20 September 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Hello everyone, I would like to start my first newsletter by introducing myself; I am Matt Samson, and I will be the Acting Principal of Beerwah State High School until the end of the 2019 school year.

Prior to arriving at Beerwah, I have been Principal of Charleville State High School for the past three years. Preceding this, I was at Victoria Point State High School on the south side of Brisbane for many years, the last eight as Deputy Principal.

Over the last two weeks, I have been busy meeting the staff, students and parents of the community, and learning about the structures, processes and culture of Beerwah State High School.

I have been very impressed with what I have seen. The staff as a whole are a very committed, positive and supportive group of professionals, who have the best interests of each student at heart in all of their actions and decisions.

During my first two weeks, I have witnessed a variety of opportunities being afforded to the students of Beerwah State High School, through the commitment and dedication of school staff members.

Last week, I observed a very committed group of science teachers, give up their time to provide their students with an amazing learning experience of setting off fireworks on the school oval – amazing!

I also witnessed our Deputy Principal, Mr Lancaster, coaching a group of Year 10 boys in an after school basketball competition, giving up his Friday evenings to work with this group of students, an exceptional effort.

I have observed performing arts teachers conducting dance and music practice before and after school, as well as a number of teachers taking sports coaching sessions at the same times with students.

Within classes I have seen some excellent student work being produced, particularly in practical areas such as industrial technology, hospitality and art.

I have seen exceptional support processes occurring for students, with extremely patient and caring staff providing this for our students.

What I have also seen, are students accepting these opportunities provided by staff; engaging in them, learning from them, and showing their appreciation for the efforts of their teachers and other staff members.

The school has wonderful students, with so many of them positive about their school and positive about the opportunities that Beerwah State High School can provide for them.

Their attitude and efforts make me very proud of them, and very proud to be here as Acting Principal of Beerwah State High School.

One of these amazing students has just been selected in the Australian “Marlins” swim team and has been invited as part of this development squad to travel to the USA in 2020. Congratulations to Tyla Paterson who is obviously very excited about this opportunity. I am sure this makes the early morning training sessions all worthwhile!

Recently Year Twelve students were involved in QCS tests, the very important final tests that help determine their OP scores and potentially which courses they may be eligible for at university in the future. The tests were carried out over two days and all students gave them their very best effort; I look forward to seeing the results of their efforts in the future.

The Year Twleves were also involved in Block exams for their end of term exams, and the Year Eleven students will taking part in these over the last week of term.

I have been asked by the Regional department leaders to pass on a very important message regarding the fires that have been occurring very close to our area recently:

The safety of our students, staff and families is our highest priority and we will continue to act on the advice of the Department and emergency services.

Our focus is keeping our school community safe and that’s why we are asking all parents and caregivers to please talk to their children about the dangers of fire.

You can take immediate action to reduce the risks of fireplay by:

• explaining to your child that fire is not a toy, but instead is a tool used by responsible adults
• teaching your children, if they find matches or lighters, to immediately hand them to adults or tell an adult if they see another child playing with matches and lighter
• using the checklist on this brochure to increase your family’s safety
• contacting Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to request the Fight Fire Fascination program (see page 2 of brochure).

Especially in this current weather environment, there is a very real risk to people and property. Thank you for your support with this.

And finally, I would like to let everyone know that at the end of the term, Ms Marie Glover, will be retiring from her role in the tuckshop in the school. Marie has been at the school for over fourteen years and has made an incredible contribution to the school over that time. The school community wishes you all the best Marie for the future.

I hope you all have a great Spring school holiday with your children. I look forward to continuing to meet and work with you and the students of Beerwah State High School in term four.

Matt Samson
Acting Principal

Senior School News

RYDA Program

All Year Eleven students will be receiving an information and consent form for the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) Program being held on Tuesday, October 16 at Corbould Park, Caloundra.

The RYDA program comprises of six sessions (Speed & Stopping, Hazards & Distractions, Personality Test, Rights & Responsibilities, After the Crash and Genevieve’s Story)

Beerwah State High School takes road safety for students seriously and expects our Year Eleven students to attend. If you have personal reasons why your child is unable to participate, please contact Rob Philpot – Head of Year Eleven

Roadcraft –Student Driver Education – Student Driver Awareness Course

Statistics show that the first three months of a young driver’s provisional licence are the most at risk period in their driving career. Roadcraft endeavours to avoid the trauma of road crashes on families by educating school age students in the early stage of their driving experience.

Beerwah State High School is once again offering the opportunity for Year 11 & 12 students to participate in the Roadcraft Program. Students do not require a learner’s permit or provisional licence as all practical driving activities will take place at the Roadcraft Driver Education Centre. Student are taken through theory and practical sessions by qualified Driver Educators over the two day course.

The cost for the Roadcraft Course is $250. This cost includes the two day driver training course, morning tea and lunch each day and transport to and from the venue. The course will be held on Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18. All school fees must be up-to-date.

If you would like your child to participate, please get them to get a permission letter from Mr Turner or Ms Young

Student Council

The Student Council is pleased to announce that through joint funding with the P & C, there will be more cold-water units available after the upcoming school holidays.

The Student Council has also been able to fund a number of soap dispensers. It is anticipated that these will be installed during the school holidays and are ready for use in term four.

A thank you to the Student Council members 2016 – present day as your work has enabled the funds to be available for the cold-water units and soap dispensers. A thank you to students past and present who have supported Student Council fundraising activities.

Next term the Student Council will acknowledge Day for Daniel on Friday October 15 by asking students to wear a red shirt. A sausage sizzle will also be held at first break. In Week 5, it is hoped that a fundraising breakfast will be held. More information to come.

Year Twelve Formal

Students or their invited guests who have Food Allergies or Dietary Requirements should let Ms Young know by Friday, October 18. Please provide the person’s full name, dietary requirements and table number.

The menu for the evening is a two-course alternative drop.

Main – Herbed Chicken Supreme / Pork Sirloin
Dessert – Caramel Cheesecake / Chocolate ganache tart

Leanne Young
HOD Senior School

Future Pathways

Kawana Waters State College Health Program

A number of Year Ten students interested in the health program attended an information session delivered by Chloe Brown and ‘Dr Harry’ from Kawana Waters State College. Students heard first-hand about this exciting opportunity. The dual program combines Cert II Health Support Services and Cert II Community Services (VETiS funded) in the first year before transitioning into study of the Cert III Health Services Assistant. The whole program runs for eighteen months. On September 9 I was able to tour the KWSC Health Education Unit to see the facilities and meet with the trainers who are nurses and paramedics all currently working in the health industry. I am excited that our students will have such a valuable opportunity to gain skills and foundation knowledge to allow them to start on their intended pathways.

Expressions of interest are due by 20/9/19.

Parent Information Afternoon

Kawana Waters State College is proud to offer the Health Education Program to students on the entire Sunshine Coast. This program continues to be in demand, given the expected jobs growth within the Health Sector. If you would like the opportunity to come and learn more please see the event details below:

Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre 2020

First round applications for 2020 TTC programs close on Friday, September 20. Students are encouraged to spend time completing their applications, answering the questions and producing a resume. I can assist with gathering the other supporting documents (SET Plan and latest report card) and ask that students bring their application pack to me to review before I have our Deputy Principal, Mr Lancaster sign and then submit to the TTC.

SCTTTC Student of the Year nominations

This year we are very proud to have had two Beerwah High students nominated for the Student of the Year award at TTC. Deacon Pflasterer (Electrotechnology student) and Noah Murray (Construction student) have both been recognised by Centre staff for their commitment to their course, dedication to work and the efforts undertaken in structured workplace learning in industry. Both Deacon and Noah have completed a response to nomination and will be attending a ten minute interview with a panel of four judges on Thursday, September 12. The winner of the Student of the Year award will then be required to attend the HIA Sunshine Coast/Wide Bay Housing-Kitchen and Bathroom Awards at the Sebel Pelican Water in early October. Congratulations Deacon and Noah on your nominations.

New program on offer

The TTC have announced this week new programs offered in 2020 to Year Eleven and Twelve students.

Cert II Salon Assistant SHB20216 AND Certificate II Retail Cosmetics SHB20116

Cert II Salon Assistant (Barbering) SHB20216

Both programs are VETiS funded with students attending one day a week. Students will also complete eighty hours of structured workplace learning. The dual course gains 5 QCE points and the Barbering course 4 QCE points. Expressions of interest are due by Friday 20/9/19.

SCTTTC Information Evening

A second information eventing is scheduled to be held at the SCTTTC, 40 Bower Street, Caloundra on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 6.15pm start. This is an opportunity to see the facilities, hear first-hand about course offerings and meet with trainers face to face.

RSVP to tttcadmin@caloundrashs.eq.edu.au or phone 5499 5222

School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs)

A number of students have successfully completed an application process, including work trials and have secured new traineeships with local employers. Congratulations to Shaneika, Michael and Jessica.

Resumes are currently being accepted for:

Hospitality traineeship with Subway, Glass House Mountains

Retail Butcher apprenticeship with local butcher shop

Interested Year Ten or Eleven students should see Mrs Forrest for details. Year Elevens should note that seven hundred and fifty hours of paid work plus the full qualification study need to be completed before the traineeship is eligible for completion.

Graduate Opportunities

Shadforths are currently accepting expressions of interest from Year Twelve students wishing to undertake a three year traineeship program in the civil construction industry. The program includes on the job training with a variety of departments including civils, earthworks, roadworks, pipe crew and survey as well as off the job study of a Certificate III Civil Construction (Plant Operator). Applicants must be seventeen years of age, hold a white card, have sound computer and communication skills and have their own transport and licence. Year Twelve students should see Mrs Forrest to submit their resume for this exciting opportunity. Interviews will take place in late October with a commencement in January 2020.

Helen Forrest
Industry Liason Officer

Basketball Success for Beerwah

This term, on a Friday evening, some of our Year 10 boys have been competing in the Sunshine Coast Secondary Schools Basketball Competition. This is the first time that Beerwah SHS has entered a team in this long running competition and the boys all performed well. They competed in the Intermediate C Boys Division against 7 other schools at various venues and were able to finish the rounds without a loss.

During the Semi-final they played on of their best games and were victorious over Immanuel Lutheran College. This lead them to the grand final last Friday evening against St Andrew’s Anglican College. Both teams were off to a nervous start but the Beerwah team slowly started to show their winning form and were able to finish the game as victors 56 – 27. CONGRATULATIONS BOYS !!!!!!!

Throughout the season the boys played in a respectful way towards their opposition and should be proud of the way they displayed this. Their skills improved all season and many opposition coaches commented on their great attitude during all games.

L – R Lenny Wainwright, Tyson Ratcliffe, Brandon Violante, Dylan Thiele, Connor Kirkwood, Guy Cohen, Mr Lancaster, Jackson Stevenson, Ryan Hall.

Wayne Lancaster
Deputy Principal/Coach

Academic and Cultural Cup

There has been an absolute flood of points pouring in during term three. It has led to some frantic allocating and tallying, as we draw nearer to the ceremony for the BSHS 5th Annual Academic & Cultural Cup ceremony, which is being held on Monday, October 14.

Will Tunbubudla make it four out of five cups in 2019, thwarting the attempts of Ngungun, Miketeebumulgrai and Tibberoowuccum to place one of their mortarboards on top of the coveted cup? As this newsletter goes to print, a mere thirty one points separates the top two houses, with several results still to be posted. Will the fast finishing pursuer pip the house that has been leading all year at the post?

The end-of-year ceremony is shaping up as a magnificent showcase of the exceptional talents possessed by Beerwah State High School students. Many of Beerwah High’s outstanding performance groups are feverishly polishing their acts to entertain and impress us at the ceremony. Once again, we are blessed to have the support of many local businesses that have sponsored the year level male and female age champions who will be announced at the ceremony.

A huge thanks goes to the following businesses who have provided some absolutely amazing prizes.

The feathered pen is freshly inked and ready for our 2019 champions to add their signatures to the Beerwah High Scholastic Almanac. Good luck to all of our talented students - and may the brightest, most gifted and enthusiastic house win!

Peter Voigt
Academic and Cultural Cup Coordinator/Teacher Aide – Learning Support

Dental Van Visit

This mobile facility will be operational at Beerwah State High School on a part-time capacity over these school holidays and until further notice. Their operating days are – Monday, Tuesday and every second Wednesday’s [i.e. 3 days first week of the school holidays]

Hours: 7.45am – 4.15pm
Phone: 0419 799 367
Oral Health Therapist: Colette Berlin
Dental Assistant: Jen Bourke
Dentist: Dr Julie Craw.
Eligible students – FREE to all children in Years 7-10.

Year 11/12 who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefit Schedule [Medicare] may also request an appointment via the dental van.

Parents!!! Please note: we welcome and encourage you to attend your child’s appointment.

Beerwah Dance Company

On Friday, May 31 Beerwah Dance Company competed at Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge. After countless hours of rehearsals and early morning starts, we were so thrilled to receive the following results:

Months later on Saturday, August 3, Beerwah Dance Company competed in The Australian Pinnacle Dance Challenge. This was our fourth competition of the year and students exceeded our expectations. Our twenty five amazingly talented students came away with:

“Pinnacle was a great bonding experience for all of Beerwah Dance Company. It was a great day and motivational for all of us as a team. It definitely made us connect more as our own mini dance family” – Tahli Cero, Dance Captain.

Everyone at Beerwah State High School is so incredibly proud of these dancers. The early morning starts, lunch breaks, after school sessions and weekend rehearsals, have certainly paid off for these passionate students. If you would like to see these routines and many other fabulous pieces performed by Beerwah State High School dancers, we will be hosting our annual Dance Night in October. Tickets will go on sale at the start of term four through our Cash Collection office. More details will be released closer to the date.

Jessica Rossberg
Dance Teacher / HOD The Arts
Dance Company Coordinator

Youth Support Coordinator

Marie Kelleher
Youth Support Coordinator (YSC)

Tuckshop and Uniform Shop News

End of an Era at our Canteen

After 14 years of dedication, our Co-Convenor Marie Glover has decided to retire.

We would like to express our thanks for Marie’s commitment and contribution to our P&C, our school and our students.

Marie will be missed.

Reduced Opening Hours

Commencing Term 4 2019 new dedicated uniform shop opening hours will commence:

Tuesday 12.30pm – 1.00pm
Friday 8.00am – 9.00am

We are happy to take payments over the phone and organise collection from canteen or school office outside these hours.

We are also happy to arrange appointments outside these hours by phoning the canteen/ uniform shop on 5494 0960.

In addition, the uniform shop will be open extended hours the week prior to school commencing 2020.

Uniform Price increases

Due to supplier price increases the following prices will apply from commencement of Term 4 2019:

New boys formal ties will be available from next year – price remains $20.

From 2020 girls formal blouses will be provided with a tab tie included in the price.

CASUAL – CANTEEN & UNIFORM SHOP

Beerwah State High School P&C are advertising a casual position for an enthusiastic and motivated person to assist in the school canteen and uniform shop during school term.

If you have a passion for healthy food and enjoy working in a small, friendly team, then we invite you to apply. Full training will be provided. Blue card required (Working with Children Check).

Please send your expression of interest or any enquiries to our P&C President by email (pandcpresident@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au) before 27 September 2019.

RUOK Day

Thursday, October 12 was R U OK Day. Junior school student leaders are working hard to raise awareness of important issues by running 'Theme Weeks' each month at school.

Riley Ferguson gave an address on school parade for R U OK week challenging students to take the time to ask their friends and family how they are really travelling and to watch out for signs that 'things aren't quite right'.

Jen Morris
School Nurse

Top 5