30 August 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

New Principal for the remainder of the year.

Firstly, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Glen Robinson on being successfully selected to be Acting Principal at Urangan State High School in Hervey Bay for the remainder of the year. We wish him all of the best and look forward to him returning to Beerwah State High School in 2020. We welcome Matt Samson who will be our Acting Principal for the duration of 2019. Matt comes to us from Charleville State High School. We welcome Matt on his appointment who will be commencing on Monday, September 2.

Student success in August

This term has seen a number of opportunities and successes for the students and staff of Beerwah State High.

Dance

Beerwah Dance Company (BDC) again competed at an extremely high level in the recent Australian Pinnacle Dance Challenge and were successful in winning five of the sections they entered. We also acknowledge the continued effort of Ms Jess Rossberg who gives up countless hours to ensure the students perform at their peak.

Beerwah Dance Team students were involved in the Corpus Linea Youth Dance Work and performed as part of a larger group at Forest Glen.

Music

Congratulations must go to the members of the Beerwah State High School Concert Band who combined with the Coolum State High School and were awarded GOLD at the Australian Schools Band and Orchestra Festival in Sydney. A fantastic achievement!!! The week before the same band entered the Sunshine Coast Music Eisteddfod and competed against eight other schools in their section and were placed first. Congratulations must also go to our two great instrumental music teachers Ms Clare Deady and Mr Nathan Hill whose efforts and expertise contributed to this wonderful success.

District Athletics

Our Athletics students continued the tradition of high levels performances at the recent Coastal District athletics carnival. Whilst, we were unable to match the vast numbers of Chancellor in the total points, we were again successful in being presented with the Average point’s trophy (based on school population). From this carnival, twenty seven students have been selected to participate in the Regional Carnival in September. We particularly congratulate the following students who were Age Champions for their year levels.

We wish all our representatives the best of luck at that carnival. Thanks must also go to our coaches who supported our students in training and at the carnival.

Write a book in a day

‘Write a Book in a Day’ saw twenty students work together to plan, write, illustrate and publish three books in a day. Thank you goes to Mrs Barb Mullins for working with the students for the day and guiding them through the valuable experience. The published books will be distributed to Children’s Hospital around Australia for patients to read.

Mathematics Competitions

Six Year Seven and Eight students recently attended the University of Queensland QAMT Mathematics quiz held at Matthew Flinders. The students did extremely well but were unsuccessful in placing. Over eighty high school students also recently competed in the Australian Mathematics Competition run by the Australian Maths Trust. We look forward to hearing how they all went in this annual competition.

Science Week

Recently many students and staff celebrated Science Week with a number of activities that were conducted. This included displays in the science rooms at lunchtime, quizzes for students to participate in and a telescope setup to track the sun to observe and look for solar flares.

Book Week

Beerwah State High School saw a large number of staff and students from every year level participate and dress up to support Book Week. There was fierce rivalry between the different staffrooms across the school with Budla staff being successful in winning the annual inter-staffroom competition.

School Opinion Surveys

Can I take the opportunity to thank those who took the time to complete the online School Opinion Survey for Parents. Unfortunately the timeline to complete these have now closed but the results that come out of the surveys help the school to plan better ways to deliver positive outcomes for all students here at Beerwah State High School. A number of students in both Year Eight and Eleven were also randomly chosen to complete student surveys as well.

Upcoming Assessment

As I am sure you are all aware, we are heading towards that time of the term when assessment is due across all year levels. Our current Year Twelves who are choosing to sit the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test will be the last ones to do so. We wish them all the best for the two days of testing and also remind others not sitting the test that normal classes are running In week nine Year Twelves will be on block exams with normal classes in week ten. Year Elevens will be completing block exams in week ten.

As mentioned, all year levels will have assessment coming up in the last few weeks and we wish them all the best.

Wayne Lancaster
Acting Principal

Deputy Principal’s Update

Greetings to all of our families!

Term Three Events

What a productive and fantastic term it has been. We opened term three with the induction of our new school leaders and paid tribute to our outgoing leaders. We wish all incoming and outgoing leaders the very best.

We have enjoyed so many events this term where Beerwah State High School students have demonstrated their talents and capabilities. Events that have occurred so far this term are -

Year Twelve

QCS

The OP eligible students have the QCS (Queensland Core Skills TEST) coming up in Week Eight. These exams fall on Tuesday, September 2 and Wednesday, September 4. GOOD LUCK students! All students are well prepared for this exam and we wish them all the best.

Block Exams

Block Exams are coming up in week nine (September 9 - 13) and all students have been emailed out their exam timetables. I will also be giving them a printed copy that is individualised for them to take home. GOOD LUCK Year Twelve.

Attendance

Please ensure that students are attending school every day. It is very important that students are fully engaged in their learning program and following our school routines and procedures. The Year Twelves have a lot to get through in the next weeks and will need to focus on time management. This is a timely reminder to all students and parents that extension requests will not be approved unless submitted forty-eight hours prior to the due date and will depend on the circumstances.

Uniform

Thank you to all students and families who support our uniform policy and our mobile phone policy. A reminder that nose rings are not acceptable, please ensure that students wear a flat to the nose stud only. Phones are expected to be off and out of sight. If not, they are sent to the office where they are stored safely for collection. We ask all parents to support this policy as phones are considered a distraction to learning.

Awards Evening

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all families that our Awards Evening is coming up on Tuesday, September 29. We invite all families and students to celebrate the successes of our students.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Jacob Connor, Head of Humanities for receiving an Initial Teacher Educator Excellence Award for 2019.

REMINDER

Monday, October 21 is a Pupil Free Day and students are not permitted to attend on this day. Please factor this into your planning for Term Four.

GOOD LUCK to all students for their end of term assessment.

Samantha Burchall
Acting Deputy Principal

Office Update

Office Opening Hours

The office is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm most days. Every second Monday the office will be closing at 3.30pm for professional development. If you would like to clarify which Monday this falls on please contact the office. Payments for SRS, Subject Fees or Excursions can be taken from 8.00am to 12.00pm each day at the cashier window near the student entrance. If you require assistance with your fees outside these times please contact our cashier on 5436 5604. If our cashier is unavailable please leave a message and your call will be returned.

Student Resource Scheme (SRS) & Subject Fees 2019

All payments should now be finalised unless you are currently participating in an active payment plan. At current we have over $60 000 in unpaid school fees. Without these payments our school will be required to adjust the learning experience for your student. All outstanding statements will be emailed out to parents/guardians by Friday this week. If you are experiencing financial difficulties and you have not already done so, please contact our cashier to discuss payment options or our Principal if you would like to discuss further support that can be put in place. Please be aware all previous years fees must be paid in full to secure your students subject selections for 2020. If you have any concerns please contact your students Deputy Principal to discuss.

Late Arrival to School

If your student arrives at school on or after 8.50am, please ensure they call into the office with a note or a phone call to get a late slip. This will ensure your student is not marked absent and a text message is not sent. However, if this is a regular occurrence, staff will be in contact with you to work with you on getting your students to school on time.

Absences

If your student is absent from school, please notify the school on the day of the absence by telephone (please select 1 for absences) to leave a message on the absence line, responding to the SMS contact initiated by the school, lodging your absence in Qparents or emailing your absence in via absence@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated. It is EQ policy that all absences are explained and your assistance in providing an explanation reduces the workload for the office staff.

Reminders

Parents and carers – do we have your latest contact details?

There are times when we may need to get in touch with you. Do we have your latest contact details? If not, please contact the school on 5436 5333 so we can update our records. These details include your name, address, phone numbers, email address and emergency contact details. Please remember to let the school know if any of these details change.

Drop Off Zone

Parents & Carers are reminded that the Drop Off / Pickup Zone is not a parking space. If you need to stop & get out of your car then you need to park in the parking spots. The Drop Off / Pickup Zone is there for the dropping off & collecting of students only. Please also ensure that you are not stopping your car over the crossing areas to drop off your student, this entrance is to be used if you are parking to allow your student to exit the car OR for buses to enter for pickup / drop off. If you require further clarification on the pickup drop off process or where to park please contact the office.

Hellen Nolen
Business Manager

Future Pathways

SET Plans

Year Ten SET Plan interviews have taken place over the past few weeks with students selecting subjects for Year Eleven and Twelve and many indicating interest in extra programs and courses. In follow up of this, information has been distributed to individuals with further explanation on options and how to register interest or enrol.

Some of the programs include:

Students are encouraged to talk about these options at home and are welcome to contact the school for further details as required. We look forward to supporting students as they make choices for senior.

Buderim Private Health Experience

On Thursday, August 15, three Year Ten students attended the afternoon session of the Buderim Private Hospital experience. Sarah, Hailee and Jana were fortunate to secure one of the limited places to attend this amazing opportunity. The afternoon began with a welcome and introduction to Buderim Private Hospital by the Education Manager. There was an explanation of the practical tours students were about to participate in, before participation in a hand washing demonstration.

On breaking into smaller groups, students toured a number of different hands on simulations where educators and hospital staff explained their roles and the tasks that they perform in caring for patients. This included maternity and birthing, cardiac surgery, medical ward, blood pressure and observation charts, ultra sound and IVs. Students were able to take turns with patient dummies and use equipment to perform procedures as well as talk one on one with staff. In the final session, the whole group returned to a panel discussion and a question and answer opportunity with several allied health and support professionals. Students found this also particularly interesting, as they were able to hear firsthand the study and career pathways of health staff.

Sarah, Hailee and Jana all agree that this was a worthwhile experience with the hands on tasks being interesting and engaging. The afternoon has also given them the chance to think further about their own pathways and consider roles and opportunities that they had previously not considered.

Kawana Waters SC Health Program & Information Session

A number of Year Ten students have expressed their interest in the health program proposed to run on Wednesdays at KWSC campus. This is a dual program combining Cert II Health Support Services and Cert III Health Services Assistant studied over eighteen months. Interested students have received an invitation to attend an information session at Beerwah SHS on Monday, September 2 starting at 8.50am in the Resource Centre. Students should rsvp to Mrs Forrest by August 30

Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre 2020

Many expressions of interest have been submitted on behalf of Year Ten and Year Eleven students considering attending the TTC in 2020 and application packs are currently being sent via email. Copies are also available from the school - see Mrs Forrest.

SCTTTC students gain real trade training and can have an advantage in the employment market. Courses on offer include electro technology, plumbing, construction and automotive as well as Start Uni Now programs in built environment and aviation studies. At this stage, a six-month course in Certificate II Telecommunications Technology is also proposed for those students who have previously completed Certificate II Electro technology. Students attend TTC one day a week and complete eighty hours of structured workplace learning. Courses are VETiS funded for eligible students. Head to the website for more information and for the latest copy of the TTC Newsletter.

School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs)

Metro North Hospital & Health traineeships

Congratulations to Jessica who has progressed to the second round of interviews for an Allied Health traineeship with Metro North commencing in 2020. Jess has been selected from hundreds of applicants and it is a worthy achievement to have progressed a step further. Good luck Jess!

Dual Salon Assistant/Retail Cosmetics course

Training in the dual course is due to be finished in week six and our trainees have worked hard to complete their practical observations and theory components. Last week work on the unit Recommend Products and Services to Clients saw students participate in role plays advising and ‘selling’ salon products. Our trainees did a great job. Following the final training day students will return to normal scheduled classes and activities.

Current Year Ten and Eleven students interested in participating in the course in 2020 should see Mrs Forrest for information and complete an expression of interest. A minimum enrolment of Eleven VETiS eligible students will be required before the course can commence.

August and September Defence Force Recruiting sessions

Please see below details of the final Information session on the Sunshine Coast in August.

Women In Defence Make Your Move Event

Date: Saturday, August 31
Time: 8:00am – 11:00am
Location: The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
RSVP: wid@dfr.com.au or online

Careers for Indigenous Australians Information Session

Date: Thursday, September 5
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Defence Force Recruiting Maroochydore – 37-39 Primary School Court, Maroochydore
RSVP: defencejobsmaroochydore@dfr.com.au or online

Defence Careers Information Session

Date: Wednesday, September 25
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Maroochydore RSL – Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore
RSVP: defencejobsmaroochydore@dfr.com.au or online

Helen Forrest
Industry Liason Officer

HPE Update

Beerwah State High School Physical Education Leading Queensland

The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Inc. (ACHPER) is the leading professional association (three thousand members) representing teachers and other professionals working in the fields of health and physical education. The annual Brisbane ACHPER Conference was held on the August 15 and 16, once again at Iona College, Wynnum. There was a great mixture of university presentations, workshops and practical sessions, many delivered by practicing HPE teachers, including our very own Belinda Kerr. Belinda’s presentation titled; Equity - barriers and enablers: Reflections on implementation and assessment, showcased the work she has done at Beerwah State High School in implementing the new Senior Physical Education Syllabus. Her presentation was a resounding success with numerous accolades and a clear favourite with many of the senior physical education teachers who were in attendance. Belinda’s unit and presentation will also be used by Dr Brendan Moy and Glenn Amezdroz at the Queensland University of Technology to inform the learning of future physical education teachers. This is an outstanding achievement for Belinda and the Beerwah State High School Physical Education department. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for the effort and time she has committed to both Physical Education and Sport as we strive to enhance learning experiences and participation in physical activities of our students.

The new long jump track and pit was recently opened and used for the first time at this year’s athletics carnival. Nicknamed the Dighton & Jeffery Pit, it was part of a successful Commonwealth Games grant application worth $30,000 for the school. When writing this application my aim was that it would be utilized by Glasshouse Little Athletics and our wonderful local feeder primary schools for training and carnivals. Please get in contact with the school as we would like to share our Athletics facilities and resources with the local community.

Age Champions

Congratulations to our very talented Athletics Age Champions:

Also our youngest students took out the much anticipated Beerwah Gift Race. Congratulations again to Emilia and Lachlan who will receive a $25 tuckshop voucher.

District Athletics

Congratulations to our wonderful school athletics team consisting of over ninety-five students who won the District Athletics 2019 Percentage School Trophy. Also a huge congratulations to our outstanding three District Age Champions James, Boni, and Amali. We also had twenty-seven students qualify for Regional Athletics which just goes to show that we have such an amazing depth of talent at Beerwah.

Lawn Bowls at Glasshouse

Bill Tumbridge from Glasshouse Mountains Bowls Club has partnered with the school to increase participation in a fantastic sport for all ages. Currently the Year Nine Athletics Extension class are participating in three hour sessions on Friday during lessons and the response from these students has been very positive. This will culminate with a Schools Challenge Cup taking place on Friday nights beginning September 6 and running consecutively until October 25. The competition will be between the Glasshouse Christian College and Beerwah State High School and any student can enter with a partner in the Pairs Competition. Each Friday night will begin with a sausage sizzle and a chance to win $10 cash in the Spider Bowl-Off Competition plus $20 cash for the winners and runners up. Also every week competing teams will go in the draw to win $10 cash. Parents are encourage to contact Bill Tumbridge at the Club on 0411645040 or 54969595 to express interest. Free coaching is also available and the club is always looking for new members. This is a fantastic family sport where parents are encouraged to come along to the club on Friday night or the weekend and enjoy a meal and watch the kids play. Last year two of our students came runner up at the Queensland Secondary Schools Cup with one of them never playing before 2018. Just goes to show with a little free coaching you can battle it with the best.

Steve Jeffery
HPE HOD

Music Update

Beerwah Dance Team – Corpus Linea Performance

This term ten Beerwah Dance Team students were involved in the Corpus Linea Youth Dance Work choreographed by Melissa Lanham. Almost eighty students from schools in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast were involved in the creation of the work and performed in full-length dance work performed on Saturday, August 17 at Montessori College at Forest Glen, over two shows.

Students have been involved in all day Sunday and afterschool rehearsals to create the performance. They worked tirelessly all day on Saturday and were amazing in performance. As you can see from the wonderful photos, it was such an ethereal setting for a stunning dance opportunity.

Michelle Peters
Dance Teacher

Youth Support Coordinator

Hello, my name is Marie Kelleher. I am the Youth Support Coordinator (YSC) at Beerwah State High School.

I work with students who are either disengaged; or at risk of disengaging. The YSC Initiative aims to: increase participation; support attainment of Year Twelve or an equivalent qualification; improve successful transitions; promote social inclusion; and reduce educational disadvantage.

I am currently working with The Smith Family to support the parents of Beerwah State High School; where you can learn about saving and budgeting. Please see below:

You will find me in Student Services every Monday and Tuesday. Aside from one-to-one case management; I facilitate a restorative yoga session which runs for three weeks each term. The restorative yoga supports students who experience worry, sadness, and relationship/friendship and family issues. In addition, I run a weekly lunch time drop-in session where students will find board games, Uno, and more.

Marie Kelleher
Youth Support Coordinator (YSC)

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