Phases of Education

We are approaching some key milestones for 2019, specifically a period of preparation in which our students – with the support of their parents and carers – transition into different year levels or different phases of education. As they say, “preparation is key”, and at PBC our aim is to ensure that all of our students and families transition into the next phase of their education with the necessary knowledge and understanding that is required to maximise student success. A crucial part of this transition is the use of teacher feedback following assessment. Our Middle School assessment period for Semester 1 has now concluded, as such I would encourage all parents and carers to use the Semester 1 report as a tool for consolidating strategies for future improvement and goal setting. Early next term students will start to learn about subject selections for 2020 and future pathway options, please take advantage of every opportunity to ensure your child has selected the most appropriate subjects or pathway for them.

The Future of Education and Work

Last week, I attended a conference where social analyst, Mr Mark McCrindle, delivered an insightful session on the future of education and employment for young Australians. The timing of this session could not have been better. It reminded me that the world in which our young people will make a difference will be incredibly different to the world of my youth and that of their parents and the world as it is now. Currently in Australia there are 4 million students, students who will live longer than ever before, who will work longer than any other generation, their career or working life will be spread across 17 employers in 5 different careers.  More of these students will gain a university qualification with at least 1:2 earning an undergraduate certificate. 

This prompted me to think about what this means for our students and your children - they must be job ready and vocationally mobile, they must be life-long learners as education is no longer a life-stage but rather a life-long reality. Gen Z (born between 1995-2009) must leave school with the following skills: strong people skills with high levels of communication, conflict resolution skills and above all they must be problem solvers. In a nutshell, students must future proof themselves to prepare for a rapidly changing world where employers are demanding a workforce that is digital, mobile, global and visual.

Source: https://mccrindle.com.au/insights/blog/the-future-of-education 

Classroom Visits

Classroom visits are an integral part of any school. At PBC, we have a process of visiting classrooms that seeks to affirm the visible expertise of teachers, visible progress of students and visible culture of our school. This week, I have been fortunate to speak with some of our Middle School students who were able to clearly articulate high impact student practices which underpin their learning and could discuss the learning activities and practices which result in the most growth for them as learners. It was very pleasing to talk with students who were knowledgeable about what works for them as learners, allowing personal excellence to flourish.

Winter Vacation

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our hard working Middle School teachers for their efforts this term in ensuring our students are engaged and learning. Teaching in an ever-changing landscape is often a difficult and complex task, encourage your children to thank their teachers for encouraging, prompting or even pushing them to achieve their best. Have a safe and restful holiday.

Alison Fahlbusch
Principal Middle School

95% Attendance – Every Day Counts

Congratulations to the Middle School students that are achieving the PBC 95% attendance target and are espousing the Reds’ Pledge ‘Nil Sed Optima’. All student names will be included in a draw at the Term 3 Year level assemblies to win movie tickets for 2. Students must attend the assembly to be eligible for the prize.

Year 9 Personal Development and Respectful Relationships

The strategic priority of the Positive Education Framework has been successfully embedded in our CARE curriculum, the House System and the HPE Australian Curriculum Years 7-10 since 2017. A priority area with the HPE ‘Adolescent Development and Respectful Relationships’ that is not covered by the HPE staff will be delivered by external providers.

Our School Based Youth Health Nurse from Queensland Health – Ms Hilary Wilson in conjunction with other QLD Health nurses will present two sessions to all Year 9 students in Term 3. All students will participate in a pre-survey Term 3 Week 1 to review student knowledge and understanding of this topic.

Middle School Optima Team - Student Case Management

• the Middle School Optima team are responsible for your child’s wellbeing at PBC and our key priorities include attendance, positive behaviours and student case management so we can maximise student learning and performance
• parent/caregivers are required to update contact details for student profiles including change of address, phone, email, learning and/or medical conditions, Court Custody orders
• visit the PBC website for parent newsletters, staff emails and assessment calendars

Meeting Commitments and Enjoying Well Earned Holidays

Middle School students have now completed their assessment and have moved on to their next units of work. Current class work will be assessed in the next term. For this reason, please ensure that your child attends school up until the final day, so that they can meet all of their commitments and be up to date with their learning when they return to school on Monday 15 July 2019.

Semester 1 Reports

Your child’s school report will be emailed home on Friday, 28 June 2019. The Semester Report is a detailed, written report, showing what your child 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, as well as setting new goals for Term 3. As you will receive the report electronically, please check that we have your current email address recorded. If you have any concerns about receiving your child’s report, contact A Block Administration, on 5525 9333.

Holidays

The school holidays can provide time for students to involve themselves in enriching activities that widen their understandings of the world. Visits to museums, national parks, art galleries, films beyond the usual ‘popcorn’ variety, learning a new skill – such as cooking a family meal, visiting elderly relatives, taking up a craft, visiting the local library… the list is endless. Anything different or challenging (and certainly not necessarily high cost) fits the bill. What might you help your children to do these holidays to create different memories?