17 March 2015

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

Palm Beach Currumbin State High aims to be a world class school. We are committed to nurturing the talent of every student, positioning them to succeed in their preferred career and thrive in all dimensions of a balanced adult life including relationships, career, health, creativity, citizenship and recreation.

Our school motto “Nil Sed Optima” which means “Nothing but the Best” is an ever present reminder to our entire school community of the constant expectation of high achievement.

Reflecting on progress and striving for further improvement through renewing goals has a pivotal role to play in the pursuit of excellence.

In 2013 I led a comprehensive review of the previous four years of our school’s performance. This review involved:

• Using a broad array of data to benchmark performance and identify improvement trends
• Conducting extensive analysis of parent, student and staff perceptions
• Engagement of external experts to review the data and make affirmations, commendations and recommendations for further improvement that provides a basis for the next four year plan.

The results of this review are extremely complex but overwhelmingly point to the 2010-13 period as being very successful at PBC with an upward spiral of performance evident.

The review also identified the improvement priorities for 2014 - 2017 as being:

Learning

• Renew the middle phase and senior phase plans to use current performance benchmarks to further improve student outcomes
• Develop a cycle for curriculum renewal that ensures our programs are of high quality and address all relevant syllabus requirements
• Develop a learning and wellbeing framework which incorporates the schools social emotional curriculum, the approach to student goal setting and achievement and guides enhancement of support provided to students and families.

School Community

• Develop a community engagement strategy to broaden consultation regarding school direction and decision making
• Successfully incorporate Year 7 students into high school and manage the implications that increased enrolments create across the whole school
• Raise standards of student conduct and dress.

Workforce

• Develop a strategy that provides all teachers with quality feedback in line with the agreed professional standards and supports their individual performance development
• Renew the Professional Development Plan to respond to the strategic priorities for 2014 – 2017.

As Executive Principal I understand my responsibility for being accountable to the school community for ensuring our school is the best it can be and I encourage all families to familiarise themselves with our strategic plans.

At the P&C meeting scheduled for Wednesday 18 March I will outline the key initiatives for 2015 and answer questions from those present regarding these plans or any other issue regarding school planning or policy.

Full versions of the Quadrennial Review, the Strategic Plan and our Annual Implementation Plan are available on the school website for your review.

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Newsletter Articles

Senior School Update

It is Week 7 and we have are very busy at PBC. I am sure it is the same at home. During this busy time it is important to reflect on what are the core priorities right now.

Exams and assignment due dates are coming up quickly and in two weeks the Senior School will go into their exam shutdown. Every student will need to complete at least six pieces of assessment.

If you can answer yes to the following, that’s great! If not, talk to your young person now!

• Do you know what your student’s assessment items are?
• Do you know when the assignments are due? Or when the tests are?
• Has your young person started to revise/work on their assignment? (If not, they need to start today.)
• Does your young person have a plan on when they will do this work?
• Have they cut down on other activities such as parties or work that could impede their outcomes?

It has been proven in research that young people whose parents become actively involved in their education do much better that young people whose families don’t.

All the information you need to engage in these conversations with your young person can be found via the PBC website. If you have any questions or need help on how to engage in your young person’s education then please contact one of the Senior School team.

Nigel Hughes
Director Senior School

Shutdown exams

The timetable for end of term exams has been loaded on the school website under curriculum/ testing and assessment. Students can also down load a copy on the school’s K drive under curriculum.

Please note that Year 10 students will have normal classes through to Tuesday of Week 10 and will only have shut down on the Wednesday April 1 and Thursday April 2.

Interschool sport is on as per usual during week 10 as teams will be involved in competitions. Recreational Sport is optional on Wednesday April 1 for Years 10, 11 and 12.

Students must be in full school uniform to sit exams. Students who are studying VET subjects and are not up to date with their competencies will be required to attend school during VET catch up sessions to complete their competencies.

Please refer to the school assessment policy on the school website. All assessment tasks are due at 9:00am on the due date not during class time. Students who are absent for an exam will need to provide a medical certificate and apply for a change of date with their HOD on the next day they are at school. Similarly students who are applying for an extension or special consideration will need to download an extension/change of date form from the school website and submit to their relevant Head of Department at least 48 hours before the due date.

Senior schooling news

• 12 QCS boost club and 12 OP boost programs are continuing on Monday mornings at 8:00am in the Trade Training Centre. Please encourage your Year 12 student to attend if they are OP eligible.
• The Queensland Core Skills (QCS) test is conducted over two days in early September. Students who wish to apply for special provision due to any medical, physical or educational reason (e.g. dyslexia, migraines etc.) should see Mr Jones the Senior Guidance Officer regarding an application. Students are reminded that Maths B graphics calculators cannot be used in the QCS exams and that student will need to make alternative arrangements for a scientific calculator for the QCS test in early September.
• Subject changes will be available at the end of term and for the first two weeks of Term 2 depending availability of places in classes.
• Parents and students are reminded that completing English OP is a pre-requisite for the majority of Universities in Queensland.
• All senior students should be busy revising for exams and completing assignments at the moment and I’d like to wish all students well in their upcoming assessments.

Mick McDougall
HOD Senior School

Middle School News

Middle School Open Day

I would like to take this opportunity to remind our parent body that our 2015 Middle School Open Day will be held on Thursday 19 March.

All parents/guardians of Year 7, 8 and 9 students will have recently received an invitation to attend this Open Day. This is a great opportunity for parents/guardians to visit our Middle School classrooms and meet with our team of professional staff members and support personnel. To attend this event please follow the instructions as outlined on the Open Day invitation.

For those parents who are yet to confirm their attendance at this event please do so by emailing Chris Bacon (cbaco12@eq.edu.au).

Fantastic transition into PBC life

At the Year 7 and 8 Parent Information evening held earlier in the year, I outlined the philosophy of the Palm Beach Currumbin Middle School as being based on the following three pillars:

• Engaging students in their learning
• Building strong relationships (with their teachers and peers), and
• Fostering success for all students – students being given the opportunity to excel in their chosen fields.

To support this I also stated that one of the key focus areas of our Middle School is:

“Ensuring a smooth and successful transition into high school - during what can be a time of mixed experiences and emotions for all students, we aim to support them to settle and enjoy their early experiences in high school”.

If I reflect on our philosophy and aims regarding Year 7 and 8 students transitioning in our high school setting I am pleased to say that these cohorts have commenced their new secondary school studies in a very positive way. Heading past the midway point in a very intense first term, the Year 7 and 8 students have maintained their enthusiasm and engagement by contributing in a positive way to our Middle School learning culture and are building strong relationships with their peers and teachers alike. An example of this is the manner in which our Year 7 and 8 students engaged with the challenge activities from their respective Team Building Days.

Our Middle School teachers deserve recognition for their proactive work in supporting our students by setting high expectations with a warm approach. In particular our Year 7 and 8 Coordinators, Ms Kylie Gibson and Mr Brad Dixon, have been instrumental in leading this successful transition.

Year 7 and 9 2015 NAPLAN tests

Following the Easter school holidays our Year 7 and 9 students will undertake the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests on Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May 2015.

The schedule for the 2015 NAPLAN test is as follows:

• Tuesday 12 May – Language conventions; Writing
• Wednesday 13 May – Reading
• Thursday 14 May – Numeracy
• Friday 15 May – Catch up tests for students absent on 12, 13 or 14 May.

The Middle School does significant work in the lead up to NAPLAN to ensure that the students are fully prepared and are able to perform at their very best. Parents/guardians can support their child in achieving their best on these testing days by ensuring your child is relaxed, yet ready. Parents/guardians can also help by ensuring your son/daughter is sufficiently hydrated and nourished and has adequate rest prior to arriving at school.

If you would like more information on the test procedures or copies of pass test papers please visit the following websites:

Blair Hanna
Director of Middle School

End of term attendance

Students are now counting down to the holidays and ticking off end of term assessment items. It is a very busy time, and it is important for families to remember that students may be assessed up to and including the final day of term. Attendance every day is critical to maximise learning and academic performance.

Memory Health

On assemblies, students have learned some techniques for remembering what they read. It is not uncommon for students to complain that they have studied for hours and remember nothing, or that they cannot remember what has happened in the novel they are reading. Education psychologists argue that to maintain ‘memory health’, one must eat and sleep well. It is also essential that students approach their reading with a focussed mindset – avoiding music and other distractions, and being determined to learn.

Beyond these strategies, it is recommended that students remember the acronym ‘SING’. This means:

S – Stop at the end of each chapter or section. Pause and reflect on what has been read
I – Identify the main point of the story or writing
N – Never mind the details and
G – Is for Gist. What is the gist of what has been read?

We know also that having to teach someone else makes learning easier, so have your child explain the chapter or section of work they have read to you.

A final reminder: if you are unsure about your child’s assessment calendar, it is readily accessed on the school website.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

Year 7 Student Mentors

Our first group of Year 7 Student Mentors - student leaders from Year 12 - were inducted in Week 5 and met their classes. The Student Mentor program provides for these older students to join with their assigned classes each Wednesday morning, to share information about school events, listen to Year 7 perspectives and be an 'older and wiser friend' to the school's youngest students. The Mentors are also assisting with the running of games and activities during the breaks, such as the current Year 7 Interclass Touch Football competition. The Year 12s were as excited to be involved as the Year 7s were to have them visit, and we wish them well in their endeavours.

International Women’s Day

On Friday 6 March, the female members of the student leadership team were lucky enough to represent PBC at the 2015 International Women’s Day Youth Leadership Awards. Students enjoyed a breakfast at the Hilton in Surfers Paradise, connecting with several prominent female leaders within the Gold Coast community and celebrating the success of women within our city.

Two of our female leaders were lucky enough to be formally acknowledged with an award at the presentation ceremony, with School Captain Keiarn Chesebro a finalist in the category of IWD Youth Leadership within the Performing Arts.

Vice-captain Hayley Bowers was also acknowledged as the Winner of the IWD Youth Leadership Sporting Award for her role as a leader within the greater surf-life saving community here on the Coast. Well done to Hayley on winning this award over hundreds more applications from schools across our region!

Both girls were also finalists for the overall International Women’s Day Youth Leader of the Year in 2015.

Congratulations to Keiarn, Hayley and our female senior leadership team for continuing to be strong role models, leaders and outstanding representatives of PBC.

Hayley Bowers, Winner of the IWD Youth Leadership Sporting Award

Mitch Kennedy
Year 12 Coordinator

Study Skills Tips

Preparing for exams

Students should allow 3 weeks to prepare for exams. The first week should be spent finishing and organising class notes. In the second week students should spend time processing this information and then they can spend the third week attempting practice questions. Mind-mapping is one of the most effective conceptual learning tools for students to process information.

Each year, the top performing students use conceptual learning tools such as mind-mapping more often than average-performing students, as mind-mapping allows students to link subtopics more easily and form a clearer understanding of the overall topic. Used as a revision technique it will aid in-depth exam responses and prevents students from developing ‘tunnel vision’ when they sit down to attempt assessment.

Step 1: Create the main heading

This is the centre of the mind-map and should be the topic being studied.

Step 2: Create the branches

The branches should be the sub topics that need to be revised (using the subheadings out of your notes should help).

Step 3: Create second branches

Second branches are made up of more specific information about the sub topic. This should be kept in trigger word format.

Tips to creating effective mind-maps:

• Links can be made between second branches to show how one sub topic relates to another.
• This works well for analytical learners as it sequences notes in small chunks and allows students to make logical links between the information.
• Bright colours and images should be used to assist visual learners in recalling the information.
• Mind-mapping computer/iPad apps are available, but often writing out the information and drawing the lines and pictures allows kinaesthetic learners to absorb the information.
• Walking around, while reading the mind-map aloud can help auditory and kinaesthetic learners recall the information.

Courtney Underwood
Study Skills Coordinator

Science Department News

Biology students explore Stradbroke Island

On Wednesday 25 February, the biology classes travelled to Stradbroke Island for a few days to explore and determine the functionality of the ecosystem, testing abiotic factors and assessing the health status of marine life.

While the thousands of Instagram uploads were a burden on the remainder of the school, the Year 12 biology camp allowed us to exploit real life skills in field work and enabled students to foster a passion for the environment and ecology. Team building and leadership skills were encouraged with trivia, dress up and games nights. We’d like to give a shout out to Mr Zimmerle and Mr Robinson for their wonderful interpretations of Alice in Wonderland.

The focus of the camp was to enable us to complete field studies and gain a greater understanding of the Stradbroke Island ecosystems and this trip made assessment authentic for us. We all had a great time.

We would like to thank all teachers for organising such a successful camp!

#PBCbio2K15

Kelly Tighe & Riley Price
Year 12 Biology students

Marine Science Cook Island Snorkel

Students from Mr Brentnall’s Year 11 Marine Science class have recently visited the biodiverse waters of Cook Island, just off Fingal Headland, as part of their Term 1 unit on local marine ecosystems.

There was plenty to see, with a range of pelagic and reef fish, corals, molluscs, the odd eagle ray, as well as one curious octopus.

The highlight of the trip was the large number of green turtles observed by the students whilst snorkelling, in addition to a couple of pods of dolphins having fun riding the waves around the island. Plenty of fun was had by most, with only one casualty providing plenty of burley for the fish. Another great day in the marine classroom.

Danny Brentnall
Marine Science Teacher

USA Tour 2015

PBC is excited to announce a USA Tour for 2015.

The tour is a performance based tour where students will have the opportunity to perform on public stages such as Disneyland.

If you are interested in applying to be part of this tour, please collect an information letter from Mr Roberts (in the HPE office in the hall) and attend the information evening on Thursday 19 March.

Shane Roberts
HOD The Arts

Utsonomiya Higashi Senior High School visiting PBC from Japan

A warm welcome to Utsunomiya Higashi Senior High School visiting PBC from Japan.

Students from the Japanese High School will be visiting for two weeks and participating in a full schedule of lessons including cooking, indigenous culture, jungle jamming and drumming, and excursions to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin Creek Primary School and a leadership program at Runaway Bay.

Our visiting students will also have the opportunity to experience our classrooms with their buddies.

Thank you to our homestay families who have opened their homes to these students. Without supportive homestays our program would not be the success that it is.

We hope that our visiting students will take away with them some very fond memories of Australia and PBC.

We look forward to forging a great relationship with Utsunomiya Higashi Senior High and have the opportunity to host them again in the future.

Corinne Van Put
International Student Coordinator

Middle School Attendance

High attendance is an explicit expectation in the Middle School and the role played by parents in ensuring good attendance is established and maintained throughout the middle schooling years is crucial to the success of the young person. Although current attendance rates for Year 7 and 8 students are at a high rate of 96%, the maintenance of these high attendance rates is fundamental to ensure the embodiment of the Middle School philosophy, whereby each Middle School student:

• Has strong relationships with teachers and peers
• Is engaged in schooling
• Able to experience success in their transition into Senior School.

There are a wide range of support strategies available to Middle School students at PBC, particularly those experiencing possible anxiety related to coming to school. Below are some pointers as outlined by Education Queensland for parents who may need support in increasing the attendance of their young person. Teachers or Year Coordinators should be contacted by parents with concerns related to attendance and anxiety.

Children can feel anxious about going to school for a range of reasons such as:

• Separation anxiety (being afraid to be away from parents)
• Problems at school such as:
  -being bullied
  -not having friends, not fitting in, friendship conflicts
  -feeling lost at school
  -fear of getting into trouble
  -learning difficulties
  -Not getting along with a teacher
• New situations - whether facing the first day in a new grade or the first day in a new school, it's normal to feel nervous in a new situation.
• Failure - worry that their schoolwork will be too hard, they won't be able to keep up, or they won't know the correct answer when called on in class.
• Fear of losing a parent.

They may think something bad will happen to a parent due to:

• A parent being ill
• Family problems and fighting
• Parents separating.
• Knowing another child who has lost a parent or whose family has broken up.

If you have concerns related to your child’s attendance or anxiety about attending school, it is important to contact the Year Coordinator as early as concerns arise so that support can be put into place by the Year Coordinator.

Sandi Mlinar
Middle School Attendance Coordinator and Year 9 Coordinator

Pathways Centre News

School based traineeships available for Year 10 and 11 students in 2015

Year 10 students – Von BIBRA Robina Automall are taking expressions of interest for an upcoming workshop for anyone interested in working in the automotive industry. This will cover all positions including mechanic, detailing, part interpreter, sales, business and finance.

Cert III Hospitality – Tugun Surf Club, Crust Pizza Broadbeach, Zest in Tugun, Paleo Café Burleigh, JJ’s Bilinga, and Tallebudgera Surf Club, Coolangatta Surf Club, Crema Espresso Robina and Pacific Fair.

Cert III Hairdressing - Spirit of Hair the Pines are looking for a school based apprenticeship. Open to Year 10/11 students.

Business/Retail – Trade Secret Burleigh, Prouds the Jeweller Burleigh Heads, receptionist in Broadbeach SPA, Bakers Delight Coolangatta.

Cert III Business Hospitality Focus – Event Cinemas Robina and Jupiters Casino.

Cert III Business – Bunnings Warehouse Traineeships are open to Year 11 students only for the first intake in 2015. Interviews in April and successful applicants will be offered trials in May/June. Offers for traineeships will begin July. These traineeships are for the Burleigh Store only. Limited positions so get your applications in early. This program will be open to year 10’s later in the year.

Cert III Business Admin – Affordable Finance ELANORA, Aussie Home Loans (Finance).

Indigenous Traineeship – Westpac Bank.

WORK EXPERIENCE – Tricare at Clear Island Waters and Robina Hospital.

Love your current job? Would you like to turn it into a traineeship? Come to the Pathway centre and let’s see if we can create a traineeship for you in your current role.

The Pathway Centre is open before school and first break to apply for any of the above positions

Please see Ms Shreeve to apply.

Sonia Shreeve
Industry Liaison Officer

P&C AGM

The P&C AGM will be Wednesday 18 March from 7.30am – 8.30am in the Trade Training Centre. The Palm Beach Currumbin State High P&C Association is a friendly and welcoming group of parents/carers supporting the growth and development of the school. The P&C represents the parents’/carers’ voice and the committee works closely with the school community and school council to influence the future direction of the school. The P&C is an active body that maintains a focus on educational and social programs and fundraising activities throughout the year.

P&C Meet and Greet

All members of the school community are welcome to attend our Term 1 Meet and Greet sessions held every Wednesday morning in the Trade Training Centre from 7.30am – 8.30am. Come and join us for a free tea/coffee! On Wednesday 18 March, Blair Hanna, Director of Middle School will join us to discuss the expectations of the Middle School. Please RSVP your attendance by emailing bmort58@eq.edu.au or by calling 5525 9561.

School Council

The School Council provides strategic advice to the Executive Principal and provides the local community more input into the school direction and decision making. Nominations for a parent member closed on 3 March 2015.

Congratulations to Jacqi Holloway, who has been elected Parent member on the PBC School Council. The Parent Election will not go ahead on 18 March from 8am – 9am as previously advertised.

Brook Morton
Family Liaison Officer

Leos Reflection

I joined Leo’s somewhat reluctantly at the end of Year 8. Since then, I’ve come to love being part of such a positive and welcoming group of people and find it incredibly fulfilling to know that we are making some kind of a difference, even if only a small one. Last year we raised about $7000 and used it to support a number of local charities, in addition to volunteering our time to help a variety of organisations. These achievements helped us to win the Leo Club of the Year for the second year running. But it isn’t the trophy, or official recognition that makes Leo’s so rewarding. Its things like getting letters from our sponsor child with the Smith family, or hearing a story about a disabled child being able to walk because of the walker that we helped to raise money for. It’s reading the thank-you letters and seeing how appreciative people can be. I guess Leo’s has raised my community awareness and helped me to realise the joy that giving can bring, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the club in 2015.

Leos Club student member

A Combined Effort

Recently, a combined effort by the Palm Beach Lions, Lionesses and the PBC Leo club provided the funding to purchase a ‘walker’ for a young boy. The local family has expressed their gratitude for the donation and explained how it made such a difference to their son’s life. The ‘walker’ has enabled him to be mobile and has changed his life. They will be forever grateful.

Seventeen Leo members were involved in the community project Clean Up Australia Day. Thanks to all who participated in cleaning up around their school and also thanks to the Lions and Lioness members who organised the Leo members on the day. Upcoming events for the Leo club include Relay for Life where the Leo members will help raise much needed funds for cancer research. Kiralee Howells has volunteered to lead the Leo members for this activity.

In addition, a committee has been formed to organise the Special School disco and a special thanks goes to the members who volunteered for this committee. The regular Saturday morning IGA barbeques are underway with a roster for volunteers and again thanks to those members who willingly give up their Saturday morning to help their community. It has been a good start to 2015 with many students joining the club after the Leo representation at parent evenings. Thanks to those students who again gave up their time to support the Leo club.

Denise King
Teacher and PBC Leo Club Coordinator

Lions Youth of the Year Success

On Thursday 26 February, four students from PBC competed with other students from the district at the Lions Youth of the Year competition.

The Youth of the Year Program, which has been run since 1964, develops leadership and other citizenship qualities in our youth. The qualities sought after in the competition include academic attainment, evidence of leadership, personality, sportsmanship, public speaking and good citizenship.

Each of PBC's contenders was a worthy nominee: Emily Ireland (10), Michelle Borg (11), Keiarn Chesebro (12) and Tayla Meyer (12). Congratulations to Tayla, who won the Palm Beach club competition and now moves to the next round, and to Keiarn, who was awarded Best Public Speaker.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

School ANZAC Assembly 2015

On Friday morning 24 April, we will be conducting our Annual Anzac Day ceremony. It will be held on the main assembly parade grounds. I would like to take this opportunity of personally inviting you to what has become an important function in our school year.

The program will be conducted by our School Captains and will involve the Cadets, the Concert Band, and wreath layers from each year level. This year again we will be particularly honouring the service of our armed forces in international conflicts and peace keeping missions.

Our ceremony will commence at approximately 9.20am. At the conclusion of the ceremony please stay and enjoy morning tea.

I hope you are able to join us on this special occasion of remembrance.

For seating and catering purposes, please respond by Monday 30 March by contacting Lyn Bortolin by telephone on (07) 5525 9340 or emailing lbort5@eq.edu.au

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

School Vaccination Program

Queensland’s School Vaccination Program provides parents and guardians with the opportunity for their child to receive free scheduled immunisations during Year 8 and Year 10 at their school. The program is offered to all Queensland secondary schools. A child is eligible for vaccine based on their Year level at school rather than their age.

2015 immunisation packs have been posted to households. All forms are to be completed and returned to Student Services or via mail using the enclosed paid postage envelope.

The immunisation dates for Palm Beach Currumbin State High School this year are:

Tuesday 17 March
Tuesday 19 May
Tuesday 13 October

Please note that immunisations take place from 9am – 11:30am on these elected dates.

For further information please contact your local public health unit.

If you have any questions regarding the immunisations please call Helen Warren (First Aide Officer) on (07) 5525 9431.

Marnie Loxton
Business Services Manager

School Based Youth Nurse Notes

Healthy Sleep

During their teenage years, your child’s sleep patterns will change. This is because the brain produces melatonin at a different time of the day. This makes your child feel tired and ready for bed later in the evening. It can keep your child awake into the night and make it difficult to get up the next morning. Sleep is essential to healthy brain development.

Try the following tips:

• Ensure your child has a comfortable, quiet sleep environment.
• Encourage ‘winding down’ before bed – away from TVs, mobiles and computers.
• Reinforce a regular sleeping routine. Your child should aim to go to bed and wake up at regular times each day.
• Encourage your child to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. While the ideal amount of sleep varies from person to person, the average amount of sleep that teenagers need is around nine hours.

Healthy Lifestyle

1. Promote healthy eating in your home, remind yourselves of the basic foods and be aware of serving size
2. Make a distinction between ‘everyday’ and ‘sometimes’ foods.
3. Establish healthy eating routines.
4. Praise children when they choose healthy foods
5. Make physical activity part of everyday life.
6. Enjoy physical activity as a family.
7. Give children – older children especially – opportunities to try different sports and ways to be active.
8. Limit the time your child spends on screen-based activities.
9. Encourage your child to value his body for what it can do, rather than how it looks.
10. Set a good example.

Judy Nunn
School Based Youth Nurse

Guidance Officer News

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer Senior School

Three critical ways to increase your emotional intelligence

With the discovery of Emotional Intelligence (EI), we now know that your professional success is as much predicated upon your emotional intelligence (and some would even argue more so) than your IQ.

Your emotional intelligence is at the core of many, if not all critical “soft skills” that influence most of your interactions and behaviours on a daily basis. Research demonstrates people with a high EI earn approximately $25,000-$30,000 more annually than those with a lower degree of emotional intelligence; with this correlation between high EI and increased earnings permeating all professions – at every level – consistently in every country. This amazing finding provides an incredible incentive for increasing your emotional intelligence.

Following are three critical ways to increase your Emotional Intelligence:

1. Increase Self-Awareness through any means possible. Self-awareness precludes self-improvement. High achievers are constantly seeking personal and professional growth. Those with a high emotional intelligence are lifelong learners, open to new ideas, opinions and experiences. Additionally, gaining knowledge and insight into one’s limitations are not viewed as shortcomings for people with a high EI, rather they are seen as opportunities for self-growth and reaching outside one’s comfort zone. Executive coaching, yoga, meditation, therapy, emotional intelligence workshops and seminars are all vehicles whereby one may increase their self-awareness, thereby increasing their EI.
2. Acknowledge and Manage your Emotions. People with high emotional intelligence acknowledge and manage their emotions, as opposed to being reactive. The more volatile and emotionally charged a situation is, the more imperative it is to keeps one’s cool. During emotionally charged and high tense situations, people with high EI are able to process information in a timely manner and then respond in an appropriate way. They have the ability to diffuse anger by listening to and recognising the feelings of others – even when they disagree with them. Listening to others promotes good will among workers, since research consistently demonstrates we all have a strong desire (and need) to be heard.
3. Demonstrate an authentic and genuine interest in people. People with a high EI make it a point to learn the names and something personal about the people they interact with at school and at work, i.e. spouse’s name, kid’s names and ages, hobbies, interests outside of school etc. This effort fosters a positive feeling among peers and colleagues because it shows that you care about them as a person, not just a colleague. This connection is invaluable when you need a professional favour or help with a project that requires people to go above and beyond the call of duty. Since you have gone out of your way to sincerely get to know your peers and colleagues, and connect with them on a human level, most people will be more than happy to go out of their way to help you.

In the final analysis, all business is about people – and is run by people. Increasing your Emotional Intelligence will help you connect with the core of your business at school and at work.

Anna Willis
Guidance Officer Middle School

Uniform Shop Update

Uniform Shop Trading Times
Monday to Friday	8:15am to 9.30am
Open 1st lunch break	11.25amto 12.15pm

Please refer to the website for all price lists and order forms.

CAX SHIRTS

If you ordered a CAX SHIRT in Term 4 2014 they will be available to be collected from the Uniform Shop.

SPORT EXCELLENCE UNIFORMS

Sport excellence uniforms that were ordered in Term 4 2014 are ready to be collected from the Uniform shop in the times listed above. For all other orders you will receive a text message when your order arrives.

BUCKET HATS/PBC CAPS

Bucket hats and PBC caps are now available to purchase from Uniform Shop and are a Compulsory part of the Uniform and is recommended for all Outdoor activities. Cost is $15 each.

PBC SCHOOL BAGS

PBC School Bags are now available from the uniform shop and selling fast,

Features include:

• lifetime guarantee
• padded laptop pocket
• water resistant
• Ergonomic design
• Mesh drink bottle holder
• $70 each

Payment methods available:

• Flexischools Online www.flexischools.com.au
• Credit Card
• Cash
• Cheques not accepted

If you are unable to come into the Uniform Shop you are more than welcome to give me a call on 07 55259331 and pay for any uniform item over the phone.

Mandy Webb
Uniform Shop Coordinator

Administration

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.: 2014 SRS8 or 2014 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).

Student Fee Excursion/ Activity	Activity Details	Amount Due	Date Due
Course Fees
Student Resource Scheme	2015 Fees Year 7 to Year 12	$330	1st instalment overdue
Excellence Program Fees	Excellence program 2015 students	Various	Overdue
2015 Instrumental Music Program	Years 9-12	$75.00	Due now
QCS 2015	Year 12 students	$50	Overdue
Year 11 Semi Formal	Year 11 students	Deposit: $20 Balance: $60	Deposit: Due now Balance: 20/3/15
Student Resource Scheme	2015 Fees	$165	2nd instalment due 13/3/15
Interschool Sport	Interschool Sport 2015	$100	Overdue
Cert 3 Educational Support	Year 11 students	$500	Overdue
Advanced Surfing	Advanced Surfing students	$180	Overdue
Year 12 Cook Island	Year 12 students	$50	Due now
Dreamworld excursion	Tourism	$55.00	Due now
Arts – One Day of the Year	Arts	$32.00	Due now
Please note that all students are requested to present their Student ID card when making any payments to Student Services.

Most excursions do not appear on student statements. If you have any queries please call Lynne Riley in Student Services on 07 5525 9308.

Lost Property

Please check with Student Services for items like pencil cases, lunch boxes, etc. If you have lost an article of clothing (jumpers, shoes, hat) please check with the Uniform Shop.

Second Hand Uniforms

If you are holding on to old or unwanted school uniforms, please donate them to student welfare.

If your uniforms are good condition, please drop them off to the Student Services.

2015 Next Step survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2014. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2015.

Further information on Next Step is available online or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

Free dental check-ups and treatment for Year 10 students

Gold Coast Oral Health Services are now offering free dental check-ups and treatment to students enrolled in year 10.

To arrange an appointment for your child telephone:

The Oral Health Client Service Centre
1300 300 850
Monday – Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Excluding Public Holidays

Gold Coast Oral Health Service provides a free dental program for all Queensland resident children aged four years or older who have not completed Year 10 of secondary school. A qualified team of dentists, oral health therapists, dental therapists, and dental assistants will work together to meet your child's specific dental health care needs.

Dental health care is provided at dental clinics located across the Gold Coast or at mobile dental clinics located onsite at your child’s school. Parents/Guardians may be required to transport children to and from dental appointments.

Parents are encouraged not to wait to treat a problem; instead they are invited to arrange a check-up for their child/children at least once a year.

Griffith University Bio-VAM study

The Mother’s Day Classic

Deadly Families Festival 2015

On behalf of the Deadly Families Committee, I would like to invite you all to ‘Deadly Families Festival 2015’ the theme this year is ‘Whos ya Mob’.

The Deadly Families Festival will take place on the 21st of March from 10.00am – 2.00pm at the Broadwater Parklands, Southport!

The Festival is a free Indigenous Festival for the Community to bring together both non-indigenous and the indigenous community, to provide a fun space for community to experience and learn about our culture, to also provide a safe space for services to engage the Indigenous Community as well as providing the Indigenous Community a culturally safe environment to also access the services available on the Gold Coast.

The organisations that have been working collaboratively on this event are Relationships Australia, Kalwun Health Services, Headspace Southport, Gold Coast Medicare Local, QuIHN, Lives Lived Well and other non-government and government partners.

Touch Rugby League

Surfers Paradise Festival

For more information please visit:

Bond Pirates Rugby Juniors Sign-on

Bond Pirates rugby junior sign-on:
When: Friday 27 March, 5-6PM.
Where: Pizzey Park, Miami.
Seeking buys born in 2002 for under 13’S.

Please come down to sign on or register at www.bondpirates.com.au.
Phone Randall Cook for more details, 0401 717 560.