11 September 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Term 3 has certainly been a busy, productive and rewarding time for the staff, students and community. As the Year 12 students complete their end of term exams and QCS Test, and are looking forward to the school holidays, it is a great opportunity to see what we have achieved this term.

Congratulations to our Creative Arts Excellence faculty who were awarded Most Outstanding Secondary School at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod for 2017. The Eisteddfod season was very successful and I would like to congratulate the students, teachers and parents/caregivers who put so much time into rehearsals, transport and performing. In addition, Visual Arts Excellence students held an Art Exhibition showcasing the best art works produced by our Year 7 to 10 students. Five students were recognised for their outstanding artwork in receiving an award and having their work reallocated to the Senior School Administration Block to be displayed.

Four AFL and Soccer teams will participate in their respective semi-finals and finals on the Sunshine Coast early next term.

The school has been working towards reducing the environmental footprint that we create in living and working at PBC. The students, staff and community have been working on a number of initiatives to reduce our waste and power consumption whilst increasing the amount of recycling and environmental awareness our community displays. With four student and staff meetings now completed we are in the process of implementing a range of educational and environmental initiatives.

Next term the school will engage with an architectural firm to map out the next five-year Facilities Plan. Currently the school is in the process of refurbishing and redesigning C Block and the immediate outside areas and work on D block will commence soon. The oval will commence an upgrade later this week with an ongoing maintenance and improvement plan now in place. Although the Master Plan will provide the long-term guidance, it is our intention that our next major project will be a massive improvement to the Library space.

I look forward to working with you again next term.

Chris Capra
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Year 12 Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Exams

156 Year 12 students recently sat the state-QCS exams, a gruelling period which students prepare and strategise for with their subject teachers and lead literacy and numeracy teachers over their final two years.

It is pleasing to say that the engagement, effort and conduct of every QCS student was exemplary throughout the entire process. For one of our largest ever assessed cohorts, the students can be very proud of their efforts and have undoubtedly set themselves up superbly to achieve very strong results.

A special thanks to all of our Year 12 teachers of Authority subjects and our Year 12 QCS program teachers who have worked above and beyond to ensure our students have received the best possible preparation. We wait in keen anticipation, that all the hard work our Year 12 students and staff have demonstrated this year transpires into fantastic QCS results.

Year 12 Formal & Graduation

As we have now reached the conclusion of both the QCS Exam and Term 3 Assessment, Year 12 students turn their attentions to the final few weeks remaining of Term 4.

The final school day prior to shutdown exams in Term 4 will be Friday 3 November. Year 12 students will then undergo their final Year 12 assessment before commemorating their achievements at Formal & Graduation, held on Thursday 16 November.

A reminder that all student fees ($110) for Formal & Graduation are now overdue. Parent/Caregiver tickets at this stage will go on sale from Student Services on the first day of Term 4 – should there be any changes to this date you will be notified.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our Year 12 students as they navigate one of the more academically demanding periods of their schooling.

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course

An RSA course will be conducted by Ignite on 15 September at school. The cost is $50 and students will need to register with Ms Shreeve in Y block. This course is very useful for any students who wish to work in the Hospitality industry.

End of Year dates

17 November is the final date for Year 12 attendance in 2017.
24 November is the final date for Year 11 and 10 students.

Year 11 Queensland Core Skills Test (QCS)

Year 11 OP students and parents please note that QCS classes will commence at 8:00am on Wednesdays in term 4. As Year 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. Any student that has transport or other issues which will affect their attendance at 8:00am should contact Mr McDougall in Y block.

Attendance until the End of Term

Students are reminded that they need to be at school every day up to and including 15 September. This is particularly important for Year 12 students as they will only have 5 teaching weeks before assessment commences in Term 4.

Free Dress Day- Next Friday

The Student Council is proud to be hosting a Free Dress Day on the final day of Term 3, Friday 15 September. Students are requested to bring a gold coin donation which will go towards supporting homeless youth through the local Tweed based charity AGAPE.

Salvation Army Appeal

Part of this terms CARE curriculum focused on community has included classes creating their own community initiatives. We are excited to support several classes who have begun to collect used clothing items and blankets for the Salvation Army. If you have used items in good condition that you would like to donate please drop them to the school office any time next week. A whole school assembly will be held on the last day of term, Friday 15 September where we will donate these goods to a Salvation Army Representative.

Learner Driver Support

In the local area we have our very own Braking the Cycle vehicle and volunteers operating 4 days a week from Elanora Police Beat. Braking the cycle is free learner driver support to help young people (16-25 years or special circumstances if older) get their hours up for their divers’ licence and also in some circumstances to use the car to go for their licence test. The program is mainly for disadvantaged, at risk or people with disabilities. If you know anyone personally or come across someone professionally who could benefit please refer them to this program. Inquiries and bookings to Carl Telani on 0490 447 454.

Blair Hanna, Head of School – Senior
On behalf of the Senior School

Middle School Update

Relational Culture

With PBC’s move to a stronger relational culture we are moving toward a more positive and restorative mindset in how we manage discipline. In 2017, the Restore Program which aligns with our strategic renewal has evolved throughout the year to include 3 different layers for student intervention:

• an afternoon program delivered by the Year Coordinators and Dean of Students is a learning opportunity that utilises restorative practices to help reduce the rate of students repeating negative behaviours such as non-compliance, poor attendance and truancy.
• a weekly program either Tuesday and/or Thursday is run by the Dean of Students with identified students to prevent suspension and also for those students returning from suspension. These students complete character strengths, functional behaviour analysis and personalised action plans that allows them to reflect on their behaviour, understand their behaviour and discover new ways to behave both at school and home.
• any group of students involved in major disciplinary actions meet with the Deputy Principal, Guidance Officer and an external presenter after re-entry to reflect on impacts of their behaviours and personalised strategies for how to move forward successfully with an explicit behaviour issue.

Conflict situations are also managed using restorative practices such as mediation in conjunction with other disciplinary measures. Link to PBC Responsible Behaviour Plan

We congratulate the many students with positive behaviours during this year.

Meeting Academic Commitments

The end of term is nearly with us, and students are anticipating their well-earned breaks.

A reminder once again that students are expected to attend school up to and including Friday 15 September. The holidays extend for a fortnight, with school returning on Tuesday 3 October after the Queen’s Birthday holiday. A reminder that students who have not met their academic commitments by completing all assessments at the end of term will be required to do so on the first day back.

Middle School Term 3 reports will be emailed home on Friday 15 September. These are interim reports, meaning that they provide an indication of your child’s academic achievement, effort and behaviour in each subject, without comments. Should you have particular concerns, contact your child’s teacher directly, using the email address on the PBC website.

Student Leadership

The Heads of House and the Head of Dept. Middle School are currently reviewing applications for candidates for Middle School Student Leadership 2018 positions. The calibre of young people attending PBC was reflected in the fine way in which these young people put their names forward. A Leadership Assembly will be held early next term, where many of the candidates will have the opportunity to present speeches to their Houses. Interviews will be conducted and final selections will be made shortly after that. Thank you to parents/caregivers who are supporting their children through this process.

Assessment Policy

With the flu season impacting on many families, some students will require special consideration around assessment.

Click to find PBC’s Assessment Policy. If your child requires an extension, they can print out the application form here.

Uniform

PBC is a uniform school and all students enrolling here are expected to accept and support these standards of dress as determined by the Executive Principal and supported by the PBC P&C. This policy, is an integral part of our school security program and supports the Department of Education and Training Workplace Health and Safety policy.

Within the Middle School our uniform infringement process is:

1. staff give a warning to the student
2. the Year Coordinator contacts the parent
3. the Year Coordinator issues a lunch detention to the student
4. the Year Coordinator issues a Restorative uniform program after school 3:15-4:00pm to the student
5. the Dean of Students issues a 3-day suspension for repeated non-compliance

Note:

• parent/caregivers please contact the Dean of Students if there is a genuine welfare concern
• if your child has incorrect uniform please provide a signed note for your child to give to the Year Coordinator

Free School Holiday Activities

The school holidays are a great opportunity for students to extend their learning in informal settings, relax and prepare for their final term.

The Gold Coast City Council and Wesley Mission have a fabulous program of free school holiday activities, run through Thrower House (across the road from PBC). See their website for details.

Students are also encouraged to visit some of the many natural settings, athletic facilities, museums and art galleries.

Finally, students may consider using some of their time to ‘give back’ to their community, with the guidance and support of parents. Students undertaking voluntary work can be acknowledged through PBC’s Community Service scheme.

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

Middle School Guidance Officer News

Wishing everyone in the school community a wonderful break. Taking care, relaxing and getting plenty of rest. Looking forward to seeing you all refreshed in Term 4. Following is a list of contact numbers for support and help if needed.

House and CARE Update

House Update

House pride and bragging rights were put on the line last week in the PBC Inter-House Mixed Netball Competition! It was great to see the boys on court alongside the girls, with some amazing displays of skill, athleticism and sharp shooting. The Spartans, led by brother sister combination of Saraya (Yr8) and Riley (Yr9) Gadsby, rose to the occasion and defeated the Vikings in the Grand Final in front of a vocal crowd. Congratulations to all students who entered and represented their House so well. Big thanks also to Senior Sport Ex Netballers who umpired. Final Mixed Netball 2017 placings – 1st Spartans, 2nd Vikings, 3rd Athenians, 4th Phoenicians

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

CARE Update

This term students have been working around the concept of benefit mindset. Benefit mindset is built on the concepts of growth mindset but shifts the focus from “me” to “we”. Growth mindset looks at a person improving themselves whilst Benefit mindset is about the person doing things that improve the lives of others. In short they seek to be well and do well.

Aligned with this idea students have been creating projects within their CARE class built around one of three charitable groups chosen by members the student body. The Salvation Army, RUOK Day? and Keep Australia Beautiful. These three organisations were identified as major players in highlighting social issues around youth homelessness, mental health issues and the environment.

Students see that small changes and small efforts from everyone can lead to big benefits for others. Week 10 sees the culmination of these projects and we are seeing great engagement in activities from staff and students. Some groups are looking at litter collections, developing recycling awareness, auditing waste production, creating boomerang bags, contributing to positive affirmation walls, mental health awareness posters, lunchtime mental health workshops, clothing collections, sock drives and even blanket creation.

You also have the opportunity to participate in these projects during week 10. Some student groups are coordinating clothing collections throughout our final week and would love to receive any clothing donations from you. Please send any items you wish to donate to school with your student who can then pass on these donations to the right people.

Jarrod Wells and Graeme Harding, CARE Coordinators

Maths News

It’s great to start the Maths news with a success story. On 17 August some of our top junior mathematicians competed against other schools in the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers (QAMT) Maths Quiz. The teams were:

Team 1 Keon Ackerman Year 8, Austen Younger Year 8 and Jaida Flynn Year 7 and
Team 2 - Kai Meath Year 8, Lloyd McVeigh Year 8 and Ryan Pead Year 7.

Teams competed in both individual and team competitions. The teams were close all night but Team 2 managed to finish 5th overall and Team 1 came in 7th against schools from all around the Gold Coast. These students should be very proud of their efforts as these are our highest ever placings in this competition. Well done!

A question Maths teachers are frequently asked is ‘when will we use this in real life?’ Imagine my excitement this week when I got a call from a colleague (not a Maths teacher in case you are wondering!) requesting help to best present some data. This is a key part of the Maths curriculum that is used in nearly all aspects of working life and I reckon that any one of our students could have helped them to put together a great presentation based on their experience of data handing assignment work each year. Students are developing and refining their skills in data presentation and developing mastery in this area as they progress through their Maths classes at school. Students in Pre-Vocational Maths have also been developing real life skills this term by presenting their assignments to their teachers and peers – great practise for presenting ideas with confidence in the world of work.

It was great to see so many students and their parents at the recent SET Plan Information Evening. I was especially impressed by those who were keen to get stuck in and have a go at some of the activities we had on display. Pictured are a Year 10 student and her Dad having a go at an algebra jigsaw which they successfully completed. Well done to both of them.

Spot the difference competition.

Can you spot the difference between these two images?

The point I would like to make is that students are not permitted to use their mobile phone as a calculator in class or in exams for obvious reasons. It is expected that every student has a scientific calculator for every Maths lesson. The school’s preferred calculator is the Casio fx-82AU. Thanks for your support with this.

Puzzle time

2 puzzles this week. The first is from our senior CCE bites collection which senior school students do each lesson to keep their numeracy skills fresh. The second is a bit more challenging. Email me (cacli0@eq.edu.au) if you can answer the challenge one and there may be a small prize for the first correct answer.

CCE bites

Challenge

Credit: Chris Smith’s Maths Newsletter Issue 407

And finally, a thought: Parallel lines have so much in common, it’s a shame they’ll never meet!

Thanks for reading!

Cathy Clipson
HOD Mathematics
(Answer to CCE bite is 9)

International News

Tim Schultka is one of our German International students who has been with us since January 2017. He was a very keen soccer player back home and chose to come to PBC so he could continue with his passion for soccer. On arrival Tim was successful in trialling for Soccer Excellence and it became quickly evident he was a very skilful player. During recent regional soccer competitions Tim was selected to represent at State level. In August Tim travelled to Sydney to partake in the Australian School Sport Soccer challenge and was chosen to play for the Australian Open School Boys team. Although Tim is returning to Germany at the end of this term he will play for Australia in England next January. Tim has been a great ambassador for his country and PBC. We wish all the best for his future career in soccer.

Tim is the tallest boy in the back row.

Kota Iida has been at PBC since 2014 and is one of our Japanese International Students. He has been part of the Sport Excellence Surfing Program for several years and is a great surfer. We recently nominated Kota to be considered for a joint production by IETU and the ABC to produce a series of seven short films featuring international students across a range of Education sectors. The ABC received over 100 nominations and Kota was successful in being chosen to be featured. The short films will be airing on the ABC in early November and showcase Kota’s interest in surfing, his time at PBC and his community participation. Kota’s time here has proven to be a great experience and his future aspirations are to be involved in the surfing world and filming.

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.

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 at the end of November 2017. It will include a huge amount of photos from all the fun and events that have been had this year. All years 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.

PBC Alliance Business Directory

If you are looking for a product or service from a local business that supports our school, look no further than the PBC Alliance Business Directory. All the listings in this directory are supporters of our students so please support those that support our students.

Feature many businesses over many different categories you are sure to find what you are looking for as well as a special offer for Alliance Business Directory users!

Parent Connect Event

Our next Parent Connect Morning Session will be held in the Trade Training Centre on Tuesday 10 October, from 7:30-8:15am.

The morning session will be on Practical Parental Empowerment – Social Media

Please RSVP to events@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au (state Parent Connect in subject) by Monday 9 October.

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.

Josh Bevan

Congratulations to PBC Student Josh Bevan of Yr 10 for being selected for the 15 yrs Australian Schoolboys Rugby League Merit side. This team was selected at the conclusion of the 15yrs Nationals in Wollongong. Josh is contracted to the Sydney Roosters and is a promising front row forward. He is blessed with great speed off the mark and has a silky passing game. More importantly he possesses the toughness to play in this demanding position. This photo will be up in our Hall of Fame soon. Well done Josh and we look forward to watching his continued development in the future.

Amelie Wilkinson

Congratulations to Amelie Wilkinson, Year 7 – who has been selected for U13 - Oztag Nationals team. Good luck Amelie!

Year 8 Drama Excellence

Channel 9 Gold Coast News anchor Bruce Paige visited PBC to talk to the Year 8 Drama Excellence students about presenting the news for their unit ‘Broadcast News.’ Bruce talked a lot about his background and experience in radio and then in TV. Students were super excited to meet him and learnt a great deal.

Sunny Bower

Congratulations to Sunny Bower who has taken out 1st place at the NSW Rhythmic Gymnastics State Championships in Sydney recently. Sunny competed in Level 8 and was awarded 2 gold and 2 silver medals for her hoop, clubs, ball and ribbon routines, then taking home the trophy and surpassing her competitors with flying colours.

Sunny recently came back from Beijing, China where she competed against gymnasts from Russia, Ukraine, Malaysia and Singapore. Sunny was placed 5th overall. After her return to Australia (the very next day) Sunny competed at the QLD state championships, despite jet lag and exhaustion she still managed to break into the top 3 taking out 3rd place overall at the competition.

Sunny is now bound to take on all of Australia at the upcoming National Carnival Competition in late September this year.

Dates to Remember

Uniform Shop

Winter Jackets

Anyone who has purchased a PBC Navy Winter Jacket in 2017 can collect the replacement jacket this week from the Uniform Shop.

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).

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.

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

Sports Stars Evening Fundraiser

We are holding our inaugural fundraising event on BLACK FRIDAY... 13th October 2017 and you are invited! Save the date and plan to come along for a night of fun, entertainment, social networking and party games.

All money raised on the night will go directly to support our students in reaching their potential.

There will be a number of high profile sports personalities there, all with connections to PBC, who will share with us some experiences of their careers.

SIMON BLACK - AFL Legend, winner of the Brownlow Medal, Norm Smith Medal, Norm Smith Medal, Merrett-Murray Medal and Marcus Ashcroft Medal. All-Australian Team, Brisbane Lions Captain, AFL Premiership Player.

BEN HANNANT (Alumni) - NRL Legend, Australia & Queensland teams, Cowboys, Broncos, Bulldogs, Roosters and now Co-host SEA FM Breakfast Show

ANTHONY DON - Current NRL Titans, Australian Universities team, Country NSW team

LUKE MUNRO (Alumni) - Ex Pro Surfer and current Surf/Beaches Reporter, 7 Gold Coast News, and

HAYDEN WHITE - Nutri Grain Ironman

When: Friday 13 October 2017, 6:00 - 9:00pm
Where: PBC Trade Training Centre
Dress: Smart Casual

TICKETS: $35 (includes all food)*
Cash bar (beer/wine/bubbles/soft)
* This is an over 18s only event

RSVP by 10 October 2017 via the website...

PARTY GAMES...

We will be holding some fun party games so be sure to bring plenty of gold coins so you can join in.

EVENT SPONSORSHIP...

If your business would like to be a sponsor of this event, please contact us. This is a great opportunity to promote your business on the night.

Community Notices

Elanora library

Extended opening hours for studying school students.

Wildthing Race – Currumbin Valley

Come and join in the fun on 8 Oct 2017 at this year's Wildthing Race in Currumbin Valley. Choose your own adventure with Mountain Biking, Kayaking or Running, with the option to tackle the multisport long course, test the waters on the multisport short course, or stick to the dirt on the trail run. With various distances and courses to choose from, there is something to suit all ages and abilities. All finishers will receive a medal, with great prizes up for grabs from Burleigh Brewing and Currumbin Cycles. For more details, including course descriptions and registration, visit the website at:

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

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.