2025 Term 1 Week 9 Newsletter

Principal’s Report

It is hard to believe that only a few short weeks ago, that in amongst almost 1,600 students, we welcomed 300 slightly nervous new Year 7 students through the gates of Coolum High, as they began their secondary education journey. With the support of our Junior Secondary team, the students have all settled well into their new environment. A huge thank you to Deputy Principal Lisa Fowler and Head of Year 7 Billy Toll for supporting the students during what can sometimes be a little complex.

Our students have excelled in many areas of school during the term and so much has been happening; below is just a small snapshot:

• Our students were hugely successful at the North District Swimming Carnival with a number being selected for the Sunshine Coast Regional Team! Many other students have also been successful in their chosen sport in the past weeks, and have been selected to compete at Regional level.  Congratulations to all of these dedicated and talented students! And thank you to all the parents who have supported their children in these opportunities.
• Students have given scintillating musical performances at parades (check the school’s Facebook page for these incredibly talented students).
• Students have again participated in the House Cup with huge amounts of enthusiasm and great competitive spirit.
• We have welcomed 17 International students who joined 10 students who are continuing their education with us, and loving our beautiful area and everything that it offers.
• The Meet the Teacher evening was a great opportunity for parents to hear important year level information and put faces to teacher’s names. Formal Parent Teacher interviews will be scheduled in Term 2 - details and booking instructions will be emailed to parents closer to the time of the event.
• Year 10 students recently participated in Work Experience Week, offering them a first-hand glimpse into potential career paths, thanks to the generous support of the community. Students had the opportunity to delve into various industries and gain invaluable insights and skills. A number of employers contacted the school to commend the students’ enthusiasm and strong work ethic. This feedback is wonderful to hear, and parents of those students should be very proud of their child. This experience not only helps students explore their interests but also prepares them for the realities of the working world.
• Year 7 and 9 students completed NAPLAN which will provide us with important information to further improve.
• Our Brahminy Kite Rugby League Academy 7/8 Boys team made it through to the Grand Final against Siena Catholic College, and although they didn't come away with the win, they stood up to the test and didn't give up. 
• Our Brahminy Kite Rugby League Academy 9/10 Girls team played in the Annette Brander 9s carnival and won all four of their games. This has set them up for next term's Bush to Beach, and Karen Murphy Cup tournaments.
• Students will participate in Shave for a Cure, on Thursday 3 April, with a number of students shaving their hair to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.
  

With the holidays just around the corner, we wish our students and their families a fun, safe and enjoyable break after a very productive term. We look forward to seeing everyone back at Coolum High on Tuesday 22 April.

Troy Ascott
EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL

Deputy Principal – Year 7

As we reach the end of the first term, there is much to celebrate in the Junior School. Most importantly, we want to highlight the commitment that the vast majority of students have shown toward their education. Attendance rates for Year 7 are currently over 95%, which is the single biggest indicator of success for students. Regular attendance is the easiest way to support student success, as it helps foster confident, happy learners. It also sets students on a path of essential habits for future success, making the completion of assessments much easier.

NAPLAN testing is another reason for celebration. Our students approached these exams with a positive and resilient mindset. This year, Year 7 participation rate in NAPLAN was the highest the school has ever seen. This is a testament to the positive values our community places on education. NAPLAN Literacy and Numeracy results provide an independent record of your child’s progress and offers teachers valuable insights, particularly for our new Year 7 learners. A huge thank you to the families and caregivers who took the time to speak positively to their child about “trying hard”.

School routines have also been aligned with the Coolum Code, and one area that has stood out is the students' commitment to wearing their uniform. This is a great reflection of our family values. Students are responsibly bringing their Yondr pouches every day, keeping their phones securely locked away.

Our inspiring teachers have been explicitly teaching students using a technique called Explicit Direct Instruction, which studies have shown to be one of the most effective pedagogical strategies.

Our amazing senior leaders organised Harmony Day activities for Year 7 students within their home groups, with an Art Competition proving to be very popular, with many Year 7 students entering.

Our next cohort of potential Eumundi State School Year 6 students received a visit from Coolum High, to witness the incredible talent within our school; School Captain, Ben, and vocalist, Starlee, performed Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love.

Excitingly, we have the upcoming Shave for a Cure event, held in Week 10, organised by our Student Council leaders. Volunteer hairdressers will be clipping students' hair (with permission) to raise money online, alongside a sausage sizzle. All funds raised will go directly to children with leukaemia.

We encourage families to donate just a few dollars to this worthy cause on behalf of Coolum State High School, at the link below:

https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/fundraisers/coolumstatehighschool  

Lisa Fowler
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – YEAR 7

Deputy Principal – Years 8 and 9

NAPLAN 2025 - Congratulations Year 7 and Year 9. That's a wrap!

As we are coming to a close with our NAPLAN period for another year, there is much to celebrate with our Year 7 and Year 9 Students. Not only did we have record online participation in our tests every day, each student who participated did so with a cool and calm approach, with the aim to give it their best.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to all the support staff, and families at home who worked behind the scenes to make sure our students had the greatest chance to achieve their best. What a fantastic demonstration of grit and perseverance our Junior Secondary students demonstrated through this time. Well done, all.

School attendance - EVERY DAY COUNTS

As we move through another busy term, and students start to feel a little weary, it's essential to remind ourselves of the significant role school attendance plays in the academic success and overall development of our Year 8 and 9 students.

In Queensland, regular school attendance is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial factor in ensuring that our students can make the most of the learning opportunities available to them.

Each day of learning builds towards academic progress, and when students miss school, they miss vital lessons, discussions, and activities that are designed to enhance their knowledge and skills. The impact of absenteeism can accumulate quickly, and even a few missed days can result in gaps in understanding that are difficult to bridge later on.

We encourage all parents to support their children by prioritising consistent school attendance. Being present at school fosters social development, helps students build strong relationships with their peers, and promotes a sense of responsibility and commitment. These skills are not only important for academic success but are also invaluable for future careers and life skills.

We thank you for your ongoing support in helping our students maintain good attendance. By working together, we can ensure that every Year 8 and 9 student reaches their full potential.

Rebecca McCann
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - YEARS 8 AND 9

Deputy Principal – Years 10 and 11

Years 10 Work Experience

It has been great to hear many of the stories that students have shared following their week of work experience. Coolum State High School is fortunate that so many local and community businesses provide such wonderful opportunities for our students – thank you!

I would also like to thank Mr Winning and Mrs Hickey for the enormous amount of work they have put into organising this opportunity for our students. As you can imagine, it is a very large logistical process to enable more than 250 students to engage in work experience all at once.

Year 10 SET Plan

Year 10 students will continue their focus on positive careers and successful futures as they begin writing their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan in Term 2. 

The SET Plan clearly outlines what pathways students are wanting to follow once they finish Year 10. These pathways could include university study after Year 12, TAFE courses, apprenticeships, traineeships or entering the workforce. 

Individual SET Plan meetings happen with parents, students and staff in mid Term 3.

Year 11 Exam Block

It was pleasing to see our Year 11 students undertake their exam block in a calm, serious and mature manner. This is another important step that puts them in good stead in their preparation for their next exam block in Term 4, with more to come in Year 12!

Year 10 and Year 11 Attendance

As the Deputy Principal who works with Year 10 and 11 students, I am very interested in their attendance at school.  Having excellent attendance means students are in a regular routine and never have the added stress and anxiety of catching up on missed work due to absences.

Our Year 10s and 11s both have a current attendance rate of just over 90% - which is right on our school target for 2025. It is also pleasing to see that an amazing 70 students across these year levels are at 100% - having not missed a single day all term!

Greater attendance every day at school gives students more opportunities to be successful in their learning, and their future destinations. It is up to parents and schools to work together to get young people to school every single day.

Terry Proctor
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – YEARS 10 AND 11

Deputy Principal – Year 12

As we approach the end of Term 1, students should be feeling some relief as they have completed the first round of assessment. However, it can also bring an increased sense of pressure as students work hard to meet their academic goals, prepare for exams, and consider their future paths. The weight of exams, course completion, and the uncertainty of the future can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to remember that help is always available. Students have mentors who are able to be a sounding board for some, and there is always our wonderful Year 12 team, including our Guidance Officer.

Punctuality

I would like to encourage parents/carers to please stress the importance of arriving on time to school. We understand that the Coolum-Peregian areas have had significant growth, and with that an increase in traffic. In knowing this, students may need to leave home earlier to account for delays in order to be on time. If your child has repeat late arrivals, you will receive a phone call or email from the team to see how we can help support you in this.

Midwinter Ball

Since the start of this school year, students and parents have been messaged regarding expectations to qualify for the Midwinter Ball. Students received an initial form which identified areas for improvement. Students will receive an updated form in Week 10 to identify areas which are still not quite met.

These include:

• on track for QCE/graduation,
• no significant behaviour issues/suspensions/reports of dangerous driving,
• attendance at 92% or higher,
• fees paid or payment plan in place.

Information about the Ball will be emailed in Week 1, Term 2.

Please see the last newsletter for key dates for 2025.

Excursions

There are some exciting events taking place in Week 10!

All Year 12 students have the opportunity to attend a HELLO WORLD experience on Wednesday 2 April.

ATAR-eligible students are invited to attend a tour of QUT (as well as any student studying a Certificate III or IV). Non-ATAR students are invited to attend a tour of TAFE Brisbane. All transport to and from the venue is paid for by the school. Consent Forms must be returned by the due date. This is not a day off for students – they need to be in attendance on this day on the excursion, or will be expected at school.

Konomie Island Aquatics Practices (AQP) Camp – students in AQP have the pleasure of visiting one of the most beautiful places in the world. We know Ms Dennien, Mr Edwards, Mr Hamilton and Mr Olsen have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen. We know students will represent the school in a way that shows our values of care, respect and excellence, and they will also learn a few things along the way. We wish you safe travels.

KEY DATES FOR 2025

Please mark the following key dates in your calendar. There will be more detailed information communicated with students and families closer to each event.

Wednesday 2 April

Hello World Excursions

Thursday 12 June

Midwinter Ball

Red Carpet Arrival at Coolum State High School, then students are transported to the Maroochy RSL.

There are set criteria** (stated above) in order for students to be eligible to attend.

Monday 8 September - Tuesday 16 September

Trial Exams

Attendance is expected for all scheduled exams and VET catch up sessions.                    

Wednesday 17 September

Celebration of Excellence event

Coolum State School Hall

Friday 17 October

Hawaiian Celebration Day

Monday 20 October - Friday 24 October

Swotvac Week

Student attendance not expected unless attending for study/finalisation of assessment/Certificates. 

Monday 27 October - Monday 17 November

External Exams

Students must attend all scheduled exams. All absences must be documented with medical documentation using an official QCAA Medical form. There are NO re-sits for any missed assessment.

Tuesday 18 November

Cap and Gown Graduation Ceremony

Coolum State School Hall

Thursday 20 November

Guard of Honour Ceremony

Coolum State High School

Friday 21 November

Final 'official' calendar day for Year 12 students

Attendance not expected.

If you would like further information or would like to contact a member of the Year 12 Team, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Emma Curnow
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SENIOR SECONDARY YEAR 12

Business Manager

Student Resource Scheme

Statement of Accounts

This year the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) is $315 and all families have now received the invoice that is due by the end of Term 1, 2025.

The SRS is a user-charging scheme operated by schools to provide parents access to individual student resources not funded by the government. Schools develop their SRS based on specific resources needed by their students and the programs they offer. The SRS fees and inclusions are endorsed annually by the school’s Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C), and parents are provided with this information each year. Participation in the SRS is optional. Parents who opt out of the SRS are responsible for supplying the necessary resources for their child. This information is available on the school website.

Subject Fees

All subject fees have also been invoiced for students' subject selections, and payment is due by Friday 4 April.

Please be advised that if you wish your child to remain in their fee-paying subjects all invoices are required to be paid by no later than the due date, or a payment plan in place. Failure to make payment may result in your child being removed from these subjects.

Academy Programs

Academy programs are off to a great start for 2025. It’s been great to see them training / playing throughout the week.

Please ensure that payment to participate is made by the due date on the invoice for your child to remain in the academy program of their choice.

Please note payment plans are not available for Academy Programs.

QParents

Coolum State High School is encouraging all parents to register and actively use QParents.

On Fridays an invitation is sent to your email address. Simply follow the 9-step process on the registration flyer to gain access.

The app has the ability for you to see all your student information in one place. Later in the year, QParents will be used to gain parent consent for activities that your child may want to participate in. It is a simple way of giving consent by the due date, in the same app that payment for the activity can be made, without the need for a paper signature that has to make its way back to the office.

To keep up-to-date with invoices and payments, we also recommend that you register for a QParents account, if you have not already done so. QParents is a secure online parent portal where you may access your child’s student information and stay connected to our school. The QParents web and mobile app provides a more convenient way for parents to interact with the school.  

Following registration, parents can access: 

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Academic report cards
• Class timetables
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history and making payments online
• Viewing and updating personal student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details

Should you require any assistance when registering for QParents, please do not hesitate to email admin@coolumshs.eq.edu.au or visit https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/help

Positions Vacant

Schools across the Sunshine Coast are always in need of ancillary staff.  In particular at Coolum SHS, we would like to increase our relief list for cleaners.

If you are available either 5.00am - 8.00am and/or 2.30pm - 5.30pm, and are able to obtain a Blue Card (working with children), please contact me on 07 5471 5333. 

FACILITY WORKS

With the school holidays coming up, it is always a perfect time for contractors to be onsite making improvements to our school. Some of the works that are scheduled for the Easter break are:

• Science block IT improvements (projectors, cabling)
• Roof repairs to both Home Economics and Manual Arts
• Invisible infrastructure works
• Concrete gurney
• Painting of toilets
• Fence repairs
• Garden rejuvenation
• AFL will start the installation of their changerooms

Thank you for your support of our great school.

Sharyn O'Brien
BUSINESS MANAGER

Library News

2025 Readers Cup Competition

Calling all Coolum High readers!

We are looking for teams to enter in the 2025 Readers Cup competitions, so grab your friends and come and see Ms Robertson or Fiona in the Library. Books to be read for the competition were announced on Monday 24 March. Registrations close Tuesday 1 April 2025. 

2025 IEU & ETAQ Literary Competition

Not to leave out our talented writers, the 2025 IEU & ETAQ Literary competition is now open. Submit your poetry, short story, or non-fiction prose. Prices up to $300 are to be won! Entries are due Friday 13 June 2025.

For more information, and entry details, go to https://ieuqnt.org.au/competitions/.

Finally, with holidays on the horizon make sure you have stocked up on your holiday reading - students can borrow over the holidays!

Get reading!

Ms Kerstin Robertson
LIBRARY TEACHER

Movie Music Night

Families are encouraged to attend Coolum High's annual Movie Music Night.

Our Instrumental Music team have been very busy preparing a wonderful night of performances. 

This is an evening not to be missed! 

Ms Tara Gundry
CREATIVE ARTS HOD

International Student Program

Homestay Families for International Students

We welcome new host families into the Homestay Program on a regular basis. There are opportunities for short-term stays and long-term stays (3 - 12 months, or longer). Our host families accommodate our students in a safe, welcoming and friendly home situation that supports their personal and educational needs and in return, our International Students are expected to show host families respect, courtesy and consideration. Many of our host families form long-lasting friendships with students and their families all over the world. 

Host families in 2025 will receive $369 per week per student, to cover costs incurred in hosting. Diversity in our program is welcome - grandparents/retirees, families, singles or couples with or without kids are all invited to apply.

If you would like more information or have interested friends or family, please do not hesitate to contact Ruth Walsh on 07 5471 5305 or 0418 185 809, or email international@coolumshs.eq.edu.au.

Ruth Walsh
INTERNATIONAL HOMESTAY COORDINATOR

NextStep Survey

The NextStep Survey is now open!

Do you want to go in the draw to win a MacBook Air? It is an simple as completing the NextStep survey.

Each year, the Department of Education contacts graduates to find out what ‘Year 13’ looks like for them. Collecting this information allows schools to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

What is even better is that graduates that complete the survey go into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

If your graduate student receives an invitation by mail, email or phone, the Senior Team is asking that you encourage them to complete the survey. We are very grateful for your input to this survey so that we can help other students as they move from secondary education onto other pathways.

Dates for your diary: Term 2, 2025

Coolum SHS's Good News

Coolum High uses Instagram as another communication platform, alongside Facebook, newsletters, and school emails, to share good news stories and important information.

Account name: coolumstatehighschool 

If you're an Instagram user, please follow our page, and like and share our posts. We love sharing all the wonderful things happening here at Coolum State High School. 

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