXCELLENCE UNIFORMS

The uniform shop currently has some extra sport ex stock available for parents to purchase. Please feel free to pop in and see our friendly staff who can assist you with sizing.

Also please note not all sizes are available but we will do our best to assist you and your child.

Please contact Mandy Webb between 8am-2pm Monday to Friday if you have any questions or would like to see if your child’s size is available.

BUCKET HATS/PBC CAPS

Bucket hats and PBC caps are now available to purchase from uniform shop for $15 each. These hats are a compulsory part of the uniform and are recommended for all outdoor activities.

Payment methods available:

Flexischools Online www.flexischools.com.au
Credit Card
Cash
Cheques not accepted

If you are unable to come into the Uniform Shop, please phone Many Webb on 07 55259331 to pay for any uniform item over the phone.

Mandy Webb
Uniform Shop Coordinator

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 e.g.: 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
Excellence Program Fees	Excellence program 2014 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
Student Resource Scheme	2015 Fees Year 7 to Year 12	$330	1st instalment 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.

Lost Property

Please check with Student Services for items like pencil cases, lunch boxes, etc. If you have lost an article of clothing (jumpers, shoes, hat) please check with the Uniform Shop.

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.