29 July 2022

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Community

Success for all
30 Year celebration

Saturday night, the 23 July was our 30-year celebration, and it was an outstanding success.

We had well over 200 people attend, including many past staff. It was an absolute delight to witness staff and students re-connecting with each other. The feedback we have received has been tremendously positive. So many staff and students were instrumental in the success of this event, including the organising team of staff, the student comperes, performances and behind the scenes workers.

Thank you all!

Mike Anderson, foundation Principal sent this message:

“Can you please pass my thanks on to your staff and the organising committee. It was a classy event and your staff made it so. The students were fantastic, especially the Dance Company and your student comperes. Thank you, Kindest regards, Mike”.

From Darren Wallwork, previous Deputy Principal and currently Assistant Regional Director:

“Just a quick note thanking you for the afternoon yesterday and the opportunity to be involved. It really meant a lot to Deanne and I, as Beerwah holds significant and long-lasting memories in our hearts and professional lives. Congratulations on the success and we look forward to hearing more of Beerwah’s ongoing successes. Kind regards, Darren”.

Semester 1 Academic Reports

I’m so pleased to share with you that we have reached our goal of over 90% of students achieving a successful result in their Semester 1 report card. This is due to our staff, capably led by our Leadership team, who plan and implement authentic curriculum and assessment, as well as our innovative FlexiSpace, Case Management and Co-teaching programs. We are a high performing school and our results demonstrate this. This graph below shows the improvements we have been making with our academic outcomes. The S1 refers to Semester 1 and S2 refers to Semester 2. Success for all

Showcase Excellence

Beerwah State High School’s belief is that optimal student academic achievement is enhanced when teachers are provided with time and support to work collegially.

In response to a downward trend in Year 7 & 8 English and Mathematics A-C achievement in the period 2018-2020, Beerwah SHS Leadership Team implemented an integrated Case Management and School Wide Internal Moderation approach as part of the overall approach towards effective and authentic intentional collaboration. Case Management or Teaching Teams were established in Year 7 & 8 English and Mathematics by finding time in our timetable for the teams of teachers to meet each fortnight.

Dan Leftwich, Head of Department - Teaching and Learning, initially led each meeting, providing direction and structure to the processes. Through intentional collaboration, teachers pre-moderated units, analysed student work samples and moderated assessment. The Leadership Team enhanced the culture of the importance of the work.

As a result, staff have increased their assessment literacy and confidence to plan engaging and differentiated lessons, whilst also enhancing students understanding of the achievement standards through learning walls.

As a result of this program, an upward trend in academic outcomes has occurred. Specifically, Year 7 English improved 11%, Year 8 English improved 15% and Year 8 Mathematics improved 30%. We will be expanding this program in 2022 to include the faculties of Humanities and Science and we are confident of ongoing success as we continue to build teacher’s capability.

Below is an article that was printed in the Glasshouse Country News

School delivering top marks

By Jennifer Kent

BEERWAH State High School has been recognised for the successful implementation of the school’s program, ‘Success for all through collaborative case management’ having recently received a regional commendation for Excellence in the Secondary Years through the Queensland Government’s Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.

The program was implemented by the Beerwah SHS Leadership Team and school principal Lyn McDonald shared she was so proud of the way in which program designed to equip teachers with a common understanding of the curriculum.

“The program has been a collaboration between teachers, teaching staff and third parties to build a common understanding with detailed information and of the curriculum through case management and teaching teams,” said Lyn.

“The overall approach towards collaboration has been successful in building up teachers’ ability for leadership, and they have really valued their time working together in moderation with their colleagues.

“As a result, staff have increased their assessment literacy and confidence to plan engaging and differentiated lessons, whilst also enhancing students understanding of the achievement standards through learning walls.”

Case management or teaching teams were established in years seven and eight English and Mathematics and deputy principal Scott Siddle shared that the teaching staff have really the program on board and embraced it, with results showcasing an upward trend in academic outcomes in these areas.

“There’s been many initiatives implemented throughout the years, and this is by far the best one received,” said Scott. “The time spent with colleagues and leaders has enabled them to do their job more effectively. They really see the value in the process and the way in which it is helping their teaching.”

Lyn said that over a third of the schools teaching staff had so far participated in the program and the goal over the next few years is for that to reach 100%. The program is currently being rolled out this semester to the science and humanities faculties. We are confident of ongoing success as we continue to build teacher’s capability,” she said.

School Opinion Survey

Beerwah SHS's vision is to constantly improve opportunities for our staff and students. We know that Beerwah SHS is a wonderful school, our staff and students tell me this consistently, however there is always room for improvement.

The 2022 School opinion survey is an opportunity to gather the thoughts of staff, students and parents/carers. These thoughts will highlight to us what we are doing really well and it will also highlight the areas that we can make some improvements. Please take the opportunity to complete the school opinion survey for this year.

Thank you!

Uniform High Expectations

With the cold snap last week (it was freezing!), we saw a spike in non-uniform items being worn. When students enrol and attend enrolment interviews, the uniform policy is clearly explained to them. On some occasions the uniform swap shop will run out of items, however in most of the cases, there should be no student wearing any grey or black items of clothing. I’ve seen a number of students in black or grey tracksuit pants last week and these issues are being addressed. HOYs work with students who have genuine issues around uniform issues to work out a solution. Please contact your child’s HOY if there are any concerns.

Work Experience

Year 10 students participated in work experience last week and from what I heard this was a successful program. The vast majority of our Year 10s took up this opportunity and represented the school out in the community at a very high standard. The opportunities that arise from these programs are exciting. Job offers, traineeships, networking and the list goes on. Please send me any feedback that you have about this program, and I’m committed to ensure this is successful for our students.

Do you want to win a new flat screen TV! - P & C Giveaway

Our P & C meeting last week was attended by three very special guests.

Maggie May and Donna visited after a special invite was extended by the P & C. Donna outlined how Maggie, as a therapy dog in training, is supporting our student and staff wellbeing.

Jason Hunt, State Member for Caloundra and Charli Fouhy from the Caloundra Electorate Office visited to talk to the P & C about the school’s progress, hear about our success and some of the issues that are occurring. Jason donated a large flat screen to the P & C for them to raffle and raise money. Thank- you Jason for your ongoing support.

Kim and Jaye from our P & C executive committee were in attendance on Saturday night proudly selling hundreds of tickets. Tickets will be on sale through the canteen until we reach a fundraising goal. Tickets are on sale for $5 each or 5 for $20.

Broncos Academy

We were successful in the application for Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy for our indigenous girls. The reps are visiting this Thursday so we will share more news once we meet with them. Congratulations to the staff that applied for this program and there will be more information to come.

SURGE High School Rock Spectacular

This event is on 17 August 2022 at the Caloundra Events Centre – grab tickets quick! I’ve got mine. I attended the launch event last week at Mooloolaba Music and I was so inspired by our staff and students in relation to this event, which is so much more than a musical performance.

It is about supporting young people to connect with their peers, connect with industry, develop their career aspirations in the industry and build their confidence through music.

CEEP day – Primary school transition day

It was such a buzz to see 119 Year 6 students last week who all looked happy and excited. I visited them in a range of classes, and they were engaged, friendly and thrilled to be at our school. Well done to the staff, it was a fantastic day and resulted in fantastic outcomes for our primary students.

Safety reminder

It is timely to remind all students of safety while arriving or exiting the school and to ensure that they take care if they are walking, riding, arriving on a scooter, a bus or crossing the road.

Please also remind your senior students that have their licences that we expect safe driving at all times.

Student Investiture

Student investiture is being held on Thursday 4 August from approximately 10am. Congratulations to all our students who have been appointed to the new positions. They are a wonderful group of students, and I was so impressed with the speeches and the manner in which the students have demonstrated their commitment to leadership.

Invitations to parents/carers are in the mail and more information will be released shortly.

USC Engineering Challenge

Our science department staff and students continue to have extraordinary success. It was so thrilling to hear about the success of our Year 9 science students last week who attended the University of sunshine coast and participated in a competition based on engineering challenges.

We came second in a very competitive group of schools and our students and staff should be so proud of their success.

Warmer for Winter

On the last day of term 2 we encouraged our community to donate items to help our community stay warm for winter. Congratulations to Year 8 students, Ruby Rosin and Chloe Butt for showing leadership and moral purpose to initiate this event. I am so proud of these young leaders and thank you all for your generous donations.

This was a fantastic example of student leadership and I’m looking forward to supporting future student leaders who will lead similar initiatives in the future.

Kind regards,

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

From the Deputy Principal

Congratulations to all those students who participated in Year 10 work experience in week two. We are so proud of your commitment and efforts in securing and attending this experience and know that some of the memories, experiences and relationships you formed this week will be lasting. Our teachers contacted our employers and some of the feedback we received was:

‘(student) is doing an amazing job, we are very happy so far. We would hire her’

‘It’s been going really well, very punctual, positive attitude is showing great potential’

‘(student) is awesome and very proactive, he does not need to be asked to do anything, just gets stuck right in’

‘(student) had been punctual and displayed a willingness to work, he has been respectful of the business and the clients’

We are so proud of all the students who participated and showed such a professional attitude and willingness to work. We look forward to implementing the program again next year to provide these great opportunities for our students.

The week of the 15 August, we will be conducting SET Plan interviews with year 10 students and parents/ carers. This is an integral aspect of being informed and making right choices leading into the senior pathway as students work to achieve a QCE and go down the University, TAFE or work pathways. It is imperative that all year 10 students and parents/carers attend these interviews to ensure the right subject choices are made, we look forward to meeting you then.

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

Year 10 Work Experience Update

During Term 2 our year 10 students engaged in our Work Experience Program which saw them researching careers, business and industries that they are considering as potential pathways. They have been supported by parents and the WEX Team to complete a workbook and around 110 students participated in three days of placement 20 – 22 July. It has been interesting to see the variety of areas our students have chosen to engage in. These have included education, engineering fabrication, fitness, physiotherapy, early childhood, hospitality and retail to name a few.

The photo here is of student Lachlan Hadland who enjoyed a great placement with Beerwah Engineering. He is seen using the plasma cutter and getting to know the other tools of the trade while fabricating a new bonnet for a customer’s hot rod. We hope to be able to share many more photos of our student’s successful placements over the coming weeks.

The WEX Team greatly appreciate the valuable input from business, parents and carers in supporting this worthwhile program. Work Experience is a valuable way for students to engage in career exploration and this has directly led into our Career Pathways Expo (which was held on Tuesday 26 July) and SET Planning activities.

Cherie Smith
Deputy Principal of year 9 and 10

Digital Technologies Update

Welcome to back Term 3! As we move into the second half of the year, we will continue to ensure students are supported to be connected with a device for the remainder of the year and beyond.

If you are still looking to purchase a BYOD device, it is strongly recommended that you refer to our purchasing letter and provide this 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.

This document is available here:

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 finically 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. Students are required to access a range of digital textbooks and other online resources in class on a daily basis.

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

Before School 8:15 – 8:45
First Break 11:20 – 12:00
Second Break 1:10 – 1:35

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.

Website Risk Review – Updated Consent

Recently, parents and carers (one per student) have been e-mailed to request updated consent to use a range of web-services for educational purposes. Please look out for this e-mail in your inbox and respond as soon as possible. If you have any questions about this process, please contact me.

What’s happening in the Digital Technologies and Humanities classroom?

Take a moment to check-in with your child and ask them about what they are learning in class this term.

Our senior classes are working on Unit 2 for Year 11 and Unit 4 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

Science Department News

STEM Engineering challenge:

Congratulations to the Year 9 Extension Science students who achieved second place in the Science and Engineering Challenge at University of Sunshine Coast in Week 1.

We competed against other Sunshine Coast state and private schools in a series of STEM and Engineering based challenges.

Students were divided into groups to compete in challenges against the other schools.

These challenges included:

• design and build a bridge that could take a maximum load.

• design and build a tower that could withstand an Earthquake.

• designing a hydro turbine that could produce the highest amount of revolutions.

• build a cart that could traverse rough terrain similar to Mars.

• create a circuit to connect cities to an electrical grid in the cheapest way possible.

• build a mechanical hand that could pick up objects

Of the 15 group competitions, our team claimed five first places, and in overall calculations we ended up only 15 points behind first place to claim the 2nd place prize.

Well done to all students involved with this commendable achievement that was made possible by your amazing teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Paul Schneider
Head of Department – Science

The Arts

A huge CONGRATULATIONS goes out to all the Arts students who have been involved in competitions, performances and workshops over the last six weeks. At the end of Term 2 the Music students captivated audience members by showcasing their diverse musical talents at the Beerwah State High School Music Afternoon. The very dedicated and professional Beerwah Dance Company (BDC) competed in the Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge and came home with an armful of awards. What an amazing achievement! This Saturday, 30th July, BDC will compete in the Australian Pinnacle Dance Challenge. We wish them well and know they will represent Beerwah with pride. Drama, Dance, Music and Ars student were all involved in the very successful 30 years of Beerwah High Community Celebration on the 23 July. We are so impressed with all these Arts students: the commitment, passion, and excellence they all strive for. Well done all students and thank you to all the families who support them. Below you will find a calendar of upcoming events. Please pencil these into your calendar and supervising teachers will confirm the details, closer to the date, with their students. We look forward to sharing more Arts experiences with you and your families in the coming month!

Music Night

A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all as students entertained audiences with dynamic and engaging performances.

Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge

Beerwah Dance Company were extremely successful in the BPAC competition on the 25th of June. They were awarded:

The Arts - Music

SURGE High School Rock Spectacular – Event Launch – Mooloolaba Music Centre

On Wednesday 13th July the SURGE High School Rock Spectacular was launched at Mooloolaba Music Centre. Even the State of Origin game couldn’t keep invitees away from a night full of live music, short videos, food and great networking opportunities for all those who attended. If you haven’t heard about SURGE, it is a brand new rock event about to hit the Sunshine Coast that involves bands from five local high schools. The theme of the event is ‘young people championing positive mental health through music’, and the aim is to help young aspiring musicians make important connections that will help them find their career pathway in music. Organisers have been amazed by the generosity of talented and accomplished music industry leaders, who despite being very busy, have been willing and excited about investing time into young local rock bands through this event.

Students, parents, teachers and principals from five local state high schools attended the launch ahead of the main show which is happening at the Events Centre on 17 August. During the launch evening, there were opportunities for the bands to meet each other, and for all those in attendance to participate in a special Q&A forum, with a panel made up of special guests from the music industry. These included Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson, university & TAFE reps, a gig manager, and some of the team from Caloundra Music Festival and Mooloolaba Music Centre. Big thanks to Mooloolaba Music for their amazing hospitality and support for SURGE in hosting the launch and offering a prize. Organisers would like to thank local business Glasshouse Guitar Works, the Lions Club of Beerwah, Sunshine Coast Council, Caloundra Music Festival and GC&M News for their support of the event.

Tickets for the event are on sale to the public through the Events Centre website from Monday 25th July or just click on the link below! We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event.

Purchase Tickets Now

Like to know more about SURGE? Simply scan the QR code to go to our website for information and videos.

“Off Beat” Rock Band

Beerwah State High School Rock Band “Off Beat” recently performed at the schools 30th Anniversary celebrations. You can see them live at SURGE High School Rock Spectacular as they compete for the prize of a spot at the Caloundra Music Festival.

Mike Turner
Event Organiser/School Chaplain

Semester 2 Arts Calendar of Events

Supervising teachers will confirm dates and times closer to the event.

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

Future Pathways

During Term 2 our year 10 students engaged in our Work Experience Program which saw them researching careers, business and industries that they are considering as potential pathways. They have been supported by parents and the WEX Team to complete a workbook and around 110 students participated in three days of placement 20 – 22 July. It has been interesting to see the variety of areas our students have chosen to engage in. These have included education, engineering fabrication, fitness, physiotherapy, early childhood, hospitality and retail to name a few.

Molly Taylor participated in an exciting placement with Eric Broad & Associates Vets, in Caboolture. Molly clearly loved her placement and the employer said it was a pleasure to host her and wished her the best in her future.

Mia McLeod had a great time at Beerwah Kindy with Miss Alana and the Kookaburra Group. We hope to be able to share many more photos of our student’s successful placements over the coming weeks.

The WEX Team, led by Deputy Principal Cherie Smith, greatly appreciate the valuable input from businesses, parents and carers in supporting this worthwhile program. Work Experience is a valuable way for students to engage in career exploration and this has directly led into our Career Pathways Expo (Tuesday 26 July) and SET Planning activities.

2022 Career Pathways expo

At the time of this newsletter’s publication our annual Career Pathways Expo event will have been held. Scheduled for Tuesday 26 July and held in our 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 included nearly 40 displays this year including universities, TAFE Qld, training organisations, Australian Apprenticeship Network Providers, Australian Defence Force, Qld Police, our Link & Launch Officer, the National Careers Institute and community career and industry representatives including MTAQ, Gateway Community Services and BOQ. At 4pm Year 10 students and families had the opportunity to attend presentations on the QCE and ATAR or a break away session delivered by disability support agencies.

Again, the support for this event from our extended school community has ensure its continuing success and provides a wealth of information and support for our students.

School based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs)

SATs provide students an opportunity 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.

Congratulations to the following students who have recently secured school-based traineeships/apprenticeships:

Joey Holland, year 12 – offer of Cert III Plumbing apprenticeship with BT Plumbing & Gas
Travis Coombe, year 12 – CII Engineering with Bell Stainless

Certificate Courses and External Study

Certificate II Automotive Vocational Preparation

The start of this valuable program was delayed to Friday 29 July as our trainer, Alex has been overseas. We currently have places left and would highly recommended that VETiS eligible year 11 and 12 students consider enrolling.

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 those considering a trade in this field, but for anyone who has an interest in cars, motorbikes or 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.

Interested VETiS eligible Year 11 and 12 students are welcome to contact me asap for an Enrolment Pack. Details are:

• Delivered on Fridays at BSHS (non timetabled day)
• 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 at 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.

Helen Forrest
Industry & Vocational Training Officer

Upcoming Calendar Events

P and C News

P & C Raffle

Jason Hunt, our State Member has donated a large flat screen to the P & C for us to raffle and raise money. We appreciate Jason’s generous gift!

Tickets will be on sale through the canteen at $5 each or 5 for $20.

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