24 June 2015

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

This week’s P&C Parent Connect meeting featured Hayley Wilson from Lives Lived Well who provided those present with excellent information and expert parenting advice regarding adolescent drugs and alcohol issues.

There is a significant body of research in relation to this topic all confirming that alcohol and particularly cannabis use can have a devastating effect on the adolescent brain.

A telling piece of research emanating from Harvard Medical School in the Journal of Neuroscience reported that a 3D scan on brains revealed “that young people who had only used cannabis once or twice a week for a matter of months were found to have changes in the brain that govern emotion, motivation and addiction.”

We live in a society where drugs and alcohol are readily accessible to all young people and we therefore must work together to safe guard adolescent wellbeing.

We have a comprehensive approach to discouraging alcohol and drug taking which includes:

• Widely published clear statements of expected student behaviour which include likely consequences for any breaches
• An induction program which ensures all students know these policies and consequences
• A social emotional education curriculum which includes drug education
• A network of health professionals who ensure students know about the consequences to their health on drug taking
• Parent information sessions and regular updates in our newsletter
• Actively discourage “after parties” following school events

Our school community must be ever vigilant in regards to our young people experimenting with illicit drugs or alcohol. It is critical that parents:

• Discuss this information with your child
• Enforce family routines that ensure you can always keep check of your child’s behaviours
• Remember no matter how settled your child seems this is an issue that can affect any child
• If you suspect that your child may be experimenting, please contact the school to discuss. It is much better to be dealing with possible experimenting rather than health issues, school disciplinary consequences or police action in the event of a drug taking incident

Further information is available from Parent Connect at parentconnect@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Stephen Loggie
Executive Principal

Newsletter Articles

Senior School Update

With Term 2 drawing to a close, it is a sound time for reflection on the efforts and achievements of our students. This term has provided several occasions for celebration from the achievements of our senior sporting teams in their interschool sports to the outstanding performances of our talented students at the Creative Arts Excellence Festival and musical '13'. On top of these extracurricular achievements, our students have also been achieving great milestones in the classroom.

Senior students have now begun, or are about to begin, their final exams for Semester 1. At this time it is imperative that they set aside sufficient time for preparation. Study areas should be calm, quiet, well lit and free from distractions like phones and social media. Students must also remember the importance of balancing their study with a healthy lifestyle which includes time for relaxation and most importantly sleep. PBC offers every support possible in this time including the facilities of our welfare team who can assist with building study plans and coping with exam related stressors. Additionally, our teaching staff are contactable via email and phone for students to have any last minute questions answered. I wish our students the best of luck in these final exams for the semester.

I hope to see everyone back in Term 3 refreshed and ready for what is a very important time, especially for our Year 12's who will sit their QCS, begin university applications and move ever closer towards finishing their Senior Schooling.

Alyce Cleary
Acting Director Senior School

Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be A Learner

Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be a Learner - these are the three fundamental expectations of the school's Optima Code. At this time of year, it is important to remember these basic rules that underpin all aspects of school life.

Students should be working hard to complete assignments and prepare for exams, so their class time must be used as productively as possible. Ideally, their study and revision timetables are comprehensive and help manage a busy schedule.

As always, all members of the school community are expected to speak and behave in a respectful manner. Students have been recently reminded about using appropriate language in classrooms and in front of adults. They have also received reminders about following instructions from Teachers.

Lastly, I need to alert parents to an upcoming bike safety blitz, especially the wearing of helmets that will begin in Term 3. Officers from the local Police Beat, along with school staff, will be monitoring students who ride bikes to school to ensure that they are acting safely. Please take this opportunity to remind your students to wear their helmet while riding to school. All too often we see children arrive at school on their bikes with their helmets on the handle bars.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the school and its high expectations for our students to not only achieve at their very best, but also behave in a way that brings credit to themselves and their families.

Tracey Cardinal
Deputy Principal Senior School

Exam Shutdown

Year 11 and 12 students are on exam shutdown for the whole of Week 10, whilst Year 10 students are on exam shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Senior Schooling Exam timetable is published on the school website https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au under the curriculum then testing and assessment tabs.

During shutdown students only need to attend school for scheduled exams or VET catch up. Students must be in full school uniform to sit exams and need to arrive at their exam room at least 10 minutes before the exam commences.

QCS Practice Tests

All 12 QCS students have their final practice tests on Thursday 25 June. They will complete the writing task in the morning and the multiple choice test in the afternoon session. All QCS students must attend if they wish to remain OP eligible.

VET Certificate Modules

Year 11 and 12 students completing a VET certificate must be up to date in their modules by the end of shutdown. Students who are behind have been informed by teachers and sent a letter indicating when they need to attend.

Finishing Line Session

A reminder to Year 12 students that the Finishing Line Session which will be conducted on the morning of 14 July (7:30am to 8:30am in the Theatre). This is a voluntary session which will be conducted by Elevate Education to assist students with maximising their results in Term 3 assessment. This session comes highly recommended and all students are encouraged to attend. The fee for this session is $10. Payments need to be finalised by 26 June. Students in Academic Excellence will have this charge covered by their Academic Excellence fees.

Diploma in Business

As mentioned in the last newsletter, any Year 11 student interested in commencing a Diploma in Business in July can register their interest and collect an information letter in Y block. Please contact Mr McDougall for more information.

Certificate III in Business

Any Year 12 student interested in studying a Certificate III in Business to improve their tertiary pathways next year should contact Mr McDougall. This course can commence in Term 3 and will involve studying with an outside provider 1 day a week (cost $500).

Athletics Carnival

The school track and field athletics carnival will be conducted on Friday 26 June.

I’d like to wish all senior students the best for their upcoming assessment and hope they have a safe and relaxing holiday.

Mick McDougall
HOD Senior School

Middle School News

Setting Expectations of Yourself to Improve

At the commencement of the school year, our Middle School introduced approximately 800 new Year 7 and 8 students. As we are now almost at the completion of Semester 1, it gives me great pleasure to report that our Middle School students have transitioned into their studies extremely well.

In this newsletter you will notice that our Middle Year Coordinators have given a wrap up of their particular year levels progress and performance throughout this semester. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Year Coordinators for the major role that they play at our school in supporting our students to give ‘nothing but the best’.

Enjoy a relaxing and well deserved break.

Blair Hanna
Director of Middle School

Be Safe

At this time of the year it is important that students are reminded of the “Be Safe” aspect of our OPTIMA Code.

As students head into the mid-year break, being safe needs to be firmly at the front of their thinking. Our OPTIMA code has being safe in the community as an explicit expectation. The code says:

“I act and interact safely with the community. I obey laws and rules in the community”

It is important that students reflect on this expectation and how it can impact at school. Students need to be aware that their behaviour in the community can have a consequence at school. Anything that a student does that has an impact at school can be dealt with under the schools Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students.

One of the most common issues stems from social media and online bullying. Over the holidays, when students have more time on their hands, students often engage with social media apps such as snap chat and Instagram. Students need to keep themselves safe on these platforms by never posting personal information or engaging in bullying behaviours.

If your child is bullied on line I urge you to report this to the police and also the school if it involves our students. PBC will take action on this matter as cyber bullying always has a knock on effect with students at school.

You can help you student to “Be Safe” these holidays by talking to them about their online behaviour and talking with them about obeying the laws and rules of our community.

Stay safe and enjoy the well-earned break

Peter O’Brien
Deputy Principal Middle School

Meeting Commitments and Enjoying Well-earned Holidays

Middle School students currently have numerous assessment items to complete before the end of semester. Please check the assessment calendar on the PBC website and ensure your child can tell you quite specifically what is due, and when. Staying organised through heavy assessment periods helps students manage their stress levels, and parents to manage theirs!

Students may have assessments up to Thursday of Week 10. Please ensure that your child attends school up until the final day, so that they can meet all of their commitments.

Sports Carnival

A change of pace will occur on Friday of Week 10, when we will enjoy the annual Sports Carnival. Students are currently nominating for events and all are encouraged to come dressed in house colours. Many will choose to style their dress to this year’s theme: as something beginning with a P, B or C. The incredible effort students make to dress for the sports carnival is not matched by many schools, and we look forward to our Year 7 and 8 students participating in this colourful, energetic event for the first time. Students may wish to bring money to purchase from the Student Council sausage sizzle, which is fundraising for charity at the Sports Carnival.

Semester 1 Reports

As we assess up until the end of term, reports are available at the beginning of Term 3, Week 2. Like this term, they will be emailed home, so please ensure we have your email address recorded. Please contact A Block administration should you have concerns.

This Semester Report is a written report and very detailed, showing what your student has studied, their results, and strategies for improvement or consolidation. Most students have been working hard to achieve their best, so reports should provide moments for celebrating successes.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

Middle School Year Coordinator Reports

Year 7

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Year 7 students on their hard work during Semester 1 and settling into high school life. I have had the pleasure of seeing and meeting with all Year 7 students this semester and seeing the students in action in their classrooms which has been very rewarding.

NAPLAN

Congratulations to all the students who participated in NAPLAN this term. Your efforts and perseverance was outstanding and is to be commended.

Support

Thank-you for your support in reminding students about working hard in class to achieve their best academic work and also with their efforts with behaviour.

Electives

Term 3 will see Year 7 students rotate their electives. We trust that students have learned a lot this semester studying their electives.

Athletics

Good luck to all our Year 7 students for the upcoming athletics carnival. It is a great day and I look forward to seeing all students there participating and having fun.

Staying Organised

As we’re almost at the end of the term, it is important for students to keep track of their assessment pieces that are looming on the horizon. Using the School Planner will help your child get organised and stay organised. Thank you to those parents who are regularly checking their child’s diary.

Have a safe and happy holiday and if you have any concerns or questions regarding Year 7 please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kylie Gibson
Year 7 Coordinator

Year 8

Congratulations! During this first semester I have witnessed our Year 8 students make a successful and seamless transition from their respective Primary schools into the Junior Secondary sector. Your assistance in this process has been greatly appreciated.

The new procedures/rules and routines that your child has been learning and adhering to, enable us to develop and maintain the supportive and disciplined learning environment that our students need in order to achieve their goals. The students are currently working extremely hard on their assignments and upcoming assessment items in readiness for receiving their detailed Semester 1 report cards, which will be distributed early in Term 3.

I have seen our Year 8 students displaying a range of emotions this year; sadness, bravery, nervousness and sheer terror as I have been facilitating the Immunisation Program here at PBC on behalf of Qld Health. Two rounds have already been completed, with only one remaining on 13 October 2015. Should you have any queries regarding this process please contact the Gold Coast Health team on (07) 5581 6709 or via email on immunise@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

With the end of term only a week away I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holidays and once again thanks for all of your efforts that have ensured our start to Year 8 has been a great one.

Brad Dixon
Year 8 Coordinator

Year 9

In an attempt to wrap up a very productive and eventful semester, some highlights come to mind. The Optima Award Ceremony was a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the copious number of Year 9 students achieving a high standard in multiple facets of their schooling. This ceremony is always a gratifying experience as it serves as somewhat of a ‘whole picture’ of the cohort; one I am proud to be leading.

In their progression from Year 8 into Year 9, and inevitable and fast approaching Senior Schooling years, Year 9 students have demonstrated strength in two particular ways. One strength lies in their classroom conduct and overall effort to engage with the lessons prepared for them. Overall, uniform has been maintained to a good standard for the majority of the semester and there is importance in ensuring this standard is maintained until the very last day.

The Year 9 group is maintaining an attendance rate higher than that in previous years, however this aspect of schooling requires improvement through parent support. At the end of the day, when students make every day count, their opportunities to build good habits and create positive experiences in a school day are maximised.

I wish every Year 9 student a happy and safe two week break. Looking forward to seeing each and every one of you on the first day back.

Sandi Mlinar
Year 9 Coordinator

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data

From 2013, schools across Australia will take part in a new national data collection on school students with disability.

The data collection is being introduced in stages over three years, starting in October 2013. From 2015, this information will be collected in every school across Australia, every year.

All Australian governments have agreed to this.

What is the Benefit for My Child?

All Australian governments agree that every child in an Australian school should have a high quality education. It shouldn’t matter what the individual child’s circumstances are – every child should have the same opportunity to succeed at school.

The aim of this new data collection is to have better information about school students with disability in Australia.

Better information about school students with disability will help teachers, principals and education authorities to support students with disability to take part in school on the same basis as students without disability.

Can I decide whether my child’s information is included in the national data collection?

It’s your decision about whether you want your child’s information to be included in the national reporting or not.

Including every school child who is being provided with an adjustment because of disability in this new national data collection each year will help schools, education authorities and governments to better meet students’ needs.

If you do not wish for your child’s details to be included, please provide a written letter stating this delivered to student services or school administration. Any letters will need to be supplied before 2 August 2015.

Anita Sgalippa
Deputy Principal Organisational Capability

Special Education Services News

I would like to introduce myself as Acting Head of Special Education Services. Prior to commencing at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, I was a teacher-in-charge and Case Manager at Robina State High School. I look forward to working with our students and their families, and encourage you to communicate with our staff and myself regarding your child’s educational support needs.

The Special Education Program highlights this term have included the Year 12 rock climbing excursion focusing of both team building and independence, in addition to Middle School staff enhancing support for our ASD students through attending a Sue Larkey workshop. These events have helped to foster stronger relationships and understanding between students, and also provide further insight for our teachers about our students’ strengths and challenges.

Kerri Henderson
Acting HOD Special Education Services

Training in Autism Spectrum Disorders

“No Billy! Put your iPad away we are doing a group activity.” To an autism child this statement is interpreted as, “No Billy you can never use your iPad in class.” When students with Autism are told NO, they actually hear the word NEVER. Words like WHEN, THEN, NOW, NEXT and LATER are the choice words we need to use and be mindful of around these types of children.

The above was just one special gem of advice that was taught to us by Autism guru Sue Larkey.

On Monday 25 May a few of the Middle School SEP department staff, Dan Munro, Monique Van Der Horst and myself, Melissa Mruck, were fortunate enough to attend the Making it a Success – Training for Autism Spectrum Disorders Professional Development.

We had an information packed day complete with strategies for teaching and interacting with students who are on the autism spectrum. There were many interesting and funny real-life stories told by Sue, a few documentaries and many resources at our fingertips to have a look at and purchase.

Some key tips that we learned for dealing with students with autism included:

• Use visuals for routine
• Create silent spots in class
• Reward and motivation
• Repetition and practice
• Pick your battles
• Routines/schedule
• Structure and adaptation

Remember: “Fair isn’t everyone getting the same, fair is everyone getting what they need in order to be successful.” – Sue Larkey

Melissa Mruck
Special Education Services Teacher

Rock Climbing

Transition, team building and white knuckles. As part of their team building and communication workshops students participated in a rock climbing activity at Paramount Adventures. The students were taken out of their comfort zones and placed a 100ft from the ground with no more than an artificial rock to cling to. With instructions on their next move coming from the ground they negotiated the rock walls at the indoor climbing centre mastering their fears. The students worked as small teams to ensure everyone had a job to do and did it correctly.

Everyone gained a valuable experience in team work and communication, and the smiles showed it was worth every moment.

Christopher Walsh
Special Education Services Teacher

Interschool Sport 2015

The outstanding PBC sporting tradition continued this year with the mighty REDS once again dominating the World of Sport Gold Coast Region finals. 23 teams contested the crossover finals with 17 PBC teams winning premierships in the A division across a number of sports.

The time and effort of the many coaches who look after our teams should not be underestimated and I would to thank them on behalf of all the students involved.

Interschool Sport operated through our Wider District School Sport on a Wednesday afternoon for 10 weeks in Terms 1 and 2. From there, the winners of each sport qualified for the South Coast Regional Crossover Finals day, along with the winning teams from the other three Districts.

Our victorious teams on the World of Sport Gold Coast Finals day were:

BOYS

U15Boys Basketball (Mr Brown)
U14 Cricket (Mr Powell)
U12 Rugby League (Mr C. Patison)
Open A Boys Soccer (Mr Morley)
U15 Boys Soccer (Mr Robinson)
U14 Boys Soccer (Mr Dixon)
U15 Boys Tennis (Mr Emerson)
U14 Boys Tennis (Mr Emerson)
U13 Boys Tennis (Mr Emerson)
U13 Boys Touch (Mr McCarthy)

GIRLS

Open A Girls Basketball (Mr Smith)
U15 Girls Basketball (Mr Smith)
U13 Girls Basketball (Mr Smith)
U14A Girls Netball (Ms Deague)
U13A Girls Netball (Ms Hobbs)
Open Girls Soccer (Mr Hulme)
Open A Girls Tennis (Mrs Kelly)

Congratulations to all teams on another excellent season.

Geoff Eggert
Sports Coordinator

Geography Excursions

Year 11

Year 11 Geography students recently had the opportunity to conduct field work along the Tallebudgera creek as part of the ‘Managing Catchments’ unit. Students had the chance to get dirty as they collected a range of data regarding the range of habitat, physio-chemical and biological properties of the creek at each of the upper, middle and lower catchment areas. A good day was had by all and the primary data students collected will be used in their upcoming reports, good luck!

Year 12

In Year 12 Geography news, we have recently returned from our annual camp to Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park as part of the ‘Sustaining Biodiversity’ unit. 37 students made the pilgrimage up the range to the World Heritage Listed sub-tropical rainforest and it didn’t disappoint. As soon as we arrived we packed our backpacks and headed off on the 17.5 km Coomera Falls circuit, a rainforest walk regarded by our well-travelled tour operator as one of the top 10 in the world! It was fantastic, but after 7 hours of walking there were some very tired bodies who could muster just enough energy for dinner and marshmallows around the camp fire. On the second day the students conducted a range of field testing activities which would ultimately provide insight and compare the biodiversity of two different sections of rainforest. Students will also be using this primary data in their upcoming reports.

A special thank you should go to Chris Audley from Second Nature-Asia Pacific and the students for their participation and enthusiasm, well done!

Ben Opie
Geography Teacher

GC2018 Schools Connect Launch

PBC was fortunate to be invited to the recent launch of the ‘Gold Coast Schools Connect Program’ as part of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. School Vice-Captains, Fletcher Harrold and Hayley Bowers took part in a networking and information session at Metricon Stadium hosted by Kate Jones, State Minister for Education, Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games.

As part of the program, each Gold Coast school was aligned with one of the 71 competing nations, PBC’s adopted country being Kenya. It is hoped that this alliance will strengthen our school community in the lead-up to the games, potentially hosting visiting Kenyan athletes in the future.

Although still three years away, the students were impressed to see the amount of organisation and effort that goes into hosting an international event of this calibre.

A promotional video on the GC2018 process can be seen here - https://vimeo.com/123592647.

Mitchell Kennedy
Year 12 Coordinator

Plan Your Own Enterprise

Twelve students who have decided to enter the CPA ‘Plan Your Own Enterprise’ competition attended their first two hour workshop on Tuesday afternoon. This workshop organised and delivered by ‘StartUp Creative’ entrepreneur and mentor, Kaylene Langford, gave students the opportunity to articulate a business idea and assist them in establishing a realistic plan of action and the skills and knowledge needed to bring their business idea to life. This gave students support in submitting a business idea for the competition and explaining how it could become a profitable business.

Nikki Stephen
Accounting and Business Teacher

Junior Secondary Leadership Summit Camp

PBC’s Year 9 Middle School Leaders recently attended the Gold Coast Junior Secondary Leadership Summit Camp at Runaway Bay Sports and Leadership Excellence Centre. The group participated in a number of team activities and planning sessions designed to build their skills including communication, self-reliance, cooperation, leadership, and teamwork. The Summit provided students with the opportunity to work with peers from other Gold Coast schools.

As follow up, the Student Leaders are giving a presentation to the Middle School Administration and look forward to practising their new skills through their work over the remainder of the year.

Sharon Hillcoat
HOD Middle School

Students Versus Teachers Competitions

Every year PBC teachers and students go head to head in a range of competitions to see who will come out on top and take home the ‘students vs teachers’ prized trophy.

With each side nominating their strongest competitors, the games start with the mental tests of chess and debating, before moving on to the gruelling physical competitions of netball, soccer, touch football and basketball.

This year the teachers took home the trophy with unprecedented wins in debating, touch football, soccer and basketball.

Here is a breakdown of each challenge:

Debate

This year’s annual Great Debate between staff and students involved the topic ‘Shakespeare is past his use-by date in the school curriculum’. Students were in the unenviable position of defending bard Will, while teachers enjoyed regaling the audience with the many troublesome aspects of studying Shakespeare, not least of all – the language.

Students particularly enjoyed Mr Loggie’s anecdotes. Apparently, when he was at school, and during his classes on King Lear, his mind wandered to more pleasant things such as what he would be having for dinner and footie practice. Mr Russell brought the house down with his skit which showed Juliet texting Romeo – ‘where the hell are you?’.

Suffice to say that after five years, the teachers finally won the great debate.

Chess

Once students selected a teacher to challenge in the chess competition, they solidly practised by competing in an inter-school competition and playing numerous games during Wednesday chess club time.

The lunchtime event was a huge success. Students took anywhere from three to thirty minutes to claim their victories and managed to continue their winning streak and claimed the trophy for another year.

The event supported by the Year 11 Hospitality students who made coffees and served platters of fruit and sandwiches to the players. They did a fabulous job and a big thank you to Mr Foers for his help in organising this.

Touch Football

After a demoralising defeat in 2014, the teachers bounced back this year with a resounding win, six touchdowns to three against the girls’ Sports Excellence Touch Team. The contest was very hardly fought with the students scoring some great touchdowns off set plays close to the line. However, the students could not match the speed of ball movement of the teachers who constantly stretched the defence with their slick passing. To their credit, the students never gave up and learned a lot from the experience.

Netball

The netball game was an intensely contested battle, with the students once again proving too strong for the teachers. The girls were privileged to have Mr Patison as a special guest coach who led them to a strong 30-12 win.

Captain Ash Lear said “these games are so much fun, I wish we could play the teachers once a term, it really makes you think, because you don’t know what they are going to do”. Ash and Jada will lead the PBC Open A team to defend their state championship title in August this year. Good luck Girls!

Soccer

The students came out of the blocks quickly and scored two quality team goals. Some magnificent skills and lead up play resulted in goals to Tyler Stanley-Miller and Kye Duncan giving the students a two goal early advantage and a definite spring in their step. This is what the teachers needed to spur them into action. A couple of contentious off-side calls were waved play on which allowed time and space in the box for sharp shooters Chris Pattison and Tim Maccan who adeptly took their chances and put the ball past the keeper. The game was locked up at half time 2-2.

In the second half, the students again started strongly but failed to capitalise on some positive field position and corners. After holding them out, the teachers played on the counter attack and Tim Maccan again managed to sneak a goal past the advancing Je ‘Hollywood’ Jacobs in goal. 3-2 to the teachers. With the game coming to a close, Chris Pattison was on hand again to superbly slot a strike from close range into the bottom corner.

Mr Loggie was on hand after a gruelling match to collect the trophy on behalf of the teachers for the first time in a number of years. Many thanks to all participants on a very enjoyable match.

Basketball

The game started at a cracking pace although both teams were unable to get the ball through the basket. As the big crowd became restless Mr Adam Brown got the staff up and running with back to back baskets to put the students on their heels. Principal Mr Loggie was closely guarded by the motivated students which created space for the lesser talented Power and Owens to break free. Some big three pointers hit by Josh Stubbings and Dylan Wakeling kept the students within striking distance but some timely contributions from Mr Patison (Jnr) led the staff to their first win in five years. The excellent atmosphere helped create an enjoyable experience for all involved.

Thank you to Ms Reid, Ms Van Der Horst Bruyn, Mr Eggert, Ms Kadry, Mr Morley and Mr Smith for coordinating these competitions and well done to all those who took part and showed great sportsmanship. The teachers are already looking forward to defending their title in 2016!

The Collage – ANZAC poster

The Collage 100 Year Anniversary Commemorative ANZAC poster was designed by students in the Visual Arts Creative Excellence program over a two year period here at PBC.

Profits made from the sale of The Collage goes to supporting Veterans, including Soldier On Australia and White Crosses New Zealand.

Prints of The Collage can be purchased at Student Services for $19.95.

Pathways Centre News

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

Cert III Hospitality – Café by the Bridge, Café Caribou Tugun, Burleigh Surf Club, Olives Pizza and Pasta, Koffee Shack, Ocean Art Café and Gallery, The Deck Café Currumbin, Hard Rock Café, Crust Pizza Broadbeach, The Lake Café and Bar, Crema Espresso Robina and Pac Fair, and Dumpling Republic Robina.

Traineeships - Wendys The Pines, immediate start.

Greencross Vets – Cert II Animal Studies applications open for 2016 school based traineeship program.

Cert III Sport and Rec – Miami and Burleigh Pools includes Pool life Guard, First Aide and CPR.

Blooms the Chemist – Cert III Business traineeship

First National Real Estate – Cert III Business, must be able to work Saturdays for open houses. Traineeship could lead to long term career in real estate for the right person.

Jupiters Casino Broadbeach – School based traineeship opportunities in all areas. Guest speaker coming soon to assembly. Please see Ms Shreeve to give your expression of interest.

Cert III Hospitality - Pizza Hut, The Pines

Expressions of interest – Bunnings Warehouse Burleigh, Year 10 students only

Training Awards – Applications are open for the 2015 South East Region Training Awards. All eligible trainees who have received a letter in the mail recently and would like to submit an application please collect your application pack from the Pathway Centre Y Block ASAP. Closing Date extended until 26 June 2015.

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

How Facebook Can Help (or Hurt) a Student’s Job Prospects

Teenagers share a wide range of information about themselves on social media; indeed the sites themselves are designed to encourage the sharing of information and the expansion of networks. In fact teens are sharing more information about themselves today than they did a few years ago. Older male teenagers share the most.

Facebook is huge – 1.3 billion users worldwide. In Australia 9 million people use Facebook every day. Employers will often check out a student on Facebook before they hire them. Many are looking to verify resume details while others look to find out more about the student and some, for reasons to count them out!

Here are five reasons employers look at a student’s Facebook (and other social media sites):

1. What sort of image their online profile portrays
2. Clues about personal, social and work style preferences
3. How they interact with people and share views
4. What are their interests, passions and accomplishments
5. To verify resume details and qualifications

Employers often use social networks to see if there are any ‘red flags’. The reddest flags for most employers seem to be:

• Provocative or inappropriate images
• Information about drinking or using drugs
• A candidate bad-mouthing of a previous employer
• Poor communication skills
• Discriminatory comments related to race, gender or religion
• A candidate who lied about qualifications

Careers Advisers can address the transition from teenage student to teenage employee and make sure their social profiles are ‘job ready'. Employers want 'professional and responsible' which for many, is the opposite of being a teenager.

The transformation as the teenager morphs into an adult is determined by how people view the evidence of a past life. Teenagers need to start by shedding their child persona. The first thing to do is clean up their online profiles.

Here are three essentials.

1. Lose an inappropriate email address. hotlips@yahoo is OK at school for mates but not quite the email address to use on your resume or to communicate with an employer.
2. Change your phone message. If it’s silly, humorous, or adult rated change to be more professional.
3. Edit your Facebook page. Go to Google and search your name. Your future employer will do just that. If there’s anything that you don’t think appropriate, get rid of it.

For further information I recommend you visit these sites:

• Social media advice and guidance
• Student resumes
• Finding a job

Parent Drop-in Sessions

Parents are invited to register to attend a 20 minute drop in session between 9.00am and 5.00pm, each weekday over the June/July school holidays at either the Nathan or Gold Coast campus.

Meetings will be with a member of the Student Recruitment Team. These sessions are an opportunity to discuss Griffith pathways, course information, scholarships, or any other area parents may wish to 'know more' about.

Sessions can be requested by emailing yourfuture@griffith.edu.au. A member of the team will then get in touch to book in an available time slot.

Steve Jones
Guidance Officer Senior School

6 Ways of Raising Employable Teenagers

I want to put this to parents: are you raising employable kids? Unless you have a business empire for your child to walk straight into immediately after graduation, your child needs to get a job. So here are six ways to raise employable teenagers.

1. The likeability factor: First of all, that means likeable to the outside world and not just to you or their grandparents. An impression is made in the first few seconds after meeting someone: the following minutes and hours only serve to build evidence for or against that first impression.
2. The art of conversation: Many over-schooled teenagers cannot hold a conversation. Because believe it or not, children need to be taught how to verbally engage with others (ask relevant questions politely, listen to the answers, process the information, form their own opinion, and discuss topics eloquently, in context, and in an age-appropriate fashion).
3. Service with a smile: Does your teenager have the right attitude? What I have learned, through my own experience, is that in the real world, everyone needs to start from the bottom rung. How will your child cope with being an office junior? Or doing menial tasks for their boss such as carrying their bag, sharpening pencils, bringing coffee and doing it with a smile.
4. It hurts but that’s life: Perhaps the most important factor of all, can your child cope with criticisms? When you spend the early years telling them how wonderful they are. What happens when someone out there in the world disagrees and how will they react?
5. Be alive: Is your child inspired? Do they have the fire within them to make something out of their life and does their CV showcase this initiative?
6. Show commitment: Start something, stick to it and finish it. Chasing for bigger and brighter things every few months does not look good on the CV. A good way for teenagers to develop this quality is the humble jigsaw puzzle… and no moving on until the piece is finished.

Anna Willis
Guidance Officer Middle School

School Based Youth Nurse Notes

Recently there have be a few cases of Impetigo (school sores) at PBC. Please see attached information about impetigo and treatments.

Judy Nunn
School Based Youth Nurse

Uniform Shop Update

Uniform Shop Trading Times – Term 2 2015
Monday to Friday	8:15am to 10.30am
Closed 1st lunch break

Jumpers

The PBC knitted jumper is now available to be purchased from the Uniform Shop. Cost is $48.

Tracksuit pants

Tracksuit Pants are now available to be purchased from the Uniform Shop. Cost is $55. Please be aware that we have limited stock. Small and medium sizes have sold out.

Bucket hats/ PBC caps

Bucket hats and PBC caps are now available to purchase from Uniform Shop. These hats are a compulsory part of the uniform and are 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

Volunteers needed

If there are any volunteers who would love to spend a couple of hours each week in our very busy Uniform Shop and or Canteen we would love to hear from you!

Please contact Mandy on 07 5525 9331 for further details.

Lost property

Please visit the uniform shop to collect lost property; including school items and non-school items.

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 call on 07 5525 9331 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.: 2015 SRS8 or 2015 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	Overdue
Excellence Program Fees	Excellence program 2015 students	Various	Overdue
2015 Instrumental Music Program	Years 9-12	$75.00	Overdue
QCS 2015	Year 12 students	$50.00	Overdue
Advanced Surfing	Advanced Surfing students	$180	Overdue
CGen Excursion	CGen students	$28.00	Due now
Finishing Line Workshop	Year 12 students	$10.00	Due now
Regional Surfing	All year levels	$30.00	Due now
Year 11 Cert II Public Safety	Year 11 students	$60.00	Overdue
New Zealand Ski Trip - Third instalment	Year 11 and 12 students	$1,000	26/06/2015
USA trip – Second instalment	Year 7-11 students	$1,200	22/06/2015
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.

Student lockers available

Student lockers are available for hire at PBC.

• $6.00 for locker hire
• $24.00 for PBC approved combination lock (this will be the property of the student)
• Lockers available are located at G Block
• Payments can be made at Student Services

Please visit the facilities tab of the school website to read the locker hire agreement.

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.

PBC Alliance

Business Directory

Help us to create a local network for businesses within the PBC community by following the link below and supporting the businesses listed in the Alliance Business Directory:

Get involved

Being part of the PBC Alliance Business directory aims to connect your business with a network of friends, parents, and members of the PBC Alliance business community.

This listing is included as a link in the fortnightly PBC parent newsletter (as shown above), PBC Alliance Facebook page and the school website.

To list your business in the PBC Alliance Business Directory please complete a PBC Alliance membership form and Business Directory form and return these to the email address listed below.

If you would like more information please contact Caitlin Lea on 07 5525 9333 or email alliance@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBCAlliance

QParents

The QParents web and mobile application provides a more convenient, easier way for parents and legal guardians to interact with the school. Parents will have secure, online access to their child’s student information, anytime, anywhere, through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

QParents enables parents to access and manage student:

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Behaviour details
• Academic report cards
• Class timetables
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, and making payments online
• Viewing and updating student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details

If you haven’t yet registered, visit qparents.qld.edu.au to register today!

Keep a Watch on our School these Holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, we need you to look out for after-hours crime in our school. If you see something suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene. Call School Watch on 13 17 88 and let the local police or State Government Protective Security Service deal with the matter.

The School Watch Program is a partnership between the Department of Education and Training, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools.

Keep the number handy and let’s work together to help create a safer school community.

P&C News

New Airport Flight Path Proposal

The Gold Coast Airport is proposing to create a new flight path as a result of a request for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) which may affect residents within the local community.

Details of the proposal suggest that airliners will fly extremely low, significantly increasing noise levels with up to 80 flights each day utilising the proposed flight path, and that the proposed ILS is not just for bad weather. Information available also suggests that the ILS is older technology and that there are other methods available to the Gold Coast Airport which fulfil the same need with less adverse effects. We encourage all parents to review all the material and information available to determine if this will affect your family. Public consultation runs until Monday 13 July. Information can be found at www.flightpathgc.com or www.goldcoastairport.com.au

Upcoming P&C Meeting

The next P&C Meeting will be held on 21 July from 6.30pm – 7.30pm in the Main Administration Building. All parents and interested members of the community are invited attend. Meetings provide parents and community members an opportunity to discuss school matters and allows parents to remain engaged with the school and upcoming events.

Brooke Morton
Family Liaison Officer

School Opinion Survey

The annual School Opinion Survey will be conducted between 29 June and 31 July 2015. All families, school staff and a random sample of students will be invited to participate. We encourage you to take this opportunity to have your say about what this school does well, and how this school can improve.

Each family will be sent an email on Wednesday 24 June which will have a link to the online survey along with two codes that you will need to enter to complete.

Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Completion of Oral Health (Dental) Services

Gold Coast Oral Health Services will commence offering free oral health (dental) services to eligible students enrolled at Palm Beach Currumbin High School starting 26 May 2015. This service will be provided Onsite by Mobile Dental Van 185.

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

Child Dental Benefit Schedule Vouchers are accepted. When your child’s $1000 cap is reached, there will be no out-of-pocket expenses provided your child meets *eligibility criteria.

* Eligibility – All Queensland resident children aged four years or older who have not completed year 10 of secondary school.

Further information on public funded oral health services can be accessed via URL: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/goldcoasthealth/html/services/oralhealth.asp