31 May 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers

It’s hard to believe that we are almost half way through Term 2. Beerwah SHS is a busy school with many interesting learning experiences and events, that help to guide our young people as they develop into fine young adults.

Vision Statement and Values

Our school’s vision statement of Together we learn, Individually we grow and Success for all is so evident across many areas of the school. I’m impressed on a daily basis with the respect, responsibility and safety shown by the vast majority of our students. Beerwah is a wonderful school with an experienced team of staff who do their best to inspire, educate and support our young people.

Learning Walls in Year 8 Mathematics

A learning wall adds to an effective classroom environment and enhances learning by giving students reference points to check their progress towards reaching learning goals. Thank you to Ms Monk and the Maths department for sharing this example with us.

In year 8 Maths, the wall displays the achievement standards and the marking guide. The students have received their maths assignments and, as a class, they discussed the differences in each level of achievement and then students put up the mathematical concepts required for each level. The teacher and the class will then refer back to it when working on the assignment.

NAPLAN online

Over the last two weeks we have held the NAPLAN ONLINE tests. My observation is that it has been organised, efficient, calm, controlled and a largely error-free process. Given this was the first time we used the technology-based system, we are pleased with how it has been managed. We will be holding a review of the process, so if you have any feedback please feel free to send this into the office at admin@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au.

Spelling Bee

One of the highlights of my week last week was to observe our students participating in the Spelling Bee. I have never seen students having so much fun with spelling. What a wonderful cultural and academic event! Congratulations to the staff and the students for their participation in this fun and educational event.

Musical – Living with Lady MacBeth

What a fantastic afternoon’s entertainment which included outdoor theatre, wonderful picnic food with savoury and sweet treats, bagpipes, musical theatre, Shakespearean quotes, dancing, singing, humour and dramatics. The audience was thoroughly entertained. Well done and thank you to our staff and students who commit to many hours of rehearsal and performances. Many thanks and congratulations to all of the supporting teams who give up so much of their time to support and promote the arts in such a positive way; in particular, the hospitality, sound, art and film crews and all of the other teachers and students involved behind the scenes.

Teacher aides – Thank you!

I would like to take a moment to thank our teacher aides who do a wonderful job in our school. I see evidence of this every time I walk around the school and see the support and guidance you give to our students and our staff. I see this in class, I see this outside of class at lunchtimes and I see this in the office. Please say thank you to our wonderful teacher aides if you get the opportunity.

Attendance

Attendance is so crucial to ensure ongoing learning, health and wellbeing and to set our students up for success in the future. It’s fantastic to see that Yr 7 and Yr 11 are showing high levels of attendance, with Yr 10 and Yr 12 not far behind. Well done, students!

Yr 8 and particularly Yr 9s have declined in their attendance. This is particularly concerning and we are tracking those Yr 8 and Yr 9 students who, for a variety of reasons, are not attending consistently. In some instances, we put in place Enforcement of Attendance processes where notices are issued to parents and students to remind them that at this age, attendance at school is compulsory. We know in some instances that medical reasons or school refusal impacts on attendance. We have a team of staff here willing and able to support in a whole range of ways. Please communicate with us so we can work together to improve attendance.

Respectful Language

The vast majority of our students display Respect. Our students are kind, caring, friendly and genuinely delightful young people. I see this daily and I know our staff feel the same way. Visitors to our school also comment on how respectful our students are. However, there are of course times when our young people aren’t always self-disciplined. Our focus this term is to insist that students use Respectful Language and I‘ve asked staff to discuss this with our students and would appreciate it if you could do the same. It’s quite alarming to hear some of the language that our young people use in general conversation with each other as well as the language they use when they are upset. We remind students constantly of this and where students don’t meet our expectations we will issue appropriate consequences. We need to remind students that respectful language includes what you say as well as how you say it and your non-verbal / body language. They have been told that over 70% of what they communicate is through non-verbal communication. When someone is talking to them and they turn their back, roll their eyes, ignore someone, raise their voice at them, then they are sending a very clear message that they don’t respect them.

Uniform Policy Update

The updated and endorsed uniform (including jewellery) policy is now published on the website and replaces all previous versions. My expectation is clea; students are to wear the uniform with pride and this will be consistently enforced.

A uniform is an important part of the development of our school as we agree it presents the first (and often lasting) impression people form about our school and its students. The Beerwah State High School Dress Code assists our school community by:

• allowing for the easy identification of our students on school premises and during regional sporting and cultural events and excursions, critical incidents, safety drills or evacuations.
• alerting our school staff to people who may not belong on our school grounds.
• reducing the pressure of buying name brands and following the latest trends and fads, which minimises any visible economic or social differences between students.
• promoting a sense of common purpose and belonging, consistency and unity in the daily activities of students.

Student Leaders

I would like to thank our wonderful student leaders for being exemplary role models. They are an outstanding group and I’m inspired by their commitment to leadership and would encourage them to continue with their leadership aspirations. Very shortly we will see the start of the process to appoint new student leaders for Sem 2 2021 for 12 months. I certainly encourage all students to pursue their leadership goals and champion their causes as they are our future.

Stay safe and take care

Kind regards,

Lyn McDonald
B. Bus, M. of Ed. Research
Principal – Beerwah SHS

Senior Deputy Report

It is great to see the seniors show their amazing talents across so many areas in the school. Whether it is in results from assessments in subjects, results in dance competitions, expressing themselves on stage in the musical, at sport or experiencing the Kokoda Challenge training, we have fantastic future citizens at Beerwah.

Year 12 students have finished Unit 3 and marks are being finalised through our school moderation processes. Students have already started on their next unit which will also contain 2 assessment pieces and for those students studying a General subject the final piece will be an external exam. Discussions are currently happening around the Formal which will occur at the end of Term 3 so students can focus on finishing the year without distractions. I have started discussing with students their results thus far and wether they are on track to achieve their QCE.

Year 11 students are also right in the middle of their next assessment period where they will be working on their second piece of assessment for Unit 1. A satisfactory pass for Unit 1 of each subject will give them one QCE point towards their goal of 20 points by the end of Year 12. Again, parents please check in with them to ensure they are organising their time wisely to hand in all assessment.

This term the Year 10 students will have a strong focus around career development as we move into Term 3 where students will choose subjects for 2022 that align with their career pathways. We will be advertising dates and times for our upcoming Career Expo that is an important part of this process. Students will have assessment in the last few weeks to complete Semester 2. These results help us guide students in their SET Plan meeting to make wise and well-informed decisions about subjects for 2022.

I thank all parents for their support in ensuring the seniors are ready for school each and every day and they are keeping a balance between school, home and work. I am sure that even though the students may not say this often they do appreciate this support. Students need to continually strive to do their best and sometimes the little things that we can do to help them go a long way.

‘Inch by Inch it’s a Cinch. Yard by Yard it’s Hard’
Wayne Lancaster
Deputy Principal - Senior School

Junior Deputy Report

New FlexiSpace to help students flourish

Our school is committed to seeing every student succeed. To do this, we must deliver a quality education to all our students while also responding to the needs of individual students who may need additional support.

We provide additional student support in different ways. From time to time, some students may experience difficulties that prevent them from responding to this support and engaging in their mainstream classes.

Our aim is to support these students while allowing them to remain with their peers and friendship groups, keep a regular routine, enjoy a strong sense of belonging as part of our school community, and continue their schooling with an uninterrupted curriculum.

New flexible learning space

I am pleased to let you know that we will be implementing a flexible learning space on our school campus, known as the FlexiSpace. Our FlexiSpace will equip us with another way to support our students in need of flexible learning support. Our school has been selected as one of 32 Queensland schools to deliver this program, following positive results in a 2018 trial.

How does a FlexiSpace work?

Our new FlexiSpace will be located on our school grounds in the Resource Centre. It will increase our capacity to support students to engage in their learning while ensuring they remain part of our school community.

Our FlexiSpace will be staffed with teachers from our school and will maintain the clear academic standards and high expectations we hold for all our students, while providing flexible and individualised support.

Who can access the FlexiSpace?

Our FlexiSpace will be available only to students enrolled at our school. We will assess students on a case-by-case basis to determine the suitability of the FlexiSpace to meet their needs. Importantly, parents and the student will be engaged in the decision around their access to the FlexiSpace. Students who access the FlexiSpace will maintain their connection to the rest of our school through, for example- attending some subject classes within the broader school setting as well as joining in whole-of-school activities, routines, start/finish times and lunchbreaks.

Please share your ideas

We will be working with our students to ensure they have a voice on how our FlexiSpace can best respond to their needs. We will be in touch soon to let you know how the consultation process will work so you can get involved.

When will the FlexiSpace start?

We are currently working with architects and builders on the refurbishment of the Resource Centre. The FlexiSpace program will be up and running at the start of Term 3 and will move into the refurbished space upon completion.

Find out more

To learn more about the Department’s FlexiSpace initiative, and how they work at other schools, please visit YouTube here.

Kind Regards,
Scott Siddell
Deputy Principal – Junior School

BYOD

Does your student have a device at home that they can bring to school? Get connected now to our BYO network. Check our website for information about compatible devices, or speak with our IT Tech Andrew McQuillan or A/HOD IT and Business, Barb Mullins. There is no additional cost to join our BYO Network.

Hire Laptops

We still have a number of hire laptops available on a pro-rata rate for the remainder of the year. Contact Barb Mullins (if you are interested) for more information regarding costs and availability.

Tips & Tricks

For the best BYO experience, please do not use any personal Cloud based storage platforms to store schoolwork. This includes Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud and OneDrive. Students wishing to use Cloud storage are encouraged to sign-in to OneDrive using their school account. All other Cloud platforms are blocked by Education QLD and students will be unable to access while on our network.

Mathematics

Mathspace and Manga High

A reminder that Year 7 – 9 students have access to Mathspace and all students have access to MangaHigh. The programs have inbuilt textbooks, videos and corresponding worksheets. Students can access these programs at home to consolidate their learning.

Maths Tutoring

Maths tutoring is in the library every Tuesday from 3:00-4:00 pm. Students from any year level can attend. Students are asked to bring work that they would like to review.

Kayla Monk
Acting Head of Department Mathematics

Science News

Physics and Maths Indoor Skydiving Excursion

On Tuesday 25th May, the Year 11 and 12 Physics and Year 12 Maths Methods students travelled to IFLY at Chermside to participate in a STEM indoor skydiving activity. Prior to flying, students measured their frontal surface area and attempted to predict their individual terminal velocity. Then, everyone geared up before taking turns to enter the wind tunnel and experience the feeling of free-fall in a series of two flights. The greatest wind speed required to hold a person in flight was 180km/h and maintaining a level position was harder than it looked. The experience was exhilarating and a lot of fun, with a couple of teachers joining in the action!

From the Arts Department

Living with Lady Macbeth

Well, the Performing Arts Department has done it again! Last weekend was our school musical production of Living with Lady Macbeth. After 12 weeks of intensive rehearsals, the cast put on a polished show with the help of our wonderful backstage and tech crew. The show started underneath the trees as our audience members were treated to a high-tea picnic catered by our dedicated Hospitality teachers and students. Local bagpiper Scott Robertson provided the perfect transition from the trees to the stage and, from there, the audience were treated to many laughs and entertaining song and dance routines.

Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

On Friday 7th May, Beerwah Dance Company performed at their first LIVE competition of the year, Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod. This competition ran so smoothly and we witnessed some amazing talent from schools across South East Queensland. Mrs Roedder and Miss Rossberg were so impressed with how these students conducted themselves both on and off the stage. We are beyond thrilled to announce the following results:

FIRST PLACE: Senior Contemporary (Breaking Ice)
SECOND PLACE: Senior Jazz A (True Blood)
SECOND PLACE: Senior Musical Theatre (No Way)
THIRD PLACE: Senior Lyrical (Love In The Dark)
FIFTH PLACE: Junior Lyrical (Always Be)
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Junior Jazz (Clouds Above)
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Senior Jazz B (Lady Powers)

Congratulations to all of these amazing dancers. We are so proud of you. Well done!

We have three more competitions left and we are very excited for BPAC, The Australian Pinnacle Dance Challenge and Everybody Sing and Dance Now. Our students are working extremely hard in their rehearsals and we can’t wait to see them on stage again.

Regards,
Jessica Rossberg
HOD The Arts (0.2)
Senior Dance Teacher
Beerwah Dance Company Coordinator

Student Services

The’ Mindstar’ Program

The Mindstar Program was delivered during Terms 1 and 2 to several groups of students by Nurse Jen and Julie from Reconnect.

The 1.5 hour program discussed how the brain works when our emotions escalate, how to manage stress, and how to deal with internal negative thoughts / chatter. Robust discussions were had and relatable experiences shared. Stress balls were made by attendees.

Should you feel your student would benefit from the ‘Mindstar’ program, please discuss with them and, if they are keen, email Nurse Jen (jmorr235@eq.edu.au).

From the Guidance Office

Cyber Safety Online Bullying Strategies

The 6 steps of Cyber Safety:

DON’T RESPOND! – This is one of the most important and most underutilised strategies

KEEP EVIDENCE of bullying behaviour – This may include screen shots, printing emails or recording online conversations. Record the time and people involved along with as many details as possible to help you report the issue later on

BLOCK or delete the person. If it is a chat, leave the ‘room’

SPEAK to someone you trust and is able to work with you to resolve the issue. This may be a close friend, parent, teacher, guidance officer or support person

REPORT content and/or account to the site on which it occurred. If it is not removed within 48 hours, report it to the eSafety Commissioner at www.esafety.gov.au/reportcyberbullying.

If the issue goes beyond bullying, such as hacking, online scams, online fraud, identity theft and attacks on computer systems, you can report this to ACORN (acorn.org.au).

For additional support or information head to:

QParents

What is QParents

QParents is an online portal that provides parents with secure access to their child's student details and can be accessed on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC.

From the comfort of home, parents can:

• update student's details such as change of address or phone number
• notify the school of their child’s absence
• view their child's attendance details and provide reasons for unexplained absences.
• view daily or weekly timetables
• view assessment details
• view major school event dates
• print out recent and archived report cards
• view and pay school invoices online

How to Register

You will receive an email from the school providing an invitation code to register for QParents. To register for the first time, you should use a computer or a laptop, not a phone or tablet.

If you don't have enough points to finalise your registration, then we can help you out. A QLD driver’s licence is enough to get you started in QParents and we will contact you from our end to verify the next steps.

Later you will receive an email instructing you to register your student using their EQ ID number, which can be found on their timetable.

Then all you have to do is explore the app to see how easy it is!

Get Started

Click here  QParents Login  to get started and follow the step by step instruction on the  QParents quick reference guide.

Any Questions

If you haven’t received an invitation code or would like it resent please email your request to the school via qparents@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au

Future Pathways

More exciting opportunities have been taken up by students in the past few weeks. These have included traineeships in companion animal services and applications to externally advertised vacancies with the Department of Transport & Main Roads.

We have had further meetings with the Glass House Country Chamber of Commerce and owner manager of BOQ Beerwah with a view to increasing our community engagement and seeking further opportunities for our students.

Save the Date

Planning has commenced for our annual Career Pathways and Subject Information event. This year we are returning to a face to face format and a save the date is extended to Year 10, 11 and 12 students and families for Wednesday 21 July 2021 (Term 3, week 2). The expo will commence in the student centre for year 10 students only at 1.40pm and then open to year 10, 11 and 12 students and parents from 2.50pm. QCE & ATAR presentation (Year 10) is scheduled for 4pm in the PA Block. Disability Service agency presentations will also be held separately. The event will be an opportunity for students to consider training and apprenticeship options, meet with service providers, learn about 2022 subject offerings, QCE and ATAR as well as explore post school study options and career pathways. More information will be provided throughout this term.

School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs)

SATs provide students opportunities to:

• combine training with paid work
• learn practical workplace skills
• gain QCE points
• continue full time school studies

Beerwah High places high expectations on all of our trainees and apprentices and students wanting to participate in school based arrangements should be willing to effectively balance school, work, qualification study and in some cases, travel.

Trainees are required to work a minimum of 50 days or 375 hours based on a 12 month full time nominal term. Generally, this would be to work a minimum of one day a week with extra days worked on the weekend and school holidays. The SAT must not impact on the school timetable and this is achieved with trainees and apprentices using their flexible learning day for work release. There also needs to be clear progress made in the qualification study, with all training plan deadlines met.

Students who are currently working in casual roles are able to turn their job into a school based traineeship. See Mrs Forrest to find out more.

We currently have over 25 school based trainees and apprentices who are progressing steadily through their certificate studies. Students have to manage their time and balance off the job training with school subjects and paid (on the job) training. Congratulations students and keep up the great work!

New Trainees & Apprentices:

Congratulations to the following new trainees and apprentices –

Tash Hurren – Cert III Companion Animal Studies – Truck a Luck Kennels
Jess Tonissoo – Cert III Companion Animal Studies – Truck a Luck Kennels
Olivia Frost – Cert II Community Pharmacy – Terry White Chemmart, Glass House Mountains
Chelsea Hamilton – Cert III Hairdressing – AI Hair Landsborough

Current vacancies for Year 10 students

Interested students who can commit to completing a traineeship qualification and fulfilling the work hour requirements should see Mrs Forrest asap regarding these vacancies:

Subway Glass House Mountains – CIII Hospitality traineeship. Sandwich artist role. Consider travel out to highway. 750 paid work hours.
Waterworth’s Nursery, Glass House Mountains – CII Horticulture traineeship. Plant propagation, nursery hand role, outdoors. Opportunity for ongoing study and employment.
Metro North Hospital and Health – Traineeships available in nursing, admin, dental and allied health (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech, dieticians and medical imaging). Roles based at Caboolture, Redcliffe or Kilcoy. Application packs available shortly and a presentation by the coordinator is planned for later this term. Students should pay close attention to notices and on parades for future information.

CERTIFICATE COURSES AND ETERNAL STUDY

Dual Salon Assistant & Retail Cosmetics

Our dual trainees are about to commence salon placement which is again being hosted by Beerwah Hair & Beauty. Without the support of Vicki and her team, this valuable learning opportunity could not go ahead. Our trainees will be spilt into two groups and attend the salon for two full days each over the remainder of the term. Skills and knowledge covered in the practical placement include; performing shampoo and basin services, drying hair to shape, braiding and greeting clients.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT ACTIVIITES

We recently advertised to students the chance to attend the free online Year13 Expo 17 – 19 May 2021. This was an opportunity to hear about a dream career from speakers who are very successful in their industry as well as ‘visit’ exhibitors in the areas of work, study and travel.

Resources for Courses are holding an Australian Virtual Careers Expo, 18 – 19 July. This is an opportunity to engage with Australia’s top tertiary providers, training colleges, employers and apprenticeship and traineeship providers. Visit at the link below.

Defence Force recruitment team will be visiting our school again on Monday 24 May, this time presenting to our Year 11s. This is an opportunity for our Year 11 students to hear all about Defence careers, collect information and ask questions.

Helen Forrest
Industry & Vocational Training Officer

Helen Forrest
Industry and VET Training Officer

Attendance

All parents and carers are responsible for providing explanations for their students’ absences.

To report student absences parents/carers can notify the school via:

• QParents App
• SMS: 0476 850 614 [text messages only - no voicemail, symbols, emojis or attachments]
• Telephone Attendance Line: (07) 5436 5360 [leave a voicemail message]
• Email: studentabsences@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au
• Letter or Medical Certificate provided to the school office
  Please ensure the following details are provided:
• Student name
• Date of absence
• Reason for absence

Finance Information

PAYMENT METHODS

The preferred payment method is BPOINT and additional payment methods include QPARENTS, EFTPOS, CHEQUE and CASH.

Direct debit options for bank account/credit and debit cards are available via BPOINT which can be set up through the Payment Office and telephone payments for credit and debit cards can be made using BPOINT by phoning 1300 631 073.

You can also use Centrepay to arrange regular deductions from your Centrelink payments. Centrepay is a voluntary payment option available to Centrelink customers.

If you are not currently receiving invoices and statements via email, please make your request by email to admin@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au

Questions relating to student accounts can be made by contacting the Payment Office each Monday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 12:00pm or by emailing accounts@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au

From the Office

Final Day of Term 2

Friday, 25th June 2021

School resumes

Monday 12th July, 2021

Office opening hours

Monday – Friday from 8:00am - 3.30pm

Payment Office opening hours

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm

Uniform Shop Opening hours

Tuesday and Friday from 8:00am - 9:00am

No direct line now- please call the office on (07) 5436 5333 to be put through.

Important Information to remember for 2021

Year 11 and 12 Flexi-Day for 2021 is Friday so no attendance is required for students in these year levels.

Health and Safety Advice for our students

As we are moving into the colds and flu season, we want to share some reminders with you to help keep our staff and students safe and well, along with you, their families.

Our school will continue to ensure physical distancing and high standards of health and hygiene are practised on site in accordance with Queensland Health advice .

Please take note of the information shared below and keep your students at home if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed:

We thank you for your co-operation in helping to keep us all well.

It is important that you make time to visit the Uniform Shop soon to organise purchase or order of correct school jumpers before the weather turns cooler. Students will not be permitted to wear other jumpers or jackets, although a navy or maroon long-sleeved undershirt will be permitted provided there is no visible writing. Uniform shop operates during school terms Tuesday and Friday mornings: 8 - 9am.

Parents and Citizens Association

P and C meetings are held in the Conference Room on the second Tuesday of every month during term time at 6pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Executive Committe for 2021