9 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

I’ve referred before to a very famous speech by an American Admiral, William H. McRaven, whose advice to a cohort of university graduates for a successful life began with the line, “Start off by making your bed.” It seems like quite indiscriminate advice, especially to any parent who has given this direct instruction to their adolescent repetitively throughout any given week. However, the message behind the suggestion is excellent: by completing these seemingly unimportant tasks, we are poised, ready for the significant and important ones.

At Coolum State High School, our students have been set high expectations on tasks which are certainly not trivial, but must be completed every day. They are expected to be in their correct and full uniform, a task they have risen to magnificently this year, so that Coolum students feel a sense of pride and belonging to their school. Our students are expected to attend every school day and every lesson, our data shows this is steadily improving, in an effort to develop strong routines and educational consistency which will increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning at Coolum SHS. Students are also expected to do their absolute best in every lesson in terms of their conduct and effort, a task which clearly benefits every aspect of their education and development as a caring and respectful global citizen. With NAPLAN upon us next week, it is doing these ‘small’ things which will increase our ability to do the ‘big’ things well.

The NAPLAN tests will be held on Tuesday 15 May through until Thursday 17 May for our Year 7 and Year 9 students. It is important to remember that NAPLAN is meant to give a ‘point-in-time’ measure of a student’s progression in numeracy and literacy as well as a health check on a school’s curriculum and programming. It is not a pass or fail test. It does not test a student’s ability to care for others, play a musical instrument or demonstrate an interest or aptitude in coding or chemistry. However, it does examine how a student is progressing in the fundamental tasks of literacy and numeracy. To our Year 7 and Year 9 students completing the NAPLAN tests: Good luck! Get a good night’s sleep, eat a nourishing breakfast and arrive at school ready to do your absolute best!

Another ‘small’ thing signalling the beginning of an extensive enhancement for our area was the turning of the first sod on the new Sunshine Coast Airport upgrade. Not only will this significant project generate jobs over the next five years, it will put the Sunshine Coast on the map as a transport hub. With the upgraded airport servicing Australia, Asia, and even America, a mounting pilot shortage, passenger numbers doubling worldwide in the next 20 years and the greatest area of that growth being in the Asia Pacific, we cannot ignore this fabulous opportunity to position our students at the forefront of an exciting and innovative industry. In response to this and in facilitating real futures for every student at Coolum SHS, we have developed two exciting programs to be launched next year.

With the implementation of the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) in 2019, Coolum SHS is investigating offering the subject of Aerospace Systems as well as the possibilities of gaining a Certificate III in Aviation. These new contributions to Coolum SHS’s curriculum will, if we have the student numbers and ability to run the subjects, provide real futures and opportunities for our students within a growing and geographically relevant industry. Whilst these courses will be offered in the 2019 curriculum, they will be dependent on appropriate student numbers. The longevity and prosperity of the aviation industry is obvious and I would encourage parents to have frank discussions with their children on the excellent opportunities available to them within these subjects and their future in general.

It was wonderful to see parents doing just that at our Parent-Teacher evening, including our session where key staff explained some of the changes imminent with the introduction of the new QCE. Whilst the core of our subjects will remain similar, there are changes to the 2019 curriculum which parents and students need to be abreast of: another example of doing the ‘little’ things to ensure our major goal – positioning our students for success in both the local and global economy- is achieved.

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.

Adolescent Learners

Our school was very excited to host Dr Michael Nagel in the first week of this term to speak with staff about the adolescent learner. Dr Nagel is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He presented the research around the massive changes which the brain undergoes during this time, and the wide-ranging implications for schools and families to best support and understand these young people.

Some of the key take-aways from the presentation were:

• Above all else, teaching is a relational job – and adolescents who have positive relationships in their lives with parents, peers and teachers are better off. We are all social beings – the evidence is irrefutable.
• Communication gaps can be common – adolescents are more likely to misinterpret facial expressions of emotion; e.g. they often can see anger when there isn’t anger.
• Fewer choices mean better choices – fewer subjects and fewer teachers, particularly in Years 7 and 8 – to increase their sense of belonging, and minimise the sheer volume of curriculum.

• Extreme structure with little disruption and limited movement – this reduces stress for early adolescents which then reduces a whole range of potential problems.
• Parent-student-teacher interactions need to be at the forefront of technology use. Technology is most beneficial for learning when coupled with quality relationships between all involved.

The evidence presented will be considered as part of our Junior Secondary review where, as a school, we are looking at how we can best prepare our Junior Secondary students for success in the senior years.

We are also excited to be in discussions with Dr Nagel to hold a parent information session over the coming months – stay tuned.

Staffing changes this term

We have some staffing changes this term. Mrs Tracy Ford (Head of Year 7) will be undertaking the position of Head of Department (Technology) for the remainder of Term 2. Tracy is an experienced teacher and has previously performed Head of Department duties.

Miss Rachel Denning will replace Tracy and perform the role of Head of Year 7 during this time. Rachel is an enthusiastic and efficient teacher and will complement the Student Services team greatly.

Mrs Liezel van der Merwe will also replace Ms Jenny Pierson this term who is off on extended sick leave.

We welcome Ms Michelle Tayler to our school who is replacing Mrs Rebecca McMurray who is on maternity leave.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal - Middle Secondary

Daily attendance is on the rise

What a wonderful start our students have made to Term 2! This term our attendance rate across the school has jumped by more than 2.5% which is really fabulous.

You may have heard your child talk about their attendance number; in Home Group each Friday we are using this time to articulate the importance of being at school every day and students are accessing their attendance data for the week. With knowledge comes power and as a result, many of our students have taken their education into their own hands, making goals around improving their attendance. This is a wonderful result for each student whose success in school, and in their post-school pathways, is improved by their consistent attendance at school.

Academic results are not the only thing to improve with regular attendance. Students who are at school consistently develop a sense of belonging to their peer groups and through this learn the very valuable skills of building and maintaining friendships. These friendship networks are incredibly important as our young people navigate the changes and stresses that are a part of adolescent life.

Of course being at school makes school easier. Students who are away face the daunting task of catching up on work they have missed, and sometimes the gap in their learning – particularly after a prolonged absence – seems an insurmountable task.

We have lots of support here at Coolum State High School including our Deputy Principals, Guidance Officers and Heads of Year. Together we can help to ensure that your student has the best possible access to a great education.

Wendy McDermott
Deputy Principal Middle Secondary

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary

It was great to see so many parents and students participating in the Parent-Teacher interviews which occurred last Tuesday afternoon. These interviews are important for both teacher and student as they are a great way of recapping on Term 1 results, and developing improvement strategies for the term ahead.

The Year 10 New QCE talk was well attended by Year 10 parents and teaching staff. This informative presentation outlined all of the current new QCE information necessary for parents and students to make important decisions about their senior subject selections. We will look to run another afternoon session outlining the same information in the coming weeks and communicate this with parents. In Week 8, the senior secondary team will run an information session recapping on the New QCE, but focusing more on subject selections.

Big congratulations to the student body for the way they embraced and respectfully conducted themselves at both the school and community ANZAC Day ceremonies. Invited guests commented on how impressed they were with the level of respect shown by all students. It was also pleasing to see Coolum SHS students well represented, and having key parts, in the community ANZAC Day ceremony. Our school captains spoke with pride and the music students performed beautifully throughout the ceremony. Well done to all involved, it again highlights the amazing students we have here at Coolum SHS.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Business Services News

This is an important time on the school financial calendar as we send out a number of communications to you via email and text regarding your account and the amount owing for fees, subjects, excursions and other charges. It is important particularly this term for Year 12 students who have the upcoming Midwinter Ball in June. Without full payment of SRS and other outstanding fees, it may affect your child’s participation at the event and other non-curriculum events. It is very important that you have paid SRS in full by Week 5 this term (18/5/18). It is also crucial that all payments are paid in full by Week 4 in Term 3. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you are experiencing financial difficulties and we can discuss the options available to you.

It’s also very important that you have made full payment towards fee-paying subjects. If you have not made full payment or entered into a payment arrangement with the school, your child may be withdrawn from this subject and placed into a non-fee paying subject.

I remind you that BPOINT is available for direct debits into the school bank account. Please call the Administration Office to find out how to set this up. It’s very easy to do and takes only a couple of minutes. I encourage all families to take up this effective and efficient payment method.

Before a student can be considered for participation in an optional school activity, a parent is expected to have:

• fully paid all outstanding fees or
• paid the Student Resource Scheme and other outstanding fees up to and including the term in which the school activity takes place or
• made regular on-going payments towards these fees, as previously arranged with the Principal or Business Manager
• been exempted by the Principal from paying all or part of these fees

Nolly Griffiths
Business Manager

Dates for your Diary

2018 P& C Executive – Positive, Passionate and Pumped!

Welcome to the action packed year that the new P&C Executive have in store for the CSHS community in 2018.

But before we get too ahead of ourselves, let us first introduce ourselves so that you can recognise us. We also hope that we will inspire those of you who can, and want to, come and support all the exciting initiatives and fundraisers we have planned as part of the positive new direction of the school community.

President – Nicole Sklenars

I am very honoured to be serving as your new P&C President for the year ahead.  There are exciting plans for 2018 and beyond, and it is fantastic to be working alongside such a passionate and engaged committee. As a mum of three kids at the school, and another one not too far away, I am excited about supporting and contributing to the new vision of Coolum High…. It has come such a long way since my husband were here in the 90’s, and has an amazing journey ahead.  Stay tuned for progress updates and upcoming events.

Vice President – Monica Kutt

We moved to Coolum Beach from Melbourne at the beginning of 2017 to take over the Management Rights of Coolum Baywatch Resort. With my son in Year 7 now, I am excited to get involved with the P&C and support a growing and thriving school. I was a teacher for over 20 years and still love school community and know the importance of working together. In this way we can achieve great things for this school as it nurtures and educates our children in partnership with us, as parents.

Treasurer – Suzette Warns

Although I’m originally a Bundaberg girl, we moved to Peregian Springs late last year from Sydney and have embraced the Coolum/Peregian community. With my son in Year 8 and my daughter in Year 7, I’m really excited to be a part of this incredibly positive and innovative high school. I work for a Sydney Multi-Media company as Medical Coordinator, working with Service Agreements/Invoicing and have held various accounts roles in the past. I also volunteer for Coast Care with turtle research!

Secretary – Nolly Griffiths

I am sure most of you have seen me about in my role as Business Manager at CSHS. However, my passion for giving to the community and being involved in fundraising and the P&C has lead me to join the 2018 CSHS P&C committee as Secretary. I am already involved in the Coolum Primary School P&C, where my daughter attends Year 4. I am looking forward to help build the contribution of the P&C committee as the new direction and exciting future of Coolum SHS lies ahead.

Mother’s Day Raffle

We are excited to have our Mother’s Day Raffle well underway and the generosity of many local businesses, large and small, donating prizes has been really heart-warming. So many great prizes to be won from hampers, to vouchers and lots of special things for Mum. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 11 May, so don’t forget to buy your tickets at $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. All money raised will go toward the refurbishment of the Canteen – one of many projects ahead. Stay tuned!!

Monica Kutt
Vice President

Mathematics

Parent Evening for Year 7, 8 and 9 Parents

All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have access to the My Maths text and digital resources. If you would like to know more about the resources available to support your child’s learning and consolidation of maths at home, please attend the My Maths parent information evening. Details are below:

When: Thursday 10 May, 6.00pm – 6.45pm
Where: Brahminy Kite Room, Smart Futures Centre (G Block)

Please RSVP your attendance to Mr Hose at dhose7@eq.edu.au or telephone the Front Office on 5471 5333.

The Learning Pit

After each reporting cycle, I receive many knocks on my office door from students with requests to change maths subjects or classes. More often than not, after having looked back through their prior academic achievement, I notice that these students have just fallen into the ‘academic learning pit’. The ‘pit’ is a metaphor for how we deal with challenge. Research consistently backs mindset as a key indicator of success. Parents can help their children deal with challenges by reminding them when they’ve stumbled into the ‘pit’. The diagram and video below are great resources to hang onto and share with your learners.

An Unforgettable Exhibition

Approximately 60 Senior Visual Art students had the opportunity to view the Patricia Piccicini Exhibition and the Creative Generations Exhibition at the GOMA last Monday. Piccinini’s sculptural work is extremely realistic, controversial in its subject matter, and very thought provoking. The students were mesmerized and horrified at the same time.

The Creative Generations exhibition, a collection of 31 selected art works from Year 12 students, is special to Coolum SHS this year as our school is represented with work by Kiara Tincknell. This is not an easy feat as these art works are selected from hundreds of entries from every state and private school across Queensland.

Lynda Kryger
Art Teacher

Tutorials – Homework Club

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Year 10 Work Experience

All Year 10 students will be participating in our work experience program during Week 5. This is an opportunity for students to link to the world of work and to gain insight into a specific industry.

All forms should now be returned. If your child is having difficulty finding a placement, please encourage them to visit the VET office in DBA for assistance.

Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot - Visual Line of Sight)

Coolum State High is excited to be able to offer current Year 11 Vocational Pathway students an opportunity to undertake a Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot – Visual Line of Sight)

This qualification provides students the opportunity to operate drones and they will gain the following:

• A CASA Remote Pilots licence – RePL
• A CASA licence to operate an aeronautical radio – AROC
• A CASA English Language Proficiency Test Certification – ELP
• A nationally recognised qualification to give you the skills to operate as a commercial pilot of a UA
• You will be able to operate a UAV in day VFR condition
• Understanding of Navigation, Meteorology, Human Factors, Regulations and Policies, Situational Awareness
• Experience in operation and management of remote aircraft in normal and abnormal situations

The course will begin in Semester 2 and continue into Year 12. Fees are fully funded for those students who have access to VETiS Funding.

Interested Year 11 Vocational Pathway students should contact the VET office in DBA or email Mr Walden to register interest and discuss eligibility. The course will only be offered if we have sufficient student interest.

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

SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Goodness Gracious Café, Yandina
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Aromas, Noosa
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Jamaica Blue, Noosa Civic
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Pizza Capers, Noosa Junction
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Gloria Jeans, Tewantin
HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting, Coolum

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)

Staff in Focus