13 March 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

The Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) plays a critical role in the decision making and operation of our school. The P&C is the peak parent voice in school decision making and as such, provides input into the strategic direction of the school, school improvement initiatives and resource allocation.

I would like to acknowledge and thank our president Mr Andrew Budd who steps down from this role this year after many years of loyal service. Along with his executive and dedicated members, much has been achieved by the P&C under his leadership including:

• Building of numerous shade and weather shelters
• Substantial expansion of the IT network and capability
• The development of new feedback and reporting procedures for students.

This year the P&C will monitor patterns of enquiry from the parentsupport@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au mailbox and will use these to identify issues. From there they will work together to develop ideas and make recommendations to improve school practices.

The association usually meets on a Tuesday, once a month. Scheduled dates for 2017 can be found on the PBC website calendar. The March meeting is the AGM and will be held at 6:30pm on Tuesday 21 March in the Trade Training Centre. I hope to see you there.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Year 10 Parents and Students

Please be aware of the following information that will have an impact on your son/daughters Year 11 Pathway options.

To study 5 OP subjects and be eligible for an OP, students must achieve;

• An A or B in English and Maths
• Students wishing to study a science in Year 11/12 (Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Science 21) must also achieve a B in Science
• Students wishing to study Maths B or C in Year 11 must achieve at least a B10 in Maths

Students who achieve a C5 in Maths and English in Semester 1 Year 10 may still be able to study Maths A and English in Year 11 however will not be able to study 5 OP Subjects.

Shutdown exams:

The timetable for end of term exams has been loaded onto the school website under Curriculum/ Testing and Assessment.

Students can also download a copy from the school’s K drive under Curriculum.

All students need to be aware of the date, room and time of their scheduled exam. During shutdown, students only have to attend school for scheduled exams or study sessions.

Students must be in full school uniform to sit exams. Students who are studying VET subjects and are not up to date with their competencies will be required to attend school during VET catch up sessions to complete their competencies. Parents of VET students who need to attend during shutdown will be contacted by email.

All assessment tasks are due at 9:00am on the due date not during class time. Students who are absent for an exam will need to provide a Medical Certificate and apply for a Change Of Date with their HOD on the next day they are at school. Similarly, students who are applying for an extension or special consideration will need to download an Extension/Change Of Date Form from the school website and submit to their relevant Head of Department at least 48 hours before the due date.

Once shutdown is completed all classes will commence Term 2 work and students are required to attend school up to and including Friday March 31.

QCS Masterclass

Year 12 QCS students had their first after school Masterclass with Steve McCabe from Mighty Minds on Wednesday. It was great to see so many of our top performing students involved and striving to improve their OP and tertiary outcomes. The next Masterclass is on during shutdown before their short response practice test on March 22. Please note this Masterclass will start at 8:00am the same time as your student’s regular Wednesday morning QCS class.

VETis courses

All students in Years 11 and 12 are eligible to receive VET in School (VETis) funding to complete a VET certificate that the government deems are in demand. Many students utilise this funding in timetabled classes for example Construction, Tourism and Fitness classes. Other VETis course are advertised in the student notices and school newsletter. These may include going to an outside college or provider 1 day per week (e.g. TAFE). Students who are not aiming for a tertiary pathway are particularly encouraged to complete a VETis funded course as this will increase their chance of gaining employment once they leave school. Please contact Ms McQueen in F block if you require more information.

OP predictions

Year 12 OP predictions will be calculated once Term 1 results are completed. Students who have a high OP above 18 may be better served changing to selection rank or completing a Certificate III course and using the rank from that course as a pathway for tertiary entrance.

Year 11 OP predictions will be calculated after Semester 1 results are finalised. Students are reminded that OPs are calculated based on the student’s position in the subject and getting low Cs will not secure a pathway into University. Students need to be striving to maximise their results and not doing "just enough” to pass.

RSA course

Year 11 and 12 students wishing to complete the Responsible Service of Alcohol Course in the last week of term should register with Ms Shreeve in The Pathways Centre. This course costs $50. Another opportunity to complete this course will be available later in the year.

Other Senior schooling news:

• Subject changes will be available at the end of term and should be finalised during week 9 and 10. Students should ensure they check the notices for specific details of dates and sessions to complete the changes. All subject changes require a signed parent permission form.
• Parents and students are reminded that completing English OP is a pre-requisite for the majority of Universities in Queensland.
• All senior students should be busy revising for exams and completing assignments at the moment and I’d like to wish all students well in their upcoming assessments.
• Year 10s and 11s are again encouraged to register for School based traineeships and apprenticeships (SAT) in Y block. A SAT will give students paid employment, work experience and a Certificate III qualification which gains extra QCE credits, but also opens up a tertiary pathway. Please contact Ms Shreeve in Y block for more information.

Blair Hanna
Head of School - Senior

Deputy Principal Report

Senior School Attendance

At this time of year the Senior School is vigilantly looking at students attendance both as a cohort and as an individual. Students and parents are reminded of the vital importance of students being at school every day for every period. In particular, we stress the importance of being here on time of a morning. Often students and parents write off late arrival as inevitable with sleep in's, transport and other teenage issues but we ask you to consider this- if a student arrives 30minutes late at school just twice a week; that adds up to 2400 minutes over the school year; that's more than a term's worth of work for one subject. The morning bell goes at 8:55am- be sure to beat it.

Please report Student absences to absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu or leave a message for Middle School Attendance on 5525 9385 and Senior School Attendance on 5525 9381. Please state clearly your name, your phone number, your student’s name and year level, date of absence (including return to school date), and reason for absence.

If your student is going to be absent for more than 10 school days in a row, please contact the Attendance office by email or telephone for further information.

This week we celebrated International Women's Day- a day that recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Our female Senior Student Counsellors including Head Prefects, Vice Captain and School Captain attended a breakfast at the Gold Coast Arts Centre recognising notable local women and girls for their achievements in the categories above. We congratulate three of our girls on being nominated to receive awards including Emily Ireland in the category of Leadership, Kellie Meyer in the category of Sport, Beth Clark in the category of Community.

Alyce Cleary
Deputy Principal – Senior School

House Update

Our newly re-energised House system has continued to encourage student participation through a wide range of activities. Across the past two weeks, students with a range of skills and talents have participated in House events – all in the quest of valuable House points and more so to participate and have fun with friends.

In Week 6 our inaugural PBC Fishing Competition was launched to great fanfare under the guidance of expert fisherman, Mr John Costello. With hundreds of prizes up for grabs and with entries submitted via Instagram, over 200 budding fishermen and fisherwomen across Years 7-12 have signed-up to post, like and interact – sharing catches ranging from Bream to Bull Sharks. The fishing competition has been a raging success, giving students with a passion in this craft to share their catches and win prizes and points in return.

Last week, over 400 students across the school participated in the Basketball Free-Throw Challenge, a House event designed to recognise our students with nerves of steel from the free-throw line. The challenge was so popular it needed to be run over 2 days – but 5 successful free throws in a row did the trick! Congratulations to Vikings in the Middle School and Spartans in the Senior School for taking home the most points!

We look forward to continuing to encourage participation with a host of new events in the weeks to come and in the lead-up to an exciting Term 2.

Mitch Kennedy, Krista I’Anson, Tim Hart & Abbey Bryant
House Leaders

Middle School Update

Thank you to the over 100 parents who attended our Open Day. It was great to see parents taking an active interest in their child’s current and potential education. These events are vital to us working together between school staff and home to have a strong working relationship to provide your young person with their best chances of success.

Next week our teachers will host a Writing moderation afternoon for the local primary schools which is based on developing consistent and explicit approaches to teaching writing. This year there will be a specific focus for teachers as they work collaboratively to review student writing samples form years 3-9. This commitment to working together with our primary colleagues is so important for improved continuity and a smoother transition to high school as well as promoting literacy outcomes in our area.

Our middle school leaders are currently working on reviewing our mobile phone policy. This will take into consideration feedback from staff and parents as well as a broader range of students. This approach aligns with our vision this year for increased student leadership and participation through our CARE system. I look forward to sharing the draft proposal of the policy update with parents through P&C and other feedback methods.

Our students and teachers have reached the tough end of the term. It’s going to be all about hard work, working smart and consistency to get through the last two weeks and all those assessment items. We have been talking to the students about what it means to work hard and show industry in the classroom.

I am really encouraged by the work that I am seeing occurring in classrooms and the level of detailed feedback that students are receiving from their teachers. This feedback, and responding to it, is a vital step in the improvement of an individual task.

Please encourage your young person to read any feedback on drafts very carefully and ask them if they understand what the teacher is telling them about their attempts.

The other challenging step for middle schoolers is being organised enough to meet those timelines. This is all about the working smarter idea. As a parent staying connected to your young person’s deadlines and coaching them to meet these is one way we can work together in their education. Please discuss with them when their deadlines are and work with them to achieve this around their other at-home commitments.

All these things will allow you to extend your support role in their learning which as a school we are grateful for and value the role you play in this as parents.

Attendance

Please report Student absences to absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu or leave a message for Middle School Attendance on 5525 9385 and Senior School Attendance on 5525 9381.

Please state clearly your name, your phone number, your student’s name and year level, date of absence (including return to school date), and reason for absence.

If your student is going to be absent for more than 10 school days, please contact the Attendance office by email or telephone for further information.

Anita Sgalippa
Head of School - Middle

Deputy Principal Report

As a student of PBC, the Reds’ Pledge honours ‘Nil Sed Optima’ by doing nothing but my best in every school endeavour.

At PBC, we encourage every student to make a commitment to uphold the Reds’ tradition, to relentlessly strive to be their best and to actively support others to do the same. The inclusion of CARE and our house structure has given students multiple opportunities to enact their Reds’ Pledge this term.

The Optima Code ‘Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be a Learner’ gives a framework for school wide expectations for each student in the classroom, playground and the wider community. PBC is widely respected, we have high expectations and are very proud when our students are displaying positive behaviours every day.

Parents/caregivers can support PBC in ensuring your child achieves their daily potential by prioritising your child has adequate sleep, good nutrition and proper hydration for every day of learning. Reminders are:

• ‘Every day counts’
• correct PBC uniform is worn every day
• all students must be ready at their CARE classroom by 8:55am each morning
• effort and behaviour should be very good or excellent
• late students MUST sign in at Student Services
• students complete all assessments including drafts and final assessments
• Homework Centre is every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:45-8:45am and Tuesday afternoon 3:15-4:15pm in PBC Library
• Thrower House Suspension Program runs every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1:00-5:30pm and Wednesday 2:30-6:30pm

Within Middle School we have had 42 students attend the Restore Program. The Year 7/8 Dean of Students Mr Bullpitt and Year 9 Dean of Students Ms Cardinal have been extremely pleased with student engagement during the program this term. Student outcomes include identification of individual student strengths, strategies to use their character strengths positively on a daily basis, both at school and home, self reflection of their behaviours and goal setting for success.

We encourage all students to have a ‘go to’ staff member which may include their CARE teacher, teaching staff or Year Co-ordinator to be an extra support for your child. Parents are reminded to email parentsupport@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au for any parental support at PBC.

Best wishes to all students as they strive to do their best until the end of term.

Wendy Wise
Deputy Principal Middle school

HOD of Middle School Update

Students are now counting down to the holidays and ticking off assessment items. It is a very busy time for students and their teachers, with everyone focussed on achieving the best possible results. Attendance every day is critical to maximise learning and academic performance.

At this time, students may be engaging in studying – perhaps for the first time. It is not uncommon for students to complain that they have studied for hours and remember nothing, or that they cannot remember what has happened in the novel they are reading. Education psychologists argue that to maintain ‘memory health’, one must eat and sleep well. It is also essential that students approach their reading with a focussed mindset – avoiding music and other distractions, and being determined to learn.

Beyond these strategies, it is recommended that students remember the acronym ‘SING’. This means:

S – Stop at the end of each chapter or section. Pause and reflect on what has been read
I – Identify the main point of the story or writing
N – Never mind the details and
G – is for Gist. What is the gist of what has been read?

We know also that having to teach someone else makes learning easier, so have your child explain the chapter or section of work they have read to you.

A final reminder: if you are unsure about your child’s assessment calendar, it is readily accessed on the school website.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

Selective Entry Sports News

Global Performance Testing - Sports Excellence

Last week PBC employed the services of Global Performance Testing (GPT) to conduct a battery of fitness tests with all selective entry sports students. Students were exposed to professional standard testing that recorded their achievements in the 20m sprint, YoYo test, Vertical jump and a series of agility runs.

Students will soon receive an email that will provide them with a link to GPT's website. I encourage parents to have a conversation with their child re their results. This testing provides an excellent opportunity for the student and parent to monitor their growth and compare their results to their team's average and best. This should also help our young athletes prioritise their development goals.

Overall, I was very impressed with our student's effort in producing their best. Well done.

Neil Mackay
Head of Department – Selective Entry Sports

The Arts News

Welcome to PBC Arts 2017.

My name is Loren Skyring and I am new Arts HOD and Selective Entry Creative Arts (formerly Excellence) Coordinator. Prior to being appointed at PBC I was the Dance Co coordinator and Shadow Head of Department for the Arts at Brisbane State High School. I am excited to work with you all to extend and refine our Creative Arts community here on the Gold Coast.

This term the expert PBC Arts teachers (Dance, Drama, Visual Art, Media and Music) have been delivering rigorous and creative curriculum to challenge our students. In Week 3 Ms Lynette Joubert’s Drama selective entry students participated in a Physical Theatre workshop conducted by industry professional Francis Marrington. On Monday 27 February, Mrs Sharon Atkinson and Mr Tom Pasley hosted a Music Video Production Day which was a fun and exciting day of filming and editing.

Upcoming showcases you are invited to attend include Music Extension Concert hosted by Rebekah Shinn on Wednesday 22 March and the Year 11 and 12 Dance Select performance on Wednesday the 29 March hosted by Ms Madonna Hall and Ms Abby Swanborough. Both events will be in the PBC Theatre. We will be finishing our Term 1 off on a high when Ms Suzanne Parker connects the Drama community with Brisbane based Theatre Company Shake and Stir on Thursday 23 March. Thank you to all our wonderful Arts staff for their commitment and expert Arts pedagogy.

All Dance, Drama and Music students (curriculum and instrumental) parents and students are invited to attend a USA Tour information evening which will be held in the PBC Arts Theatre 15 March at 6:30pm. The tour is planned for Week 9 and 10 of Term 4 this year. If you have any concerns or questions please feel free to email me. I look forward to meeting you all in the near future.

Loren Skyring
Head of Department – The Arts

Selective Entry Creative Arts News - USA Tour

Dance / Drama / Music Selective Entry Students from Year 8-11

We are excited to announce that the USA Tour is happening again this year. It will have a performance focus with workshops and other exciting experiences.

No audition necessary – however students must have ‘Satisfactory’ or above effort and behaviour grades on all report cards.

50 x spots available accompanied by 5 staff members (including HOD)

12 Days / 11 Night Tour to Los Angeles Term 4 (November 27 – December 8)

Cost: Approx. $4,500 per student

The trip can be paid off in increments with a deposit due (amount TBC) March 31 to lock in flights and accommodation at the best possible price!

What’s included?

• Return Economy class airfares
• Travel and medical insurance
• Taxes and gratitude’s
• Accommodation at the Marriot Springhill Suites (Anaheim)
• Breakfasts daily
• 6 x dinners (restaurants include Hard Rock Café and Bubba Gump)
• All transportation in private couch (including to and from Brisbane International Airport)
• Professional guides and school chaperons
• 3 x Disneyland / California Adventure Land pass
• 5 x performances at various venues including Disneyland and Universal Studios
• Warner Brothers Studios VIP Back Lot tour
• Entry to Knott’s Berry Farm
• Hollywood sight-seeing tour
• 2 x workshops with industry experts for all students
• 2 x days at a local high school
• Hollywood sightseeing tour (such as Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Sign, Celebrity Houses, Griffith Observatory and the Chinese Theatre)

Extra’s to budget for:

• Passports and visas
• Spending money ($500 US minimum)
• PBC Tour Jacket (Approx $60)
• Costumes / props (majority to be supplied by school)

Please note students must have a minimum of $500 US spending money.

For more information:

Come along to the Information Evening: Wednesday 15 March 6:30pm Theatre Or contact Miss Abby Swanborough (aswan77@eq.edu.au)

Science News

Year 12 Biology Camp

The Camp of all Camps!

On Wednesday 23 February, the Year 12 Biology students set off to Morton Island on the never ending bus and barge route for the few days that we would explore and assess the many ecosystems the island has to offer.

I mean, why else would you possibly want to go to an Island?

Amongst the testing of abiotic factors with fiddley equipment, no student could understand, and the assessing of marine life health, the Biology Camp allowed us to exploit real life skills in field work, allowing students to foster a passion for ecological studies and also provide us with an authentic experience which would further benefit us in school assessment.

Along with the countless number of photos, came a never-ending number of memories that every student surely wouldn’t forget. From the early morning fitness sessions with Zimmo and Co, to shipwreck snorkelling at Tangalooma, sand boarding in the desert, 4WD bus rides with Craig and the dress up night that brought both Dumb and Dumber to the party, it’s easy to say that we shared a trip that made us all feel a part of the bio-family.

One Island, two boat trips, three unforgettable days, four time-demanding ecosystems, five tired teachers and too many mosquitos. That about sums up the Bio Camp for 2017.

P.S. We would like to thank all the teachers who organised the camp, the memories we shall treasure forever! #bio4life #bioCamp2k17

Ella Lockley ~ Year 12 Biology student

Other student comments!

My highlight of Biology camp was seeing Zimmo and Johnstone playing Anatomy.
Iona

It was a really great experience. If I had the opportunity to go again (with a lot of mosquito repellent), I would definitely go again. Workload is not too much, great scenery and beaches, and good food.
Tayte

I learned that Moreton Island has little to no human influence on their ecosystem. We went sand-boarding in the middle of the desert.
Nick

We investigated different ecosystems on Moreton Island. I enjoyed bonding with new people.
Marli

It was fun to interact with new people in a beautiful place. I learned Zimmo’s university party games.
Elaine

It was fun to swim.
Marte

We got closer to the Year 12 bio kids. Dress up and game night was fun.
Ella V

I learned that there are a lot of people in our grade I’ve never met before. We burned our feet on the hot sand pushing the bus up the hill after we got bogged.
Shelby

Lee-Anne Bramley
Head of Department – Science

Dates to Remember

PBC ANZAC Day Ceremony

Our Annual Anzac Day Ceremony will be held at the school on Monday morning, 24 April. Please click this link to find your invitation.

Please RSVP your attendance to events@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au the number of people coming and stating PBC Anzac Day in the subject.

ANZAC Day Mid-Morning Service – Currumbin RSL Cenotaph

The Anzac Day Service on 25 April will be held at the Currumbin RSL Cenotaph. All PBC Students are invited to march as this Service. Click the link for more information.

Please RSVP your attendance to events@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au the number of people coming and stating Anzac Day March in the subject.

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.

Congratulations to Tynan Neveceral Year 8, who ran at the QLD Athletics Championships and won Gold in the 200m and Silver in the 100m and Silver in the long jump.

Tynan is off to the at the end of March.

Congratulations also to Tommy Campbell Year 12, who also competed at the LD Athletics Championships last weekend. Tommy finished with Silver in the 1500m and Silver in the 3000m. Tommy has only recently returned to training after a foot injury so these results are a credit to him. Tommy will also compete at the Australian Junior Championships in March.

Congratulations to Trent Wedge Year 12, who was selected for the Basketball, Division 1 U18 Boys Waves Representative Team for Gold Coast. Waves recently won the State Championship title on the Sunshine Coast.

Last week Year 11 student Tristan Bullen represented PBC at the South Coast Regional Swimming Trials. Tristan had a great day placing:

3rd in the 16yrs 100m Butterfly,
2nd in 200m Freestyle,
1st in 400m Freestyle,
1st in 200m Butterfly, and also set a new regional record for the 200m Butterfly!

Tristan will now compete in all four events at the QLD School Sport State Championships held in Brisbane 23 - 25 March. Congratulations Tristan.

Senior School Guidance Officer News

QCS – Special Provisions

Dear Parents/Caregivers

Please be aware some students may be eligible for special provisions for the QCS exams. Students should apply for special provisions for the following reasons:

1. a diagnosed medical condition or an impairment (medical documentation form a qualified specialist will need to be provided)
2. exceptional circumstances that prevent you from sitting the test.

Please use the following link to check eligibility and provisions available.

Please note: A student may submit an application directly to QCAA if they have a reason for not wanting to submit their application through their school (e.g. if they have a medical condition they do not wish to disclose to school staff). In this case, the student or their parent/carer should phone (07) 3864 0227 for information and an application form.

Applications open on 20 March and must come through Mr Jones (Guidance Officer) unless applying directly to QCAA.

Bond Medical Program

Bond’s Medical Program is comprised of two sequential degrees - the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMedSt) and the Doctor of Medicine (MD).

All students selected for entry into the Medical Program will have to complete both the BMedSt and MD to be eligible for registration as a medical practitioner in any state or territory in Australia or New Zealand. Both degrees are awarded at the completion of Year 5.

UQ is the University of choice

The University of Queensland is the university of choice for more than half of Queensland’s top performing secondary school students.

World Education Program Info Session Brisbane

Wednesday 22nd March at 7:00pm-8:30pm, 129 Leichhardt street, Spring Hill Brisbane.

Discover the world on a WEP student exchange. Do you dream of eating croissants in France? Walking the iconic halls of an American high school? Discovering beautiful Italy or Australia's cooler cousin, Canada?

Careers in the Graphic Design Industry

This website focuses on a range of careers in the Graphic Design Industry. It includes a list of available apprenticeships by state, career guidance, & details about the Graphic Design Industry.

EA: Snowboard Season Internship

EA Ski and Snowboard Training provides ski instructor courses and snowboard instructor courses at the World’s top Resorts. They are currently offering a special offer for interested Australians for internships in Japan.

7 Tips for smashing year 12 exams

Police Recruiting Information Seminars

The following regional information seminars are available in March:

Ashmore Seminar held 8 Wednesday March at 6:30pm

For more information on events and seminars please visit the Queensland Police Recruiting webpage:

Career Planning Videos

Here you will find a series of nine lesson plans designed to help students adopt productive approaches to thinking about, planning and working towards their future career. Lessons are comprised of theoretical, story, video and activity based content aimed at engaging students and encouraging active participation and introspection.

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer Senior School

Middle School Guidance Officer News

Supporting Children Through Loss and Grief

In western culture death, and diseases such as dementia and cancer, seem to be hidden away, not generally discussed – because ‘it won’t happen to us’. Inevitably, though, the unthinkable will occur. How can we help our teen’s cope with loss and grief, when a loved one starts to fail in mind or body, or dies? I have a particular parenting approach, carefully chosen. As our family faces the passing of adored grandparents, these are the skills I’m employing. (Further resources are listed at the end of this article.)

Look After Ourselves

As with the oxygen mask in a plane, we need to take care of ourselves in order to be there for our teen’s. Acknowledge our own pain. Seek support from another adult, such as a partner, trusted friend, or counsellor. Understand the process of grieving for both our self, and our children.

Empathise With Active Listening

Avoid ‘Roadblocks To Communication’. Active Listening (emotion coaching) means we tentatively guess what our children are feeling, and why. We then empathically state back our understanding of their experience. When they are upset, Active Listening helps us to be there with them, to hold their emotional hand. ‘You’re feeling sad about grandpa dying. You’re really going to miss him.’

Teen’s may feel a myriad of new or painful emotions, such as loss, helplessness, sadness, guilt, or fear. Naming those emotions helps feelings to pass. Your teen will learn that they can get through the bad times – they won’t stay sad forever. Try to avoid roadblocks, such as minimising what your child is feeling. Even reassuring them may not always be helpful. After all, we both know it won’t be all right – Grandma is not coming back to cuddle them tomorrow.

Understand That Their Behaviour May Change Because They Are Grieving

Remember that as we grieve, our teen will also grieve. They have not only lost their special person, but also (for a time) the ‘normal’ Mum or Dad they’ve known for their entire lives. Our children may not have the words to express their grief, so may behave in a way that indicates their distress.

They may begin to act out of character. They may become clingy, silent, angry or aggressive. They may start wetting the bed, or have trouble falling asleep. They are not ‘getting at you’, and it’s important not to take their behaviour personally. They are simply letting you know that their needs, such as certainty or security, have been threatened, and they require help to cope. Punishing teen’s at times like this (such as using time-out) can increase your child’s distress. This is a time they most likely need your support. They need to be connected to you, not isolated from you.

Be Honest – Our Children Need To Know

We might want to protect our teen, by keeping them out of conversations regarding our relative’s illness or death. However, our children will hear the whispers, wonder about the closed doors. If we don’t share the facts, then they may imagine things – which could be far worse than reality. They may feel hurt and confused that they’ve been left out.

Use I-Messages When Talking About Your Own Feelings

When someone close to us is ill, or dies, we will grieve. We will slosh through emotion after emotion. Sadness, fear, devastation, anger. Unless we tell them, our children will not know what we are feeling, or why we are reacting. They will just see our tears, feel our silence, or hear us yell at them for no apparent reason. They won’t know the aching pain behind our actions. Let your teen see that you are ‘owning’ your own feelings, and it is helping you to cope. This will model coping strategies for them. Try telling them what is happening for you in I-Messages (again, age appropriate). Avoid the third person (‘Mummy/Daddy is feeling . . .’). ‘I’m sorry sweetheart. I’m just finding it difficult to concentrate right now, because I’m thinking of how much I’m missing Grandpa’.

Seek professional help

You may wish to seek professional help if you are concerned about your own, or your teens, wellbeing by seeing your General Practitioner -GP.

Resources and further reading

Children and Grief: beyondblue. Children and Grief: Kids matter. Understanding Grief and Loss- Tips for Parents: Kids helpline, Grief and Loss: Lifeline, Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement: Home page.

– Larissa Dann

Anna Willis
Guidance Officer Middle School

Pathways Centre News

School based traineeships available for Year 10 and 11

Each week there are 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:

First National Real Estate – Palm Beach
Wholesale Toners – Business admin and IT/Digital Media
Burleigh Sports Club
Von Bibra Robina – Business admin
The Beach Shack Currumbin
Betty’s Burgers Surfers Paradise & Broadbeach
Latitude 28 – Surfers Paradise
The Beach Café – Surfers Paradise
19th Ave news agency Palm Beach
Elephant Rock Café
Sumptuous Fine Food Currumbin
Michels Patisserie Robina
Edelweiss Bavarian Kirra
Wendys the Pines
Jersey Mikes
Food works Tugun
Coming Home Co. The Kitchens Robina
Royal Pines Ashmore
Crema Espresso Pacific Fair
52 Marine Coolangatta
Resort News Pacific Fair
Ignite Education Office junior
Man on a Bike – Tallebudgera
Oskars on Burleigh
Prouds the Jewellers
The Collective Palm Beach – Take resume into Brodie at Two Seasons Bike to apply

Cert III Horticulture Wild Valley Propagation Tallebudgera Valley
Cert III Children Services Burleigh and Currumbin Centres (Term 2)

Indigenous traineeships at NAB, CBA and Westpac

Aurora Training Institute please visit their vacancy page:

Prestige Training Services vacancies:

Please visit this link for more opportunities

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

VETis Courses

There are courses available for Years 11 and 12 students in the following:

Animal Studies
Business Admin
Information, digital media and technology
Community Services
Health Support Services
Automotive
Electrotechnology
Plumbing
Hairdressing
Makeup
Interior design
Graphic design

Students gain qualifications and QCE points upon completion of course.

See Miss McQueen in F Block for more information and to enrol.

Bethany McQueen
VET Studies Coordinator

School Nurse Notes

Sleep

Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

• Have a regular sleep pattern- try going to bed at the same time each evening and get up at the same time each day. This helps create a sleep routine.
• Spend the right amount of time in bed- most adults need about 8 hours sleep every night. Children need more sleep than adults.
• Bed is for sleeping- TV, computers and other electronic devices interfere with sleep. Your mind needs to know that you are in bed and its time for sleep.
• Unwind before bed- Sort out problems well before going to bed. Try to avoid using your computer at least 1 hour before going to bed and avoid exercise too close to bedtime.
• Have a comfortable bedroom- preferably dark, quiet , comfortable bedding and a good temperature.
• Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine related drinks and cigarettes as these are stimulants.
• Avoid napping during the day- however if it is unavoidable then ensure it is only for 30 minutes and don’t go to bed again for at least another 4 hours.
• Don’t lie awake watching the clock- this can create an anxious feeling and clock watching will only make it worse. A glass of warm milk has a calmative effect as it releases tryptophans which convert to melatonin and serotonin which aid in relaxation. Other foods such as peanuts, bananas and oats also produce tryptophans.
• Sleeping pills should be avoided as they do not fix your sleeping problems they only add to it.

If you need some professional help- see your GP

(Ref: Australasian Sleep Association ,Youth Beyond Blue, Raising Children Network, Reachout)

Judith Nunn
School Nurse

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.

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

Employment @ PBC

Cleaner - Casual - Hours as required

Expressions of Interest are invited for the position of Casual Cleaner. The position is for a split shift – availability mornings and afternoons, as required.

Your Opportunity

As a Casual Cleaner you will:

Contribute to the efficient and effective operation and environment of the site by providing a high level of cleaning support.

Ensure that the duties prescribed for the position are completed to an acceptable standard as determined by their supervisor, in accordance with the approved school cleaning program.

Enquiries/Applications should be emailed to careers@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Applications close: Friday 17 March 2017

Uniform Shop Update

Winter Jackets – Available for Pre-order

Students can now try on the PBC winter jackets at the Uniform Shop and pre-order for estimated delivery in Term 2. Cost is $70

Sports Excellence and Creative Arts Polo Shirts

Stock has now arrived for all orders that were placed in 2016 for Sports Excellence and Creative Arts Excellence Polo Shirts. Please collect yours from the Uniform Shop.

Out of Stocks

We are currently out of certain sizes of Day and Sports uniforms. We are expecting delivery of new stock in Term 2. Apologies of any inconvenience.

Bucket hats/PBC caps

Bucket hats are in stock. PBC caps/hats 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 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 located at the uniform shop.

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

At the end of the term 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 (link below)
• 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

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

PBC Alliance Breakfast

The first PBC Alliance Breakfast for the year was a great success. We welcomed guest speakers Ms Jann Stuckey, Member for Currumbin, Ms Alyce Cleary, Deputy Principal Senior School and Mr Pete Dunn of Trade Glass, as our Showcase Business Speaker. Ms Stuckey made a moving speech to farewell Mr Loggie at what was his last PBC Alliance Breakfast. The breakfast was delicious, the company interesting and entertaining and the networking after breakfast was hugely beneficial to all in attendance.

PBC Alliance Business Directory

Support our local businesses that support us!

Head to the PBC Alliance Business Directory to find local businesses that can help you! Follow the link:

Like the PBC Alliance on Facebook!

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

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 2017 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

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

Establishing Safe Driving Practice – Improving Young Learner Driver Training - Survey

A survey is being conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast to help develop better training for learner drivers. The project is exploring the current state of professional driving instruction for learner drivers in Queensland. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

If you are a learner driver or have just got your red P-plates we want to hear from you.

All survey participants will be eligible to go into a draw to win an iPhone 7.

For further information please contact the PhD Researcher, Natalie Watson-Brown (Natalie.watson-brown@research.usc.edu.au) at the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya 4575, or call 07 5456 3561.

The survey closes 30 April 2017.

Australian Air Force Cadets

The Australian Air Force Cadets are a youth organisation under the support of the Royal Australian Air force. Our program operates outside of school hours as an extra curricular activity for young males and females aged 13-18. Each year we take in more cadets to join our organisation and recruit from Feb to 31 March.

YOLO Free Youth Event – National Youth Week

‘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.