28 August 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

It is my pleasure to announce that Beerwah State High School has officially been appointed a new principal. The selection process is now complete and we, as a community, welcome Ms Lyn McDonald to Beerwah. Ms McDonald will begin here from the beginning of Term 4 from her previous position at Dysart SHS. I am confident that she will make a positive contribution to the school and continue in our pursuit of making Beerwah SHS a fantastic school to be at on the Sunshine Coast.

We continue to have our Year level parades each week but still have not had the opportunity to hold a full school parade this term. Our new school captains have had the opportunity to coordinate our fortnightly videos that replace our full school parades. They have completed these fantastically and have transitioned into their new roles really well. I am sure they will continue to represent the school in a very positive way.

Last week we had our first Coalition Education Enrichment Program (CEEP) Day for the year as this was previously postponed. We had over one hundred students from our feeder schools come in to sample classes from Health and Physical Education, Science, Robotics, The Arts, Manual Arts and Home Economics. The feedback from the students and the schools was fantastic and I would like to thank all staff that were involved on the day for their contribution.

Year Ten students recently finished their Student Education and Training (SET) Plan interviews to select subjects for their future pathway at Beerwah and beyond. Other year levels will also be going through the process of choosing subjects for 2021 in the coming weeks. Year Nine students will choose year-long elective subjects for Year Ten, and Year Eight students will choose semester-long elective subjects for Year Nine. Those students in Year Seven will continue their elective rotations into Year Eight.

Over the last few months the school has been through a review of the timetable arrangements, particularly for Senior Schooling. We have consulted with staff, students and parents and have recently presented these results to the Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) and Local Consultative Committee (LCC) for approval. In 2021 we will continue to offer five Senior Subjects for Years Eleven and Twelve, with a focus on investigating ways that we can deliver six subjects for those students interested in doing so. The new change that will occur from next year onwards will be the Flexible Learning Day for our Seniors. Currently we use Thursdays but we will be changing this to Friday from next year. The main reasons for the change of days was to reduce absenteeism on a Friday and to maximise teaching time for our seniors due to losses currently on a Friday when public holidays fall on this day.

Again I thank those parents that are supporting the uniform policy and endeavouring to ensure that their child is in correct uniform, particularly during the cooler periods that we are experiencing now. I would also like to thank parents that are ensuring that outstanding fees have been paid and ask those that still need to address this by contacting the school and speaking with the Accounts Receivable Officer. A reminder that all fees including payment plans should be finalised by the end of this term.

We are working on the Year Twelve Formal format as the event is set down for the end of this term. Due to the restrictions that we are all having to deal with, there are decisions that the school has had to make to ensure that the night can still go ahead. There are restrictions that we must follow from the department and also restrictions that the venue must follow. We are wanting this to be a special night for the students and appreciate the understanding from parents when these difficult decisions have to be made.

I have reminded all students this week that, as assessment ramps up for this time of the term, they will need to ensure they are assessment ready. As a school we want students to do the best they possibly can. This can be achieved if we all work together as a team to ensure they meet set deadlines and attempt everything they possibly can. We value the continued support that parents give in this sometimes-stressful time. I wish students all the best in upcoming assessment whether it be assignments to hand in or exams to be held at school.

Wayne Lancaster
Acting Principal

Deputy Principal’s Report

Year Twelve Mock Exams

We have scheduled a practice run of Year Twelve external exams in Week Ten of this term. This is an opportunity for students to participate in Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) prepared exams. The practice test for each component is designed to enable students to become familiar with the test environment and receive teacher feedback on their progress.

In Week Ten students who are studying four or more General subjects will only attend school when they have a scheduled mock exam as per below. Students who are studying a combination of General, Applied and Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects will attend school in Week Ten as per their normal timetable. However, if students have a mock exam for their General subject, they will attend the mock exam only on the specified day as per the exam timetable and will not be required to attend their normal classes for the day.

Year Twelve Record of Completion

Year Twelve students are certainly counting down the days to the end of their high school days. We have stressed the importance of ensuring they are working on their assessment for General, Applied and VET. The external exam period will run from Monday 26 October until Tuesday 17 November 2020, inclusive. We have planned this time to be a flexible arrangement for Year Twelve students. They will attend school if they have an exam or need to complete assessment for Applied or VET subjects.

Students have been given their individual Record of Completion Passport. They are required to have their teachers sign the form when they have completed all of assessment and program requirements. We are not expecting students to return these form until Week Three of Term Four. Students who are not on track to achieve their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) may be required to continue to attend school and complete additional work during the external exam period.

Subject Selection - Years Nine and Ten 2020

Students in Years Eight and Nine will complete their subject selections for next year in Week Eight of this term. Presentations to students, made by Heads of Department in the core subjects will commence this week and a group presentation on available elective subjects will take place on Monday 31 August.

To support students in making choices for Years Nine and Ten, 2021, our Online Career Pathways & Subject Expo is now available via the Student Share Point. We invite parents and students student to join the expo from home using Chrome or Edge as the browser. The expo has a wealth of information relating to careers, courses at school, post school study and 2021 subject selection. Please take the time to return to the expo as often as you like to review the videos, presentations and information available.

Marni Bradley
Deputy Principal

The Arts

Student Art Works

We are very proud of the calibre of artistic talent we have at Beerwah State High School. Whether the students are completing works for assessment or creating masterpieces at home for fun, we like to encourage them to explore visual arts in all forms and media.

Developing ideas

Year 11 students experimented with sculptural forms. Before deciding on their final series students developed marquettes. Well done, Georgia, on your impressive works.

Year 11 Art 4.jpeg

Ceramics

Our kiln has been in overdrive.

Check out the kiln full of bone dry work. Note the change in colour and texture after work has been brought to over 1000 degrees Celsius, now in the bisque stage. Now the pieces are ready to glaze. We look forward to showing you the results soon.

The photo, below is an example of a beautiful pinch pot expertly glazed by one of our talented students.

Year Ten Painting

Such a variety of approaches to the broad subject of landscape painting. Students did very well exploring colour blending and brushwork techniques.

Year Eight Art

Thanks Mrs Massingham and Mrs Jordan for teaching us new skills with watercolour.

The class has really enjoyed exploring identity through art.

Mrs Jordan
Art Teacher
Beerwah State High

Student Services

Cavanagh, Mark.jpg

Gold Card Awards

Congratulations to all the Year 7 students who received their Gold Card awards last week at parade. Students received these awards for displaying excellent effort and behaviour across multiple subjects.

Beerwah Best Awards

Congratulations to the students who received Beerwah Best Awards this week. Teachers have nominated these students for the fantastic attitude and work in their subjects. It is great to see so many students being recognised for the amazing work in classes.

Mark Cavanagh
Acting Head of Department (Student Services)

Numeracy

Numeracy Update

To assist students in building their numeracy abilities, an array of different numeracy skills and methods to assist in numeracy understanding has been developed. Students can now access these numeracy skill refreshers on SharePoint. The skills vary from strategies to assist in arithmetic, such as multiplication graphic organisers, to refreshers of specific numeracy content, such as converting fractions to percentages. Each fortnight a new skill is added based on identified numeracy needs of the students.

Numeracy is present within all subjects at school and a range of different professions. To be numerate, students should be fluent in applying their mathematical knowledge in a range of contexts outside of the maths classroom. Whenever a numeracy skill arises in any subject students can use the skills to assist them in remembering how to perform the required numeracy skill.

Numeracy Puzzle

Answer last newsletters puzzle:

= 36

Kayla Monk
Numeracy Coach

Science

Explosion Experiment

For this and last term, both of the science extension classes have been learning about black powder, fireworks and other explosions. We have learnt how the powder was made to what type of fireworks there are. And that is all thanks to Roger Bacon because he translated the Chinese recipe for fireworks into English.

Last week, the classes went out to the oval to do some experiments, which included exploding black powder to see how far certain objects would go. The first time we did these experiments, my group's object didn’t go so far, which was not surprising since it was a milk bottle. But the second time, we used bottle caps and this time some of them went further than 100 cm! I know that isn’t the most impressive thing, but for a student’s experiment, it is.

When the explosion did finish and we were able to go up to the sites where the objects were, since we had to be at a safe distance of course, we looked around and realised the explosion was pretty big since there was an actual hole in the ground. And that is pretty impressive with only a few amounts of black powder.

So, now we just have to do the theory part of it. But at least exploding things was a good highlight for this term.

Lucy Sanders
Year 10 Student

Hair Raising Science

Term 3 has seen our year 7 science students studying forces in their various forms. Students enjoyed investigating static electricity when they were given the opportunity to use the Van de Graff generator, which is an electrostatic generator. The electric charge built up in the students’ hair when they were touching the generator and this caused the strands of their hair to push away from the other strands of hair. It also caused many laughs and some nerves about how they were going to get rid of the extra charge.

Putting Theory into Practice

Year 12 students have been studying genetics and evolution as part of their final unit of high school biology. Students were given the opportunity to perform gel electrophoresis, a technique used to separate DNA fragments according to their size. Although the technique required concentration and precision, students enjoyed putting the theory that they have been learning into practice.

12 biology.jpg

Karli Pearson
Science Teacher

Future Pathways

Term 3 has been another extremely busy term which has included the continuation of external courses and traineeships, the start of the Cert II Automotive Pathways (Bicycle Mechanic), Distance Education exams and SET Plan interviews. A number of new traineeships have commenced and some exciting school based apprenticeships have been secured by students.

New course enrolments and expressions of interest for 2021 programs have been open for a number of weeks and there are many varied and exciting offerings for students to consider.

School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs)

Congratulations to Year 10 students Danielle and Shayla who have both commenced school based hairdressing apprenticeships with local employers, Mooloolah Valley Hair and Fineline Hair Studio. As new apprentices, these students will be completing around a minimum of 7.5 hours of paid work release each week and enrolling in a Certificate III in Hairdressing. On leaving school these arrangements will convert to full-time or part-time apprenticeships. Congratulations, girls, and best wishes as you commence your hairdressing career.

The support of local business is vitally important in ensuring our SAT program continues to grow. Local employers also support work experience and, in particular, placements for the students who complete structured workplace learning as part of their SC Trade Training Centre programs. One student has been offered a school based electro technology apprenticeship while another has attended a work trial for a full time position. These are exciting opportunities and it is great to see so many students pro-active and motivated to pursue their career aspirations.

Though COVID-19 restrictions continue we hope to see many businesses return to normal operations allowing more opportunities to become available to students. Please keep informed of any new SAT vacancies via the school Facebook page, student notices and noticeboard displays.

Certificate Courses

Dual Cert II Salon assistant & Cert II Retail Cosmetics

Our trainees have attended salon placement days hosted by Beerwah Hair & Beauty which is a valuable component of this course with students being able to train and hone their practical skills in a real working salon. Trainer, Gloria has commented on the professionalism and skills displayed by our trainees. A number of our trainees are extremely focussed on a hairdressing/salon industry pathway and are making the most of the placement and taking up opportunities as they arise. Our newest school based hairdressing apprentice will be completing her dual course soon. It has provided an excellent base giving her the foundation salon skills and confidence to apply and secure her apprenticeship.

Students who might be interested in this VETiS funded program can see information on the online Career Pathways Expo (Certificate Courses & Training > Courses to study at school) or see Mrs Forrest for information and to register their name for the 2021 program.

Students who have previously completed our dual salon assistant and retail cosmetics course might consider attending the Sunshine Coast Trade Training Centre (TTC) in 2021. On offer, as a fee for service course, is the Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30115) which has the pre-requisite of the dual certificate II.

Kawana Waters State College Health Program

The Health Program combines VETiS funded dual HLT23215 Certificate II in Health Support Services and CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services in Year 11 with HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistant (fee for service) completed in Year Twelve. It is designed to support students wishing to pursue a career in the health industry. Students attend Kawana Waters State College Health hub one day a week over the course of the program (usually on the flexible learning day)

Expressions of interest are now being taken from our current Year Ten students interested in this program for 2021. See Mrs Forrest for further information and to submit an expression of interest (due by the end of Term Three).

Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre

Many expressions of interest have been submitted on behalf of Year Ten students interested in 2021 course offerings. These include

• Cert II Automotive Servicing Technology (AUR20716) - TAFE
• Cert I Construction (CPC10111) - Australian Trade Training College
• Cert II Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22011) - Australian Trade Training College
• Cert II Plumbing (52700WA) – TAFE
• DUAL Cert II Retail Cosmetics (SHB20116) & Cert II Salon Assistant (SHB20216) - Elysian
• Cert II Salon Assistant (Hairdressing/Barbering—SHB20216) - Elysian
• Cert III Beauty Services— SHB30115—Elysian Institute
• Cert III Aviation (Remote Pilot) (AVI30419) – Specialised Career Solutions
• Aviation Start University Now (SUN) Studies – CQ University
• Built Environment & Design Program (SUN) – CQ University

Expressions of Interest and first round applications are due by the end of Term Three. If you have submitted an expression of interest and are yet to receive an application pack please see Mrs Forrest as soon as possible.

Students intending to study at the TTC in 2021 should be able to commit to attending Caloundra State High School one day a week, participate in structured workplace learning (eighty hours) and balance school study with TTC attendance and travel. These programs are VETiS funded – remembering that students are only allocated one VETiS funded course – and that TTC administration fees also apply.

Upcoming information nights:

Only one parent and student able to attend and you must RSVP to secure a place. Phone 5499 5222 or email tttcadmin@caloundrashs.eq.edu.au

Certificate II Automotive Pathways (Bicycle Mechanic)

We are now into the fourth week of the Cert II Auto program and students are really enjoying training with Alex. The mornings are spent looking at the theory components before moving down to the HPE shed for practical work. Students are able to bring in their own bikes, scooters or skateboards to work on with all tools and equipment provided.

This is a VETiS funded program and banks four QCE points. It runs for approximately fifteen weeks (one day a week on the flexible learning day) and is hands on and engaging. Students who might be interested in this program in 2021 should see Mrs Forrest as soon as possible to register interest. A minimum enrolment is required before the course can go ahead next year.

TAFE Queensland Year Ten Trade Taster Program

Term Three saw the commencement of the Year Ten TAFE East Coast Trade Taster Programs. Students are attending TAFE one day a week for nine weeks to complete White Card training and induction and three accredited units from three trades. A service Trade Taster is also running offering a program of four accredited units (two from hairdressing and two from cookery).

The Trade Taster Programs are a great way for our Year Ten students to sample skills in these areas, get an insight into TAFE/VET training and to begin thinking about program selection and pathway options.

The program has been offered again in Term Four running on Tuesdays or Fridays and we have students interested and ready to commence the program.

Helen Forrest
Industry & Vocational Training Officer

Community Notices

Ride-Race-Navigate: Orienteering by bike

Use a map to find your way around a park or forest by bike, in any of the three events held over two days:

• July 11. Boondall then Narangba.
• July 12. Glasshouse Mountains.

Entry is $25.00 -$35.00 per event. Family rates are available.

Social riders are welcome.

For more information, contact Deb Gordon on 0439 979 260 or go to:

Deb Gordon
Sunshine Orienteers Promotions