24 October 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents

Term 4 presents many opportunities for all members of our PBC school community to come together to observe the talents of our students and also celebrate their fantastic achievements over the past year. I look forward to this period of time in the school calendar as I am able to connect with many parents at the wide range of school events. Throughout this term some of these major PBC events include:

• PBC Dance Night @ Arts Centre – Monday 24 October
• PBC Under The Lights Instrumental Program - Thursday 27 October
• Sports Awards Night – Wednesday 2 November
• Creative Arts Awards Night – Thursday 3 November
• Academic Awards Evening – Tuesday 15 November
• Year 12 Formal & Graduation – Thursday 17 November

To add to these End of Year events we also have our Term 4 Optima Assembly celebrations on the following dates:

• Year 7 - Thursday 3rd November
• Year 8 - Monday 31th October
• Year 9 - Wednesday 26th October
• Year 10 – Wednesday 2nd November
• Year 11 – Friday 28th October
• Year 12 – Tuesday 1st November

Those students in Year 12 who have gained direct entry into local universities will be acknowledged at their Optima Assembly. Once again our number of students with a secure pathway into tertiary study is impressive.

This year the PBC School Council has played a significant role in the process of strategically identifying the areas of development or innovation for the school into the future. Specifically, this has occurred through the formation of ‘Strategic Renewal’ research groups across a range of key areas. A cross-section of our school community is represented on these ‘Strategic Renewal’ research groups. At the moment, many of our school leaders are completing the draft recommendations of these groups. I would like to thank them and their group members for their work in leading a very important role in the next phase of the school’s development. I also look forward to sharing the key recommendations with our school community following their endorsement from our school council.

Blair Hanna
Acting Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Change to External Assessment System

The Senior School received the news from the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority earlier in the week that the new Senior Assessment Model has been pushed back 12 months and will now begin in 2019. This means that our current Year 8 cohort will be the first grade to go through the QCE to attain an ATAR.

This revised introduction date will allow many of the initiatives, which have commenced to support the introduction of the new system at our school, to continue to develop and trial new processes that will enable our students to transition to the new system smoothly.

Changes put in place for the Year 10 electives and curriculum in 2017 will remain with Year 10 students now being offered the choice of 3 electives with core requirements of English, Maths and Science. If parents or carers have any questions they can contact the Acting Head of Department for Senior School, Mitch Kennedy on 5525 9384.

Reports for all of our Senior Students were sent out last Friday. We again emphasise the importance of taking the time to look through your child’s report with them to track their growth and discuss goals for future achievement, effort and behaviour.

Alyce Cleary
Deputy Principal - School Senior

Senior School Deputy Report

With a shorter Term 4 across the Senior School, time can seemingly fly by for students, staff and parents alike as the year comes to a close with a final Exam Block. Certainly, with the condensed term, our Senior Students are working harder than ever to continue achieving impressive results. For our Year 12’s, their final few weeks prior to their graduation are not only a build-up to shutdown exams but are a vital time to ensure all students are on track to complete the requirements of every assessment item across all their subjects. Details of Shutdown timetables and publishing dates are as follows:

• Year 12: Shutdown commences Week 6 (7th November – 17th November)
  Published: Now available on the PBC Website and accessible to all students via the Student Drive
• Year 11: Shutdown commences Week 8 (21st November – 25th November)
  Published: Due for release to parents & students in Week 5
• Year 10: Shutdown commences Week 8 (21st November – 25th November)
  Published: Due for release to parents & students in Week 5

We wish all Senior Students all the best in their studies prior to final assessment this term as they progress through the Senior School. To our Year 12’s, we look forward to acknowledging your achievements and success at Formal & Graduation.

Mitch Kennedy
HOD of Department – Senior

Youth Volunteer Nominations - International Volunteer Day Event

‘In 2016 Volunteering Services Australia, an initiative of Volunteering Gold Coast, will again celebrate International Volunteer Day. This annual, global celebration looks to recognise the contribution and hard work of volunteers within the Gold Coast community. For various reasons, including it’s often informal nature, Youth Volunteering is not always recognised or acknowledged.

This year Volunteering Services Australia is looking to increase nominations for Youth Volunteer of the Year and give it the voice and attention it deserves. Nominees must be under 25 years old, have exhibited a strong passion for volunteering and made a considerable difference to the Gold Coast community through the donation of their time and/or resources. If this is you or you know someone making a difference through volunteering, nominate them now via the link below. Or for more information on the nominations process please contact Volunteering Services Australia on 5526 0688.

Nominations close on Monday the 7th of November.’

Middle School Update

Parents should have now received Term 3 Academic Reports. This marks then the beginning of our academic performance review period. This will include;

• Student Feedback - students understanding where they sit in relation to their peers and the course and what is their ‘next step’ to success.
• Student OPTIMA goal setting – an important research backed process in our academic cycle
• Individual student performance – members of the Middle school team will engage with students whose performance places them at risk through a range of strategies.
• Parent follow-up - as we don’t schedule a set parent teacher interview night this term. Parents may contact Teachers to discuss their child’s progress.
• Celebrating success- through our OPTIMA assemblies.
• Middle School Term 3 Report, this includes a reflection on progress towards PBC’s Annual targets.
• Data reflection by teachers and course coordinators – these reflections form the basis of the discussion between HODs and Heads of School around course improvement.

Class Composition 2017

The Middle School team is currently developing class lists for all 2017 Year 7-9 Core classes. Students’ academic and behaviour records are considered in approaching this task along with input from teachers to create balanced classes. Students may well be in a very different class to where they have been this year, depending also on electives or specialist classes such as Sports Ex that they have selected. This change process builds resilience in young people and helps to broaden their social network of friends. As a reward this term we have offered students who received excellent behaviour and effort the opportunity to let us know the option of the names of two friends that they would like to be timetabled into class with.

Parent Connect Nights

Thank you to those parents who attended recent Parent Connect nights on Understanding Adolescence. It is great to see parents sharing these big topics together and building a strong sense of school community at the same time.

Anita Sgalippa
Head of School - Middle School

Head of Department Middle School Report

Reporting

Congratulations to Middle School students for their admirable reports! Across the three year levels, students have achieved pleasing results and we look forward to their consolidation or even improvement as we move through the term. Parents should now have read their child’s interim report, which was emailed or placed in the post on 14 October. Please include your child in conversations about their OPTIMA goals for the end of the year. Should you have any concerns about your child’s progress, please contact teachers directly via email (in the first instance). Contacts are listed on the school website:

Rewards and Acknowledgements

Many parents would be aware that this year, we have been acknowledging those students who make a special effort to do well in our Visible Literacy and Numeracy programs. These students’ names are featured at assembly, they win a small prize (such as a Freddo Frog) and we send a postcard home to parents, so they are aware of their child’s endeavours. In response to student feedback, we have changed our process a little this term to offer students a choice in the small prizes they receive. If a postcard arrives in your mail box, ask your son or daughter about which prize they chose.

Homework

A reminder that students should be actively using their planners to record their homework and other school commitments. Check your child’s planner for this. Should your student have lost their planner (and having checked their bedrooms and school bags), they should collect a Term 4 Planner from Student Services so they can maintain their organisation. If your child does not seem to be receiving homework, do contact their teacher for clarification. The assessment, including assignments and exams that students are working towards, are listed on the assessment calendars on the school website:

Assessment Calendars

The Middle School Assessment Calendars were published recently. They can be found on the school website:

Assessment Arrangements and Absence

The PBC Assessment Policy is published on the school website (link below). The policy is designed to ensure equity amongst students, accountability for teachers and the integrity of assessment items. Please understand that while students may submit assignments early, exams may not be sat before the assigned date. The very small group of students planning to finish the term before the end of Week 9 need to discuss their assessment arrangements with the Head of Department of those subjects with exams they will miss, well in advance.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

A Message from the School Nurse

Choosing a Healthy Lifestyle

This is about finding a work/life balance so not just eating and exercising but trying to find the balance in our very busy lives. So for teenagers this involves trying to balance school, study, friendships/relationships, extracurricular activities, sport, part-time job and home responsibilities. This can feel like a huge juggling act at times and can be overwhelming. So part of having a healthy lifestyle is also about developing some healthy habits that will create some great foundations for a healthy future. So here are some things to consider when choosing a healthy lifestyle:

Sleep- if you can get at a minimum 8 hours sleep a day this helps your mind and body to maintain its alertness and concentration. Sleep is the only time in the day your body gets a chance to recuperate, recover and heal. This will improve your energy levels and help you cope with your busy day.

Diet- eat a well-balanced diet, this includes a balance of protein (meat, fish), whole grains, fruit, vegetables daily and drink plenty of water. Don’t skip breakfast this is the power house meal of the day. Avoid alcohol and drug use.

Physical Activity- This helps build a strong body and mind, it releases endorphins which are chemicals that give you a good feeling and physical activity helps your moods and improves your overall wellbeing. It is recommended to do 30 minutes of physical activity daily.

Sharing the Load - develop relationships with family and friends that you can confide in. As a teenager sometimes these years can be a roller coaster of emotions so having someone to talk is essential so that you don’t feel alone and it will make your everyday easier.

Play- Don’t forget to have fun, laugh and be around people who make you feel good and bring a balance into your life. Take time to work out what makes you feel good and try to include it in your day.

(Ref: QLD health -Healthy Lifestyles), Beyond Blue and Kidshelpline)

Jude Nunn
School Nurse

Nationals All Schools Touch

PBC U15 Girls Touch Team Finish 4th in Australia at Harvey Norman National Schools Cup

By finishing in the top four at last year’s Queensland All Schools Touch Tournament the PBC Under 15 Girls Touch Football Team was invited to participate in the inaugural Harvey Norman National Schools Cup (HNNSC). The competition was held at the Sunshine Coast on the first weekend of the September holidays and featured the best U15 school teams from around Australia competing to be crowned National Champions.

The tournament started extremely well for the girls and they were undefeated in all of their pool games against some very difficult competition including; Lourdes Hill, Narrabeen Sports High and Tuggerah Berkeley Vale. Despite the NSW schools and many of the other QLD schools having much older girls with more experience, the young girls stepped up, played really well as a team and represented the Reds with pride.

The team progressed through to the semi-finals on the last day and came up against arch rivals Benowa SHS. In what was a very hard fought affair, the girls unfortunately came up just short losing the game 5-3. Benowa progressed through to the final where they were beaten by the very strong Brisbane State High team.

The PBC team then had the opportunity to play off for third position and despite beating their playoff opponents Narrabeen Sports High School in the preliminary rounds, the 3 days of rigorous competition eventually took its toll and the team went down 5-4.

In what was a great experience for everyone involved the girls continued to improve in every game and developed a lot of confidence in their ability to match it with the best school teams in Australia. To finish 4th in Australia in one of the highest participation sports in the country is a tremendous achievement and is testament to the work they do in the Touch Sports Excellence Program at PBC State High week in and week out.

Ty Russell and Geoff Eggert
Touch Sports Excellence Coaches.

PBC Volleyball News

Pictured are Year 11 Open A Volleyball Students Hollie Atkins, Serenade Bortnik Tulia, Elana Keegan, Ellie Mann and Angel Waho with Steven Roberts. Steven has been coaching the girls this semester as part of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games promotion of volleyball as a sport. He comes with a wealth of experience coaching both Beach and Indoor Volleyball including the Auckland U20’s indoor boys and female beach volleyball up to Olympic qualifying level. The girls who were runners up in the Open A Volleyball Competition this year have high hopes of winning the competition in 2017 and with Steven’s help this is a real possibility. We are extremely grateful to Steven for giving up his time so freely to support our girls.

Cathy Clipson
Volleyball Coach – Open A team.

P&C News

Flashing School Zone signs

PBC has been successful in their quest to have Flashing School Zone signs installed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads along Thrower Drive .

TMR anticipate that installation will be completed prior to the school year commencing in 2017.

This is great news for the safety of our students.

Dates to remember

Parent Connect Event - 25 October 2016

The transitions that boys experience as they grow up:

Guest Speaker: Simon Santosha ~ B.Soc.Sci (Counselling); B.Soc.Wk; AMHSW; MAASW

Tuesday 25 October 6:30 – 7:30 pm –

Boys – Adolescence – Manhood

• Example topics:
• Building healthy relationships
• Understanding the adolescent brain: self-regulation, acting out, isolation
• Effective communication
• Navigating gender stereotypes
• Peer group/culture pressure
• Recognising signs of mental health issues: social anxiety, depression, self-esteem

If you would like to attend this event please RSVP to events@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.

Kirsten Hague
Family Liaison Officer

2016 OPTIMA Yearbook

The 2016 Optima Yearbook is available for pre-order until Friday 14 October, 3pm.

Don’t miss out on having a wonderful reminder of this year at PBC!

The OPTIMA Yearbook is filled with photos of school events, sporting, creative arts, student achievements, and of course lots of photos from the year.

At just $30 the OPTIMA Yearbook makes a great keepsake.

Order yours today. (No payment required for 2016 Year 12 students.)

A limited number of copies of the OPTIMA Yearbook will be available for purchase from Student Services from late Term 4. Release date for the OPTIMA Yearbook will be advised as soon as possible.

Payment Options

Paying 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.

Paying by phone:

Payment by Credit Card only;
Call the school on 5525 9333 Monday to Friday between 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Please have the account and your credit card details with you when you call.
VISA and MasterCard accepted.

Payment 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 / Details: Please record both your Student’s Id and the reference code.
Reference Code: 2016MAG

Student Achievements

PBC would like to encourage parents to email us with any great recent achievements from your student. These achievements can be in The Arts, sporting, academic or community service. We would love to hear from you! Please email us at news@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au with details of your student’s achievement, photos, and/or any links to media articles that we can share.

Gold Coast Eisteddfod - Musicale

Huge congratulations to all of the students who took part in the Gold Coast Eisteddfod competitions! Your fabulous performances contributed to the Gold Coast Airport Trophy for Most Outstanding School! So whether you were an independent entry or took part in the school based groups for music, instrumental music, drama or dance you should be massively proud of yourselves. Congratulations once again and huge thanks to the staff and students for you continuing support, commitment and dedication to rehearsals.

Annette Joyce
HOD The Arts

National OzTag Championships

Ebony Laing and Casey Walker and their team (no other PBC students in the team) competed in the National OzTag Championships at Coffs Harbour on the weekend and their team won Gold making them the U13’s 2016 Nationals OzTag Champions. This is a fantastic effort. Well done Ebony and Casey.

Soccer - National Youth Champions

Taj Rich, Year 8, competed in the National Youth Champions in Coffs Harbour for Soccer 3 to 7 October. The QLD Metro team placed 3rd overall in the Carnival.

Rotax Pro Tour, Dubbo

Taylah Agius recently competed in the Final Round of the Rotax Pro Tour in Dubbo and coming away with 3rd place. Taylah also recorded the fastest lap time in the final.

Gold Coast City Nippers Titles

Joshua Roberts Year 8, competed at the Gold Coast City Titles Nippers Carnival for Pacific Surf Lifesaving Club over the weekend and made the Top 10 for Ironman Event U14’s and Individual Swim. This will be Joshua’s 2nd season of Nippers and 1st GCCT comp.

Surfing Queensland State Championships

Kai Tandler Year 10, was recently crowned Surfing Queensland U16 State Champion after finishing first overall in the 2 event championship series held on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. He will represent Queensland at the Australian Junior Titles at Philip Island in late November.

Gold Coast Show Film Festival

Congratulations to Rika Matsubura-Park Year 12 and Josh Wingett Year 11 who both won 1st place for their entries into the Gold Coast Show Film Festival. Rika won the Animated Film category and Josh won for his Music Video production. Once again - another excellent result for PBC’s Film and Media Department.

The X Factor Australia

Another huge congratulations to Sheldon Hernandez Year 12, for continuing his journey on X Factor Australia! Sheldon has joined X Factor Boy Band ‘Time and Place’ and they are through to the live shows. Good luck Sheldon!

Senior School Guidance Officer Report

QTAC Reminder

Any student intending on going to University next year must complete a QTAC application. Application now costs $138

Please note: YOU WILL NEED YOUR LUI NUMBER AND PRIVATE EMAIL ADDRESS

1. Go to qtac.edu.au and select Applicant Log In (Top right-hand corner of webpage)
2. Select the Create Account button
3. Fill in your details, then respond to the validation email QTAC send you
4. Go to qtac.edu.au, and select Applicant Log in (Top right-hand corner of webpage)
5. Select the Log in button, and log in to your account
6. Select the Apply now button
7. Fill out the following sections:

• My details (Enter your personal details)
• Education and experience (Check QTAC have your correct details and extra qualifications you should have in your QCAA learning account)
• Course Preferences (Choose 6 and select. 1 and 2 – courses you want to study, 3 and 4 – less competitive courses you want to study, 5 and 6 – pathway courses which will help you get in to a course you really want e.g. Griffith College
• Review application
• Submit application (pay the application fee)

Universities

Griffith Sports Excellence Scholarship

Award value and benefits: $5,000-$28,000 and membership of the Griffith Sports College

Duration: 1-4 years
Applications close: Friday 25th November 2016

UQ University Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses in Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology in intensive mode over a four week period in November/December of each year. Successful completion of these courses will satisfy the prerequisite requirements in Math B, Chemistry or Biology at The University of Queensland, and other universities.

Results will be available to be used in applications for the January 2017 QTAC Offer Round. Applications Close Wednesday October 26, 2016. Start and Close of Study: Tuesday November 22, 2016 to Saturday December 17, 2016.

Charlie Bell Scholarship for Future Leaders

The Charlie Bell Scholarship for Future Leaders will reward successful candidates with a contribution of up to $15,000 towards tuition fees for their chosen undergraduate or post graduate study.

Entries for 2017 Scholarship will close on Monday 31 October 2016.

The TC Beirne School of Law Leadership, Excellence and Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to up to 15 outstanding Australian Year 12 students from non-selective government schools who are successful in gaining admission to the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LLB(Hons)) or an LLB(Hons) dual degree at UQ for 2017.

Award value: $7,000
Duration: 5 years
Applications close: 4 November 2016

Indigenous Scholarships with Northparkes

Successful applicants receive between $5,000 (non-technical) and $10,000 (technical) funding each year of their university studies.

Indigenous students aged 30 or under who have obtained entry into a university degree are eligible to apply.

Applications close 30 January 2017.

UQ Indigenous Science Scholarship

The value of the scholarship will be $10,000 per semester, consisting of the tuition fee payable for the recipients program with the remainder paid directly to the recipient.

Applications close: 21 October 2016

What Degree? Which University?

What Degree? Which University? is your guide to making an informed decision about what degree to study, and at which university. Our website is written and run by the students themselves, to equip you with authentic information based on real experiences. Instead of official jargon, we give you the facts straight up. You can use What Degree? Which University? to search information by degrees, by universities, or even by subject areas and interests by using our keyword search bar.

TAFE & Apprenticeships

Brisbane TAFE Flight Attendant Preparation

This course will provide you with an understanding of what it takes to be a flight attendant while gaining nationally recognised units including Apply First Aid, Responsible Service of Alcohol and Customer Service. Gain the edge and be fully prepared for the flight attendant application process.

Courses start at South Bank College on 28 November & 30 January.

Reece School Based Traineeships

Reece, Australia’s largest supplier of bathroom and plumbing products, is looking for Year 10 and 11 students to undertake school based traineeships across Australia.

Students will work one day per week and must be available to work Saturdays.

Visit the website to search and apply for positions in your area:

2018 ADF Gap Year intake

Students interested in taking an ADF Gap Year in 2018 can register their interest to receive an email as soon as the 2018 details are available.

Entry requirements:

• Australian Citizen or hold Permanent Resident status
• At least 17 years old (on entry)
• Completed Year 12
• Reasonably fit and healthy, with an acceptable Body Mass Index.

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer – Senior School

Middle School Guidance Officer Report

5 Proven Truths about Happiness

1. About half of our happiness level is controllable.

According to The How of Happiness by researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky, about 40 percent of our happiness is under our control. The other 60 percent is predetermined by biological set points and recent life events. We are all born with different temperaments and, all else being equal, have a tendency to maintain a certain happiness level over our lifetimes, high or low. Some people are just "born happier" than others—think of a smiling baby versus a fussy baby. Life events like getting married, graduating from college or being promoted can affect our happiness levels, but their effects diminish over time in a process known as “hedonic adaptation.” What was novel and exciting yesterday becomes "the new normal" today. We can, however, reduce the power of hedonic adaptation by deliberately practicing new attitudes and behaviours on a daily basis.

2. A happy life is different from a meaningful life.

Researchers like Roy Baumeister have compared people’s perceptions of happiness versus meaningfulness. There is quite a lot of overlap between the two states: People who see their lives as meaningful are happier, and vice versa. But there are also differences: Happiness seems to be a transient state whereas meaningfulness is more enduring. We experience happiness in the present when our needs are satisfied, while meaningfulness involves tying together the past, present, and future in a way that makes sense and reinforces our positive attributes. For example, having more money may make you somewhat happier, but whether it makes your life more meaningful depends on how you spend it.

3. Quality relationships make us happier.

Harvard University psychiatrist Robert Waldinger conducted a 75-year multigenerational study of students at Harvard and people from Boston’s poorest neighbourhoods to determine the causes of health and happiness. He found that the quality of relationships was strongly connected to happiness. Lonely people were less happy and had poorer health, and people with higher-quality social ties were the happiest. But it wasn’t just having a relationship, but having one with a stable and consistently caring person that made the difference. Having lots of acquaintances or being in a relationship with an unreliable or abusive partner did not make people happier.

4. Happy people are more successful.

New research shows that happier people are more productive at work and more creative and energised than less happy peers. A recent study by economists at the University of Warwick found that workplace interventions to increase happiness made people 12 percent more productive. In another study, they found that employees who were unhappy due to recent life events were 10 percent less productive. Researcher Shawn Achor claims in a TEDx talk that it isn’t success that makes us happy, but happiness that makes us successful. Optimism is the greatest predictor of success as an entrepreneur: It helps you tolerate the down times and maintain your vision even when things don’t go your way. According to Achor, "Only 25 percent of job success is based upon IQ. Seventy-five percent is about how your brain believes your behaviour matters, connects to other people, and manages stress.”

5. There are proven ways to increase happiness.

Researchers have found that practicing certain actions, deliberately seeking out positive states of mind, and improving the quality of our relationships can make us happier. These habits require consistent efforts over time:

1. Savor your daily experiences. Pause to delight in the smell of a flower, the sight of a hummingbird, or, like Proust, the taste of a madeleine.
2. Get involved in meaningful volunteer activities. Research shows that giving to others can make the giver and the receiver feel happier (and seeing less fortunate people can make you more grateful for what you have).
3. Find a more optimistic point of view. Is there a way to look at your life with more hope or appreciation? Can you focus on your strengths and achievements rather than beating yourself up for your failures?
4. Practice gratitude. Research shows that writing daily or weekly gratitude diaries or writing letters of appreciation can improve your mood and health.
5. Meditate. Meditation actually changes areas of the brain related to managing stress and regulating mood. Long-term meditators are more able to find and maintain positive states like joy and compassion. Studies by Richard Davidson and colleagues found that long-term meditators also have increased brain activity in areas related to happiness.

Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D., is a practicing psychologist in Mill Valley, California, and former Professor of Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology. She is an expert on stress, the brain, and mindfulness. She provides workshops, speaking engagements, and psychotherapy for individuals and couples. She regularly appears on radio shows and as an expert in national media. She also does long-distance coaching via the internet. She is the author of The Stress-Proof Brain

Anna Willis
Guidance Officer Middle School

Pathways Centre News

School based traineeships available for Year 10 and 11 students in 2016

We have many exciting opportunities in the Pathway Centre Y Block. Job boards are updated regularly with new positions.

Hospitality and Business Traineeships:

Honey Eater Kitchen Robina
Soul Origin Robina
Blooms the Chemist
Man on a Bike - Tallebudgera
Grill’d Coolangatta
BSKT – Mermaid Beach
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Oskars on Burleigh
Vida Espresso Robina
Prouds the Jewellers
Reflections Coolangatta
Promotional Casting and Modelling Agency (Business traineeship)

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

Uniform Shop Update

Uniform Shop Trading Hours

For two weeks starting on Monday 14 November 2016, our uniform shop will be open for extended trading hours:

Dance wear for Creative Arts Students

Dance wear has arrived and is now available to purchase.

PBC Jumper

The PBC Jumper is available to purchase for $48.00

We currently have a couple of sizes out of stock. Please contact uniform shop for further information.

Lost Property

The uniform shop is holding a large amount of named and unnamed lost property including shoes, training gear and bags. If your child has lost something can you please ask that they come and have a look through the lost property bin.

Please check with Student Services for items like pencil cases, lunch boxes, etc.

Bucket hats/PBC caps

Bucket hats are currently OUT OF STOCK.

PBC caps are a compulsory part of the uniform and are recommended for all outdoor activities and are available to purchase from the Uniform Shop. Cost is $15.00.

PBC school bags

PBC School Bags are now available from the uniform shop and selling fast.

Features include:

• Lifetime guarantee
• Padded laptop pocket
• Water resistant
• Ergonomic design
• Mesh drink bottle holder
• $70 each

Volunteers needed

If there are any volunteers who would love to spend a couple of hours each week in our very busy Uniform Shop and or Canteen we would love to hear from you!

Please contact Admin on 07 5525 9333 for further details.

Flexischools Orders

If you have made an order for your child via Flexischools can you please ask that they come and pick it up from the Uniform Shop.

Payment methods available:

• Flexischools Online

• Credit Card
• Cash
• Cheques not accepted

If you are unable to come into the Uniform Shop you are more than welcome to call on 07 5525 9331 and pay for any uniform item over the phone.

Administration

Cashier Window Operating Hours

The last day for the Student Services payment window is Friday 2 December 2016. Over the counter payments can only be accepted up until 1pm on Friday 2 December 2016. Alternatively, you can make payments via BPoint or Direct Deposit.

The Student Services payment window will re-open on Monday 16 January 2017.

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.: 2016 SRS8 or 2016 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 Lockers Available

Student lockers are available for hire at PBC.

• $20.00 for annual locker hire from 2017
• $24.00 for PBC approved combination lock (this will be the property of the student). $20 of this represents a security deposit that will be credited back to student on return of the lock (in good working order) at end 2017.
• Lockers available are located at G Block
• Payments can be made at Student Services
• Link to Locker Hire Agreement document below.

Second Hand Uniforms

If you are holding on to old or unwanted school uniforms, please donate them to student welfare.

If your uniforms are in good condition, please drop them off at Student Services.

Saver Plus

Saver Plus is a financial inclusion program with matched savings that benefits families and their children’s education. Please see link to flyer below, or click here for further information.

PBC Alliance

If you are part of a local business or organisation, a past student of PBC, or just looking to get involved in your local business community, become a PBC Alliance Member and get a listing for your business in our Business Directory.

Being part of the PBC Alliance Business directory aims to connect your business with a network of friends, parents, and other members of the PBC Alliance business community.

A link to the Business Directory is included in the fortnightly PBC parent newsletter, PBC Alliance Facebook page and the school website.

To list your business in the PBC Alliance Business Directory please complete the forms below and return these to alliance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.

For all information about how to get involved with the PBC Alliance, including membership and partnership information; details for upcoming events; and to view our business directory, make sure you head on over to the website:

PBC Alliance Breakfast – Industry Awards

The next PBC Alliance Breakfast is:

When: Friday 28 October 2016
Time: 6:45am – 8:15am
Where: PBC State High School Trade Training Centre
Cost: $20

The PBC Alliance

QParents

The QParents web and mobile application provides a more convenient, easier way for parents and legal guardians to interact with the school. Parents will have secure, online access to their child’s student information, anytime, anywhere, through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

QParents enables parents to access and manage student:

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Behaviour details
• Academic report cards
• Class timetables
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, and making payments online
• Viewing and updating student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details

If you haven’t yet registered, visit to register today!

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.

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

Currumbin Valley Community Carnival

The PBC Leo Club Carwash

Gold Coast Oral Health Service

Free dental check-ups

Gold Coast Oral Health Services are offering free dental check-ups to children in year’s 7, 8, 9 and 10, starting with grades 9 and 10.

This service will be provided ONSITE by Mobile Dental Clinic 86B Hours of operation for this clinic are Monday to Friday 8.00am – 4.00pm.

To arrange an appointment for your child telephone:

The Oral Health Client Service Centre
1300 300 850
Monday – Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Excluding Public Holidays

Child Dental Benefit Schedule Vouchers are accepted. When your child’s $1000 cap is reached, there will be no out-of-pocket expenses provided your child meets *eligibility criteria.

* Eligibility – All Queensland resident children aged four years or older who have not completed year 10 of secondary school.

Further information on public funded oral health services can be accessed via URL:

‘Below Average’ Comic Strip

About the Comic

High school. It's a daunting place, especially when you're at the bottom of the social ladder where we find four friends trying to survive their final days of senior year. Join Marina, Maddison, Amy and Olivia as they embrace adolescence with a refreshing and humorous approach to daily life in this new addition to the Palm Beach Currumbin High School Newsletter.

Below Average is a fortnightly webcomic created by cartoonist Nicholas Cleaver in mid-2010. It follows the day-to-day adventures of four not-so average teenagers: Marina, an inventor suffering with obsessive-compulsive disorder; Maddison, a blissfully ignorant foodaholic; Amy, a sarky game fanatic; and Olivia, the kookiest member of the group.

The strip’s primary theme is humour, and focuses largely on friendship, school and the four girls’ incompatibility with established society.