26 November 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The GCCC is about to commence substantial road and footpath work along Thrower Drive outside of the school in the coming days. The works will be widening Thrower Drive and installing a wider footpath on the southern side of the road. Currently there are three access points to the parking along the school fence. Once the road has been widened and the footpath installed, the middle entrance to the car park will be permanently closed. Entry to the car park in future will be down near the tennis courts or off the round-a-bout only. For more information see the link below.

This week sees the commencement of Year 10 and 11 exams. The Year 9 Academic Excellence students participate in Australian Business Week activities in the coming days and exams are not far away for our junior secondary classes.

As mentioned in past newsletters, the school is undergoing some major construction works for the Library Plus Project, E Block Classroom conversion and the School Hall Roof. This construction will continue during the break so please be aware that builders and their crews will be onsite during the day over the holidays.

Regards,
Chris Capra
Executive Principal

Senior School Update

Year 12 Graduation

The class of 2018 graduated on Tuesday 13 November at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. Weeks of rehearsals, planning and preparation culminated in an excellent celebration of a truly amazing cohort. The students all looked amazing in their outfits and some of them were unrecognisable! They scrubbed up well!

School Captains- Amy Cooper and Braith Gausden started the evening off and then Lily Woodiwiss performed a beautiful version of the National Anthem with a backing track performed by Hunter Hughes. Executive Principal Mr Chris Capra gave the first address giving sound advice for the future to our graduating cohort in this digital age. Athenians and Phoenicians then graduated followed by a wonderful speech about the students’ ‘Journey’ by Vice Captains, Harper Ashton and Annika Danielsen. The student performance of “Let me down easy” by Gang of Youths performed by Hunter Hughes (lead guitar), Patrick Robinson (rhythm guitar and vocals), Isaac Perrett (Bass and vocals) and Will Mitrakis (Drums) resulted in a resounding round of applause. Spartans, Vikings and the Student Leaders then graduated followed by a wonderful tribute to Parents, Staff and Support Staff by Kate Walker and Jackson North. By far the best speech of the evening was delivered by Year Coordinator James McCullagh in the form of a Dr Zeuss bedtime story. James received a well-deserved standing ovation from the students. The graduation concluded with the 2018 graduation video and then the now ex-students left their parents to attend the formal dinner.

The dining room looked stunning with fairy light jars and copper-coloured name plates to decorate the tables and red and blue lighting in a PBC theme. The dinner was delicious and the dancing after dinner was energetic and athletic. The students and staff attending had a wonderful time thanks to the amazing team of PBC staff who helped set up the venue, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the night ran smoothly.

The students all left on time and had disappeared into the night by 11:00pm.

Here are some snaps that were taken before the ceremony. Tango Photography were in charge of photography for the night and their images are available here...

Create a login in and use grad2018 as the access code to view the photos. They can also be purchased from that site.

Middle School Update

‘Say No to Drugs’ Presentation

In 2019, PBC will host Tony Parsons to deliver ‘Say No to Drugs’ presentations to students, staff and parent/caregivers.

This National drug awareness program provides a pathway to challenge student’s mindsets and assumptions about realities of the drug culture. The aim is to empower students (and parents/caregivers) with the knowledge they need to act courageously and responsibly when students are confronted with the choice of drug use.

Tony Parsons, has worked as a Police Officer for more than 30 years, 25 of those as a detective targeting organised crime syndicates. As an undercover investigation specialist in the field of drug trafficking, Tony has been personally responsible for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of multitudes of high risk and serious drug traffickers, and he has had a critical role in some of Australia’s most high profile drug investigations.

2019 Presentations:

Thursday 7 February
Students: 9:15am -1:25pm – Year level assemblies
Staff: afterschool
Parents: 6:00-7:30pm

Testimonial - Wayne Bennett – NRL Rugby League Coach

“National Drug Awareness delivers specific and confronting insight into the Australian drug culture and their approach systematically dismantles the flawed perceptions of socially acceptable drug use. They create a pathway to have open conversations with our players on this challenging issue. Singularly the best presentation I have ever seen on illicit drugs.”

Transition Day 2018

On Monday 10 December, we will welcome close to 400 future Year 7s to PBC.

If you know a family who is yet to enrol their child for next year, please urge them to do so by Friday 30 November, so their young person can be part of the exciting ‘first steps’ at PBC.

Finishing Well

At this time of the year, both parents and teachers can notice young people becoming tired and losing focus. We have been stressing the very small number of school days left this year, and the importance of finishing with the best possible outcomes.

Assessment may continue up to and including the last day of Week 9, Friday 7 December. Full attendance is expected through this period, whether or not students have exams or assignments due on a particular day. Exam time can be stressful for students. A balanced diet, 30 minutes of exercise, regular bedtimes (before 10:00pm) and packing any technology away an hour before bed can all assist in reducing students’ feelings of anxiety.

Final assemblies in Week 9 will have special significance of the students: Year 7s will celebrate the successful completion of their first year of high school; Year 8s, their transition to being the leaders of the Middle School; and Year 9, their graduation and transition to Senior School.

In Week 10, we offer ‘Special Programs’, a range of activities that engage students in learning extension and fun. School finishes on Friday, 14 December.

We wish all of our Middle School students every success over the coming weeks!

Textbook Return

Now is the time of year for students to dig out the textbooks and novels they are no longer using in the classroom, and return them to The Book Room in B Block. Any texts required through the exam period can be returned after the tests are completed.

Please encourage students to search through their bedrooms and lockers for textbooks. Returning all books now means that students will be able to hire next year’s texts in a timely manner at the start of 2019, and they will have no bill issued for missing texts!

Lockers

In these final weeks, students should be cleaning out their lockers in preparation for the end of the year. Bringing home those items not used daily can save students having to transport too many things home in one trip.

All lockers must be cleaned out by Friday 30 November.

Lockers will be available again at the start of the 2019 school year, at which time students may go to Student Services and have a locker allocated to them.

International Department News

Homestay Families Wanted – Study Tours

Would you like to become part of our successful Homestay program? Are you wanting a cultural experience and have a spare room? We require homestay families who live in the Palm Beach Currumbin area to host International students for upcoming Study Tours in May, July and August 2019. The students normally stay from 1 – 3 weeks with the families.

Remuneration will be paid for providing meals, accommodation, transport to and from school and a caring family environment. If you have a current blue card ( or apply for one) and are able to provide adult supervision, this could interest you.

In return you will be able to:

• introduce your family to another culture,
• learn another language,
• make long term international friends &
• share our Australian culture and lifestyle.

All students will attend Palm Beach Currumbin High School and will be aged between 14 -18 yrs. Host families can enjoy time with students from Taiwan & Japan who just want to experience our wonderful part of the world. Full support is provided for host families and their students.

If you are interested please call Corinne Van Put on 5525 9324, mobile 0438 191 637 or email cvanp1@eq.edu.au

Sports Excellence News

PBC Sports Awards Night

Over 290 people attended PBC’s Sports Awards Night to celebrate the success of teams and individuals at The Currumbin RSL.

A national championship team in Rugby League, State championship teams in Netball and AFL as well as clean sweep of all four divisions of the MR shield (Surfing) highlighted what has been a marvellous year in team sport.

Individually PBC students once again performed admirably across a wide range of sports. Overall sixty four Queensland representatives and fourteen Australian representatives were recognised.

PBC inducted its nineteenth Sporting Ambassador in Ryan James (GC Titans Captain). Ryan is a terrific example of REDS alumni for his achievements on the sporting field and also for his tireless community work. Students also got to hear from our special guest Lizzie Forsyth about what it takes to succeed in the tough world of competitive athletics.

Finally congratulations to our four sportspeople of the year.

• Junior Sportsmen of the Year – Zach King (Surf League)
• Junior Sportswomen of the Year – Raya Campbell (surfing)
• Senior Sportswomen of the Year – Abi Houston (Netball)
• Senior Sportsmen of the Year – Thomas Dearden (Rugby League).

Neil Mackay – HOD of Sports Excellence

Tennis Excellence – Elite Training Program

PBC is holding an informal gathering of people wishing to support the development of our students and tennis within the PBC school community. See attached for details on the event and the proposed Tennis Excellence Elite Program.

Murri Jarjum News

In Week 6, PBC’s Murri Jarjum community gathered to celebrate a year of leadership, success and inspiration at our Term 4 Murri Jarjum Awards Morning Tea. A gathering of students, parents and the wider community reflected on the year that was, which brought success in the classroom, on the stage and on the sports field. In particular, award recipients were able to look up to Braith Gausden, our first ever Indigenous School Captain. Braith’s tenure as School Captain has brought with it a slew of major awards, setting the bar high for our brilliant future leaders. The Awards Morning Tea celebrated the academic, attendance and leadership achievements of our Middle and Senior school Jarjums, all of which appear capable of following in Braith’s lofty footsteps.

Cam Williams
Murri Jarjum Academic Liaison

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 looking after your mental health this Christmas.

Pathway Centre News

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

General News

PBC’s 47th Annual Academic Awards

Last week we held our 47th Annual Academic Awards recognising those students across the school who have achieved outstanding academic results in 2018. It was a pleasure to recognise the feats of all those students at what is PBC's most prestigious annual event. The evening closed with the announcement of our 2019 School Captains, Abi Houston and Toby Mayes as well as the ultimate accolade the announcement of Amy Cooper as our 2018 DUX. Congratulations to all of our deserving award recipients.

Thank you

Thank you to Councillor Daphne McDonald, Division 13 Gold Coast City Council, for financially supporting these awards. Cr McDonald’s support is greatly appreciated and helped ensure a successful and enjoyable awards night.

Carols @ PBC ~ A Reds Christmas

PBC Arts students and staff would like to invite you and your family to Carols @ PBC ~ A Reds Christmas! It will be a fun way to finish 2018 with performances, special guest appearances and a chance to sing some of your favourite Christmas Carols. To be held on Tuesday 11 December from 6:00pm, undercover in the PBC Main Quad. Bring your own chairs, blankets, pillows, food and drinks. There will also be food and drinks available to purchase. We will be accepting food and gift donations for Stuff the Bus Charity to help those less fortunate have a happy Christmas in 2018. All donations should be placed under the Christmas Tree. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Please RSVP by Friday 7 December by emailing events@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au, stating 'Carols' in the subject and advising the number of people attending.

PBC’s School Police Liaison Officer wins Adopt-a-Cop of the Year

On Friday 23 November, after progressing through the Gold Coast District Command South Eastern Region awards, Senior Constable Kurt Foessell was invited to Police Headquarters in Brisbane where he was chosen from 5 candidates as the State Adopt a Cop of the Year. Snr Cst Foessell said, “It is such an honour to receive this award for the work we do in the Palm Beach and Elanora community. To have been selected as the winner for the entire state is a great honour. I am very thankful to Executive Principal Capra for taking the time to submit the nomination and the other schools who supported it. I am very passionate about my role at PBC and our work at Elanora High and Primary Schools and we will continue to work with everyone in 2019. Have a safe holiday and thank you for your support.”

2018 Yearbook is Available!

The Optima Yearbook is our annual magazine targeted to students and parents as a fantastic way to remember 2018. 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.

The Yearbook is available for collection by all students that pre-ordered. Please head to Student Services for your copy. We have extra copies so head to Student Services to purchase your copy for just $30. Don’t miss out! There are only a limited amount of extra copies available.

PBC Supports LIVIN

A wonderful article from LIVIN on the amazing fundraising our students have managed this year for their chosen charity! Congratulations to all our students for this fantastic fundraising effort. Remember... It ain't weak to speak.

Drama Excursion

150 students from years 8, 9, 10 and 11 Drama and Drama Excellence students were treated to a fantastic performance titled, ‘Pressure’ by Mashed Theatre. The performance was highly engaging and tackled some sensitive and relevant issues for teenagers.

Inter-house Mixed Netball Comp

Congratulations to Phoenician House on taking out the 2018 Inter-House Mixed Netball Comp! The GF was hotly contested, with a number of PBC’s State Champion netballers across the court. The Phoenicians took an early lead with the Vikings in hot pursuit. Dakota Newson, Tallan Raftery and Brielle Reeves led through the middle, with Pounamu Reeves shooting the Phoenicians home. The second placed Vikings played well and were strong in attack. In the minor placings final, the Athenians took care of the Spartans, with a dominant display of skill across the court. Congratulations to all who took part, with participation outstanding across the Houses.

Follow us on Facebook to keep up with all our General News.

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.

Surfing Success for California Barrett!

Congratulations to PBC's California Barrett who achieved another 1st Place! At the beginning of this month Cali travelled down to Port Stephens to compete at Birubi Beach, in the Kaos Surf PRD Cadet Cup 2018. In contrasting tricky conditions over the weekend, Cali managed to take the win in the U/14G Final. Well done Cali!

Rugby League Schoolboys tour of UK

Good luck Tom Dearden and Juwan Compain. We wish you well on this next adventure!

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.

Become a PBC Alliance Member or Partner

Would your business like to help and be acknowledged for supporting our students to reach their potential at PBC? We are inviting parents, friends, alumni and the wider community to join the PBC Alliance as a member or a partner in 2019. Membership is just $25 for the year and includes a Business Directory Listing for your business. Partnerships start at a contribution of $1,000 and there are currently 4 tiers all attracting a host of benefits.

Partners can support our students by sponsoring various school programs, donating their time, products or services to students or by donating money to support an area that is important to you. For more information on how to take part please visit our website below. We look forward to welcoming you on board for 2019

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

Uniform Shop

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:

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.: 2018 SRS8 or 2018 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).

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 and 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.

2019 Lockers:

To secure a locker in 2019, please make payment before the end of the year and return the Locker Hire Agreement attached. Locker Hire is $44.00 for the year, which includes the hire of a padlock.

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.

GC App – Photo competition

We are lucky enough to live, work and play in what has to be the best part of the world. From our pristine beaches to the lush hinterland, from dining experiences with million dollar views to the beautiful bird sanctuary, we have it all. But what part of our community do you call your favourite place?

You could win a $500 Bendigo Bank account just in time for Christmas by simply submitting a pic of your favourite place through the GC South Community App. The app is free to download and is a one stop shop of information for visitors and locals. Entries open on 20/11/18 so you have plenty of time to get creative.

Please see attached for more information and please share amongst your contacts and networks.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Happy snapping!

NSW&QLD only. Ends 20/12/18 5pm AEDT. Max 1 entry/person. T&Cs apply, see the link below.