Junior Secondary Update
Thank you to the new families who have given us such great feedback about how their young person has transitioned to PBC. It was pleasing to hear how happy students are feeling about being welcomed into the PBC family.
OPTIMA Awards
This term we have welcomed Year 8 and 9 parents to our OPTIMA Awards Ceremonies recognising and acknowledging the outstanding achievements from Semester 2 2020 in Behaviour and Effort, Academic, Improvement, Sporting, Cultural and Community Service. We encourage all Year 7 - 9 students to strive towards reaching these 2021 goals to enable them to be a recipient for an OPTIMA Award in Semester 2.
Assessment Calendar
Assessment calendars are available on the school website. Students should now transfer important dates and relevant assignment deadlines into their diaries. Parents and students also find it useful to list this information where it is easily accessible in the home – many use the refrigerator - so that they can predict the busy times ahead and plan for them. Meeting assignment deadlines is not only an equity issue; it teaches important life skills. Please familiarise yourself with the PBC assessment policy on the school website.
Support for Student Learning
Now that classes are settling into routine and assessment is occurring, some students may feel daunted by aspects of their workload. Telling this to the class teacher is really important as they are best positioned to support your child. For those students who would like further help in their core subjects of Maths, English, Science and History, as well as Languages and Business, teachers at PBC volunteer their time at Homework Club. This is held every Thursday afternoon from 3:15-4:00pm in the IDT block. Students should bring along their assignments and homework. Please note that only PBC students may attend.
Attendance
The Junior Secondary attendance target is 92% and ‘Every Day Counts’ is a priority for our students, staff and parent/carers to optimise student achievement and wellbeing. The impact of 5 days absence per term results in one month non-attendance during the school year. Parent/carers will receive non-attendance letters if your child has had 5 or more unexplained absences this year.
Parents/Carergivers 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:
TEXT MESSAGE - 0426 305 728 - provide student name, year level, date and reason for absence.
If texting is not possible you can:
EMAIL - absences@pbc-shs.eq.edu.au - provide student name, date and reason for absence.
If the school has not been notified of your student’s absence by 9:00am, you will receive a text message from 0426 305 728 by 10:00am. If you receive a text message, you can reply to the message, providing your student name, year level and reason for absence.
Late to School
We also have high expectations for students to arrive approximately at 8:30am so they are ready for CARE class at 9:00am and have a positive start to each day. We thank all parent/caregivers for your support in prioritising attendance and for our students to follow the Reds Pledge to make a commitment to uphold the Reds tradition, to relentlessly strive to be my best self and to actively support others to do the same.
Uniform
PBC SHS is a uniform school and all students enrolling here are expected to accept and support these standards of dress as determined by the Executive Principal and supported by the PBC P&C. This policy is an integral part of our school security program and support the Department of Education, Training an Education Workplace Health and Safety policy. The full uniform code is available from the school website (www.pbc-shs.eq.edu.au).
Cybersafety
Junior Secondary students need to protect their digital footprint for later in life especially where part time employment may be an option. PBC prioritises for students to follow the OPTIMA Code: Be Safe - Be Respectful - Be a Learner.
Student tips
- Google your name on each platform to see what is displayed
- If you have old accounts report yourself so they can be removed
- Check privacy settings on each platform
- Do not provide your full name and date of birth to minimise identity theft
- Look out for friends that may be targeted and use Stymie.com.au for any anonymous notification
- Remove any inappropriate pictures from your device
- “THINK BEFORE YOU SEND – TAKE 10 seconds to 10 minutes”
- To report cyberbullying https://www.esafety.gov.au/complaints-and-reporting/cyberbullying-complaints/i-want-to-report-cyberbullying
- To seek help https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling
- Be aware of Australian Cybersafety laws Cyber safety | Youth Law Australia
Parent tips
- Use filtering and time limits to monitor any device
- Sit with your child to know what digital platforms they are engaging with (many students are in breach of age limits for different platforms)
- Read what apps do https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-check-app-permissions-ios-android-macos-windows/
- iParent e-Safety Commissioner gives practical steps and strategies to learn about the digital environment and how to help your child have safe and enjoyable online experiences https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources/iparent