30 May 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

Quadrennial School Review

The development of the school's strategic plan for 2016 -2019 is the outcome of a Quadrennial School Review. Input from all key stakeholders is needed to ensure all priority areas are addressed in the plan. The school will be using input from a number of sources including the annual School Opinion Survey, the 2015 School Review as well as school data sets from subject A-E results, NAPLAN, OP ratings, Year 12 Post destinations as well as QCE attainment.

As such we are seeking additional parental feedback to assist us in developing focus areas for the Strategic Plan. We ask that you complete the survey through the link below. The survey will be open till June 23.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN has been successfully completed again this year. We anticipate that results will be available to schools and families in late July/ early August. The school will be using the results to guide our planning in the continued development and refinement of our Literacy and Numeracy strategies.

Uniform

With winter approaching it is timely that we take the opportunity to remind families of the school's Dress Code, particularly with regards to school jumpers. Students who do not have a school jumper will be provided with a replacement jumper and if there are no replacement jumpers available for the day a uniform pass for the day. Your assistance and cooperation in this area is greatly appreciated.

Glen Robinson
Principal

NAPLAN

On May 10, 11 and 12 almost 300 Year 7 and 9 students from Beerwah State High School sat the annual NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN tests the sorts of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling and numeracy. In particular the skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum.

A fantastic effort was displayed by all Beerwah State High students who took part, ensuring that they were demonstrating their knowledge in these domains. The test week can be a long and draining one, however great resilience was shown by all students (I'm sure a BBQ breakfast helped on the last day!) and consequently we saw some of our highest participation rates since the tests began in 2008.

Congratulations to all students who took part and tried their best, and a very big than you to all members of our school community who helped organise, plan and support the students on the test days.

Results will be made available in late August, and will be mailed home to all students who took part.

Jacob Connor
HOD Junior Secondary

Wandiny Day

Beerwah High School will be holding its annual Wandiny Day Tuesday 31st May, 2016. This is a day of commemoration for our country's Stolen Generations. The day will commence in the student centre at 9am with a Welcome to Country from Traditional custodian, Lyndon Davis. Indigenous students from the surrounding primary schools will join in cultural workshops throughout the day. Please feel free to join us for our full school parade at 9am in the Student Centre."

Positive Behaviour For Learning

Please see attached PDF for information on STEM – Science, technology and mathematics

Arriving to class on time

It is important for all students to realise that when the first bell goes it means that students are making their way to class so that they arrive in time for the second bell. Students should be getting drinks and going to the toilet during the break times not when they hear the first bell. If students are arriving late to class this has a detrimental effect on the teaching of others. The teachers are currently looking at reviewing this in an effort to get all students to arrive to class on time.

Use of mobile phones in class

Many students now have mobile phones and bring them to class. Students can only access a mobile phone in class if their teacher has given them strict instructions to do so. Students should not be listening to music in class as this impedes their ability to concentrate and to listen to teacher instructions. If students are caught using their mobile phone in class they will be sent to the office to hand their phone in and can only collect it at the end of the day.

Focus of the Fortnight

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to bully a person or group with the intent to hurt them socially, psychologically or even physically.

Right now there are many young people being cyberbullied. By reporting it, talking about it and supporting each other we can stop it.

What does cyberbullying look like?

Cyberbullying can occur in many ways, including;

• abusive texts and emails
• hurtful messages, images or videos
• imitating others online
• excluding others online
• humiliating others online
• nasty online gossip and chat.

I am being cyberbullied—how do I stop it?

• talk to someone you trust straight away—like a parent, sibling, uncle/aunt, teacher or friend, or contact Kids Helpline
• don't retaliate or respond—they might use it against you
• block the bully and change your privacy settings
• report the abuse to the service and get others to as well
• collect the evidence—keep mobile phone messages, take screen shots and print emails or social networking conversations
• do something you enjoy—catch-up with friends, listen to good music, watch a good show or chat online to people you can trust
• remember you didn't ask for this—nobody deserves to be bullied and you will get through this.

What if a friend is being cyberbullied?

If you have a friend or know someone at school who is being cyberbullied;

• don't join in—don't comment on posts, images or videos that will hurt others
• don't forward or share posts, images or videos that will hurt others
• leave negative groups and conversations
• report bullying to someone that can help—this can be an anonymous report to a parent or teacher
• if you are confident, call others on their bullying and ask them to stop—'Enough. This isn't funny'
• support your friend online and offline—'I heard about the posts-you don't deserve it. I'm here for you.'

School support

Our school has policies in place to address cyberbullying and should be able to provide support to you and other students, no matter whether the bullying is from a student at your school or not. Talk to a teacher or counsellor you like and trust.

Research shows that one in five Australian children aged 12 to 17 has been the target of cyberbullying in the past year. The Office of the Children's eSafety Commissioner can help you make a complaint, find someone to talk to and provide advice and strategies for dealing with these issues.

Need someone to talk to?

You can call Kids Helpline, a free and confidential online and phone counselling service for young people. They're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 55 1800.

Danae Richter
Acting HOD, Humanities

From the Guidance Officer

All sessions will be held at Headspace, 1/27 Evans Street Maroochydore. Entry is at the rear of the building. Please note: ParentSpace is a no cost program with tea, coffee and refreshments provided.

Please call Louise Bowden at IFYS to register your interest in attending any of the above sessions on 5438 3000 or email lbowden@ifys.com.au We hope to see you there!

Jodie Runge
Guidance Officer

GO MAY

Over the coming weeks, the Y10 students will be discussing career goals and selecting their subjects for Year 11 and 12, culminating in an interview for their Senior Education and Training Plan on 19 July. At this interview we meet with each Year 10 student and their parent/s to plan the training, education or employment pathways that best suits their needs and their preferred career.

As parent/s, it is vital in the lead up to this interview that you start holding conversations with your child to help explore and understand their career goals and the different options available to them.

Some key discussion points to help you through these discussions:

1. Students who do not already have at least a few ideas of a preferred career need to spend time exploring jobs related to their interests and strengths. Two internet-based resources that can help young people explore careers are: https://myfuture.edu.au/ and http://www.education.gov.au/career-bullseye-posters . Additionally, students can make an appointment with the Guidance Officer to talk through career options.

2. After completing Year 10, students have the option to either be LEARNING or EARNING, whichever best suits their career goal. They need to decide whether this will be:

• LEARNING fulltime at school,
• LEARNING fulltime at TAFE,
• LEARNING fulltime at another registered training provider,
• LEARNING through a combination of the above learning options, OR
• EARNING in a fulltime job of at least 25 hours per week. This could include a fulltime apprenticeship or traineeship.

3. Students remaining at school for Year 11 and 12 will then need to decide their LEARNING PATHWAY - whether they need to study:

• OP program for university entry, OR
• Non-OP RANK program for university entry, OR
• Non-OP program for other training or employment.

Students may also choose additional options such as part-time, off-campus learning through:

• School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
• TAFE in schools programs
• Sunshine Coast Trade Training Centre programs
• USC Headstart programs, OR
• Certificate IV Justice Studies.

4. Once they know the LEARNING pathway, students can then select their subjects based again on what is best for their chosen career. In week 9 this term, Year 10 students will complete a school subject survey to indicate their preferred subject choices for Year 11 and 12. The results of this survey will then be used to determine the subjects we do offer for next year. Students will then choose their subjects at their SET Plan interview on 19 July.

Please use these points to guide discussions with your Year 10 child about their decisions for the next 2 years of "Learning or Earning". If you would like to discuss any of these points further, please contact the school office to make an appointment with the Guidance Officer.

Cross Country

On Tuesday the 5th of May, students were given the opportunity to compete in the school cross country competition. Many students rose to the challenge of completing the 3km, 4km or 6km track, running their hardest to earn points for their houses but it was the Tunbubudla students who shone, taking out the win and their second trophy for the year.

Congratulations to the Age Champions:

12 years - Jordy Wilson - Isabel Westrop
13 years - Nick Hind - Sarah Voight
14 years - Mike Cadiang - Maya Amendolia
15 years - Connor Lanesbury - Rose Mickelson
16 years - Ryan Howden - Emma Milne
OPEN - Jake Molloy - Jacqui Roach

A big thank you to the students who represented our school at the Central District Cross Country Championships and special mention goes to Jacqui Roach, Aiden Young, Ryan Howden and Connor Lanesbury who have qualified to run at the Sunshine Coast Regional Selections. Best of luck to these students.

Belinda Kerr
HPE Teacher

Qld Indoor Rowing Championships

On Sunday, April 15, Tyler Pearce and Tom Enwright represented the school in the Qld Indoor Rowing Championships at Kawana State College. Both students put in an excellent effort, competing against some of Queensland's best junior rowers, and achieved excellent results. Tyler was awarded a gold medal for his performance in both the 500 m sprint and 1 minute challenge and Tom was awarded a silver medal for his performance in the 500 m. Congratulations Tyler and Tom.

Chantelle Mergard
HPE and Home Ec Teacher
Beerwah State High School

Netball News

We have reached the end of the Monday night netball season with the semi-finals upon us. Beerwah has two teams in the semis at Maroochydore, both teams coming second in their division. First and fourth place getters will play off, and Beerwah, coming in second in both divisions will play third place. The winner of each game will then go on to the finals to be held at the Caloundra stadium on Monday 6 of June. Good luck to all the girls next week in the finals.

Our senior team did not place in the top four this season. Sadly, this will be the last season of school netball for six of the girls in this team. These girls were members of the original Beerwah netball team and have represented Beerwah for the past three years. I would like to thank them for their enthusiasm and participation, and commend them on their sportsmanship and tenacity. Over the past three years the following girls have participated in netball like true Beerwah Champions.

Issie Reberger, Phoenix Weston, Shania Jones, Emily Forsdike, Justiss Adam and Eleece Tasker.

The Original 2014 Team

Sharlene Ballard
HOY 11/12

News from the Resource Centre

Duke of Edinburgh International Award is again being offered to students at Beerwah SHS. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is an exciting international youth development program.

Any young person between the age of 14 and 25 can take part in this program. It is an exciting opportunity that allows you to choose your own activities and set your own goals, whilst challenging yourself in areas of physical recreation, skill, service and outdoor activities.

The Bridge Award is also available. This award is open to young people aged between 11 and a half and 25 years. It builds confidence and resilience and is a great introduction to the Bronze level of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (from 14 years).

Go to the website to download and print the application forms and had them in to Mrs Read / Mrs Fraser at the school. Application fees apply and are also listed on the website. The minimum time to complete the Bronze Award is 6 months. If students are interested in Leadership positions or ensuring they meet their QCE points then this award is an ideal way to achieve both of those aspects whilst selecting their 'own' curriculum.

Premier's Reading Challenge has returned for 2016. Students in Years 7 to 9 are challenged to read 15 books or magazines or graphic novels between May 16th and August 26th in Book Week.

Premier's Reading Challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge is an annual statewide initiative for state and non-state schools and home-educated students up to Year 9, as well as children (aged up to five years) enrolled in an early childhood centre, and individual home readers.

The Premier's Reading Challenge is not a competition but aims to improve literacy and encourage children to engage in reading for pleasure and learning.

Students should see their English teachers to register or may register with Mrs Read – Teacher /Librarian at the Resource Centre.

Voices on the Coast

Voices on the Coast is a youth literature festival, located on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The festival is made up of two student days held at the University of the Sunshine Coast plus a number of additional community events aimed at adults, emerging writers and readers held across the Sunshine Coast.

The student days are targeted towards students from Year 4 to Year 12 with over 130 talks and workshops over the two days. Authors and illustrators from across Australia are invited to talk and workshop with students. The student days are also open to adults and individuals. You do not have to be part of a school group to participate. Beerwah High is taking students from Years 7, 8 & 9 classes on Monday 6th June. For students who have nominated payment of $25 and permission forms need to be returned to Cash Collection by Wednesday 2nd June. Thanks. Adie Read

Year 8 Interschool Readers' Cup –Tuesday 14th June @Immanuel Lutheran College 6pm The School will be well represented by Ashley McIntyre, Amelia Robinson, Natalie Ross and Kloe Shaw. We wish the girls every success in this Regional Competition.

Could you write a book in a day for cancer research?

Get your team of 5–10 together. Register your team in the primary, middle, upper division or open division. This is a fun, creative, team-building activity which is also rewarding, as it raises money for research into childhood cancer and gives books to kids in hospitals. A great activity for Book Week!

Write a Book in a Day runs until August 31.

Happy Reading,

Mrs Read
Teacher Librarian

Study Skills Handbook

With the end of term approaching and exams occurring it is time to think about study notes. But why now? Well many students wait until just before examination time to even consider their study notes then there is no time to learn them and no time to practise the skills of the subject. The smart thing to do is encourage your child to get their study notes up to date weeks prior to the exam. Leaving it to the last minute makes it impossible to catch up. Please have a look at the attachment on 'how to study' for further tips on how to prepare for exams.

Top 5 tips to improve notes

1. POINTS: Avoid long sentences and focus on key points.
2. TABLES: Use tables wherever possible to create structure.
3. KEY WORDS: Pull out keys words (as shown in this list).
4. HIGHLIGHT: Make sure the key content stands out (but don't go crazy with colour).
5. FEEDBACK: Show notes to teachers, parents and friends so they can suggest ways to improve them.

Please see PDF below for more information on how to study.

Derek Ranclaud
A/Head of Department – Student Services

News from the Maths Department

Maths students receiving certificates for distinctions and credits for the Australian Maths Comp

Paul Schneider
Hod Mathematics

BSHS Arts in Focus

Popstars Rocked Beerwah High!

Yet another successful, sold-out show for Beerwah High's 2016 production of 'Popstars'. The students and staff worked incredibly hard to present a polished, high energy show that audience members were raving about. Directors Deb Holland and Rebecca Stephenson were very proud of the cast and crew. "We had so much fun putting together this show, we may even sneak another one in next year!" they said. The show was enjoyed by friends and family of cast members, teachers, feeder school students and members of Glasshouse Country Care. Both nights went off without a hitch and the most important part was, the students had so much fun. Now we are suffering from rehearsal withdrawals and looking forward to planning next year's performance.

A special mention must go out to all the staff who helped make this production possible:

Jess Rossberg, Asha Josland, Kerri Davit-Barnard, Lani Buchanan, Karen Massingham, Will Audley, Sarah Minns, Nathan Hills, Mike Turner, Joshua Curtis, Peter Muchow, Adam Budd, Peter Voigt, Steve Jeffery, Josh Bell, Leanne Young, Adie Read, Jan Simpson and Chris Vallely to name a few!

Rebecca Stephenson
Drama/English Teacher

ROBOTICS WORKSHOP

On Monday May 16th three Year 7 students: Dallas Muller, Callum Byford and Harley Treverton, attended a Robotics workshop at Mountain Creek State High School. The workshop allowed students to explore robotics and to be able to program the robots to do certain things. The students were also told about some upcoming competitions which included the First Lego League competition and the First Robotics Competition.

A robotics club will be set up next term to allow interested students to experience Robotics.

Danae Richter
Acting HOD, Humanities

Legal Studies

On Friday the 6th May 2016 Brooke Curtis (Year 12) and Veda Pflasterer (Year 10) represented Beerwah State High School at the Legal Studies Youth Parliament at Parliament House in Brisbane. The students debated a Mock Bill on Student Training in Environmental Protection Universal Program (STEP UP) and another Act Amendment Bill 2016. The Bill being put forward was for an Act to establish protection measures to be undertaken by young people in Queensland and to amend the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006. The objects of the Act was to protect the environment and improve sustainability in Queensland through ensuring that all Year 12 students in Queensland schools participate in comprehensive training and conservation programs and to extend the Year 12 course to two years to accommodate this program. It also looked at introducing environmentally responsible transport options and the introduction of a ban on all plastic packaging within schools. These issues lead to considerable debate in the house. Some students also had the opportunity to talk about a state government issue that they felt strongly about.

Brooke and Veda were excellent ambassadors for Beerwah State High School and are to be congratulated on their performances.

Danae Richter
Acting HOD, Humanities

Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show

With only weeks to go to the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show, we are spreading the word for schools to please place some information in their fortnightly newsletters about the affordable tickets and fresh new program.

For primary schools, at the Show children can complete and submit a Farmers' Trail Passport (given at the gate) which will give their school an opportunity to win $300. There are also mini-racing pigs and farm animals.

For high schools, there are many new parts to the program with a Fashion & Fibre Finery hub along with a feature Skate Comp., freestyle motorbikes and laser light spectacular.

Our website also has detailed information.