30 January 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to what promises to be a very exciting year. My colleagues have been exceedingly busy preparing for the school year, however it has been light work thanks to the motivation we’ve taken from the excellent results of last year’s graduating class. This included:

• 100% of students attaining a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA)
• 19% of OP eligible students received an OP 1-5
• 92% of OP eligible students received an OP 1-15

I am particularly proud of these results as once again every graduating student has left PBC with a Certificate of Graduation. This qualification is vitally important in ensuring all students enjoy future career success.

Furthermore, 74% of all graduates received either an OP 1-15 or a Cert III or higher. This will ensure that these students receive access to university courses of first choice or have an edge in the competitive employment market.

These results again place PBC in the highest echelon of Queensland Schools and I wish to congratulate the students, Mr Blair Hanna Head of Senior School and my colleagues on these outstanding results.

We remain committed to excellence in 2017 and our school has been a hive of activity in preparation. Most importantly, we have commenced our new CARE system based on the philosophy of positive education. This approach was 12 months in the design, was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the school council and will provide major benefits for the wellbeing of PBC students for years to come.

It is very important that all parents are familiar with this program as the principal initiative to supporting the wellbeing of each student. Familiarity will enable you to support our school to effectively deliver the program as well as provide excellent opportunities to address issues such as personal improvement, drugs and alcohol, sex education, and appropriate social media usage in an informed manner.

I am well aware that many PBC families make sacrifices to support their child’s education and I would like to thank you for the support you provide our school.

My colleagues and I look forward to working with you to ensuring your young person achieves to their potential and I will keep you informed on progress across our key initiatives in the months ahead.

Thank you for choosing PBC for your child.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Welcome back to all our Senior School Students and families for the 2017 school year. The first week of school has been very exciting for our senior school students with the introduction of our new Care Class model and House Structure. A major component of this program is centred on students developing a positive outlook based on their individual strengths, and using these to assist in creating healthy and respectful relationships with their peers, family, PBC and wider community. Our Senior students will play a vital role in the establishment of the student owned culture that is being developed.

The priority in this initial part of the school year is for students to build quality learning relationships with their teachers and focussed study habits. If these habits are built early it will ensure every student gives themselves the best opportunity to achieve success.

As a school community, we place very high expectations on all our students. For example, by the time students have progressed into our Senior School we expect that they are leaders in our school. That means leaders in:

• fostering our learning culture
• creating a safe and supportive school environment
• following our uniform policy
• attending school and contributing at all levels

Our senior school team has included many important messages and strategies that you need to know about for your student to be successful at PBC. I encourage all parents to partner with the school to ensure that we can achieve the best possible results for each and every student.

For those of you new to the school or as a reminder to our ongoing families, allow me to introduce the key people in Senior School.

• Head of School – Senior: Blair Hanna
• Deputy Principal – Senior School: Alyce Cleary
• Head of Department: Senior School Mick McDougal
• Dean of Students: Mitch Kennedy (Year 12) and Brad Dixon (Year 10 and 11)
• Year Coordinators: Amanda Stewart (Year 12), James McCullagh (Year 11) and Peter Hill (Year 10)
• Senior School Guidance Officer: Steve Jones

Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have a query or any issues so that we can proactively work together to find a solution. Our contact details can be found via the website below.

As mentioned in Stephen Loggie’s letter our Year 12 achieved excellent results in 2016. I wish to pass on my congratulations to all our 2016 Year 12 students for these fantastic outcomes which can only occur through the continued dedication and focus of our students and staff.

Blair Hanna
Head of School - Senior

HOD of Senior Schooling Update

It has been great to see all our senior students back in class and working hard on achieving their Optima goals and pathways for beyond school. Please see the following information below;

• 12QCS classes will be scheduled at 8:00am every Wednesday. All students intending to sit the QCS and hence be OP eligible are required to attend. There is a $50 fee for the Study Skills Program which prepares students for the QCS exam. It was great to see all students actively involved in QCS preparation last Wednesday and we look forward to helping students maximise their tertiary outcomes this year. The first afterschool Masterclass is on Thursday 23 February. Students that no longer wish to do the QCS test and would like to become OP ineligible should seek assistance in Y block.
• Any student in Year 11 or 12 wishing to study the Diploma of Business ($2,000) this year needs to see Mr McDougall asap. The Diploma is awarded a rank of 81 which is equivalent to an OP of 9 and is a great tertiary option for students. Students interested in completing a Certificate III in Business which achieves a rank of 60 equivalent to an OP of 15 should also see Mr McDougall
• Year 12 OP predictions were emailed out in late January. If your student’s OP prediction is higher than 15 they may need to consider moving to a Rank option which will generally improve tertiary options available in 2018. This could include doing a Diploma or Certificate III course or changing out of 1 OP class to become OP ineligible. All OP students are again reminded that every rung is important and that the student’s position in the class will affect their OP.
• Students are again reminded that they need to be eligible for a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) to complete senior. This means that all students are expected to choose appropriate pathways and pass at least 5 of their 6 subjects.
• Assessment calendars are currently being collated and will be available on the school website and the school intranet after week 3. Parents/guardians and students should use these calendars to plan their study timetables.
• There are a number of VETis funded courses available for students to commence in Week 2. These include Certificates in Construction, Electro Technology, Plumbing, Landscaping and Horticulture etc. These courses involve study with an external provider 1 day per week. Please see Ms McQueen in F block if interested.
• Year 10 and 11 students are also reminded that there are a large number of school based traineeships available. Please ensure you are registered with Ms Shreeve in Y block.

M. McDougall
HOD Senior Schooling

Dean of Students – Year 10 and 11 Report

The start of a new school year always provides us with the opportunity to revisit the key policy documents that allow our school to function efficiently. Can I encourage everyone to spend some time reading through the front section of the Student Planner. Here you will find the information that will ensure your student complies with PBC’s operational standards, such as our Optima code, uniform code, general procedures, and policy documents.

Students are required to spend time reflecting on their reports from last year and use this information to assist in completing their Optima Plan, (also found in the Student Planner). This functions as a goal-setting activity and provides a focus point for students to work towards achieving success in each and every subject studied. It is vital that parents get involved in this process and have a knowledge of what your student intends to achieve so we can all work together to maximise the chances of success.

Education Queensland developed the ‘Everyday Counts’ initiative to highlight the importance of attending school every day. PBC recognises this, and will actively monitor the attendance of every student. You can assist by encouraging your student to attend school every day and be vigilant in contacting school when absences occur so our record keeping is up to date.

Lastly, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of wearing bike helmets and following the road rules when riding to and from school. We need all students to exercise caution and use common sense when using all modes of transport in order to keep our PBC students safe.

Looking forward to a happy, safe and successful 2017

Brad Dixon
Dean of Students – Year 10 and 11

Dean of Students - Year 12 Report

A warm welcome back to 2017 to all of our returning Year 12 students and parents, and also to our new students joining the PBC community in this, their final year of schooling. This year our Year 12 students are challenged with the honour of leading their school through their participation, actions, achievement and enthusiasm to every opportunity afforded them. Certainly, the challenges facing our senior students may at times seem overwhelming, but their journey from this first week to their eventual graduation in November is a significantly rewarding experience for each of our young people.

I will take this opportunity to encourage each student to actively utilise the communication methods available to them at school, to ensure they maximise their involvement in their final year. Whether it be through their Student Planner, regular access to timetables on the school website or simply through a strong relationship with their CARE teacher – it is vital that each Year 12 student stay on top of their responsibilities to maximise their success. Parents – please feel free to make contact with our direct support team for Year 12, they are lucky enough to have Amanda Stewart continue in her role as Year Coordinator, as well as myself in the role of Dean of Students.

Finally, each Year 12 student who is using their own vehicle to get to and from school will be required to report their car details at Y Block over the next couple of weeks. This is to ensure each of our students’ vehicles remain safe, as well as our staff and the general public around our school. Please ensure students visit Y Block to record their details to ensure their safety on our roads.

Again, welcome back to the new school year.

Mitch Kennedy
Dean of Students – Year 12

Middle School Update

Welcome back for 2017

This week we welcomed around 460 new students to our middle school. I have been very pleased to see the year start off smoothly.

We have started our new year in a brand new way and I could not be happier with how students have settled into their CARE classes which they will have contact with every day and how they participated actively in the Orientation Week program. There were some great photos up on the school’s facebook page so you can share in what went on.

The concepts of Positive Education that our CARE system is based on will explicitly aim to teach and foster character strengths in our students.

Optima means nothing but the best- we ask students to set goals to be their best and we will support and assist them every step to achieve those goals.

I wish everyone the most productive and happy year and look forward to working with you as the Head of School - Middle School. I am leading a fabulous team who will support your young people in any endeavours or problems they have.

The key Middle School team members are;

Wendy Wise - Deputy Principal
Paul Bullpitt - Dean of Students Year 7 and 8
Tracey Cardinal – Dean of Students Year 9
Sharon Hillcoat - HoD Middle School
Donna Condon – Year 7 Coordinator
Adam Power – Year 8 Coordinator
Ryan Jesser – Year 9 Coordinator
Anna Willis – Guidance Officer
Sue Murray – Middle School Student Reception
Kellie Pedemont- Dean Support
Lyn Bortolin – Middle School Office Support
Chris Bacon – Executive Support to Head of School

I look forward to meeting more of our existing and new parents at our House & CARE System Parent Information Nights over the next two weeks in the Hall for which you should have received your invitation for already.

Anita Sgalippa
Head of School - Middle

Deputy Principal Report

I would like to welcome back our students, parents/carers, new students and the Year 7’s to the Middle School in 2017. PBC is extremely diverse and has a rich culture of high expectations to optimise student learning, mental health, social and emotional well-being. The Middle School team is an extremely hard working team and it is vital productive partnerships are strengthened and enhanced with students, staff, parents/carers and the wider community. I would like to congratulate students on their attendance, uniform and enthusiasm during the CARE program during Week 1.

It is extremely vital we encourage:

• school attendance ‘every day counts’
• the PBC Optima Code ‘Be safe, be respectful and be a learner’ in every lesson, every day
• the wellbeing of our community – are you OK?

Student Case Management is a key area within this role and we welcome parent contact and your support across all areas of your child’s education.

To ensure effective communication for staff and parents/carers:

• update contact details when necessary including phone, email and addresses of the key persons for OneSchool student information.
• visit the PBC website for parent newsletters, staff emails and assessment calendars.
• log in to Q Parents https://qparents.qld.edu.au for days absent or student information.
• join PBC Facebook to view Middle School Week 1 activities:

In 2017 the Restore Program, which aligns with our strategic renewal toward a culture of positive education, will be embedded within the curriculum. Students who have experienced difficulties with school expectations are put through a proactive program led by the Dean of Students that allows them to reflect on their behaviour, understand their behaviour and discover new ways to behave. Students are taken through some activities that include mindfulness, functional behaviour and character strength identification. Apart from giving students an understanding about themselves, teachers and parents are also given new insight into how students behave and how to better support them. One comment from a Year 8 student in Term 4 2016 stated ‘I particularly enjoyed finding out about my character strengths and how to use them at school and at home’. The program will begin again in Week 2 and parents will be contacted if your child is attending the program.

Wendy Wise
Deputy Principal Middle school

Middle School Welcome

Term 1 Week 1 2017

PBC’s Middle School has commenced 2017 with energy and enthusiasm, as students were introduced to both their CARE Classes and new academic classes. There has been a positive buzz about the Middle School that augurs well for the students’ endeavours. For Year 7, this is a time of great change, while in Years 8 and 9, students are adjusting to the raised expectations and demands on their learning. Please take the opportunity to attend the House & CARE System Parent Information Nights to find out more about what your child will be doing this year.

Assessment Calendar

Each student has received a PBC Student Planner, in which they record their homework, important dates and assignment deadlines. To help students get organised and stay organised, the Assessment Calendar will be published on the PBC website by the beginning of Week 3. Parents and students can easily access this information so that they can predict the busy times and plan for them. Students should also be using their diaries to note homework and important dates.

Assessment Policy

Meeting deadlines teaches important life skills and provides an equitable assessment environment. Please familiarise yourself with the PBC assessment policy on the school website.

Support For Student Learning

In these first few weeks, some students may feel daunted by aspects of their schoolwork. Telling this to the class teacher is really important as they are best positioned to support your child. For those students who would like further help in their core subjects of Maths, English, Science and History, teachers at PBC volunteer their time to provide free tutoring. These tutoring sessions are held in the PBC Library each Tuesday afternoon from 3.15-4.15pm starting from Week 3. We look forward to students joining us from Tuesday 7 February.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

School photos – Important information

School photos will be taken in the PBC Hall on the following dates:

• Thursday 16 February for Year’s 10, 11, 12 (TBC)
• Tuesday 21 February for Year’s 7, 8, 9 (TBC)
• Friday 3 March as catch-up day

Students will be provided with their order forms in Week 2 of Term 1 via their CARE Class.

IMPORTANT - Check your order form

Please ensure that the order form your student received has their name on it.

If your student has taken home an order form of another student, please ask them to return it to Student Services immediately. If your student did not receive a form, please collect one from Student Services. Complete the form provided and ensure students bring these on the day. Ensure your order is placed by photo day to avoid any late fees.

Have your child’s school memories captured forever.

Please take time to read the relevant information on the MSP Photography order envelopes and remember these helpful points:

• Ordering online using your student’s Unique Shoot Key is the easiest, safest and most secure way to order. If you do not know their Unique Shoot Key. Instructions for online ordering are on the order form. Please contact MSP Photography for any enquires regarding your order: phone 07 5520 2999 or email: admin.gcnr@msp.com.au
• If enclosing payment inside an envelope, please ensure the correct money is provided as no change is given. Cash, cheques and money orders are accepted.
• Don’t seal envelopes inside each other. You can pay for all students in one envelope, however each student needs to have their own envelope on photo day. Please indicate on the student’s envelope that contains all sibling payments the names of the students you are paying for.
• Spare order envelopes are available from Student Services.

Payment information:

• Parents can pay for all their student’s orders in one envelope. Please write all the student’s names on the one envelope that contains the payment. However, each student requires their own envelope on photo day to ensure their order is placed and processed (even if the payment is in a sibling’s envelope).
• Payments can be made by cash, cheque, credit card or money orders only. The correct amount needs to be put into the envelopes, as the photographers do not carry change. All credit card orders MUST be placed online using that child’s Unique Shoot Key. Unique Shoot Keys cannot be share between students.
• Orders placed after photo day will incur a $20 search fee. Parents can contact MSP to organise any late payments. Late orders are not processed until payment is received.

Uniform policy

All students are required to wear their full day uniform and adhere to the uniform policy; sports uniforms will not be accepted.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Maths Department News

2016 was a great year for the Maths department. Results in NAPLAN numeracy in Year 7 and 9 were outstanding – the hard work of the students and staff in the preparation for this together with the introduction of Numeracy Bites and Mental Maths in all middle school Maths classes ensured success. We are building on this in 2017 by incorporating more work in problem-solving strategies in Middle School Maths alongside work to improve students’ communication skills. It is as important to explain the answer fully as is it to get it right!

Senior school QCS mean scores in Maths B and C were excellent and Maths A also showed improvement in 2017. We are continuing to build capacity in our students in Maths in the senior school, with the introduction of Numeracy Bites in Year 10 and continued work on focussed Common Curriculum Elements (CCE) and QCS questions in Maths lessons. It has been great to go into senior Maths classes on day 2 following the successful orientation day and see all students and staff getting right into calculus and simple interest. Students and staff have agreed high expectations for preparedness and behaviour in all Maths classes and I have summarised these here:

Students are expected to bring the following to EVERY Maths lesson:

• A positive attitude
• A calculator – mobile phones are NOT to be used as calculators
• Pen, pencil, ruler
• Exercise book and text book. Text books are not to be left in the classroom and exercise books should be for Maths only (5 subject books are not suitable)
• Books should be set out like this:

As Queensland schools prepare for the introduction of external assessment in senior school in 2018, PBC will be ahead of the game. We are excited that our current Year 11 Maths B students and staff will be taking part in an external assessment trial at the end of Semester 1. The exam is earlier than the normal shutdown exam and will examine all aspects of Maths taught in Semester 1. Staff will be working hard with students to make sure that this trial goes well and builds on the success of the English department trial last year.

We welcome a number of new teachers to our Maths team this year: Marissa Bagnall, Jane Bell, Jae Hosking, Sonia Mattiazzi, Bec Shatz and Amber Thompson. We are looking forward to working with them as they share their experience and expertise with us.

I leave with this short clip addressing the many reasons why it is important to pay attention and be successful in Maths. And a puzzle for you to ponder.

What do you think of this?

Source: Chris Smith’s Maths Newsletter issue 385

As always if you need to contact me please email cacli0@eq.edu.au or Trent Hage (MS HOD) thage9@eq.edu.au.

We are looking forward to a great year working with students in Maths at PBC.

Cathy Clipson
Acting HOD Mathematics

HPE News

The Health and Physical Education faculty offers a range of subjects across all year levels at PBC. In Middle School HPE is a compulsory component of curriculum. In Senior School, the HPE subjects are elective.

If a student is enrolled in a HPE subject they will be expected to participate in a range of physical activities. We understand at times students suffer injuries that inhibit participation. In these instances teachers will adapt the curriculum to ensure your student is still learning.

Only upon the directions from a health professional will a student be excused from physical activity.

PBC has a specific sport uniform that is required for practical lessons in HPE. Students are provided time at the end of lessons to change into their day uniform, ensuring they are not late to other classes. If a student cannot wear their correct uniform, the school uniform policy requests they have a signed note from Administration (Head of Department, Year Coordinator or Dean of Students) that will allow them to participate out of uniform.

PBC is fortunate to be surrounded by a range of suitable and accessible facilities that are utilised for HPE classes. It is possible your child will access some of the following areas for HPE classes;

• Currumbin Creek (direct access from school grounds)
• Palm Beach Currumbin Olympic Pool (walking access from school grounds)
• Boardwalk along Currumbin Creek
• Laceys beach / Palm beach / Currumbin Alley
• Salk Oval

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Shane Roberts.
HPE HOD

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 via our Parent Newsletter, internal communications and Facebook.

Wellbeing Team

Welcome back everyone! from the wellbeing team. We are looking forward to an amazing 2017.

Wellbeing Support Team are located in J Block. Our team members are:

Steve Jones- Senior school guidance officer
Anna Willis- Middle School Guidance Officer
Rebecca Griffith- School psychologist and clinical registrar
Judy Nunn-School Nurse

Appointments to access the wellbeing team are based on a referral system. Students please see your teachers, parents can make contact by phone or email to the school. For broader issues- contact our switch or info@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Psychologist Notes

A warm welcome to our parents, students, and staff in the new school year!

With significant and certainly promising successes seen in the adoption of our new school operations in the first week back, I’d like to start the school term by sharing with you the excerpt of an article written by Dr Ivan Raymond, Clinical Psychologist, published on Psychlopaedia.

This article provides a brief introduction to the primary elements of positive psychology, as well as insight into how these can be utilised to boost general wellbeing, happiness, and satisfaction through the development of a growth mindset!

Wellbeing

Wellbeing has many facets. One theory of wellbeing – set out by Martin Seligman, one of the pioneers of positive psychology, in his 2012 book Flourish – identified five key elements which underpin people’s happiness and life satisfaction. These are positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment, or PERMA for short. Psychologists have since built on this, adding a plus – healthy behaviours – which also contribute to wellbeing.

Though we live in a complex and demanding world, people may experience higher levels of wellbeing if they focus on these important factors in life.

Mind your Mindset

To improve their wellbeing, people must first believe they can make a change. Psychologists have found that the beliefs we hold about our abilities and potential are predictive of future outcomes, including wellbeing. The renowned Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck has identified two key belief systems that relate to these beliefs: fixed versus growth mindset.

If we hold a fixed mindset, we assume that our character, intelligence, and abilities are static and can’t be changed. This could manifest in us believing that we cannot, for instance, influence our future wellbeing. A growth mindset is one in which we see we have capacity to change. We may, for instance, believe that wellbeing can be achieved through increased effort and skill development. Research has shown that a growth mindset allows people to navigate stress and challenges better and can lead to higher levels of wellbeing.

Values

Values – or what we consider important in our life – have a big bearing on our life and wellbeing, acting like an internal compass pointing us in the right direction. Research shows that when we set goals and take action aligned to what is most important to us, we experience higher levels of wellbeing, personal fulfilment and happiness.

The world around us overloads us with messages telling us what we should see as important. In modern society fame, wealth, image, popularity and success are highly valued. These derive from the external world and are often called extrinsic values.

The pursuit of these goals can sometimes mean that our health, community connections, wellbeing and relationships are overlooked. These are known as our intrinsic values – the ones that matter most to many people.

Research has shown that when we place an overwhelming emphasis on extrinsic, as opposed to intrinsic values, our wellbeing suffers. Engaging in pursuits and activities that regularly connect us to intrinsic values is important. Mindfulness meditation, connection to nature, community involvement and meaningful relationships are activities that can help us to better connect with our values.

Talking about PERMA-nent Change

Psychologists who study motivation and behaviour find that to achieve lasting change, people must first bring an intent, thought or goal to this change of direction, and then activate this intention through actions or behaviours. Focussing on and taking action to promote the six elements of PERMA+ mentioned below can be an efficacious way of enhancing our general wellbeing:

• Positive Emotion: engaging in hobbies, interests and activities that elicit laughter, smiling, fun, play and positive feelings.
• Engagement: identifying personal strengths and passions, and activating these through purposeful activity in your work, education and personal life.
• Relationships: building healthy relationships and connections with others based upon shared interests, values and mutual respect for each other’s needs.
• Meaning: identifying and connecting to the factors that provide meaning and purpose in your life, and finding ways to express these through action.
• Accomplishment: setting achievable and meaningful goals, linked to what is personally important, and celebrating both the process and outcome of these tasks.
• Plus healthy behaviour: health-focused action, such as undertaking physical activity, improving sleep quality, focussing on nutrition and cultivating positive stress management techniques and an optimistic worldview.

For most, cultivating our capacity for optimal wellbeing is a journey. Holding a growth mindset with an ongoing connection to intrinsic values, and taking action on the PERMA+ elements can help to enhance our wellbeing. Perhaps most importantly, the more effective we can be as adults in adopting and practicing these key elements, the more effectively we can model these to our children and students in further enhancing their wellbeing also.

The journey can sometimes be difficult, but if you are experiencing lower wellbeing over a sustained period, or are suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety or mood problems, then seek professional support.

Support Service Contacts

Parentline - 1300 301 300

Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800

Relationships Australia - 1300 364 277

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

Rebecca Griffith
School Psychologist

Water and Hydration

The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. The body is made up of 50 to 75 per cent water. Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones.

As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine and faeces . The amount we need depends on our body size, metabolism, the weather, the food we eat and our activity levels.

Importance of water- Water is needed for most body functions:

• maintain the health and integrity of every cell in the body
• keep the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels
• help eliminate the by-products of the body’s metabolism, excess electrolytes (for example, sodium and potassium), and urea, which is a waste product formed through the processing of dietary protein
• regulate body temperature through sweating
• moisten mucous membranes such as those of the lungs and mouth
• lubricate and cushion joints
• reduce the risk of cystitis by keeping the bladder clear of bacteria
• aid digestion and prevent constipation
• moisturise the skin to maintain its texture and appearance
• carry nutrients and oxygen to cells
• serve as a shock absorber inside the eyes, spinal cord and in the amniotic sac surrounding the foetus in pregnancy.

Recommended daily fluid intake

Approximate adequate daily intakes of fluids (including plain water, milk and other drinks) in litres per day for adolescents and adults:

• girls 9–13 years – 1.4 (about 5-6 cups)
• boys 9–13 years – 1.6 (about 6 cups)
• girls 14–18 years – 1.6 (about 6 cups)
• boys 14–18 years – 1.9 (about 7-8 cups)
• women – 2.1 (about 8 cups)
• men – 2.6 (about 10 cups).

These adequate intakes include all fluids, but it is preferable that the majority of intake is from plain water. Due to the hot weather that QLD is having try to maintain adequate water intake while at school to prevent dehydration.

(Ref: Better Health Channel, Raising Children Network, Qld Health)

Senior School Guidance Officer News

Welfare at PBC

How to survive year 12

Starting Year 12 this year?

The Good Universities Guide also gives tips on how to survive year 12.

How to prepare for year 12

Want to get a head start for year 12? Study TV host Rowan, a Sydney University Graduate of Law, has compiled a number of tips in multiple YouTube videos about how to prepare for year 12.

For constant videos and interviews with top students who reveal how they achieved their amazing academic success head over to:

Study smarter this year

Wanting to study smarter this year? Watch this video summarising Marty Lobdells “Study Less Study Smart” video.

For tips on studying throughout all areas of education, whether high school or university, Subscribe to Thomas Frank (College Info Geek) here on YouTube:

Stay well informed this year with the QCAA Student Connect magazine

The magazine is published twice a year where it gives year 12 students important information regarding their studies as well as useful advice about future education/ careers.

What to say when the hiring manager asks, 'Why should we hire you?'

Camp Leaders America Applications for Summer 2017 Season

Applications are now open for Camp Leaders for the Summer Season in the USA. For further information or to complete an application refer to the website below.

Figuring out what to do with your life

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choice or trapped by a decision you’ve made, here are some tips that can help you on your way to satisfaction in your career.

Australian Jobs

The Australian Jobs publication provides an overview of the Australian employment market and highlights which industries and occupations have experienced change.

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer Senior School

Middle School Guidance Officer News

Helping your children deal with and transition into HS successfully:

It is clear that there are at least four essential ingredients which need to be thrown into the "mix" in order to achieve a more confident approach to entering high school - for students and parents!

• Firstly, striking a Balance between work and play is a life skill - not just a skill for high schoolers! Developing a healthy lifestyle, establishing effective work habits, keeping lines of communication open between parents and students, parents and teachers and students and teachers all contribute to a solid foundation of routine and structure. Students who operate on an overcrowded schedule of after-school activities and have an ad hoc attitude towards completing homework or assignments will struggle to meet the demands of high school. The sooner they strike a balance between work and play, the sooner they will settle into their high school routine.
• Part of striking this balance, is the understanding of individual learning styles. We all learn in different ways, and if we are not aware of how we learn best, it becomes increasingly difficult to both establish work routines and learn effectively within that routine. We are all auditory, kinaesthetic or visual learners - sometimes a mix of each - and we achieve best when we understand how we learn. Recognising a child's learning style moves teachers closer towards gaining maximum results, parents towards a better understanding of how they can help their child with homework and study activities, and students to maximise not only their results, but also the use of their time.
• Finally, in working towards achieving balance, consideration needs to be given to goal setting. Professor Mel Levine, author of "Ready or Not, Here Life Comes" (2005), believes that mutual trust and strong family ties are essential for a successful transition to adolescence - and high school - and parents need to be encouraging open communication and realistic goal setting. We need to remember that setting unrealistic goals or expectations can set children up for failure, as well as destroy their confidence to learn and take reasonable chances.
• Transition does not happen in a day or a week! The transition to HS is a process and will be ongoing throughout the year and their schooling, so it doesn’t occur in a day or a week.

Anna Willis
Guidance Officer Middle School

Pathways Centre News

School based traineeships available for Year 10 and 11

Welcome back! The beginning of the year brings new exciting traineeships. We have many opportunities available in the Pathway Centre Y Block. Job boards will be updated regularly with new positions over the coming weeks.

Hospitality and Business Traineeships:

Wendys the Pines
Grove Train Robina
Cosi G – Currumbin
Komune Resort Coolangatta
The Boat Shed Currumbin
Airport Retail Enterprises
Zarraffas Palm Beach
Coming Home Co. The Kitchens Robina
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Burleigh Surf Club
Raw Energy
Palm Garden Chinese Palm Beach
Northcliffe Surf Club
Crema Espresso Pacific Fair and Robina
Resort News
Coco Cubana Pacific Fair
Honey Eater the Kitchens Robina
Coffee Club Coolangatta
Soul Origin Robina
Ignite Education Office junior
Man on a Bike - Tallebudgera
BSKT – Mermaid Beach
Oskars on Burleigh
Prouds the Jewellers
Reflections Coolangatta

Cert III Sport and Recreation traineeships at Miami pools
Cert III Business – retail City Beach Pacific Fair and Robina
Cert III Mens Barbering
Cert III Children Services Burleigh and Currumbin Centres (Term 2)

Kmart – Indigenous traineeships open to Year 10 only
Gold Coast Art Centre – Indigenous Programming assistant Cert II or III Business

Work Experience Automotive Currumbin
Robina Hospital work experience workshops taking applications now!

There are more opportunities on the job boards. Please come into Y Block to register.

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

BYOD – Information for Parents

We are committed to moving students and staff forward in a contemporary learning environment and the BYOD model has given parents and students a greater choice in device, functionality and budget.

All students are encouraged to take advantage of the BYOD program in 2017.

BYOD Advantages:

• Your child will have access to school information at his fingertips. We are implementing software that will enable your child to access classroom information at school and at home.
• Your child will have secure access to a personal directory where they can back-up their homework, as well as collaborative areas within the school network.
• No need to wait for a computer to print their assignments as they can print directly from their laptop and collect from various printers across campus.
• Our library is moving to a digital environment and your child will have direct access to these resources. Devices allowed within the library during breaks and before and after school hours
• The IT department offers support to assist your child with any network issues and IT problems they are faced with within the school.
• Offers a one to one, computer to student, experience;
• School work/digital media, more readily available;
• Free download of the latest Microsoft Office package;
• More opportunity for learning to continue beyond school;
• Enhanced student engagement, and ability to keep work in one place;
• Offers a learning experience with fewer restrictions. This advantage will become increasingly important as we move towards a web based school management system;
• Lockers available for laptop storage.

Please find below a link to specifications for various devices.

The information can also be found on the PBC Website and search for the BYOD 2017

The IT Department will available 9:00am to 11:00am from the 16/1 to the 23/1 for Parents to bring BYOD devices to the IT Department so they can be connected to the PBC network so your child is ready for the first day of term.

Uniform Shop Update

Dance wear for Creative Arts Students

Dance wear is available to pre-order for 2017.

Bucket hats/PBC caps

Bucket hats are back in 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

*Special Offer* - When you spend $150 in the Uniform Shop you will receive $10 discount off the PBC School bag!

Features include:

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

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 please have them take a look through the lost property bin.

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

At the end of the year all unclaimed/unnamed lost property will be disposed of, so please check for your missing items before they disappear.

Volunteers needed

If you are able 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 placed an order for your child via Flexischools please have your student come and pick it up from the Uniform Shop.

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 you are more than welcome to call on 07 5525 9331 and pay for any uniform item over the phone.

Administration

Flashing lights now active at PBC

From early December works began to install flashing light school zone signs on Thrower Drive, in front of the school

PBC was nominated to receive these new signs as part of a Queensland Government commitment to improve school road safety.

You will notice that the new signs look similar to standard school zone signs with the addition of a red flashing ring around the speed limit as well as two flashing yellow lights at the top of the sign. The installation of flashing light school zone signs is proven to improve visibility of school zones, serving as an active reminder for motorists to slow down.

So next time you’re dropping off or picking up your child, keep an eye out for the new signs and make sure you stick to the signed speed limit.

Cashier Window Operating Hours

Over the counter payments can only be accepted between 8:00am and 1:00pm on Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can make payments via BPOINT or Direct Deposit.

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 in 2017
• $24.00 for PBC approved combination lock. $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 in wearable condition, please donate them to student welfare. These can be dropped off to 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

2017 Membership and Partnership opportunities

Give your business a kick start into the New Year by becoming part of the PBC Alliance through membership or partnership in 2017.

The PBC Alliance is an initiative that has been developed to:

• Create opportunities for business promotion and networking
• Support and promote local businesses through the PBC Alliance Business Directory (http://www.pbc-alliance.com/business-directory.html)
• Enrich opportunities and resources for PBC students through local business support
• Attract work, apprenticeships and work placement opportunities for students
• Connect local businesses with a network of friends, parents, and the PBC Alliance business community

Members and partners are invited to attend Alliance breakfast functions which are held once a term (four times a year). These functions feature a VIP guest speaker, a local business showcase, and a beautiful breakfast catered by our hospitality students.

Please follow link to PDF below for more information about becoming a member or partner of the Alliance and the benefits this entails.

If you would like to become a member of the Alliance in 2016 and list your business in our Business Directory, simply fill out the attached forms and return to alliance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Please visit our website for more information, or email alliance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Business Directory

Help us to create a local network for businesses within the PBC community by following the link below and supporting the businesses listed in the Alliance Business Directory:

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 the link below to register today!

Community Notices

Palm Beach Currumbin Rugby Union

Please follow the link to the pdf below to find out about the Palm Beach Currumbin Rugby Union Sign On.

South Coast Netball Sign On for 2017

South Coast Netball will offer two competitions per week as of 2017.

One on a Wednesday evening for the Cadets & Opens - 13 years to Adult, and the other on a Saturday morning for 5- 13 Years. (5-10 years will participate in the Suncorp NetSet Go Programme based on skills and development & modified games, 11-13 Years will play games).

For many years this has been held on a Wednesday Afternoon late. Due to growth within the Community, we feel it is now time to offer the convenience of a Saturday Morning Local competition for the Families within our catchment area.

More information will be available on our Website and Facebook page from Mid-December 2016.

Surfside Bus Passes

Do you need a Bus Pass? If you haven’t already renewed your bus pass or need to apply see attached information.

‘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 brand 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.