30 July 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome back to Semester 2

I hope you aren’t being impacted too much by the lockdown and change in restrictions. We will be following the latest advice from Qld Health and EQ where the health and safety of our community is the 1st priority and we need to maintain physical distancing and stay home if unwell.

Vision Statement and Values

Given it is half way through the year, we are well on track to achieve this year’s goals. A reminder of our vision statement; Together we learn, Individually we grow and Success for all. We use this as a mantra for all that we do. We work and achieve together, we look after every individual and we strive and celebrate success for everyone.

Teenagers are extraordinary and we will do whatever we can to support them. Some of our teens are dealing with challenges that can make them behave in a way that society judges. However, we all have a moral obligation to continue to do whatever we can to guide, support and mentor our teens. Our teens are wonderful young people who deserve our positive guidance and support. Please be positive about the school and our students when in the community or using social media.

Success for All

Speaking of Success for All, I would like to congratulate the outstanding work done by everyone in relation to Athletics Day. It was an outstanding display of our schools’ value of respect. The sportsmanship, the participation and the behaviour over the two days was impressive.

I would also like to say how impressed I was with the Yr 11s who have participated in the Student Leadership process. Names have been announced, and the quality of the applicants was outstanding. These students are to congratulated on their leadership aspirations and ambition. Our new leaders’ investiture will be held Week 3.

Massive congratulations to our BDC team for their success in the Brisbane Eisteddfod. Thank you to Jess Rossberg and Xanthe Roedder for their skills and commitment. See BSHS Facebook or Glasshouse Country and Maleny News.

Staffing Update

• Welcome to Jeff Tennant as Year 10 DP for Sem 2. One of his major tasks this term will be overseeing the Year 10 Senior Education and Training planning process.
• We welcome three new teachers Mr Weedon, Mrs Dowie and Mr Barone who are joining our Maths and Science departments.
• We welcome Kylie Allen as our new Youth Support Coordinator.
• We welcome Fiona Annand who is joining our ranks as Guidance officer for 2 days per week.

Dedicated teachers and support staff make the difference to the quality of learning in our schools. We are lucky to have such an experienced group of staff who are highly committed and show care and concern for our community. Qld and the nation are experiencing a critical shortage of teachers in secondary schools. It is important that we can recruit and retain our teachers to ensure continuity of learning and thank them for the outstanding work they do.

Facilities Update

I’m very pleased to announce that the student centre roof is going to be replaced. This will improve school culture and address multiple work place health and safety issues. This has been an important issue for so many years and I'm thrilled that we have a solution in the short term.

Flexispace Update

The Flexispace program is launching this Semester. We have teachers working with students in smaller classes for Year 8 English and Maths. We have identified students whose attendance and behaviour meets expectations and would benefit from some more support in the classroom. The goal is to see students build in their confidence in their ability which will in turn improve their results. The outcomes of students will be closely monitored to ensure that the program is on track to achieve success for these students.

Term 3 Focus

Based on behaviour data from last term, our focus this term for students is to FOLLOW STAFF INSTRUCTIONS and RESPECT OUR ENVIRONMENT.

We will be discussing this with students about what our expectations are and would appreciate it if parents can also support us by discussing this at home.

Uniform policy

The uniform Policy is published on the website and on the Sharepoint page in Staff Procedures\Uniform.

Students must only wear school uniform items unless they have an exemption. As we increase the Uniform Swap shop to an ALL DAY service, this will help tighten up the enforcement of the policy. Our aim is to achieve consistency as per the parent approved policy.

Stay safe and take care

Kind regards,

Lyn McDonald
B. Bus, M. of Ed. Research

Deputy Principal’s Report

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the Beerwah SHS community. I have joined the team this term as Deputy Principal and one of my responsibilities is the Year 10 students. I have previously been working at Nambour State College as Deputy Principal and am excited to move to Beerwah to continue supporting students in their educational pathway. I am also looking forward to meeting students, parents and staff and learning about this community and how I can contribute to its future.

Term 3 is an important time for students in Year 10 as they prepare for the start of senior schooling in Year 11 2022. Part of that process is the Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan). All Year 10 students complete their SET Plan during Term 3 which includes the selection of Year 11 subjects as part of their individual pathway. Students will consider their post-school goals and choose subjects or courses that support their ambitions. I recently sent an email to Year 10 parents with some details of upcoming events and will continue to communicate in this way as more details are announced.

Date claimer:

SET Plan interviews (student and parent to attend together)
During week commencing 9 August

I look forward to supporting our students as we move into the second part of the year.

Jeff Tennant
Year 10 Deputy Principal

Year 12

Andrew Powell MP - Joyce Newton OAM Memorial Bursary

Guidelines for 2021 applicants

Overview:

The Electorate of Glass House takes in numerous regional and suburban areas. For many school leavers, it is often necessary to travel, or move, to major centres to access further education after leaving Year 12. In recognition of this need, and to support students who wish to further their qualifications after completing Year 12 (either at university, in a trade or TAFE), I have developed a bursary for year 12 school leavers – the Joyce Newton OAM Memorial Bursary in honour of my good friend and community advocate Joyce Newton. Joyce sadly passed away in 2018 of Motor Neurones disease. This bursary is designed to provide financial assistance to help school leavers with the costs associated with moving to their place of learning, and the purchase of books, IT, trade tools and/or other necessary requirements.

Who can apply?

1. Year 12 School Leavers who are pursuing further study after leaving Year 12.
2. Students must be a resident of the Glass House Electorate (but can be attending a school outside the electorate).
3. Study includes university, TAFE, a trade or any other training qualification.

How much is the Bursary worth?

The Bursary is a $1000 gift voucher to your choice of Concept IT or Mitre 10 (including GST). One successful application will be chosen each year.

The winning applicant and their immediate family will also be invited to dinner at Queensland Parliament with myself and Joyce Newton OAM’s daughter, Jennifer Tunley.

Application Dates:

There will be one round per year.

• Applications open on the 12th July 2021
• Applications close on the 27th August 2021
• Panel interviews conducted in September 2021

Five applications will be shortlisted. Applicants must be available for a panel interview at the Glass House Electorate Office (in Maleny) or via Zoom, pending COVID restrictions. The successful applicant will be announced late September/early October 2021.

Year 7 - 2022

CEEP Transition Program

Year 6 - 7 Transition 2021 - Coalition Educational Enrichment Program (CEEP)

Transitions in schooling can have a critical impact on the learning of students, none more so than the critical junction between primary and secondary school. Children who felt they had a lot of help from their secondary school to settle in were more likely to have a successful transition.

Here at Beerwah State High school, we believe that a smooth transition is essential for student success and are excited to provide a number of transition programs designed to assist students manage the transition from Year 6 to Year 7.

In previous years, Beerwah State High School has been proud to invite current year 6 students to the high school in order to provide them with the opportunity to experience a variety of educational programs and to support their transition from year 6 to year 7. The feedback received from the students, parents and staff involved previously was that the program was a success and met its desired outcomes. So, in 2021, Beerwah State High School is excited to host the Coalition Educational Enrichment Program (CEEP). Students can choose between one of seven different high-quality programs designed to showcase the many different opportunities available at Beerwah State High School. Sports Development, The Arts, Dance, Design Technology (Industrial or Food Tech), Robotics and Science are the enrichment open for nomination.

Year 6 students who wish to apply need to complete an online application form that is available on the Beerwah State High School website (www.beerwahshs.eq.edu.au). Please follow the links from the homepage to the online application. Applications are NOW OPEN and will close on Friday 6th August.

We look forward to meeting all of our potential Year 7 students for 2022.

Mr Darren Rogers
Year 6 Head of Year

From the IT Department

BYOD and Laptop Hire Options @ Beerwah

At Beerwah, students are expected to bring their own devices, fully charged ready for learning each day. It is great to see an increasing number of students coming on-board with their own devices via our BYOD program. Having students connected to our BYOD network with access to a device to support their learning in all classroom settings means that they can access digital content, information and collaborate easily to support their learning.

There is no fee charged for students who bring their own device to connect via our BYOD network.

Students are encouraged to on-board their own devices at home by following the instructions available on our website. Alternatively, our IT Technician is available to assist at the following times:

Before School - 8:00 – 8:45
First Recess - 11:20 – 12:00
Second Recess - 1:10 – 1:35

Patrick Walden
Head of Department – Digital Technologies & Humanities

Whole School News

Mathematics

Manga High Semester 1 Champions

Congratulations to our manga high champions for semester 1. These students have gained the most points through practicing their maths using Manga High over semester 1.

From left to right: Kaiden received bronze, Caitlin received silver and Michael received Gold.

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 program 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

Arts Department

Senior Drama Theatre Experience!

Yr 10, 11 and 12 Drama students were lucky enough to enjoy a professional theatre experience in Term 2 from visiting artist Shock Therapy Productions. The company presented a powerful transformation of the tradition Greek text “Medea”, contemporising the production so that it appealed to a young modern audience. The production, which explores one woman’s revenge against her unfaithful husband, was a direct model of the IA3 Internal Assessment task students are currently working on. Symbolism was a strong aspect of the production and the images attached show her two small children through the use of puppetry and visual theatre. Students thoroughly enjoyed the production and we look forward to giving them another opportunity in Term 3 when we will have Grin and Tonic, a professional touring company, present another dynamic play to them in the style of Gothic Theatre and Magic Realism. The students are incredibly fortunate to be able to have such stimulating and engaging learning experiences that assist them in their academic achievement, and understanding of professional performance.

Kerri Davitt Barnard
The Arts Department

BSHS 2021 Senior Spelling Bee Tournament

After patiently waiting for the younger grades to have their fun and time in the sun, the seniors were finally unleashed to stretch their spelling muscles on the MU06 courts in the BSHS annual spelling bee tennis tournament. For many of these year 11 and 12 students, it was their fifth or sixth experience at spelling to stay alive in the rally. It was the final chance for our senior cohort students to be crowned spelling champions in this yearly Beerwah High tradition. The metaphorical courts were in great shape considering four cohorts had already battled for supremacy in the preceding month. With the word machine re-loaded and the battle lines drawn, play started with a mixture of familiarity, expectation, nerves and confidence. There was no way Covid was going to stop this battle from taking place!

Victorious – Portia Quinn-Haines, Mitchell Welsh and Rhori Callinan

A whirlwind of teamplays, tension, re-serves, groans, power-shots, shrieks, laughter, count-me-ins and good spirits accompanied some frenetic rallies and thrilling, close matches that went down to the wire. Tension was high and the atmosphere electric as the victorious year 12 team (Tunbubudla) and the victorious year 11 team (Tibberoowuccum) eyeballed one another over the metaphorical net. The Grand Final went down to the wire with a very closely fought match, with each team having their chances to snatch victory. Congratulations to our year 11 Tibberoowuccum team who managed to snatch victory with some well-timed power-shots and strategic play in the final and deciding nerve-racking game.

All smiles for our runners-up:- Paris Sherwill, Willow Sawyer, Ruby and Christopher Moore

BSHS 2021 Senior School Spelling Bee Champions

Tibberoowuccum (Rhori Callinan, Kyle McIntyre, Portia Quinn-Haines, Mitchell Welsh)

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

Book week Term 3

The 2021 Premier’s Reading Challenge is on, get involved, prep to year 9. Read as many books as you can! Reading period closes Friday 27 August 2021, register now at qld.gov.au/ReadingChallenge

Book Week is 21 to the 27 August. What is the Book Week theme? - This year award-winning author, illustrator and film-maker Shaun Tan has illustrated the CBCA Book Week 2021 theme, 'Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds'. Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds invokes thoughts of ancient times, futuristic lifestyles, and alien, imaginary, or fantasy lands. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your favourite characters from your favourite book by dressing up. Some examples Old World: Vikings, New World: NASA Astronaut, Other World: Wizard.

For older readers a delivery of notables for 2021 is on display ready to be viewed., including ‘Metal Fish, Falling Snow’ by Cath Moore and ‘The Book of Change’ by Sue Whiting

Retro day has returned it is week 5 and week 10, come along and play an old school board game.

Barb Mullins
Teacher / Librarian

Lunchtime Netball

Over the past few weeks, I have set up a netball competition for both the juniors and the seniors that runs first during break, week one games were a blast! For the junior competition we had a 4-0 win for a year 8 team and in the senior comp we had a 4-4 draw, and a 10-5 win. It has been an absolute honor setting up this competition and I am very thankful for the support I have received from my teachers in getting it up and running. I would also like to thank Sophie Bowen for umpiring.

Kaliyha DuVergier Year 11

Kaliyha DuVergier with the Year 9,10 and 11 netball team

Environmental Group

Our athletics carnival took on a more sustainable approach to litter last term and with the help of many students and teachers, we diverted 2288 items of waste from going into landfill. This was comprised of 514 plastic or coffee cups, 1214 items of soft plastic and 560 ‘containers for change’. Two of the environmental students tallied the cups and soft plastics, with Budla the winners, collecting 637 items in total. Our 10c container recycling is managed by Mrs Helen de Vries and each sport’s house had its own 10c container bin. Over the two days, eight large bags of containers were collected, which equated to the 560 ‘containers for change’. Tibro won this challenge by collecting the most containers.

Our kitchens have also taken recycling on board, with Mrs de Vries composting the food scraps for the nursery gardens and feeding the worms as well as the catering students recycling as part of their food technology programme.

It is wonderful to see the students and teachers supporting these initiatives, helping to care for their environment and learning some more tips on how to reduce and recycle waste.

From the Guidance Office

Anxiety disorders in adolescents within an educational environment

Condition overview

Anxiety disorders are increasingly becoming a leading cause of emotional and behavioural issues in adolescents in Australia. Anxiety disorders are among the most common disorders experienced by adolescents, and the most common mental health condition in Australia. Although many teenagers develop coping strategies and learn to manage their anxieties there are still a significant number of adolescents who do not. Anxiety is defined as feelings of worry, fear, tension, nervousness, or a sense of apprehension, typically about an upcoming event where the outcome is uncertain or when anxious feelings don’t subside and exist without a particular reason *1. Anxiety is considered to be a natural process and reaction to stressful situations however for some individuals the symptoms are severe and frequent, interfering with their ability to function in society and their everyday lives *2. When the symptoms interfere with the individuals normal functioning it is considered an anxiety disorder.

General characteristics – signs and symptoms

Regardless of the many types of anxiety disorders there are some common general characteristics exhibited by individuals suffering from anxiety disorders. Despite their different forms, all anxiety disorders share one major symptom: persistent or severe fear or worry in situations where most people wouldn’t feel threatened *3. These individuals feel anxious nearly all the time and might not know why *4.

Causes

There are multiple reasons why an adolescent may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. There is the possible root cause of the anxiety disorder and the immediate cause or trigger of the anxiety. The immediate triggers for anxiety disorders vary considerably depending on numerous variables such as, the individual, type of anxiety disorder, age, coping and management strategies, support available and immediate cause of the anxiety. For example an individual with generalized anxiety disorder could be triggered by daily routines such a school responsibilities or minor matters such as household chores. Therefore immediate triggers of anxiety disorders vary dramatically for each individual. Some common potential root causes of an adolescent developing an anxiety disorder include: medical reasons, biological influences/ inherited traits/ physiological, psychosocial influences and parenting styles *5.

Assessment of condition

There are various assessment processes and methods that can be applied when diagnosing anxiety disorders in adolescents. Generally if the anxiety is causing excessive distress or interfering with everyday functioning in comparison to other adolescents of similar age then a process of assessment diagnosis is encouraged. Several factors must be taken into account when mental health professionals are making judgements and identifying whether an adolescent’s behaviour and conduct are classified as normal or abnormal. These factors include: developmental norms, cultural norms, gender norms, situational norms, role of adults and changing views of abnormality *6.

Impact on individual development

An adolescent who is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder is at increased risk of adverse physical, cognitive and social functioning and development impacts. Adolescents who suffer from anxiety disorders may achieve poor academic achievement, under achieve and exhibit ineffective ability to study, low self-esteem, general unhappiness at school and school phobia also known as school avoidance *7. This means that the adolescent is unable to perform to their fullest potential and engage in the school curriculum and environment. This can lead to further issues around behavioural problems due to lack of engagement and attendance and generate self-esteem issues. Anxious students are motivated to avoid engaging in tasks that require communication or that involve potential peer or teacher evaluation consequently missing the benefit of interactive learning experiences. Teenagers who suffer anxiety are at higher risk of not developing social skills and fulfilling relationships. Anxious adolescents tend to have social awkwardness, low self-esteem, lack confidence, increased self-doubt and require constant reassurance. Some psychosocial risks include: limited friendships or age-inappropriate peer group, socially isolated or withdrawn, poor participation in the class or playground, lack of understanding of social cues, poor body language or vocal expression in groups, negative expectations of self, others and their future *8. Lastly, teenager’s physical development can be effected as their anxiety prevents them from participating in physical and social activities. This anxiety is caused by a fear of humiliation or worry that their performance will be evaluated by their peers *9.

Further information, support and resources

Beyond Blue. (2021). Anxiety, from:

BeYou. (2021). Anxiety, from:

Headspace. (2016). What is anxiety?, from:

The State of Queensland (Department of Education and Training). (2021). Anxiety about going to school, from:

References

1. Australian Psychological Society (APS), 2016; Beyond Blue, 2016; Krause, Bochner & Duchesne, 2003
2. Australian Psychological Society (APS), 2016
3. Smith, Robinson & Segal, 2016
4. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2016; Smith, Robinson & Segal, 2016
5. American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2016; Wicks-Nelson & Israel, 2009
6. Wicks-Nelson & Israel, 2009
7. Krause, Bochner & Duchesne, 2003
8. Beyond Blue; 2016; Macquarie University, 2009; Headspace, 2016; Krause, Bochner & Duchesne, 2003; Macquarie University, 2009
9. American Psychiatric Association, 2013

Mrs Skye Power
Guidance Officer

Future Pathways

Career Pathways and Subject Information Event

A successful Career Pathways and Subject Information event was held in our school student centre on Wednesday 21 July. Year 10 students were given the opportunity to visit the expo during lesson 4 and then return with families from 2.50pm. Year 11 and 12 students and families were also invited to attend at the end of the school day and many took up this opportunity. Students were able to explore options and speak face to face with our exhibitors in regard to careers, training and further study. Many year 10s were curious to know what subjects to choose that could help them in a particular field or career.

Our exhibitors included those who offer programs which can be chosen as a ‘6th subject’ in year 11 such as:

• Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre offering CI Construction, CII Automotive, CII Plumbing, CII Electrotechnology, CII Salon Assistant and CII Retail Cosmetics, CIII Aviation (remote Pilot)
• Kawana Waters Health Education Unit offering CII Health Support Services, CII Community Services and CIII Health Service Assistance
• Formula Student offering CII Engineering Pathways
• Foundation Education offering CIII Early Childhood Education & Care
• Unity College offering CIV Crime & Justice
• Tactile Leaning Centre offering CII Automotive at Beerwah SHS

Apprenticeship Network Providers such as MEGT and Sarina Russo Apprenticeships were in attendance speaking to many interested students about both school based and full time traineeships and apprenticeships. Many training organisations who offer the relevant qualifications to trainees were also there to provide information about the variety of training available. Registered Training Organisations such as First Impression Resources and Look Now Training already deliver qualifications to many of our 30+ school based trainees.

We were also grateful to have in attendance community career representatives from Qld Police, the ADF, Bank of Qld, Munster and the Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation. A lot of information was provided in relation to careers and roles available in these varying industries and fields. A number of students made quite an impression on our exhibitors and some offers of work experience have already been made. Congratulations to those students who were pro-active in seeking out information and potential opportunities.

Senior students were able to meet face to face with our Guidance Officer and reps from TAFE Qld, Griffith University and the University of the Sunshine Coast. Students found the information extremely valuable. Our GO will be following up with year 12 in class information talks during the coming weeks.

The event included an extremely informative presentation to year 10 students and families at 4pm, from Year 10 Deputy Principal, Jeff Tennant. Mr Tennant explained the new QCE and ATAR and spoke about VETiS funding, subject selection and SET Planning processes. Students and parents found this invaluable in the lead up to SET Plan interviews in week

Year 10 and eligible year 11 students are now able to submit expressions of interest in relation to courses and programs for 2022. These include:

• SC Trade Training Centre
• Kawana Water Health Education Unit
• Unity College, CIV Crime & Justice
• TAFE at School programs
• Coastal Cookery Trade School, Maroochydore SHS – Cert II Kitchen Operations
• Tactile Learning Centre
• Look Now Training, Cert II Horticulture
• Distance Education

See Mrs Forrest for Expressions of Interest and course information.

CERTIFICATE COURSES AND ETERNAL STUDY

Dual Salon Assistant & Retail Cosmetics

Our dual trainees have only a few more weeks left before they are due to complete their qualifications. Week 3 and 4 will be the last salon placement days with final theory being signed off by week 7. Students have thoroughly enjoyed this valuable learning opportunity and our trainees have continued to impress Gloria, their trainer with their professional personal presentation, attitude and engagement. They have shown real aptitude in applying the skills and knowledge gained in the course.

We have been informed by the training organisation delivering the dual course, that they will cease training at the end of the year and therefore the program will not be offered in 2022. Though this is disappointing, 2022 year 11 and 12 students interested in a salon industry pathway will have the opportunity to apply for a place at the SC Trade Training Centre. The exciting program includes dual qualification in salon assistant and retail cosmetics, 40 hours of structured workplace learning and completion of 17 units of study. The course provides 5 QCE credits and students attend one day a week during the year. Expressions of Interest and a full course guide will be available soon.

Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre

Upcoming information sessions for auto, construction, plumbing and electro technology will be held at the TTC in Caloundra on:

Thursday 29 July, 5.30pm – 6.15pm
Thursday 5 August, 5.30pm – 6.15pm
Thursday 17 August, 5.30pm – 6.15pm

Aviation Information Session

Wednesday 25 August 2021, 4.00pm – 4.45pm with flight instructor and presenter, Shane Loweke. This is a chance to gain an insight to the course, it’s requirements and to view a live drone flight demonstration.

RSVP essential. To register please contact: Phone - 07 5499 5222 or Email - tttcadmin@caloundrashs.eq.edu.au

Programs on offer at TTC in 2022 include:

Cert II Automotive - Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Cert I Construction - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Cert II Electrotechnology - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Cert II Plumbing - Thursday, Friday
Dual Cert II Salon Asst /Retail Cosmetics - Wednesday, Thursday (to be confirmed)
Cert III Aviation - Tuesday, Wednesday (to be confirmed)

Students attend the Centre in Caloundra one day a week engaging in training based on real industry skills. The courses are VETiS funded and SCTTTC fees, which cover uniform shirt and PPE, apply. Mandatory structured workplace learning is included in the programs which provide students with an insight into the industry and helps to make informed decision about chosen career pathways. These placements are a primary source in securing apprenticeships and ongoing employment.

The SCTTTC are scheduled to present to the year 10 cohort on a parade on Monday 2 August. See Mrs Forrest for course guides and EOIs.

Health Pathways

Are you a student considering a career in health? There are a number of options available to year 11 students and eligible year 12 students to begin some training while at school.

Cert II Health Support Services is a TAFE at School one year course delivered at the SC Health Institute in Birtinya. It is a VETiS funded course and year 11 and 12 VETiS eligible students are able to enrol.

Kawana Waters State College in conjunction with Connect n Grow, deliver a health program where students attend the KWSC senior campus one day a week for three semesters. In year 11 students complete CII Health Support Services and CII Community Services, VETiS funded. In the first semester of year 12 students return to complete the CIII Health Services Assistant. This is also a very hands on program and involves some industry placement. In 2021 we have around 20 students (year 11 and 12) who are engaged in this worthwhile program.

See Mrs Forrest for course guides, expressions of interest and enrolment information.

Buderim Private Hospital Experience Day

A number of students have registered their interest for a place in the experience day at Buderim Private Hospital on Thursday 12 August. We have been advised that with the extension of COVID restrictions impacting on hospital visitor numbers, the finalisation of the event is currently on hold. Further updates will be communicated to students as they become available.

Coastal Cookery Trade School

TAFE Qld are the training provider at the Coastal Cookery Trade Training Centre located at Maroochydore SHS. This is a VETiS funded program where students study a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations SIT20416, in a working commercial kitchen. The program is designed to train students in a broad range of areas within the hospitality industry focussing on commercial cookery and helps to develop a student’s natural talent in the industry. Students attend one day a week (Wednesdays) and are required to wear a chef uniform. If you are interested in this program and would like to know more contact Mrs Forrest. There is an opportunity to attend CCTTC for an information session following a luncheon on Thursday 14 October. A course brochure is attached.

Helen Forrest
Industry and VET Training Officer

From the Office

Final Day of Term 3

Friday 17th September, 2021

School resumes

Tuesday 5th October, 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.

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

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

Facebook

Beerwah State High School is highly active on Facebook. Please “like” us to stay informed regarding date claimers and other important information and events. Please invite your friends to like us as well to assist building a strong community of parents.

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.

Next P&C meeting 10th of August.

Executive Committe for 2021

President - Justine Baker
Vice President - Tracy Clow
Secretary - Jaye Claes
Treasurer - Kim Cross