31 October 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

UNIFORM 2018

At the most recent P&C Meeting the schools dress code was discussed in line with the introduction of a new uniform items. These new items will include a new formal shirt for both boys and girls, a girls skirt and unisex shorts. All items will be have been designed so they are identified as Beerwah SHS uniforms. As well as the new uniforms there are a couple of items that all parents carers need to be aware of and they include

• School shoes need to be all black and low cut. The current high cut/ ankle shoes/ boots will not be part of our endorsed school uniform
• Formal uniforms are to be worn twice a week. They are to be worn every Monday and every day where students have a Year Level Parade. We have ensured that students will not have a parade two days in a row.

BYOD 2018

Parents of current students are strongly recommended to become part of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program in 2018. Over 30% of students are currently connected to the school network. Schools across Queensland are decreasing the number of computer labs in their schools as access to affordable devices becomes more realistic.

We are also investigating the opportunity to combine students with BYO devices into classes where the opportunity to utilise the devices in class will be increased through student and teacher collaboration.

AWARDS NIGHT

With the year nearly over it is time to acknowledge the students who have excelled in Academic, Cultural or Sporting fields. I invite all members of the Beerwah SHS community to out Awards night on Wednesday November 1st starting at 7pm in the Student Centre.

Glen Robinson
Principal

I know that we are all thinking ‘where has the year gone’ and that before long it will be school holidays and although that is quite an exciting thought it is also quite scary as there is much left to do for both teachers and students. With final assessments occurring for all students over the next few weeks it can be a very stressful time and not all students cope as well as each other with this stress. It is important for all students if they do not understand the work in class that they do talk with their teachers or a peer to seek further clarification so that when they are at home and working on drafts of assignments or studying for exams they are clear in what they need to know and do.

Parents please keep an eye on your children and if you feel they are not coping please contact the school as there are Student Services staff and teachers who are able to assist in this area. For some students it is a time that when the going gets tough they ‘give up’ as it all just seems too hard and they can’t see a way forward. Our REBOOT check in process (5 Faces) is a discreet way that students are able to let their teachers know if they are not travelling well and this then alerts us and enables us to look for ways and strategies that can be employed to improve a situation where possible

It is a very stressful time for a number of year 12 students who are vying for that best OP score that will get them into the university course they desire. All students and their parents have been emailed a schedule of where exams will be held in class or when assignments are due in weeks, 4, 5 and 6. It is important for all year 12 students that all assessments are completed by the due dates.

The year 12 exam mapping schedule is also included in this newsletter.

A block exam session will be held for year 10 /11 students in their last week of school (20-24 Nov). Once this schedule is complete it too will be emailed to all year 10/11 students and their parents. It is important that students are in attendance for all their exams and that all assessment is submitted. If necessary the Thursday non-school day may have to be used to cater for all exam requests.

Year 7 – 9 assessment will be completed during usual class times and students have all been made aware of when this is due through their assessment planners.

We wish all students the very best for all of their assessment tasks and will help them be successful learners in any way we possibly can.

Tanya Hayden
Deputy Principal

Chaplaincy Raffle

Thanks to all those who bought tickets in our latest Chaplaincy Raffle which had the prize of a Radio Controlled Helicopter, beach towel and framed art. Between tickets sold here at school, outside Woolworths over a couple of days and at the Beerwah Street Party along with sales of homemade fudge, we raised just over $1,000 which is fantastic. A much needed injection of funds for our chaplaincy account – the majority of the support for our 5 day a week chaplain comes from donations. Big thanks to our school chaplaincy committee for all their hard work selling these tickets. The winning ticket was drawn at the ‘Beerwah Street Party’ on the 20th October and went to Paulene Morgan of Glasshouse. Congratulations to Paulene! Our next chaplaincy fundraiser is the Bunnings BBQ at Caloundra on Saturday 11th November.

Happy World Teachers Day

Honouring the dedicated and hardworking teachers at Beerwah State High School with a plant and the message “Thank you for helping our students GROW”.

Footy Colours Day

On the last day of term 3 the Junior Student Leadership team held a Footy Colours Day in order to raise money for the Fight Cancer Foundation. Students were encouraged to wear their favourite football colours and pay a gold coin donation. The team raised a total of $78 for the foundation - a great effort from all involved.

Jacob Connor
Junior Secondary HOD

Day for Daniel

Academic & Cultural Cup 2017

By Peter Voigt (Academic & Cultural Cup Coordinator/Teacher Aide – Learning Support)

On Monday 9th October, Beerwah High celebrated its third annual Academic & Cultural Cup. Teachers, students and special guests were entertained by an array of talent fuelled acts which included performances by our award winning rock group ‘Stand Alone’, the harmonic tones of the Beerwah High vocal group, Beerwah High’s Stage Band, a duo from the school’s formidable Dance Company and an engaging performance by a small group of actors who performed an excerpt from the ‘Robin the Hood’ theatre restaurant that our drama company presented to high acclaim earlier this year.

“Robin The Hood” – Drama Company

Congratulations to Team Tunbubudla, who became our first multiple winner of the trophy, having also taken the cup out in our inaugural year in 2015. For the next twelve months the beautiful Academic & Cultural Champions trophy will once again be adorned by the majestic maroon mortar board of Tunbubudla. Congratulations to all students who contributed to the team of maroon’s tally.

Champion House - Tunbubudla

This year six new and six returning year level male and female champions were entered into the BSHS Scholastic Almanac, which is a beautiful leather bound book of parchment paper that keeps a record and signatures of male and female champions for each year level. Thank you to local businesses Australia Zoo, Aussie World, Hinterland Sports, Vianta Espresso & Exotics Coffee Shop, Bucks Bakery, Beerwah Flowers & Gifts, Beerwah Newsagency, Event Cinemas and Laserzone for generously providing some wonderful age champion prizes.

Signing of the Scholastic Almanac

The third year of our newest cup was highly successful, with the spawning of two new in-school competitions under the competitive Academic & Cultural concept. Our popular ‘tennis’ themed spelling bee tournament was joined by a new ‘basketball’ themed maths competition and a ‘water polo’ themed trivia competition.

Special congratulations this year to our “Robin the Hood” Drama Company (Team Distinction), who took out a ‘Gold Standard Dramatic Performance’ award at the Sunshine Coast School Drama Festival with their excerpt from the theatre restaurant that they performed at our school earlier in the year. Dance Company (Team Distinction) also had another great year, taking out a first, second, third, fourth and several highly commended placings in the very competitive Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Eisteddfods. Our school and communities were also entertained by some amazing performances throughout the year by our Stage Band, Concert Band and Vocal Ensemble (Team Credits). The Academic & Cultural Cup train is full steam ahead into 2018; see you all at the station!

Age Champions

2017 Champion House Tunbubudla

2017 Age Champions

For details and photos of year level champions please click on the following link.

For further photos of our celebration please click on the following link.

The top 20 point scorers can be viewed via the attached links.

Parent Sessions

Over the years, the Student Services team have held a number of initiatives to support parents with information and resources around raising teenagers. Most notably has been “parent group” which has run for a number of years – both at the school and at BADYACC – in varying formats.

With changing community needs, we’d like to look at offering a different forum for parent support and engagement moving forward in 2018.

We’re considering arranging quarterly forums to be held at the school of an evening to present information and address questions and concerns around the hot-topic issues impacting on teens today.

To gauge interest and assist with planning, we’d be thankful for your feedback via this simple online survey. Please click here to complete the survey and help us prepare a program that best meets your needs. SURVEY LINK

BYOD at Beerwah State High School

As many of our families are already aware, we are progressing towards being a BYOD (bring your own device) school, with approximately 300 devices already connected to our BYOD network.

We strongly urge you to consider providing your student with a device to support their learning in 2018 and beyond. Given the potential number of students who do become part of the BYOD program, we are considering the possibility of classes being formed specifically with students with their own device, and those without.

Our school website provides details on the minimum specifications for devices that are suitable to use on the school network, as well as information regarding cost of connection and responsibilities for students regarding the acceptable use of such devices.

The link to the BYOD information on our website is below.

Dance Night

What a fantastic year it has been for our Dance students. A big THANK YOU to everyone involved in this year’s Dance Night “Fire and Ice”. We couldn’t have done it without your continued support.

Auditions for year 8 Dance Extension 2018 are happening next week (week 5) on Tuesday and Wednesday first break in the PA Block. Please ensure your year 7 child collects a note from Miketee Staffroom NOW!

In addition, Dance Company auditions will be happening in Week 6, Monday 6th and Wednesday 8th November at 7:30am. We encourage everyone who loves to dance and perform in front of an audience to come along and give it a go!

Jess Rossberg
Dance Teacher

Instrumental Music

Our Instrumental Music students have had a very busy start to Term 4!

On Thursday 12 October, the Stage Band had a workshop with teachers from the Jazz Music Institute, which included the chance to focus on current pieces in their repertoire, alongside developing improvising skills.

On Sunday 15 October, the members of the Concert Band had a workshop and rehearsal day with guest conductor Mr David Law. Mr Law is the conductor of the Queensland Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble and also conducts ensembles throughout Queensland as part of the State Honours Ensemble Program. Students spent the day rehearsing the two pieces they will perform at Awards Night, building a greater depth of ensemble sound, working on listening skills and developing individual technique on their instruments.

On Wednesday 18 October, 20 students from Years 7-12 travelled to the ABC Studios at Southbank to watch a performance by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. It was a very enjoyable concert, showcasing every section of the orchestra and composers from Australia, China and the United Kingdom.

Clare Deady
Instrumental Music Teacher

Congratulations Chelsey Wilks

Congratulations to Chelsey Wilks on achieving number 1 Female Referee at the Harvey Norman School Touch Football Competition. Chelsey has done the Sunshine Coast and Beerwah High School proud.

Congratulations Jac Robins

This is Jac Robins (year 11) at his workplace. Jac commenced a school based traineeship this year in Retail/IT through Community Solutions. He has worked hard and settled in well with his colleagues and managers and his work has been greatly appreciated by all…so much so that Jac received the School Based Trainee of the Quarter. Jac is completing a Certificate II Retail and works at Joyce Mayne, Sippy Downs. Feedback from his host employer is that Jac is a reliable employee who displays great initiative, puts in a great effort and is always helpful. Jac is always on time for work and has secured extra shifts outside the requirements of his traineeship. In winning his award Jac received a plaque and a voucher and will be in contention for Community Solutions Trainee of the Year which will be announced in March 2018.

Congratulations to Keely Lister & Gabby Shaw

Congratulations to Gabby Shaw (Yr 9) and Keely Lister (Yr 12 and Co Dance Captain) on being offered places at Innate Dance Company (formally Queensland Contemporary Youth Ballet) for the 2018 season. Keely has been offered the position of Dance Captain for the company. Well done gils.

Adirondack Chairs for Sale – ONLY 4 LEFT

Our Year 12 Furnishings Classes have completed a unit on streamline assembly. They produced a batch of Adirondack Garden Chairs, with each student learning varied production stages and methods. We have a sampling of extra chairs that are now for sale. Chairs are crafted from solid Kwila and sealed with Aussie Clear for external use. Chairs are $247.50 each; please see Linda in cash collection. You are more than welcome to view the chairs first.

Cassie Clark
HOD Technology

School based traineeships/apprenticeships (SATs)

SATs

During term 3 four students progressed through the application process for school based traineeship vacancies with ANZ Bank, Beerwah and Tooth Kind, Beerwah. Students produced resumes attended interviews and in the case of the dental vacancy completed work experience. Feedback has been that all applicants were of a very high standard and they are to be congratulated for the way that they have prepared and conducted themselves throughout the process. In the end both Deneille Stuparich and Kyla Mahoney have secured positions with Tooth Kind – Deneille with the Beerwah practice and Kyla at Little Mountain. These girls will be working on Thursdays and completing a Certificate III Dental Assisting through TAFE East Coast and are extremely excited to have commenced what they hope may be a pathway for them after school. The ANZ position has been offered to Year 10 student Edan Robertson who will have up until the end of year 12 to complete his required work hours and achieve a Certificate III in Business. Ashley-Rose Kelly was the second applicant and is to be congratulated for an excellent application and interview. Ashley has been offered to interview with the managers of two other branches on the Sunshine Coast and we wish Ashley the very best as she moves forward with this.

Congratulations to Deneille, Kyla, Edan and Ashley-Rose and best wishes with your study and work.

As the year draws to a close, feedback has been sought from the trainers and employers of all school based trainees and apprentices. It has been exciting to hear the great comments about the work performance, motivation, positive attitude and work ethic which has been displayed by Beerwah students during 2017. Congratulations to you all.

Vacancies for school based opportunities are advertised on student notices and on the notice boards outside of the Independent Learning Centre. Students should continue to watch for vacancies and are encouraged to search for their own opportunities (for example turning an existing part time position into a traineeship).

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

At this time of year there may be some opportunities for our graduating seniors which will be advertised on notices, parades or on the notice board. Students often ask how they can obtain an apprenticeship and an information pack has been produced to help guide students and provide useful links and info. The information relates to non-apprenticeship career search as well. Year 12s should see Ms Skerman for a copy and keep looking out for opportunities as they are advertised.

WORK EXPERIENCE

It has been excellent to see a number of students find placements and complete work experience in the past two months. Students use work experience or job sampling as a way to practice and develop important employability skills as well as a way to network with people, obtain references and demonstrate work capabilities. Having some time in a real life work environment is an effective way to see if that job or trade or industry is something you could do and would like. Beerwah High extends a sincere thank you to all local and Sunshine Coast employers who kindly support alternative pathways for our young people.

Congratulations to the following students for using their initiative to find and complete placements:

Jack Woodall – Caloundra West Customs
Kyle O’Reilly – Megalec Pty Ltd
Luke Roy – Sunshine Coast NRL
Casey Parnell – Glasshouse Tiling

Australian Defence Force WORK EXPERIENCE

Tey Brooks in year 10 was recently successful in securing a placement in an ADF Army Aviation training program and attended Oakey Airbase on 16th to 19th October. These placements are highly competitive and always prove to be amazing experiences for our students. Work experience placements such as this are designed to contribute to the development of the skills of young people and Tey was able to see firsthand the wide variety of interesting careers available in an Army Aviation establishment. Congratulations Tey – we are sure that the placement was an amazing experience.

Opportunities for placements are advertised online and programs run up until the end of the year.

Visit Defence Work Experience Program website for more information.

COURSES AND PROGRAMS FOR 2018

Now is the time for students to be considering alternative programs and courses available in 2018. These include the Trade Training Centre, AllevE8 and GenR8, TAFE at School, Distance Education and external provider delivered qualifications in manufacturing/engineering, salon industry and health sector.

Applications and expressions of interest are being taken now. Read below for further information.

SC Technical Trade Training Centre

First round interviews were scheduled for Wednesday 19th October and were conducted at school by Centre Coordinator, Deb McPherson. Seven year 10 students are preparing and looking forward to the opportunity of securing placements in programs in 2018. For information relating to courses and enrolment please go to the website below or contact Ms Skerman.

Round 2 applications are now open (due 10th November 2017) for places in:

• Cert II Automotive Servicing Technology (AUR20516)
• Cert I Construction (CPC10111)
• Cert II Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22011)
• Cert II Health Support Services (HLT23215)
• Cert II Plumbing (52700WA)
• Cert II Surveying & Spatial Information Services (CPP20116) (TBC)
• Aviation Studies (Study University Now, Central Qld University) ($375 course fee + $200 TTC fee)
• Built Environment & Design Program (Study University Now, Central Qld Uni) ($375 course fee + $230 TTC fee) **NEW Program

For students who may have already utilised their VETiS funding but still wish to apply for the TTC in 2018, courses are also offered as fee for service. The following are the FFS TAFE at School prices as advised by TTC.

In addition to these course fees, a TTC student fee is applicable which covers uniform, PPE, management of SWL placement, consumables and administration costs. This can range from $450 to $790 per year. Students returning to SCTTTC for a second year or those who have already utilised their VETiS funding with other RTOs will have fees calculated on an individual basis. Please contact Deb McPherson, centre coordinator for more information. (Telephone 5438 1037)

GenR8 AND AllevE8 PROGRAMS

2017 Graduation from these programs will be held on Tuesday 31st October. Congratulations to the following students for successfully completing certificate II qualifications and 20 days’ work placements:

Sarah Lillecrapp – Cert II Health Support Services with Blue Care Dicky Beach
Jackson Attwood – Cert II Logistics with Lindsay Rural

The programs have been extremely valuable in providing an opportunity to further develop employability skills while working in a specific industry. The opportunity to network, build work relationships and display capabilities has resulted in a valuable experience and excellent references for these students. Jackson has also completed his Skills Portfolio which is a record of his progress and skills development and earns an extra 2 QCE points. We wish Sarah and Jackson all the very best for the future and in their chosen pathways.

Placements in the 2018 programs are still open for application and next year’s Year 12 students (our current Year 11s) are invited to take up these opportunities. The SVETE (School plus Vocational Education and Training lead to Employment) programs are coordinated by DET North Coast Region are an opportunity for 2018 Year 12 students to complete a certificate II qualification and participate in 20 days of structured workplace learning. Student interest areas are matched with a list of employers offering placements. Other benefits for students include:

• Develop employability skills valued by employers
• Achieve up to 6 QCE points
• Demonstrate real life work capability that will provide a competitive edge
• Open up employment opportunities and pathways

The two programs to choose from are:

AllevE8

• HLT23215 Certificate II in Health Support Services
• 20 days of structured work placement within the fastest growing industry in Australia – Health

GenR8

• TLI21815 Certificate II in Logistics
• 20 days of structured work placement within a variety of industry areas focussing on transport, logistics and supply chain

See Ms Skerman for further information and an EOI as soon as possible.

Links to Program Information (supplied by DET)

Includes benefits for Students and general program information

Detailing how the program works through the recruitment period and 2018 school year.

Explains school, student, parent, employer and RTO responsibilities

DUAL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY/ENGINEERING – TECHNICAL

Offered by Site Skills Training, based in Landsborough this VETiS funded dual course would run for 1 day a week over one semester. The course covers practical skills and knowledge to carry technical support functions in mechanical engineering and is a practical and exciting program. The students are given a project to design and develop a drone and start off working with 3D printers and apply the skills developed to an industrial CNC system. They continue with teamwork and design skills where they design, print and assemble the drone and have it flying by the end of the project.

• MSM20216 Certificate II Manufacturing Technology
• MEM30505 Certificate III Engineering – Technical
• VETiS funded – with options available for VETiS ineligible students
• 9 QCE points
• 20 weeks

Students are able to use this dual qualification to progress into certificate IV, diploma or degree pathways. Career opportunities include electrical/mechanical engineer, engineering design and drone systems designer.

Minimum enrolment numbers must be met before the course will proceed. Register your interest by completing page two of the attached flyer and return to Ms Skerman. Advice on the course proceeding in 2018 will be confirmed in week 7.

DUAL SALON ASSISTANT/ RETAIL COSMETICS

The dual course has been delivered at school by an external training provider and wrapped up in week 10 of term 3. Fifteen students have successfully completed the dual course and gained 8 QCE points. They have gained skills and knowledge in both theory and practical components including recommend products and services, greet and prepare clients for salon service, advise on beauty products, design and apply make-up and braid hair.

Depending on interest received it is proposed that the course may run again in 2018.

• SHB20216 Cert II Salon Assistant
• SHB20116 Cert II Retail Cosmetics
• VETiS funded – fee for service option
• 1 day a week (proposed either Wednesday or Thursday) / two terms
• 8 QCE points

This dual program provides the foundation skills and knowledge for work in the salon industry and contains both theory and practical components. Students must be motivated to commit to the course and participate in an adult learning environment. Register interest with Ms Skerman.

HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES

A group of senior students successfully completed this course in Semester 1 and depending on interest received it is proposed that the course may run again in 2018. The course provides foundation skills and knowledge required to enter into a variety of sectors including health, professional scientific and technical services, community and personal service workers. It is also a pathway for further study. Register interest with Ms Skerman.

• HLT21212 Certificate II Health Support Services
• VETiS funded – fee for service option
• 1 day a week (proposed wither Wednesday or Thursday) / two terms
• 4 QCE points

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST DUE MONDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2017

Students interested in any of the above courses or programs are invited to complete an EOI and return to Ms Skerman asap. Minimum enrolments must be met before courses will proceed and student VETiS eligibility confirmed.

Many courses are VETiS funded and students and parents are encouraged to investigate all options. Please see attached DET flyer regarding funding.

Helen Skerman
Industrial Liaison Officer