18 March 2022

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

It has been really wonderful to be able to greet all of our students back this week and return to normal routines. Hopefully the disruptions we have faced this year, through illness and weather events, are behind us and we can focus on teaching and learning and achieving success for all.

We know that teenagers respond well to high expectations, clear boundaries, genuine relationships and regular routines. We are focussing on these strategies over the remaining three weeks of this term in order to settle our students back into learning and assessment.

Student Engagement and Bring Your Own Device

We have been reflecting on our student’s engagement in learning by looking at a range of information including previous report cards showing academic outcomes, effort results and behaviour results. Many of our students (between 85-90%) are actively engaged in their learning, are compliant with teacher instructions and are achieving success. However, we also see a number of our students who are not actively engaged in their learning and are not achieving as much success as we would like for them. We have been discussing what we value the most, what we think we need to do more of and what ideas we have to improve our student’s engagement. There was a clear acknowledgement that our traditions, school culture, our positive behaviour for learning (PBL) processes and our HOYs are the key strategies that are the most highly valued. One concern that our staff have is around students bringing their BYO devices to school and the impact this is having on teachers being able to deliver engaging lessons. It is a clear requirement that all students are required to bring their own laptop to school to assist with learning. We find the rate of Year 7s and Year 8s bringing laptops is reasonably high (it does vary from class to class) but this seems to decrease in the middle years, particularly with Year 9s. I would like to remind everyone that we have a ‘Bring your own device’ policy which can be found on our website and options are available to assist students and families where there is a need.

At Beerwah SHS, students are expected to bring their own devices, fully charged ready for learning each day.

30 Year Celebrations

There has been discussion since last year about how to celebrate our 30-year milestone in 2022. Now that restrictions have eased plans can now be made and there has been discussion about holding an ‘event’ in Term 3 or 4. We have invited some musicians to perform ‘Beerwah, The Mother of Glasshouse Mountains’ and if anyone knows a local didgeridoo artist who may be able to assist please let us know. If you would like to be part of the 30 years planning committee please email the office with your details and an outline of what you would be able to do to assist.

Our 30 year logo was designed by Dustin Tranter from Year 11. Well done Dustin and thank you for your artistic talents We are using this design and organising the printing of some bumper stickers, to be distributed within our community.

Throwback Thursdays

Next term and for the remainder of the year, we are starting 30 years of Throwback Thursdays on our social media channels including our soon to launch Instagram page. On each of these 30 days we will do a social media collage of photos or articles from the archives. Here is a sneak peak from the first collage showing the school’s foundation Principal Mr Mike Anderson, with three of the first year Year 8 students from 1992.

Share the Dignity in Qld schools

Some of you would have seen the announcement that some schools were successful in their Share the Dignity vending machine program. Unfortunately, we weren’t successful in our EOI, but we will continue to apply when they open the second round of applications.

NAIDOC Week

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. I’m so pleased that we have a team organising some events for NAIDOC week this year.

Career Development

Education Queensland has launched the Pathways to a Successful Future Strategy . The strategy is a Prep to Year 12 approach to career education and pathways planning, and frames the department’s vision for preparing all students for the possibilities of their future. It complements schools’ ongoing work and highlights the importance of strong, strategic partnerships between schools and further education, training and employment. Year 10s will be participating in work experience from this year and this is an important step to ensuring students have an idea of what pathway they wish to pursue after the graduate from school. Year 11s and 12s have been asked to nominate what some of their preferred pathways are after they leave school. This is to ensure that we are giving our students the most opportunities for future success, which they all so richly deserve.

Thank you always for your support. Success for all!

Take care, stay safe

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

Acting Deputy Principal’s Report

This week we have been focusing on Beerwah SHS Kindness Culture and students have been engaging in class lessons and class activities recognising the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (which is held annually on the third Friday of March) as well as Harmony Day with the theme of “Everyone Belongs” leading into Harmony Week 21-27 March. These activities deliver workable solutions to prevent bullying as well as promote inclusion, respect and community belonging for all students at Beerwah.

During lunch students have been involved writing messages and words of kindness to create our Kindness Culture display.

Students who experience bullying can also access support and advice with practical tips developed in partnership by Bullying. No Way! and the eSafety Commissioner.

Work Experience

Our Work Experience dates have now been set for Year 10, where all students will be expected to seek a three-day placement of work experience from 20th to 22nd July in the second week of Term 3. To view the Year 10 Work Experience Program information sheet click on the following link:

We are also asking if any parent and carers, who have connections with industry and business, would also be willing to take on any of our students as part of their work experience, it would be greatly appreciated if you email our Vocational Training Officer, Helen Forrest on email work.experience@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au

Judy Hennessy
Acting Deputy Principal

From the Business Manager

QKR!

More than 30% of our families are making great use of the QKR! payment app. We are receiving amazing feedback. We are so pleased that you are enjoying the immediate and convenient benefits the app offers. More menu items will be added throughout the year including the super popular events run by our Arts Department – ticket sales will be available exclusively through QKR!

Angela Croft
Business Manager

Digital Technologies and Humanities Update

BYOD and Laptop Hire

We are continuing to see an increase in the number of students connected at Beerwah every day. Teachers are planning lessons with the expectation that students will be connected in their classroom either through a BYOD or Hire Device.

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 to, please contact us to discuss your circumstances. We want to work with you to connect your child at Beerwah SHS.

Onboarding Support

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?

At this stage, students should be drafting assessment and be aware of final due dates for tasks towards the end of term. This information is generally available on Daymap and from class teachers.

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. Exam and assessment deadlines are fast approaching.

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

Science

Insect Investigators

As announced late last year, Beerwah State High School has been chosen as one of 50 schools from Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia to participate in the national Insect Investigators science program. This is being run by the University of Adelaide and coordinated in Qld by the University of the Sunshine Coast and involves students in the area of taxonomy.

Taxonomy is the science of discovering, describing and naming species. Estimates suggest that greater than 70% of Australia’s insect diversity is still largely unknown to science, meaning they don’t have a formal name. The program hopes to find and name 50 new species of insect.

For effective taxonomy, the first step is to generate specimens. Students are using Malaise traps (see photo below), which passively collect any flying insects that fly into them (think butterflies, bees and blowflies).

Students safely store everything caught in alcohol to preserve them, and post them to the lab in Adelaide for the next step of the process.

The scientists at the University test specimens from their specific groups of expertise, with microscopes and DNA. The goal is to find out what makes each species unique, and that could be anything: from the shape of the head, to the numbers of hairs on the legs, to unimaginably tiny changes to the DNA of the insect!

These minute differences allow them to place the species within the broader tree of life, and give us clues about their biology and ecology. All part of the puzzle in understanding our biodiversity.

Beerwah SHS Year 7 Pinnacle class students are excitedly waiting to see if they have caught any new species as they will be given the honour of naming them. Professor Andy Howe from USC has been visiting the students in person and online to track their progress.

The Arts

Welcome back to another exciting year in the Arts at Beerwah State High School! While we have had a bit of a rocky start to the school year, rest assured that all of the Arts staff have been discussing and planning a variety of exciting Arts opportunities for our students to engage in throughout the year. It is all systems go with auditions completed and rehearsals underway. Students can look forward to BDC Dance performances and competitions, Brisbane excursions like the Art GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) excursion, visiting performing artists Grin & Tonic, choreographers and conductors to extend their skills and challenge them, and Music extra-curricular rehearsals and performances with the Concert Band, Stage Band and Vocal Group. In 2022 we will begin a guitar program to complement our Instrumental Music program. This is just a small snapshot of the year ahead! Watch this space for details of up and coming activities and events you and your child can take advantage of in 2022.

Should your child wish to be involved in any of the Arts programs at Beerwah SHS, please see the Arts HODs Ms Davitt Barnard (Ngungun), Miss Rossberg (Mikeetee) or your classroom teacher - and remind them to listen out to all morning notices.

Check out the snippets below regarding the value of Arts Education! We look forward to working with you and your children on their creative journey this year!

The Value of Drama Education in Schools

What an Absurd start to 2022!! Year 12 Drama students sum it up in their recent IA1 Performances

CONGRATULATIONS to the Yr 12 Drama students who completed their IA1 Performance last week. A great achievement considering the challenges they faced completing group work with the late start to the term and recent flooding. These images show the very talented Yr 12s rehearsing scenes from Samuel Beckett’s Absurd play “Waiting for Godot”. Well done students! You should all be very proud of your performances.

TERM 1 ARTS UPDATE – Check these dates!

It is an important part of student development in their specialised area that they attend all rehearsals.

Students: Please remember to speak directly to your teacher if you are aware, prior to a rehearsal, that you will be unable to attend. If you are away unexpectedly, please have a parent or guardian email the relevant teacher directly.

TERM 2 – KEY DATES to add to your calendar!

*Please note dates are subject to change and will be confirmed by the relevant teacher closer to the time.

Kerri Davitt Barnard/Miss Jess Rossberg
The Arts

Education Services

Education Services Boys Club

Mr Searle had some of his Year 7 and 8s undertaking the ‘Bring Sally Up - Push Up Challenge.’ This 3½ minute challenge is usually performed to the song Flower by Moby. The participants push up when the song says “up” and move down when the lyrics say “down.” But the real challenge comes when the song isn’t instructing you to do either, forcing you to hold form in an up or down position for several seconds at a time. The students put in a massive effort in building their resilience, perseverance and team work - encouraging each other not to give up.

#TogetherWeLearn #individuallywegrow #successforall

Future Pathways

The challenging start to 2022 may have continued; however, our students have been resilient and flexible. Though there have been postponements to individual plans or loss of work shifts, many students have a new appreciation of what employers in business and industry face through difficult conditions.

The return to holding parades is most welcome and I appreciate the opportunity to attend senior year level parades during the week and see students face-to-face.

I encourage students to make time to visit my office before school or at break times with their enquiries. Our Youth Support Officer Ms Sue Krucker continues to offer one-on-one resume writing Thursdays and Fridays first break. See below on how to book in a session.

School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs)

SATs provide students with opportunities to:

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

Trainees complete their qualification over senior, graduating with a certificate II or III level qualification, banking 4 or 8 QCE credits. 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, we continue to encourage Year 10 and 11 students to seek their own opportunities by talking with their current employers or by networking with family and friends. Please see me for details and helpful information. Students must be able and willing to effectively balance school, work, qualification study and, in some cases, travel. School does come first!

Parents and the extended local community are also encouraged to support our SAT program. If you work for, own, or know of a business that may have the capacity to take on a student, please contact the school and ask to speak to the Industry & Vocational Training Officer.

New Trainees & Apprentices:

Congratulations to the following new trainees and apprentices –

Daniel, Year 10 – CIII Carpentry, Country to Coast Building

Phoebe De Bakker, Year 10 – CIII Business, Aussie World

Daniel sourced work placement and then secured a school-based carpentry apprenticeship with Greig Wilson at Country to Coast Building, Landsborough. Grieg was impressed with Daniel’s enthusiasm and believes that Daniel will be extremely successful in his apprenticeship.

Phoebe responded to a vacancy advertised at school and was chosen from a large pool of applicants (from all over the Sunshine Coast) for a business traineeship at Aussie World. Phoebe’s positive attitude, friendly personality and potential to deliver great customer service was what made her a stand-out candidate. Phoebe will be working across a variety of areas under the Revenue Department at Aussie World which includes guest relations, retail, side show alley and putt putt golf.

Congratulations to both Daniel and Phoebe!

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

Though it has been a disrupted start to the year, trainees at the SCTTTC are keen to complete White Card training and begin in the workshops. Soon students will be considering work placement and will be seeking employers who can support them in completing a total of 80 hours.

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.

CERTIFICATE COURSES AND EXTERNAL STUDY

Cert IV Justice Studies

While several students continue with their study in 2022, new enrolments into this program can still be taken. 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

All TAFE at school courses have commenced. Mid year intakes will become available later in Semester 1.

Distance Education

Thank you to our 13 Distance Education students for being flexible as we settle into study routines for the new year. Subjects studied include Psychology, Ancient and Modern History, Dance and Visual Arts and IA1 (Unit 3) and FA1 (Unit 1) assessments are soon due.

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 in 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 would 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 for a potential Term 2 commencement. 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 & Vocational Training Officer

2022 Next Step survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2021. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2022.

Further information on Next Step, including results from previous years, is available online or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

Introducing our Link and Launch Officer, Jacqui McBride

Link and Launch is a school-based program, funded by the Queensland Government, to support young adults who have completed Year 12 but are not yet engaged in further education, employment or training.

This FREE service is available to all young people who have completed Year 12 within the last two years. Older Year 12 graduates may also benefit from the program and are welcome to join.

Jacqui works one-on-one with her clients, providing services such as:

enhancing job search skills, exploring employment opportunities, resume and interview skills, accessing free TAFE courses and other subsidised training, connecting with Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs, sourcing apprenticeships/traineeships, understanding alternative entry pathways to universities and accessing youth support services.

After school there are lots of opportunities for study, work and training, but it can be confusing and difficult to work out what’s best.

Link and Launch is tailored to the individual; it’s completely voluntary, no schedules or time limits apply and it’s free! What have you got to lose??

Staff in Focus

Meet Mr Cerda

This year Beerwah SHS has many new faces on staff. Since returning to onsite learning, it has been great catching up and learning more about our new staff. Mr Cerda joins us from Maleny SHS and is teaching Maths, Science and Spanish this year. Mr Cerda is pleased to be part of the Beerwah SHS community and says the best thing he has noticed about the school so far is how nice and welcoming the staff and students are.

He is looking forward to getting to know his classes better and maybe having a "normal" term this year. Welcome Mr Cerda! It's great to have you on our staff.

Meet Tanya Russell - Community Education Counsellor

Wunya, my name is Tanya Russell and I am a proud Aboriginal woman with Ngemba family of Brewarrina, and the Kunja people of Cunnamulla.

I am currently at Beerwah SHS on Wednesdays and Fridays as the Community Education Counsellor. I am very much looking forward to working with the Gubbi Gubbi and Beerwah Community on this beautiful campus.

I am working within the Student Engagement Team meeting our young people and their families offering any support with wellbeing, engagement and starting to planning for our NAIDOC week celebrations!

You are welcome to drop by for a Yarn in J13 or email me on truss0@eq.edu.au

Welcome Tanya! It's great to have you on staff at Beerwah SHS.

Around the Campus

Therapy Dog

Woof! Woof! from Maggie the Therapy Dog

Week 7 was a great week for me. I was helping a few new students settle into school routine and made some new friends. It's amazing what a smile can do! And a tummy rub.

Highlight of my working week was the combined school parade on Monday -the first time since last July.... and NO MASKS hiding all those beautiful smiles!!! Highlight of my home life was getting the little squeaker out of my toy

Keep active, keep smiling… and have a beautiful weekend people!

Love Mags.

School Photos

Due to the recent floods, the new catch up photo day will be Monday 28th March.

Parents and Citizens Association

P&C Meeting

The next P&C general meeting and AGM will be held on Tuesday, 29th March from 6pm in the school Resource Centre. All are 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