17 September 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Term 3, Week 10

It was this time 12 months ago that I received the news that I had been appointed to Beerwah SHS. I can honestly say that I’m so privileged to be part of such a wonderful school where the students are a delight and the staff genuinely care for and support each other. It’s a joy to be at Beerwah. As we approach this final week, I would like to take a moment to pause and acknowledge the staff for the work that they do, for the students who consistently display our school’s values, and for the parents and community who support everything we are working towards in the future. I wish you all the best for a safe, happy and healthy holiday after this week.

Vision and Values

We expect our students to show Respect, Responsibility and Safety and, as both parents and teachers, we need to explicitly teach them the importance of these values and how they can show these values at our school.

Success for all – Some amazing success to finish the term!

The Intermediate and Open Boys basketball teams won their games on Friday night. Fantastic work to our Champions!! Well done to students and staff who have been supporting and guiding them.

Our Ultimate Disc team made it to the grand final at the QUDA event on Friday. They were runners up in the final game, but won the overall Spirit Champion award which is just awesome. They played really well for 6 games. Spirit champion in Ultimate disc runs alongside overall champion. Well done Mike and team - a wonderful achievement.

International Food Festival

Congratulations to the Year 10 students, their teachers and teacher aides on what was a wonderful success a few weeks ago. The range, quality and deliciousness of the products are a testament to your skills. Well done!

Attendance for Term 3 has improved

We are very pleased to announce an improvement in our students’ attendance. The attendance for this term for all year levels has been 89.3%. This is incredible given we have also been managing COVID-related issues. This is an improvement of .5% from previous terms. Our goal for the year is to reach 90% so we aren’t far off that target. Year 8s have shown the most improvement and are now attending over 90% of the time. Well done to our students who are showing improvements in this area and to the staff who have been working behind the scenes to support students with their needs. The message for our community is that EVERY DAY COUNTS!

Peer relationships are important for student engagement

Peer relationships at school are equally as important as teacher-student relationships. The longer students are rejected by the peers, the less likely they are to participate in classroom learning. Effective peer relationships have a profound effect on students’ perceptions of being welcomed, accepted and supported, which, in turn, has an impact on engagement or disengagement. If you are concerned about your child and their relationships, please contact the school either through the Head of Year (HOY) or the Student Services team. Following on from this, our Student Services team are delivering the Peer Skills program in our schools which will develop the skills of our student leaders to be peer mentors to our new and/or younger students.

Sleep and Phones

Mark McCrindle writes in his book ‘Generation Alpha’ that one of the most overlooked parts of our physical health is sleep. Sleep is the 2nd most likely aspect of our well-being to suffer with 2 of 5 Australians saying they struggle to make sleep a priority. Sleep is essential for cognitive function, creativity and overall health & well-being, yet 39% of us say we always - or often - don’t get enough sleep. Students up to 13 years of age should be getting 9 – 11 hours and students 14 – 17 should be getting 8 to 10 hours. I always ask students about their sleep patterns as this has a significant impact on their ability to learn and function at school. Have this conversation with your children if you are concerned that lack of sleep may be having a negative impact on their health.

Staff farewell

We say goodbye to a number of staff at the end of this term. Ian King, who has been acting as Deputy Principal with the Year 9s, is returning to Moreton Bay region. We thank him for his work with the Year 9s, the Digital Technologies and Humanities departments, and also for his work with managing attendance.

Skye Power, who has been working with us part-time as a Guidance Officer, is leaving to work permanently at Baringa Secondary College. We thank Skye for working alongside our guidance team and for supporting some of our most vulnerable students.

We wish Lani Buchanan all the best for her impending maternity leave and she will return to us next year. We thank Lani for all the work she does behind the scenes with the yearbook, photography and the end of year film compilations.

Canteen / P & C

A new cold display unit for the canteen has arrived and was funded by Jason Hunt, our state member. It will be used to display our fresh food options - sushi, sandwiches and salads - on the front counter.

We have also seen some recent changes to our menu to reduce plastics that harm our environment and to reduce sugar (in line with departmental legislation and guidelines). These will be implemented in Term 4.

Eat healthy, stay hydrated, exercise and sleep well!

Stay safe, take care

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

Whole School News

Launch of our new house mascots and logos

It is with much excitement that we are launching a new look for our house mascots and logos.

These images have been designed by a professional graphic design artist, after consultation with our school community this year. We are excited to announce that we are currently organising some large signs and banners of these images and these will be installed and ready for use next year. We are going to be getting some banners for sports day, some signs for the student centre and some signs for each staffroom door. We love the fierceness of these mascots and logos. Thank you to everyone who has contributed ideas and suggestions.

Mathematics Department

Maths Tutoring

Year 12 students have been studying hard at tutoring for their upcoming external exams in Maths and Science.

Assessment time is a busy time at Maths tutoring. Students from all year levels can attend tutoring every Tuesday from 3:00 – 4:00pm. Students are asked to bring work that they would like to review.

In the lead up to year 12 external exams, year 12 students can attend tutoring for Maths and Science support. Tutoring will recommence week 1 Term 4 to assist students in achieving their best.

We wish all year 12’s all the best in their upcoming exams.

Kayla Monk
Acting Head of Department Mathematics

Science Department

Year 12 Science in Practice students and Year 10 Extension Science students completed their fireworks unit with a fireworks night in week 9. This has aided their study of Chemistry through the properties of matter and Physics, through forces and motion.

Students got to choose a colour firework they would like to set off, changed into their PPE and pressed the button to set off their chosen firework. All students enjoyed the thrill and were able to remain at a safe distance throughout the demonstration.

Thanks to Mr Muchow for all the extra hours spent organising this night.

Academic & Cultural Cup

There has been an absolute avalanche of points pouring in throughout Term 3 for student achievements, endeavours and hard work. Although Covid has created a landscape that is forever changing the format and goal posts of academic and cultural extra-curricular endeavours, Beerwah High students have adapted and thrived in style, proving that human spirt and youthful exuberance cannot be dampened and will always shine through.

After some frenetic allocating and tallying, the 2021 age champions for each cohort and the victorious house have been determined and sealed in heavily guarded envelopes. Will Tibberoowuccum go back to back and claim a second title? Will Miketeebumulgrai claim victory for the first time? Will Tunbubudla become champion for a 5th time or will Ngungun secure a 2nd cup?

The end-of-year ceremony has taken a detour this year and will be delivered in digital format early next term. Masked merry men (persons) will be popping into the rooms of our champions to bestow a bounty of prizes and hang medallions over the heads of our victorious and talented age champions. We are blessed to have the support of many local businesses that have offered prizes for our male and female age champions. A huge thanks to Australia Zoo, Blast Aqua Park Coolum, Laserzone Warana, Beerwah Florist, Aussie World, Next Level Ropes Course Sunshine Plaza and Spinners Bar & Bowl Caloundra for their very generous support. A special thankyou to Vianta Espresso & Exotics Coffee Shop, who has sponsored this initiative from the very beginning, making this the seventh time they have offered a fantastic prize for one of our talented students.

The feathered pen is freshly inked and ready for our 2021 champions to add their signatures to the Beerwah High Scholastic Almanac. Good luck to all of our talented students - and may the brightest, most gifted and enthusiastic house win!

Below are the names of the top eight male and female students for each grade. Good luck!

IT Department

It has been a busy term across Digital Technologies and Humanities. Well done to all students for giving their best effort to study and assessment across subjects for this term.

At Beerwah, students are expected to bring their own devices, fully charged ready for learning each day. 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 including electronic textbooks, virtual classrooms via Daymap, Microsoft Teams and OneNote. 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. Pl

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

If your child does not yet have their own device, we have several laptops which can be hired for take-home or as a Collect n Go day loan device. As we are now approaching Term 4, these are available for a pro-rata reduced fee to students.

Please visit our website to learn more about options currently available to support you in getting your student Connected @ Beerwah. It is important that Google Chrome Books are not purchased as these are not compatible with the school network.

If you wish to discuss your BYOD needs further, please contact our IT Department via itsupport@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au or encourage your student to pop in and see us at the Resource Centre. We will work with you to ensure that your child can be connected @ Beerwah.

Should you have any other queries about our programs, please do not hesitate to contact me directly via pwald9@eq.edu.au or 5436 5326. I look forward to connecting with you.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Patrick Walden
Head of Department – Digital Technologies & Humanities

R U OK Day 2021

R U OK Day was recongnised by the school community this month.. Students were presented with yellow and black wrist ties and staff were encouraged to wear these colours to promote the significance of this event. Staff and students checked-in with each to ensure they are OK.

Bookweek

Recently staff and students celebrated Book Week with our annual dress up day. Costumes reflected Old Worlds, New Worlds and Other Worlds and celebrated our love of reading for enjoyment.

Food Innovation and Design

International Food Festival

Last week our Year 10 Food Innovation and Design students hosted an International Food Festival to finalise their “Taste The Globe” unit. Students prepared dishes from a range of cuisines around the world and sold them to members of our staff community receiving some rave reviews! We certainly have some future chefs amongst our students. Well done on a successful event.

Supporting Our Students

Future Pathways

Term 3 has been an extremely busy and rewarding term. The highlights have included our annual Career Pathways & Subject Information Expo, Year 10 SET Plan interviews, Year 12 Pathway Plan interviews, Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre Student of the Year judging and completion of some VET programs.

There has been follow up on Year 10 “6th subject” options with students being able to select from a range of programs delivered through the SC Trade Training Centre, Kawana Waters Health Education Unit and Unity College to name a few. First round expressions of interest and applications were due in Week 10 and offers of places will be finalised during Term 4. Students who have submitted round 1 Trade Training Centre applications will be offered an interview scheduled for Wednesday 6 October at Beerwah SHS. Email confirmation of the day and times will be forwarded directly to students and parents.

CERTIFICATE COURSES AND EXTERNAL STUDY

Dual Salon Assistant & Retail Cosmetics

Training was completed on Friday 10 September with final salon placement on Thursday 16 September. Our trainees showed a great deal of resilience and flexibility in continuing to make progress through all of the disruptions to training that were encountered in Term 3. Well done, everyone! Trainer Gloria Standen has supported and guided our trainees all year and students thanked her sincerely on the last days. Kylie and the team at Beerwah Hair & Beauty have once again allowed our trainees to participate in valuable salon placement. Completion of the full qualification means that students will bank 6 QCE credits and have the foundation skills and knowledge to work in the salon industry.

Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre

I was fortunate to be a part of the panel interviewing nominees in the annual Student of the Year awards. It was a great day, meeting 20 amazing young people each with a unique story, hearing about their experiences at TTC and exciting future plans. We are extremely proud that two of our year 11 students received nominations which recognised their great work ethic and excellent performance in work placement. Both are admired class members and well-respected by both their peers and the SCTTTC team.

Congratulations to Madison Pryde (Certificate II Electrotechnology) who was awarded a Commendation.

Congratulations to Tom Cross (Certificate II Automotive) who received an Outstanding nomination and completed an excellent interview.

2022 applications have been received and forwarded to TTC. Students and families are invited to register their attendance for upcoming Information Evenings at SCTTTC. Dates and times are listed as follows:

• SCTTTC Information Evening – Construction Trades Wednesday 6 October, 2021 @ 5.30pm
• SCTTTC Information Evening – Construction Trades Tuesday 9 November, 2021 @ 5.30pm
• Certificate II Salon Assistant / Retail Cosmetics / Certificate III Beauty Services Wednesday 3 November, 2021 @ 5.00pm
• Certificate III Aviation (Remote Pilot) Wednesday 10 November, 2021@ 4.00pm

Please note that all attendees must register by responding either by email or telephone. See the attached flyers for details.

Health Pathways

Expressions of interest for the Kawana Waters State College Health Education Unit were taken during Term 3. Applications will be forwarded directly to those students. Please note that students must be in Year 11 in 2022 and VETiS eligible to apply for this program. If late registration is available, students will be notified next term.

Kawana Waters State College, in conjunction with Connect n Grow, deliver the health program with students attending 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 a very practical program and involves some industry placement. In 2021 we have around 20 students ( 11 and 12) who are engaged in this worthwhile program.

Other considerations for students thinking about a career in health include TAFE at School. Certificate II Health Support Services is a one-year course delivered at the SC Health Institute in Birtinya. It is a VETiS funded course and 2022 Year 11 and 12 VETiS eligible students are able to enrol.

Buderim Private Hospital Experience Day

The new date for the Buderim Private Hospital experience is Thursday 21 October. Congratulations to Sarah (Year 10) and Saffron (Year 11) who submitted worthy applications and have been fortunate to secure two of the sought-after places. We look forward to hearing all about their experiences next term.

Community Engagement

Beerwah SHS is fortunate to have great working relationships with the local community, employers, industry, training organisations and apprenticeship network providers who assist and support us in events such as the Career Pathways Expo and Year 10 mock interviews. Employers provide work experience placement and many employ our students in school-based traineeships and apprenticeships. Recently Beerwah High became a member of the Glass House Country Chamber of Commerce and last week Ms McDonald and I attended the AGM at Beerwah Hideaway. We enjoyed an amazing meal that showcased produce from local farms and businesses and were able to network and meet with business owners. We look forward to strengthening these ties and encourage our students to engage with and be proud of this great community.

Tuesday 7 September was Toastie Tuesday! Kindly hosted by Martin and the team at BOQ Beerwah, students were invited to enjoy free toasted sandwiches and hash browns. What better way to start the day! Thank you to BOQ for their continuing support of our school and, in particular, caring for staff and student wellbeing with these generous shouts.

Beerwah State High School has recently become a Gateway Construction School which partners us with Construction Skills Qld, opening up a range of opportunities for students. Through Tony Martin at Construction Skills Qld we have been offered an opportunity to send 20 Beerwah High Year 10 – 12 students to a Try a Skill day hosted by Fulton-Hogan. The students who will be selected for a place are those who are selecting General maths and science subjects in 2021/2022 and/or indicated a potential para-professional career path rather than trade-based. Emails have been sent to identified students and parents and we look forward to finalising the day which will take place Friday 5 November.

Helen Forrest
Industry and VET Training Officer

TAFE Job Trainer

Year 12 graduates are reminded that TAFE Job Trainer funded/free courses are open for enrolment. Go to the link below for offerings. Many courses commence in January 2022.

Year 12 - What's next?

Year 12 is really flying by and students are probably wondering what’s meant to happen next? No worries! The University of the Sunshine Coast can help Year 12 students take the guesswork out of the next few months with our Year 12 What’s Next Information Evening.

USC will run through how students can beat the stress by getting into uni early, how they apply through QTAC, things to consider if they need to move, and how they can make the most of uni once they get here!

When: Thursday 7 October via Zoom
Time: 5.00pm – 6.00pm

Who should attend: Parents and students in Years 12

Career Information

At Beerwah SHS, it is important for all our students to explore and transition to rewarding post-school destinations. Myfuture is a free career information service that helps students to discover a variety of occupations that align to their interests and skills that they may not have considered or known about. Learn more at:

Year 12 - SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS).

The peak professional body for built environment cost professionals, offers scholarships for a number of Year 12 students who qualify for entry into a Quantity Surveying/Construction Economics/ Construction Management (Economics) course that is accredited by AIQS.

THE SCHOLARSHIP IS VALUED AT $5,000. Applications close 31 October.

Athletics Competitions

With the recent cancellation of district, regional and state track & field events, Queensland Athletics have organised four competitions available to all school and club based athletes.

These events, (branded ‘Road to 32’ competitions), will all take place during the September school holidays:

• Meet 1 – 18 September (QSAC)
• Meet 2 – 22 September (Gold Coast Performance Centre)
• Meet 3 – 25 September (University of Qld)
• Meet 4 – 02 October (QSAC)

School based athletes wishing to compete will need to join Queensland Athletics as a base member (cost = $12.00)

Current members of Queensland Athletics are already eligible to compete in these events.

Interested athletes are required to visit the Queensland Athletics website after 01 September to join and enter events.

Queensland Athletics are also hosting three Qld schools championships as outlined below:

1. North Qld Championships - 24-26 September (Townsville)
2. Queensland All Schools (10-15 years) - 16-17 October (QSAC)
3. Queensland All Schools (16-20 years) - 29-31 October (QSAC)

Further information is available by clicking on the following link or visiting the QA Facebook page.

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

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.

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

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