2 March 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Uniform

It was great to see the way our students looked in their formal uniforms at the recent school photo day. With nearly every student in the school in their formal uniform and a large number with the new formal shirt, it sent a message that it is alright to have high standards around how our students look when they attend school. Can I remind all students and parents that the formal uniform is to be worn on all Mondays and days when your child’s year level has their parade day (ie: Year 7 – Thursday, Year 8 - Wednesday, Year 9 - Friday, Year 10 - Thursday, Year 11 - Friday, Year 12 - Wednesday).

At present the P&C and the school administration are reviewing the school winter uniform. Please take the opportunity in upcoming newsletters or at P&C meetings to have your say.

Feedback

As part of a new process for gathering feedback, we will asking parents to respond to one or two questions each newsletter to gain information about various areas of the school. Responses are anonymous and will be similar to the School Opinion Survey completed later in the year. Again please take the opportunity to respond to these questions so that we are able to identify areas of school improvement.

In the 2017 School Opinion Survey, parents believed that “Student Behaviour could better managed”. Please briefly outline how you believe this could improve.

P&C

At the Annual General Meeting on March 13th, two members of P&C executive will be standing down from their positions. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the school community to thank Ms Shari Brewer as Vice President in 2017. Thank you to Shari for her contribution to the school over the past years.

Also stepping down from the executive is Ms Coralie Lillecrap. After serving as President of the Beerwah Primary school P&C, Coralie stepped up to the position of President of Beerwah State High School’s P&C in 2014 and has been President since then. Coralie has made an enormous contribution to Beerwah SHS and we as a school community have benefitted from her contributions.

The AGM for the P&C will be held on March 13 at 6pm in the Administration Conference Room.

Glen Robinson
Principal

Reboot Quadrants of Engagement

Do you sometimes say – this is too hard I will never get it right? That it is all hopeless?

Don’t worry because everyone, even teachers feel like this sometimes about some things. We cannot all be good at everything but there is always something that we are good at.

The Quadrants of Engagement provide a simple framework for people to understand where they are in their learning journey and what they need to be successful. Self-aware students are better able to manage their learning experience and ask for help and feedback.

If you were asked to cook a gourmet meal for 15 people what quadrant would you be in?

If you were asked to deliver a public speech to 500 people what quadrant would you be in?

If you were asked to do a tail whip or even better a flare on your scooter what quadrant would you be in?

What puts you in the Survival Zone in class/work?

In what classes in school or situations at work do you feel like you are trying but getting nowhere very fast?

Tension inevitably arises in the Learning Zone when we encounter new information, challenges and tasks. It isn’t a sign of inability or that you are doomed as a learner of this information/skill, rather it is our natural response to the unknown. If we can manage any of the anxiety, boredom or self-doubt that arises and keep our concentration and focus to keep moving forward we will with time and repetition make it to Mastery. Those who are successful just kept going: they definitely encountered speedbumps and roadblocks and they definitely had moments of failure.

Mastery simply takes time and repetition and the ability to start again and again. In Mastery you feel confident and safe in your learning and might be able to teach others or take on new tasks to extend your knowledge and skills. When we hit Mastery we usually feel a hit of pride and accomplishment.

Staff in professional development re REBOOT strategies and helping students learn.

Tanya Hayden
Deputy Principal

Invitation to attend Annual General Meeting of the P&C.

Tuesday 13 March at 6.00pm in Resource Centre.

All are welcome to attend.

Resource Centre is a happening place

Gone are the days when a Library was just a place of quiet study and reading. Our Resource Centre provides plenty of opportunities for students to do just that as well as being a very lively and active space.

Recently the Resource Centre took the opportunity to showcase Chinese New Year. Staff set up some very decorative and informative displays of Chinese culture and lifestyle as well as hanging many Chinese decorations and symbols relating to the Chinese horoscope. Many students and staff took the opportunity over the last couple of weeks to engage with the interactive displays and learn a little more about Chinese culture and what Lunar New Year is all about. Staff were also treated to a fabulous Chinese Banquet for morning tea catered by Administration, Resource Centre and Education Services staff.

If you go into the library at any lunch time you will be amazed at the variety of activities that are taking place. One that has really taken off is the group of students who are using their own devices as well as accessing some dedicated computers to engage in gaming challenges. These students challenge each other and support each other as they test their skills and navigate the challenges and demand of the games. Our Resource Centre is fast becoming a technology hub.

Tuesday afternoons the Resource Centre is used for Maths tutoring. Dedicated maths staff give freely of their time to support students from all year levels helping them to understand maths concepts and to work on assignments. Record crowds were in attendance last Tuesday and it is also very heartening to see students peer teaching and supporting each other. All students are welcome to attend these tutoring sessions.

Our Resource Centre is a very busy place. It will be interesting to see what they have up their sleeve for future displays and events.

Tanya Hayden
Deputy Principal

Senior School News

GRIP Student Leadership Conference

Senior school leaders attended the GRIP Student Leadership Conference on Friday February 16. Students participated in the following sessions: “Contributing Positive Change as a Team”, “Transforming My Integrity”, “Transforming My Capacity”, “Transforming Event Participation”, “Transforming School Pride”, and “Transforming the Effectiveness of Our Team”.

In the session on “Transforming My Integrity”, students were given four ways to grow their integrity. These were: Admit mistakes, follow through on promises, back up words with actions and display values always. Being a leader requires a high level of integrity.

Beerwah State High School senior student leaders enjoyed the day and were able to focus their thoughts on how to develop school pride and how to become more active in the local community.

Student Council

The Student Council has begun the fundraising year with a sausage sizzle at the swimming carnival and the selling of Valentine roses leading up to Valentine’s Day on February 14.

The Student Council are currently working on Clean-Up Australia Day and World’s Greatest Shave events.

Leanne Young
HOD Senior Secondary

Year 7 News

It was nice to see our newest students embrace Cheer Cup. All the houses filled the Student Centre with their colours and the competition came down to the wire. The decibel level was raised by all but it was Miketee that took over with their sea of blue pride. The 7’s were actively engaged and it appears that this cohort will be carrying on this long lasting tradition with pride.

It’s great to see that the same enthusiasm has also found its way to the classrooms. This term all year 7 students are participating in a Copper Sulphate crystal growing competition. Students have been researching what conditions are best to grow their crystals in. Crystals will be judged on their shape, clarity and size. Winners from each class will be determined at the end of the term.

Stephen Little
Head of Year 7

Please Support Our Chappy

Our current school chaplain Mike Turner has been working here at the high school for over 11 years now, supporting a large number of students, staff and families as well as running lunchtime groups and camps. You may not realise that his role is funded largely by donations and fundraising. Thanks to the P&C for their wonderful support, but we still need help. We have a number of fundraisers coming up in 2018 including a mountain bike ride planned for early Term 2, but what helps us the most is when individuals and families donate each month. If you are interested in supporting chaplaincy you collect a “10 for Chaplaincy” card from the front office.

Maths Department News

FREE Maths Tutoring

Once again this year, the Mathematics faculty is offering “tutoring” to students on Tuesday afternoon. “Tutoring” runs from 3.00pm to 4.00pm in the Resource Centre and all year levels are welcome.

Students may attend as often or as little as they like, some students attend for half an hour and then catch their bus or train. Many students attend every week to get help with homework, assignments or to clarify some work done in class/ missed work through absence.

The only stipulation is that students come with books, pen and calculator and something they want help with. Teachers will not have pre prepared work for the students to do. The student must have some sort of class work, homework or assignment they want help with. If your student wants some help with mathematics, please encourage them to attend at the Resource Centre on Tuesday afternoons.

Manga High online system

All students from Year 7 to 10 have been subscribed to ‘Manga High’ which is an online mathematics tutoring system. Maths teachers will provide all students with their username and password in class. Students will access this program in class time, but can also use this at home if computer and internet access is available. It provides an excellent supplement to normal maths classes to improve skills in unit topics and general numeracy.

Maths Competitions

This term some students will participate in the CAT (computational and algorithmic thinking) competition. Later in the year students will be offered the opportunity to participate in various maths competitions including the AMT maths competition and the Sunshine Coast maths tournament. We will keep you posted as these come up.

Paul Schneider
HOD Mathematics

Academic & Cultural Cup 2018 – ‘A Maroon Repeat’

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

Congratulations team Tunbubudla on your 2017 victory in the third annual BSHS Academic & Cultural Cup. That makes it two out of three for team Tunbubudla! As Meatloaf once crooned, “Two out of three ain’t bad!”

The resplendent maroon mortarboard is once again crowning the cup, where it will take pride of place until we award our winning house for 2018 in Term 4. Will 2018 see the cup adorned with either light blue or dark blue for the first time? Will maroon take its place on top of the cup for a third time out of four? Will yellow make a comeback and claim a second victory? The countdown to our 2018 Academic & Cultural Cup Ceremony is on; just as the following countdown is right on (see if you can figure out what makes this countdown so awesome - get your calculator out and crunch those numbers; there are valuable points up for grabs).

10 x 9 + 8 x 7 – 6 + 5⁴ x 3 + 2 +1 = ?

The first 50 students who correctly email what makes the answer to this countdown sum so special will be awarded 2 points towards this year’s Academic & Cultural Cup – email your answer to academiccup@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au)

So how can you influence which colour mortar board rests on top of our beautiful Academic & Cultural Cup at the end of the year?

• Strive for your personal best in your school subjects. All As, Bs and Cs attained for subject achievement earn 10, 5 and 1 points respectively.
• Make some new friends and participate in one of our school groups: Vocal Group, Dance Company, Stage Band, Concert Band, and Tech Crew (each participant earns 25 points for a team High Distinction, 15 points for a team Distinction and 5 points for a team Credit).
• Enter an organised competition and earn an automatic 2 points for representing our school. Attain a High Distinction, Distinction or Credit and receive 50, 30 and 10 points respectively.
• Take part in one of our in-school annual events such as the Spelling Bee Tennis Tournament, Mathematics NBA Tournament, Water Polo Trivia Battle, Music Night and Dance Showcase.
• Represent our school academically or culturally at events such as Leadership Conferences, Anzac Day Dawn Service, Voices on the Coast Workshop and Readers Cup.
• Answer quiz questions such as the one located earlier in this article; did you see it?

The Academic & Cultural Cup ultimately ends up shining on the house that possesses the largest percentage of students who strive to deliver their personal best, have the courage to test themselves in new endeavours, thrive in a team environment, and enjoy challenging themselves in external competitions and events.

The 2018 celebrations will also see another twelve names added to the Beerwah State High School Scholastic Almanac. The names of these talented students will join those of the previous 36 winners; perhaps a point’s record or two may also be broken this year! Medallions will once again be presented to the highest scoring male and female in each year level, and prizes sponsored by local businesses will be awarded to the lucky recipients.

So slip into those pointe shoes; reintroduce your fingertips to those tough old guitar strings; give your calculator a battery change; take the dust cover off that easel; find a recipe that makes your mouth water; pick up a pen and paper and turn your thoughts into fiction; clean that trumpet sitting in the corner of the bedroom; warm up those vocal chords; put on a costume and let out that character within. The Academic and Cultural Cup is all about challenging yourself, showcasing your special talents, trying new things and - most importantly - having some fun whilst taking part. Make 2018 a year when you discover a new talent or interest. “To learn something new, you need to try new things and not be afraid to be wrong.” – Roy T. Bennett

Online Safety Information

Teaching your teenager online privacy

Popular apps and websites change so quickly that it can be hard for parents to keep up. As a school, you can help by sharing these top tips and conversation starters for parents to use with teenagers. They’re a great way to open up communication about the apps they’re using (and how to use them safely).

Tip number one: Online is forever. How does your child want to be seen in the world – not just now, but when they’re an adult looking for a job? So maybe don’t share that pic you won’t want to see again in ten years.

Using technology responsibly

Technology is an integral part of life for all of us. As parents, it can sometimes be hard to keep up with the constantly evolving new developments in technology that attract children and teens. While we may not always be able to keep up with every latest thing, we can introduce a framework for our family so that the younger members can develop a healthy and safe relationship with technology.

Here you’ll find our top tips and conversation starters to encourage your teenager to use technology responsibly.

• Technology is a part of life. Help your child recognise that it’s a privilege to have this ‘tool’ and that they should use it responsibly. That means sticking to the rules you set up for its use.
• It’s an important lesson to learn that online material is forever. How does your child want to be seen in the world – not just now, but when they’re an adult looking for a job?
• Respect is key. Teach your child not to say or do anything online that could hurt or humiliate anyone, just as you would expect them to behave in real life.
• They must only make friends with people they know in real life and should not do anything that they know you would be unhappy with, such as forwarding material that would hurt or embarrass someone else.
• If they ever receive material that is private, such as personal or explicit photos or videos, they should delete them immediately. Failure to do this could have very real consequences.

Know which technologies are age appropriate

As children grow up, their use of technology will most likely increase. Mobile phones, social media and gaming all come with opportunities to connect with the wider world. While this can be great in building friendships and a sense of community, it can also mean that young people can be at risk of technology overuse, inappropriate contact with strangers and cyberbullying. As a parent, these are important considerations when deciding at what age to introduce different technologies to your child.

It’s important for you and your family to be clear about what is and what isn’t age appropriate. Since many challenges your teenager could face online are similar to those in the offline world, consider how well your child makes decisions, manages friendships and sets boundaries in their offline world. Maturity levels differ a lot from one child to the next, so it can be best to think about your child’s behaviours, rather than their age, when considering what technologies they should have access to.

Think about the behaviours you would like them to display before they start using certain technologies on their own. Some questions to consider include:

• What boundaries or restrictions should be imposed when using a mobile phone? For example, they could have a phone for calls and SMS messaging, but without data. Or you might allow data, but come to an agreement on which sites they should access. Consider whether they understand about safety and are able to make good decisions.
• Do they display appropriate behaviours to be able to use social media independently? Are their offline relationships healthy and strong? Do they understand the potential risks involved and what they can do about them?
• What videogames will you allow your child to play? Will they be able to balance ‘play’ between the offline and online space?

Use the questions above as talking points with your child when considering whether they should or shouldn’t be allowed access to certain technologies. As new items of technology are introduced, it’s important to have open discussions and to collaboratively set rules and boundaries around usage. Also, discuss the potential for refreshing or relaxing the rules as your child grows older.

A good resource to be more informed about the websites, games and apps that young people are using is the Common Sense Media site. It provides ratings and reviews of a huge range of online and offline entertainment options for young people that you can search and filter by age.

BYOD in 2018

Thank you very much to the students and parents who already have joined or re-joined our BYOD Program in 2018.

Just a reminder that students who were part of the program in 2017 need to re-join in 2018 and pay the annual $20 fee. Students re-joining the program do not need to redo the paperwork.

If you have paid and your student is not yet joined to the network please ensure they take the completed paperwork and receipt to the Resource Centre to make a booking to complete the joining process.

Please visit our school website to view the minimum specifications of devices, forms to join the program and the instructions access the free download of MS Office.

We also have some links to some supplier portals for you to view. They have released some new devices and pricing.

The school filtering applications will not be applied to the student’s device when they are at home. Some students are concerned that their device will be blocked from certain programs or websites at home however the filtering system only applies on the school network, for the student’s safety.

The school no longer has a laptop fleet as the National Secondary Schools Computer Fund has ceased, and remaining laptops were unserviceable and outdated. Please continue to look at options for your student to access a personalised device to complete their studies.

Get connected today!

Barn Mullins
Acting HOD IT/Teacher Librarian

HPE Update

Cheer Cup

On Wednesday February 7 Beerwah State High School held is annual ‘Cheer Cup Competition’ to kick start the year.

Each house Miketeebumulgrai, Ngungun, Tunbubudla and Tibberoowuccum faced off against each other.

The houses were judged against the following criteria:

PARTICIPATION
NOISE LEVEL
ENTHUSIASM
CREATIVITY
APPEARANCE

All of the houses started their first practice sessions a little insipid but were drawn together by the fantastic House Captains and Senior School Leaders. The year seven’s followed suit, set the bench mark and inspired their respective houses with enthusiasm and gusto. By the final practice the performances were just coming together and the stage was set for an exciting showdown. Miketeebumulgrai performed first cranking out an ACDC cheer with a decibel reading of 102.4. Tunbubudla mentored by Mrs Bateman and her crew were the next to perform and raised the volume to 102.7 decibels with the help of a rapping House Captain. Ngungun performed third with a decibel reading of 102 and created an exciting atmosphere and a huge mess thanks to Mr Muchow and his special effects. Tibberoowuccum were the last to perform and did a fantastic job luckily they had a little help from Mr Jeffery who came to their rescue with costumes and props (102.1 decibels). However, for the third consecutive year Miketeebumulgrai won the Cup. Cheer Cup proved to be an exciting start to the year with house spirit in abundance and new students gaining a sense of belonging. Yes it was messy, loud and chaotic but the students LOVED it.

Winners of the Cheer Cup for 2018 were Miketeebumulgrai - 138pts

2nd Ngungun - 136pts
3rd Tunbubudla - 133pts
4th Tibberoowuccum - 131pts

Swimming Carnival

This year’s swimming carnival took place during a heat wave however, what a fantastic day! Even though the weather was extreme, the high spirits of our students weren’t diminished in the slightest. The students rose to the occasion with a number of students swimming close to or breaking their personal best times. Congratulations to Tyla Paterson and Poppy Ives who went on to represent the Coastal District Team at the Regional Trials. Thanks to all the parents that gave up their day and celebrated the success of their students.

Congratulations to Tunbubudla who won the Inter-House Carnival.

Congratulations Swimming Age Champions:

12 Years Female Tyla Paterson
12 Years Male Lachlan Kennedy
13 Years Female Poppy Ives
13 Years Male Kayleb Josey
14 Years Female Chevarny Norcott
14 Years Male Dallas Muller
15 Years Female Jessica Pilarski
15 Years Male Nicholas Hind
16 Years Female Taylor Harvey
16 Years Male James Pool and Isaac Lehman
Open Female Rose Mickelson
Open Male Adam Voigt

Steve Jeffery
HOD HPE

Alternative Pathways 2018

It has been an extremely busy start to the term with many students starting alternative programs, putting together resumes and seeking information about pathway options including school based traineeships and apprenticeships, Distance Education, TAFE courses and other certificate studies.

School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs)

A number of students from year 10 to 12 have applied for SATs and progressed through interviews and work experience and have been offered traineeship or apprenticeship positions. These are great opportunities for students allowing them to combine training with working in a real job; gaining QCE points while learning the practical workplace skills and continuing full time school studies while earning a part time wage.

Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in securing school based traineeships/apprenticeships:

Brady Hadley – Cert III Roof Plumbing, Nautical Roofing, Warana
Rhianna Oschar – Cert III Retail, Beerwah IGA
James Poole – Cert III Fitness, All in One Fitness, Beerwah
Kayla Smedley – Cert III Hospitality, Beerwah Hotel
Trent McLellan – Cert III Carpentry, TTQ Building

New SAT opportunities for senior students are advertised via school notices, on year level parades and on the noticeboards. Students are encouraged to also seek their own opportunities by talking with their current employers. See Ms Skerman for details and helpful information. Students wanting to participate in school based arrangements should be willing to effectively balance school, work, qualification study and travel.

CERTIFICATE COURSES

The SHB20216 Cert II Salon assistant & SHB20116 Cert II Retail Cosmetics dual course is proposed to run in term 2 and 3 2018. If minimum enrolment is met training will be provided by 2 Study and will take place in the RC on Thursdays over approximately the 20 weeks. This course is for VETiS eligible students and provides 8 QCE points. There is a fee for service option ($500) – please see Ms Skerman for further information. This is a foundation course giving students skills in basic hairdressing tasks, communication techniques and product knowledge. Potential career outcomes include salon assistant, sales person, mark-up artist and a lead into apprenticeships.

Please register your interest with Ms Skerman asap.

Note on funding:

This is a VETiS funded course – that is no cost to eligible students who have not previously accessed VETiS funding through certificate course study such as Hospitality.

EXTERNAL STUDY AND PROGRAMS

Many students have begun their external courses through Distance Education and TAFE at School Programs and courses at the SC Trade Training Centre. Two senior students have also commenced university programs which give them an exciting head start to further study. Ruth Finneran is studying Justice and Society through QT and Aimee Bull is completing a core program Communication and Thought through USC. In participating in these additional program, students are displaying great motivation and commitment and are developing excellent time management and study habits.

Graduation success

Year 12 student Tayla Codlin completed a Certificate III Health Services Assistant through TAFE Qld in 2017. Tayla’s graduation was held at the Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre in South Brisbane. During 2017 Tayla attended TAFE’s Caboolture campus one day a week and completed a total of 15 units as well as a work placement. The qualification provides Tayla with skills and knowledge required to follow pathways including as an Assistant in Nursing, nursing support work, ward assistant, nursing assistant or patient support assistant. Congratulations on gaining your qualification and on your graduation Tayla.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is a great opportunity for students to learn about a job or industry first hand where they can participate in on the job tasks and develop some valuable skills. It allows experience to be gained in a variety of work areas and can build on existing capabilities. It is often a great way to obtain references as well as enhance employability by showing motivation, reliability and a positive attitude.

School students are able to participate in up to 30 days work experience or structured workplace learning in any 12 months and a simple work placement agreement can be completed through the school for insurance cover. Employers may have special requirements, for example a dress code or WHS requirements. In construction and trades a White Card Construction is an industry requirement.

Work experience is student initiated and a good way to seek a placement is to put together a resume and start networking. Talking to family, friends and neighbours is a good place to start as is speaking to people met through sporting clubs and gyms.

Helen Skerman
Industrial Liaison Officer