16 September 2022

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Community

Thank you to our wonderful staff

Our staff are so important to the success of our school which ultimately results in success for all of our students. We have committed and loyal staff who we very much appreciate. In the last few weeks, we have been able to spend the time acknowledging our appreciation for our Cleaners, Teacher Aides and our Support Staff.

I have been encouraging our students as well to show their appreciation by saying thank you to our staff whenever they get the chance. I would ask that our parents and community also take this opportunity to say thank you. Let’s continue to build upon our culture of genuine appreciation for everyone in our school community.

Working with Youth

It is our genuine privilege and passion to work with teenagers. It can be rewarding and inspiring and at times can also be completely exhausting, but every day they make us smile. We all know that teenagers’ brains are undergoing various stages of development and given this, coupled with personal or home situations, may result in some of our teens making decisions or behaving in a socially unacceptable way. Sure, they all make mistakes, who doesn’t. Some of them may repeat these mistakes over and over. I would ask and I thank our community for their support. We are a team working with our community to guide our youth to become positive members of society. Take the opportunity to check in with our teens and you will see we have an amazing group of students here at Beerwah SHS who I am proud of and am privileged to work with. Look past some behaviours and see if you can offer a helping hand. I know some members of our community like to comment in social media forums about ‘the youth of today’ and I would invite them to join us in our goals and work with us for everyone’s benefit. Having said that we must take a range of actions in responding to students’ behaviours. This can range from detentions, community service, days in REBOOT, external suspension and in some cases permanent exclusion. We have had to permanently exclude some students this year. It isn’t a decision to take lightly and we are required to follow EQ guidelines. Thank you to our community who show us support. When you see our teens out and about in the community and they are behaving wonderfully, we love to hear about these stories. Likewise, if you see our teens out and about and they are being socially unacceptable, please let us know. I want our school to be positively represented in the community and I would encourage you to communicate directly with me either via principal@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au or ring the office 5436 5333 if you have any concerns.

Surge Success

Without a doubt the Surge Spectacular will go down as one of my highlights this year. It was a brilliant event! The outcomes for student’s creativity, connections and confidence were clear for all to see on Wednesday night. Congratulations to staff and students involved. Beerwah Team work was again at an exemplary standard. Shout out to OFF BEAT for their success. I loved every minute.

Choreography Success

Speaking of Success, BDC recently held their Choreography Night which was a fantastic night of fun. The informal dance night had students from all year levels performing dances that they had created in singles, pairs and groups. Many past students attended to perform, which was a highlight and showed the amazing connections that Jess continues to maintain with students who then provide wonderful role models and inspiration to up and coming dancers. Congratulations to staff and students, it was a wonderful night’s entertainment.

We love receiving Positive emails – here is a just a few

Good luck to our students participating in basketball and other sporting competitions that are ongoing and also good luck for end of term exams. I am very much looking forward to celebrating with the Year 12 students at the formal. So much going on and so much success for all. All the best to everyone for the school holidays.

Kind regards, take care and stay safe.

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

Academic & Cultural Cup 2022

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

On Monday 22nd August, Beerwah High celebrated its eighth annual Academic & Cultural Cup. After spending two years in a world of sterile electronic delivery, the ceremony made a triumphant return to the live stage, with Mr Willy Wonka in tow as a guest compere, along with a river of chocolate that was raffled at the end of the ceremony. Teachers and students were entertained by an array of talent which included performances by the multi-award-winning BSHS Dance Company, an engaging performance by Beerwah Actors’ Collective, grooving tunes by Beerwah High Concert Band and Beerwah High Stage Band, and an electric rock performance by resident student band ‘Off beat’.

Congratulations to Team Tunbubudla, who have made their way to the top of the Academic & Cultural Cup for an amazing fifth time. Their proud maroon mortarboard once again rests atop the beautiful Academic & Cultural Champions’ trophy, and will remain there for the next twelve months.

With several tied categories this year; fifteen male and female year level champions added their names to the BSHS Scholastic Almanac. The beautiful leather-bound book of parchment paper was signed by our champions, adding to the history of age champions past held within its pages. Our 2022 champions were extremely surprised by the generous prizes and medallions they received thanks to the incredible support of local businesses. A massive thank you to Vianta Espresso & Bar, Baan Thai, Aussie World, Blast Aqua Park Coolum, Australia Zoo, Beerwah Flowers & Gifts, Spinners Bar & Bowl Caloundra, Laserzone Kawana, The Coffee Club, Beerwah Newsagency, and the Beerwah State High School P & C Association for their continued support.

2022 Age Champions - Danielle, Keeley, & Kai Ukkola (Year 7), Ellie Jennings, Mahalia, Charlotte Young & Tighe (Year 8), Amelia Claes & Benjamin Henninger (Year 9), Macey Searle & Anthony Sabater (Year 10), Lily Byford & Riley Ferguson (Year 11) and Ella Eade & Ethan Ross (Year 12)

Digital Technologies Update

Head of Department Update – Digital Technologies and Humanities
BYOD and Laptop Hire

Thank you to our parents and carers who ensure that students are bringing a device every day to school to support their learning in our 21st Century classrooms. Students need to bring a fully charged device every day and will be provided with opportunities to use this in all subject areas.

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 from the link below.

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

Onboarding Support

Students are encouraged to on-board their own devices at home by following the instructions available on our website. Alternatively, Mr Woolner, our Technical Officer 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.

Thank you Mr Woolner – Support Staff Recognition Week

As part of Support Staff Recognition Week, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr Woolner our Technical Officer who does an outstanding job keeping our network, systems and all aspects of our IT functional across the school. Mr Woolner is very solutions focussed and works with staff and students daily to support their connectivity. Nothing is too much trouble. Thanks for all that you do for everyone at Beerwah every day, we appreciate you.

What’s happening in Digital Technologies & Humanities classrooms?

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

Our senior classes are working on Unit 2 for Year 11 and Unit 4 assessment for Year 12 with external assessment preparation or working towards competency completion in our VET (Vocational Education and Training) (Vocational Education and Training) 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

Arts Update plus Surge

Year 12 Drama working as a team to create dramatic action: “Antigone”

Recently, the Year 12 Drama class completed their final piece of practical assessment performing a contemporary re-imagining of the Sophocles classic, “Antigone”. Drawing on various ideas from their directorial visions, they performed as an ensemble using conventions of physical and cinematic theatre. Themes included ‘the curse of guilt as a sickness’, ‘Antigone as feminist hero’ and ‘power loves a void’ to tell the tragic story which still has relevance today.

SURGE HIGH SCHOOL ROCK SPECTACULAR!!

Congratulations to all students and staff involved in the recent Regional Music Competition, SURGE High School Rock Spectacular! Organised by Beerwah State High School staff, SURGE was a chance to bring likeminded teenagers together from five Sunshine Coast high schools to celebrate life through rock music! Beerwah State High School’s resident rock band, “Offbeat”, opened the show embracing a heavy rock style with gusto that secured the Best Guitarist Award for “Offbeat” guitarist, Year 12 student Rhori. The evening at the Caloundra Event Centre was an enormous success with outstanding professional performances from all students.

AMAZING DANCE RESULTS

GOLD COAST EISTEDDFOD

We couldn't be any prouder of our Senior Dance Company students who competed at Gold Coast Eisteddfod on Saturday 27th August. The students were awarded the following places:

• Breaking Ice
• Play (Barbie)
• Outta My Mind
• Burning
• Stupid Love
• No Way
• VHC: Pandora
• HC: Hold My Hand

CONGRATULATIONS! We would also like to thank the amazing parents who came to assist and support our kids backstage. We are forever grateful. Thank you!

UPCOMING COMPETITIONS

We have two more competitions left for this year; Dance X Competition, 11th September at NightQuarter and Get The Beat Finals in the September Holidays.

Once you’re on the page, view the program and find Beerwah State High School and select your tickets for those sessions. Come and see the kids in action up against schools from Brisbane and Sunshine Coast. You will not be disappointed.

DANCE NIGHT UPDATE

Our Friday and Sunday shows have SOLD OUT! Thank you! We are so grateful for all the support. If you would like to see all of our dance kids perform, there are limited seats available for our Thursday show (13th October) so DON’T MISS OUT!

Purchase your tickets through the QKR! App and select your seats at the Resource Centre. Get in quick!

Year 11 Legal Studies

This term the Year 11 Legal Studies class had the opportunity to sit in on a number of court cases in both the Brisbane Supreme and District courts. Students met with a court officer who provided a mock court session with students in the roles of prosecution, defence, witness and judge.

The students observed a sentencing and gained a valuable understanding of how a defendant’s previous history and personal characteristics play heavily into a judge’s deliberations when determining the most appropriate consequence.

Students also had the rare opportunity of observing a defendant undertake their own legal defence. This provided valuable discussion on a wide range of human rights issues.

Some of the Year 11 Legal Studies class outside Court 37

Outside the courts L-R – Annalise Smith, Mrs Ballard, Logan McGurk, Billie Collinson, Taya Dickens, Hailee Morgan, Sarah Byford, Jade Clayton, Bella Holman, Tyla Patterson, Stella Pullham, Indiana Nuttall, Paige Simpson, Raisa Cabahug, Lily Rathke, Kailee Simpson.

Inside the Education Room at the Supreme Court.

L-R Stella Pullham, Kailee Simpson, Annalise Smith, Paige Simpson, Lily Rathke, Raisa Cabahug, Indiana Nuttall, Tyla Patterson, Bella Holman.

Future Pathways 2022

Year 10 SET Planning

The second half of Term 3 has continued to be a busy time for staff and students. Year 10s have participated in SET Planning interviews, making year 11 and 12 subject selections and having important conversations around career pathways.

Students are also able to choose from a number of additional courses and programs to supplement their school subjects. Referred to as “6th subject” options and chosen to support intended pathways, these include:

• A trade course at the Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre
• Health Education unit program at Kawana Waters State College
• Certificate II in Kitchen Operations at Coastal Cookery Trade Training Centre
• Formula Student Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (BSHS, Fridays)
• Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (BSHS, Fridays, proposed)
• Certificate IV in Justice Studies (Unity College, online)
• Distance Education
• TAFE at School programs

Registration and/or enrolment in these programs were due by Friday 9 September however, late applications can be processed in the first weeks of Term 4. Course guides and expressions of interest forms are available from my office.

Note on funding:

Many certificate II level courses are VETiS (Vocational Education in Schools) 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 at school or other programs such as the Trade Training Centre or Kawana Waters Health Program.

CSQ & Year13 Pilot Program

In week 9 we had the opportunity to be involved in the CSQ and Year13 Pilot Program. This has allowed us to review the Construction Academy E-Learning modules which have been co-created to raise awareness and consideration of the industry and career options with students. Once implemented the program will assist our Industrial Design & Technology teachers to further guide students as they learn about opportunities, map their skills and interests to certain areas and find out more about salaries, growth areas and lifestyle. It has been exciting to be a part of the pilot and is another opportunity offered to us as a Gateway Building & Construction school.

CSQ & WorldSkills Try a Trade Day

In our last newsletter, mention was made of the Try a Trade Day held at Nambour TAFE on 16 August. A group of year 11 and 12 students attended accompanied by Mr Forrest. This was a valuable experience with students having the opportunity to engage in some hands-on activities including pipe bending, metal work, carpentry and virtual reality welding. Feedback from students was that they really enjoyed the day. Congratulations to those who attended as they were respectful, mature and fully participated in all activities.

School-based Traineeships and Apprenticeships (SATs)

Here is some information about the top 5 industry areas in the Sunshine Coast and a look at the top 5 areas where school-based trainees and apprentices are employed. This is information has been supplied by North Coast Training, Dept Employment, Small Business & Training.

Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) ©2021. Compiled and presented in economy.id by .id (informed decisions). NIEIR-ID data are adjusted each year, using updated employment estimates. Each release may change previous years’ figures.

SATs provide students an opportunity to:

• Combine training with paid work
• Learn practical workplace skills
• Gain QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) 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!

Though Year 12 students cannot commence new traineeships in their final year, it is possible to commence school-based apprenticeships. Students seeking trade pathways are encouraged to network for opportunities for work experience now.

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 Industry & Vocational Training Officer.

Year 12 opportunities

Over the past few weeks a number of 2023 job vacancies have been advertised to our students. Many large organisations begin their recruitment programs at this time of year. In some cases, students are able to participate in work experience covered by the Department of Education’s agreement as a lead into offers for 2023 apprenticeships.

Week 8 advertisements to Year 12 students included:

Shadforth Civil - Workshop Apprentices Sunshine Coast in heavy diesel fitter, boilermaker, fitter machinist for January 2023 commencement

nbn Co – Customer Field Technician traineeships, Brisbane vacancies for February 2022 commencement.

FLYER: NBN Co Field Services Brochure – FINAL (002)

Best wishes and congratulations to our Year 12s on their Senior Formal.

Helen Forrest
Industry & Vocational Training Officer

From the Resource Centre

Did you know….

• Our school library has access to a range of eBooks that can be accessed by all students and staff on portable devices. See Mrs Mullins or Mrs Dutton in the Resource Centre if you would like to access the eBook library and are not sure how.
• Families and siblings of Beerwah State High Students are welcome to access our collection of fiction, picture books and graphic novels as well as our non-fiction section. Contact one of our library staff through our email resource.centre@beerwahshs.eq.edu.au to organise your loan account, or drop in and see Mrs Barb Mullins or Ms Glenis Dutton between 8am and 3.30pm on school days.

Upcoming Calendar Events

October Calendar.png

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 are on sale through the QKR! App or at 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