28 March 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

It’s been a hectic first term here at Coolum State High School, with the holidays a welcome break for our students, staff and their families where we can all replenish our energy supplies for what will be an even bigger one in Term Two. For working parents however, the holidays can sometimes be a busier time than usual as they juggle care, social activities and a far greater grocery bill, (why do children eat so much more on holidays?) though the four day Easter break provides a small chunk of time ‘off’ for most families.

Family units come in all shapes and sizes, but their importance is the same. They are a child’s leading example or model of how the world works, their main support network and where they learn care, respect and how to conduct themselves in relationships with others. As children become adolescents and begin to place more importance on their peers and others, it is even more crucial to spend time together as a family. The Easter break provides a great opportunity to do so and is beneficial in reconnecting with children and building on relationships which are at times tested amongst the busyness of school, work and everything else. Whether it’s camping (great for getting some screen-free time with your child), time away, or just a few days at the beach with your family unit, this really is a golden opportunity to strengthen those bonds. I hope each and every Coolum SHS family manages to get some quality relaxation time in over the holidays.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank every student, parent and staff member of Coolum State High School. This term has not only been incredibly busy, it has also heralded genuinely positive changes in the way we see ourselves as a schooling community and how we are seen. This transformation has been made possible thanks to the Coolum SHS community accepting and supporting adjustments in our expectations, our procedures and our campus; the benefits of which our students are already reaping.

There are endless examples of students succeeding, belonging and feeling pride in being a member of Coolum SHS (just take a look at our Facebook page), from genuinely respectful participation in the National Day of Action Against Bullying, to students being selected for representative sports or state academic challenges, to others participating in events like Clean Up Australia Day or negotiating new bike racks for our school. Then there are the less ‘visible’ examples of daily excellence, from students actively engaged in lessons, rising to high expectations of dress and behaviour and a greater understanding of what it is to have care and respect for each other.

In the relentless pursuit of excellence, Coolum State High School has begun to show its true colours as a place where the potential of our students is unlimited. Our incredible transformation this term is evidence to the rest of the Sunshine Coast that we are serious in becoming a school and a student body to be reckoned with.

Have a well-deserved break and I look forward to seeing those bright faces again in Term Two!

Troy Ascott
Principal

Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary

Our Vision: That students have the confidence, desire and belief to succeed through strong foundations in literacy and numeracy.

Literacy and Numeracy

Our Year 7 and 9 students have been practicing the test arrangements and conditions in preparation for the nationwide tests over 15-17 May next term.

This has been an important process as our classes and testing arrangements are run a bit differently to what students may have experienced in primary school.

As always, we are encouraging all students to believe in their ability and put in their best effort when doing NAPLAN.

Year 7 and 8 Attendance

As the Deputy Principal who works with Year 7 and 8 students, I am very interested in their attendance. These students have had a great start to the year and I am looking forward to seeing their report card results. What I can report is that their attendance has been very good. Year 7 attendance has been 93.3% and Year 8 has been 92.1% for Term 1. What is also fantastic is that we have 60 Year 7 students and 28 Year 8 students on 100% attendance after the first 10 weeks of the year. This has been very encouraging and I am looking forward to seeing even better overall attendance next term.

Greater attendance every day at school gives students more opportunities to be successful in their learning, and their future destinations.

School Resumes Tuesday 17 April

I look forward to seeing everyone back and ready for an exciting Term 2 when school resumes after the Easter break. The first day of Term 2 is Tuesday 17 April.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal - Middle Secondary

Welcome to the end of term. For many of our students the Easter holiday brings a respite from the hard work they have committed to all term. Congratulations to all of our students for their dedication to their studies throughout the first 10 weeks of the school year.

On this occasion, I would particularly like to congratulate the students who were awarded on assembly this week for their commitment to the school's motto of Care, Respect and Excellence. The following students were recognised by their Head of Year for the way they contribute every day to a positive and safe school environment:

Year 7 - Jye Francey
Year 8 - Paige Blackwell
Year 9 - Summer Waring
Year 10 - Jessica Thompson
Year 11 - Keeley Duggan
Year 12 - Lily Heinrich

I would also like to congratulate the 220 students who achieved 100% attendance this term. These students will be rewarded by the Student Services Hub for their excellent attendance. Well done students. Enjoy your well-earned break and I look forward to seeing you after the holidays.

Wendy McDermott
Acting Deputy Principal Middle Secondary

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary

With the end of term approaching rapidly, it is important that students attend school each and every day as there are still significant events for senior students right up to, and including, the last day of term. Our OP students completed a practice QCS test on Monday and Tuesday, and all senior students were out today either visiting the University of Queensland in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast TAFE campuses in Nambour and Mooloolaba.

Report cards are currently going through a checking process and will be emailed home on Thursday afternoon. If you wish to receive a hard copy of the report you may contact the Administration Office, or for those on QParents, simply print the report card from there. Parent Teacher Interviews will be occurring on Tuesday 1 May from 3:30pm to 6:30pm in the Smart Futures Centre. Detailed information will be emailed to parents.

We will be encouraging all students with a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to bring them to school at the beginning of next term 2, as we complete a student audit. As we intensify our focus on the BYOD, we will be looking for opportunities to increase the use of the digital pedagogies in the classroom. BYOD and digital pedagogies will continue to be a priority at Coolum SHS and we will be looking for innovative ways to increase student’ engagement using digital platforms.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter break.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

Thank you to the families that have returned the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) form for 2018. If you have not received a form please visit the school website at the link below to download one and return as soon as possible.

The cost of the SRS fee equates to $7.50 a week, less than 2 cups of coffee. By joining the Scheme, your student will have access to essential resources for their education.

To ensure that senior students do not miss out on various upcoming events, all fees must be paid.

Nolly Griffiths
Business Manager

Mathematics

Changes to how we assess Mathematics across Years 7-10 are occurring this year as part of our Senior Schooling Preparation Plan as these students move into the new senior mathematics subjects being offered from 2019 onwards. These subjects have a jump in rigour as well as coming into line with other States which implement external exams (for maths, these contribute to 50% of students’ overall grades).

While exams still remain traditional, the addition of ‘technology free’ sections will increase as the year goes on. The biggest change is the addition of Modelling and Problem Solving Tasks (MPSTs) as replacements for traditional assignments. These new tasks are more open-ended and students may take them as far as they like in terms of exploring and complexity. This is a step forward for us in terms of opportunities which will extend all students.

Unlike exams, there is a move towards including more technology into MPSTs and students who have a BYOD can make increasing use of programs (eg spreadsheeting, graphing, media), as well as use research to refine or affirm their findings/results. Adding this with new resources such as OneNote now available to EQ schools in the cloud, teachers will be increasingly maximising learning and revision opportunities for students who have access to digital resources.

Our subscription to IXL has been discontinued and replaced with MyMaths. Students in Years 7-9 now have access to MyMaths digital resources which support learning beyond the textbook (videos, animations, revision sheets, quizzes, etc). During Term 2, an informal night will be scheduled when parents can bring along their child’s BYOD and interact with the site. Detailed information regarding this will follow in due course. All Year 7, 8 & 9 students can access their MyMaths digital account via the link below. All student passwords are originally set as ‘Oxford123’ (without the apostrophes). If your child wishes to change their password, they will need to follow the instructions on the site to reset it. Students’ usernames are the same as they use on school computers.

Last Friday and Saturday, I attended the Numerate Futures Summit held on the Sunshine Coast. Keynote speakers included Margaret Bigelow (Manager of the implementation of the Australian Curriculum Maths) and Adam Spencer (author, comedian and self-confessed Maths geek). It was reassuring to hear that we are on the same path which has led to the creation of some the highest performing schools across Australia. This is due to focussing on understanding, fluency, problem solving and reasoning, placing a greater emphasis on open-ended learning experiences and, through numeracy diagnostics, the identification and explicit teaching of deficiencies. I also had the opportunity to experience some of the new digital resources which are becoming available to Queensland State Schools, and look forward to having these up and running for our senior students in 2019.

Did you know?

The Menger sponge is a 3D fractal. Its properties result in its volume becoming infinitely small as its size and surface area grow infinitely large.

Dean Hose
Head of Department – Mathematics

Science

I hope this newsletter reaches you all well. This week, I would like to focus on your student’s Science results for Term 1 and what we (ie students/parents/teachers) can do to improve in the academic area.

You will shortly receive your student’s Term 1 report which will indicate their progressive result after one or two assessment tasks. Please note this result is an indicator only; students will receive a definitive mark at the end of the year.

How can we work together to improve outcomes for our Students?

1. Have positive open communication with their teacher, know how they are going before problems starts. Email is good. Communication is the key!
2. Give and seek specific feedback on your child’s progress – especially the reasons behind any unexpected results. Contact the teacher.
3. Place the assessment calendar on the fridge and know when assessment is on, give positive guidance to your student and seek clarification from the teacher. Be involved in your child’s assessment, ie read the draft, help them with revision. Have high expectations. Praise good effort.
4. Come to Parent Teacher Interviews to discuss how your child can improve through real feedback.
5. Ask them what they did at school today. I give my students random facts and little experiments they can do at home.
6. Your child can attend afterschool Tutorials on a Wednesday afternoon, or seek out their teacher at breaks or before school for clarification of the work.

The above is only a brief summary of working together. However the key is ‘working together’ as every teacher I have ever worked with only wants the best for the students.

I hope everyone has a great Easter break.

Any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at school on 54715333 or by email at polse3@eq.edu.au.

Does the shirt say/mean:

1. Fe Man
2. Female Man
3. Iron Man
4. Chemistry Man

Year 7 Discovery Day at School

While half the students in 7E and 7F were at the USC Science Discovery Day, the rest of the students participated in two Discovery tasks at school.

The first task was building a bridge to span 25cm, with the centre of the bridge required to be 12cm from the ground. The students tackled the task v enthusiastically, coming up with innovative designs and working very well in groups of three.

The second task was to build a simple electric circuit with a switch and a light. After building the circuit and making sure it worked, the students investigated morse code (which is still used in quite a few situations today). They created a simple question, turned it into morse code, then sent it to another group who had to decipher it.

It was an enjoyable, learning experience.

Barry Butler
Year 7 STEM Teacher

Year 7 STEM Challenge/Excursion

On Friday 16 March, 21 Year 7 STEM students ventured off to the University of the Sunshine Coast on our new school bus. We took part in the Science and Engineering challenge versing 8 other schools from around the coast.

Some of the student’s favourite activities included watching the popular Explosive Expedition, Electrocity, Helter Skelter Shelter and Make A Bionic Hand. These activities got all of the students thinking creatively and even though our school didn’t win the challenge, we all had a fantastic time.

Thanks to Mr Dwyer and Mrs Condon for your organisation of the fantastic day.

Odette Williams and Claudia Frost
Year 7 Students

Paul Olsen
Head of Department - Science

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Year 12 “Hello World Day”

Year 12 vocational pathway students have attended an exciting career planning day today. These students have attended the TAFE East Coast, Nambour and Mooloolaba campuses, to explore future training career pathway options.

Year 10 Work Experience

In Week 5 of Term 2, the Year 10 students will be participating in work experience. This is an invaluable opportunity for the students to link to the world of work, and to gain insight into a specific industry. Work experience can be the start of one’s career pathway and it is important to try to source a placement which matches your career interests. Please return all forms as soon as possible to your home group teacher so that we can process your work experience placement.

Industry Reference Group

At our recent Industry Reference Group Dinner we were fortunate to meet with industry representatives to discuss ways employers and organisations can contribute to the learning opportunities for our students. It was very exciting to hear the enthusiasm from key stakeholders who are interested in sharing their knowledge and expertise with our students. Guest speaker Mr Jimmi Bradbury, Business Mentor at the Innovation Centre, Sunshine Coast, was inspiring and opened our minds regarding future careers for our students. Congratulations to the Hospitality Department for the lovely dinner created and served by the students.

Transition Officer

Ms Meera Miller is the recently appointed Transition Officer. Meera offers experience and knowledge from her teaching, training and career development background. She has already been meeting with the students to hear their interest in School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs) and other post-school options. Meera is looking forward to assisting with the continued creation of student interaction with the world of work. Meera can be contacted on mmill173@eq.edu.au.

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeship Opportunities (SATs)

Under a SAT arrangement, a senior school student is released from school time to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship in their chosen field. Current opportunities are shown below:

Current Vacancies

SIT301616 Certificate III Hospitality – Jamaica Blue, Noosa Civic
SIT301616 Certificate III Hospitality - Bao Down Restaurant, Mount Coolum
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Goodness Gracious Café, Yandina
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Aromas, Noosa
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Gloria Jeans, Tewantin
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality - Pitchfork Restaurant, Peregian
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality - Pizza Capers, Noosa Junction
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality - Sumo Salad, Maroochydore

Certificate III Manufactured Mineral Products

There are job opportunities for people seeking to gain a Certificate III Manufactured Mineral Products qualification.

A Certificate III Manufactured Mineral Products covers the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of advanced operations within the manufactured mineral products industries.

The qualification provides the skills and knowledge relevant to the following sectors:

• cement production
• precast concrete
• pre-mixed concrete
• asphalt production
• ground minerals

By completing this qualification, you will have a good understanding of quality control, problem solving and maintaining consistent product output.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

BSB20115 Certificate II Business – ANZ Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore

Uniting Care, various locations – Qualifications available in Business Administration, Community Services, Customer Service, Health Services, Food Services and Individual Support (Aged Care, Disabilities and Home and Community Care) fields.

Casual Employment Available

Retail Assistant- Ben and Jerry’s, Hastings Street, Noosa

Visit the website and complete the online application to apply.

Please contact me at pwald9@eq.edu.au or 5471 5333, to discuss matters relating to Vocational Education and Training within the school.

Patrick Walden
Head of Department - Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Touch Football Program

During Term 1 students at Coolum State High School have had the opportunity to participate in a range of Touch Football activities. This has sometimes been quite challenging due to the frequent inclement weather which we have been subjected to this term. Students have been involved in the sport through a number of activities. These include:

Touch Academy

In preparation for future competitions, each Monday and Wednesday from 3:00pm to 4:15pm, 20 students across Years 7 to 10 have been training hard and developing a range of touch skills that can be seen through their clearly enhanced skill and ability level.

Under 12s Coolum SHS

On Tuesday afternoons, Mr Eric Smyth has been supporting a team of 12 year old boys in the Coolum Junior Touch Competition. With only one loss this season to a team of 14 year olds, they head into the Finals next week. Good Luck Boys!

Mini Kites

With great support from the Coolum Touch Association, the Mini Kites are competing against adults in the Coolum Mixed Touch Competition on Thursday nights. Twelve students, aged 13 & 14, from the academy program, have played two games due to the weather. Before their first game the students were full of anticipation and not quite sure what to expect. However, with a mighty 8-4 win as an introduction into the competition, and a close 4-5 loss in their second game, they are definitely the talk of the town in the Pool B draw. They will be tough competition for teams as the season continues.

Open Mixed Coolum SHS

Also in the Thursday night Coolum Mixed Touch Competition, a group of Year 10-12 students are competing in Pool A. These students are supported by Robbie Koch and are finding their way in a red-hot competition.

A special mention to two of these players, Corey Stevens and Casey West who referee games during the additional three time slots.

North District Touch Representatives (13-19)

Rubin Smyth and Johanna Behrens represented Coolum SHS as members of their respective North District Touch Teams in late February, as they competed for selection in the Sunshine Coast Regional Team. Both students played well throughout the games, but unfortunately, missed out on selection.

Noosa District Touch Representatives (10-12)

Congratulations to Henry Smyth and Mason Lester who, on Monday 19 March were both selected into the Noosa District Touch Team. Good Luck to both boys as they trial for selection into the Regional Team in late May.

Rubin, Henry and Mason

Future Touch Competitions:

• Junior Touch Competition: Weekly – Coolum or Noosa
• July 28 & 29: Sunshine Coast All Schools Touch Competition – Glasshouse Mountains
• October 4 – 9: State All Schools Competition - Brisbane

If your child is interested in becoming a member of the Coolum State High School Touch Academy Program, the Term 2 Intake will close on Monday 30th April. Additionally, if they are interested in representing the school in the upcoming competitions please contact Courtney Goodacre at cgood106@eq.edu.au.

Wind Symphony News

Recently our Wind Symphony was very fortunate to have a visit from Yamaha Music Australia’s Education Outreach Clinician Dr Rob McWilliams. Dr McWilliams has completed Masters and Doctorate degrees in Instrumental Music Education and conducting, and since his appointment to Yamaha in 2016, has visited hundreds of schools and worked with thousands of musicians and aspiring students.

While at our school, Dr McWilliams observed our rehearsal, worked with the students and provided plenty of invaluable feedback on how we can achieve our goals and improve our performance.

Dr McWilliams commended our students on their hard work, good manners and friendly natures, great listening skills and comradery as a team. We can look forward to further visits with Dr McWilliams as we continue to work on our musicianship and technical skills.

Percussion Instruments

Our Wind Symphony percussion students are very lucky to be able to play on instruments of the highest quality thanks to a loan of the North Coast Region Percussion Equipment. Tubular Bells, a Rosewood four octave xylophone and a concert glockenspiel will be ours until the end of Term 2 as we prepare for Fanfare, the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod and the Victorian Schools Music Festival.

Sharelle Guest
Instrumental Music Teacher

Art News

The Year 10 students have been busy drawing and sculpting celebrities this term. They have concentrated on the tonal qualities of the monochromatic representations. The work is on display in the Gallery Performing Art Building during Term 2

Lynda Kryger
Art Teacher

World Down Syndrome Day

Thank you to all the staff and students who participated in World Down Syndrome Day on Wednesday 21 March. It was great to see an array of crazy and lots of socks worn on the day. World Down Syndrome Day has been officially recognised by the United Nations since 2012. On this day, people all around the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down Syndrome, creating a global voice, advocating for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down Syndrome. The aim on this day was to provide students with a better understanding of what Down Syndrome is, and to further our awareness that there are similarities and differences between us all. Congratulations to Cleo Parkinson, Year 9 student, who won the prize for wearing the craziest and most innovative socks. Coolum State High School showed up once again, displaying Care, Respect and Excellence.

Angeleen Managh
Teacher

Staff in Focus

Bec Sayers, School Based Youth Health Nurse (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)

As a School Based Youth Health Nurse I am employed by QLD Health to work in high schools. I have been nursing for 30 years and specialised working in paediatrics and young people. I have been at Coolum High since 2005 supporting young people, parents and school staff on issues that affect health and wellbeing.

This includes providing health information and connecting people with other support services; working with the school to create a supportive, healthy school environment and helping with teaching and learning activities or health related curriculum.

Sara Moore, Indigenous Support Officer (Tuesday & Wednesday)

I am a proud Koori woman from Urunga, NSW. I have a passion for supporting our students with their school journey and goals. I hold a Diploma of Counselling, Diploma in Youth Work and 2 certificates in Indigenous Leadership. I have lived on the Sunshine Coast since 2001. I have worked with local Indigenous organisations. I have been honoured to share some of the knowledge of the local Gubbi Gubbi Kabi Kabi people. I look forward to meeting you at our Family Gathering event, 18 April, 3.30pm. This will be a chance to connect and to strengthen our relationships with you in a cultural Indigenous setting.

Terri Shine, International Student Homestay Coordinator

My role is the International Student Homestay Coordinator. My key role is to manage the Homestay Program and support the students with their overall well-being during their study program.

I moved from Ipswich to the Sunshine Coast in 1999 and can’t imagine a better place to live. I started at Coolum SHS in July 2014 and have enjoyed meeting students from a diverse range of nationalities. The Coolum community is a pleasure to work in and I have met many wonderful school staff members, host families, representatives from local businesses and community groups.

Travelling and exploring other countries’ cultures is what I find most interesting. There is no better satisfaction than seeing what brings smiles to the faces of the international students and host families as well as first-hand the positive cultural exchanges that take place.