24 March 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

With term 1 concluding it is a great opportunity to reflect on the schools progress in its 2016 Action Plan. Remembering that the two key target areas are – the Explicit Teaching of Reading and Improving the Effectiveness of Student Management, a considerable amount of school resources have been allocated to these two priority areas. In visiting a number of Junior School classes recently I am confident that these resources are being well used.

With the monitoring attendance falling under the banner of student management, the attendance rate for the school is currently 90.6%.

Year level attendance rates are - Year 7- 92.8%

• Year 8 – 90%
• Year 9 – 87.1%
• Year 10 – 89.7
• Year 11 – 93.6%
• Year 12 – 90.7%

REMEMBER THAT 1 DAY OFF A FORTNIGHT = A CHILD MISSING 1 YEAR OF EDUCATION IN 10 YEARS OF SCHOOL.

The allocation of Heads of Year has meant that a consistent approach has been developed in dealing with student behaviour. I ask parents to speak with their children around classroom and playground Expectations as outlined in the SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR MATRIX

STAFFING

There will be a number of changes in the administration for Term 2. Ms Hayden has been offered the opportunity to act as Principal of Moreton Downs State School and we wish her all the best in this venture.

In the last newsletter I announced the retirement of Deputy Principal, Mr Allan Kinna. He will be replaced by Mr Wayne Lancaster. Mr Lancaster was Deputy Principal at Kawana Waters State College before being seconded to work on the Department of Education's IT platform "One School" for the past 4 years. We look forward to Mr Lancaster joining the team at Beerwah State High. I would also like to acknowledge Ms Marni Bradley (as acting Deputy Principal) and Ms Barb Mullins (as acting Head of Department – IT) for their work this term.

There are two other staff members retiring this term. Helen Weil has been a maths teacher at Beerwah SHS for the past 22 years. Helen was also a strong advocate for the Interact club in the school for many years. Part of her community engagement involved the arrangement of Christmas hampers. One unique contribution that Ms Weil made to the students of Beerwah was assisting them in attaining their power boat licences. We wish her all the best in her retirement.

Also retiring after 15 years at Beerwah SHS is teacher aide Janelle Lockhart. Janelle worked in a number of positions across the school both in classrooms and administrative positions. Her work was valued by all and we wish her well in her future travel adventures.

End of Term reports are due to be emailed to all families on the last day of this term, Thursday 24 March. The school asks that all parents/ carers take the opportunity to speak with their child not only around the academic results that they have achieved this term but also around the behaviour and effort results as well. This will lead into the Parent Teacher interviews on Tuesday 19 April.

Glen Robinson
Principal

Parent teacher interviews

Please see attached PDF for information on Term 1 Parent Teacher interviews.

Please note Parent teacher interview online booking open 24/03/16.

Senior school news

It has been a busy term 1 and things will only get busier for our senior students as the year progresses I would Iike to let you know of 2 exciting initiatives we are introducing to our senior school program to ensure we are maximising opportunities for students to reach their full potential.

ACADEMIC COACHING for OP bound students

All of our OP eligible year 12 Students will be assigned an academic coach. Over the next two terms students, coaches and parents/caregivers will have the chance to meet and work together to review academic data and see how the individual student is progressing in all their subjects. Together we will work on a plan to help the student set goals and put strategies in place to maximise their potential and work to ensure they are aiming for the best OP possible that will help them reach their future goals. Letters will be posted home asking parents to contact the school and arrange a time for the initial meeting with the coach in the first 2 weeks of term 2.

REACH your PEAK program

This exciting 8-10 week program will be offered to 15 year 10 students and a second group of 15 students drawn from years 11/12 students. The program is aimed at those students who have lost focus and would benefit in working with a trained psychologist and educator to help them get back on track, refocus their energies so that they re-engage more actively with their program of learning and as such maximise their potential to be successful both at school and in preparation for work readiness or moving onto further study after school. The school will nominate students for this program which will be conducted at Beerwah SHS in term 2. Letters of invitation will be sent home in week 1 of term 2 with more information about the program and what it aims to achieve. Should you feel this program would be of benefit to your son/daughter please contact the school on 54365333 and register your child's name with one of our office staff.

Ms Hayden's new adventure

I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy Easter and a safe and relaxing school holiday. I would also like to let you know that in term 2 I will be taking up an acting role as Principal of Moreton Downs State School for the term. This opportunity presented itself only in the last couple of days and I am looking forward to the challenge of moving out of the secondary sector to work for a time in a Primary school. I will miss everyone at Beerwah but in the time that I am away I hope to gain some valuable insights that I can bring back to the school to further develop our junior curriculum knowledge as well as pedagogy and teaching practices in the junior secondary school.

Tanya Hayden
Deputy Principal.

Worlds Greatest Shave

On Monday March 14th the World's Greatest Shave came to Beerwah State High School. The 2015/2016 Student Council coordinated the event in the Student Centre with school captain Sharlie Dal Broi the MC.

Staff member Adie Read has personal reasons for participating in this year's event as her cousin is currently fighting leukaemia. Her tireless fundraising has raised over $2000.

Brodie Pillar in Year 10 had been growing his hair for a year and a half and took the opportunity to fundraise for the Leukaemia Foundation before having his locks clipped.

Senior students Jordan Pearce, Jackson Hutchinson, Jakob Nolan, George Sneesby, Brodie Wheadon and Matt Jones undertook the painful process of having their legs waxed for the event.

Student donations were collected on the day.

A special thank you to the following volunteers who donated their time and resources to clip and wax, male and female body waxing specialist Tracey Jones, parent volunteer Linda McRostie, staff member Amanda Kuspiel and ex-students Taylah Van Der Sanden and Jess Goulder.

Donations are still being accepted via the link on the below until the end of March.

The Student Council will be involved in more fundraising and school events during the year. Stay tuned.

Ms Leanne Young
Head of Department: Senior Secondary
Year 9 Science and Mathematics Teacher

Our schools says 'Bullying. No Way!' on the National Day of Action.

On Friday March 18th, students and teachers at Beerwah State High School participated in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence by wearing colourful odd socks to school. Students were asked to wear odd socks to symbolise diversity within our school and to show that everyone is different. During the morning tea break students were asked to sign up to the petition run by our school leaders. The petition outlined that students were making the pledge to "Stand up" against bullying at Beerwah State High School. Parents were also asked to take part in the day by completing an online survey on how they and the community could address the issue of bullying. There were many positive and encouraging responses from parents.

There were some important points raised from the survey which have been addressed below:

• Beerwah SHS has a parenting support group called SMARTParents which meet every Tuesday morning from 9:15 – 10:30 am. Topics of discussion have included issues and differences in being an adolescent, adolescent development and the prevalence of social media with high school students.
• Students in Years 7, 8 & 9 have been focussing on bullying issues in their Life Skills classes this term. The focus of this class is to equip students with personal development skills to utilise through challenges they may face in their adolescent life. The curriculum has also been focusing on how to be part of a safe and positive school.

If you would like any further information or resources about bullying, please check out the parents section of the 'Bullying. No Way!' internet site below:

Derek Ranclaud
A/Head of Department – Student Services

Early Departures and Phone Calls

Should your child leave early on any particular day the preferred method of communication is with a signed note.

With over 900 students at our school, calls through the administration office should be for emergencies only – all other communication can be relayed with a note.

To explain a student absence:

• phone – 54365360
• Text- 0427730704
• Email – studentabsences@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au

Thanks in advance for using this preferred communication method.

Excellence Rewarded by QATSIF Scholarships

The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) is an independent public trust established to provide young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders with a secure funding source to assist students in their senior years.

Students from years 11 and 12 who are deemed eligible need to be achieving results and maintaining the following criteria over the duration of their senior years:

• intend to undertake and complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and have the ability to obtain this certificate.
• has current school attendance of at least 85%
• is currently achieving a result of an A-C in Mainstream English and a C or higher in Year 10 subjects.
• demonstrates effort and behaviour of a C or higher
• is actively involved in school activities which enhance their cultural identity
• demonstrates willingness to fully participate in the school community and be a worthy role model for other students.

Beerwah State High School has 9 students that have been successful in attaining this scholarship, and we would like to congratulate them on this outstanding achievement. Congratulations go to Byron Carr(absent from picture), from left to right- Matthew Alberts, Matthew Jones, Josh Markham, Jess Jenkins, Mitch Markham, Taylah Temple, Maddy Lapham and Abbey Shaw. The school will continue to support the students and families to maintain the student results and achievements in order to continue receiving their scholarship.

Aleccia Franks-Smith
Indigenous Community Advisor
Glass House Coalition

Positive Behaviour For Learning

What is PBL?

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is a system of behaviour management that is used in schools all across the state.

So how does PBL work?

• Rules and expectations for behaviour are very clearly set out for each area of the school and will be very visible in the form of signs and symbols in classrooms.
• It requires staff members to be consistent, meaning that processes for managing students who break school rules should be the same right across the school.
• The school-wide rules and expectations will actually be taught in the classroom so that all students are aware of the rules across all areas of the school and that they understand what these rules actually mean.
• The school rules at Beerwah State High School are based on the values in our school motto – Safety, Respect and Responsibility.A PBL Reward System is put in place and students receive points when they are seen to be complying with the school rules and expectations. These rewards are in the form of VIVO rewards.

What is Restorative Practice?

The Positive Behaviour for Learning Restorative Practice model focuses on building and maintaining positive, respectful relationships across the school community and offers school staff best-practice tools and techniques to restore relationships when things go wrong. By building and maintaining positive, respectful relationships within a school, staff to staff, staff to student and student to student, issues are more easily managed.

Restorative Practice is based on a set of best practice tools and techniques to support a consistent and sustainable approach to managing positive, respectful relationships within the school.

By using Positive Behaviour for Learning Restorative Practices in our school we can expect the following positive outcomes:

• a calmer school environment, with less classroom disruption and more time for teaching
• an increase in the engagement and learning of students in the classroom
• growth in relational and problem-solving skills, both for adults and students across the school community
• improvements in attitudes and relationships across the whole school community
• a consistent best-practice approach across the whole school community

What parents can do to encourage Positive Behaviours

Positive behaviour can be learnt. A safe and caring environment that supports positive learning behaviour needs to be created.

Tips for success:

• you can't do it alone – work (and learn) as a team
• show children and young people you care, show that you believe in them, show that you trust them and play with them often
• •have high (and realistic) expectations for children and young people.
• families usually know their children or young people best – involve them and you increase your chances of connecting with a child or young person
• children and young people don't always know how to behave – you need to teach, regularly practise and positively reinforce the behaviour you want to see
• provide the foundations for all children and young people to learn and succeed – make sure all of your school or systems support positive behaviour
• remember the quiet ones – those who internalise their behaviour need the same positive attentions as those who externalise behaviour.

Parent and community engagement

Parents and the wider community play an important role in creating a safe and supportive school environment. Schools benefit when school staff engage in regular positive, respectful interactions with students and their family.

Parents are valuable partners in supporting the school and their child's learning and behaviour. Parents have valuable insights about how to best support their child's behaviour and learning.

Schools involve parents and the school community in developing the Responsible Behaviour Plan for students . This helps to align the behaviour expectations of the school to community expectations and means everyone shares an understanding of what is expected.

Successful schools communicate clearly the school's expectations for student behaviour to students and their parents at enrolment and throughout the student's enrolment. Data, information and strategies are consistently shared with all parents.

Focus of the Fortnight

Danae Richter
Acting HOD, Humanities

Camp Gallipoli

Please find links below to a 30 second and 90 second promotional video introducing Camp Gallipoli to any student who may be interested.

Camp Gallipoli 2015 Event Highlights:

90 Second Promotional Video:

30 Second promotional video:

Cash Collection

Student Resource fees are now past due and all subject fees are due by the end of this term (24th March) unless you have an AUTHORISED payment plan in place.

Please note if you have selected the instalment option a discussion must be had with administration regarding terms and conditions.

Many thanks,

Linda Alberts
Accounts Receivable

RHYS BOARDMAN SELECTED FOR THE YMCA YOUTH PARLIAMENT

The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament has been run by young people for young people for well over a decade and has provided an apolitical environment where participants can engage with community issues as youth representatives. As well as providing an important link for youth to influence government, QYP is a fantastic opportunity for participants to improve confidence by interacting with participants of varying backgrounds and opinions.

Congratulations to Rhys who has been selected for the YMCA Youth Parliament. Rhys will be the member for Caloundra and will be writing a bill based on Education, Skills and Training and will be looking at stopping illegal underage activities. Rhys will travel to Brisbane two times this year. In April he will meet with his mentor and then in September he will attend a week long camp at Parliament House to present his bill.

Danae Richter
Acting HOD Humanities

SCHOOL BASED TRAINEESHIP AND APPRENTICESHIP FIRST TERM

Congratulations to all of the students who have successfully commenced their School Based Apprenticeships or Traineeship. Young people employed as School Based Apprentices or Trainees develop workplace skills, knowledge, confidence and a competitive edge when applying for jobs or undertaking further study. SATs provide young people with valuable exposure to potential careers and workplaces. For some young people, SATs have led directly to full-time or part-time employment after they have completed school.

• Joel Becker – Certificate 111 in Carpentry with Dave Becker Constructions
• Keisha Browne – Certificate 111 in Business with Raine & Horne Beerwah
• Jayden Kerr – Certificate 111in Electrical with ADK Electrical
• Jennah Laverty – Certificate 111in Hospitality with Beerwah Hotel
• Elizabeth MacDonald – Certificate 111 in Business with Subway Morayfield
• Lachlan McDonald – Certificate 111 in Cabinet Making with Zente Kitchens
• Max Storer – Certificate 111 in Electrical with APRO Electrix

Cindy Reader
Industry Liaison Officer
Beerwah State High School

Some special visitors for 7B

On Monday 14 March 7B had a very special visit from the dad of one of our students and his specially-trained fire ant detection dogs. Two gorgeous black Labradors joined us for an explanation about how these amazing dogs are trained to detect fire ant nests. Starting from the age of 18 months, biosecurity dogs are desensitised to fire ant stings and trained to detect and follow their pheromones. The dogs can be deployed door to door to backyard homes, to schools, music festivals, farms….. just about anywhere grass grows or large dirt piles exist!

Thank you so much to Mr Gibson for sharing his beautiful animals with us 7B (and Ms Hayden!) loved every minute of it!

Marissa Price
Teacher
Beerwah State High School

From the Guidance Officer

CAREERS WITH THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE

The ADF has a number of upcoming information sessions being held at the Maroochydoore Recruitment Centre over the next few weeks regarding careers in the Defence Force:

PARENTS HAVE NEEDS TOO

As parents, a great focus of our time and energy is spent on ensuring that our children's needs are met. We do this out of love for our children. Sometimes though, it is easy to forget our own needs. When this happens it usually leads to a feeling of discontent which certainly impacts on all members of the family.

Many parents have common needs that, if fulfilled, will help greatly in the enjoyment of family life. Here are some suggestions:

1. Take time away from the kids – Having time with your spouse or partner without the kids in your ear is very beneficial for your relationship. So too is personal time for yourself. We all have a need for time out and some privacy.
2. Enjoy your job – As employment caters to financial security it is important it is something you enjoy. If you don't then this will impact not only on your own health and well-being but also on the welfare of your family.
3. Be healthy – Look after your health through good eating habits as well as exercise. When you look good you feel good. As one needs to be a parent for a very long time (at least 18 years), being healthy makes the job easier. Exercise also helps the mental health – you can work through a lot of problems when you are on the go.
4. Take time to relax – take holidays when they are due (what really is the point of saving them if it eventually leads to stress from overwork). Use weekends well – they too are a time to relax and unwind. A relaxed parent is better able to enjoy the family.
5. Pursue an interest – whether it be a leisure interest, friendship group or community involvement, find time to do the things you enjoy.
6. Let others support you when you're down – It's often said you need a community to raise a child so use the community around you to help you in this sometimes difficult task.
7. Educate yourself on being a better parent – often our only model of parenting may have been what our parents did. It is worthwhile attending parent classes, seeking advice, talking to other parents to ensure you are well equipped for the challenges that children provide.

Remember: We are all important. No one is more important than the next person. Just as children require their needs to be met, so do parents. So, factor in time each day to meet your needs – Happy parents can only benefit the entire family.

Happy Easter!

Jodie Runge
Guidance Officer

From the Resource Centre.

The first term is always very busy setting up and adding the new textbooks arriving for the Student Resource Scheme as well as receiving new fiction and non-fiction resources.

This year ALL students were issued their textbooks within the first 3 weeks of the commencement of the school year. The only exceptions may be if your student had overdue items from 2015. If they have paid for a lost book then they were asked to bring the receipt to the Library staff so that this book could be taken off their screen as being overdue. Please check with your student that they have seen the library staff (with or without a receipt) if this is the case. If students still have outstanding resources from 2015 an invoice will be issued for the cost of the book.

ID cards were given out early in the term to students who had returned their payment plan forms, had paid $100 or in full. There was a problem with the supply of some cards especially for new students to the school and we are still waiting for some of these to arrive from the photographer. If your student has not received their card and you have paid their fees then the student should see Mrs Alberts at Cash Collection to see if it has arrived. She will either issue them a slip so they can borrow until their card does arrive or send them to have a photo taken if they don't have one yet. It is most helpful if students have their cards at school in case they need to borrow either textbooks or other resources from the library.

In June, the Year 8 Readers Cup competition will be held at Immanuel Lutheran College. We have 8 keen students who will read 6 titles in preparation for this challenging competition. Letters will be sent home early in Term 2 and the team will comprised the 4 students who have read most, if not all, of the books.

Finally, I have been blessed with some wonderfully keen students in Years 7, 8 and 9 who are volunteering as Library Monitors. They assist with issuing and returning books during the breaks, shelving books, tidying the laptop computers at the end of the day, processing new books and checking the printer and setting up displays. They are a wonderful bunch and I thank them for their efforts this term.

Have a great holiday and don't forget to READ IN BED - IT'S TERRIFIC.. or anywhere else for that matter.

Thanks,

Mrs Read (Teacher/Librarian)

Maths Department News

1, CAT Maths competition:

In the final week of Term 1 we had approximately 50 students compete in this national competition. CAT stands for Computational and Algorithmic Thinking, and challenges students to use patterns and analytic thinking to solve problems. This competition supports the state government's recent support for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), and we will continue to explore options to extend students in this area. We look forward to receiving our results and certificates in Term 2.

2, Manga High online tutoring:

Manga High is an online tutoring system that all year 7-10 students have been subscribed to using SRS fees. Students have been provided their password by their maths teacher and have been using this in class to practise key maths concepts. Students can also use this from home to either complete unfinished tasks set by their teacher, or to practise tasks they feel they need extra help in.

3, Tuesday homework help:

Maths teachers offer help with homework or assignments in the Resource Centre every Tuesday. We have had a good response from senior students but few junior students. If students have some work they want help with please attend and let your class teacher know you'll be there. Please note students must come with something they want help with as this is not a pre prepared tutoring session.

4, Calculators:

Please be aware all students except for those in year 11 and 12 Pre-Vocational maths require a scientific calculator. This is especially important for Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN tests and the Year 12 QCS test. The calculator suggested is the Casio fx82. This calculator is for sale in the Resource Centre or at most major newsagencies and business supplies.

Paul Schneider
HOD Maths

Notes from Indigenous Community Advisor-Aleccia Franks-Smith

The year is certainly flying by very fast. Our Indigenous students and their peers have been attending weekly meetings in the library at first break on Mondays. We continue to encourage ALL students to attend. This is where the Indigenous students can view their attendance and make sure that they are "Leading the Way" to achieving this each term's reward. We also discuss what upcoming events and extra - curricular activities that will be held in the future. Parents are also welcome to attend from 11.30-12.00 to support their student and give feedback to the school on how we can support you and your family.

We have also been using this time and space to come together and educate each other on "Closing the Gap" in our school. We have art activities held on Tuesdays at first break. Our students at Beerwah State High School are encouraged to understand that issues surrounding Indigenous Health and well - being is everybody's business.

In stating this, we would like to announce that our school's Indigenous Attendance Gap IS Closing.

The bar graph shows the rise in attendance, and we will continue to keep you updated each term.

I would like to encourage parents/caregivers and students to attend our "Deadly Homework Group" held in the library every Monday and Thursday from 3-4pm. Everybody is welcome.

Aleccia Franks-Smith
Indigenous Community Advisor
Glass House Coalition

Aerosol/Spray cans and severe health concerns

We have had several occurrences of a staff member having a severe allergic reaction to deodorant spray/aerosol. This has resulted in emergency medical treatment for the staff member and life threatening breathing difficulties. In the past the school has had students with a similar anaphylactic reaction to deodorant sprays and other aerosols. There is already a ban on spray cans for this and other reasons, but some students are continuing to bring them to school; hence the allergic and life threatening situations over the last few weeks.

As such the school will now undertake significant consequences for students who refuse to follow these lifesaving rules.

ANY student found with spray deodorant at school will be suspended for three days.

We must take this action to prevent any further workplace injuries to staff or students. The same rules will apply to staff or visitors to the school with the ban on spray deodorants.

Students are still able to bring pump action or roll on deodorant, but due to the risk of serious illness or death, students must not bring spray deodorant or other aerosols to school.

I am sure that those of you with allergies understand the need to undertake this action and this new policy will help prevent any further danger to staff or students. Thank you for discussing this matter with your child(ren) and we appreciate your assistance in ensuring that all students will abide by the new school policy.

Yours faithfully,

Tanya Hayden
Deputy Principal

Second Hand Uniforms

Kids grew over the holidays? Did you know that you can sell the uniforms they've outgrown through the uniform shop?

Marie and Suzanne will take them off your hands, agree on a price with you, and sell them on your behalf. You will get paid when they are sold. Please ensure the uniforms are freshly washed and are in good order.

If you need uniforms, this is a great way to purchase them. Just call in during the uniform shop hours and check the range of uniforms that are available.

The uniform shop is open from 7.45 am – 9.00 am, 11.45 am – 12.00 pm, 1.30 pm – 2.00 pm Monday to Friday.

ALL ENQUIRIES MUST BE MADE TO THE UNIFORM CONVENERS BY PHONING 5494 0960

Student Leadership Development

George Sneesby, Zoe Goldsborough and Hayley McKenzie attended the GRIP Student Leadership conference at the Maroochy RSL on Friday March 4th. The conference included sessions on: "Being a Team that Contributes", "Making Meetings Effective", "Contributing to Your Leadership Team", "How to Make Your Events Dynamic" and "How to Motivate Others."

On March 10, school leaders from Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay were empowered to inspire and help others through an exciting leadership initiative offered by the University of the Sunshine Coast.

More than 70 school captains and house captains from 13 schools took part. Shalie Dal Broi attended this event. She heard a motivational address by Sunshine Coast extreme adventurer John Cantor who discussed his attempts and final success at crossing the Brooks Range solo in Alaska. There was also a demonstration of a stress-busting breathing technique explaining the importance of correct breathing techniques to assist with well-being.

An interactive leadership workshop led by USC staff member Jodie Turner positioned students for the influential roles that they can play both within their schools and local community.

Ms Leanne Young
Head of Department: Senior Secondary
Year 9 Science and Mathematics Teacher

Study Skills Handbook

STARTING THE DAY WELL

Do you find it hard to get out of bed some days and be positive about going to school and learning? It can be hard to turn the day around when you wake up like this and don't take steps to start your day in a positive way. Your approach in the first hour of the day dictates the direction of your day of learning at school.

To ensure you start your mornings well you need to make sure you have a night-time and wake-up routine.

1. Set Your Intentions Before Bed: consciously decide every night to create a positive expectation for the next morning.
2. Move Your Alarm Clock Across The Room: so you have to get up to turn it off.
3. Brush Your Teeth: when you wake up and splash water on your face.
4. Drink a Full Glass of Water: to hydrate yourself after several hours without water.
5. Add some of the following ideas to your own routines.

The "Miracle Morning" is a book written by Hal Elrod and he speaks about starting your morning with "Life SAVERS". The idea is that you add some of these to your morning routine or come up with your own activities for a positive start to the morning:

• Silence can be meditation, mindfulness, prayer etc.
• Affirmation can be a word you use that reminds you of who you are and how to be.
• Visualisation is an intention (directing your focus) on how you want your day to be.
• Exercise can be a short walk or stretching or going for a run (exercise is a great thing to do in the morning).
• Reading something that is positive and enjoyable. What you read "resonates" with you. It gets you thinking and expanding "beyond yourself".
• Scribe is about journaling. Writing in your journal about your day gives you insight and clarity about issues. It also helps you realise what's working and how far you have come.

These tips are courtesy of the website below:

You can learn more about creating positive learning handouts and many other topics to help you achieve your best at school at study skills handbook by logging in with these details below:

Username: beerwahshs
Password: 18achieve

Derek Ranclaud
A/Head of Department – Student Services

ADOLESCENT SCOLIOSIS SPINAL CURVATURE

A health promotion program recommended by the Spine Society of Australia.

The program is endorsed by the Paediatrics and Child Health Division of the Royal Australasian

College of Physicians. Please click below link to read information on this condition.

BSHS Arts in Focus

Dance Update

Beerwah Dance Company has been working tirelessly on routines for the Brisbane Eisteddfod coming up in May. The routines are challenging but the kids are loving it.

Year 7 Dance Students

For those students who auditioned earlier in the year, this is a reminder that we will be starting our Wednesday 1st break rehearsals as of next term. We'll begin working on a Dance Night routine. Don't miss out on this great opportunity. Reminders will be placed in notices.

Also, year 7 students will be given the opportunity to be a part of a Dance Extension Program in 2017. This program will run during normal class time so if you're interested, complete an Expression of Interest form attached to this newsletter.

Jessica Rossberg
Dance Teacher

Vocal Group

A cheerful and talented group of girls from Years 9, 11 and 12 meet on Tuesday each week for vocal group rehearsals.

The focus of our lunch time rehearsals during Term 1 was to prepare the Song of the Mountains (the Beerwah State High School Song) to support the student body singing during full school parades. The girls have learnt some harmonies to complement the melody and give the song some extra oomph during the last chorus! The girls will be the regular "backup singers" during the fortnightly assemblies. While there were some hitches with amplification during their debut, the girls really did an excellent job of singing together and giving their harmonies a run.

In anticipation of school and public performances in the coming months, the girls have now chosen a variety of songs to prepare, some of which will be a capella (unaccompanied) and some accompanied by guitar, keyboard or percussion. These will be our focus during Term 2 rehearsals.

Singing in a group is a wonderful "tonic" (see link). Our happy group is pictured below.

Back (in tree!): Sharlie Dal Broi Middle (from left): Paige Eeles, Zoe Williams, Phoebe Sawyer, Katrina Kingdom, Tayla Lacey, Tamara Crockford, Claire Eeles, Ashleigh Clare, Nikita Temomo-Kreet Front: Lily Standring, Taylor Woodward Absent: Tayler Davidson, Britney Dale, Miki Cook

Sarah Minns
Teacher

Drama

Clowning Around – The Year 10 Drama class preparing to present their clowning routines.

Netball News

Monday nights have been full on at Maroochydore with Beerwah providing three netball teams in the 2016 competition. The junior team (photograph included) have been fighting it out in A Reserve, only losing one game this season. They are sitting in third place with only two points separating the top three teams.

Our two senior teams have had very different seasons. The Year 12 team have been up against some of the best netballers on the Sunshine Coast, and although the score doesn't always reflect this, each week they put up an incredible display of netball as they take on some very seasoned players.

In a later timeslot, our second senior team have completely wiped out their competition and are currently sitting in first place in this division. So now, with only four rounds to go before the season ends, Beerwah are looking very well placed to represent in the finals.

Front L to R Breeanne Howden, Boni Gray, Crystal Ireland-King
Back L to R Brandi Whitinui, Kirralee Robertson, Jenna Forsdike, Meg Lindsay
Not in photograph Tammin Smallbone, Chloe Smithers.

Sharlene Ballard
Teacher/Head Of Year 11/12

FROM THE HUMANITES FACULTY!

Year 10 Subject Selection

If your student is in Year 10 they will need to start thinking about career pathways and subjects for next year. The Humanities and Business faculties have a number of authority subjects (OP) and non-authority subjects (VET) which may be suitable for your child and will be beneficial to them whatever their career pathway is. Below is an overview of the subjects offered by both faculties.

Has your child considered choosing a Humanities subject next Year?

The Humanities department offers 3 Authority subjects: Ancient History, Modern History and Geography.

Ancient History is the study of ancient civilisations including Egypt, Rome, Greece, Persia and Mesopotamia and includes units of study on personalities in History and studies in medieval Europe. Ancient History allows you to study ancient societies using a central concept, such as power, conflict, religion, the arts and everyday life.

Modern History investigates why our modern world is the way it is. Students understand the processes of change and continuity that have shaped today's world, their causes, and the roles people have played in those processes. Modern History helps students to identify their social location, their place in time and their heritage within a distinctive culture.

Geography is about the study of human and natural characteristics of places, and the interactions between them. Geography prepares students for adult life by developing in them an informed perspective. This perspective will develop across the two-year course of study through a range of scales, including local, regional, national and global scales. Geographically informed citizens understand the many interdependent spheres in which they live, and make informed judgments to improve their community, state, country and the world.

Choosing a Humanities subject next year will be beneficial to your child if they are considering studying at University, TAFE or entering the workforce after they complete Year 12. Humanities subjects will provide students with processes and skills required for effective and thoughtful participation in society. Ancient History, Modern History and Geography may lead to a range of career pathways where understanding the organisational behaviour of individuals, groups and institutions is a key element and also provides a good introduction to the academic disciplines of sociology, anthropology, psychology and geography.

Has your child considered choosing a Business subject for 2016?

The two OP subjects on offer are:

Legal Studies investigates and gives your child an understanding of the Australian Legal system and how it affects your basic rights' obligations and responsibilities. Students will develop an enhanced ability to recognise diverse legal situations and issues that arise in everyday life. Legal Studies will be of benefit to your child by allowing them to acquire knowledge of the relationships between law and society and to know their rights and responsibilities as a citizen.

Studying Business Management lets your child be creative and innovative as they learn how businesses are managed, and understand the important role that managers play in business. In Business Management, students will explore the main functions of businesses and the ways that these functions work together to achieve business goals. Your child will work in partnerships, small groups and teams as they navigate through the decisions that business managers often face.

The four VET subjects on offer are:

Certificate II in Business - Students work towards completing a Certificate II in Business [BSB20107] over Years 11 & 12. Students complete units of competency through participation in practical and theoretical activities related to a variety of business contexts and situations. This subject provides students with:

• relevant IT experience for those who wish to enter the workforce directly from school in an office or administration capacity
• Successful achievement will then credit students towards higher level courses at TAFE or with private providers
• sound oral and written communication skills, including the ability to make professional presentations
• interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work in teams
• Development of coherent and justified arguments and learn to effectively consult and negotiate

Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology [vet]:

Students work toward completing a Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology [ICA20111] over Years 11 & 12. Students complete units of competency that will provide the foundation skills and knowledge to use information and communications technology (ICT) in any industry. In this subject your student will:

• Develop skills in animation, game development, interactive media development, visual effects, digital video editing, computer illustration and web design
• Successful achievement of all competencies will result in students gaining the Certificate II, which will then credit them towards higher level courses at TAFE or with private providers or provide entry level competencies required in the workplace.

Certificate II in Tourism

Certificate II in Tourism is a one year course that will provide students with the skills and knowledge to begin a career in the tourism and travel industry with confidence and enthusiasm. Individuals with this qualification are able to work in multiple tourism industry facilities, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, theme parks, transportation and many other exciting areas. This qualification reflects the role of individuals who use a defined and limited range of operational skills. They are involved in mainly routine and repetitive tasks using practical skills and basic industry knowledge. They work under direct supervision. Delivery of some units will be in partnership with SmartSkills RTO.

Certificate IV in Justice Studies provides relevant skills and knowledge for those wishing to enter a variety of occupations including the police service, justice-related occupations, corrective services, courts, legal offices, customs service, security industry and private investigations. The opportunity to complete this qualification prior to leaving school is a significant advantage for students. Successful completion of the course gives students direct entry into the Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast with 4 credit points (equivalent to 6 months off the duration of the course). Completion of the course also guarantees 8 QCE points.

Choosing a Business subject in 2016 will be beneficial for your child. They will develop a number of effective skills which will not only help them if they are pursuing a university pathway, TAFE or entering the workforce.

Year 11 Legal Studies Excursion

On the first of March, the Year 11 Legal Studies class jumped a train to Brisbane to visit the Supreme Court of Queensland. Students were eager and very keen for their first experience of the law in action. They were accompanied by their equally keen teachers, Mr McCaw and Ms Ballard.

Our very early start ensured we had a unique opportunity to take part in a discussion with a Supreme Court judge, Her honour Judge Mullins. Added to this, this year students were fortunate to be able to view a range of legal/court situations because of the lucky timing of our visit. For example the students witnessed the sentencing for a serious crime committed on the Sunshine Coast and a very interesting murder trial involving a hostile witness.

Our train trip back to Beerwah allowed time for lively discussion about the court cases observed. The excursion was a positive influence and a wonderful introduction to the law in reality. The benefits of this excursion was evident in responses given in students' recent exam on the legal system.

Danae Richter
Acting Head of Department Business/Humanities

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