8 December 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

There have been a number of significant events since the last newsletter particularly for the Year 12 cohort who have now left us. Our Awards Night was the acknowledgement of those students who have excelled in the Academic, Cultural, Sporting and Community fields at Beerwah State High and it was great to see that over 230 students received over 350 awards.

We celebrated the culmination of schooling through the Formal and Clap Out for the Year 12’s and it was great to see the opportunity for our parents to share in these events with their children.

Uniform

2017 saw the school undertake a review of our uniform. I am looking forward to the new formal shirt, as well as the new skirt and shorts. Below is a snapshot of the changes/clarifications in the dress code for 2018. We ask that all parents have their child ready for school in the correct uniform for the start of the school year.

• The P&C have endorsed the Dress Code.
• The formal uniform is to be worn twice a week. That will be on Mondays and when they have their year level parade.
• Students can still wear the old formal shirt for the next two years.
• Stretch cotton skirts are not to be worn.
• Shoes need to be all black and cut below the ankle.
• Sock are to be all white.

BYOD

As part of the schools ICT plan, 2018 will see a significant increase in the opportunity for all students to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). With an ever increasing emphasis on Digital Technologies we see students bringing a device for use at school as an essential part of their learning. When considering a device over the school vacation, please consider the specifications that we recommend. These can be found on the school website.

At the recent Transition Day, the 2018 Year 7 students indicated that approximately 80% of students would be bringing a personal device for use in classes. This is great to see and I really see this as the way forward for all year levels. If your child is in one of the other year levels I would strongly encourage you to have them bring their own personal device to use at school.

Vacation

With this newsletter being the last for the year it is a time to reflect on what has been a very successful and rewarding year. One only needs to look at the schools Facebook page to see the wide ranging opportunities that have been provided to the students of Beerwah State High School this year. However, without the teachers running these activities they would not happen. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those teachers who committed many hours of involvement outside of school hours in these activities.

To all have a safe and enjoyable holiday and I look forward to working with our community and its families in 2018.

Glen Robinson
Principal

Senior School News

Our year 12 seniors have graduated from school, survived schoolies and are now stepping into the next phase of their lives.

We had a very successful FORMAL and although we say it every year, it is truly a pleasure to see the students all dressed up and looking more like the fine young adults they have become instead of the ‘school kids’ we have been used to seeing over the past five years. It is amazing to see just how far they have come in that time. Clap Out is an emotional time for students, parents and staff and a wonderful way of saying farewell to our year 12 students.

All of our year 12 students have exited school with either their QCE, QCIA or at least one or more certificate courses. Many more were highly successful in completing School based apprenticeships or Traineeships and some are now anxiously waiting to see what their final OP score will be and what courses they have been accepted into for University next year.

No matter what your pathway – be it further study or work we wish you all the very best for the future. Keep in touch and remember you will always be a member of the Beerwah State High School family.

Congratulations to these highly successful year 12 Students

We are very pleased to announce that Kody Thomas-Roby, has been awarded an inaugural scholarship from the Australian Music Conservatory. There were over twenty applicants all with lots of talent and potential drawn from various private and public schools on the Sunshine Coast.

The panel felt Kody had the skills in both song writing and performing and leading a team that made him the successful recipient of the scholarship. Kody will receive a full financial scholarship to complete his Certificate IV in Music Industry - Performance along with a Certificate IV in Music – Sound Production. Managing director - Melissa Mitchell – a born and bred Sunshine Coast resident have stated they are “excited to be working with such a talented individual in 2018.” Beerwah State High School staff wish Kody all the very best for the future and look forward to hearing more of his original work performed ad published in the future.

Staff at Beerwah State High school are excited to announce that Simon Redshaw has been accepted into the Conservatorium of Music for study in 2018. This is an amazing opportunity for someone straight out of secondary school and a testament to Simon’s musical skill and talent as well as the dedication that Simon has shown throughout the years honing his craft.

We wish Simon al the very best for the future.

Tanya Hayden
Deputy Principal Senior School

BSM Update

This week Student Resource Scheme letters, participation forms and invoices have been issued for 2018. Additional subject consumable fee invoices have also been generated for years 9, 10, 11 and 12. If you are not currently receiving invoices and statements by email and would like to, please make your request via email to admin@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au

There are a number of payment options available and improved services for the payment of these invoices. BPOINT options are the preferred methods of payment for the Education Department which will allow you to make payments anytime which is beneficial for those who wish to make payments over the school vacation period. These details are provided at the bottom of each invoice/statement. Our cash collection staff will be more than happy to assist you and explain in further detail the direct debit option available for parents who wish to enter into a payment plan in the new year.

Our cash collection office will be open when school resumes in 2018 between the hours of 8:00am and 12:00pm, Monday to Friday. Payment methods include EFTPOS, cash, cheque, BPOINT (direct debit options for bank account/credit and debit cards as well as weblink and telephone payments for credit and debit cards). You can also use Centrepay to arrange regular deductions from your Centrelink payments. Centrepay is a voluntary payment option available to Centrelink customers.

Thank you for your support in making our School Resource Scheme a successful option for families. The operation of this Scheme provides your students with the resources they need to succeed in their students throughout the year.

Angela Croft
Business Manager

Year 12 Movie World Trip

Part of the Year 12 end of school celebrations included a trip to Movie World. This took place on our senior’s scheduled off campus day. The new Justice League ride seemed merely a slight challenge compared to the hurdles of QCS tests, VET resits and exams the students had just navigated. Hats off to Tilly Guinane who rode that roller coaster backwards. A little rain kept everyone cooler on the day, and the bottomless cups of soft drink available at the theme park unfortunately slowed the bus trip down on the way home, but certainly the day provided another happy memory for our departing seniors.

Mrs Ballard

Remembrance Day

On Saturday 11/11/17 a group of Senior and Junior Leaders participated in the Beerwah Remembrance Day Commemoration Service.

Chappy update

After eleven years working as our fulltime chaplain at Beerwah High, Mike Turner will soon be working across two schools: Beerwah Primary School and our high school. This change will take effect from Monday 27th November. Mike’s new hours at the high school will be: Tuesdays, Wednesday afternoons, Thursdays and Fridays.

Here’s a ‘shout out’ to the amazing chaplaincy committee who have done an incredible job fundraising since 1994. They are all volunteers and give of their time every month to oversee the chaplain and run fundraising events. Thanks also to the P&C Association for their generous financial support of our chaplaincy.

If you would like to know more about our school chaplaincy service please contact Mike Turner via the school office.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC NOTES

It was great to meet the Year 6 students that will be joining the Instrumental Music Program in 2018 and have some of them join in a rehearsal and concert with members of the Concert Band as part of the Transition Day activities. In a very short space of time, the students learnt two pieces of music and performed them for parents; what an awesome effort!

Congratulations to Year 12 student Simon Redshaw, who was offered a place to study clarinet at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music next year. This course is highly competitive and it is a testament to Simon’s hard work over a number of years that he was selected from applicants all over Queensland.

Simon was also offered a place at the University of Queensland, as well as this year being selected for the Queensland Conservatorium State Honours Ensemble Program, The Creative Generations Orchestra and the Education Queensland MOST (Musically Outstanding Students) Program. Students from throughout Queensland nominate and are required to audition for all of these programs and for Simon to have been selected to participate in all events this year is a significant achievement. Congratulations, Simon and all the very best in your future music studies.

Clare Deady
Instrumental Music Teacher

Reminder to return all resources

All texts and library books need to be returned by Friday 8/12/17.

School based traineeships/apprenticeships (SATs)

Alternative Pathways

SCHOOL BASED TRAINEESHIPS/APPRENTICESHIPS

School based traineeships and apprenticeships give students the opportunity to combine training with working in a real job; gain QCE points while learning the practical workplace skills and continue full time school studies while earning a part time wage.

There have been approximately 30 Beerwah High students participating in SATs during 2017. Students have balanced their school studies with training and work in their chosen industry. Most students attend work release on their non-timetabled day. Traineeships are completed over the two years of senior schooling and on graduation trainees have gained a Certificate II or III qualification. This year has seen many students, particularly year 12s, complete within 12 months which shows dedication and commitment. Apprentices participate part time over senior and on graduation usually convert to full time or part time apprentices having completed approximately a third of their studies. Training is competency based with an emphasis on work place application of attained knowledge.

We have trainees in hospitality, retail operations, business, information, digital media and technology, sport and recreation, community pharmacy, childcare, horticulture, engineering production, and automotive mechanics. Our apprentices work in the industries of hairdressing and roof plumbing.

Students are employed by businesses in our local area and across the Sunshine Coast. Beerwah High appreciates and thanks these businesses for creating these employment opportunities and for their continuing support of alternative pathways for our young people.

The following students are graduating Beerwah High having completed school based traineeships or apprenticeships. These students are to be congratulated for successfully balancing study and work commitments with their school studies. They have gained valuable qualifications, experience and employability skills and up to 8 QCE points towards completion of the Qld Certificate of Education.

Jarryd Cummings – Certificate II Horticulture
Jorja Fullick – Certificate III Business Administration
Kristiane Hadley – conversion to part time Certificate III Roof Plumbing apprenticeship
Jennah Laverty – Certificate III Hospitality
Elizabeth Macdonald – Certificate III Business
Brodie Pace – Certificate II Automotive Underbody Technology
Jasmine Ross Taylor – Certificate III Hospitality
Shekira Sciortino – Certificate III Hospitality
Lily Standring – Certificate III Retail Operations
Ella Stevenson – Certificate III Hospitality
Nikita Temomo Kreet – Certificate III Sport & Recreation
Kimberley Wooler – Certificate II Retail Services
Maddison Klaas – Certificate III Business
Julia Brooks – Certificate III Retail Operations
Sarah Lillecrapp – Certificate III Retail Operations
Cody Wilson – Certificate III retail
Gabrielle Logan – Certificate III Hospitality
Telia Grant – Certificate III Hospitality
Lleyton McMurtrie – Certificate III Retail

Every year at Beerwah High’s annual award night we recognise a school based trainee or apprentice who has effectively developed workplace skills, knowledge and confidence in their chosen industry. The 2017 recipient of Trainee/Apprentice of the year is Year 12 student Nikitia Temomo-Kreet. Nikitia, who has been employed by SPC Netball Club at Caboolture completing a certificate III Sport & Recreation, is described by her employer as an amazing young woman and an absolute godsend to the club. As a player she is an amazing team member, passionate and enthusiastic about her sport. She has taken on coaching and umpiring roles and has made an impressive progression in her skills and abilities. She has received numerous awards throughout the year including a National Umpiring Badge, Club President’s Award and a high achiever’s award. Nikita has effectively and efficiently completed her qualification fulfilling theory and practical components with written, verbal and observation assessments. As a trainee she has always completed every task set for her and has effective communication and time management skills. The club president cannot speak highly enough of Nikita and is extremely proud and grateful for her hard work and contribution over the past 18 months. They know that Nikita will have a very bright future in whatever path she chooses.

Congratulations to Nikita and to all our trainees and apprentices on a successful and rewarding 2017.

SC Technical Trade Training Centre

The graduation ceremony for the 2017 trade training centre students took place on Thursday 2nd November. Students have successfully completed their qualifications and structured workplace learning placements and have found the year both valuable and rewarding. Congratulations to all year 11 and 12 students. Special congratulations to Year 12 student Lleyton McMurtrie. Lleyton has been awarded automotive student of the year excellence award for 2017. Chosen for his exceptional aptitude and work ethic in both the classroom and workshop, Lleyton has gained a Certificate II in Automotive Servicing and completed 98 hours work placement with Cricks Maroochydore. We wish Lleyton much success as he graduates and begins on his chosen pathway.

Helen Skerman
Industrial Liaison Officer