Junior Secondary Update
NAPLAN 2024
Last week NAPLAN testing was finished for Years 7 and 9. The students completed digital tests in reading, writing, numeracy and language conventions. Participation levels were typical of a normal school day attendance and we look forward to results to see how students have progressed since two years ago.
Assessment and Reports
Our Junior Secondary students have been working very hard over the last few weeks, completing assessments. It has wonderful to see our students' commitment to applying their knowledge in classrooms. Thank you to our parents who have supported our students through the assessment period, by checking progress against the assessment calendars and encouraging students to put in the extra effort at home. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
The Term 1 Interim Report Cards will be emailed home to parents on the last day of Term 1 (28th March). This report summarises your child's academic progress and effort and behaviour for the first term of the year. At PBC a major focus is being a learner. Hence, we value effort and behaviour ratings on report cards. As a school, we are using the Effort and Behaviour Reporting Matrix to ensure consistency in these ratings across the school. You can find this Matrix on our school website at:
If you have any questions about the report card, please contact your child's class teacher.
Please note that Parent Teacher Interviews will also be available in Term 2 – 7th – 9th May. Class teachers at PBC value partnerships with parents and are happy to work collaboratively to support each student.
New work for Term 2 will commence after assessments are completed.
Staffing Update
Cameron Williams is Acting Deputy Principal of Year 7 whilst Tamara Burns is on leave.
Nick Hiron is Acting HOD Student Engagement.
OPTIMA Rewards
OPTIMA rewards are the foundation of our positive behaviour reinforcement process at PBC. Class teachers reinforce our expected behaviours with OPTIMA Slips. Students then take these slips to our wonderful Miss Tegan in Junior Secondary Student Services in A block. Miss Tegan keeps a tally for each child. When students have accrued a certain number of slips they can access rewards such as ice blocks, $5 tuckshop vouchers, movie tickets and much more.
This term over 1000 OPTIMA slips have been awarded. Congratulations to all students who have been rewarded with an OPTIMA slip in Term 1.
E-Bike Reminders
Rules for Riding a PMD in Queensland:
- Riders must wear a Helmet that is Australian Standard (AS) approved.
- A personal mobility device is designed for use by one person only. You must not carry another person when riding a personal mobility device—not even a child.
- Holding a mobile phone in your hand or resting it on any part of your body when riding is illegal.
- Must meet the Queensland Government safety standards for a PMD.
- Riders must comply with all Queensland Government Road rules.
- Must not be used on main roads or streets with a speed limit of over 50km/h.
- Riders who break the road rules while riding a PMD may be given the same fines as a motorist
Riders must comply with the following speed limits:
- Footpaths — 12km/h maximum.
- Shared paths —12km/h maximum (unless signed otherwise)
- Separated paths—25km/h maximum (unless signed otherwise)
Taking Student Opinion seriously
This email mailbox is for students to provide suggestions, input or feedback about all aspects of school. This mailbox will be managed by campus principals Anita Sgalippa and Alyce Bradford.
Students will receive a response within 48 hours and students will be informed about changes that come into effect as a result of opinions raised or why these ideas can't be operationalised due to constraints.
The email address for student opinions is: studentopinions@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au
Parent Support
Parent Support is an email mailbox for families wishing to communicate any feedback, issues or concerns to the school. We wish to help families by offering solutions and/or suggestions with an aim to resolving any concerns raised. We will provide a positive and timely response and an opportunity for families to give constructive and favourable feedback.
Parents will receive a response within 48 hours.
The email address for parent support is: parentsupport@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au
Absences
Full Day:
Parents/Caregivers must notify the school and provide an explanation of a student absence by 9:00am on the day of the absence. If the school has not been notified of a student’s absence by 9:00am, parents/caregivers will receive a text message by 10:00am. This text message can be replied to, providing the student’s name, year level and reason for absence.
Absence of 3 or more days:
If a student is likely to be absent for more than three days, parents/caregivers are to notify PBC in writing by text message or email stating the student’s name, year level, dates of absence and the reason for the absence. A medical certificate can be emailed to absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au.
Late Arrivals:
- Any student that arrives after 9:00am must present to Junior Secondary Student Services for self-sign in process. The SMS/text message from parent/caregiver will approve their sign in at school. A “late pass” will be issued to the student prior to attending class.
- Non-approved notes or failure to present a note may result in disciplinary action.
- Heads of Year will monitor late arrivals. Consistent late arrivals that impact engagement with school process may result in a disciplinary action.