27 March 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

This is my last newsletter as executive principal at PBC. After 7 and half years at this great school and 25 years as a state school principal, I will finish up at Easter.

It has been a tremendous privilege to be a part of this fabulous community. Not every day went as well as I wanted but there are many things we’ve achieved over this time that I am very proud of.

We have provided balance to our curriculum offerings and are now just as credible for our academic and creative pursuits, as we are sporting.

• Students have a major say in the running of the school and participate in a high quality, social, emotional, learning, curriculum.
• We have introduced a raft of programs and supports so that every student has the opportunity to meet their potential.

PBC has only had two principals over the last 30 years. I anticipate that my position will attract very qualified and talented educators who will be more than capable of leading this unique school to the next level of performance.

Early next week I will email you to advise who will act as principal during Term 2. Our School Council will have a Representative on the panel that will select the permanent Principal, who will commence duty in Term 3.

I take with me many amazing memories of the PBC community and will always view my time here with great fondness. Thank you for all of your support and I wish you and your family every future success.

I will be having a final assembly with the students next Friday at 9:15 am in the main undercover area. You are very welcome to attend should you have the time.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Bullying

Over the past week we have had ‘Bullying NO way’ at our school. Through our OPTIMA Code we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents or carers to know what to do when their child talks to them about bullying. You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone. Our Care and House System also provides a great support network for our PBC Students.

If your child talks to you about ongoing issues dealing with others:

1. Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they’ve told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need to: who, what, where, when.
2. Reassure your child they are not to blame. Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse. You could say things like, ‘I’m so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that’s not fair at all’.
3. Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.
4. Visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.
5. Contact the school. Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help.
6. Check in regularly with your child. Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important.

If your child is being bullied or has any problems at all, they can speak to any of our staff, that your child feels comfortable talking to, alternatively below is a list of key staff who can help;

• Dean of Students Year 12: Mitch Kennedy – Y Block
• • Dean of Students Year 10/11: Brad Dixon – Y Block
• Dean of Student Year 9: Tracey Cardinal – D Block
• Dean of Students Year 7/8: Paul Bullpitt – D Block
• Senior School Guidance Officer: Steve Jones - J Block
• Middle School Guidance Officer: Anna Willis – J Block

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, Marine Science 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

Blair Hanna
Head of School - Senior

HOD – Senior School Report

End of term

Parents and students are reminded that Term 2 work is being completed in all Senior School classes and that students should be attending all classes up to and including Friday 31 March. Reports will be emailed home at the end of term. Exam blocks for all terms will now be completed during weeks 8 and 9 of each term and students will commence the next units of work for their subjects directly following this. This is a major change and one that you need to be aware of. Students will miss new curriculum work if they are absent in the last week of Term.

Performance Monitoring

Student results will be analysed and reviewed at the end of term. At PBC all students need to demonstrate that they are actively involved in the learning process by passing at least 5 of their 6 classes. This is a basic requirement for continued enrolment in Year 11 and 12. Students with poor academic performance will enter the performance monitoring process. This may mean a change of pathway for students to ensure that they are eligible to receive the Queensland Certificate of Education at the end of Year 12 and that they are engaged in a learning pathway that will allow them to be successful.

Subject changes

Subject changes will be available at the end of term and should be finalised during week 10. We require all Year 10s requesting a subject change to meet in Y block during morning tea on Friday 24 March. Year 11s requesting subject changes are to meet in Y block during morning tea on Monday 27 March. These dates have also been advertised on the Notices for Students. Any Year 12 requesting a subject change is required to make an appointment with Mr McDougall. Parents and students please be aware that the school timetable has been created based on student subject selections and as such there may only be room for limited subject changes due to class sizes. All subject changes require a signed parent permission form.

OP predictions

Year 12 OP predictions will be calculated once Term 1 results are completed. All students will then have an OP estimation interview in the first weeks of Term 2. Students who have a high OP above 18 will be better served changing to selection rank or completing a Certificate 3 course and using the rank from that course as a pathway for tertiary entrance. Please contact Mr McDougall if you wish to discuss these options.

Please be aware that Year 11 OP predictions will be calculated after Semester 1 results are finalised. Students are reminded that OPs are calculated based on the students position in the subject and achieving low Cs may not secure a pathway into University. Students should aspire to be dedicated to their studies and give themselves the best opportunity to be successful in their desired path.

The benefits in doing a school Based Traineeship and Apprenticeship

Year 10s and 11s are again encouraged to register for School based traineeships and apprenticeships (SAT) in Y block. There are many benefits in a student undertaking a SAT, including;

• A SAT will give students paid employment,
• work experience; and
• Gaining a Certificate III qualification gains extra QCE credits, but also opens up a tertiary pathway.

Students are able to commence a SAT in Year 10. This is a great time to commence a SAT as you are able to complete many traineeships in a year. This will open up your learning pathways in Year 11 and 12. Some of the SATs that we have available at the moment can be seen in the Pathways section of this newsletter or students can contact Ms Shreeve in Y block for more information.

Mick McDougall
HOD – Senior School

Dean of Students Report

Year 12 students have now completed their Shutdown Exams for Term 1, in many cases the first pieces of assessment in this their most important year of schooling. This shutdown period also included a practice Short Response QCS Exam for our strong cohort of QCS-eligible students and a Masterclass with Steve McCabe, Director of external study agency Mighty Minds. All Year 12 students are to be commended for the manner in which these exams were completed, the application of weeks of effort and tireless study were clearly evident across all examined disciplines. Thanks must be extended to those parents and caregivers who have supported and fuelled your student during this academically demanding time.

Year 12 students will now return to normal classes for the final week and a half of Term 1, with the school holidays commencing on Saturday the 1 April. This time is particularly crucial, as all subjects will commence work on Term 2 assessment and content, with many pieces due in the first two weeks back. Students are reminded to continue high standards of attendance and uniform compliance during this time – minimising disruption this year should be of highest priority.

Thank you to the Year 12 cohort and their supporting families for a wonderful start to the school year, stay tuned for more information regarding upcoming opportunities for this graduating cohort – the end of the year will be here before we know it!

Mitch Kennedy
Dean of Students – Year 12

House Update

House Update

Our inter-house fishing competition has now concluded with student and staff involvement a key indicator of an overwhelmingly successful event. Students from all houses entered photos of their ‘catch’ to our private Instagram page with some amazing photos, videos and stories submitted. Today marked the big reveal of our champion anglers, with Jack Brown (Vikings), Riley Engels (Spartans), Oskar Lloyd (Phoenicians) and Jake Tansey (Athenians) taking home the title. Mr Costello kindly donated a variety of lures, rods, dvd’s etc and we cannot thank him enough for his organisation of the competition.

Term 2 is fast approaching and will be another exciting time, with many events on offer to all students. Week 1 will see all four houses working together to support our local community. Students will bake and donate ANZAC biscuits to the Currumbin RSL for distribution at their ANZAC Day March. This is a great opportunity for students to have a positive impact on their local community. Other major events scheduled for term 2 include PBC’s Got Talent and our Athletics Carnival.

We’d like to thank all of the students and staff who have participated in term 1 house events, and who have contributed to such a great start to House in 2017.

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

CARE Update

Positive impacts through Positive Education

If you ever happen to walk by classroom D01 in the morning, you will notice that Care Class for ‘S Club 7’ (CARE class S7S) is not the usual mark the roll and read the notices.

With the introduction of positive education and Care classes, Janine Watson has taken aboard the concepts with great enthusiasm and has allowed students to have a say in running of the Care class. Each day has a different event, but it always starts with a friendly smile. Monday is ‘gratitude’ day where students write down what they have been thankful for that week. A gratitude wall is proudly displayed in the classroom. Tuesday is ‘YouTube’ day where students take turns finding a clip that has some meaning to them. Thursday is ‘games’ day where students organise and run different games and challenges. Friday is ‘mindfulness’ day where students are participating in the smiling minds program.

If you look around the room you will see the character strengths displayed with each student’s top 5 recorded. You will see what student’s believe is our ‘Reds’ culture and what it means to display ‘nothing but the best’.

Student achievements are celebrated and birthdays are celebrated with a pick from the lucky dip present box and a home baked treat.

Students are excelling in every aspect of their lives and challenging themselves to come out of their comfort zone and try to be the best version they can be. Students know their strengths and can recognise the strengths of others around them to work together as a team.

Miss Watson’s class is just one of many great scenes that are being replicated in their own way around the school. Our Care program is developing well with students and teachers actively engaging is the process.

Jarrod Wells and Graeme Harding
PBC CARE Coordinators

Middle School Update

Reports will be out soon for Term 1’s work and so it’s a key time to reflect with your student on the efforts that they are putting in at school each day and on their ‘at home’ tasks and assignment work. Questions to ask them, as a good place to start are;

• Do they think they are putting in their best each lesson and all lesson?
• What is getting in the way of them doing their best?

Supporting your student with their reading log, their weekly spelling list and their regular maths homework are routines that you can help build into the week around their family and extra-curricular commitments. With holidays coming up it’s a great time to encourage some extra reading by visiting the local library or downloading some ebooks. Reading logs are used across Middle School English to support the following:

• Mileage- increasing the amount of reading that occurs in the Middle School ensuring that all students access a variety of texts
• Meaning- providing opportunity for students to understand and communicate what they read
• Enjoyment- encouraging students to enjoy reading through rating the novels they read

Parent interviews are on in Week 3 and I would encourage you to meet with your student’s teachers to work together to get the best outcomes for them.

Along with reflecting on this completed term it's also the time to set some goals for the new term and what actions will be needed to achieve them. I ask our teachers and our students to challenge themselves in this goal setting as it’s from discomfort and pushing ourselves that great growth will come.

In Week 4 our Year 7 and 9s will be sitting NAPLAN exams, these exam results are used by our English and Maths teachers to tailor programs to continue to build on the literacy and numeracy skills as the students move on to the next year level. At PBC we also value these tests as research has shown that they are the best indicator of future academic success and of university entrance exam scores. We are encouraging students to follow our motto of doing their best when it comes to these exams. Our staff and those at the primary schools have been working on building the skills needed for these exams for years but there are little things that can be done in these last few weeks.

Exams are one of those times in life where we have to prepare for our best performance a bit like a job interview or a grand final. Yes, there is stress in these moments and it’s important to talk to your child and share how you manage yourself in a situation where you have to bring your best performance. Other factors that will help, that as a parent you can support them with, will be getting enough sleep, eating healthily, doing some physical activity and not over scheduling them in the lead up.

If your child has a recognised anxiety disorder which could be triggered by this type of event please talk to HOD Middle School Sharon Hillcoat about whether withdrawal from the exams may be appropriate. Contact me at the school if you have further questions please.

I will also be putting some tips regularly on our school Facebook page over the next few weeks so be sure to like the page and follow.

Anita Sgalippa
Head of School - Middle

Deputy Principal Report

During Term 1 the Optima team focus has been on Attendance, Effort and Behaviour, Achievement and Wellbeing for our Year 7 to 9 students. PBC has a rich culture of high expectations to optimise student learning, mental health, social and emotional wellbeing.

Term 1 student aspirational goals should include Effort and Behaviour within each of the Key Learning Areas. Students achieving ‘Excellent’ in both Effort and Behaviour for any 6 subjects for their Term 1 Interim report will be awarded an Optima certificate at the Term 2 Optima Assemblies.

The sixty five students that have successfully completed the Restore program this term are utilising their strengths for their life at school and at home. Many Middle School parents are reporting students are having success also at home with all family members identifying their character strengths. A Year 8 parent said “it was really nice we could have a family discussion to improve life at home using our character strengths.” The Middle School Planner pages 20 & 21 display the 24 character strengths. Parents can also complete the survey

PBC is again participating in the Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program. The Year 7 first round of immunisations have been successfully completed with Ms Condon, the Year 7 Co-ordinator extremely busy with 350 students vaccinated. The vaccinations offered included the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis.

Student Case Management is a key area within this role and we welcome parent contact at all times. We thank you for your continued support across all areas of your student’s education. To ensure effective communication for staff and parent/carergivers:

• 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 QParents for days absent or student information.

Student support is also available at:

• PBC Homework Centre PBC Library Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 7:45am – 8:45 am and Tuesday 3:15am to 4:15 pm
• Thrower House Suspension Program to support students and families Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1:30-5:30pm and Wednesday 2:30 to 6:30pm. Phone 07 5581 1622

Thrower House has an extensive school holiday program from 10 April to 14 April. All activities are free. Information on this program is at the end of this newsletter.

Wendy Wise
Deputy Principal Middle school

HOD of Middle School Update

TERM 1 REPORTS

Term 1 Reports are interim reports, giving grades to indicate your student’s academic progress as well as their effort and behaviour in each subject. Reports will be emailed home on Friday 31 March. Should your expected emailed Report not arrive by Saturday morning, please contact parentsupport@eq.edu.au.

If you do not have an email address registered at PBC, then a Report will be mailed home.

Reports contain important feedback for students. Please be sure to share the Report with your child, so that they can receive important feedback on their work this year and set goals for Term 2.

NAPLAN 2017

Next term, Year 7s and Year 9s will sit their NAPLAN tests. These tests provide our school, parents and students with a snapshot of their progress against national benchmarks, and our teachers with valuable information on how best to support student learning.

The NAPLAN program is as follows:

Tuesday 9 May, periods 1 and 2. Normal classes periods 3 and 4.
Wednesday 10 May Period 2 only.
Thursday 11 May Period 1 only.

A ‘catch-up’ day for absent students is on Friday 12 May, to allow students who may have been ill during the week to complete the full program of tests.

If you have a philosophical objection to NAPLAN, such as you believe your child may suffer excessive stress or other adverse effects to this testing, and believe it is in your child’s best interest not to participate, then you have the right as a parent to withdraw your child. Withdrawn students will be provided with a complete supervision program at PBC, to further develop their literacy and numeracy skills. Please contact the Middle School office (ph: 5525 9340) for a Withdrawal Form should you require one. This form must be completed and returned immediately.

Further information

If you require additional information regarding NAPLAN, please contact the Middle School Head of Department, Sharon Hillcoat on 5525 9333.

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING

Last Friday, we acknowledged the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence at PBC. Middle School students made ‘Hands of Hope’, colourfully conveying messages of support for victims of bullying and violence. These were made into bunting and displayed around the school by our Middle School Prefects and their very helpful friends.

We hope that our education of students about bullying will contribute to a school culture more resistant than ever of bullying and violence. Should you or your child ever become aware of bullying at PBC, please report it immediately to the Dean of Students.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

Maths News

Revision

It has been a busy few weeks in Maths as teachers have prepared their students for the Mid Semester 1 exams which we are now in the midst of marking. It has been wonderful to see students and staff engaging in a variety of different ways to help students prepare for exams including practice tests, relay races and a great challenge run by Mr Conneely and Ms Ottaway for Maths A students that even included some forfeits if the students did not get the answer right!

PICTURED: 12Maths A students with Mr Conneely and Ms Ottaway briefing students on their revision challenge.

It is important that students prepare thoroughly for their Maths exams by actually doing Maths not just ‘reading’ it (even I derive very little pleasure from ‘reading’ maths questions – the fun is in the doing!).

Calculators

The exam season has brought the issue of calculators to a head. Students are expected to have their own scientific calculator for all Maths lessons. Casio is the preferred model at PBC but any scientific calculator is acceptable. Students are not permitted to use their mobile phones as a calculator. We have a few spare calculators that we can loan out in emergencies, this week we ran out if these as too many students turned up for their exam without a calculator. Please make sure that your son or daughter is prepared for every Maths lesson by bringing a calculator to school every day. If a student knows they will need a calculator for an exam and they haven’t got one (for example if the batteries are flat) they need to borrow from another student or come to the maths staffroom prior to the exam and borrow a calculator. In future, we will not be loaning calculators once a student has entered the exam room unless their calculator is not working during the exam. Thank you for your support with this.

Photographs: Year 9 students in Mr Moakes class using their calculators and a pic of the preferred scientific calculator

In case you missed ‘Pi Day’ last week check out this fun activity you can do with your young person to find your birthday in the digit of pi. Have fun!

Cathy Clipson
HOD Mathematics

Science News

Biology students visit Currumbin Sanctuary

On Friday 3 March, Year 11 Biology students spent the day at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Whilst there, we were given a booklet relevant to our assignment on the classification of animals. We explored the part in search of different species. We also got to experience the free flight bird show, a reptile show and a crocodile feeding display. Overall it was a great day where we got to hang out with some kangaroos and look at the wildlife.

Drew Younger and Laylla Minors
Year 11 Biology students

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.

Selective Entry - Senior Dance Showcase

Don’t miss this amazing collection of student works as a part of the Senior Dance Ex Curriculum. Year 10 and 11s are exploring the story of Jandamarra. The Year 12’s are looking at the event of the Ash Wednesday Bushfires. Come along and see the creative interpretations of these subjects by our Senior Dance Excellence Students.

Where: PBC Theatre
When: Wednesday 29 March
Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm

Selective Entry ~ Creative Arts Applications

For students entering Year 7 in 2018, we have extended the closing date for the Selective Entry Creative Arts Application forms.

The new Closing Date is Thursday 30 March at 4:00pm

Please note: Creative Arts Applications are being taken for Dance and Instrumental Music, Instrumental music includes voice.

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 Chaise Richardson who competed at the National Kayaking Sprint Championships at Penrith and was crowned National 13/14 Years Champion for 8 events - K1 200, K1 500, K1 1000, K1 2500, K2 200, K2 500, K2 1000 and the K2 2500. Chaise also competed at the National Kayaking Marathon Championships on the weekend and was also crowned the National Champion for 2 events - K1 11.25km and K2 11.25. What an incredible achievement!

Congratulations to the PBC Girls who won the Tennis Gold Coast 2017 Annual Secondary Inter-School Challenge for Middle School Girls (Years 7/8/9). Ava Edmonds and Lucy Tunsted were the winners taking out the final over Trinity Lutheran College 6-2. What a fantastic effort!

Congratulations to Cleo Lewis who placed 1st in 50m Backstroke, 3rd in 100m Backstroke and 4th in 50m Freestyle. Cleo will swim in all individual events & was selected to swim in the South Coast Relay Team at the State Swimming Championships in Brisbane on the 23 March 2017

Congratulations Jamison Stovin

• 1st in the 5000m Racewalk at the QLD Junior Track & Field Championships.
• Selected for the QLD HEAT TEAM for Sydney this week but had to miss it due to a very busy schedule.
• At the State Athletics Championships held at QSAC in Brisbane Jamison came 1st in the 1500m Race walk with a Time of 6:39min a new QLD State Record by over 1:07min
• 2nd in the 1500m run in a time of 4:29min beating his own Club record held at Gold Coast Athletics.
• 5th in the 800m Run

Well done Jamison for these fantastic achievements.

Last week Year 11 student Tristan Bullen represented PBC and South Coast Region at the QLD School Swimming Championships held in Brisbane. Tristan placed 7th in 100m Butterfly, 6th in 200m Freestyle, 2nd in 400m Freestyle, and is now the 16yrs 200m Butterfly QLD School Champion!! Fantastic effort Tristan! We are proud of you.

Senior School Guidance Officer News

Parents and students are reminded that completing English OP is a pre-requisite for the majority of Universities in Queensland.

QCS – Special Provisions

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.

Griffith University

Portal for School Students

Griffith University has a personalised page for Year 12 students, enabling them to choose what degree level they are interested in as well as what campus they want to study at. The webpage also provides a pdf of the 2017 undergraduate brochure.

Discover Griffith University

16 May, Nathan Campus
18 May, Gold Coast Campus

The Discover Griffith University Day will give students and parents the opportunity to tour the campus with a student ambassador, hear from program staff about individual preferred degree pathways and chat with the universities recruitment team about entry requirements and pathways into the university.

Griffith University Open Day

23 July 2017 @ the Gold Coast, Nathan or South Bank campuses.

Attend information sessions and activities, chat with academics about degree pathways, find out about student services as well as touring the campuses.

Q&A Sessions Griffith University

Monday 22- Friday 26 May

Book a 30 minute personalised appointment with a member of the Griffith University Student Recruitment team, to help you find the right degree pathway for your interests. You can also find out about scholarships and discover pathways to university.

Visit UQ at TSXPO

Saturday 15 July from 10:00am- 4:00pm & Sunday 16 July from 10:00am-4:00 pm

Attend the free Tertiary Studies EXPO (TSXPO) to speak with UQ staff and students about programs and courses available at The University of Queensland.

TAFE & Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Central

Apprenticeship Central advertises full- and part-time apprenticeships as well as a number of opportunities for school-based apprenticeships. Students are able to filter for their desired apprenticeship based on region, state, industry or area.

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways: Occupational Videos

These occupational videos give an insight into specific areas of work, as well as personal experiences on how current trainees / apprentices have found their jobs.

Job Outlook

Job Outlook is a Careers and Labour market research information site to help you decide on your future career. Use the search options to find a wealth of information covering around 350 individual occupations.

Mental Health First Aid Course

This course helps to educate adults on how to assist adolescents who are developing mental health problems or are in a mental health crisis. Learn about the signs and symptoms of disabling mental health problems as well as where and how to get help. The course runs for 14 hours (either over two days or as four separate modules).

Find courses in your area by visiting the website:

Applying to the Australian Defence Force Academy

It is advised that students wishing to study at ADFA apply in Year 11 as it is a competitive selection process which may take up to 12 months to complete.

Gaining entry to ADFA is a dual process which requires students to apply directly to the Australian Defence Force while also applying concurrently to UNSW ADFA through UAC.

An offer to study at ADFA is conditional to meeting the academic requirements of UNSW as well as the mental and physical requirements of the Australian Defence Force. To find out more about the selection process visit:

Defence Jobs Australia Information Sessions:

Attend an information session and discover the variety of roles in the Australian Defence Force.

Gold Coast Gap Year Information Session, Wednesday 29 March

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer Senior School

Middle School Guidance Officer News

Support/crisis numbers for holiday period

Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Acute Care Team: 1300 642 255
CYMHS Access: 07 5635 6392
Carers Australia: 1800 242 636

Short-term counselling and emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families in each state and territory.

Headspace: 1800 650 890

Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 years and their families going through a tough time. (9:00am-1:00pm)

Kid’s Helpline: 1800 55 1800

A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 years of age.

MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78

A telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.

MindSpot Clinic: 1800 61 44 34

Emergencies : Police and/or ambulance 000

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.

Hospitality and Business Traineeships:

Wholesale Toners – Business admin and IT/Digital Media
Burleigh Sports Club
Koffee Shack, Burleigh
Soul Origin, Robina
Fantasia, The Pines
Tugun Fruit Market
Goldsteins Bakery, Reedy Creek, Robina and Q Super Centre
Muffin Break, Burleigh Heads
Betty’s Burgers, Surfers Paradise & Broadbeach
Latitude 28, Surfers Paradise
The Beach Café, Surfers Paradise
Sumptuous Fine Food, Currumbin
Michels Patisserie, Robina
Edelweiss Bavarian, Kirra
Wendys, The Pines
Jersey Mikes
Coming Home Co. The Kitchens, Robina
Royal Pines, Ashmore
Crema Espresso, Pacific Fair
Man on a Bike, Tallebudgera
Oskars on Burleigh
Cosi G Studio Wear – suitable for dance student
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 Hairdressing, at 2 local salons
Cert III Children Services – local centres, taking applications now ready for term 2 intake.
Cert III Sport and Recreation Miami and Burleigh Pools ( 2 positions left)

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

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

Uniform Shop Update

PBC Trackpants – Winter Sale!

PBC Trackpants have been reduced to $50!

Sizes XXS – XL in stock- samples available to try on.

Winter Jackets – Available for Pre-order

Students can now try on the PBC winter jackets t 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).

Reminder that the second instalment of 2017 SRS fees are now due, and any other outstanding amounts on student’s accounts. To make a credit card payment or to request bank details for direct bank transfer, please telephone the school, or visit our Student Services department between 8am and 1pm for all other payments. Statements will be sent out at end of Term 1 as a reminder of students account balances.

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 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

Cooly Youth 2017

‘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.