8 May 2020
Newsletter Articles
Principal’s Report
I would again like to take the opportunity to thank and congratulate Mr Matt Samson for the great work that he did for our school community whilst Acting Principal. It was certainly a well-deserved appointment for him to be the foundation principal for the new school that will open in 2021 at Baringa. We wish him all the best in that exciting endeavour.
I would also like thank the staff and community for their support in my appointment to acting Principal for the remainder of this term. It is certainly a challenging time for many in the current environment that we are living in and cannot express enough the pride that I have in my staff and the dedication they have shown to support each other and students during this time.
As announced on Monday, Year Eleven and Twelve students will return to school on Monday, May 11 and resume face to face lessons. As a school we have made contact with all families of students from those year levels to determine if they are returning and an overwhelming number have advised that their students are keen to return. We ask parents of Years Seven to Ten to continue to follow the directives for online learning and, if all goes well, all students will begin full time school again on Monday, May 25.
The school is asking that any parents and carers onsite pay particular attention to the requirements for adults to maintain physical distancing of 1.5 meters at all times. Parents are asked not to gather in areas around the school such as car parks or at the school gate.
As we return over time to having all students back on site I will be updating parents regularly about the expectations from the department. This seems like a daily changing environment in which we live but the adaptability shown by everyone has been appreciated.
Can I thank parents for their follow up around attendance and the online activity or engagement of students has been above 90% this term. That is a fantastic effort on everyone’s behalf for such a change to the way in which we have all been learning lately.
As I mentioned at the beginning, I will be the acting Principal for the remainder of the term. Acting Deputy Principal for the Senior School will be Mrs Marni Bradley and Mrs Barb Mullins will be Acting Head of Department for Digital Technologies.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school if there is any support we can offer your child during these times and we look forward to seeing each and every student return to school once advice has been received by the department.
Wayne Lancaster
Acting Principal
Deputy Principal’s Report
Welcome to Term Two
What an unusual way to kick off a school term! A big warm hello to all families and students.
Sadly we farewelled Matt Samson as our Principal in the first week of Term Two, however we are very excited that Wayne Lancaster will be our acting Principal for the duration of the term. I am certain that we will all flourish under his leadership.
We are looking forward to seeing you all as soon as it is safe for us all to be back at school together. If low transmission rates continue, students in Years Two to Ten will return to school from Monday May 25, 2020. Confirmation of this further step will be made by Friday May 15, 2020.
We welcome our seniors back next week.
On-line Learning
In terms of online learning at home, please do not be stressed about your students and where they are at. There are many factors beyond our control in these times of uncertainty. Worrying excessively about these factors is pointless. Try to focus your attention on the factors that ARE in your control.
Our staff and students have done an amazing job of navigating their way around the online world and we are very proud of this work. Thank you to all families who have supported students in this space – it is a tough job and has been stressful. Please know that we will support all students in the Junior Secondary school to get back on track with their learning.
I make this commitment to each student – we are all in this together. Our school community is strong and we make a full commitment to our young people to support them to be the best they can be and to assist them with getting back into school and learning routines and procedures.
Student Leadership
Our student leadership application process is open. These applications are due to me by May 22, 2020. Please post, drop them in or email them to me at sburc2@eq.edu.au. I have emailed out the applications to all students in Year Eight and Year Eleven. Our new leaders will be inducted in Term Three, after they go through a leadership application and voting process.
Students who are awarded an interview after the written application stage may do this in a range of forms due to the COVID-19 situation. We will communicate more of that to you as the time draws closer. Please encourage and support your students to apply – this is an amazing opportunity!
Sam Burchall
Deputy Principal
Junior Secondary
Information Technologies
Technology Upgrade@Beerwah SHS
Over the recent holiday period, Beerwah State High School’s wireless network was upgraded in order to provide a more efficient and effective wireless coverage for both staff and student devices here at school. We are excited about the improved coverage and speed of our wireless network, however we have discovered that as a result of this upgrade a small number of student BYO devices are not supported. Devices that operate on 2.4 GHz wireless band will not connect to our BYO network. This most likely will affect older laptops, although could still affect some newer devices (two years old). Please be aware that this does not mean that devices are no longer useful for our BYO program. Wireless Dual-Band Mini USB adaptors can be purchased for small cost to resolve this issue (approximately $25)
We do recommend checking your students’ device before school returns to normal routines to ensure the device will work on our upgraded network. Please contact the school if you need assistance in checking the device.
In the short term we will have a small number of these wireless adaptors available if needed for day to day loan to ease the transition until students are able to source their own adaptor.
Barb Mullins
Acting Head of Department
The Arts
Senior Art Excursion
On Friday 13, March, Years Eleven and Twelve Visual Arts students were given the opportunity to explore quality works in our annual trip to the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Art Gallery. We were all enthralled by the magnificent crystal chandelier that hung over a body of water. Most relevant to our current course was the large scale example of Pop Art. It was such a pleasure to share the experience with our lovely students.
Year Twelve Visual Arts in Practice
Last term, Year Twelve Visual Arts in Practice students completed dynamic and colourful murals. The process involved working in groups to develop, plan and execute these impressive works. Look out for them around the school during the year.
Year Eleven Visual Arts in Practice
Theatre anyone? Year Eleven Visual Arts in Practice students have completed a unit on design. They demonstrated wide a variety of skills and approaches. Fabulous!
Year Nine Art
Print Making
Impressive development of designs into three colour prints has resulted in some sophisticated works by our Year Nine Art Elective students. Multiple prints on paper, with a contrasting colour, created an interesting impact. We are looking forward to what their creative minds produce during the year.
Karen Massingham, Jeanie Jordan, Michael Searle
Teachers
Visual Arts
Humanities and Social Sciences
Mortgage Choice Currimundi Bursary Award
We are happy to announce a partnership between Beerwah State High School and Mortgage Choice Currimundi, who are sponsoring an annual bursary award valued at $200. This bursary is awarded to a student who demonstrates commitment to their learning in Business or Legal Studies.
For her great effort and commitment to learning in the Humanities, current Year 12 student, Amy Vost, was awarded the bursary for 2019. This is a fantastic achievement and we look forward to the great work she will continue to produce.
The bursary will be offered again in 2020 so we encourage all students studying a Business or Legal Studies subject to keep working hard and demonstrate their commitment to the Humanities.
Congratulations again to Amy and thank you to Pete and all the team at Mortgage Choice Currimundi.
Jacob Connor
Head of Department
Future Pathways 2020
Welcome back to a very unusual Term Two and thank you to all students for their ongoing work and commitment in their programs.
School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs)
Most school based trainees have moved onto on-line theory training in their qualifications and continue to make steady progress. Some have had to have temporary suspensions of training contracts organised which means that they are unable to complete work release hours. However, the good news is that the Department has granted concession to these trainees so they can continue with their training.
All trainees should keep in contact with their trainers and we encourage regular updates to the school particularly if your situation changes. Using some time on your dedicated work release day to complete theory training is a great idea.
Any new SAT vacancies for our students will be advertised via the school Facebook page though, understandably, many employers are not able to offer opportunities at this time
Certificate Courses
Dual Cert II Salon assistant & Cert II Retail Cosmetics
The dual course has re-commenced training in Term Two with two participation modes – school based training taking place on Thursdays or home based theory training. While at school, our trainer is diligent in ensuring our trainees remain engaged and learning while hygiene and social distancing measures are in effect. Again, trainees are encouraged to keep in contact with the trainer and contact the school should their personal situation change.
Kawana Waters State College Health Program
Year Eleven students continue to progress with their studies which have gone 100% on line during Term Two utilising the Canvas platform. Students are able to screen shot their progress and Beerwah High School will continue to monitor and receive these updates.
SC Technical Trade Training Centre
All students are continuing their training utilising various on-line digital programs. Students in certain courses have also received printed work booklets and we encourage everyone to continue to work regularly on theory training. Generally, trainers are making themselves available on a student’s specific training day for contact via email, phone and video conferencing. Beerwah High School’s close communication with the TTC continues during these times. If you haven’t already, make sure you check the TTC Facebook page for updates and interesting news items.
White Card Induction
Some students have not yet collected their certificate or White Card following completion of the induction day in March. If a student requires these please contact Helen Forrest on hforr17@eq.edu.au and to arrange to have card and certificate posted home.
Work Experience
Unfortunately, most work experience placements that were organised for the Easter break and in Term Two were postponed. Though disappointing for students, the good news is that all of the employers have stated that they are still looking forward to seeing students and promise to re-schedule dates as soon as business operations return to normal.
Work experience placements remain a great opportunity for students to learn about a job or industry first hand, to participate in on the job tasks, and develop 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. A good way to seek a placement is to take the initiative, 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.
Tafe Qld Year Ten Trade Taster Program
On Monday March 16, Year Ten students were given the opportunity to apply for the 2020 TAFE Trade Taster Programs. It was great to see the high level of interest and all 20 students have secured a place in the program.
TAFE advise that the program has been delayed and is now scheduled to start at the beginning of Term Three. Please be aware that this may change again. Students who have successfully received a place will retain their spot for the Term Three delivery. Beerwah High School will continue to receive updates and communicate with students throughout the process.
Applications remain open and there are limited places still available at Mooloolaba and Nambour campuses. Please go to www.tafeapply.com and enter code TQEC20TT2 to access the application form.
Helen Forrest
Industry and VET Training Officer