Beerwah State High School eNewsletter

18 September 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report
Battle of the Bands
The Arts
Resource Centre
Literacy
Numeracy
Future Pathways
Health and Physical Education
Parents and Citizens Association (P&C)
Community Notices

Principal’s Report

As Term Three comes to an end, it is hard to believe everything that has happened throughout this time. It has certainly been a very busy time for staff and students but, as always, they have taken everything in their stride. Our students have had amny opportunities to participate in a variety of different activities with some great successes in virtual online dance competitions, sporting competitions, new leaders being appointed, future enrolments transitioning into high school, Beerwah State High School being recognised at the Regional Showcase Awards, or Year Twelve students having their Formal for 2020.

Beerwah Dance Company

Beerwah Dance Company (BDC), led by Jess Rossberg, has been successful this year after entering their first online dance competition. In the Phoenix Online Dance Challenge Beerwah received the following results:

1st place: Alice in Wonderland jazz piece (Entertainment section)
2nd place: True Blood jazz piece (Jazz section)
2nd place: Breaking Ice contemporary piece (Contemporary/Lyrical section)
3rd place: Fall On Me lyrical piece (contemporary/Lyrical section)
Very Highly Commended: Bojangles Musical Theatre piece (Entertainment section)

Congratulations to the students in BDC for being placed/recognised in 5 of the 7 dances they entered. Fantastic results for the hours of work put in by the students and staff.

Interschool Sports

Over this term students have been participating in various sporting competitions within the district. Students competed in the Sunshine Coast Interschool Basketball Competition in the Boys Open C Division. The boys finished fourth after the rounds and played the first placed team in the semi-finals. They played really well to win this game and make it through to the grand final. They were defeated during this game but to make it to the final was a great effort. Thank you to Mr Rob Philpott and Mr Mark Lightbody for helping me out with the team this term.

Our Open Rugby League boys, coached by Miss Emma Liesegang and Mr Mark Cavanagh, also made it through to the grand final in their respective competition but regrettably had to forfeit on the day.

Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools

At the recent 2020 Regional Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools, Beerwah State High School was part of the group of schools involved in the Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre's (SCTTTC) entry that received a Regional Commendation for the RemServ Showcase Award for Excellence in Parent and Community Engagement. The entry ‘Engaging the Future of Trade’ acknowledges the great opportunities our students have to be involved in the various courses offered at SCTTTC.

Assistant Regional Director, Mr Barry Dittman (left), presents the Regional Showcase Commendation Award to Acting Principal, Mr Wayne Lancaster (right)

2021 Subject Selections

In the last few weeks Years Eight and Nine students have been making choices around their subjects for 2021. The Year Eight students move into elective choices and are asked to choose two for Semester One and another two for Semester Two. The Year Nine students have chosen yearlong electives for 2021 as they reduce the number of subjects studied throughout the year. This helps them to make better-informed choices when entering Years Eleven and Twelve. If students do change their mind about subjects for the following year, I ask that they make an appointment with the appropriate Deputy Principal for their year level.

Year Twelve Formal

The last day of this term will see a changed approach to running our Year Twelve Formal. As a result of the changes to the new Senior Schooling system and timelines around external exams, we will now have our Formal on the Friday evening of this term. Compounded by the COVID-19 restrictions that are in place across the state, the usual format has also been changed for this event. The school has had to ensure that we abide by the restrictions in place and endeavour to make this a memorable night for our students.

Click here to download the information about how to order your child’s Formal photos 415 KB - PDF

New Principal to Commence in Term Four

I wish to give a sincere thank you to all staff, students, parents and carers for their support while I have been in the position of Acting Principal for the last two terms. As I mentioned in previous newsletters, Beerwah State High School welcomes our new principal, Ms Lyn McDonald, who begins with us at the beginning of Term Four. I know that she is looking forward to working with each and every one of us when she arrives and will enjoy the opportunity to continue making Beerwah State High School the great school that it is.

I wish everyone an enjoyable and safe break during the holidays and look forward to returning on Tuesday, 6 October (the Queen’s Birthday holiday is on Monday, 5 October).

Wayne Lancaster
Acting Principal

Battle of the Bands

Beerwah State High School was host to nine student bands from Maleny State High School, Glasshouse Christian College, and here, in the Battle of the Bands. This year, due to Covid-19, our event had to adapt and evolve. The bands filmed their performances then, on Tuesday, 8 September, the videos were presented to guest judges - Sam Coward (Hot 91), Sonia Clark (Glasshouse and Maleny News), Ian “Dicko” Dickson (Australia's Got Talent) and John Hudson (Mayfair Studios) - for judging. It went really well and it was a thrill to have such top quality judges supporting our school event. They gave the nine bands some brilliant feedback – encouragement and commendations as well as points to work on – and they had the tough job of picking a winner and runner up.

Battle of the Bands

Congratulations to Denim (Maleny State High School) who claimed the top spot and won $500 from Mooloolaba Music, and Criminal Mint (Maleny State High School) who claimed runner up and won a beautiful djembe drum from Samba Music.

We would like to thank numerous people and business as, without their assistance, the event would not have been possible:

To our special guest judges and sponsors, Mooloolaba Music and Samba Music, for bringing the celebrity touch and helping make the event a success.
Irene and Lilly for making coffees for our guests, and Aleisha and Trudy for the wonderful catering. Everyone loved the cute boxes, and Sam from Hot 91 was impressed with Trudy’s homemade slice.
Nick Stead, who jumped in as our camera-man and captured the proceedings on film for the students to watch.
Andrew McQuillan - we spent a lot of time this term figuring out the best way to run an online Battle.
Will Audley for mentoring our three Beerwah rock bands - Chimera, Offbeat, and Young Arising - and organising them for filming. It was much appreciated.
Jess Rossberg, Wayne Lancaster, Marni Bradley, Lyn Hansen, Peter Voigt and Leanne Young - thank you all for coming along to support the event.

My personal highlight from the night was hearing Dicko say that he was so impressed by Rhori’s guitar playing and singing that he’d put her in a band in a heartbeat. Go Rhori!!!

Last, but definitely not least, I want to thank Kerri Davitt-Barnard for helping me so much over the last three to four months to put this event together. I could not have done this without you. You are super calm, organised and understand events so much. Thanks for MC-ing too. You smashed it!

Bring on Battle 2021!

Mike Turner
School Chaplain

The Arts

Student Focus

Year 10 student Lilly has been producing some amazing artwork in class and at home. Lilly is quite modest about her work and says she just does it for fun. She does wear the boots she decorates, but also paints them to sell.

Lilly’s Artwork

Lilly
Year 10 Student

Resource Centre

CBCA Book Week 2020

Theme: Curious Creatures, Wild Minds

Dates: Term 4: 17-23 October

Each year, since 1945, the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has encouraged children’s engagement with books through CBCA Book Week. During this week, we celebrate books and Australian children's authors and illustrators. Our Resource Centre staff create charming displays, develop activities, run competitions and tell stories relating to the theme to highlight the importance of reading. Staff and students are encouraged to dress as their favourite book characters.

Literacy

A Word from the Literacy Coach (September)

As the holidays approach, I would urge all parents to encourage reading as a holiday activity. The benefits are almost immeasurable but, apart from the sheer pleasure, there is clear evidence – anecdotal and statistical - that readers perform better academically.

Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee

Unfortunately, the spelling bee, which was initially postponed due to COVID-19, has now been cancelled for 2020. Hopefully, it will return in 2021.

Short Story Competition

A number of our students entered stories in the Kids News short story competition. We are awaiting the results which should be available later this month.

Language Lessons

The language lessons are available on the Student Sharepoint. These lessons target common problems that our students have with writing, editing and proofreading.

Lyn Hansen
Literacy Coach

Numeracy

Numeracy Update

Numeracy covers a range of everyday skills, and using a variety of numeracy strategies is advantageous. Students can access a range of skills and strategies on their Student SharePoint.

Each fortnight a new numeracy skill is added based on the identified numeracy needs of our students. The latest numeracy skill of the fortnight is centred on multiplying and dividing fractions. This skill builds upon other skills focused around fractions that are available on the Student SharePoint.

Numeracy Puzzle

The first 5 students who come and see me in Staff Room D (Tibberoo) with the answer to this month’s numeracy puzzle will receive a prize.

Answer to last newsletters puzzle:

=17

Kayla Monk
Numeracy Coach

Future Pathways

The last few weeks have been busy completing follow ups with students who are interested in 2021 courses and programs. Expressions of interest and applications have been taken for:

Sunshine Coast Trade Training Centre, current Years Ten and Eleven – applications are due 11 September, 2020.
Certificate II Automotive Vocational Pathways AUR20716, delivered at Beerwah State High School, current Years Ten and Eleven students – expressions of interest are ongoing.
Coastal Cookery School (CII Kitchen Operations SIT20416), Maroochydore State High School, current Year Ten students – applications due 18 September, 2020.
Certificate IV Crime & Justice Studies 10283NAT, current Year Ten Students – registrations of interest are ongoing.
TAFE at School programs, current Years Ten and Eleven students (depending on the course) – online registrations of interest are ongoing.
Distance Education, current Year Ten Students – registrations of interest for Term Four
Dual Certificate II Salon Assistant (SHB20216) and Certificate II Retail Cosmetics (SHB20116), delivered at Beerwah State High School, current Years Ten and Eleven students – expressions of interest are ongoing

More on the Certificate II Automotive Vocational Pathways AUR20716

We are proposing to run this course (vehicle mechanic stream) in 2021:

Open to current Years Ten and Eleven students
Delivered on Fridays at Beerwah State High School (non-timetabled day) in 2021
Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) funded (no cost) STUDENTS ARE ONLY ALLOWED ONE VETiS FUNDED PROGRAM
4 Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) points
Delivered by external trainer from Tactile Learning Centre
All resources, tools, equipment and vehicle provided
Twelve units, mix of theory and practical
Hands on program
Runs for fifteen to twenty weeks (two terms)
For students interested in a trade pathway or working in the automotive industry
Minimum enrolment required before program can commence

Interested VETiS eligible students should see Mrs Forrest to register their interest and secure a place in this program.

We are currently running a very successful bicycle mechanic stream of this certificate and could also run this in 2021 if minimum enrolment is reached.

Click here for more information about AUR20716 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation 553 KB - PDF

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs)

Year Eleven student Nick has commenced a Certificate III Engineering Fabrication school based apprenticeship. As a new apprentice, Nick will be completing a minimum of seven and a half hours of paid work release each week and will be involved in on-the-job and off-the-job training. Upon leaving school, this arrangement will convert to a full time apprenticeship. Congratulations, Nick, and best wishes as you commence your engineering pathway.

Seven Year Ten students have secured interviews for school based health traineeships with Metro North Hospital and Health. This is a great achievement as these vacancies attract hundreds of applications. Congratulations, students, and best wishes for your interviews.

A recent vacancy was advertised for a school based business traineeship with Spicer’s Tamarind Retreat in Maleny. Year Eleven student Keiarna attended an interview last week and quickly secured the position. Congratulations, Keiarna, and best wishes as you commence this exciting opportunity.

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 Certificate II Salon Assistant and Certificate II Retail Cosmetics

Our trainees have now completed their salon placement days hosted by Beerwah Hair & Beauty and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. With one more week of theory left in Term Three, our trainees will return for two more days of training at the start of Term Four, before being signed with qualifications in Certificate II Salon Assistant and Certificate II Retail Cosmetics. Throughout the course of the program, two of our trainees have secured school-based hairdressing apprenticeships. In 2021, our trainees also have the opportunity to further their studies by enrolling in a Certificate III in Beauty Services SHB30115 delivered at the Sunshine Coast Trade Training Centre. This is a reduced fee-for-service course.

Students interested in our dual VETiS funded program in 2021 can see Mrs Forrest for the current information and complete an expression of interest. The program gives six QCE points and will run on Fridays across two terms. It provides a mixture of theory and practical units with all training and resources provided by CSaT and 2 Study.

Click here for more information about the Dual Certificate II Salon assistant and Certificate II Retail Cosmetics 632 KB - PDF

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 Eleven, 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 the Kawana Waters State College Health hub one day a week over the course of the program (usually on the flexible learning day).

An information session at Beerwah High, delivered by KWSC, will be arranged for early in Term Four for students who have submitted an expression of interest.

SC Technical Trade Training Centre

A reminder that first round applications for the Sunshine Coast Trade Training Centre (TTC) are due this term. Students who have not submitted their applications at the time of this newsletter’s publication, should see Mrs Forrest urgently. Courses on offer in 2021 include:

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

Students intending to study at the TTC in 2021 should be able to commit to attending Caloundra one day a week, participate in structured workplace learning (80 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. This is an adult learning environment and there are high expectations in relation to behaviour and participation.

Helen Forrest
Industry & Vocational Training Officer

Health and Physical Education

Due to COVID-19, the All Schools Oztag Competition was cancelled earlier this year. This caused much upset among the students of Beerwah High who had so much fun playing last year, and they were very excited to attend the tournament again this year. To keep the students interested, and to give the Year Twelve Students some sport to play when so many others were cancelled, a school competition was developed. A couple of students were nominated to be team captains, along with a couple of teachers. A competition of six teams was created. The captains selected their team in a draft system, with each captain choosing from a list of students one at a time, until all students were placed on a team. The competition ran from Week Three to Week Seven of Term Three, with a grand final being played on Wednesday of Week Eight. The final was between Team Poole and Team Liesegang. Team Poole came away with an easy win, seven points to zero. As much as this was supposed to be a fun competition, the students took it very seriously, but plenty of fun was had, with plenty of tries scored as well. There was always a crowd on the oval watching, including various teachers who came down to show their support. Special mentions go out to Mr Stead, Mr Rogers, Mr Jeffery and Mr Bogatek, who took on the positions of team captains and led their teams through the games, and also refereed. Year Twelve students, James and Josh also deserve a special mention for refereeing some games. The students loved testing their skills against the teachers. It was a fun filled tournament and showed what we can accomplish next year when we nominate teams for All Schools 2021. And, of course, we could not have run this competition without the assistance from Qld Oztag.

Winning Team – Team Poole: James (team captain), Hayley, Indy, Blair, Matthew (team captain), Brodie, Jack, and Angus

Most Valuable Players for the competition – Brodie, Dakini, Angus, Hayden

Parents and Citizens Association (P&C)

Chocolate Drive

Due to COVID-19, we running the Chocolate Drive a little differently this year. Families wishing to participate can pre-purchase full boxes of Cadbury chocolates from the canteen and sell to family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues.

Chocolates are $1.00 each or $60.00 for a box. You can choose either a “Fun Pack” which contains Freddo Frogs and Caramello Koalas, or a “Goody Box” full of Crunchies, Toblerones, Cherry Ripes, Boosts and Timeouts.

You are welcome to make a cash donation to the P&C if you prefer not the sell chocolates. Proceeds will go to assist with unforeseen costs associated with the Year Twelve Formal as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

The P&C thanks you for your ongoing support.