30 October 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As the middle of Term 4 approaches, the Year 12 students prepare for their end of school exams, graduation and formal. The Year 10 and 11 student exams commence soon after the Year 12 students leave. Now is the time to ensure that students are at school each and every day as the units of work come to an end and the assessment periods commence.

Approximately $12 million worth of capital improvement works commenced at the school last week. The new building housing the Library, Flexible Learning Hubs and new Classrooms witnessed preconstruction demolition work make a start. It is anticipated that the new Library and Learning precinct will be completed by October next year. In November, the sports hall will be getting a new roof, guttering, foyer and additional rectification works. In addition, the sports hall floor will be receiving an overhaul with sanding and recoating works. E Block is getting a new roof in addition to the old virtual classroom being redesigned into a biology lab. During this construction, access to certain parts of the school will be restricted. Parking at the back of the school has now ceased, including on weekends.

Congratulations to the Junior Netball Girls who won the State Titles – Vicki Wilson Shield. The girls played well all weekend to eventually win a thrilling final by two goals defeating Canterbury College with the lead changing hands on multiple occasions throughout the match. Congratulations also goes to the Open Boys Australian Rules Team who won the State Titles last weekend defeating Helensvale SHS by 14 points in a tight and hard fought match. The Sports Excellence Dinner will have a lot to celebrate this year with outstanding performances in many individual and team sports. At the time of writing, the Basketball Teams were preparing to compete in a State Finals campaign. Finally a special commendation goes to the Open Cricket Team who narrowly lost the State T20 Final to TSS which is not a bad result given the school does not have a cricket pitch.

Last Thursday night witnessed 550 PBC parents and community come to watch another spectacular PBC Arts Exhibition and Under the Lights. This annual event showcases the best of our Visual Arts and Instrumental Music programs. The students were outstanding but the weather didn’t play nice with fast moving storms passing through. Thankfully everyone stayed dry and the music continued to play for a thoroughly enjoyable night.

Regards,

Chris Capra
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Important dates for your fridge:

• Wednesday 31 October – Year 12 Optima Awards – 1:55pm - parents and caregivers you are encouraged to attend
• Friday 2 November – Final day of timetabled classes for Year 12 and Walkout Ceremony
• Monday 5 November – Shutdown exams commence (timetable can be found at https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/Curriculum/Testingandassessment/Pages/Testingandassessment.aspx).

Year 12 Expectations

As the end of formal schooling draws closer I would like to take this opportunity to provide some information about what to expect in the last weeks of education at PBC.

In the last weeks of term, we have the same expectations regarding behaviour and uniform as we did when the students first started at PBC. Students will be expected to wear either full formal uniform or sport uniform (not Sports Excellence uniform) for the Optima Ceremony. They may also wear sport uniform as an alternate to formal uniform on the last day of timetabled classes. Students who do not comply with behaviour or uniform expectations, or come to school inappropriately dressed, will be asked to leave and may also have privileges such as attending Walkout or Graduation or Formal Ceremonies withdrawn.

Please discuss this with your child. Thank you for your support in this matter. We look forward to seeing you at Optima Awards and Graduation to celebrate this wonderful cohort.

Year 12

• The year 12 Shutdown calendar has been published on the student drive and school website (https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/Curriculum/Testingandassessment/Pages/Testingandassessment.aspx).
• Year 12 students are in their last term of schooling. Students and parents need to be aware that the final exit grades are those which will determine their OP, Rank and QCE eligibility and as such Year 12 students need to ensure that they continue to follow the school motto of nil sed optima, nothing but the best, as they complete their last assessments to the best of their ability. Year 12 students only have 4 weeks of classes this term before shutdown in week 5 (5 November). It is imperative that student are present at school every day in the lead up to shutdown.
• All students need to be aware that all assessment must be completed and that students need to be eligible to achieve the Queensland Certificate of Education to attend the school graduation on 13 November. The last scheduled day of school for Year 12s is Friday 16 November.
• All Year 12 students should have by now logged onto the student connect website https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au. This is the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) record of their learning. Students should check that their details are correct especially their address and that all courses have been registered. The QCAA will issue QCE and OPs in early December. Any issues please contact Ms Ashby in Y block.

Year 10 and 11

• The school is intending to offer a Year 12 fast track Diploma of Business course for Year 12 students in 2019. The Diploma will achieve a rank of 81 which is equivalent to an OP of 9. This course is offered by Prestige Services Training in the school timetable at a cost of $1990.
• Students whose OP prediction indicates that they will not secure a university offer (i.e. greater than an OP of 15) should consider this pathway. Interested students should contact Ms McQueen in F block or Mr McDougall next week.
• Any current Year 10 students that selected the Diploma of Business as a subject for 2019 as well as any Year 11 students considering doing the fast track Diploma of Business in 2019 need to attend an information night with Prestige Services Training on Wednesday 7 November in the school theatre from 6:00pm.
• Assessment Calendars for Term 4 have been published on the school website under Curriculum/Testing and Assessment. This is a useful tool to help students manage their time and workloads throughout the term.
• Year 10 and 11 students have 7 weeks of classes and a week of shutdown this term.
• Year 10 and 11 Shutdown exams will commence in the week of 26 to 30 November. All students may have timetabled exams up to and including the last day (30 November for 10s and 11s).
• All Year 11 OP students have timetabled QCS classes commencing at 8:00am on Wednesday mornings. As such all 11OP students do not need to attend sport in Term 4 unless they are in Sport Excellence. All non OP students still need to attend sport.
• A reminder that all drafts and assignments are due before 9:00am on the due date and that exams cannot be given early to students because of other commitments. Please refer to the school assessment policy on the school website for further details.

Senior Schooling in 2019 and 2020

The current Year 10 students will complete Senior Schooling under the New QCE system. This system will see the introduction of external exams in Year 12 and an ATAR being used to determine tertiary entrance. The school has conducted a number of information evenings this year regarding the new systems but the below resources may be useful for parents and students in Year 10 or below.

• Senior assessment and tertiary entrance in Queensland — a comparison of the current and new systems
• The new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system — popular Q & As for students and families
• Queensland ATAR — background information for parents and students

Middle School Update

This week we are celebrating Term 3 achievement at our OPTIMA Assemblies. All parents are welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you there. When reflecting on the successes of our students, I was able to draw parallels with the themes of the recently concluded Invictus Games.

The word ‘Invictus’ is Latin for ‘unconquered’ or undefeated the term embodies the fighting spirit of wounded and injured servicemen and women. They have been tested and challenged, but they have not been overcome. They have proven that by embracing each other and the support of family and friends, they can claim their future.

The Invictus athletes provide us a fine example of how to move on beyond challenge, how not to become defined by an injury or set back. They embody a fighting spirit that gives us chance to pause and to think about how we might dig deep to overcome challenges in our own lives, how we can do more to move forward past adversity and how we might do more to inspire those around us.

Our Optima Award winners do not gain accolades without hard work, dedication and an ability to keep going despite the many challenges they may have faced. These students embody our own Optima spirit and I thank you all for your efforts.

Week 10

In Week 10, starting Monday 10 December, we have completed all assessment and move on to Special Programs. The week provides students with the opportunity to complete a range of fun extension activities across all faculties.

On Monday 10 December, we also hold Transition Day, attended by about 400 Year 6 students who are joining our school community. The students meet a range of their new teachers and classmates, try ‘taster’ lessons, and are welcomed into their House. If you plan to enrol a younger child, you must do so by Friday 30 November, to ensure their participation in this special day.

Homework

A reminder that students should be actively using their planners to record their homework and other school commitments. Check your child’s planner for this. Should your student have lost their planner (and having checked their bedrooms and school bags), they should purchase a new one at the reduced price of $5, from A Block Student Services so they can maintain their organisation. If your child does not seem to be receiving homework, do contact their teacher for clarification. The assessment, including assignments and exams that students are working towards, are listed on the assessment calendars on the school website:

Assessment Calendars

You should have received ‘Connecting for Success’, your child’s Term 4 assessment calendar. These were also published on the school website:

Assessment Arrangements and Absence

The PBC Assessment Policy is published on the school website linked below. The policy is designed to ensure equity amongst students, accountability for teachers and the integrity of assessment items. Please understand that while students may submit assignments early, exams may not be sat before the assigned date. The very small group of students planning to finish the term before the end of Week 9 need to discuss their assessment arrangements with the Head of Department of those subjects with exams they will miss, well in advance.

The Arts/CAX News

Wow, we have been busy… please see an outline of what the Arts and CAX department have produced in the last four weeks!

Term 3, Music Senior Music Excellence Showcase

On Tuesday 18 September, we had our final senior Music Excellence showcase evening for the year. This performance was the last piece of Assessment for the Year 12 Music Extension students, and also a chance for some of our Year 10 and 11 students to perform in our theatre to their parents and the greater PBC community. On entry to the event we were fortunate enough to have a selection of tasty canapés provided by the PBC hospitality students alongside Mrs Maher and Mr Goodman, which was followed by many high-quality performances by our senior students. It was great to have so many of our PBC community attend this evening to gain an insight into what our students have been working on in their classes during 2018. A big congratulations to the students that performed and we would like to wish our graduating seniors all the best for the future.

Woman in Black

On Monday 8 October, 41 students from across all disciplines were treated to a spectacular performance of ’The Woman in Black’ directed by Lisa Smith. Lisa, who also directed PBC’s production of ‘Grease’, dazzled our students with her surreal and at times, terrifying stage adaption of the classic Gothic horror. It was wonderful to support not only Lisa but also our very own Leilani Frost (Year 12 Drama Excellence student), who was Stage Manager for the show and also to Drama Excellence alumni, Logan Chesebro who was appointed assistant Sound and lighting technician. The students had an absolute blast and were excited to once again engage with the broader Gold Coast arts scene. A big thank you to Ms McGlynn who organised the trip and to Mrs. Latter, Mr Sarasola and Mr Burckhardt for chaperoning our wonderful students.

Dance Night 2018

On Tuesday 9 October, PBC hosted the 2018 Dance Night at HOTA, Surfers Paradise, the students performed 31 pieces of work that were either choreographed by alumni, teachers or students culminating in an exceptional showcase. This year we have a scattering of Musical performances as well, which were welcomed with delight from our audience. The venue was packed to the rafters and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Thank you to all staff involved especially Ms Hall and Ms Swanborough who also hosted our Dance Camp which was over three days prior to the event. A big Thank you also to staff from other faculties who were present on the night helping supervise the 160 students involved.

Musicale

On Sunday 21 October, the PBC Optima Wind Ensemble performed at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod Musicale. Musicale features the best performances from the GC Eisteddfod and the Optima Wind Ensemble and PBC were selected for their performance in the A Grade Concert Band sections where they placed first. The ensemble was also awarded the Most Outstanding Ensemble in the eisteddfod. The performance highlighted the hard work of the students and the high calibre of musicianship at PBC. Well done Optima Wind Ensemble and Instrumental Music staff for this outstanding achievement.

Scene Project

On Tuesday 23 October, Year 9 Drama Excellence students starred in Queensland Theatre Company’s Scene Project for the third year running. PBC Drama Excellence students were selected to be part of The Scene Project and Year 9 Drama Excellence students embarked on a challenging journey, exploring the newly commissioned script ‘Good Grief’ by Merlynn Tong. As one of 62 schools in the state involved in the program, our students workshopped a short performance of the script and performed it on the QTC stage. They were also treated to an acting workshop with the Associate Creative Director of QTC, Travis, who assisted to shape their work. On performance day the students excelled. They received fantastic feedback highlighting the strength of their ensemble work and their sensitive and mature approach to the text in creating an engaging performance. The Scene Project was an excellent opportunity to engage with industry professionals in a real world context. A highly valuable learning experience for all involved.

Under The Lights

The Instrumental Music department held their end of year celebration concert Under The Lights in the quad on Thursday 25 October. The performance was attended by more than 600 people who experienced a casual evening with friends and family whilst enjoying the outstanding music by PBC Instrumental Music ensembles. This year the performances featured music from movies, a rap, and incredible soloists as well a VIP lounge area where audience members became a part of the ensemble. The students shone on the night. The Instrumental Music department would like to thank PBC grounds staff for their efforts in moving 600 chairs and 60 tables, PBC catering staff and students who did a magnificent job feeding our VIP guests, members of Band MAD (Mums and DADs) for their tireless work leading up to the event, behind the scenes staff who created posters, invitations and programs, as well as all PBC arts and music staff, because without them the entire evening would not be possible. Thank you also to Krissy Tassone and her vocal group who also performed high quality work on the night.

Visual Arts Excellence Gallery

Thursday night saw the first time that the Visual Arts excellence combined our exhibition with the Music Under the Lights event and it was truly fabulous. On display was the year 9 Art Excellence Young Archibald’s as well as their painted homages to artists who inspire them. Also on display was the Year 10 Art Excellence experimental unresolved works where students are learning to work outside of their comfort zones. It was wonderful to see so many people who would not normally see the Visual Arts Excellence exhibition appreciate the true talent and hard work of the these dedicated and passionate art students.

State Honours Ensemble Program

This year, multiple students from the Instrumental music department were selected into the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) and Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP). Students are selected based on their skill level amongst a pool of thousands of top state and private school instrumental music students. Students were placed into a range of ensembles which were conducted by Australian and International conductors and had only three days to prepare music of a professional standard. Well done to Sarah Watkins, Zack Hastie, Regan Hickey, Will Mitrakis, Amy Cooper, Luka Duffy, Isabelle Richters, Aiden Ikefuji and Charlie Priest. These students represented PBC with excellence.

Danc’ed in Spotlight

On Friday 26 October, our Year 7, 10, 11 and 12 Dance Excellence students joined together with 24 other primary,secondary, private and public schools across the Gold Coast to perform in a showcase of Dance in Education (Dance’ed in the Spotlight) for the Gold Coast Community at HOTA, Surfers Paradise. The event was an excellent demonstration of how Dance in education empowers, educates and unites our community and PBC performed two sophisticated pieces of work. Well done to all of our students involved and a big thank you to Ms Madonna Hall and Abby Swanborough for their ongoing passion and commitment to our Dance excellence program here at PBC.

2018 Showcase Awards for Excellence Gala

Congratulations to PBC Dance Excellence student Miss Mia Beame who performed at the 2018 Showcase Awards for Excellence Gala held at the Brisbane Convention Centre last Friday 26 October. Mia represented our school as a featured Dancer for Creative Generation State Schools Onstage and was handpicked by producers to perform for this very special night.

Loren Skyring
Head of Department, The Arts / Creative Arts Excellence Coordinator

News from the Wellbeing Team

For information from the Wellbeing Team including the Senior School Guidance Officer, Middle School Guidance Officer, the School Chaplain and School Nurse please click the following links.

Senior Guidance Officer’s Report

Information about university options, open days, scholarship and competitions and other opportunities.

Middle School Guidance Officer’s Report

Click to find an article on dealing with Anxiety and Depression in students.

Pathway Centre News

For information about alternative pathways and job opportunities please click this link.

General News

Food Technology

Last week our Year 9 food technology classes were immersed in a native Australian food taste testing delight. A local Indigenous friend of the school Alfred Summers, 'Alfie' came to our classes to introduce us to an array of native bush foods including the Davidson Plum and Aniseed Myrtle. Alfie also taught the students how to make a lemon myrtle and wattle seed cheesecake with a macadamia crust, which was delicious. This term the students are learning about the indigenous Australian culture and how to include bush tucker into their cooking. Their major assignment asks them to use a native Australian ingredient to accompany an ingredient from our garden to create a tasty dish.

Family Feud Night – Year 12

Late last term our Year 12 student leaders, Jasper Garner, Chelsea Furniss, Braith Gausden, Jackson North, Ruby Allen and Harper Ashton put on a fabulous Family Feud night for Year 12 students. Jasper was inspired to do this game show format and ably assisted by Chelsea, they put together a competition in the style of the games show. Students paid to enter as a ‘family’ and they all dressed to represent their family. Families included Yourmumsyourdad, The Typical, The Blended and The Smiths and the students did a great job of sorting out the best outfits for the occasion. There was a sausage sizzle to start and prizes for the best dressed family as well as the outright winners who earned themselves a round at TopGolf. Money raised from the event contributed to our $10 000 donation to Livin’ this year. Well done to Year 12 and especially Jasper and Chelsea for organising the event. It was a great night!

PBC’s Gratitude Projects Update

Term 3 saw the return of PBC’s annual gratitude projects. These projects required CARE classes to research an issue under the options of Sustainability, Humanity or Food Insecurity.

Students then created projects centred on improving an identified problem or supported a group that aligned with the chosen social issue. Some of these projects included a PBC sustainability audits, recycling programs, creek clean up, care packages for babies, supporting Animal Welfare League and collecting food for charity group Foodbank.

The level of effort put in by students was outstanding and Charities were especially grateful for the large amount of donations going to the groups they support. The old adage goes, “Many hands make light work”. You can really see by the photos the big difference the Palm Beach Currumbin SHS community can make with individuals coming together for a cause.

Lunchtime Entertainment

On Friday, Stage Band 1 and Stage Band 2 performed an entertaining set in the quad for students to enjoy over their lunch break. The Instrumental music students are currently preparing for their end of year concert, Under the Lights

PBC’s Open Boys Cricket

A huge shout out to the undefeated PBC Open Boys Cricket side. They made it to the T20 State Cup Semi-finals last Monday, in Brisbane. The boys have truly held the RED flag high in their quest to become state champions. Unfortunately they went down to TSS in the Final. It was a fantastic effort and we are very proud of them! #gothereds #T20statecup #bringonTSSinthefinal

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.

QLD State Athletic Championships

PBC had some great results at the QLD Track and Field Championships in Brisbane last weekend. Jye Gillard won the U17 400m! It was a great result for Coby Jones in High jump – a Bronze medal and PB of 1.94cm! PBC had 2 finalists in the 800m, Starr Scott and Tayla Moryta. It was a Silver medal for Starr.

Futsal Schools National Championships

Bella Carroll played in the schools national championships in Brisbane. She competed against teams from all over Australia. Over 4 days they played 15 games of Futsal. Bella’s NNSW team made it to the grand final but came runners up 4-2. Was a brilliant week of football.

She was nominated to play in the Australian team U15 girls over in Brazil representing Australia. Well done Bella!

Dates to Remember

PBC Alliance News

PBC Alliance Business Directory

If you are looking for a product or service look no further than the PBC Alliance Business Directory. All the listings are supporters of our students so please support those that support PBC.

Support our PBC Alliance Partners

There are many businesses that help our students reach their potential at PBC by sponsoring various school programs. We would like to give a huge shout out to all of the 2018 PBC Alliance Partners! The support of these amazing businesses, for our students, is hugely appreciated.

Bendigo Bank – Tugun Community Bank Branch
Struddys Sports
Glowing Green Australia
Aurora Training Institute
Prestige Service Training
Stone Style
Griffith University
Southport Sharks
Veteran Mentors
Capital Pest Management
Currumbin RSL
Firewire Surfboards
PFD
GCU Gold Coast United
Mighty Minds
Trade Glass
Tweed Sea Sports
Tree Trunk Digital
MSP Photography
Retire Me Young
Fraser Financial Services
Wilson Haynes Solicitors
Titans Sports Management
Burleigh Bears Rugby League
Currumbin Junior Rugby League
Merc Electric
Daryl Joyce – Carpet Layer

Administration

2019 Student Enrolments

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).

For credit card payment or to request bank details for direct bank transfer, please telephone the school, or visit Student Services between 8:00am-1:00pm.

SRS Fees

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

Parents/caregivers experiencing financial difficulty can 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.

Saver Plus

Community Notices

Movies Under the Stars

The Movies Under the Stars program will be run between October 2018 and February 2019.

Below is a list of the dates, venues and movies to be shown.

Mateship Run Schools Campaign