26 February 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This time of year is when Year 12 results are released to the media.

Highlights from the 2017 Year 12 Results:

• 100% of students achieved a QCE- that's 406 of 406 students.
• 3 OP 1's- Eloise Fisher, Connor Forbes & our dux Montana Wickens, this is up from 1 OP 1 in 2016.
• 19.25% OP1-5, this is slightly up from 2016, while carrying an additional 50 OP students in 2017.

• 91.3% OP1-15, this is on par with 2016 again while carrying an additional 50 OP students in 2017.
• We graduated 61 students from a Diploma level qualifications (equivalent to an OP 9), up from 9 students in 2016.

Currumbin/Elanora road closures announced

The much anticipated closures and impacts for the Currumbin Athletics Race Walk, Currumbin Valley Road Race and Currumbin Valley Time Trial have been released.

If staff, students and their families reside in these areas, they are encouraged to visit Get Set for the Games to check the times.

Facilities Update

The Hall roof replacement has still not been finalised due to changes with Regional Office staff and handover of information.

The Ovals are starting to look better with consistent irrigation, there appears to be a problem with some of the sprinklers which will be rectified soon. Line marking has been completed but with the growth of the grass, the mowing needs to be done more regularly – a plan is in place to address this.

With the recent heat there have been a lot of air-conditioners requiring attention, we have attempted to get these done as quickly as possible but the air-conditioning companies are extremely busy at this time. We have also commenced engaging suppliers to replace the Q Block air-conditioner and installing new devices to K block.

C block – Renovation has been completed and handed over to the school, the contractors have a few minor jobs to complete. Furniture is on order and the Art classes should be able to move into the block towards the end of Term 2. The classrooms are being used currently as and when required.

D 7 & 8 – work has recommenced on this block and we have been given the completion date as 29 March 2018.

Regards
Chris Capra
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

We are now over halfway through Term 1 and students have transitioned well into both the Senior School and the New Year. Submission of assessment in every subject has started to occur as students approach their Shutdown Exam Block in just over 3 weeks time.

Last week our Year 10 students and parents were invited to attend an information session on the new Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance (SATE) systems that will be introduced in 2019. These new systems will impact every student and every school in Queensland, as students continue to work toward attaining their Queensland Certificate of Education and their post-schooling pathway. We were fortunate enough to have a strong showing at this information night, as PBC detailed how we are preparing for the implementation of these new systems across every one of our curricular faculties.

Year 10 students will be consistently exposed to further details on SATE including the change away from OP to ATAR for tertiary entrance as the year progresses, particularly prior to Senior Subject Selection in August. A reminder to all parents who will be impacted by these changes (all students Year 10 and below) that information discussed at the evening is now up on the PBC Website.

Senior Student Council Update

The Senior Student Council have started this Term at a cracking pace – setting really clear improvement agendas as a group of young leaders and driving the school community to unify as one in 2018. Aside from working alongside their House Councils to deliver a wonderful Swimming Carnival a fortnight ago, the main fundraising item on the list was Valentine’s Day. The students certainly helped spread the love, delivering over 1000 Valentine’s roses and messages of adoration across the entire school community. While delivering roses to over 100 classes whilst dressed in tutus and singing “My Heart Will Go On” is no easy feat – the Captains made it look easy!

A huge thanks to the school community for spreading the message of love and raising over $3000 for charity along the way!

The council now turn their focus towards planning further fundraisers across the school calendar, as well as playing key roles in school representation as we approach the Commonwealth Games celebrations.

Senior Schooling notes

• New QCE and ATAR for current Year 10s. It was great to see a large number of parents attend the presentation on the new QCE system last Tuesday. The resources and slide show from that evening are available in the senior schooling section of the school website above.
• Assessment Calendars for Years 10, 11 and 12 have been uploaded to the school website above. Click on the curriculum tab and then under testing and assessment. Students can also download this information from the K drive on the school’s network. This information will be useful for parents and students when planning their study timetable
• Term 1 exam shutdown has also been uploaded to the school website above under curriculum/testing and assessment. It is also available for students on the K drive. During shutdown students need only attend if they have timetabled exams or sport. Students must be in full school uniform to sit exams. As per our assessment policy students are not permitted to sit exams earlier than the rest of the cohort. Forms for extension/change of date are available on the school website under curriculum/testing and assessment. These must be submitted to the relevant HOD at least 48hrs before the due date
• All students doing VET and certificate courses will need to be up to date with their competencies by the end of term. Those students who are at risk of not completing competencies will need to attend school during shutdown to ensure that they catch up. These students will be contacted by their teachers.
• Students in Year 10 are again reminded that their academic performance in Year 10 will determine which pathway they can choose in Year 11. Students wishing to complete an ATAR pathway need to achieve Bs in English and Maths and 2 other classes in Year 10. Please also see the subject selection guidelines below:

Year 12 QCS

• The first QCS masterclass in week 4 was a great success with over 130 students attending. The next masterclass in on Thursday 1 March from 3:15 to 4:45pm in the Hall. All OP students are strongly encouraged to attend.
• All 12 QCS students are reminded that the Wednesday morning 8:00am class is compulsory. Students are given Sport off in lieu of this early start. On the whole we are very happy with the way the year 12 cohort has embraced the QCS program. The QCS test performance of the group will affect the OP of every student. Students who do not attend will be issued detentions and possibly removed from the program.

Dean of Students – Year 12

Exciting news this week. We are entering a team in the Kokoda Challenge – Stan Bisset Schools Cup. This is a 96km walk where teams make their way through 14 checkpoints (4 of which are accessible by a Support Crew) over 39 hours to reach the finish at Nerang Velodrome. Steep hills, sharp descents, creek crossings and spectacular scenery await our team with the first full team of 5 crossing the line to claim the Stan Bisset Cup.

Jak Graham has prodded and cajoled the staff to support a team which also includes Cassidy Ormiston, Kate Walker and Annika Danielsen in Year 12 plus some Year 11 reserves. Chris Patison will walk with the students for the event and he will be supported by myself and Pip Hyatt during training. The students will undertake a 20 week training program to prepare themselves fully for this gruelling event.

Each team must raise a minimum amount of $650.00 to participate in The Stan Bisset Cup - although we are sure we can beat this! If you wish to contribute there will be opportunities to get involved as the year progresses.

This is a great opportunity for PBC students to demonstrate our motto – Nil Sed Optima.

More information can be found about the Kokoda challenge at:

Other news:

All senior school students should make sure they check the shutdown timetable and prepare themselves fully to achieve their very best in this important year.

Please find shutdown calendar here:

Cathy Clipson
Dean Year 12/Senior Studies

School Guidance Officers News

Gold Coast University Showcase 2018

This event will take place at Palm Beach Currumbin SHS on Friday 9 March in the school hall. It will run from 1:25pm – 2:00pm and is open to Year 11 and 12 students with an interest in attending University. Participating Universities include: UQ, QUT, USQ, BOND, GRIFFITH, SCU, ACU and this year for the first time QTAC will be present for any questions around University applications.

University of Queensland (UQ)

Situational Judgement Test for Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) from 2018 - program update

UQ recognises that attributes such as resilience, critical thinking and communication skills that are essential for veterinarians are not reflected in academic performance alone. In recognition of this, entry into the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) will include a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) for admissions this year onwards.

The SJT will be used to assist in the selection of a student cohort best equipped for the rigours of the profession. The test will be held between July and September 2018 with multiple tests dates. Students need to have access to a computer with reliable internet connection, a web-cam and photo identification. The cost to complete the test is approximately $80 and students should allow 90 minutes to complete.

Further details will be available soon

New in 2018: Bachelor of Computer Science

UQ's new three-year Bachelor of Computer Science offers exciting opportunities for students to specialise in emerging technologies such as cyber security, data science and artificial intelligence.

Students will develop an innovative skillset to take their place at the forefront of the digital technology revolution by combining the study of algorithms and data structures, with practical challenges of implementing them in hardware and software systems.

Coursework explores programming, databases, operating systems, networks and algorithms. Students will exit this program with strong analytical, logical, and development skills necessary to advance computing, its applications and beyond.

Computer Science is available as a dual program with: Arts, Science, Engineering (Honours) and Mathematics. Majors in this program include:

• Cyber Security
• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Programming Languages
• Scientific Computing

Middle School Update

Thank you to the 250 Year 7 parents who attended our Information night earlier this month. Our teachers enjoyed the opportunity to put a face to a name and start the building of a productive relationship between school and home. The power point presentation from the night is available on the school website.

Thanks also to the new families who have given us such great feedback about how their young person has transitioned to PBC. It was pleasing to hear how happy students are feeling about being welcomed into the PBC family which has been passed on by Sue Murray our Middle School student services officer.

This week we have our annual Open Day which will include parent information sessions and an opportunity to tour the school whilst classes are in action. An email invitation has already gone to families. The day is a great way to see the many values that we espouse at PBC being enacted and to interact with parents of the school so I look forward to seeing you then.

Last week our entire teaching group had professional learning sessions where we focussed on our school improvement priorities for this year – including teaching practices and elements of developing positive behaviour in the classroom.

Attendance

The Middle School attendance target is 95% and ‘Every Day Counts’ is a priority for our students, staff and parent/caregivers to optimise student achievement and wellbeing. The impact of 5 days absence per term results in one month non-attendance during the school year. Parent/caregivers will receive non-attendance letters if your child has had 5 or more unexplained absences this year.

We also have high expectations for students to arrive approximately at 8:30am so they are ready for CARE class at 9:00am and have a positive start to each day. The Optima team have aligned our Middle School student late process to the recent successful uniform non-compliance steps. We thank all parent/caregivers for your support in prioritising attendance and for our students to follow the Reds Pledge to make a commitment to uphold the Reds’ tradition, to relentlessly strive to be my best self and to actively support others to do the same. Any student that is late to PBC without an approved absence will follow this process.

Early Holiday Departures

Term 1 is more than half over, so it is more important than ever that students are in class whenever possible. Please avoid booking holidays inside term time, as it impacts on students’ learning and assessment. During Week 10, core classes (Maths, English, Science and Humanities) will be well into their second units of work, and full lessons will be taught through to the end of the week. Early departures create difficulties and stress for students who arrive at the start of Term 2, behind in their work. Please support your child to attend school throughout the whole term.

Feedback – Essential to Improvement

All Middle School students are currently engaged in the drafting process of various assignments for their subjects. Drafting is considered essential at PBC because we understand the critical nature of feedback in learning. Drafting gives opportunities to students to learn from mistakes and improve their performance. Students who draft carefully can use feedback to achieve at even higher levels. It is important for students to understand that constructive feedback is not personal criticism; rather, it is offered to provide an opportunity for development. Handing in the best possible draft will help teachers give useful feedback to help your child reach the next level. Used well, feedback enables students to achieve their goals.

Assessment Calendar

Has your child transferred their assessment calendar into their Student Planner yet?

House and CARE Update

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Dad Joke’s Competition. The participation by the Vikings was through the roof, with 74 students getting involved in creating some light hearted fun. Kahle Southcott took the win for the Athenians with a whopping 617 likes. Second place was awarded to Spartan’s Jasper Garner, followed by Coire Dearns who took 3rd for the Vikings and Asher Licence from Phoenicians came in 4th.

The next opportunity for students to represent their house and show some house spirit, is PBC’s Basketball Free Throw Competition. All students and teachers are encouraged to make their way to the courts, Lunch 1 Wednesday 28 February, to shoot some hoops and earn themselves the all-important participation points and have the opportunity to be crowned champion of the courts. Who will it be? The Powerful Phoenicians, the Victorious Vikings, the Amazing Athenians or the super Spartan squad?

Abbey Bryant
House Leader Spartan

HPE News

PBC put in a strong showing at the recent Oceanic District Swimming Trials help at Miami. The team finished third behind the powerful Marymount and Miami swim teams.

There were many outstanding individual performances on the day with Cleo Lewis and Tallan Raftery being awarded age champions in their respective divisions.

The following students qualified to attend the South Coast swimming trials.

Congratulations to all students and best of luck at South Coast.

Boys relay team
L-R Jed Walter, Jhett Bond, Nicholas Monger, Tallan Raftery, Zach King, Josh Roberts

Girls relay team in action

Age champions – Tallan Raftery and Cleo Lewis

Girls relay team
L-R Gemma Edwards, Sienna Lee, Lucy Garufi, Cleo Lewis, Savannah Murdocca, Liliana Cuic

Cheers
Geoff Eggert
Sports Coordinator

School Nurse News

Last week PBC celebrated Smart Eating Week with the Year 7 students.

Smart Eating week looks at making more positive decisions around food intake including reducing portion sizes, eating more fruit and vegetables and enjoying treat foods in moderation.

PBC were lucky enough to receive a generous donation from The Pines, Woolworths of fruit for all Year 7 students.

Our School Based Youth Health Nurse sorted the fruit and delivered it to each of the year 7 classes just before lunch.

A massive thank you to our local Woolworths at The Pines Elanora for donating so much fruit for our students to enjoy. We are appreciative that our local community supports our students to make healthy decisions.

Hilary Wilson
School Based Youth Health Nurse

BYOD News – Are you BYOD ready?

PBC is moving to a digital curriculum in 2018. All students need to be BYOD ready. Attached is a flyer outlining the laptop/notebook recommended specifications.

Please note: PBC is a Windows Operating System based school, your student should have a Windows based device to avoid any limitations that other operating systems, such as iOS (Mac), Android, Windows RT, Chromebook or Linux experience at PBC. iPads are not an acceptable device.

BYOD Details:

• Just $50 per student per year to participate
• Locker hire is included
• Some heavy textbooks will be replaced by digital textbooks
  (price of digital textbooks are part of SRS fees)
• Receive 24/7 access to information
• Access Daymap – Storage, Cloud, H:Drive, G:Drive
• Digital Library access
• Turn it in
• PBC – IT Support
• Download Microsoft Office Suite Free (valued $600)
• Download Adobe Creative Suite option (valued at $300-600)
• Additional $20 printing credit
• Secure Internet access – 10 GB data

Please see our website for more details:

General News

Print Free Friday – PBC Sustainability

As part of PBC’s efforts to improve our environmental footprint and be more sustainable we are have a Print Free Friday this week.

Notice from Department of Health

PBC has been notified by the Department of Health that there are ongoing cases of gastrointestinal illness among students in a number of schools with the Gold Coast area. This illness can be spread through person to person contact, through the air and via contaminated surfaces and items.

If your child is unwell, we ask you to please keep them at home so as to avoid spreading this illness throughout the school population.

Reminder - School Photos – SAY CHEESE!

Friday 2 March: Catch-up day

All students that have not yet had their photo taken need to be prepared to have their photo taken this Friday 2 March.

All students need to present their photo envelope to the photographers on the day so they can be properly identified – even if they are not purchasing photos.

PBC Optima Yearbook

2018

The Optima Yearbook is an annual magazine targeted to students as a fantastic way to remember the school year. Featuring loads of photos, faculty and event articles, messages from staff and students and covering every cohort, the yearbook is an excellent keepsake for all students to be able to look back on in the years to come and remember their time at PBC.

Year 12 students will receive one as a gift at Graduation. All other years will need to place an order to ensure we have enough printed. Don’t miss out! Secure your copy of the 2018 Optima Yearbook and pre-order now by downloading the attached order form and returning it to Student Services with your payment of $30.

2017

The Yearbook is available to purchase. It includes a huge amount of photos from all the fun and events that happened last year. All year cohorts are represented! To purchase 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 PBC.

The business directory features 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!

PBC Alliance Membership is just $25 which includes a business directory listing on in the Business Directory, invitations to all our events and inclusion on our newsletter database so you can be kept up to date with PBC Alliance news. Head to the below website to sign up!

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 LEO’S

A promising start to the year for the PBC Leo club with many new members

Gold Coast Sports Star Awards

A huge congratulations to PBC Year 8 student, Piper Phelan, who attended the Gold Coast Sports Star Awards and won the Junior Sports Volunteer of the Year award!! What a wonderful achievement. Well done Piper

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 from your invoice or statement or Direct Deposit.

For Internet banking please use the details below:

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.

SRS Fees

Thank you to all our parents/caregivers for their valued support. All SRS Fees are now overdue except for parents/caregivers who are on a payment plan or Centrepay.

Make payments the quick and easy way using BPOINT. Visit the below website, follow the prompts or phone BPOINT on 1300 631 073.

Parents/caregivers experiencing financial difficulty can contact our Finance Office on 5525 9307 (Press 2 for Finance) or email ParentSupport ParentSupport@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.

Payment plan options are available including Centrepay -a service to families whereby periodic payments can be made to the school or Direct Debit via credit card (monthly). Paperwork is available from the Student Services Office to activate either of these plans.

QParents

The QParents application provides a convenient, and easy 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.

Community Notices

Coming Together for Taj Fitzimmons

One of the students from Tallebudgera State School Taj Fitzimmons, has been diagnosed with Brain Cancer. There will be a fundraising day for Taj on 11 March ‘Coming Together For Taj’ to help ease the financial burden on the Fitzimmons family. Head along for a fun day all for a wonderful cause.

Youth Soccer

PBC AlleyGators Rugby Union

‘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.