28 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

It has been a busy fortnight at PBC. The junior secondary staff have been busy working on forward planning after reviewing the current NAPLAN results in addition to other current data sets and student needs. Individual student NAPLAN reports have now been mailed home. Senior secondary staff have been assisting students and parents plan for their educational and vocational pathways for Year 10 and 11.

We have had many students competing in team and individual sports finals. It has been wonderful to hear how our teams have been great winners and honourable runners-up across all the year levels. Many of our individual students have gone onto state representation in their chosen field.

It is Eisteddfod season and our performing arts students have been very successful in musical, dance and drama fields. In addition, our Arts Excellence students in Years 7 to 10 had their big night last Friday where their work was displayed to the wider community in our Theatre. The night culminated with five students receiving awards for their work being selected to be displayed in Y Block.

I have visited many classes including the senior hospitality students as they prepared food dishes and mocktails in the Trade Training Centre. Interviewing the tourism/hospitality students as they pitched their non-alcoholic wine range and company credentials was a splendid example of marketing, presentation, business planning and food and drink creation in a meaningful culminating activity. In addition, I watched and worked with a group of students working with staff and community volunteers after school to create a surfboard from start to finish. Watching the Senior Student Council in action demonstrated the positive impact that the CARE program is having on our students. I was impressed with the community focus that our student leaders have and their attention to supporting each other.

Last week the principal of Elanora SHS and I met with senior enrolment officers of Southern Cross University to discuss future opportunities for our students to receive direct access to an increased range of courses. I was impressed with their new facilities and proposed course expansions. I look forward to continuing and expanding our relationship with SCU in creating additional opportunities for students that decrease the stress and uncertainty around tertiary education and increase the chances of graduation.

Finally, it is that time of term where our senior students commence their exam blocks and undertake the main QCS test (for OP students). Good luck (not that you need it)!

Chris Capra
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Year 12 QCS Countdown

Nil Sed Optima ‘Nothing but the Best’- a motto important all year round but particularly at this time as our Year 12 students move into their QCS examination and final round of assessment for Term 3.

The state-wide QCS Exams for Year 12 will be held on 29 and 30 August. For our OP students, the road to the QCS exam has been a two-year journey. This has included extensive preparation allowing students to gain the strategies to maximise both their time management and responsive skills in what is an important component of achieving their desired OP.

Our 2017 cohort have committed many hours to our QCS program and are to be commended in advance for their efforts. We have seen distinct improvements in practice exams over the past year and look forward to students reaping the rewards of their hard work once the exams are completed.

Please note a breakfast will be held for all QCS students at 7:15-8:30am in the Trade Training Centre on both mornings of the QCS Exam prior to the commencement of the tests at 9:00am. Attached is the letter for parents regarding the QCS Test details.

Finally, as we approach not only QCS but also final Term 3 exams for all Year 12’s, please ensure your student is well-rested in what is a demanding final month of term.

Good luck to all, you have already represented PBC with pride in your efforts thus far.

Please be aware Year 12 Students not sitting the QCS test only need to attend school on Tuesday August 29 and Wednesday August 30 to complete their English communication and Physical Education orals and to attend any VET and Diploma classes.

Shutdown Exams

Shutdown commences for all 10, 11 and 12 students on Thursday 31 August and continues until Tuesday 5 September. All students should be back in normal classes on Wednesday 6 September, with the exception of students completing Griffith and Dance excellence exams.

The Senior shutdown timetable has been published for students on the student k drive at school and is also available on the school website under Curriculum/Testing and Assessment

Please ensure that your student has checked this and knows the date, time and room of all their exams.

Students are reminded that they must apply for an extension or change of date with the relevant Head of Department if they are going to miss an assessment. They will not be allowed to sit an exam before the rest of the cohort. Going on holidays before the end of term does not constitute a valid reason for an extension/change of assessment date. Please refer to the school assessment policy on the school website for more information and for copies of the Application For Extension Form.

All 11 and 12 students are again reminded that they are expected to be passing at least 5 of their 6 classes to demonstrate that they are “actively engaged in learning “at school”. Students must remain QCE eligible to stay enrolled; as such all students should be busy revising, studying and completing assessment tasks at the moment.

Year 11 OP Students

Year 11 OP students and parents please note that QCS classes will commence at 8:00am on Wednesdays in Term 4. Any student that has transport or other issues which will affect their attendance at 8:00am should contact Mr McDougall in Y block. As 11 OP students will be commencing school at 8:00am on Wednesdays they will be allowed to leave school during sport time in Term 4. All non-OP students in Year 11 will have to continue to do sport in Term 4.

Year 10 SET Plan

Thank you to all Year 10 students and parents who attended the Senior School Information Night and SetPlan Interviews that have occurred in the past fortnight. If your Year 10 student is yet to have an interview and select their Year 11 subjects please call the Senior School Office on 5525 9384 to make a time.

Alyce Cleary, Acting Head of School – Senior
On behalf of the Senior School

Senior School Guidance Officer News

Pathways News

Middle School Update

Our focus for the remainder of Term 3 is part of our 2017 PBC Improvement Plan ‘We are building a relational culture’. All students will attend their Year Level Assemblies in Week 8 Wednesday 30 August, Period 1 and the Optima Code ‘Be Safe’ will be highlighted. We would like to congratulate students compliant with the ‘Be Safe, Wear a Helmet’ campaign this term in conjunction with the local Police and the Pine’s Telstra and McDonalds. The lucky winner of the Apple iPhone provided by the Telstra Store at The Pines was Oliver Brown Year 8.

Year Coordinators form an integral role within the Optima team in the monitoring, support and encouragement of Middle School students. They provide a vital link between the Wellbeing team, students, teachers, parent/caregivers, support staff, members of administration and the wider community. Each Year Coordinator works closely with students of their year level to maximise learning outcomes through the implementation of school policies and procedures. Student Case Management is a key area within this role and we welcome parent contact and your support across all areas of your child’s education.

Email contacts for the Middle School Year Coordinators are:

• Year 7 Ms Donna Condon dcond20@eq.edu.au
• Year 8 Mr Adam Power apowe97@eq.edu.au
• Year 9 Mr Ryan Jesser rjess5@eq.edu.au

To ensure effective communication for staff and parent/caregivers:

• 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, email addresses for teachers and assessment calendars
• log in to QParents https://qparents.qld.edu.au for days absent or student information
• join PBC Facebook to view Middle School activities

Students Planners:

At this very busy time of year, it is easy for students to feel overwhelmed by the amount of assessment they need to complete. The easiest way to alleviate this pressure is careful time management using a school planner. This planner should be taken into class every lesson and key dates (due date for drafts, due dates for assessment, returning excursion notes etc) recorded. By doing this, the student can avoid the last-minute meltdown that often drags the whole household into panic. Using class time effectively and accessing teacher help will also help manage academic tasks. Parents are encouraged to check their child's planner and help them prioritise tasks. It's also a helpful way to check the "facts" that a student will often tell their parents (ie:"my teacher didn't give me any homework", "I have no assignments due").

Please do not hesitate to contact Teachers directly via phone or email. All email addresses can be found on the "staff contact" tab on the PBC website.

Subject selection:

Year 9 students will soon be asked to complete their subject selections for Year 10. The documents will be mailed out by first week of September. Students/parents can complete the hard copy forms and return them to school, or the form can be submitted electronically.

For those students who are considering another education option in 2018, such as Varsity Learning College Flexi-school, please be advised that an information evening is being organised for mid-September. Details will be available when presenters/dates etc are confirmed.

Middle School Student Leadership Selection

There is a buzz amongst Year 7 and 8 Middle School students at present as they consider nominating for House leadership positions in 2018. The positions available are:

Year 9 2018 only

• Middle School Head Prefect

2018 Year 8 and 9 students

• Middle School House Sports Captain
• Middle School House Cultural Captain
• Middle School House International Captain

Now is the time for students to be speaking with current Prefects, Captains and Heads of House about the roles, and completing nomination forms (which are available from Middle School Student Reception and from Heads of House).

We wish all of our students well on their leadership journeys.

Meeting Commitments

The ‘busy end’ of the Term is upon us. It is a good time to check in with your student to see how they are feeling about their achievements so far, this term and how they will meet the challenges that remain. While it will include subject assessment, demands might also include sporting finals, musical or drama performances and club activities, not to mention family and social events.

You can support your child by helping them map out their final few weeks – their commitments, deadlines and plans for revision and study. You can access your child’s assessment calendar at the link below. Breaking large tasks – such as preparing to write a History essay under exam conditions – into smaller tasks – maybe half an hour of practising writing out essay plans – can reveal how achievable the job ahead actually is. This in turn can reduce stress for students – and their parents.

Link to the Assessment Calendar:

Plan to Finish Well

Each day, students are challenged to ‘give nothing but the best’. To achieve their best, students need to be fully committed to their attendance and learning. In Middle School, teachers will be teaching course work right up to the end of term. When assessment is completed, teachers introduce foundation concepts for the coming term. For these reasons, please plan for your child to attend school through to Friday 15 September.

Please note that to maintain the integrity of tests, the PBC assessment policy states that exams are not to be sat early. If a student is forced by their commitments to miss a test, they will sit it as soon as possible afterwards.

The Queen’s Birthday Holiday this year falls in on Monday of Week 1, Term 4; school recommences on Tuesday 3 October.

Anita Sgalippa, Head of School – Middle
On behalf of the Middle School

Middle School Guidance Officer News

House and CARE Update

The race to the 2017 House Cup championship is well and truly heating up! This term students have had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of events, allowing students to put their skills on show whilst having fun with their friends.

The Sum it Up Maths Challenge, hosted by the legendary Mr Hage, saw students battle against the clock, in an attempt to answer mental maths problems in the quickest time. The fastest five from each year level then progressed to the finals. The finals were intense!! The cream rose to the top, with Keon Ackerman (Vikings) taking the trophy, after a nail biting finale. Congratulations to our top 5 mathematicians.

5th Matthew Lee (Spartans)
4th Kai Meath (Phoenicians)
3rd Lloyd McVeigh (Phoenicians)
2nd Austen Younger (Athenians)
1st Keon Ackerman (Vikings)

Our Instagram LipSync battle has proven to be an absolute hit amongst both students and staff. With 280 entries posted and a following of over 1100, there was everything from The Spice Girls to Elvis. The House Leaders would like to congratulate all entrants for supporting their House and earning valuable participation points. Congratulations to Jasper and Imogen, representing Spartans who were awarded first place!! Nick Weeks (Athenians) took out second, with Care classes V8S (Vikings) and P9S (Phoenicians) placing third and fourth respectively. Students are invited to talk to their House Leaders with suggestions for our next Instagram based competition!

Athenians win Dodgeball Grand Final!

Term 3 saw the start of the Senior School Dodgeball Inter-House Competition. This event started with each House having their own Intra-House Competition competing against teams from the same house. The top teams from each house went into the grand Final to take on the top Teams from the other 3 houses. There was a separate Girls and Boys competition. The Finals which were played in the main hall in front of hundreds of spectators, were fiercely competitive with all 4 houses determined to be crowned 2017 dodgeball champions.

The eventual winners for the girls were the Vikings and for the boys, the Athenians took the title! After combining the scores from both competitions, Athenians were crowned overall Dodgeball Champions for 2017! Congratulations to all students involved.

DODGE, DIP, DIVE, DUCK & DODGE!

The remainder of the term will see Middle School students combine forces in Mixed Netball. The term will conclude with the ultimate test of strength, flexibility and endurance in PBC’s Fittest.

Putting competition aside, our Care classes have been busily working on their Community Projects. Care classes have chosen from the Salvation Army clothes collection, R U OK? Day Gratitude Wall or Keep Australia Beautiful PBC Clean Up. It’s been amazing to see the number of Care classes that are going above and beyond, and who have taken it upon themselves to develop their own unique project. A great example of this is A6M who are creating and distributing reusable beeswax paper as an alternative to traditional single use plastics such as cling wrap. A great initiative with the goal of reducing waste. Another Care class are busily cutting and sewing donated, pre-loved fabric into reusable shopping bags, known as Boomerang Bags. These bags will be located at Tugun Fruit Market for anyone to use and return, if they happen to forget their own.

The Care program is a fantastic way for our students to develop a greater sense of belonging and community. Many Care classes are collecting much needed items for those less fortunate, so please donate if you can. Gratitude for what we have and where we live as well as realising the difference we can make as individuals and a school community is so very important.

The House and Care team would like to thank all students, teachers and parents for their participation, interest and support. Parents are invited to attend a special assembly on Friday 15 September 9:10am where PBC Care Community Projects will be recognised and celebrated.

Abbey Bryant, Krista I’Anson, Mitch Kennedy & Tim Hart, House Leaders
Jarrod Wells and Graeme Harding, CARE Coordinators

Sports News

OCEANIC DISTRICT ATHLETICS

Recently, PBC competed in the annual Oceanic Track and Field Carnival at Griffith University. Our team, comprising of over 100 Year 7 to 12 students, were victorious for the 36th year from the past 37 – not bad! This truly is an outstanding achievement – one that the competitors, past and present, can be rightly proud of.

There were too many outstanding performances to mention here, but ‘Best’ performances were awarded to: 12B Jed Walter (800m); 13G – Lillian Behan (SP); 14B Tynan Neveceral (200m); Drew Younger 16G (3000m); Jye Gillard 16B (400m); Tom Weeks 17B (1500m); Ruby Price 18G (400m); Serenade Bortnik-Tulia 18G (SP); Kytelan Neveceral 18B (200m); Jackson Lahina-Brown 18B (TJ).

Amongst other achievements were those who did State and/or National qualifying times or distances – more than 25 students.

Over 70 students have been selected/qualified to represent Oceanic at the Gold Coast South Regional Titles in September. We wish them well in training and on the days of competition in their efforts to gain selection to State in October.

Mr.Mac, Mrs. Hart and Mr. Martinenko

Sports Excellence – Global Performance Fitness Testing

Recently all sport excellence students were put through their paces by Global Performance Testing. Students undertook tests such as vertical jump, agility, 20m sprint and the Yo Yo test. This testing fulfils the sports excellence faculty’s aim to improve feedback to the student athlete in all aspects of their performance so that they can develop some goals and actions plans for improvement. All students should be congratulated on their effort.

Reminder: parents please be aware that your child will receive an email to their school email address with a link to the below website, click the sports testing link at the bottom of the page. Students are then required to set up a log in so that they can view their results. The website allows students to track their improvement (most students should now have three testing results to view) and also compare themselves to their team’s average and best in each field.

Neil Mackay
HOD – Sports Excellence

Hospitality News

In 2018 the Hospitality department will be offering a certificate course to students who are interested in pursuing a career in hospitality, cookery and catering. The program is structured to enhance students understanding of both theoretical and practical kitchen and hospitality practices whilst building the foundation skills necessary for employment.

Students that complete this qualification will have increased employment opportunities within the hospitality and commercial cookery industries. This qualification is also a lead in course to apprenticeships in commercial cookery and other culinary qualifications.

The course is delivered by PBC teachers that are experts within the hospitality field. Students will also have access to a wide variety of work experience opportunities whilst completing this course. Venues may include large well known hotels, restaurants and theme parks.

Students will also have access to many school based work opportunities for example catering for various functions and events. This course is fully funded through VETis funding. Students can access VETis funding once.

Don Saunders
Head of Department -IDT/Home Ec.

School Nurse – News

The Black Dog Institute is a fantastic organisation dedicated to understanding, preventing and treating mental illness. Stigma around mental health is still significant and when we all stand together and break these barriers down we will empower our teens to live the most mentally healthy lives possible.

The Black Dog Institute is issuing a challenge to Bite Back which is proven to reduce stress, improve focus, expand potential and increase resilience.

If your teen is interested in unlocking their potential and identifying their passions then ensure they sign up for the Bite Back challenge. Go one step further and sign up as well to support your teen in their journey. That support might be just what they need to get through the day.

Further information on the challenge and signing up is found on the link:

Health and Wellness to all

Hilary Wilson
School Based Youth Health Nurse

General News

Surf Bronze and Certificate II in Public Safety

Any students in Year 10 or above interested in completing their Surf Bronze which includes a Certificate II in Public Safety should contact Rainbow Bay SLSC on 55366390. The next course is commencing on September 15 and is finalised on October 8. The Cert II in Public Safety achieves 5 QCE points (more than a subject for 2 years) and is viewed very favourably by employers.

Leaving Form – for School Leavers

If your student will not be returning to PBC in 2018, please complete the attached Leaving Form and either email it direct to admin@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au or hand it in to the Front Office Reception. We are currently in the process of updating information for the 2018 school year.

Sick Bay

Parents are requested not to send students to school if they are unwell. Students who become ill at school should report to the sick bay where arrangements will be made for them to rest for a short period. The First Aid Officer will contact parents, if necessary, who will be asked to come and collect their student. Medical opinion may be sought or an ambulance called if it is deemed in the student’s best interest and parents cannot be contacted quickly. Our school has staff specially trained in the delivery of First Aid.

2017 Yearbook

If you haven’t already pre-ordered the 2017 Yearbook for your students now is a great time to do so! The Yearbook is in production and due to be available by the end of November 2017. It will include a huge amount of photos from all the fun that has been had this year at PBC. All year cohorts are represented in the yearbook. To order a 2017 Yearbook download and complete the attached order form and return to Student Services. At just $30 this is a wonderful keepsake for all PBC students.

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.

PBC Market Day

Lots of yummy food, innovative products and fun games were created by Year 9 Economics and Business students for PBC Market Day. The $1000 profit made by the students will be donated to charity!

PBC Vocal Group

Congratulations to Mrs Eliza Davidson and the PBC vocal group who were awarded highly Commended at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod.

Kai Johnson - CGEN

Congratulations to Drama Excellence student Kai Johnson who was selected to host the Creative Generation Showcase Awards. What an incredible opportunity!

Vicki Wilson Cup Netball

Well done to both PBC Reds Vicki Wilson netball teams who competed in the Gold Coast Finals as both teams made up the top 8 of 32 teams.

Congratulations to the Open Reds, who placed 6th in what was the most challenging competition we have seen at Vicki Wilson Cup in years. The girls played phenomenal netball and yet again, did the Reds extremely proud, both on and off the court. Congratulations to the following Year 12 girls for representing the Reds proudly over the last 5 years: Jaime Phillips, Sophie Meehan, Zali Cheffers, Rhianna Bevege, Hannah Barker, Kiah Bedggood, Mikayla Thomas.

Congratulations also to the U15 A’s team who finished second, winning 6 from 7 games. The PBC U15 Reds have made it to the State Championship for 2017!! 2017 is the first year of the junior competition. We wish them the best of luck as they compete October 7-8 at Carrara.

Shona Coxsedge - Squash

Congratulations to Shona Coxsedge, Year 7 who competed at the Queensland Junior Squash Championships (State Titles) and came 2nd in Queensland in U13 age group. From this she has been selected to represent Queensland at the Australian Junior Championships in the teams Event which is being held in October in Geelong, Victoria. Shona received the Rachael Grinham Encouragement Award or Eagle Award at the State Championships. Shona also competed in the South Australian Junior Aged Championships (SA’s state titles) in June and came 4th in the U15’s age group. Shona received her award from Australian Squash Legend Geoff Hunt. As well as being selected in the QLD state team Shona was also selected in U13s Southern Region Team and received the Best and Fairest player award at the recent annual awards for Southern Region Squash.

Dates to Remember

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 2017 SRS fees are overdue, 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 8:00am and 1:00pm for all other payments.

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!

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.

PBC Alliance

Term 3 Breakfast

The recent PBC Alliance Breakfast was a great morning enjoyed by all who attended. We received an update from Wayne Hickson of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on the coast’s readiness and the many exciting events leading up to and including the games. Wendy Handley from Tugun Community Bank presented us with the many examples of community involvement by the Tugun Bank and highlighted the benefits of banking with them. Alumni Mark Conrad from Synergy Fitness relating his story and some memories of his time at PBC. Many people made new business connections and some volunteered to support our students by funding upcoming projects. Thank you to all our PBC partners for your continued support and to our members also.

Community Notices

North Burleigh SLSC – Sign on Days 2017

Kirra SLSC – Sign on Days 2017

It is the time of year where we trade jackets for board shorts and togs. We’re looking to recruit the next generation volunteer surf life savers. We offer development in areas of team commitment, healthy choices and both personal and physical confidence and improvements at the same time assisting in achievement of surf life saving awards each year. As a small family friendly Surf Club we offer all levels of involvement for Nippers. Right from social and confidence development of junior green caps through to our Internationally successful and competitive IRB Teams.

2017-2018 Season see's us welcome new age managers with fresh ideas and great enthusiasm for the Green Caps and our senior Nippers have great competitors who have achieved success at Branch and Gold Coast level. Each year we have a contingent of representatives attend the state titles and it is a fantastic opportunity to test our abilities against the best. For more information please contact nippers@kirraslsc.com.

North Kirra SLSC – Sign on Days 2017

Kurrawa SLSC – Sign on Days 2017

Pacific SLSC – Sign on Days 2017

Thrower House School Holiday Program

Ikin Dance School Holiday Workshops!

Tuesday 19 & 26 September - Sports Aerobics
Wednesday 20 and 27 September - Dance/Cheer/Acrobatics
$20 per day, 5 years and up!
5/17 Crown Court, Varsity Lakes
Book now! 55221863

Paradise Diving Club

Centacare - Children First Holiday Program

When: 27 – 29 September 2017 (three consecutive days)
Time: 9:30am – 3:00pm
Where: Centacare, 50 Fairway Drive, CLEAR ISLAND WATERS QLD 4226
Cost: $40 (incl. all meals, Self-Defense and Yoga class)

Children First is an educative peer support group for children who are adjusting to family life after the separation or divorce of their parents. Children First provides young people with an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe, fun and confidential environment. It helps children to understand that others may be experiencing similar feelings and that they are not alone. It also assists children to learn and develop new ways of coping with feelings associated with their parent’s separation or divorce.

For more information please contact Kat or Dannielle on (07) 5527 7211.

‘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.