24 February 2022

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome back

I would like to welcome back our staff, students and community to 2022. It certainly is an unusual start to our learning year; however, what we have learnt and are now very adept at is adjusting and adapting at short notice to new situations.

Back to School

Our Back to School plan has seen the majority of our students return to engage in their learning. It has been fantastic to chat with them about their holidays and to support them back into the routine of attending school each day ready to learn.

As is the case everywhere, we are managing problems with health as they arise. This week we have had positive COVID cases in our school and, as per EQ guidelines, I've notified our community. This notification will only be on a weekly basis.

I had a few email queries about close contacts in classrooms. I would direct those concerned to the Qld Health website in relation to close contacts and, for privacy and confidentiality reasons, we aren't able to reveal any information about this. Thank you for your understanding.

Strategic Plan

Our strategic agenda is based on our vision statement and our values. This plan sets the foundation for our actions and gives us a clear direction looking forward. We focus on:

• leadership and community
• student and staff health and wellbeing
• collaborative teaching and learning

High Expectations

I'm going to be talking a lot this year about high expectations which are identified in our Strategic Plan. Beerwah is a fabulous school with experienced and highly capable staff and we are blessed to have a genuinely delightful group of students who consistently display respect, responsibility and safety. I want our community to all share in the pride that we have in our students and I want our students themselves to have the belief in that they can achieve anything they set their mind to. I have high expectations for our staff, our students’ behaviour and academic achievements and for their future. I want them to achieve success while at school and then, once they graduate be actively engaged in employment, education and training. To set them up for success, I believe they need to be focussed, goal-orientated and confident in their own ability. I'll be giving our students this message during the year and sharing our successes with our community. I would ask that you also take any opportunity you get to promote the school and its successes. Recently, a parent gave us a shout-out on the local community Facebook page and we very much thank that parent for taking the time to do that.

Sexual Harassment

Before school started this year, staff participated in many forms of professional development to prepare for the return of students. One of these sessions was on the topic of Sexual Harassment.

Unfortunately, across many sections of our society, people have been on the receiving end of sexual harassment. Staff and students at Beerwah SHS have been subjected to comments or actions that constitute sexual harassing.

As a school, we need to educate our students about the seriousness of this and put boundaries in place to protect everyone's health and wellbeing. The first step is to have a clear statement of what sexual harassment is and to ensure all students know the behaviours that may come under this definition. Please discuss this with your child and if they have been on the receiving end of any sexual harassment they can report to their Head of Year, one of the support staff or anonymously via the Stymie system which all students are taught how to use. Strict boundaries with swift consequences will apply to students who are found to be choosing behaviours that fall into this category. I ask for your support with this and raising our expectations of student behaviour.

Vaping and Electronic Cigarettes - These items are totally banned at school.

Another behaviour that is on the rise across society is the use of Vapes or electronic cigarettes. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Vapes used by Australians aged 14 or older more than doubled from 2016 to 2019.

Vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not, are smoking products under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 and therefore subject to Queensland smoking laws.

They cannot be used in non-smoking indoor and outdoor areas, sold to children under 18 years of age, or advertised, promoted or displayed at retail outlets.

Under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998, smoking is banned at all Queensland state schools and for 5 metres beyond their boundaries.

This ban applies at all times during and after school hours.

The school will continue to promote healthy lifestyle choices through an integrated curriculum, which also raises awareness of the harm of substance misuse. Our student code of conduct outlines consequences for students who decide to breach acceptable behaviours and parents will be contacted if this becomes an issue.

Parents can obtain more information at this link.

BYO Connected at Beerwah SHS

We have in place at school a number of online textbook and interactive resources that enrich students’ learning. Many learning platforms require our students to have their own technology device connected to our network. They should ensure that they bring this device each and every day. The feedback I get from some students is that they aren't bringing their device every day. All faculties across the school use a range of learning experiences which require students to bring their devices.

If there are financial issues, please contact the school as we have a range of devices that are able to be loaned to students.

Reflection Garden

I am pleased to advise that we have received a grant of $10,000 under the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program to construct a new memorial with surrounding garden at Beerwah State High School to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in all wars, conflicts and peace operations. This will be constructed in the garden at the front of the school and be available for staff, students and the community to reflect and pay their respects.

Mobile Phones

Some of you may have seen the news this week about schools on the coast investing in devices (pouches) that lock down mobile phones during the day. We are investigating some of these options, as we all know and the research is clear about the impact that mobile phones have on student behaviour and motivation, they can be detrimental to learning, communication and relationships. If students are bringing a mobile phone to school they are ONLY permitted to use at lunchtimes. This may change in the future. There will be a survey coming out shortly which will ask for your feedback on this issue.

Thank you always for your support. Success for all!

Take care, stay safe

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

From the Deputy Principals

Welcome to 2022 – the Year of Challenges. Last year I worked with the senior students and repeatedly talked about my mantra of “Inch by Inch, it’s a Cinch. Yard by Yard, it’s Hard”.

I plan to continue this but have also added – The Year of Challenges. I will challenge students to:

• do their best
• be the best they possibly can
• look at ways they can be even better.

Though it has been a different start to 2022 at Beerwah SHS, both Year 11 and Year 12s started the year with some online learning but it is great that we are back to face to face learning. The Year 11 cohort have settled into their Senior Phase of Learning and are well on their way towards their first piece of assessment for Unit 1. We continually work with the students to ensure that they are following the correct processes for assessment as set down by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). Many students are not only completing subjects here at Beerwah but are also enrolled in other courses across the region. We have students attending the Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre, Kawana Waters SC, TAFE and Maroochydore SHS to complete a range of Certificates. There are many other courses that our students are involved in that are either running here at school or various school-based traineeships/apprenticeships. Mr Little continues in the role of Head of Year for the Year 11s and does a fantastic job in ensuring students are doing their very best.

Our Year 12s have settled back into Unit 3 and many have their first piece of assessment due in the coming weeks. As mentioned for the Year 11s, the Year 12s must ensure that they are following the correct processes for assessment and meeting deadlines on time. Students need to ensure that they are balancing their school expectations with work obligations or sporting commitments. All Year 12s need to be focussed on their chosen course of study and ensure that they are fulfilling their assessment to the best of their ability. Mrs Ballard will continue to work with Ms Young and me on tracking 12s towards their QCE attainment.

I would like to thank parents in their supportive role that they provide for their child. Making sure they are prepared for their lessons, are keeping their school-life balance and attending all lessons is so valuable. As a school, we ask that it is more beneficial to students if medical appointments are made outside of school hours. Parents and students also need to be aware that even though we have our flexible learning day on Fridays, this is also a day that we, as a school, can request student attendance to catch up on work that may have been missed or not completed.

I look forward to working with all senior students this year and the continued support that the school has from parents in their child’s success.

Let the Challenges begin!

Mr Lancaster
Senior School Deputy

Acting Deputy Principal’s Report

I am really excited to be working at Beerwah SHS this year and am so grateful to the great staff, students and parents who have made me feel so welcome as part of the school community. With our delay to schooling for 2022, it has been an impressive start for our Year 9 and 10 students with the support of their amazing teachers and school staff.

The Year 9 students have settled in well this week with their learning in the classroom. I can’t stress enough how important it is that all students are attending school and showing respect, responsibility and safety towards staff, their fellow students and the community as a whole. Beerwah SHS sets high expectations around attendance and uniform to best prepare our students for employment and aid in building pride in themselves. This year, I look forward to working with Mark Cavanagh as the Year 9 Head of Year, in supporting students to engage in their learning and show positive behaviour across the school. It is so important that we work together to ensure students are building respectful relationships with staff, fellow students and the school community to allow their every success.

It is very exciting for our Year 10 students who are beginning their journey into the Senior School and working towards attaining their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) at the completion of Year 12. All Year 10 students will be striving to finish a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. This will give them 4 points towards the 20 needed to attain their QCE. We are also excited that this year we are planning for all Year 10 students to take part in Work Experience as part of their Career Education at Beerwah SHS. This will allow students to look at the different career pathways that are open to them, be it vocational or attaining an ATAR to study at university. Watch this space for more information about Year 10 Work Experience for 2022. I also look forward to working with our students, parents and Mr Lightbody as the Year 10 Head of Year, to ensure students are working towards future career aspirations and ensuring they are achieving their best in their Year 10 studies to set them up for every success in their Senior Schooling.

A key strategy to ensure our students have success at school is ensuring we support their attendance so they have every opportunity to engage positively with their learning and within the school community. As part of promoting regular school attendance, Beerwah SHS uses the state-wide initiative of Every Day Counts that aims to assist in improving student attendance at school through a shared commitment by students, parents, caregivers, schools and the community.

To do this, Every Day Counts promotes four key messages:

• all children should be enrolled at school and attend on every school day
• schools should monitor, communicate and implement strategies to improve regular school attendance
• truanting can place a student in unsafe situations and impact on their future employability and life choices
• attendance at school is the responsibility of everyone in the community.

Please find a fact sheet for parents and carers to support attendance as part of Every Day Counts

From the Business Manager

QKR!

Our school is now offering the QKR! payment app. QKR! is a convenient, secure and easy to use app which families can use to pay for school fees, excursions, camps and special events. Many of our special and ticketed events will only be available for purchase via QKR! so now is a great opportunity to set up your students’ profiles and familiarise yourself with the app. We already have one third of our families signed up for this and making great use of its convenience and flexibility.

SRS

Beerwah SHS operates a Student Resource Scheme which is approved by the Parents’ & Citizens’ Association. The scheme provides students with the resources they require to succeed in their studies. The scheme is designed to reduce costs to parents and is based on the principles of economy, equity and manageability. Thank you to the large percentage of families who have paid in full or have set up a payment plan to pay this in instalments. For those families who are yet to make payment, please be aware that the due date for this has been extended to 21st February 2022 in line with the 2 week delay to school resuming. Families have been invoiced for these fees and should have received the invoice via email. If you are not currently receiving invoices and statements via email please make your request to admin@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au

SUBJECT FEES

Additional fees on top of the SRS are applicable to some subjects. Invoices will be emailed out for these shortly. The date for these to be paid in full is Friday 15th April 2022. This has also been extended in line with the delayed start to the school year.

OPTIONAL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

As per the Department’s guidelines, participation in optional school activities will only be granted if fees are paid in full, or you are meeting the obligations of a formal payment plan. Due dates for payment of excursions are critical to allow us to meet the organisational requirements and timelines of bus companies and venues etc; therefore, payments are unable to be accepted after the due date deadline.

CHANGE IN PAYMENT OFFICE HOURS

Our Payment Office will now operate Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays between 8am and 12pm. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment methods which do not involve you or your student needing to present at the Payment Office. These include BPoint, Qparents, QKR! and CentrePay. These alternative payment methods can be accessed any time to assist families and we encourage you to utilise these where possible.

PAYMENT PLANS

Payment Plans are developed to ensure fees are paid in full by the end of Term 3. We are aware that, at times, families may experience financial difficulties and we ask that you reach out to the school to work through the options available to you. If you require assistance or have queries around your student’s account, please contact the Payment Office.

PHONE SYSTEM

Our telephone prompts have recently been updated to help direct you to the most appropriate staff member to assist with your needs. Please be aware that many of your enquiries, updates to information, invoices/statements and absence notifications can be viewed and actioned via Qparents. Please email Qparents@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au to receive an invitation code if you do not have a current account for your students.

Angela Croft
Business Manager

Faculty News

Digital Technologies and Humanities

BYOD and Laptop Hire

Welcome back to 2022! It has been a buzz in the IT Department getting students connected at Beerwah through our BYOD, Take-Home and Day Hire Options. At Beerwah, students are expected to bring their own devices, fully-charged ready for learning each day. Having students connected to our network with access to a device to support their learning in all classroom settings means that they can access digital content including virtual classrooms via Daymap, Microsoft Teams and OneNote. They can access content and collaborate easily to support and enhance their learning.

This year students also have access to a new digital textbook platform Box of Books. This is available as part of our SRS Scheme and provides students and teachers access to digital textbooks and interactive content in a range of subject areas.

Our Junior Secondary students in Years 7-9 have access to their textbooks for English, Maths, Science, Humanities and HPE while our senior students have access to texts based on the subjects they are studying. Please work with us to ensure that your child has access to a device so that they can benefit from these learning materials. There is no fee charged for students who bring their own device to connect via our BYOD network. If you are purchasing a device, it is strongly recommended that you provide a copy of our purchasing letter to your preferred retailer to ensure that any device purchased will be compatible with the school network environment.

We also have a range of Laptop Hire Options where we can supply a device to your child for a fee with payment plan options available.

If you aren’t able to commit financially to a device option for your child, please contact us to discuss your circumstances. We want to work with you to connect your child at Beerwah SHS.

Welcome Mr Woolner

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new IT Technician for 2022, Tim Woolner, who joins us in the IT Department. Mr Woolner has a wealth of knowledge in ICT and school network management and has been working closely with students and staff to ensure everyone is connected at Beerwah SHS.

Students are encouraged to on-board their own devices at home by following the instructions available on our website. Alternatively, Mr Woolner is available to assist at the following times via the IT Support Office in the Resource Centre:

Please visit our website to learn more about options currently available to support you in getting your student Connected @ Beerwah.

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.

What’s happening in the classroom?

Our Humanities and Digital Technologies classes have settled into on-site learning after our delayed start. Here are our Term 1 topics of study for Junior Secondary classes. Use this as a guide to ask your child what they are learning and how their learning is progressing when you chat with them.

Our senior classes are working on Unit 1 for Year 11 and Unit 3 assessment for Year 12 or working towards competency completion in our VET courses.

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.

Patrick Walden
Head of Department – Digital Technologies & Humanities

Mathematics Department

Hi from the Maths Department!

Numeracy is an essential skill that students need to succeed in their everyday lives. As a parent or carer, you will have already made a significant contribution to supporting your child’s learning from an early age. It is critical for you to continue to play an active role in helping to develop your child’s numeracy so they can achieve the best possible outcomes at Beerwah State High School. Ensuring that your student feels confident talking to you and their Maths teacher about their school work will enhance their opportunity to thrive in the 21st century.

Maths tuition is FREE in the Resource Centre every Tuesday after school between 3pm and 4pm. This is on a drop-in basis, so students can stay for part of the hour or for the full hour – it’s up to them. Maths teachers make themselves available at this time to support students with homework, an assessment item or reviewing classwork that a student might want further help with. Some students form small study groups and work together to enhance their learning. Computers are available for research and writing up assignments, alongside our learning platforms, Mathspace, LearnOn and BoxofBooks.

Please reach out to the school, your student’s maths teacher or myself, if we can help and support you and your student with their Maths.

Val Lane
Head of Department Mathematics

Future Pathways

It may have been a delayed and interesting start to the new school year; however, that hasn’t slowed down the return to work release and school-based traineeship qualification studies, commencement of new programs or the enquiries for new VET enrolments. A number of students are returning to school with some amazing opportunities lined up including work placements and school-based apprenticeship offers. Some new traineeships are on offer and these have been advertised to students. Our Youth Support Officer, Ms Sue Krucker, is also offering one-on-one resume writing Thursdays and Fridays first break. See below on how to book in a session.

2022 pathway study options include school-based traineeships and apprenticeships, Distance Education, Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre, Kawana Waters State College Health Program, TAFE at School programs, CIV Justice Studies and CII Engineering Pathways. Expressions of Interest are still being taken for our proposed Certificate II Automotive Vocational Preparation program (See below for details).

I will continue to work five days a week out of the Industry & Vocational Training office located inside the resource centre (next door to the computer tech’s office). Students are welcome to call in before school and at lunch breaks. I also welcome students and parents to email me with enquiries hforr17@eq.edu.au. Information including current vacancies and courses will continue to be displayed on school noticeboards and outside the IVTO office as well as through student daily notices, school Facebook page and newsletters.

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs)

SATs provide students an opportunities to:

• Combine training with paid work
• Learn practical workplace skills
• Gain QCE points
• Continue full time school studies

We currently have trainees in hospitality, retail, business, engineering and engineering technical. Trainees complete their qualification over senior, graduating with a Certificate II or III level qualification, banking 4 or 8 QCE credits. Our school-based apprentices are working in the trade industries including hairdressing, sign-writing & graphics and carpentry. Apprentices complete around a third of the qualification while at school and then convert to full time apprentices upon graduation.

While any new SAT opportunities are advertised, Year 10 and 11 students are encouraged to also seek their own opportunities by talking with their current employers or networking with family and friends. Please see me for details and helpful information. We place 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 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.

New Trainees & Apprentices

Congratulations to the following new trainees and apprentices:

Abbygayle Knight – Cert III Hairdressing, A1 Hair Landsborough
Mazen Munday – Cert III Hospitality, Mooloolah Café
Tahlia Hetaraka – Cert III Hospitality, Beerwah Hotel
Year 10 student – Cert III Hospitality, Glass House Mountains Tavern
Annalise – Cert III Hospitality, Hello Harry’s Morayfield
Kate Wells – Cert III Hospitality, Subway Glass House Mountains

Congratulations students. Special mention must be made of our hospitality trainees at Beerwah Hotel and Glass House Mountains Tavern who have impressed the staff at both venues with their work ethic and great attitudes. These are fast-paced work environments and our trainees have already proven themselves. The Head Chef has said that they all have a great future in front of them.

Year 12 student Tom Cross, who completed Cert II Automotive Vocational Preparation at the SC Trade Training Centre in 2021, has secured a school-based apprenticeship with Coastline BMW. The offer of this apprenticeship is testament to the motivation, work ethic and positive attitude that Tom displayed not only during his work experience with Coastline, but also throughout his 2021 auto studies. Well done Tom.

Recent vacancies include Hospitality traineeships with Subway, Beerwah and Glass House Mountains as well as various opportunities in traineeships with coast businesses in Caloundra, Sippy Downs, Mountain Creek, Kawana and Maroochydore. Transport is an important consideration when thinking about applying for these roles.

SUNSHINE COAST TECHNICAL TRADE TRAINING CENTRE

In 2022 we have 16 students participating in programs with the SCTTTC. These students participated in an application and interview process before securing placements.

Students in Year 11 or 12 attend the TTC one day a week completing theory and practical training in their Certificate 1 or II qualifications. These include Automotive Servicing, Plumbing, Electro Technology and Construction. Additional programs in 2022 include salon assisting, retail cosmetics and aviation.

SCTTTC advise that, as at week 2, there are limited places (and days) still available in:

• Certificate II Automotive
• Certificate I Construction
• Certificate II Plumbing
• Certificate III Aviation
• Certificate II Retail Cosmetics and Certificate II Salon Assistant

Students should see me as soon as possible if interested. These courses are VETiS funded and students are only allocated one funded program. Fee for service options are available and these should be discussed at the initial enquiry.

CERTIFICATE COURSES AND EXTERNAL STUDY

Many students have enrolled in courses and programs and are ready to begin study in their chosen area.

Cert IV Justice Studies – Several students are continuing with their study in 2022 and students are still able to enrol in this program. This Certificate IV level on line course, which is fee for service, is studied outside of the school timetable and generally over Year 11 and 12. Delivered through Unity College, it prepares students for further study and employment in the criminal justice system. Students should contact me for further information or speak to our Legal Studies teachers.

2022 TAFE at School students include:

Year 10 student – Cert II Animal Care
Tamika – Cert II Retail Cosmetics
Maggie Macrae – Cert II Kitchen Operations, Coastal Cookery
Soraya – Cert II Animal Care
Aspen D’Arcy – Cert II Retail Cosmetics
Year 12 student – Cert II Health Support Services
Georgia – Cert II Animal Studies
Mackenzie – Cert II Animal Studies
Isabelle Judd – Cert II Animal Studies

Kawana Waters State College Health Unit

We have ten Year 12 students continuing and nine Year 11 students enrolling in the health program this year. Students will attend Kawana Waters State College on Fridays participating in training of Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate II Community Services. Year 12 students will complete Certificate III Health Services Assistance in semester 1. This program will provide students with the foundation skills for a career in the health and social services industries as well as provide a pathway for further study.

Distance Education

A number of Year 11 students have elected to begin study of a subject through Brisbane or Cairns School of Distance Education. Subjects include Psychology, Ancient and Modern History, Dance and Visual Arts. Best wishes for a great year ahead to all new and continuing students.

Certificate II Automotive Vocational Preparation

AUR20716 Cert II Automotive Vocational Preparation is an engaging and worthwhile program providing students with foundation skills and knowledge in the automotive industry. It is not just for someone who might be considering a trade in this field, but also for anyone who has an interest in cars, motorbikes or is wanting to maintain their own vehicle. It has been delivered by Tactile Learning Centre the past two years and has proven to be an enjoyable and successful experience for students.

At this stage the program can only proceed if the minimum enrolment of 10 VETiS eligible students is reached. The proposed day will be Friday, at Beerwah SHS and all tools, equipment and vehicle are supplied by the trainer.

Interested VETiS eligible Year 11 and 12 students are welcome to contact me asap as expressions of interest are still being taken. Details are:

• Delivered on Fridays at BSHS (non timetabled day) in 2022
• VETiS funded (no cost) STUDENTS ARE ONLY ALLOWED ONE VETiS FUNDED PROGRAM
• Offered fee for service $2000
• 4 QCE points
• Delivered by external trainer from Tactile Learning Centre
• All resources, tools, equipment and vehicle provided
• 12 units, mix of theory and practical
• Hands on program
• Runs for 15 – 20 weeks (two terms)

Note on funding:

Many Certificate II level courses are VETiS funded – that is no cost to eligible students. To be VETiS eligible, students must not have previously accessed or be currently enrolled in another VETiS funded certificate course including Certificate II in Hospitality or FIT at school or other programs such as the Trade Training Centre or Kawana Waters Health Program. Students utilising VETiS in Year 10 need to consider all options and any further study interest areas.

RESUME WRITING

Our Youth Support Officer Ms Sue Krucker will again be offering students one-on-one resume writing support. Sessions are Thursday and Friday from 11.30am and students are to pre-book a date with Mrs Forrest. Students are welcome to bring an existing resume copy with them; otherwise, a template will be used to reflect individual strengths and goals. On completion, resumes will be sent to the student’s school email. See Mrs Forrest or email hforr17@eq.edu.au for a booking.

Helen Forrest
Industry and VET Training Officer

Link and Launch Program 2022

Do you know a Year 12 Graduate who wants help with post school options?

Link and Launch assists school graduates who want to secure: WORK, STUDY, TRAINING:

From the Heads of Year

Senior Leadership Day - 3 November 2021

Our senior student leaders play an incredibly important role. Therefore, the school is focussed on providing our new leaders with skills to work effectively as a team to meet the challenges they will face.

On November 3 last year, our school captains, student council, arts and sports leaders were provided an opportunity to work together on preparing for special events for next year. There were also activities that provided them with ways to communicate more effectively and better understand their role as members of an important team.

During the morning sessions students worked together developing Cheer Cup and Formal ideas. Students also listened to Mr Lancaster explain the Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge 2022 which is a 50 km walk. We have encouraged all our senior leaders to consider participation in this event and all the required training leading up to it. Student leaders who wish to express interest in taking part should contact either Mr Dodd or Ms Liesegang.

The afternoon provided a physical challenge at the Next Level High Ropes course. It was here that you could see the bonds between students continuing to develop. There was an amazingly fast finish with Ethan and Xander flying through the course; a dramatic rescue on the zip line with Georgia to the rescue – who knows how long Tamara could have held on?? (probably a very, very long time – it was really safe); and the unfailing support of the “tail enders” who stuck with each other to make sure they each made it through.

Big thanks to staff who supported on the day, and to our Principal for making it all happen – and to the students for that enthusiastic rendition of Party in the USA on the return trip.

Sharlene Ballard
Head of Year 12

Academic & Cultural Cup

A ‘yellow sun’ sets on our 2021 Academic & Cultural Cup

Congratulations team Ngungun on taking out the 2021 annual BSHS Academic & Cultural Cup. It was the second time the team in yellow has claimed this coveted trophy. Go Goannas! When the sun dawns on the cup at the end of term three for 2022, I wonder which colour will crown the trophy? Will the Miketeebumulgrai Magpies claim the big prize for the first time, or will Tibberoowuccum Taipans or Tunbubudla Redbacks climb back to the top and knock Ngungun Goannas from their mountain top?

So how can you influence which coloured mortar board sits atop the Academic & Cultural Cup at the end of the 2022?

• Strive for your personal best: all As, Bs and Cs attained for subject achievement earn 10, 5 and 1 point respectively.
• Join one of our school teams: Vocal Group, Dance Company, Stage Band, Concert Band, and Tech Crew (each participant earns 25 points for a team High Distinction, 15 points for a team Distinction and 5 points for a team Credit).
• Enter an organised competition such as The Australian Mathematics competition or The Big Science competition and earn an automatic 2 points for representing our school. Attain a High Distinction, Distinction or Credit and receive 50, 30 and 10 points respectively.
• Take part in one of our in-school annual events such as the Spelling Bee Tennis Tournament, Water Polo Trivia Battle, Music Night and Dance Showcase.
• Represent our school academically or culturally at events such as Sunshine Coast Debating Competition, Leadership Conferences, Anzac Day Dawn Service and Voices on the Coast.

The house that claims victory ultimately possesses the largest percentage of students who participate and strive to deliver their personal best. This is especially important in this cup as glory is bestowed upon the team that attains the highest points average per student. Success in the Academic & Cultural Cup requires the courage to embrace new endeavours. The champion house needs students that thrive within a team environment as well as those who shine as individuals.

The 2022 celebrations later in the year will see our eighth group of age champion names added to the Beerwah State High School Scholastic Almanac. These names will join those of the previous students who have left their mark on its leather-bound parchment pages. Medallions will once again be presented to the highest scoring male and female in each year level, and prizes sponsored by local businesses will be awarded to the lucky recipients. Ngungun’s House Captains claim the cup for a second victory for the Goannas!

While the past two years saw us pirouetting for the video camera, exhibiting work through the lens, rocking out to a virtual audience whilst imagining rapturous applause, and celebrating in the virtual world, this year promises to sprinkle us with some normality that includes live performances, competitions and entertainment that will finally include human warmth, emotion and reaction. So Beerwahtopians - tune those instruments; try on that costume; pop a clean canvas on the easel; warm up your vocal chords; put that pen to paper; create some magic in the kitchen; crack open that calculator; polish those shoes so they are ready to shine on that centre stage. The Academic and Cultural Cup is all about challenging yourself, showcasing your special talents, trying new things and - most importantly - having some fun whilst taking part. 2022 will be full of opportunities to discover hidden talents and interests.

Beerwah High’s 2021 Age Champions with Deputy Principal Mr Scott Siddell & Principal Mrs Lyn McDonald

“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

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

Student Well-being

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.

If you would like to know more about the P&C you can contact members of the executive through the school administration, or email the President, Ms Justine Baker at pandc@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au