3 December 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

I would like to take this opportunity to firstly thank everyone for my time here at Beerwah State High School. It is a fantastic school, with so many amazing and dedicated teachers, who work so hard to support and assist the students of the school every day.

There have been many significant events occurring within the school since our last newsletter, with none more significant that the final school day and graduation for the Year Twelve students. Friday, November 15 saw seventy five Year Twelve students add their names to the Beerwah State High School graduation book, as they were seen off on their last day in an amazing and emotional clap out ceremony. Our best wishes go with each of these young people as they head off to discover and create the best futures they can for themselves.

With every Year Twelve student finishing on track to achieve their QCE, with excellent OP predictions, and with a myriad of certificate courses and traineeships completed, each student is in a very strong position to create successful futures due to their achievements at Beerwah State High School.

As the year draws to an end, there has been much planning and discussions in preparation for the 2020 school year at Beerwah State High School.

It will be a big year, with the first cohort of Year Twelve students going through the school under the new QCE/ATAR senior school system. It will be a big year for these students, culminating for many of them in the new external exams which will be occurring from Monday, October 26 to Tuesday, November, 17 2020.

The school will ensure that parents are kept informed regarding any information regarding this as they become clearer throughout the start of 2020.

A couple of important aspects that all parents and students should be aware of for the start of 2020 are:

Year Seven Computer Program

The school has now developed to enhance our already available BYOD computer program, a Laptop hire scheme for Year Seven students and potentially Year Eight students. It is expected that all students in Year seven will either bring along their own laptop to school through the BYOD program, or will hire a laptop from the school so that every student has access to a computer in every class. This will allow teachers to utilize technology when delivering their curriculum to every student in their classes. The plan is to roll this out on a year to year level over the next three years so that all junior classes have access to a computer for their schooling. Information regarding this has been sent out to all enrolled Year Seven students for 2020.

Uniform Changes

The P&C has recently held a survey in regards to the school uniform and whether parents were in favour of including black socks as part of the school uniform. An overwhelming 96% of the respondents to the survey were in favour of this, and so in 2020 an amendment to the school uniform policy will allow students the ability to wear a pair of matching plain white socks or plain black socks with their school uniform. 2020 also sees the end of the change over period for the new formal shirt and the shorts with the school logo on them. As of January 2020, all students will be expected to be wearing the new uniform options. It will be appreciated if all parents can support the P&C and the school by purchasing these items so that every student is prepared and in uniform from day one of 2020.

Student Resource Scheme

A lot of planning has gone into the development of the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) and subject costings for students in 2020. We have endeavoured to minimize costs to parents regarding this, with many subject costs being removed or greatly reduced in 2020. It is again important that parents support us in the payment of these reasonable costs to help enable us to resource and run the quality programs that we have at Beerwah State High School and that every student deserves. Information regarding this and payment options will be emailed out to all parents before the end of the year so that parents can plan for this prior to the commencement of school in 2020.

STUDENT NEWS

On October 23, one of our students, Lucy Brown, represented Beerwah State High School as part of Ministerial Student Advisory Council. This council was comprised of students from all over the state, who gathered to discuss a variety of issues that concern students in Queensland. Lucy participated in discussions about these areas of interest, and the information discussed was listened to closely by the Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palasczuk and the Minister for Education, the Hon Grace Grace. Congratulations Lucy, on this outstanding achievement and thank you so much for representing Beerwah SHS at such a prestigious event.

Remembrance Day

On Monday, November 11, our school captains participated in a ceremony to commemorate Remembrance Day. This was held in Turner Park in Beerwah, held by the Beerwah Sub branch of the RSL. Our school captains did an incredible job of representing the school at this special Remembrance day ceremony. The three captains, Breanne, Amelia and James all recited a poem and then lay a wreath on behalf of the Beerwah State High School community. Congratulations and thank you to these three very impressive students, who are outstanding leaders for our students at Beerwah SHS.

2020 School Commencement Dates

Tuesday, January 28 is the first day of school for Year Seven, Eleven and Twelve.

Wednesday, January is the first day of school for Year Eight, Nine and Ten

On behalf of the Beerwah State High School community, I would like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas break.

Matt Samson
Acting Principal

Deputy Principals Report

I would like to wish all families, students and the community a very happy and safe Christmas and extend thanks to all staff and parents for your support in making Beerwah State High School a fantastic school. We look forward to an exciting year in 2020 with all of our students focused on being the best they can be. We are very proud of the outgoing Year Twelve students – our Class of 2019, who walked out of school with their Queensland Certificate of Education. Congratulations

Sam Burchall
Deputy Principal

Front Office News

Report Cards

All end of year report cards, 2019 Statements and 2020 Invoices, Student Resource Scheme and Subject Fee information will be emailed home during the last week of term. If you would like to confirm your current email address with the office please contact 5436 5333. Just a reminder that Year Twelves do not receive a report from the school. It will come from QCAA.

Office Closing Hours

The school front office will be closed for the school holidays from 4.00pm Friday, December 13 and will reopen at 8.00am Monday, January 20.

Uniform Shop Hours

Vanessa Bond
Administration Officer

Senior Schooling

Year Twelves Farewelled

The Year Twelves for 2019 were farewelled with the traditional graduation ceremony the ‘Clap Out’ on Friday, November 15. There were a few tears from staff, students and parents as these students finished their Secondary Schooling at Beerwah State High School. The school wishes all students well. The Education Department invites Year Twelve graduates to complete a ‘Next Step’ survey to see where they are six months after graduating. Please encourage your child to complete this survey.

Year Elevens myQCE

In their week seven Life Skills classes Year Eleven students were encouraged to activate their Learning Account via the Student Portal on the myQCE website. The learning account provided by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) will enable students to check their results and progress towards their QCE during Year Twelve next year. Students completing General Subjects will also be able to check their Confirmed Results in each General Subject they are enrolled in prior to completing their External Exams in term four. The link for the myQCE website is below. This website contains more useful general information and is worth a look.

Year Ten in 2020

All students in Year Ten in 2020 (current Year Nine students) will require a Unique Student Identifier. The USI is required for enrolment in Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses. To assist with getting ready for next year please visit the website below and create a USI for your child. Your child will be asked for their USI early in Term One next year.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2020. This is the end of my fifth year at Beerwah State High School and I look forward to my sixth.

Ms Leanne Young
HoD: Senior Schooling

Future Pathways

2019 was another very successful year with many students completing or participating in school based traineeships and apprenticeships. Others completed VET courses including programs with TAFE at School, Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre, the dual Certificate II in Salon Assistant/Retail Cosmetics, Kawana Waters State College collaborative Health Program, Cert IV Crime & Justice, Distance Education, AllevE8 and GenR8 School to work transition programs, TAFE Trade Taster, White Card induction, and numerous work experience placements.

School based traineeships and apprenticeships

Congratulations to the following Year Twelve graduates who have participated or completed school based traineeships and apprenticeships during the past two years. Some have secured full time roles with their employers or are continuing with further study or full time apprenticeships.

Jordan – completed Certificate III Sport & Recreation, Matt Fiddes Hinterland
Nick – participation Certificate III Cabinet Making, Qld Kitchen & Bathroom Distributors
Aaron – completion Certificate III Hospitality, Bellmere Burger Shack
Bohdey – completion Certificate II Engineering, Azacs Constructions
Alex– completion Certificate III Customer Engagement, Australia Post
Ethan – completion, Certificate III Engineering, Bell Stainless
Jessica – participation, Certificate III Tourism, Landsborough Pines Caravan Park
Chloe – completion, Certificate III Early Childhood Education & Care, Nambour Early Learning Centre
Zoe – completion, Certificate II Horticulture, Waterworth’s Nursery
Seth – completion, Certificate III Retail, Domino’s Pizza, Beerwah
Zach – completion, Certificate III Business, Riba Kasteel Chartered Accountants
Year Twelve student – completed Certificate II Hospitality, Beerwah Golf Club

Beerwah High’s school based trainee of 2019 was awarded to Bohdey at our annual Awards Night on October 29. Bohdey also achieved a top five recognition in the School Based Trainee of the Year category of the 2019 Queensland Training Award – an amazing achievement.

Beerwah High sincerely thanks the local community, employers, business, trainers and apprenticeship network providers for their ongoing support to our SAT program and for their continuing commitment to providing future pathways for our young people.

Term three and four new sign ups include:

Kiara – Certificate III Animal Companion, Truck A Luck Kennels.
Cameron – Certificate III IDMT, Beerwah SHS P & C
Jessica– Certificate III Hospitality, Subway Beerwah
Elly – Certificate III Hospitality, Subway, Beerwah
Shaneika– Certificate III Retail, Domino’s Pizza, Beerwah
Michael– Certificate III Retail, Domino’s Pizza, Beerwah

Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre

2019 was a successful year at the Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre in Caloundra for one of our Year Twelve students and nine of our Year Eleven students. Students successfully completed either Certificate I Construction, Certificate II Electro technology (career start) or Certificate II Automotive Servicing and at least Eighty hours of structured workplace learning.

Special congratulations to Deacon and Noah who each received a nomination for SCTTTC Student of the Year which was a recognition of their excellent work ethic and participation in their chosen programs (electro and construction).

We have nineteen students enrolling in the various trade programs in 2020 and look forward to another successful and rewarding year. The 2020 cohort and their families are invited to the information evening in January to tour the facilities and hear further information for the forthcoming year.

2020 New Families Information Evening – Wednesday, January 29, 2020, 6pm – 7pm at 40 Bower Street Caloundra. tttcadmin@caloundrashs.ed.edu.au Phone 5499 5222.

Certificate Courses 2020

Beerwah High is committed to assisting students with options for alternative pathways. We offer study options such as Distance Education, TAFE at School programs, external provider courses, Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre enrolment and other programs that all provide students with successful outcomes.

Expressions of interest and enrolments have been taken for a number of programs since term three and students are encouraged to ensure that they register their names as soon as possible to secure a place in any program. This can be done by seeing Mrs Forrest or our school Guidance Officers.

Options on offer in 2020:

• 10283NAT Cert IV Crime & Justice, RTO Unity College, two year program Year Elevens – fee for service $700
• Dual SHB20216 Salon Assistant and SHB20116 Retail Cosmetics, RTO 2 Study/CSaT, Year Elevens & Twelves, Year 10s negotiable - VETiS funded
• Kawana Waters State College Health Program (HLT23215 Health Support Services & HLT31215 Cert III Basic Health Care), two year program, Year Elevens – VETiS Cert II, Fee for service Cert III
• Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre – courses in Automotive Servicing, Construction, Electro-technology, Plumbing, Aviation Studies (CQ Uni) and Dual Salon Assistant/Retail Cosmetics, Year Elevens or Twelves – VETiS funded
• TAFE at School programs, Mooloolaba, Nambour and Caboolture campus – a range of study areas –VETiS or fee for service.
• Distance Education – applied and general subjects, VET courses.

What is VETIS?

Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) is delivery of nationally recognised qualifications to school students, providing them with the skills and knowledge required for employment in specific industries. VETiS qualifications can be undertaken in Years Ten, Eleven and Twelve, and can count towards the Queensland Certificate of Education.

The VET investment budget provides funding for students to complete one VETiS qualification listed on the Queensland Training Subsidies List while at school.

USC Rise & Shine Leadership Day

At our annual Award Night in October, Year Ten students, Jessica and Georgia received University of the Sunshine Coast Rise & Shine Awards which recognised their potential and efforts in being enthusiastic leaders within our school and for taking on their studies with passion, commitment and determination.

The event was held on November 28 at the Innovation Centre at USC and was an opportunity to participate in a unique experience, networking with program mentors and hearing from guest speakers including Cam Greenwood, entrepreneur and founder of Monsta Surf and Peace Proscovia, USC high performance athlete and Sunshine Coast Lightning goal shooter.

Jessica said that the Rise & Shine Leadership day was an incredible experience.

“The guest speakers answered many things that we all had question about. Cam Greenwood also spoke about listening to the voice of possibility instead of the voice of fear. It taught us that everyone is capable of anything and the world is ours for the taking.”

Congratulations Jess and Georgia on all your achievements and best wishes for senior.

Best wishes to students and their families for Christmas and New Year. I’m sure next year will be just as busy and rewarding as the last twelve months. See you in 2020.

Helen Forrest
Industry Liaison Officer

Academic and Cultural Cup

As the sun sets on 2019, so do the maroon tones of Tunbubudla’s mortar board, which again sits resplendently atop the Academic & Cultural Cup for its fourth festive season.

Many students have already been busy earning points during term four, which have been allocated towards next year’s cup. So far five hundred and seventy three points have been earned, with one of our teams in blue presently leading the pack in the race to grab honours in our 2020 Academic & Cultural Cup. Will our sixth iteration finally be a breakthrough year for one of our blue teams? Or can Tunbubudla achieve the unthinkable and make it five out of six?

Several students have taken their first step towards a 2020 age champion award. Below are the records that they will be hoping to better in the coming year. Good luck to all! Make sure you keep your eyes open for opportunities to earn points for your house in 2020 and more importantly, challenge yourself and experience new things.

Year Twelve

Year Eleven

Year Ten

Year Nine

Year Eight

Year Seven

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

Beerwah Tower Green Christmas Twilight Market

Head to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for a festive treat for the whole family.

Come along and meet Santa and get in the festive spirit on the Beerwah Tower Green. Saturday, December 7 from 3pm to 8pm, at the CWA Hall, and surrounding Beerwah Tower Green on Simpson Street, Beerwah. With over thirty stalls of locally produced handcrafts, jewellery, homewares, food, gifts and clothing, you can shop locally and sustainably knowing that you are purchasing that special someone a handmade and unique gift. Enjoy dinner on the Green from one of the delicious food stalls, and be sure to pop into the CWA Hall for some infamous home baked treats and to share a cuppa.

There will be sing-a-long carols at 6pm, live music throughout the afternoon, school performances and a special not to be missed children’s Christmas Show at 6.30pm, by local performer Go Seek. The night is jam packed with free entertainment for the whole family.

Since the first ever Twilight Market in Beerwah seven years ago, this will be its biggest yet. With the support of Sunshine Coast Council, the family can enjoy free face painting, free bouncy castle, free entertainment and music. Inside the CWA Hall you can meet Santa along with receiving a free photo courtesy of the CWA Beerwah Branch.

Proceeds from the market support the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, supporting a local family who are battling hard times.

The Beerwah Tower Green Markets are brought to you by the local QCWA Beerwah Branch, who operate not for profit, and support the local community and community groups. For any inquires please call 0400 027591, or email qcwabeerwah@gmail.com

Education Services Update

Equine Therapy

During Term 4, six Education Services students were able to participate in an equine assisted therapy program. Students become involved in a non-riding program. The sessions are designed to best create metaphors for “real life”. This allows for metaphorical learning as everything done with the horses is related to what is happening at home, school, work and in relationships.

The program assisted the students to be aware of boundaries, respect, raise self-esteem and improve confidence. Over the six week program students were observed and engaged with two facilitators, an equine specialist and counsellor who helped the students manage their communication and problem solving social skills and self regulation.

All students gained more awareness of their social skills and better ways to interact. Students commented that gaining a connection with the horses enabled them to find love for themselves and new positive ways to respond to situations.

State Education Week

Lucy Brown was honoured with an invitation for afternoon tea held at Parliament House during State Education Week on October 23. Lucy is the school’s Ministerial Student Advisory Council representative and has attended a meeting previously in June with Grace Grace, Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations and other school representatives from within Queensland schools.

Lucy met The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier of Queensland and Grace Grace along with other politicians who acknowledged the valuable work of schools assisting with students, teachers, parents and carers for students to pursue their goals.

Suzanne Tennison
EDS Teacher

Chris Flannery Shield – Year Seven Rugby League

On October 25, a small group of Year Seven boys attended a nine-a-side rugby league gala day. This day was aimed at Year Six and Seven students across the Sunshine Coast to assist with their transition into high school.

Even though Beerwah attended with a team of small numbers, all boys put in a lot of effort and some of the boys played some games without a break. After a win in the first game, the boys struggled to win another one. They scored plenty of tries over the course of the day and continued to try their best, even in the very trying conditions.

Many were very sore by the end of the day but they all had fun. Some of the boys also had never played rugby league before, so they were very brave in giving it a go and coming up against some big defenders. Daniel couldn’t play due to an injury, but he was awesome on the day, delivering water to the boys during the games. Without his assistance, the boys would not have been able to keep scoring those tries. A big thanks must also go to Mr Rogers who helped on the day and shared his expertise.

Emma Liesegang
HPE Teacher

Top 5