23 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

"Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change." ~ Stephen Hawking.

I don’t know about you, but until a few months ago, I thought coding referred to how spies wrote messages to each other in World War II, and drones were, as the name would suggest, unintelligent and lifeless. I stand corrected! Whether we like it or not, this digitalised, global community where our ideas of everything from employment to travel or even the genetic makeup of our food is examined, tested and transformed is here, and it is here to stay. A number of events on campus over the past few weeks have emphasised, yet again, that the world our children are growing up in is vastly different to the one we experienced as adolescents, and light years away from that of our own parents.

Last week UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and Aerodrome Operations visited the school to demonstrate some of the opportunities a Certificate III in Aviation and our proposed Aerospace Systems subject for senior students would present. What an eye opener! To see the in-built intelligence of these machines, the pure delight on the faces of our students and their already incredible knowledge of how these high-tech machines work was astonishing. Not to mention the photos taken of our school during the demonstration were magnificent (see them on our Facebook page). The capacity and scope for this type of technology and employability in the future is enormous and makes the introduction of these new senior subjects even more exciting. At Coolum SHS we’re ensuring our students will be positioned with the same sort of precision, skills and knowledge to take full advantage of this burgeoning aviation industry.

We also launched our Academic Learning Program for High Achievers (ALPHA), one which will focus on the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines as a way of extending the skills and knowledge of those students who have successfully applied. Not only will those participating in ALPHA be challenged academically, they will be given the opportunity to visit universities across the South East and even travel to the US to visit NASA in 2020. Future projections for industries where skills in design, coding, engineering and problem solving, to name a few, are enormous and we are aiming to ensure Coolum High is at the forefront of developing students ready for this kind of future. Applications are open to the 2019 incoming Year 7 cohort and will complement our excellent Academy programs in Sport and Instrumental Music.

Followers of our Facebook page will also be familiar with some of the amazing skills our students are developing in music and performance, including the startling growth and improvement of our Wind Symphony and the brilliant performances of individual students such as Paige Fallu and Lily Heinrich. One of the highlights of working at Coolum High has been watching our music programs grow and seeing the talents of our students shine. Over the coming years, we will see the continued growth of our music programs, including our Instrumental Music academy, as Coolum High becomes a place of excellence in music and performance.

There are many changes afoot in the subject matter, skills and concepts we are teaching and preparing our students for, but there are still some aspects of education which remain resolutely constant. Our dedicated teachers are constantly planning and delivering quality lessons and programs: to take full advantage of this however, your child must be in attendance to that lesson and in fact, the entire school day. The link between attendance and student learning outcomes is undeniable: if a student does not attend a school day, the culminating opportunity to hone skills and gain knowledge is lost. If absenteeism is repetitive, the implications to a student’s outcomes over time are very harmful. We ask all parents to consider their role in helping students understand the consequences of absenteeism and encourage their child to commit to 100% attendance at Coolum SHS.

The role of the parent -to care, nurture and protect- remains as steadfast as ever, but the parameters from within which we operate as such are constantly shifting. Coolum SHS is moving to accommodate those changing parameters within our ever-transforming digital and global community whilst focussing on those habits which will never go out of fashion: encouraging 100% attendance, pride in oneself with a correctly worn uniform, striving for excellence and respect and care for each other in our schooling community.

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.

Junior Secondary assessment

As we approach the final stages of Semester 1, Junior Secondary students will be completing a number of assessment tasks for their subjects. This may range from assignments and exams, to presentations or completing practical tasks. This is a particularly important time for Junior Secondary students as they are still learning the behaviours and skills to be successful across a range of high school assessments.

As I’ve highlighted previously, one important skill that all students will benefit from is being organised. Setting in place a number of routines at school and at home will support Junior Secondary students to achieve this. Such routines could be:

• Regular and consistent use of their school diary – writing in key dates and keeping track of homework and other tasks;
• A small, but consistent, amount of time each afternoon or evening to put aside for school work. This can be for homework, assignments or exam revision (committing information to memory);
• A consistent time for going to bed each night;
• Firm but fair rules around access to devices (phones, tablets etc.) in the evenings.

Developing good routines and habits will definitely support all Junior Secondary students to be organised. Personal organisation is a skill that can be learned with a growth mindset. Remember, students who are organised often produce a higher standard of work than those who are not.

School jumpers for winter

As the cooler weather approaches, please be reminded that the only jumper students can wear is the school jumper. As with other uniform processes, students are not to be out of uniform at school and will have the opportunity to change into a school jumper from Student Services if they are cold.

I would like to thank parents and students for their excellent support of our school uniform this year.

Terry Proctor
Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Deputy Principal - Middle Secondary

What a week it has been in Junior Secondary!

Congratulations to our Year 7 and 9 students who participated in NAPLAN testing last week. These tests are quite rigorous and lengthy for our students and I imagine many of our students were well and truly ready for the weekend. For Coolum SHS, and indeed all schools across Australia, the NAPLAN tests give us valuable insight into how we are doing as a school academically, and helps our teachers to refine their practice and their curriculum to best prepare our students for their senior years of schooling. As parents of students who sat the NAPLAN test, you will again receive valuable information about your child’s achievement in numeracy and literacy; the building blocks of success in school and in life. Congratulations again to all students who did their best on these tests last week.

Last week was also an exciting week for our Year 10 students who participated in work experience. The chance to road-test a possible career is a wonderful gift and we have already heard some inspiring stories from employers about the quality of Coolum High School students. Congratulations to all our Year 10 students for their participation and enthusiasm at their respective work sites. I would also like to thank Mr Walden, Ms Miller, Mr Blair and the Year 10 teachers for their support of our students during this week

Wendy McDermott
Deputy Principal Middle Secondary

Deputy Principal - Senior Secondary

Given the response to the initial New QCE Information Parent Session earlier this term and the importance of the new QCE system being introduced next year, a further Parent Session will be held on Thursday 24 May and Thursday 7 June from 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the Brahminy Kite room, Smart Futures Centre.

This informative session will outline all of the current NEW QCE information for ATAR and Non ATAR pathways to ensure parents and students make correct decisions about their senior subject selections. In addition to ATAR and NON ATAR information, we will outline the new eligibility rules for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

During the session I will stress the importance of selecting the correct pathway first before selecting appropriate subjects. Students first priority this term is to identify their intended pathway, either an ATAR pathway (university bound) or NON ATAR pathway (trade or employment). To support this process, students are undertaking career guidance in their CCC class each Thursday with the Guidance Officers to ensure they have the appropriate information to select their ideal career pathway. I look forward to seeing Year 10 parents at one of the sessions.

Lee Merrett
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Deputy Principal – Initiatives

Growth versus fixed mindset

‘I am rubbish at maths! I will never be any good!’ This is a common refrain, heard not just at schools, but throughout the adult community. It is often maths, but can equally be applied to any subject area or skill where the individual has a perceived lack of ability. I have often heard, both at school and amongst my contemporaries, statements such as, ‘I was never any good at English.’ or ‘I hate computers, I don’t understand them.’

These statements are termed ‘fixed mindset statements’ and illustrate a perception that people are limited by their ability. What we need to engender in our young people (and some of our older ones) is a growth mindset. Carole Dweck, is a leading author and proponent of growth mindset philosophy. In her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, she states, ‘no matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into an accomplishment.’

As parents we are often guilty of reinforcing a fixed mindset by praising our children in a fixed mindset manner, telling them how fabulous and how smart they are. This encourages them to sit back and rest easy, thinking, ‘Well that’s great, mum thinks I’m awesome.’ Dweck proposes that a more productive form of praise is to reward effort. Inform them of how proud you are that they have tried so hard.

However, what about when our children complete a task quickly and perfectly, should we deny them praise then? The short answer is yes. Dweck recommends saying something along the lines of, ‘Whoops, I guess that was too easy. I apologise for wasting your time. Let’s do something you can really learn from.’ It is this high regard for effort that creates success. It develops a mindset of giving things a go, continuing even when experiencing failure and consequently learning from our mistakes.

Tim Robinson
Deputy Principal – Initiatives

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 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 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.

Other News

Celebrating some ancillary staff on their 30 year anniversary at Coolum State High School. It is a privilege to have such dedicated and committed staff. Their contribution has been immense and their ability to adapt to change over the years has been commendable. We congratulate each one of them on this fantastic accolade.

Robyn, Rod and Paula

Nolly Griffiths
Business Manager

2018 P&C Executive

We hope all of the Mums had a wonderful Mother’s Day and that all the lucky winners who won in the raffle really appreciated the gifts. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets and supported our raffle. Special thanks goes to the generous local businesses which donated the wonderful prizes.

Listed below are the lucky prize winners:

Isaac Shehan
Nicola Lea Coyle
Trudy
Sonja Bunter
Hannah Francey
Chantel Dielwart
Harry Broxham
Abigail Dixon
Shakaya
Pamela Hulsman – one of our Guidance Officers
Robyn Goesch – one of our Administration Officers
Sharon Devery – one of our Administration Officers

We have more events scheduled to continue fundraising for our wonderful school. On Wednesday 30 May, there is a movie event organised for staff to socialise and have a laugh watching ‘Life of the Party’ at the Sunshine Plaza cinemas.

On Friday 1 June, we have organised a ‘red food day’. This event is to offer students ‘red’ food items snacks that the canteen doesn’t offer. Fairy floss, soft drinks, lollies and popcorn will be on sale at second break, prices range from $2 to $4. Start saving your coins for this FUN FOOD FRIDAY.

On Friday 22 June we are having a ‘Beanie and Scarf Day’ for the students to celebrate the start of winter and the shortest day of the year. We ask for a gold coin donation from students wearing a beanie and scarf with their uniform.

All monies raised go back to the school so we hope you will support our events.

Reminder that all community members are welcome at the P&C Meetings, which are held every third Monday of the month at 6pm. Please do come and join us to make a difference.

The dates for meetings in Terms 2 and 3 are:

Monday 18 June
Monday 16 July
Monday 20 August
Monday 17 September

Monica Kutt
Vice President

What is Positive Education?

Traditionally, the goal of psychology has been to relieve human suffering, avoid mental illness or fix our mental ailments. However, the goal of Positive Psychology is about flourishing and getting the most out of life. This is the difference between languishing and flourishing.

The exciting field of positive psychology has emerged and been supported by researchers and practitioners globally. Martin Seligman has led the Positive Psychology movement for over fifteen years. From this seed, Positive Education has grown.

Positive Education refers to the way that schools and other education settings have been able to apply the research and practice from positive psychology to their own contexts. In particular, some schools have sought to embed simple, research based practices into their classrooms, staff rooms and playgrounds. The purpose is to build positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment and health, in order to boost wellbeing.

At Coolum State High, students participate in weekly workshops focusing on CHARACTER, CITIZENSHIP & CAREERS to develop such practices above. In Year 7, 8, and 9, students are currently involved in a highly recommended program – ‘THRIVE – Unleashing Personal Potential’ which encompasses 3 major focus areas; Growth Mindset, Grit and Wellbeing.

A variety of themes are explored across all year levels which ensures students build capacity over time and become able to manage various challenges as they progress through school.

Year 7 – Coping with Change, developing Identity
Year 8 – Motivation and Performance
Year 9 – Relationships, Self and Others
Year 10 – Careers Education
Year 11 – Life skills, Positive Pathways
Year 12 – The Big Picture

WHY TEACH POS ED?

Over the last fifty years, we have bigger houses, more clothes, more access to music, books and entertainment, higher levels of education and our purchasing power in most developed countries has tripled. However, this has not resulted in a greater quality of life or better wellbeing. By some estimates, depression rates have actually increased about ten times in the same period of time. So, if schools are wanting to help their students flourish in a complex world, Pos Ed might assist them in their life beyond school. We also know that workers with greater wellbeing are more engaged and productive, so this would be the hope for teachers and school leaders who seek to embed Pos Ed in their schools. There is also evidence to support that greater wellbeing enhances learning, due to broader attention and more creative thinking. Positive Education will help individuals and communities thrive and live their best life.

Follow the link below for more information regarding Growth Mindset for your family;

To ensure a safe and supportive environment for all Coolum State High students travelling to and from school by bus it is important to re-establish expectations for students and parents. The recent growth in student numbers has resulted in a very busy ‘front of school’ at 2:45pm each day. It is extremely important that all students and parents are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to exiting the school safely. Please find attached safety tips circulated by BUSLINK for students and parents :

Do you have a ‘bus pass’? If not, you are contributing to the current congestion on our buses each afternoon which results in unsafe situations for students and bus drivers. Please click the link below to see the attached ‘Bus Pass flow chart’ which identifies the process for parents and students to undertake to obtain a pass.

Staff at Coolum High will also be working with all students in the coming weeks to re-establish the expectations when using bus transport at school. This week’s expectation…

ALL students using BUSLINK buses MUST have a bus pass to access services to and from school.

Please contact Buslink should you have further questions;

Buslink Sunshine Coast Pty Ltd
11 Page Street, Kunda Park QLD 4556
t 07 5476 6622 | m 0409 641 987 | e tonina.smith@buslink.com.au | w buslink.com.au

Robbie Koch
Head of Department - Student Services

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Year 10 Work Experience Success

Our Year 10 Work Experience Program was a huge success with over 166 students involved this year. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain first hand experience in a workplace and develop key employability skills.

The feedback that the school has received from host employers has been extremely positive with several students even being offered ongoing casual employment!

Participation in work experience is key to ensuring that all our students have a pathway linked to further education, training or employment as they begin to formalise their plans for senior schooling.

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

Coolum SHS 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 Pilot 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

We recently held a drone demonstration event on the school oval! 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.

Drone Demonstration

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 – Pizza Capers, Noosa Junction
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Gloria Jeans, Tewantin
SIT30616 Certificate III Hospitality – Bean there done that, Pacific Paradise

Full-Time Opportunity for 2019

Hastings Deering has announced that apprenticeship applications open on 28 May. There are 52 placements on offer throughout Queensland. Placements for apprenticeships are offered for diesel fitters, boilermaker fitter machinists, auto electricians, engine re-conditioners and mechanical fitters. Further information about these opportunities is available on the Hastings Deering website.

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)

International Student News

This term we have 19 international students at our school. We welcome Barnabas (from Germany – Year 11) and Alba (from Spain – Year 10). They have started to enjoy the natural environment, friendly community and school activities.

Recent highlights for the international students have included a school excursion to Australia Zoo. The chance to touch kangaroos and koalas was something truly special for them.

In August, we will be welcoming a study tour group from Taiwan. In total there are 20 students (aged 13-17 years), staying with us for two weeks. The students attend school Monday to Friday and have some pre-planned excursions on the weekends.

We are currently taking interest from families who would like to host these students. Host families are provided with a homestay fee to cater for the student’s needs (food and lodging).

The International Student Program (ISP) offers our students, families and community an opportunity for cultural exchange with students from other countries and develops global connections and friendships. Of course, we also have the privilege of showing off our wonderful part of the world.

Our Homestay families are really excited to host the international students and walk them through their journey of living the Australian way of life. For more information regarding the homestay experience, please contact Ms Terri Shine on 5471 5303 or 0418 185 809, or email tshin0@eq.edu.au

visit to Australia Zoo

Terri Shine
International Student Program Homestay Coordinator

Health and Physical Education News

Sport is well underway this term with the commencement of Year 8 Interschool Sport, the Junior Touch Competition at Coolum Touch Association, the District Cross Country, and various district and regional trials.

Monday night kicked off the first round of games in the Coolum U/15 Junior Touch Competition. Three teams took the field on Monday night coming away with three wins, one draw and one loss. The students played very well considering they had not played together as teams before. The competition runs for 6 weeks, if your child is interested in joining one of the teams, please ask them to see Ms Goodacre in the HPE staffroom.

The Year 8s will get back into the action this week with their second game in the interschool sport rounds on Thursday. The students will play at home against Burnside SHS. The teams are looking strong and we are looking forward to having a good representation in the finals to be held later this term.

Approximately 27 students lined up to race in the recent District Cross Country Carnival held at the Maroochydore Cricket Club. The students did a great job representing our school. A few standout performances were had on the day with Coolum taking out first and second in the 15 years girls age group. Students who finished in the top 30 placings are below:

12 Years Girls

7th Chloe Little
10th Tiffany Gieschen

12 Years Boys

11th Jack Brady

13 Years Girls

15th Tayah Salter

13 Years Boys

5th Harrison Renzulli
7th Emmanuel Butterworth
8th James Sweetman
12th Barney Williams
18th Nye Florence

14 Years Girls

15th Jade Teljega

14 Years Boys

6th Izaac Tolman
12th Adrian Hallewell
19th Jack Conroy

15 Years Girls

1st Charlee Lawson
2nd Ellia Smith

Ellia Smith & Charlee Lawson

15 Years Boys

4th Rubin Smyth

16 Years Boys

4th Ronnie Charles
21st Kye Atkinson
23rd Charlie Randall
24th Patrick Miller

Open Boys

17th Cameron Savage

Students that placed in the top 6 in their age grouping have been invited to attend the Regional Carnival.

The district Surfing Trials were held on Wednesday 2 May. Coolum SHS students performed exceptionally well taking out the top spot in three of the four categories. The dominance was evident in the U/19 Girls age group where all 4 competitors in the final were from Coolum SHS. This also was evident in the U/16 Boys final where 1st, 2nd and 3rd were also all from Coolum SHS.

U/16 Girls

1st Ellia Smith

U/16 Boys

1st Ashton Pignat
2nd Kai Barraclough
3rd Brae Edgerton

U/19 Girls

1st Kelly Pocock
2nd Kara Petersen
3rd Liana Walsh
4th Rhiannon Bown

U/19 Boys

5th Corey Stevens

All students listed above will compete at the regional Surfing Trials on Tuesday 29 May. We wish them all the best of luck.

The QSS 13-15 State Carnival for AFL was held in Cairns from 10–13 May. I was privileged to hold the position of Team Manager for the girls team. Whist we didn’t have any students from Coolum represented in the girls team, Cian Mallon, from Year 9, was in the boys team. Both the boys and girls teams had brilliant carnivals and were successful at defeating South Coast in the finals, ending approximately a 10 year winning streak for the South Coast boys. I watched Cian play in the grand final and saw him receive his medallion and the team their trophy. Cian played extremely well. Congratulations Cian!

Christina Fiducioso
Sports Coordinator

2018 Kokoda Challenge … 8 weeks to go!

The Kokoda Challenge tests each participant physically, mentally and emotionally but is a wonderful testament to the determination shown by our students. Our 35 committed students and staff have just 8 weeks left until they embark on a great adventure. Since late February, Kokoda Challenge teams have completed six group training sessions with three still to come, as well as their own personal training walks. Coolum SHS is participating in this event for the fourth consecutive year, with three staff members completing their fourth event and some students taking on the challenge for a second year in a row.

This year, Coolum SHS has 4 teams taking on the 48km course and 3 teams on the 96km course. Good luck to all our teams; congratulations on your dedicated preparation and commitment to this event. We will share your stories and successes in future newsletters. The event will take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July.

Coolum SHS Kokoda Challenge Teams taking in the views at Mapleton National Park during a short lunch break as part of their 25km training walk on Sunday 20th May

Courtney Goodacre
Health & Physical Education Teacher

Home Economics News

Well done to the Year 9 students who have been cooking up a storm in the kitchen this term. This year, the Year 9 students have cooked ANZAC Biscuits, Thai Red Chicken Curry and Brownies. Up next are mini Quiches.

Delicious Brownies

Michelle Tayler
Home Economics Teacher