Welcome back for 2021

This week we welcomed 430 Year 7 students to our junior secondary school plus an additional 33 new Year 8 and 9 students. I have been very pleased to see the year start off so smoothly.

We always start with a clear focus on our school motto Nil Sed Optima which means nothing but the best - we ask students to set goals to be their best and we will support and assist them every step to achieve those goals.

We wish everyone the most productive and happy year and we look forward to working with you. Junior Secondary is being led by a fabulous team who will support your young people in any endeavours or problems they have.  

The key Junior Secondary team members based in D Block are;

• Tammy Burns - Deputy Principal Year 7
• Wendy Wise - Deputy Principal Years 8 and 9
• Kate Patterson – Head of Year 7
• Donna Condon - Head of Year 8
• Cameron Williams – Head of Year 9
• Anna Willis – Guidance Officer
• Yvette Whittaker – Junior Secondary Student Services
• Michelle McIntyre - DP and Whole School IP Support
• Lyn Bortolin – DP and Junior Secondary Office Support
• Sarah Ryan – Executive Support to Junior Secondary Principal

Contacts can be found on the school website https://pbc-shs.eq.edu.au/our-school/contact-us/staff-contact-list

Enquiries and or concerns can be directed through our central email - parentsupport@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au as these are fielded to the most helpful person to support you.

PBC’s Junior Secondary School has commenced with energy and enthusiasm, as students were introduced to both their Care Classes and new academic classes. There has been a positive buzz about the Junior Secondary that augurs well for the students’ endeavours. For Year 7, this is a time of great change, while in Years 8 and 9, students are adjusting to the raised expectations and demands on their learning. 

Year 7 Parent Information Evening

Year 7 Parents please look out for your emailed invitation to our Year 7 Parent Information Night. The night will include some introductions across two alternating short sessions including – laptop use at home, practical tips for parent controls and a visit to your child’s care classroom hosted by their English/Humanities and Maths/Science teachers. We will also discuss Year 7 Camp. The night will conclude at 7:00 pm. Parents attending should bring their child’s student planner with their student timetable in it. You will be greeted at the main entrance and directed to your first venue as this will vary depending on your child’s class.   

Assessment Calendar

Each student has received a PBC Student Planner, in which they record their homework, important dates and assignment deadlines. To help students get organised and stay organised, the Assessment Calendar will be published on the PBC website in Week 4 and emailed to parents. Parents and students can easily access this information so that they can predict the busy times and plan for them. Students should also be using their student planners to note homework and important dates.

Year 9 Behaviour and Welfare Update

This year has a strong emphasis on the personal development of our Year 9 young people as they navigate their way towards Senior Secondary. Students will find that they are both given and are expected to have greater responsibly for their choices and actions every day.

Our mantra this year is ‘Make a life of choice, not chance’. Making the best of all of the learning opportunities at PBC means that young people will maximise the choices they have when they leave school. Naturally, students with outstanding effort and behaviour are most likely to achieve the best outcomes. We look forward to our students attending every day, on time, and fully engaging in the learning process. 

Attendance Policy

PBC Attendance Target – 92%

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.  

The priority for notification is:

1. TEXT MESSAGE – (0426305728) – provide student name, year level date and reason for absence e.g. Sick

OR

2. EMAIL – absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au – provide student name, date and reason for absence

Example Text/Email – “John Smith Y8 03/06/19 Sick” 

Text messages are sent out to parents by 10:00am to notify you of an unexplained absence.  If you receive a text message, you can reply to the message, providing your student name, year level and reason for absence. 

2 – 10 days

If a student is likely to be absent for more than two 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 (where applicable) can be emailed to absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au or a hard copy taken to the Junior or Senior Secondary School Student Services. 

11+ days

If a student is going to be absent for more than 10 days, Parents/Caregivers are required to notify PBC at least 2 weeks prior to the absence taking place (where possible). An Exemption form must be completed and submitted, along with supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate, doctor’s letter).

An exemption may be appropriate in the following circumstances:

• diagnosis of terminal medical condition
• illness or hospitalisation (including recovery period at home) for a period greater than 10 consecutive school days
• ‘carer’ responsibilities
• diagnosed mental health condition
• temporary interstate or overseas relocation where the family intends to return to Queensland.

Forms are available on the PBC website or upon request at the Administration Office. 

Holidays

What should I do if our family is going on a holiday in school time?

Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day.  You are encouraged not to schedule holidays during school time. If your family circumstances dictate that your student must attend a holiday is during school time, please let the Attendance Officer know the absence dates at least 2 weeks prior to the holiday.  Email the details to absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au . 

Late Arrivals

• Any student that arrives after 9:00am must present to the Junior or Senior Secondary Student Services with a note, signed by the parent/caregiver, including the reason for lateness. This may be approved by a Head of Year. A “late pass” will be issued to the student prior to attending any 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. 

Early Departure

• Notes are to be written and signed by a parent/caregiver and presented to the Junior or Senior Secondary Student Services prior to 8:45am that day.
• The sign out note must specify the following:
• The specific reason for signing out (doctors, dentist, etc.).
• The time and date that you need to sign out of school.
• If a medical appointment, the time, location and professional must be included.
• Notes will be approved by a Head of Year and should then be collected prior to signing out of school at the Junior or Secondary School Student Services.
• Non-approved notes and absences may lead to disciplinary action.
• Students must show the signed note to their class teacher at the requested leaving time.
• Report to the Junior or Senior Secondary School Student Service Office with the signed note to obtain and ‘Early Departure’ pass.
• It is appropriate for students to sign out no more than three times a term for an appointment or an activity during school hours.
• Heads of Year will monitor early departures. Consistent early departures that impact engagement with school process may result in a disciplinary action. 

If your student becomes ill at school and is sent home they will be issued with a leaving slip by the Sick Bay Officer. If they return later in the day they will need to report to the Junior or Senior Secondary Student Services Office and sign in. Administration Officers or Heads of Year may contact home to query the validity/frequency of appointments during school hours.