22 June 2022

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Community

Sometimes a school term can feel like we are running a marathon, due to the additional hurdles of staff shortages, increased sickness and unprecedented weather events. I would like our staff and students to pace themselves, we have less than a week to go and health and wellbeing is of the utmost importance. The impact of these challenges is that some of our students are unsettled which can lead to some poor behaviour choices. I’ve asked teachers to set high expectations of students and set clear routines.

Success for all

• Student leadership – applications for school leadership positions are being finalised at the moment. We have a number of students who are demonstrating a high level of leadership in a number of ways. I’m so proud of our students who have a voice and use these opportunities to make positive change. Well done to those students who are participating in Kokoda and displaying outstanding teamwork.
• At a recent assembly I was so impressed to hear about the many successes of our students who are involved in sporting and arts events in our school. These students and teachers are what makes this school so successful. Congratulations to the stage and concert bands, the Beerwah Dance Company, the Rugby league teams, Netball teams and individual athletes for their fantastic success, some at an international level. Good luck to all of our students who will be competing in Run the Corridors and Athletics day events coming up in the next week.
• The student council are very keen to organise a disco early in Term 3. Jess Kerridge, Student Council Executive and her team have been coming to see me regularly to discuss the idea. I'm very supportive of their leadership as they want to raise some funds for a worthwhile cause and it is also a wonderful opportunity for them to show leadership and to organise a community event. Keep an eye out for more information early next term.

Trauma informed practices

I recently read the book ‘Creating trauma-informed, strengths-based classrooms’ by Tom Brunzell and Jocelyn Norrish, PhD. This is based on the strategies from the Berry Street Education Model used in Victoria. It includes sections: What is trauma, impact and cycles of trauma, the healing power of the classroom, stress at school, the developing brain, student engagement and the transformative power of positive emotions. It’s insightful, relevant and encourages the reader to build emotional intelligence when supporting students who have been subjected to trauma. Research identifies that two thirds of children are exposed to traumatic events before the age of 16 and this can be simple, complex or development trauma. If you are interested in learning more about concrete strategies to support students who have experienced trauma, I highly recommend this title.

High Expectations

I’ve asked our staff to address the following issues with our students this week and would appreciate it if parents/carers can also have these conversations with their children and support us with our goals.

Uniform

Students must wear school uniform and school colours. Given the cold weather, it is important that students wear navy blue tracksuit pants to keep warm. Black or Grey are not permitted to be worn and if students do arrive out of uniform they will be asked to change. See the uniform policy on the school’s website for more information.

Respect for our environment

There is a clear and high expectation that we treat all property with respect, that we respect our school environment by keeping it clean, we look after all the amenities facilities by behaving appropriately, place all waste in bins and we show respect for classrooms, our grounds and our school.

Community reputation

There is also a clear and high expectation about how your students behave when you are wearing our uniform when you are on excursions or travelling to and from school. It is my expectation that you always interact politely and respectfully with members of our community and behave in a manner that improves our reputation not damages our reputation. Any actions that bring the school into disrepute, which includes posting videos or photos of students on social media, may result in consequences for those involved.

Closure of some amenities

There have been ongoing issues in our amenities facilities which affects everyone in our school community. Due to ongoing vandalism, we are closing some amenities at different stages during the day in an attempt to minimise any misuse. If any students have information about who may be responsible, they are encouraged to share this information with us. Students should not be leaving class to go to the toilet or get a drink. This is what our lunchtimes are for. We do understand that sometimes emergency visits to the toilets are required.

Community event – Term 3 Saturday 23rd July 2022

We will be hosting two events on Saturday 23rd July to celebrate our 30-year milestone. Planning is well underway and a committee has been formed to organise this event. Please keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram or Alumni page to see further details.

The P & C have generously donated $3000 to help the school celebrate this 30-year milestone. Thank you so much to the P & C for their ongoing and never-ending support for our school.

30-Year Celebrations – Tickets on sale now

Purchase through QKR! today.

The options for payment include:

• Use QKR! App. Download via Apple (App store) or Android (Google Play) Once downloaded, search for Beerwah SHS, select School events and then Special events
• In person at the Administration building at Beerwah SHS
• Phone (5436 5333) or message the school via Facebook or email (accounts@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au) and we can arrange payment via an invoice

Tickets will be on sale until Friday 8th July via the QKR app or Friday 24th June via the school due to school holidays.

Kind regards,

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

From the Deputy Principal

Last week we had over 65 students attend the Experience USC to explore a range of career paths, speak with academics and current USC students, explore the campus and experience what life is like. Feedback from students was that they felt inspired, informed, and motivated about their future. Some comments were; ‘I’m excited about the opportunities University offers’, ‘The course fees were really reasonable’, ‘I wasn’t sure if University was my future pathway, but now I’m considering it’, ‘I now have a back up plan’, ‘The day was really informative and the campus looks like a great place to go.’ We invited all students to attend the day so they could explore University as an option whether they had considered it or not and we are proud of how they enthusiastically got involved and represented Beerwah State High School on the day.

Next term, all year 10 students will be engaging in the SET planning process helping them choose the right subjects into their senior phase of learning. They will hear subject talks from each of our Heads of Department, presentations by our Guidance Officer, Senior Schooling Head of Department and Deputy Principals about QCE and ATAR information, hear about Vocational Education and traineeship pathways from our VET coordinator, and attend our Career Pathways Expo in preparation for their SET Plan interviews. All students and parents/ carers are required to attend the interviews during week 6 of term three, ensuring the most appropriate subjects are chosen into the senior years, helping students to achieve their chosen career options.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to offer any feedback around what we are getting right or what we could do better at BSHS, I would be happy to hear from you via email csmit88@eq.edu.au or (07) 5436 5333.

Thank you

Cherie Smith
Deputy Principal

Digital Technologies Update

BYOD and Laptop Hire

We are now at the end of Semester 1! 2022 is flying by. It has been great to see increased numbers of students being connected at Beerwah this year.

Our Junior Secondary students in Years 7 to 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 still looking to purchase a BYO device, it is strongly recommended that you provide a copy of our minimum specifications letter to your preferred retailer to ensure that any device purchased will be compatible with the school network environment. Google Chromebooks are not compatible with our network.

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.

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.

What’s happening in the classroom?

Year 7 Place and Liveability – Urban Planning Workshops with USC

Recently, some of our Year 7 Humanities classes have had the opportunity to engage with USC to deliver a workshop experience as part of their Place and Liveability unit. Selected classes are involved in a 5-week program delivered by USC’s Make, Integrate, Explore Lab where they will learn from current university lecturers and students about the principles of town planning and urban development before creating and delivering a liveable community as part of a virtual-game based platform. In the final week of the program early next term, they will present their ideas to a panel. We look forward to seeing the final pitches and continuing to grow our partnership with USC to provide opportunities and success for all.

Patrick Walden
Head of Department – Digital Technologies & Humanities

Sports News

The final week of term 2 will be a busy one for the Sports Department with three Sporting Events happening: Run the Corridors, Cheer Cup and the 2-day Athletics Carnival.

Run the Corridors kicked off the week on Tuesday afternoon where we cheered for our fastest runners as they tried to Beat the Bells and complete the course in the quickest time.

Wednesday 22 June and Thursday 23 June, sees our Annual Athletics Carnival running over the two days, which begins with our unique Cheer Cup on Wednesday Morning to help get the students into the Team spirit. Come along in your Team colours on both days to show your house support!

Athletic Carnival Events will begin a little later on Wednesday at 10.10am to allow time for Cheer Cup to be held and will continue all day.

Thursday’s Athletic Carnival events will begin at 9.10am and continue through until presentations around 2.30pm.

Parents are Welcome to attend and watch their children participating.

Steven Jeffery
Head of Department – Health and Physical Education

Science Department News

Term 2 has seen the Science department continue to provide engaging opportunities for students. Some of the examples of this are:

The Super worm breeding program

Some of our Year 7 students have continued working on our super worm breeding program, spending a little time each day in the science department feeding the super worms and beetles’ fresh fruit and vegetables every day. They also inspect the trays regularly to monitor the health and growth of these fascinating insects.

But Why????

To help the animals at Wildlife HQ who just can’t get enough of these protein and nutrient filled creatures. Meerkats, lizards, frogs and some birds love super worms in their diet. We hope to deliver approximately 3000 super worms to HQ Zoo next week just in time for the June/July School Holidays. Thank you to Amber and Lynn, our science technicians, for working with the students on this.

Fireworks evening

Our Year 10 Extension science students had the first of two fireworks nights in week 7. This enhances their learning in the Chemistry and Physics units being conducted with some hands-on experiences. Thank you to Mr Muchow for providing this experience.

Paul Schneider
Head of Department – Science

The Arts

How amazing are the Arts students at Beerwah SHS?! What a fantastic Term we have had with various group performances and outstanding levels of achievement. We would like to take this opportunity to CONGRATULATE all of the students who spend countless hours – mornings, afternoons, lunchtimes and weekends rehearsing to attain excellence in their chosen art form. Your dedication and professionalism are exemplary and we are very proud to have you represent Beerwah State High School in the local and regional community.

Successes include Beerwah Dance Company at the Sunshine Coast Eisteddfod and Get the Beat, Stage Band at Creative Generations Fanfare and Maleny Lane, Concert Band at Creative Generations Fanfare and Maleny Show, Theatresports Regional Competition at Padua College and Art residencies at Qld Gallery of Modern Art. Read on for each groups achievements.

And of course, this success would not be achieved without the dedication of the wonderful Arts team of teachers who continually strive to offer Beerwah students real life opportunities for success and personal reward. A big shout out to Jess Rossberg (Dance), Lisa Cowan (Dance), Hayley Threlfall (Dance), Will Audley (Music), Eleanor Dalzell (Music), Deb Holland (Drama), Jeanie Jordan (Art), Angel Kosch (Art) and Karen Massingham (Art).

Theatresports

Congratulations to Beerwah High's Theatresports team! Ella Eade, Guin Holzigal, Tabitha Little, Flynn Morton and Anthony Sabater acquitted themselves with professionalism and great energy at the recent Brisbane competition at Padua College. They performed confidently and contributed to what was an entertaining night with lots of laughs. Ms Davitt-Barnard and pre-service teacher, Ms Ebejer have been putting the team through their paces in readiness for the improvisational games where anything can happen. All involved were keen to compete next year, so stay tuned for the chance to join in the fun.

Beerwah Crocs warming up before hitting the stage!

Design Tracks – Creative Pathways

One of our wonderful Art students, Lily Howard, has been selected to attend a 3-day residency program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from across Queensland. Hosted by the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art the program offers students many rich opportunities to work alongside established Indigenous Australian creative mentors. “Design Tracks” encourages participants to feel inspired by the Creative Industries and consider their own future career pathways. We can’t wait to see the work Lily produces through this exciting and innovative program and share this with you in our next newsletter.

Pop Art Painting by Lily Howard

Lily in Brisbane after a huge and exciting day attending the GOMA “Design Tracks” residency

CONGRATULATIONS to the:

STAGE BAND

CONCERT BAND

BEERWAH DANCE COMPANY (BDC)

Awarded at:

GET THE BEAT

Junior BDC

1st: Run It (Hip Hop)
2nd: Always Be (Lyrical A)
2nd: Whipped Into Shape (Musical Theatre)
3rd: One Night Alone (Contemporary)
5th: Clouds Above (Jazz)

Senior BDC

1st: Play (Jazz B)
1st: Outta My Mind (Hip Hop)
1st: No Way (Musical Theatre)
3rd: Breaking Ice (Contemporary B)
4th: Burning (Lyrical A)
4th: Stupid Love (Jazz A)

BEERWAH DANCE COMPANY

Awarded at:

SUNSHINE COAST EISTEDDFOD

In addition to receiving these results, our students also received GOLDEN TICKETS to the GTB Finals in the September holidays. This is such an amazing opportunity for our students and we cannot wait to show studios and schools around Australia what Beerwah SHS has to offer their students in Dance. Make sure you check out the school’s Facebook page to see a short video of the dancers in action on stage.

We have one more competition this term, Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge. This is another big competition with schools all across South East Queensland and we’re looking forward to it.

Sydney Dance Company Workshop

Three of our senior dancers, Georgia, Keira and Poppy, were fortunate enough to be invited by Nambour State College to participate in a workshop led by Australia’s leading contemporary company, Sydney Dance Company as part of their upcoming national tour. This was a fantastic opportunity for our seniors to collaborate and learn from industry professionals. The workshop allowed the students to experience how the Company creates and performs new and original movement. They were guided through contemporary exercises, taught a section of repertoire from their piece, Impermanence and were challenged with a composition task. This was an invaluable experience for these girls as it challenged them and pushed them to think outside the box.

THE ARTS IN THE CLASSROOM – developing skills for the 21st Century!

Year 10 Drama

Year 10 students are having a ball working on their Commedia Dell’Arte performance assessment! Commedia Dell’Arte is a 16th Century form of popular comedy theatre originating in Europe. The style calls for masks, costumes and some outlandish dialogue and behaviour from all of the colourful stock characters! Based on improvised scenes this theatrical style was a huge hit with audiences and has influenced modern performances on stage, film and TV.

Year 8 Art

Yr 8 Art students have been learning the art of pottery under the guidance of Miss Kosch starting with these gorgeous practical pinch pots!

Year 10 Art

The weather has been lovely for painting lately. So much variety. Great to see different techniques and approaches applied.

Great work Ceiara, Ayman, Riley and Ashlee.

Year 11 VAP

Year 11 Visual Arts in Practice students have been working solidly on their Pop Art pieces.

Pop art emerged in the United Kingdom and the United States during the mid- to late-1950s. The movement presented a challenge to traditions of fine art by including imagery from popular and mass culture, such as advertising, comic books and mundane mass-produced objects. These colourful works from Mrs Jordan’s class are progressing nicely! We can't wait to see the finished results!

Year 12 VAP

Unit 12 Visual Arts in Practice images show the work from the unit “Designing for Consumers”. Bailee, in Year 12, has not only created a great design inspired by our 30th Anniversary Celebrations she has also shown amazing technical skill. Printing changed the world when first introduced, and it continues to enrich our lives today. Fantastic work!

Kerri Davitt Barnard and Jessica Rossberg
Head of Department - The Arts

Future Pathways

Year 10 Work Experience

Over the term our year 10 students have continued to work towards securing and finalising work experience placements. Supported by parents and the WEX Team, students have researched careers, businesses and industries that they are considering as potential pathways. All Year 10 students will complete three days of placement in Term 3, 20 – 22 July 2022 and it has been interesting to see the variety of placements. We have students who are to be hosted by local primary schools and early education centres, fitness providers, hair salons, cafes and restaurants, allied health providers and a variety of trade areas including engineering, electrotechnology, plumbing, marine and construction.

Students have worked through their work experience book which includes activities on preparing, attending and reflecting on work experience. It has been great to see that discussions around careers and personal interest areas have taken place at home. The WEX Team greatly appreciate the valuable input from parents and carers in supporting this worthwhile program.

Students who have not sought or secured a placement to date are strongly encouraged to do so and can reach out to their VVP teacher for support. By week 10, all WEX agreements will be signed by Ms McDonald and a copy returned to students and employers. Students should note down the important information about their placement (start and finish times, special requirements) and ensure that they contact their supervisor either Monday 18 July or Tuesday 19 July prior to the first day.

SAVE THE DATE – 2022 CAREER PATHWAYS EXPO- 26 July 2022

Beerwah High is excited to announce that our 2022 Career Pathways event is scheduled for Tuesday 26 July 2022. Held in our school Student Centre, the expo provides Year 10 - 12 students and families with exposure to industry and business opportunities and career pathways through training and education options.

The expo will include:

• Training and apprenticeship/traineeship options in the lead up to SET Planning
• Exploration of post school study options with universities, TAFE and other training providers
• Information about career pathways in apprenticeships, traineeships, Defence and Police services
• Opportunities to hear from employing organisations and businesses, learning the best way to gain employment in various industries.

Event Schedule Tuesday 26 July 2022

1.40pm – 2.50pm – Year 10 students only
2.50pm – 4.30pm – Year 10, 11 & 12 students & families
4.00pm – 4.30pm – QCE & ATAR presentation for Year 10 students and parents, PA block
4.00pm – 4.30pm – Disability Support & Employment Services presentation, I block

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

Helen Forrest
Industry & Vocational Training Officer

2022 Spelling Bee Tennis Tournament

Our MU06 court was prepared and the spelling word generator was rewound for the running of the 7th annual BSHS Spelling Bee Tennis Tournament. Over 150 smiling faces fronted up to the courts with bubbling enthusiasm and hopes of glory for their house. The excitement and thrill of matches resulted in a very boisterous centre court, with blitzes of laughter, roars of success, team spirit, excited banter and cries of pure joy.

Winners are grinners – the lucky teams that made it through to the Senior Grand Final!

Beerwah High serves up a spelling bee that’s like no other! The tennis rally format and tactical gameplay of our spelling bee spices up the competition and levels the playing field for students of all abilities. Teams of 4-5 students battle out points in mock tennis matches, spelling words to stay alive in each rally, taking care to choose the perfect moment to use their precious teamplay, reserve, count-me-in and power-shot tactical cards to gain ascendancy.

Action on the BSHS MU06 Championship Centre Court

It’s full steam ahead on the BSHS Academic Cup Locomotive, with students jumping aboard and embracing opportunities – that may be slightly outside their comfort zones – leading to invaluable experiences and precious memories. Carpe Diem!

Engagement of the Teamplay Card!

BSHS 2022 Spelling Bee Champion Teams

Student Council News

This Friday: 24th July. “WARMER FOR WINTER” – Free Dress Day

Two of our lovely year 8 students have organised a Free Dress Day. The theme is to wear your warmest winter clothes. In order to participate, you must bring in an old or unused item of clothing (pants, gloves, scarves,socks, jackets, jumpers etc) or an old or unuswed blanket to donate to the Salvation Army in an effort to help to keep the homeless people of Australia “warmer for winter”.

All donations can be dropped off to the collection point at the front of the office. You may start bringing in donatiins on Monday next week. (All items we gather will be donated to the Salvation Army Beerwah. Please make sure all items are cleaned, undamaged and stain-free).

“Do it for Dolly” Day

The Student Council held our “Do it for Dolly Day” earlier this term. “Do It for Dolly Day” is a day dedicated to bringing the community together, spreading kindness and uniting in taking a stand against bullying. To raise funds and awareness we held a sausage sizzle, biscuit and blue slushy sale and asked our students and staff to wear blue socks and accessories with our regular school uniform. A special thanks to former student Kirby Hume for baking some delicious biscuits and to Woolworths Beerwah for your donation. Students were also able to donate and pay for items via the QKR App which is a fast and convenient way to pay for school events, fees and much more. Thanks to all the student leaders especially Tash Hurren for pitching in to help with organising a terrific event. The event raised a total of $280.00 which is a great result!

Steve Jeffery
Student Council Staff Representative

From the Office

A reminder that school returns on Monday 11 July 2022 for Term 3. The office will close at 3.30pm on Friday 24 June 2022 and will not reopen until Monday 11 July at 8.00am. The uniform shop will also be closed over this period and will re-open Tuesday 12 July at 8.00am.

Bus Service Information for Term 3

Network changes have been announced for school bus services from Term 3, 2022

These changes are for Mooloolah Valley – Glenview AM Service and Glenview - Mooloolah Valley - Little Mountain PM Service

For details please, click on the link below to see if this affects your family.

Parents and Citizens Association

P&C Meeting

The P&C general meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month - commencing at 6.00pm 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

Community Notices