24 April 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to term 2. It gives me great pleasure to write this newsletter article as the acting Executive Principal for Term 2. I am in a very privileged position to follow on from our exceptional school leader, Mr Stephen Loggie, for this next period of time.

Last Wednesday morning the entire school community came together in a special whole school assembly to acknowledge and celebrate the significant leadership role that Mr Loggie has played in improving our school and the wider Palm Beach and Currumbin communities.

At this assembly our Middle and Senior School leaders and ex-PBC School Captains, April Clarke (2012) and Harry Bartlett (2016), spoke with passion about the significant impact Mr Loggie has played in transforming our school into the high performer it is today and laying the platform for our future and continuing success.

I look forward to this term continuing this leadership legacy and playing my important part in creating PBC as a school that not only our students love, but a school that also cares for the wellbeing and supports excellence in learning for all students.

One of the key initiatives that will continue to be implemented this term is the introduction of our House and Care system. The cultural foundations of our Care and House system enables student leadership opportunities to be distributed and created for a wide cross section of our students. Furthermore, student ownership of their House and our school will continue to develop.

To further celebrate this cultural shift our upcoming Optima Awards assemblies will recognise the individual achievement of many of our students and, for the first time, provide an opportunity to acknowledge the collective student contributions to their House.

Parents and grandparents of recipients are invited and enthusiastically encouraged to attend. I understand that older students often are very skilled in distancing parents from their education, however I’m absolutely convinced that acknowledgement of achievement has an important role to play in inspiring young people to strive for success. Following the ceremony a parent morning tea is held and senior administrators will be present to discuss the school and its future directions. I look forward to meeting with you then.

School Council Elections - Change of date: Wednesday 3 May

School council vacancies

1 x Parent Representative

The following nominations have been received:

Parent Nominations

Matt Rebello
Philip Folent
Katrina Beikoff
Sarah Bannan

A bio of each candidate has been added to the PBC website:

Details of Election Day

Parent Representative election will be in Trade Training Centre (TTC) between 7:30- 8:30am on Wednesday 3 May

Blair Hanna
Acting Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Welcome back to our parents, staff and students to what promises to be an action-packed Term 2.

Part of PBC’s decision to introduce the CARE program this year involved developing and strengthening the relational culture of our students. Throughout the year students will be working on understanding the benefits of creating positive peer relationships which are critical to forming high standards of behaviour, through skills which are transferable as they develop into adults in our local community. I would like to highlight the importance of these high standards of behaviour when visible in our local community. As our students make their way to and from school, they need to be mindful of the fact that they are representing PBC and influence our reputation. We receive numerous phone calls from members of our community throughout the school year to report student behaviours, and we would like to ensure these remain a positive experience for all involved. We encourage all students to wear their school uniform with pride, and respect the values of what it means to be a PBC student.

As you may be aware, our student support team at PBC consists primarily of our Guidance Officers, Deans of Students, Year Coordinators, school-based Nurse, School Psychologist and our dedicated CARE teachers. These staff members are for many students the first point of contact to discuss concerns or seek advice regarding difficult scenarios socially, academically or in other aspects of a teenagers life.

Over the Easter break, and due to a strong viral marketing campaign, many students may have used their time to watch or commence watching the popular Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why. Parents should be aware that this series airs several concerning issues that may impact our young people at a vulnerable stage in their path to adulthood. The series focuses around a young girl who has taken her own life and leaves messages of ‘blame’ to those around her who have impacted her to the point of suicide. Although the series quite rightly highlights the impact of bullying and cyber-bullying to the viewing audience, which is something that aligns with our CARE Curriculum here at PBC, the link to suicide as a method of dealing with these concerns is something which we simply cannot endorse.

I have attached a media release from Headspace – the National Youth Mental Health Foundation –which our support staff here at school work closely with. Their thoughts and recommendations are detailed in this release.

Please open discussions with your child should they have watched this program as much of the content is graphic and at times distressing. Even if your child has not watched it, they are very likely to have heard of it or seen portions of this program across social media platforms. As always, should you have concerns please contact the parent support email (ParentSupport@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au) and your concern will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member for actioning.

Mitchell Kennedy, Dean of Students Year 12
Brad Dixon, Dean of Students Year 10 & 11

HOD – Senior School Report

Senior schooling

• Year 12 OP predictions will be completed in the next week. Students will then have a scheduled OP estimation interview with a senior school staff member. Year 11 students will receive their first OP prediction when more results are finalised after Semester 1. Students who receive a predicted OP higher than 15 may need to consider alternative pathways to Tertiary studies; Alternative pathways include moving to Selection Rank, or completing a Certificate III course whilst at school. These pathways are generally a better option for students with OPs above 15 as they will give students an option to attend University in 2018.
• This term 12 QCS afterschool masterclasses will be on Thursday 27 April, Thursday 4 May and Thursday 11 May. The classes will be in the Trade Training Centre and will be from 3:15 to 4:30pm. ALL OP students are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend. Normal 12 QCS classes continue to commence at 8:00am on Wednesdays and QCS students will still continue to be able to leave early during sport to compensate for this early start.
• Students in Year 11 and 12 need to be passing at least 5 of their 6 subjects to ensure that they remain eligible for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Students whose results indicate that they are not actively engaged in the learning process at school will have an intervention and be monitored by the senior school administration team. Students who continue to be “at risk” will have their enrolment status at the school reviewed.
• Assessment calendars will soon be published on the school website to allow parents to review dates for assessment and assist students to plan for their study. A reminder that Shutdown and assessment will be scheduled during week 8 and 9 of this term (June 8 to 14).

Year 10 Immunisations

In conjunction with Gold Coast Health, PBC will be facilitating immunisations for Year 10 students which has been proposed for August this year. It is a new program being implemented aimed at supplementing the program that students have already been a part of in Year 7/8. All of the necessary information and permission forms will be forwarded by the department when available later this term.

Mick McDougall
HOD – Senior School

Middle School Update

Welcome back for the term and I hope both parents and students are feeling refreshed after the Easter break.

Getting back into our routines is very important and at the moment the most vital of these is attendance. Supporting regularity of attendance each day and every lesson is the most important thing you can do to help your child with their schooling.

Parent interview bookings are now open and I would encourage you to meet with your child's teachers to work together to get the best outcomes for them.

Along with reflecting on the term past it's also the time to set some goals for this 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 a bit 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.

General Enrolment - Year 7 2018

For parents who have younger siblings in Year 6 can I advise that our General Enrolment night is Wednesday 14 June from 6:30pm in PBC Theatre. Invitations will be coming from primary schools for all students in our catchment area. This night is not for Selective Entry programs and parents of students in these programs who are out of our catchment areas are reminded that the sibling rule does not apply in this case. The night is not compulsory but provides an opportunity to meet the Middle School team and to gain information about the current enrolment process. Enrolment packs will be available at the end of the presentation. Further details can be found on our school website.

Anita Sgalippa
Head of School - Middle

Deputy Principal Report

I would like to welcome back our Middle School students, new students and parent/carergivers to Term 2. Our key priorities for the Optima Team in Term 2 are;

• attendance ‘every day counts’
• Optima Code ‘Be safe, Be respectful, Be a Learner’
• Reds’ Pledge - ‘I strive to be my best self and actively support others to do the same’
• student performance ‘maximise my learning potential’
• student wellbeing ‘Are you ok?’

As we are beginning a new term, student performance aligns to your child’s Achievement, Effort and Behaviour. Our Middle School 2017 targets are for students to achieve 95% attendance, 95% pass in 5 or more subjects and 15% students achieve GPA equal or greater than 4.5. There are 4 main areas of the of the data cycle:

1. Reflection

The Middle School student academic report reflects on the individual student progress towards PBC’s AIP targets and Middle School Phase Plan goals. The Term 1 Interim report provides student reflection for their actual grades and feedback by staff can help your child understand where they sit in relation to their peers and the course and what is their next step to success. Student goal setting is an important research backed process in our academic cycle and all students have reviewed their Term 1 aspirational goals to re set Term 2 aspirational goals in the Student Planner.

In addition, data reflection by teachers and course coordinators form the basis of the discussion between HODs and Heads of School around course improvement.

2. Celebration

In the Middle School we will be celebrating student success in class, at year level assemblies, in Faculty areas and at the Week 3 Optima Award assemblies. The categories include Achievement, Effort and Behaviour, Most Improved, Sport, Performing Arts and Community Service. The Middle School welcomes all invited parents to attend our Optima Awards and share in your child’s success.

3. Intervention

Individual student performance is monitored every term and members of the Middle school team will engage with students whose performance places them at risk through a range of strategies.

During the next week, there will be interviews for any student ‘at risk’ with Year Co-ordinators, Head of Middle School, HOD Education Access Centre, Deputy Principal and Head of School. Staff emails and Semester 1 Assessment are located on the PBC website. For any student requiring additional assistance Homework Club is available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Resource Centre.

4. Support

We encourage all parents to have a meaningful discussion with your child on their achievement, effort and behaviour in each subject. We invite you to also discuss these results with your child’s teachers at parent/student/teacher interviews on Tuesday 2 Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 May.

PBC utilises an online booking system for scheduling these interviews allowing you to book your own appointments at a time that is convenient to you. Further information and instructions are on the PBC website. If you do not have access to the internet, please phone the school and we will be able to make bookings for you.

Wendy Wise
Deputy Principal Middle school

HOD of Middle School Update

WELCOME BACK

Many people in our district were directly affected by the floods at the end of last term. If your child has had significant losses due to the floods, please contact their Year Coordinator to link them with any support we may be able to provide.

PBC is now back in full swing and the students seem refreshed after their longer-than-planned break. Teachers have advised students about adjusted test dates and due dates for assessment tasks in light of the school’s closure at the end of last term.

ANZAC Day Ceremony at PBC

The commemoration of ANZAC Day is one of only two occasions during the school year when our entire school community comes together. All students will attend our PBC ANZAC Day Service at 9:00am on 24 April, in the Senior Quad. Parents are welcome to attend.

Middle School students are welcome to represent PBC in the march to the Currumbin RSL Morning Service on Tuesday, 25 April. They should first register their intent at the Middle School Office. Students are required to wear full formal school uniform, with school hats and water bottles are strongly advised. Students who march are not required to stay for the Service and may register it towards their Community Service. Marching will assemble at Winders Park at 10:40am for a 10:55am step off.

NAPLAN 2017

As mentioned last term, NAPLAN will be held this year between the 9-11 May, for students in Years 7 and 9. All students (except for those on individual learning programs) are being prepared for the NAPLAN tests, which will provide important information about your child’s learning and help teachers in their planning.

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 (Tel. 5525 9340) for a Withdrawal Form should you require one. This form must be completed and returned to the Middle School Office immediately.

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

Parent Teacher Interviews

If you have not done so already, please take the time to sit with your child and discuss their interim report, emailed at the end of last term. Celebrate successes and where improvements are needed, set some specific, realistic and measurable goals. Should you require clarification or need to immediately discuss your child’s progress, remember that teachers welcome contact from parents; all teachers’ emails are listed under ‘contacts’ on the PBC website.

Parent Teacher Interview bookings are now open. The interviews are conducted over several afternoons and evenings, to provide as many opportunities as possible for you to meet with teachers. Guidance Officers and other support staff are also available on these evenings.

Students are most welcome to be part of the interviews; it can be very useful for them to ask their own questions and to receive direct feedback from teachers, with you present. Teachers are also hoping to learn more about the student, and will welcome information that will help them support each individual in their learning. We look forward to meeting with you.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

House Update

Term 2 House events kick off this week with students from Years 7-12 coming together to bake delicious ANZAC Biscuits. Participants who have volunteered their time and skill will be supporting our local community, with biscuits being donated to the Currumbin RSL. The RSL were extremely happy to accept our donation and they plan to distribute our biscuits to those marching on ANZAC Day. If you’re there, keep your eye out and pick yourself up a delicious treat! This great House initiative shows students that the House and CARE system is not just about competition, but also about banding together as a strong collective and making a difference to others.

In terms of competition however, there’s a multitude of offerings this term. The Phoenicians are currently out in front on points, with the other houses hot on their heels! Opportunities to earn House points this term include an Instagram based Air Guitar competition, PBC’s got Talent, a skip-off and the Athletics carnival. Points will also be awarded to houses next week following the Optima assemblies, with points earned via student effort, behaviour and achievement averages per year level. House points at the end of Term 1 were:

Phoenicians - 648
Vikings - 646
Athenians - 542
Spartans - 482

Remember, every competition earns points for your House, so get involved and have plenty of fun along the way!

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

CARE Update

Welcome back to term 2. This term, CARE class is focussing on two areas: Growth Mindset and Mindfulness.

Growth Mindset is having the belief that intelligence is not fixed. It is underpinned on learning that the brain can be trained via struggling with a challenge, and correcting mistakes. Research suggests that students who apply a growth mindset believe that they are in control of their abilities, rise to challenges because they focus on the process, attempt more difficult tasks and achieve more success over time than people who apply a fixed mindset.

Teaching students about this concept has the potential to make them grittier, more positive, and more successful in their career aspirations and everyday lives.

Mindfulness is a state of being fully awake to life; being aware and undistracted in the present moment and observing life as it unfolds without analysis or judgement. It is about focussing attention on the here and now, rather than thinking about the past or worrying about the future.

There are significant physical and psychological benefits of completing mindfulness activities. There is a wealth of evidence that demonstrates the effects it has on:

• Managing stress
• Combatting heart disease
• Lowering blood pressure
• Boosting our immune systems
• Building our defence against cancer
• Slowing the rate at which we age
• Improving our mood
• Raising our awareness, and increasing attention and clarity

It is our aim this term for students to understand that learning is not fixed, they can rise to challenges, and they have tools in their arsenal to cope when facing difficult moments in both their school and personal lives.

Jarrod Wells and Graeme Harding
PBC CARE Coordinators

Academic Excellence News

MUNA win!

PBC won best performing school at the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). Year 11 student, Lachlan Kelly, won the right to represent Rotary and PBC in Canberra for the National MUNA in August this year.

Sponsored by Rotary e-club, Saturday 25 March was PBC’s second entry into the MUNA competition. Ruby Allen, Lachlan Kelly and Morgen Hughes represented our school alongside 30 other teams from across the district at Pacific Coast Christian School. Lachlan was one of two students selected to represent our Rotary district in Canberra. Should our district win, they go on to represent Australia at MUNA International.

Every year, Rotary organises and hosts MUNA. Schools adopt a country, dress in their national costume, attend the flag ceremony and then debate the merit of a range of resolutions from that country’s perspective, chaired by the Secretary General. Teams are expected to research the physical, political and cultural aspects of their country. They must consider the arguments for and against the resolution from other nations and dispute or support their claims.

This year, students debated the merits of:

• Regulating international migration
• The situation in the Syrian Arab Republic
• Protection of global climate for the present and future generations of humankind

PBC were a stand out due to their ability to work as a team, respond to the statements made by other nations, and use of philosophy and reason to add weight to their arguments. Organisers have requested that we enter three teams next year.

Deb Reid (very proud Philosophy Teacher)

Humanities News

2017 Insights into China Tour!

Nihao

The trip will be a fun and engaging educational tour with visits to China's rich cultural capitals of Shanghai and Beijing and to historical sites such as the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, the ancient Ming Tombs and Tiananmen Square.

Throughout these 14 days, we will also be checking out some fantastic universities, businesses and workshops where we are going to learn a bit about various areas such as CGI, banking, aeronautics, astronautics and how to make dumplings and noodles. We will also have time to check out one of Asia's largest super malls, so leave some space in your luggage for some shopping if this is something that interests you!

THE FACTS

Dates: 26 June 2017 to 10 July 2017
Price: $2,800

What is included:

• Round trip economy class airfares
• Visa costs (but not your passport)
• All meals (Western and Chinese meals - Dietary & allergy needs will be catered for)
• All accommodation (Four star twin-share western-facility rooms)
• All transport in China (Exclusive-use modern coaches, subway and bullet trains)
• Travel and medical insurance
• Translation, orientation and activities
• All sightseeing and entrance fees
• Professional guides and school chaperones

First deposit: $500 by Week 4 (8-12 May)

Parent Information Night: Thursday 27 April @ 6:00pm

In addition to what we have mentioned prior, by the end of the trip you will discover how to:

• Gain affordable entry into 8 world-class universities
• Successfully apply for Chinese scholarships
• Find work in 7 international leading enterprises
• Understand the world's economic powerhouse
• Connect with the authentic modern China
• Gain a competitive-edge for your career

This spectacular trip is offered to you as a Year 10, 11 or 12 student, and is going to be a trip that many students will wish to be a part of. We welcome any further questions or concerns from you either via email or in person before the Parent Information Night on Thursday 27 April in the PBC Trade Training Centre.

Thanks again and keep an ear out for any notices in regards to the trip via your CARE Teacher during CARE class.

Mr Burckhardt & Miss Timbs

Dates to Remember

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.

China Tour Parent Information Night

Parents of Year 10, 11 and 12 students interested in participating in the China tour are invited to the Parent Information Night to get more information on the Tour.

When: Thursday 27 April @ 6:00pm
Where: PBC Trade Training Centre

Student Achievements

We encourage parents/caregivers to email your student’s excellent recent achievements to us. 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 and include at least one photo, and/or any links to media articles that we can share via our Parent Newsletter, internal communications and Facebook.

Congratulations to Year 8 student, Tynan Neveceral for being crowned the 100m and 200m Champion at the National Little Athletics Championships on the weekend.

Congratulations to Year 12 student Tommy Campbell who competed at the Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney last month. Tommy had great success receiving his first ever National medal placing 3rd in the 3000m.

Congratulations to Year 7 student Tallan Raftery. This year Tallan has represented PBC in swimming, made it to the State team and has now made the National team which will compete in Adelaide in December.

Tallan got through on Silver 50 Butterfly and Bronze in 50 Freestyle. Tallen is also hopeful to make the Freestyle Relay team. Good luck Tallan!!

Over the Easter holidays Year 9 student Bayley Latter went on a cricket tour to Sri Lanka. Bayley played boys schools and rep teams while traveling around the country for 2 weeks. Bayley saw the Australian Under 19 Womens team playing, went on an elephant ride and visited a tea plantation. Bayley was lucky to meet famous Sri Lankan cricket players, went to a turtle hatchery and visited Bossco Boys Home. Bayley played 9 games, some of which were held at the International Galle ground.

Ex PBC Student Hayley Bowers shared this pic with us from the recent Broncos vs Titans game. Pictured are Ex-PBC students from the Open Reds Rugby League Team 2014 & 15. From left to right is: Ethan Roberts (Titans), Keenan Palasia (Broncos), Rory Lillis (Titans), Keegan Hipgrave (Broncos) and Apiata Noema (Titans). These boys are still all representing PBC Reds with pride.

Senior School Guidance Officer News

Griffith University NEWS

Changes to School Programs/Guaranteed Admissions Scheme/GUESTS

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Please be aware Griffith University have recently made changes to some of their programs. These include:

• Griffith Connect (Guaranteed Admissions Scheme) has been discontinued
• Griffith School Programs and GUESTS will still run however they will not give guaranteed admission from this – all current Year 12 students will be still guaranteed but not Year 11 students. All other benefits of the programs will remain ie bonus ranks, credit for subject studied etc

Please read advice sent through by Griffith below regarding these changes.

Advice from Griffith University regarding discontinuation of Griffith Connect and GUESTS Guaranteed Admission

Griffith has been pleased to offer GUESTS and Griffith Connect as a way of enhancing options for students to access tertiary study. However, in 2016 the Federal Government endorsed changes to the National Tertiary Regulatory Framework specifically aiming to improve the transparency of higher education admission processes.

In response, Griffith is no longer able to accommodate schemes where we rely on external partners, such as high schools, to recommend students for entry; or where students may be offered a place based on predicted academic outcomes. These decisions must now be determined solely by the University and as a result, Griffith is unable to continue these guaranteed admission pathways.

In terms of your current Year 12 students enrolled in Griffith Biology, Griffith Business and the Griffith Sciences courses, Griffith intends to honour its commitment and provide those students who successfully complete the programs with guaranteed admission for Trimester 1 2018.

Current Year 11 students who have enrolled in Griffith Biology will not receive guaranteed entry; however, they will continue to benefit by achieving two bonus admission ranks and course credit towards their degree when they enrol at Griffith.

Should any of your Year 11 students wish to withdraw from Griffith Biology, please advise Associate Professor Suzzanne Owen (S.Owen@griffith.edu.au) to enable a refund of their Laboratory fees to be arranged.

Griffith intends to maintain its GUESTS program, whereby students who complete a course will continue to receive two bonus points and credit towards a first year course at GriffithL

During 2016 Griffith introduced a number of admission policy changes that have had a broad positive impact for all secondary students. The removal of many subject pre-requisites and the expansion of the Year 12 subject bonus scheme have had a profound effect in extending access to Griffith University for many hundreds of school leavers across Queensland who would not have been eligible previously.

Griffith University remains committed to positive outreach in high schools and to providing early opportunities for senior students to have a university experience.

Academic Registrar
Griffith University

Southern Cross University: Info Days

If you are planning to study with us in 2018, join us at the campus of your choice in December to explore and experience what Southern Cross University can offer you.

• Tuesday 5 December 2017, Lismore
• Thursday 7 December 2017, Gold Coast

Griffith University: Application Guidance Videos

Griffith University are developing a growing suite of 1 minute videos for prospective students and their parents. These videos provide clear and concise information, explained in common everyday language.

How will you choose your Uni?

What will influence your decision about which university you attend, or which university you advise your children to enrol at? Business School PhD student Asma Qureshi wants to know if family history, perceived prestige, marketing, location and any other factors will impact your choice.

UQ Open Day Gatton Campus

• Sunday 20 August from 9:30am-3:00pm

UQ Open Day is your chance to get a feel for what it’s like to be a UQ Student. At the Open Day, you can speak with staff, take campus tours and attend information sessions about studying at UQ.

UMAT Preparation Workshops

An intensive one-day course for Year 10, 11 or 12 students considering a career in medicine, dentistry, or optometry.

Brisbane:

• Wednesday 28 June at UQ St Lucia Campus
• Sunday 23 July at UQ St Lucia Campus

The Good Universities Guide: Pros and Cons to a Gap Year

Southern Cross Cultural Exchange Information Sessions

Information sessions are an opportunity to gain a realistic overview of the process, the countries, the experience and the benefits of combining learning and friendship through student exchange.

Regional:

Gold Coast: Tuesday 30 May at Southport Community Centre, 6 Lawson Street from 7:00pm-9:00pm

Student Flights: Gap Year Options

Student Flights have a webpage dedicated to those interested in taking a gap year to travel. Gap Years are an opportunity to work, teach, volunteer or learn in another language.

Discover the options and deals by visiting the website:

Defence Jobs Australia: Information Sessions

Thursday 20 April: Gold Coast Commando Information Session

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer Senior School

Middle School Guidance Officer News

Tips For Making Friends While Struggling With Mental Illness

Mental illness is more common than most people think. Around one out of every five adults will deal with some form of mental illness in their lifetime. If you’re that one person, trying to make friends might seem about as appealing as pulling your teeth out, but a good group of friends can also be an invaluable support structure to help you through your darkest times. If you’re having trouble making friends, here are a few tips and tricks that might help you bring awesome new people into your life.

1. Love yourself.

It’s so much easier to get other people to love you if you take the time to love yourself first. It’s not as simple as it sounds, but it can help you make friends. You’ll also find if you feel better about yourself, it can make things easier to bear (though I’m not suggesting this is a cure for mental illness). Try focusing on your physical health, making a list of small goals or just doing something you enjoy every day.

2. Join a support group.

Mental health support groups can be a great place to make friends because you don’t have to worry about being judged for your mental illness. Usually, everyone in the group is going through a similar experience and is trying to find ways to reach out and connect with other people. Don’t feel like you have to stay with one support group just because it’s the first one you picked. Feel free to try a bunch until you find a group of people you mesh with.

3. Take a class.

Find a class that offers something you’re interested in like cooking, sewing, painting, etc. These classes can be a great way to find people who have similar interests while doing something you enjoy. Plus, you can hone skills you already have and learn new skills at the same time.
– Corinne Keating

Read More: 6 Tips for Making Friends While Struggling With Mental Illness

Anna Willis
Guidance Officer Middle School

Pathways Centre News

School based traineeships available for Year 10 and 11

We have many opportunities available in the Pathway Centre Y Block. Job boards will be updated regularly with new positions.

Hospitality and Business Traineeships:

The Fish House Burleigh – front and back of house
Zarraffas Tugun
Crema Espresso the Pines
Cheery Red Café Burleigh
Wholesale Toners – Business admin and IT/Digital Media
Burleigh Sports Club
7th Ave Fish and Chips
Koffee Shack – Burleigh
Soul Origin Robina
Tugun Fruit Market
Goldsteins Bakery – Reedy Creek, Robina and Q Super Centre
Muffin Break Burleigh Heads and Robina Town Centre
Betty’s Burgers Surfers Paradise & Broadbeach
Latitude 28 – Surfers Paradise
The Beach Café – Surfers Paradise
Sumptuous Fine Food Currumbin
Michel’s Patisserie Robina
Edelweiss Bavarian Kirra
Wendy’s the Pines
Jersey Mikes
Coming Home Co. The Kitchens Robina
Royal Pines Ashmore
Crema Espresso Pacific Fair
Man on a Bike – Tallebudgera
Oskar’s 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

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

We have identified devices from as low as $350 that will adequately cater for students during their high school years. BYOD need not be an overly expensive exercise and is a great investment in your student’s learning for their high school years.

HR News – Positions Vacant

Casual Cleaners Wanted

Anyone interested in doing some casual cleaning at PBC, please send your Resume and details to careers@pbc-shs.qld.edu.au.

PBC Canteen

Canteen Specials!

Winter is almost here and to celebrate the canteen has two delicious daily specials on offer. Each day features a different flavour for both specials so check the canteen notice board daily.

• Flavoured Rolled Oats for Breakfast $3.00
• Soup of the Day with homemade bread! $4.50

Please find the new Canteen Menu with this link:

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 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
• 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

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 Business Directory

Support our local businesses that support us!

Head to the PBC Alliance Business Directory to find local businesses to fulfil your needs! Follow the link:

2017 Membership and Partnership opportunities

If you would like your business to be a part of the PBC Alliance through membership or partnership in 2017 read on.

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
• 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

For information on the benefits of being a PBC Alliance Partner click this link.

To become a member 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

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. Survey link:

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.

We are recruiting for the 2017, see attached for more information

Broadbeach Cats Football Club

Tweed Theatre Company – Broadway Blockbusters In Concert

2017 Tweed Battle of the Bands – Youth Event

Open Mic Night – North Kirra SLSC

You’re Invited!

We would like to invite all students 16 years and under to participate in our Open Mic Competition!

It will run for 8 weeks from 5 April and the grand final will be on the 24th of May.

There will be cash and prizes every week to be won as well as a guaranteed grand final place.

Students can bring a range of items to assist with their performance such as:

• USB
• Iphone or Ipod
• Computer
• Instrument
  - If they are singing to music they will need an instrumental or karaoke version.

It will be held every Wednesday from 5 – 8pm.

There is no need to register, just show up ready to sing!

We are a family orientated club so bring all the family and school friends with to support you!

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.